《Level Up: Voidwalker》


 Chapter 1: The Beginning

    [Quick heads up - The POV chapters are important to the overall story and introduce A LOT of things and people who pop up throughout the story]***


    Five millennia ago, the Evil God Vorkoth created the Chaos Horde, which included many nightmarish monsters who invaded other realms to feed on life and expand their ever-growing armies to continue to consume.


    No one understood their true motives, but the worlds who stood and fought them came to know that the monsters fed on Mana Hearts that all living beings possessed, turning the victims into Chaos creatures.


    The Chaos Horde washed over countless worlds, leaving barren rocks in their wake, until they came to a world named Valoria. The evil armies were finally stopped when they met a mysterious being known as the Voidwalker.


    Legend says this being could use the mysterious and forgotten Void Magic that allowed him to tap into every element and summon a powerful monster army from deep inside the Voidrealm to fight for him.


    During the last days of The Doom, the Chaos King was slain in a climactic battle that cracked the supercontinent, creating the current world. The Voidwalker and his wives then traveled worldwide and banished the remaining Chaos Generals back to their Realm.


    Without their king or generals to lead them, the monsters turned wild and savage. The ones that remained on Valoria were forced into Dungeons by the Goddess of Light Luxia and her sister, the Goddess of Darkness Nyx, who deemed them valuable for the people to level up and fight back as the Choas Horde tried to break free.


    The gods warned the empires and kingdoms to ensure the Dungeons did not overflow, causing a Monster Wave to wash over the land like a tsunami of death and destroy everything the people held dear.


    Once the Doom was over, the Voidwalker continued to guard the world until he settled down with a handful of women he had met during his many adventures. Historians claim he had many children, but just like all things in life, his story was lost to the pages of history.


    The survivors who remembered the dark days told his glorious tale, but eventually, even they died, and the Voidwalker finally became a legend fading into history, forgotten. Then, as thousands of years passed, he was all but a children''s tale that most couldn''t remember.


    During the universe''s current age, a being watched over a soul that caught its attention as fate swirled around him in the void. After watching for some time, the being said in a neutral tone, ''''As one story ends, another begins. May you bring light to a world covered in darkness and find the family you desire.''''


    ***


    [Earth - London]


    Atlas woke up to the boom of thunder that lit up his room. The sudden noise caused him to sit up and rub his eyes, and he heard the relaxing sound of the rain hitting the window. This forced him to leave bed and prepare for the orphanage''s adoption day.


    It happened monthly, but Atlas accepted that no one would pick a fourteen-year-old boy when there were over a dozen children under ten to choose from. He would be lying if he said it didn''t affect him, but over the years, he learned to live with it and gave up the hope of getting adopted.


    After stretching his aching body and earning a few cracks, he let out a groan while fully waking up. Once awake, Atlas went to his bathroom and started stripping out his sweaty clothes before showering.


    As the hot water washed over his brown hair, memories flooded back to him. He could remember his mother''s face, who left him at the orphanage eight years ago when he was six with the promise to return when she was back on her feet, but she never did, which broke his heart.


    Once feeling better, he started getting ready to help Director Pamela, the older woman who owned and ran the orphanage. She had always been kind to him, but when it came to the House Manager, Macy, she was always hard on him for no reason.


    But he didn''t let the angry woman bother him, as he was used to her nagging after being here for years. Atlas shook his head before opening his wardrobe and taking out a pair of blue jeans and a white T-shirt.


    After getting dressed, he sat down to put on his trainers only to hear a knock, causing him to call out, ''''Come in!''''


    His door was pushed open, and the Care Worker, Sarah, stepped in with a radiant smile. ''''Morning Atl,'''' she said. ''''Do you mind taking the rubbish out once the parents are gone, please? Macy asked me to help Pam with the adoption paperwork, and because of that, I''m behind on my duties.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied. ''''Let me start my chores before I help with the parent''s arrival.''''


    Sarah smiled before speaking, ''''Thank you. That would be good. Janice called in sick today, so we''re short on staff, and this morning has been chaos.''''


    Atlas offered a comforting smile to reassure her, ''''I''m sure things will go well. Thanks to you and Pamela, most children know how to behave, so there won''t be much trouble.''''


    He nodded before getting ready and doing his chores, and a couple of hours later, he was relaxing in the garden. While sitting there, Sarah approached him worriedly as her gaze swept the courtyard.


    "Atlas!" Sarah''s panicked voice instantly alarmed him compared to her normally calm self. "Have you seen little Cindy? She was upset about not being adopted and ran off.''''


    Atlas jumped up when hearing the woman''s question and shook his head. ''''No,'''' he quickly answered. ''''Where was she last seen?''''


    Sarah shrugged before growing frustrated as she looked around the courtyard for the second time. Just then, he heard two giggles from the orphanage''s entrance, causing his gaze to spin toward the noise.


    That''s when he spotted the naughty twins, Ruby and Reece, staring past the gate, laughing to themselves, and playing with toys. He rushed over before asking ''''Have you two seen Cindy?''''


    Ruby, the little girl, turned to him with a big smile, ''''She went to get our ball, Big Brother.''''


    ''''She offered to go,'''' the little boy, Reece, commented. ''''If you walk outside, you will see her.''''


    He nodded and went outside while scanning the area for the girl. His gaze darted across the street, the playground, and the local stores. Then, amidst the bustling scene, he spotted her rushing toward the nearby road, giggling as she chased after a ball.


    Time seemed to slow as Atlas''s heart clenched in fear. His gaze followed the path of the ball, but suddenly, his attention was drawn elsewhere¡ªa police car, lights flashing, hurtling down the road at an unnerving speed.


    Without a second thought, his Instincts kicked in as he bolted toward the little girl, his muscles straining urgently. He pushed through the crowd amid the chaos as he sprinted toward Cindy.


    In a heart-stopping moment, he reached her just as she stepped onto the road, oblivious to the danger. He pounced forward with an unknown surge of strength, shoving her from harm''s way.


    But Atlas soon realized he couldn''t save himself in the split second before impact¡ªthe screech of tires, the blare of sirens, and a sickening thud. He felt the force of the impact, the world spinning around him as he was thrown to the ground. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Agonizing pain washed through his body, but amidst the haze, he knew one thing¡ªhe had saved Cindy and was happy. The distant sounds of footsteps rushed toward him as he heard voices, but soon everything went black.


    After an unknown amount of time, Atlas woke up feeling nothing. There was no pain or sadness, which confused him as he assumed he would wake up outside the pearly gates and not in the realm of darkness that he found himself in.


    He tried to look around, but all he could see was darkness, darker than anything he''d ever seen. After he could not see or feel anything, he started to panic, but soon, he heard a woman''s voice that calmed him down.


    ''''We''ve been watching you, Atlas,'''' it said with concern. ''''Your life has been hard and full of pain.''''


    ''''Yes, sister, it was terrible,'''' a different voice said sadly. ''''Maybe he can find happiness in the next?''''


    ''''Perhaps. It would be interesting to witness,'' the first voice replied. ''''We''ll just have to wait and see.''''


    Atlas''s confusion grew even more, forcing him to speak up, but no sound left his mouth, which freaked him out. Soon, the second voice spoke in a soothing tone. ''''Calm down, boy. We will explain everything in a few minutes.''''


    He calmed down once the voices finished speaking before the first voice continued, asking, ''''Do you want to find a decent family and enjoy a life full of adventure, boy?''''


    Upon hearing this, he eventually felt something inside him click, and Atlas finally knew he could talk, so that''s what he did, ''''Who are you? And where am I?''''


    ''''Not what we want to hear,'''' the second voice said. ''''Now tell us your answer.''''


    After thinking, Atlas nodded, recognizing that those two desires were only significant to him. With this realization, he replied, ''''Of course I do. It''s the only thing I''ve ever wanted.''''


    ''''See, sister,'''' the second commented. ''''He wants to live.''''


    Just as she spoke, Atlas was being dragged somewhere. Soon, he found himself in a bright white room that gave off a strange feeling. As he looked around, he soon spotted two women sitting opposite him.


    When seeing them, he was struck dumb by their beauty. One of the women had luscious, snow-white locks cascaded in gentle waves around their voluptuous figure, shimmering with an otherworldly glow akin to a deity radiating from within.


    As Atlas scrutinized the first woman''s face, he couldn''t help but notice her features, sculpted to perfection like those of a goddess. The beautiful stranger possessed high cheekbones and a slender nose framed by arched brows, highlighting her piercing violet eyes, which were mesmerizing.


    After looking at the white-haired woman, he turned to the black-haired woman, who was the opposite of the first. She had jet-black hair that shimmered when the low light around them hit it.


    He looked into her violet eyes, which spoke of nameless experiences, causing a shiver to rush down his spine. The second woman was slender and athletic-looking, wearing what looked like warrior''s armor, and her expression was serious.


    Once Atlas looked at the two, he internally thought, ''Are they gods or something? They are giving me a weird feeling.''


    ''''We are, boy!'''' the black-haired woman snapped, shocking him with her otherworldly voice.


    But the white-haired woman turned to her, ''''You can''t expect him to know, sister,'''' she said. ''''He comes from a world where some of them don''t believe in gods.''''


    After speaking, the white-haired woman gave him a dazzling smile before introducing the two of them, ''''I am Luxia, the Goddess of Light and leader of my world''s Pantheon.''''


    A silly smile appeared on Atlas''s face when she spoke, causing the black-haired girl to complain, ''''Look, you''ve charmed him, sister! Tone your aura down so we can get this over with.


    Luxia giggled before Atlas felt normal again and shook his head, ''''Ah, what just happened?''''


    ''''I''m sorry Atlas,'''' Goddess Luxia apologized. ''''I forgot to dim my aura so it wouldn''t affect you.''''

 Chapter 2: Sometimes

    Atlas was confused but spoke, ''''No problem. But where am I?''''"We''ll address that shortly. Time is of the essence," Luxia remarked, glancing at the black-haired Goddess beside her. "Allow me to introduce my younger sister, Nyx, the Goddess of Darkness."


    He greeted the woman with a smile, but she only gave them a half-hearted nod, which Atlas found endearing. Afterward, Luxia continued talking, ''''You died back on your homeworld while rescuing that little girl. Which is admirable but sad nonetheless.''''


    "Yeah, but I don''t regret it," Atlas responded. "Cindy''s got her whole life ahead of her. Me? I was just a lost, depressed teenager with no family.''''


    After speaking, Atlas saw the look in Luxia''s eyes and recognized it as sadness. She quickly shook her head and resumed talking, ''''Right now, you''re in the soul realm where all the dead return. But I have the perfect vessel waiting if you wish to restart your life and experience everything you missed in your previous one.''''


    ''''What''s the catch? You have other motives for bringing me here. I doubt you''d do it out of the kindness of your heart,'''' he questioned after hearing her offer.


    Luxia smiled. ''''You will become the champion of Light and Dark, which means you must fight the Chaos King and anything that comes with him when the time comes.'''' She said, ''''That''s the price for a life of love and adventure, simple, isn''t it?''''


    Atlas thought, ''It''s straight out of a novel. How is this real?''


    ''''It is real,'''' she commented while reading his mind. ''''You will become the Voidwalker. A being who controls all mana and walks the Void where countless horrors dwell. You have the potential to harness such power to save my world and, in turn, gain a life that most can only dream of.''''


    ''''Voidwalker? Sounds cool,'''' he said while nodding his head.


    Luxia smiled before asking with a hopeful voice, ''''So, do you accept my offer?


    ''''Will I be put in a family that hates me and banishes me?'''' Atlas asked her a question instead.


    The two goddesses looked at him like he was a strange creature as Nyx inquired, ''''Why are you asking such a specific question, boy?''''


    Atlas chuckled. ''''It''s a common trope in novels back on Earth.''''


    Luxia giggled before shaking her head, ''''Your family situation is very interesting, to say the least,'''' she explained. ''''You will be alone for a while, but you will build your own family in the end, so does it matter?.''''


    He shrugged as it didn''t sound bad. The white-haired Goddess regarded him with a thoughtful gaze, nodding with a smile before she began to speak. "As your Goddess, I will bestow upon you three spells and two skills to aid you at the beginning of your new life.


    However, when you progress to the first rank, you will be limited to learning only one additional spell, rather than the usual four the system allows, due to the ones I am granting you now."


    ''''First rank?'''' Atlas asked confused.


    Instead of Luxia, Nyx informed him of the world''s system that every sentient being owns. This lets people keep track of their overall status and can level up by killing monsters that would give them a certain amount of experience.


    Every rank had a certain amount of experience one needed to earn before ranking up, and the stronger they became, the harder it would be to increase their stats. This world forces the higher-ranked warriors and mages to search out strong opponents.


    The second way of progressing was through hard work and training. There were levels and ranks, along with something called a Mana Core, but Nyx wouldn''t discuss it any further and told him he would have to learn about it in the future.


    She did note that upon reaching the second rank, he could use up to eight spells, limited by the world''s rules. But as he progressed to the third rank, it would let him use twelve. However, upon reaching the fourth rank, all restrictions would be lifted by the universe, granting Atlas the ability to learn a limitless amount.


    When he inquired about the limitation, Luxia explained that it was a universal law beyond their understanding. Nevertheless, she did mention speculation that the spell limitations were connected to the individual''s soul, though she couldn''t confirm it with certainty.


    After hearing all this, Atlas was interested, so he questioned with excitement seeping into his voice, ''''So I just have to go into a forest and kill monsters to level up?''''


    "Yes, that is one way, but scattered across the world are dungeons, which can aid you in leveling up by offering monsters to kill for experience," Luxia said before continuing. "They range from level one to level ten, each hosting various ranked creatures."


    ''''Okay,'''' Atlas answered with a smile before asking, ''''What are the Monster ranks?''''


    "It ranges from Rank G to SSS+ and even beyond," Nyx replied. "You''ll delve into the finer points once you embark on your new journey. However, what''s crucial to know that the Chaos King and his minions harbor animosity towards the Voidwalker, which you''ve now become our chosen one."


    "What''s the name of the world?" Atlas inquired, his curiosity piqued about the place he was being sent to. "And what''s it like?"


    As Nyx fell silent, Luxia took the lead this time, "It''s called Valoria, which is hundreds of times the size of your former Earth. But it''s a world of magic, swords, and monsters. With enough determination, one can rise to the top and become something entirely different."


    Atlas nodded, ''''Can''t wait to see all this,'''' he said before asking, ''''Will I ever see you two again?''''


    When Nyx heard this, her pointy ears twitched, but Luxia smiled, ''''Yes,'''' she answered. ''''We will visit you in your dreams until you''re strong enough to receive our messages.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he answered. ''''Is there anything else I should know before you send me away?''''


    ''''You''ll have minutes to react, but just think about status and then think about using the spells I gifted you, and you may survive,'''' Nyx said.


    "Remember, death is a common on Valoria, and you mustn''t allow it to sway or affect your judgement otherwise it will be you dying. To have the courage to kill will be crucial for you to survive your journey, my little champion," Luxia advised.


    Atlas nodded before the Goddess smiled, ''''Thank you for helping us,'''' she continued while waving her hand. ''''Now enjoy your new life and make sure to give it your all.'''' S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Unknown to him, she had placed a mental barrier from the overwhelming onslaught of experiences that would otherwise drive him into madness. As Atlas vanished, Luxia spoke to no one in particular, ''''When darkness surrounds us, the only thing that pulls us out of it is hope. Sometimes, it makes us feel special, sometimes, it is the only thing that connects us to life."


    Meanwhile, the next thing Atlas knew, everything went black as an unknown power sucked him into a wormhole. He fell through a colorful tunnel resembling a bright canvas, where shining stars dotted the expanse, amazing him.


    Soon, he spotted a massive planet and accelerated toward its surface before everything turned white. Atlas felt the cold against his skin, and then a throbbing pain in his head caused him to open his eyes.


    Above him, tree branches devoid of leaves let him see the dark clouds overhead. Sitting up, he was hit by another throbbing pain in his head, causing his sight to blur momentarily before returning to normal after rubbing his eyes.


    ''What the hell is going on,'' he internally complained. ''My head is killing me.''


    The scene shocked Atlas to the core; lifeless bodies of men lay all over the clearing he found himself in. While scanning the area, he soon spotted two white-colored wolves covered in blood, standing opposite a man who held a sword and pointed it at them.


    Baffled, Atlas quickly threw up as the smell of blood overwhelmed him but soon calmed down, remembering Luxia''s words, and realized he had to get used to seeing dead things as he saw dozens of wolf bodies lying everywhere.


    Shaking his head, he thought to himself, ''Status.''


    After Atlas thought that, blue writing started appearing in his sight, which shocked him, but he started reading the spells Luxia gave him.


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 13


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: ??????????


    Level: ---


    Rank: ---


    Experience: 000/200


    Affinity: ????


    ____


    Health: 4/20


    Mana: 500/500


    Strength: 20


    Stamina: 20


    Charisma: 200


    Intelligence: 20


    ____


    ???? ????:


    ???? ????


    ???? ??????


    ???? ????????? ?????


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (0) Lv-1: Void Arrow (0)


    Defense: Lv-1: Void Guard (0)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ____


    Skills:


    ---- ----- (-) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (0)


    After briefly looking at the status, Atlas aimed his hand at the wolf about to attack the wounded man. ''Void Bullet,'' he thought.


    At that moment, something incredible unfolded before his eyes: an azure-blue bullet, resembling a tennis ball in size, materialized in front of his hand. The projectile spun before it streaked through the air, piercing the wolf''s hind legs.


    A fountain of blood burst out of its skin, and a small explosion rippled through the monster''s body, ''Oh this is so cool! I can use magic,'' he internally celebrated before casting it again.


    Atlas cast six more Void Bullets that rocketed onward and slammed into the wolves, causing them to snarl in pain. It gave the soldier enough time to impale the first before attacking the second with a blast of wind that sliced its head off.


    When the monsters dropped dead, Atlas stared in shock until an excruciating pain hit his chest, causing him to stumble back while letting out a yelp of pain, catching the soldier''s attention, who looked at him with wide eyes.


    He dropped on his backside while the pain ripped through him. While that was happening, Atlas''s head got lifted as something disgusting was poured into his mouth and then onto his chest.


    Atlas felt the pain vanish before his eyesight slowly returned, and he saw the soldier barely able to stand. ''''Young Master,'''' he said. ''''It''s good you''re alive; everyone thought you died when the monsters ambushed us.''''


    When hearing this, he looked down to see the tunic he was wearing was torn apart and covered in blood, but before he could say anything, an uncomfortable feeling rushed into his mind as fractured memories started to flow in.

 Chapter 3: Experience

    Atlas learned a lot from the memories that poured into his mind. They showed a burning village near Silvermist Lake in the Thalassia Empire on the mainland. The Soldiers who came to inspect the village saw a flash down by the shore, and when they rushed over to the source, he was found.The memories showed that the soldier''s commander had adopted him because he only had daughters and wanted a son. Atlas found out that the family used to live in the capital, Thalasar, before moving to Echo Isles when his Father retired from the army to become the Duke of a new region thanks to his service to the empire.


    Atlas knew that the empire rested at the center of Astoria, the supercontinent he found himself on. This information caught his interest, and he wanted to find a library once he was back in civilization to learn more about the world.


    More importantly, he learned of events called Monster Waves, which happen occasionally and are known to destroy whole towns and cities if left unchecked. Unfortunately, the growing settlement his father was in charge of was among the first to be targeted by the disaster.


    Luckily, his adoptive family was in Wildwood City because his sisters were heading to the Arcane School Of Magic in the far north. They had to catch a Morozov Express Train from the capital that traveled all the way up to Northreach Point.


    It is the northernmost city on the continent. While they were doing that, he stayed back at the Homestead to train with his father''s guards, but when a hunter returned to town warning of a Monster Wave, the soldiers and townsfolk made a mad dash toward Ironclad to take refuge.


    But the defenses only held for two days before the monsters poured over the walls like a wave of teeth and claws. A small group of survivors, including Atlas, managed to fight their way out, but he was the first to go down once they entered the forest.


    He lagged behind the group due to being low-level and lazy, which annoyed the current him. While thinking about everything, the soldier''s voice brought him back to reality as he weakly pointed in a specific direction.


    "Young Master. It would be best if you traveled to the port Southwest, where the rest of the people are,'''' he spoke in a haggard voice. ''''The Monster Wave eradicated Ironclad Pass. Hopefully, Wildwood still stands, and you can find rescue there.''''


    ''''Why can''t you come?'''' He asked. ''''My memories are foggy, and I can''t remember much.''''


    ''''The Snow Viper Venom is working its way up my body and is about to cut off my movements,'''' the man replied while coughing up black blood, ''''When you arrive at the port, they will save you and take you back to the mainland to find the Count.''''


    Atlas nodded, his curiosity piqued about his new appearance. However, before he could inquire further, the man finally said, "Be careful. Stronger monsters are roaming the forest, boy."


    After speaking, the man went limp, which shook him to the core as this was the first time seeing someone die. Remembering Luxia''s advice, he steeled himself to confront the grim reality of death despite the overwhelming nausea that stirred within him.


    Though the soldier appeared at peace, Atlas knew he was dead. After staring at the man for a while, he looked around and soon realized he was in a forest. Even worse, it was snowing, and the cold wind was brushing against his skin, causing him to complain.


    ''Damn, it''s going to get cold soon,'' he internally moaned. ''All I''m wearing is a medieval-like tunic and uncomfortable pants.''


    He could not wield any of the soldier''s weapons because they were too heavy for him when trying to carry them. Atlas tried to pick up a sword until he found a staff that one of the men must have been carrying before they got ambushed.


    Atlas picked it up and spun it around as if he already knew what to do, which confused him, but he chose to ignore it. He studied the staff until something popped up in his vision, which surprised him.


    [Battle Staff]


    [Rank: Common]


    [Level: 3]


    When Atlas saw this, he was baffled and rechecked his status.


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 13


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: ??????????


    Level: ---


    Rank: ---


    Experience: 000/200


    Affinity: ????


    ____


    Health: 20/20


    Mana: 430/500


    Strength: 20


    Stamina: 20


    Charisma: 200


    Intelligence: 20


    ____


    ???? ?????:


    ???? ????:


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    ???? ????????? ?????:


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (0) Lv- 1: Void Arrow (0)


    Defence: Lv-1: Void Guard (0)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ____


    Skills: ---- ----- (-) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (0)


    When Atlas saw his skills and spells, he went through them to check on all the details while no monsters were around.


    [Silent Casting: Can cast spells without chanting]


    [Void Sight: Reveals the fundamental attributes and characteristics of beings or objects, with its efficacy growing more robust as it progresses in Level]


    [Void Bullet: Conjures a volatile projectile of void mana that explodes on contact - Cost: 10 Mana]


    [Void Arrow: Summons a piercing projectile infused with unstable void energy, capable of penetrating targets with precision - Cost: 15 Mana]


    [Void Guard: Erects a protective barrier woven from the fabric of the void, shielding the user from harm - Cost: 25 Mana]


    While reviewing his skills and spells, Atlas heard something approaching him from behind, prompting him to cast Void Guard. An azure-colored force field materialized around him just in time to absorb the impact of the incoming attack.


    The force of the collision sent him staggering backward, his gaze lifting to find another wolf, its head shaking with anger as it snarled menacingly. He couldn''t help but yelp in fright at the sight.


    Quickly regaining his composure, Atlas focused on scanning the threat before him.


    [Icefang Wolf]


    [Rank: F]


    A gulp caught in his throat as he realized the wolf''s rank surpassed his own. However, Atlas wasted no time, unleashing ten Void Bullets while simultaneously launching three Void Arrows.


    The wolf quickly dodged the projectiles, but the arrows found their mark, piercing the monster''s skull. He watched the creature make a strange death noise before dropping lifelessly to the ground.


    When that happened, Atlas felt something strange flowing into his body, causing him to check his Experience.


    [Experience: 100/200]


    [Experience Gained: 100]


    Excitement welled inside him, but he had to control himself before heading Southwest to reach the city the soldier was talking about because it was snowing in a deadly forest. With that thought, he held onto the staff and started walking.


    He traveled through the dark forest with his head on a swivel. The canopy above blocked out most of the sunlight, allowing only a tiny amount to slither through. After walking for half an hour, he came to an eerily quiet small pond.


    Atlas cautiously surveyed his surroundings, finding no signs of lurking monsters. Satisfied, he approached the water''s edge and peered into its surface. What he saw startled him once again, but in a good way.


    His hair glimmered like freshly fallen snow, its length cropped neatly but covered in blood. Atlas couldn''t deny the charm of his new appearance as he admired himself. His features were flawless¡ªhigh cheekbones and a strong jawline exuding youthful charm.


    However, his eyes truly mesmerized him¡ªdeep pools of azure blue radiating with a supernatural glow. Then, a pair of elf-like ears twitched subtly as he took in his reflection, adding to his newfound mystique.


    Atlas found his skin nearly as white as his hair. He was tempted to continue to admire his appearance, but he tore his gaze away and refocused on his surroundings, ever vigilant for any potential threats as he passed the pond.


    That''s when he remembered the soldier talking and wondered how he understood him. ''How can I understand their language?'' he thought. ''Maybe Luxia gave me a secret gift, or it may be the system translating for me.''


    Atlas nonchalantly shrugged before resuming his trek. Soon, he encountered a small stream, which he jumped over. A faint rustling sound nearby piqued his curiosity as he landed on the opposite bank.


    Intrigued, he clumsily approached the source of the noise while preparing to cast a spell. When Atlas stepped into the clearing, he saw something that shocked him¡ªsmall dog-sized rabbits with sharp horns protruding from their foreheads.


    While looking at them, the monsters weren''t paying attention to him as they greedily ate the emerald green grass that glimmered in the afternoon light. Atlas counted nine creatures and decided to kill them for the experience.


    Before starting his attack, he uses the Void Sight on them to see their rank.


    [Horned Rabbit]


    [Rank: G]


    ''Not too bad, If I remember correctly Rank G is the lowest and should be easy for me,'' Atlas internally mused.


    With that thought in mind, he cast Void Bullet at the Horned Rabbits, and the azure projectile soared forward before slamming into the closest monster''s body, causing it to explode into blood mist.


    He was shocked at the carnage but switched to Void Arrows and sent eight azure arrows to chase after the creatures who tried to flee. The spells moved quickly and connected with five of them, causing the Horned Rabbits to spasm before dropping dead.


    As the experience flowed into his body, Atlas sensed a shift within him. Suddenly, something snapped inside, triggering a sharp, mind-throbbing headache that sent him to his knees with a pained moan.


    Notifications flashed before his eyes, irritating yet also exciting him.


    [Class Unlocked: Voidwalker]


    [Level Up: 0¡ú1]


    [Rank Unlocked: Novice]


    [Experience: 200/1000]


    [Experience gained: 300]


    [Affinity Unlocked: Void]


    [Health: 20¡ú70]


    [Mana: 500¡ú550]


    [Strength: 20¡ú70]


    [Stamina: 20¡ú70]


    [Charisma: 200¡ú225]


    [Intelligence: 20¡ú70]


    [Skill Unlocked: Void Realm]


    [Mana Core Unlocked]


    [Core Points: 400/10000]


    [Body Tempering Level: -]


    Soon, the pain subsided, and Atlas could think straight and examine the upgrades. He was pleased with the results when he saw all the notifications. It seemed that unlocking his first rank gave him fifty on every attribute, and I guessed he gets something like that every time he ranks up.


    After examining them, Atlas checked his mana after casting nine spells in one go, as he guessed it used a good chunk of his mana.


    [Mana: 130/550]


    ''I used eighteen Void Bullets, eight Void Arrows and the shield which cost me three hundred and seventy mana,'' Atlas reflected on his spell use while looking around the small clearing the Horned Rabbits were.

 Chapter 4: Strange Australian Creature

    Atlas surveyed his surroundings and caught sight of a glimmer not far off. Intrigued, he made his way toward it. As he got close, he discovered a small black marble-like object smaller than a golf ball.He picked it up and studied it curiously before activating Void Sight.


    [Monster Cores: This can be sold to merchants for profit or used to refill your mana pool. Amount varies on the Core''s Rank]


    [Monster Core - Rank G]


    Taken aback by the unexpected discovery, Atlas scanned the area and collected five more Cores, stashing them all in his pants pocket. When he finished inspecting the Monster Core, he continued Southwest through the snow-covered forest.


    It finally stopped snowing, but a thin layer remained on the ground, making some parts of his walk slippery. After an hour of trekking, he stumbled upon a bone-strewn clearing. While standing there, a vile odor assaulted his senses, making him recoil in disgust.


    However, his inner goblin couldn''t resist the temptation of potential loot when he noticed swords scattered across the ground. Atlas started to scour the area, using his Battle Staff to shift some of the remains.


    Amidst the debris, he uncovered a beautifully crafted dagger that looked like it wasn''t meant to be there but felt right once he picked it up. He decided to scan it.


    [The Starfall Dagger]


    [Rank: Uncommon]


    [Level: 4]


    ''This is beautiful,'' Atlas thought while inspecting it.


    The dagger''s curved blade reminded him of the one from the game Prince of Persia he played in the orphanage on Earth. After admiring it, he slipped it into his waistband before continuing his search.


    After ten more minutes of searching, he found a pouch filled with coins. Opening it, he examined a copper piece with an elven face stamped on one side. Not bothering with it anymore, he counted what he had.


    ''Atleast I got some funds to get some food when I reach civilization,'' he thought to himself.


    Ten copper and three silver coins were inside, igniting a spark of excitement within him. Without hesitation, he pocketed them and resumed his journey, oblivious to something watching him from the nearby bushes.


    Atlas pressed on through the forest, feeling the weight of dusk settling around him. With nightfall looming, he sought out a place to rest. After a time, he stumbled upon a secluded grotto nestled beside a cascading waterfall.


    Climbing up to its entrance, he found comfort in its shelter. He cautiously entered the cave and settled in once inside. Atlas made himself comfortable, peering out into the forest beyond as the cold bit into his skin, causing him to shiver.


    Darkness covered everything, cutting off his sight and blocking his view of the outside world. After that, he decided to settle down for the night while staying aware of anything that could sneak up on the cave.


    Atlas fell asleep while curling into a ball to keep the cold away. The following morning, an earth-shaking roar woke him in a panic, causing him to jump up and hit his head on a protruding rock, ''''Ow!''''


    He rubbed his head before sticking out of the cave he was hiding in. Looking around, Atlas saw nothing and climbed out. When he touched the ground, he sank into the remaining snow as the cold washed over him.


    ''Damn, my feet will get wet now,'' he internally complained before continuing on Southwest as the snow caused him to shiver.


    As he journeyed, Atlas reached a point where a river barred his path, forcing him to seek a way across the rushing water. He followed the river until he discovered a way to cross while scanning the landscape.


    While doing that, something inside him told him to jump to the side just as a web-looking material hit the ground where he was. Atlas quickly recovered and scanned his surroundings, but he couldn''t see any more monsters until activating his Void Sight.


    His skill allowed him to finally spot the creature creeping toward him, causing his heartbeat to quicken in fear. ''Oh no!''


    [Snow Widow]


    [Rank F]


    When he read the notification, a shiver ran down his spine as his gaze fixed on a giant, white spider, its unnaturally pale form hiding amongst the snow-covered bushes. Its body was the size of a large dog, and its eight spindly legs seemed to stretch endlessly.


    He noticed each leg was adorned with sinister-looking barbs. In alarm and astonishment, Atlas watched the Frostfang Spider release a menacing hiss as it charged toward him, frighteningly fast for its size.


    ''Luxia! Why throw me into a horrifying forest like this!'' Atlas thought to him while watching the Snow Widow.


    The sudden movement caused Atlas to yelp and quickly jump to the side just in time to dodge one of the spider''s sharp legs, allowing him to cast three Void Arrows into the monster''s body, causing it to roar in pain.


    Atlas kept casting the arrows into it until he felt his mana drop below half. The Frostfang Spider collapsed to the ground, its body littered with over a dozen sizzling holes, which caused its glowing white core to roll out.


    He slowly approached the corpse, gagging at the smell, before snatching up the core and fleeing the area in case more of the nightmare on legs appeared, which freaked Atlas out as he didn''t want anything to do with them.


    Atlas looked around the clearing and saw nothing, but he still became creeped out, which caused him to start running through the forest, ''I hate spiders! But that was a monster that belonged on a movie screen.''


    When getting far enough away and seeing no more monsters, he sat down to catch his breath and wanted to check his status.


    [Experience: 300/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 100]


    [Core Points: 400¡ú500]


    [Core Points Gained: 100]


    [Strength: 70¡ú72]


    While studying his gains, Atlas grew curious about the Core Points, so he selected them, which gave him a small information window.


    [Core Points allow you to raise your Core Rank, which comes with a jump in stats and many other benefits]


    Upon reading, Atlas focused on the Mana Core information, swiftly skimming its contents.


    [Mana Core: A core dwells within the soul of the being and activates when the user reaches level 10. It grants benefits and upgrades, which will be revealed as you level up and grow] S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas''s curiosity peaked, but he decided to continue leveling up and see how powerful he could become. While checking that, a twig snapped behind him, causing him to jump forward without thinking as a wolf flew over his head.


    He quickly turned around when recovering before aiming his hand at the Frost Wolf that lunged from the brush and cast Void Arrow. A glowing blue projectile penetrated the wolf''s right front leg, causing it to yelp.


    Atlas tightened his grip on his Battle Staff as the monster lunged at him again. He sidestepped the attack before bashing the creature on its head, which emitted a loud bonk, earning another pained growl.


    His strike caused the wolf to wobble, allowing Atlas to rush forward and hit it again. The staff slammed into its eye this time, leaving it half-blind as it tried to back up to get out of his reach.


    Atlas felt confident and charged again, getting ready to attack. However, he was taken by surprise as a smaller wolf appeared out of nowhere and bit into his left arm, causing him to scream in pain as its fangs sank deeper into his flesh.


    Panicked, he placed his right hand on the monster''s head and blew it off using Void Bullet. The creature dropped dead, but he swung his hand toward the first wolf while casting the same spell again that blew the monster apart that lunged at him.


    Its corpse collided with Atlas, hurling him to the ground with the monster on top. With a sickening crack, he hit his head on the ground, knocking him out cold. The body hid him from the surrounding monsters scared off by the wolf''s scent.


    While unconscious, the forest around him came to life, with birds chirping and howling. By the time Atlas woke up, the stars were shining overhead, causing him to grow confused as he didn''t know where he was until he felt something heavy pinning his body to the ground¡ªshaking his head before the memories flooded back to him.


    ''Oh, I remember now,'' he thought while pushing the wolf''s corpse off him.


    While sitting up, Atlas was startled by a creature standing a few feet to his right, causing him to jump when spotting it. The new monster appeared to be a hybrid of a dog and a hyena, with dark fur and eyes glowing with malice.


    It was snarling at him, getting ready to pounce. Puzzled by this unexpected encounter, he quickly scanned the creature to check out its Rank.


    [Grimclaw Hyena]


    [Rank: E]


    ''What is this strange Australian creature,'' Atlas thought while raising his hand and casting Void Arrow.


    The azure projectile sliced through the air quicker than a bullet and slammed into Hyena''s head, causing it to explode before it could realize what had happened. Atlas watched the monster''s body drop alongside the Frost Wolves he had killed earlier.


    After the creature was dead, Atlas exhaled deeply, his hands trembling from the intensity of the encounter. Gradually, his nerves subsided, and the rush of adrenaline diminished, leaving him vulnerable to the returning pain from the wolf''s bite.


    "Damn, it hurts," Atlas muttered to himself through gritted teeth as he scanned the surroundings of the Battle Staff.


    Spotting it nearby, he wasted no time retrieving it and three Monster Cores before collapsing to a seated position while sighing. He started catching his breath and easing the pain coursing through his body.


    Atlas pulled out the five Rank G black cores and studied them before noticing each one glowed differently but looked similar. The Frost Wolf cores were white, while the spiders and Grimclaw hyenas were orange.


    He internally mused, ''The other Ranks must have different-colored cores, which is interesting.''


    Holding up the white core, which was a bit bigger than the black one, and shimmered as the moonlight hit it, Atlas mumbled, ''''Beautiful.''''

 Chapter 5: At least Im Slowly Healing

    Shaking his head, Atlas brought up the orange one, which he could see even in the darkness, thanks to the stars above. After examining them, he put the 8 cores back into his pocket before checking his status.[Experience: 700/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 400]


    [Health: 70¡ú72]


    [Mana: 550¡ú554]


    [Stamina: 70¡ú72]


    [Intelligence: 70¡ú72]


    [Core Points: 500¡ú850]


    As he did that, the pain in his left arm worsened, causing him to look at it. He noticed the torn-up skin and jagged tears, making him feel sick when seeing it, but he held onto his bile that tried to force its way out.


    Atlas quickly checked his Health.


    [Health: 47/72]


    ''Oh shit, I need some of that stuff the man gave me,'' Atlas mused to himself before yawning. He decided to find somewhere safe to sleep before going to Wildwood City to get off this island.


    After resting, Atlas got up and continued walking southwest, gripping the Battle Staff in his right hand. His left arm was hurting, and he had it cradled against his chest as it throbbed in pain due to the wolf bite.


    Atlas checked his Health to see if it was increasing.


    [Health: 44/72]


    When seeing this, Atlas ripped a piece of his ruined shirt and tied it around the wound, slowing the bleeding so he could reach Wildwood Port, where he could get it treated by the people there.


    While trekking onward, a skill Atlas hadn''t yet examined came to mind. With no immediate threat of monsters, he read the information about it.


    [Void Realm: A realm home to an uncountable number of monsters, accessible solely to the Voidwalker and their chosen]


    Atlas''s curiosity grew, so he selected it again to bring up more information about the skill.


    [Comprising over 300 levels to conquer. You must defeat each level boss to gain control over that part of the Void Army. These creatures are entirely under your command and can be summoned instantly at the expense of 400 mana per portal]


    [Can enter level 1 when reaching the Apprentice Rank and start on the path of the Voidwalker]


    When Atlas read that, he grew excited but knew it must be dangerous in this realm. He decided to ask Luxia about it the next time they spoke. Afterward, he soon found a small hiding spot under the roots of a large tree.


    Just as he was about to climb in, a rustle from behind caused him to swing around, hand outstretched, but he saw nothing. Looking around, Atlas remained cautious as he rested, preparing to cast Void Guard immediately.


    He burrowed deep under the tree, curling up and cradling his arm, which had stopped bleeding thanks to the homemade tourniquet. Soon, he drifted off to sleep as the wind picked up and a storm brewed above the forest.


    Atlas''s snug hiding place shielded him from the monsters that emerged at night, far stronger than those roaming during the day. Hours passed as the storm battered the forest, and he was comfortably sleeping, shielded by the tree above him.


    The following day, Atlas stirred to the cheerful chirping of birds and the resonant bellow of an elephant-like creature. Sitting up amidst the roots, he instinctively examined his arm, relieved that it showed signs of healing.


    With a sense of optimism, he then checked his Health.


    [Health: 60/72]


    ''At least I''m slowly healing,'' Atlas thought. ''Now, let''s get to Wildwood, then the mainland so I can start my adventure.''


    After that, he climbed out of the roots and started walking. Atlas''s journey to the city took three more days. Luckily, he only encountered five more wolves he managed to kill before they injured him anymore.


    When Atlas noticed the trees had started to thin out, he realized that his arm had fully healed on the second day, thanks to mana. However, mangled scars were left behind, which annoyed him. Once he checked on his arm, he turned his attention toward the city in the distance.


    What he saw shocked him: Black smoke billowed beyond the walls, and no one was on guard. Now that Atlas knew the city had been attacked, he slowly approached and examined the surrounding landscape.


    While crossing the field, he was drawn to a group of humanoid monsters emitting ear-piercing, hate-filled shrieks. Standing there, Atlas spotted the new creatures. They reminded him of Ghouls from the video games back on Earth, with sickly gray skin and twisted human features.


    After spotting them, he quickly scanned the monsters to evaluate their strength and rank.


    [Howling Ghoul]


    [Rank: F]


    ''Damn,'' he thought to himself as he spotted the five Ghouls heading in his direction.


    Atlas raised his hand and cast ten Void Bullets before willing them toward each of the creatures. The azure projectiles soared through the air, connecting with their heads while using his imagination to guide them.


    The Ghouls all dropped dead as the spells pierced their heads, causing an explosion that tore them apart from the inside out. Their deaths allowed a flow of experience to pour into his body, and he soon heard a click that indicated that he had leveled up.


    Still, he couldn''t check now as even more creatures appeared from the city gate. There were six this time, and the group started rushing in his direction, so Atlas used six Void Arrows like homing missiles. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He sent them soaring into the Ghouls and soon connected with all six, but only four dropped to the ground, leaving only two alive. As the survivors continued their charge, Atlas was taken aback and quickly scanned them to see what was different.


    [Feral Ghoul]


    [Rank: E]


    [Feral Ghoul]


    [Rank: E]


    ''Oh, they''re Rank E,'' Atlas thought as they came into range of his spells.


    He wasted no time, unleashing a barrage of ten Void Arrows that streaked through the air, finding their mark on the creature''s bodies. Yet, to his dismay, they dodged the spells with minimal damage, closing in swiftly.


    Atlas let out a startled yelp as one of the creatures swiped at him with sharp claws, but he quickly stumbled backward before striking out with his Battle Staff and connecting with the Ghoul''s head, causing it to snap backward.


    When that happened, the second creature tackled him to the ground, forcing him to hold off the thing''s jaws as he reached for the dagger and quickly sunk it into the monster''s temple, causing it to drop dead.


    The Ghoul went limp, forcing Atlas to push it off himself as he remembered the first creature and aimed his hand at it while casting a Void Arrow that pierced the creepy humanoid head and sliced through the air.


    It crashed to the ground with a thud, leaving Atlas letting out heavy breaths as he got to his feet and brushed the dirt off him before approaching the corpse with his dagger in hand and saw an orange glow just under the Ghoul''s chest.


    This caught Atlas''s attention, causing him to crouch down and cut into the creature, making himself heave as he removed the orange core. This Monster Core was bigger than the white and black ones he collected.


    After studying the cores for a second, he returned to harvesting even more and came away with 11 in total: 9 white and 2 orange. These were the only ones he could store as he ran out of room in his pockets.


    With a shrug, Atlas approached the ruined city and wondered what he would find inside. As he got closer, a metallic tang hit his nose, which puzzled him. He quickly noticed the pools of blood that littered outside the gate.


    Atlas readied his staff and ensured his dagger was tucked into his pants while entering the city''s gate. As he stepped across the threshold, what he saw shocked him, causing him to throw up at the scene.


    Bodies were lying all over the entrance; some were strewn on the stairs that led to the top of the wall, while others lay in the street. Atlas gazed around while steeling himself as he spotted strange-looking blue-skinned humanoid monsters.


    When he got close, he recognized it as a goblin, which caused him to think, ''Aren''t they usually green? Why are they blue?''


    Atlas shrugged, as he wouldn''t figure anything out by glancing at all the dead bodies. He noticed the bags hanging off some human remains, igniting his inner loot goblin while approaching them.


    ''I feel sorry for them, but as Luxia said, death is common in Valoria, and the loot will only go to waste. Whoever comes here next will take it,'' Atlas thought while approaching the first corpse after getting over his guilt.


    The man looked like a soldier, wearing armor crafted from leather and a strange metal that shimmered in the morning sun. The helmet covered his face except for his eyes. He chose to ignore the face behind it as he grabbed the pouch and pulled it off the corpse''s belt.


    After looting the first body, Atlas checked inside and found 23 copper and 5 silver coins, which excited him as he stored them in his pocket. He proceeded to search the other bodies, using his dagger to cut off their pouches.


    Having finished looting, Atlas ventured into the nearby guard tower connected to the gate he entered through and soon discovered a spacious room with a table at its center with beds along the walls.


    Despite the allure of the soft-looking beds, he resisted their temptation and laid out the twenty-seven coin pouches on the table. Surveying his newfound collection, Atlas wanted to find a larger bag to hold it all, as it would be more accessible during his journey.

 Chapter 6: A Magic Bag

    Atlas started his search of the guardroom, soon stumbling upon some cans of food, a timely reminder as his stomach grumbled. Exploring further, he located a stove in a small kitchen area and approached it, scanning for a means to ignite it.After tinkering with it for a bit, he stumbled upon a button that unexpectedly drained mana from his body, catching him off guard. With the stove finally ignited, Atlas retrieved the peculiar food he stumbled upon ¨C beans that appeared green and emitted a sweet aroma upon opening the can. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Scanning the surroundings, he spotted a pot conveniently placed on the nearby counter, presumably cleaned before the city''s downfall. Drawing from his upbringing in the orphanage, Atlas possessed the cooking know-how, a skill Pamela had taught him.


    Dumping the contents of the can into the pot, he allowed the beans to simmer while he checked his remaining mana before his status.


    [Mana: 195/554]


    ''Damn, I used a lot of mana to fight those Ghouls, but the experience I gained makes it worth it,'' Atlas thought while shivering while remembering the creature''s howls.


    Atlas checked on his beans and realized he still had a few minutes, which allowed him to check his status.


    [Level Up: 1¡ú3]


    [Experience: 300/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2000]


    [Health: 72¡ú76]


    [Mana: 554¡ú570]


    [Strength: 72¡ú76]


    [Stamina: 72¡ú77]


    [Intelligence: 72¡ú75]


    [Core Points: 850¡ú2050]


    [Core Points Gained: 1200]


    ''Oh nice, I leveled up once and got a small boost in my Attributes,'' he mused before checking his race information.


    [Voidborn: A mysterious being that originates from the depths of the void, possessing incomprehensible powers that haven''t been seen in thousands of years]


    [Voidwalker: Has access to the void, which is the primordial element in the universe, as everything was born from it]


    Atlas''s eyes widened, and his breath caught as he read the description. The reality of his new abilities began to sink in, but he soon stopped thinking about it as the green beans were finally cooked.


    He turned off the stove while grabbing a dusty bowl, which prevented him from dishing up his dinner. Atlas looked around, spotted a sink off to one side, and approached it before looking for the mana port.


    Just like the stove, there was a little hole that he placed his thumb in and sent some mana into it. Soon, the water started to run, allowing him to clean the bowl and utensils before dishing up his food.


    Atlas sat at the table where his loot was and started eating while counting his collected coins. He shoveled some green beans into his mouth, savoring the taste as it burst on his tongue.


    The simple dish tasted delicious to his starving self. While eating, he reached for the small pouch. Pouring the contents onto the table, he began counting. One by one, Atlas stacked the silver neatly in one pile and the copper in another.


    "113 silver," he muttered, his fingers moving across the table. "And 50 copper."


    He recalled from the old Atlas''s memories that 100 copper coins equaled 1 silver coin, 100 silver equaled 1 gold coin, and 1000 gold equaled 1 platinum coin. Moreover, he knew a 1000 platinum coins would equal 1 rare and elusive star coin.


    After counting everything Atlas looted from the corpses, he put them all into a pouch, including the ones he found earlier. Once they were sorted, he started eating the beans until he was full and realized he needed a drink.


    He grabbed a dusty cup from the counter and cleaned it before filling it to the rim. After that, he sat down, and in a single gulp, he drained its contents, a surge of refreshment coursing through him.


    Once Atlas couldn''t eat any more food or drink water, he checked the officer''s chambers to see if he could find a bigger bag to carry his loot in. When stepping into the room, he noticed it was well-maintained and looked fancy.


    Gazing around, he spotted a few things that would be useful to him: a map, a cloak, and a satchel hanging up on one of the walls. Atlas closed the door behind him before walking over to the bag.


    Atlas pulled it off the hook and placed it on the officer''s bed before going through it. He pulled out loads of men''s clothes and other stuff, which confused him as there wasn''t enough room in the bag for all of it.


    While staring at it, he decided to use Void Sight on it, which revealed its purpose.


    [Space Bag]


    [Rank: Common]


    [Level: 3]


    [A Basic Morozov Space Bag that can carry up to 50kg worth of stuff without hindering the user]


    ''Oh, a magic bag,'' he mused with a smile. ''This will come in handy.''


    After getting over the excitement, Atlas took out the 26 Monster Cores he''d collected up until now and stored them in the bag alongside his Battle Staff until he left the guard tower.


    Once the cores were sorted, he walked over to the cloak and examined it.


    [Enchanted Winter Cloak]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 2]


    [Keeps user warm during the Frostwinter months - Resizes itself to the wearer]


    ''Interesting,'' Atlas thought while putting on the cloak that was way too big for him, but as soon as he clipped it onto himself, it resized itself to fit perfectly, and it could wrap it around himself, which acted like a blanket.


    After checking out the cloak, Atlas approached the map that was spread out on the desk, and what he saw amazed him. Echo Isle was connected to the Frostmark Kingdom by a small strip of land covered by a monster-filled forest.


    ''I wonder why the Frostmark people haven''t settled on the island,'' Atlas shrugged before rolling up the map and putting it in the space bag.


    Once the map and cores were stored, he slung the bag around his shoulders and tightened it before looking around the room. Atlas spotted nothing apart from a large cabinet in one of the room''s corners and approached it.


    He noticed it was locked, so he cast a Void Bullet at it without thinking, causing a loud explosion to ripple through the room and hurting his ears. Atlas held his ears until the ringing stopped, but he criticized himself for being stupid.


    As the dust cleared, Atlas realized the cabinet was open, revealing hundreds of small round bottles full of colorful liquid. He picked up one while noticing it was a dull red and glowed when the light hit it.


    Atlas used his Void Sight and scanned the liquid.


    [Minor Health Potion: Restores 40 Health Points per potion]


    Curious, he picked up the four other bottles with different colored liquid inside. Atlas scanned the second red one he held. This one was more vibrant, and the red was more of a ruby red instead of dull, like the first one.


    [High Health Potion: Restores 80 Health Points per potion]


    Aftward, he scanned the blue one, guessing it was a mana potion.


    [Minor Mana Potion: Restores 100 Mana per potion]


    A darker blue one followed this.


    [High Mana Potion: Restore 250 Mana per potion]


    Atlas was getting excited as he found a stack of potions, but he calmed down and continued scanning a green one he picked up.


    [Minor Stamina Potion: Restores 100 Stamina per potion]


    Once he had looked at all the potions, Atlas grinned before opening his space bag and scooping them into it, leaving plenty of room. He quickly had over a thousand, which he guessed were the city guard''s stockpile, but they didn''t need them anymore.


    ''Atleast I can heal myself from now on.''


    After that, Atlas continued to search the room and found some books that caught his interest. He took five of them: ''The History Of Valoria'' and ''Thalassia''s Founding: Valoria''s Last World War.''


    He stored them in his bag before looking at the other four, ''Monster Compendium,'' ''Dungeon Diving: A Beginners Guide To Dungeons,'' ''The Valoria System: A Need To Know Guide'' and ''Legends Of Astoria: Stories and Tales Lost To Time.''


    ''Interesting,'' Atlas internally mused. ''These will come in handy.''


    Atlas found a pouch with 20 silver and 2 gold, which excited him, but he threw them in his space bag before walking back into the guardroom, where something felt off. He quickly took out his Battle Staff and readied himself.


    ''What the hell is here now!''


    But upon glancing around, he found nothing alarming, finally allowing himself to relax. Walking toward the nearest window, he gazed outside and noticed the sun still high in the sky.


    Seeing this, Atlas decided to spend the night in the guard tower after looking for anything useful. After searching for ten minutes, he found a cold box the size of an American refrigerator.


    ''Please say there''s food inside.''


    Atlas opened it and saw a treasure trove of food¡ªall kinds. There were loaves of bread, cheese, meats, and strange-looking vegetables. He selected several, including ones that resembled carrots, tomatoes, and potatoes, to scan them.


    [Emberroot]


    [Crimson Sunfruit]


    [Earthspud]


    ''Strange names,'' Atlas thought before loading all the food into his bag and deciding to find some clothes in the city.


    Atlas finished with the food and left the guard tower to loot anything valuable. Outside and walking through the streets, he noticed the planners had built most of the city from dark-colored wood, but there were some stone buildings here and there.


    ''It reminds me of a medieval city mixed with the ones from a fantasy novel,'' he thought while scanning the street.


    It looked ruined, with fires still burning and corpses littering the streets. The scene made him want to throw up, but Atlas controlled it before he started walking down the main street and looted any bodies he found.

 Chapter 7: One More Family

    After an hour, Atlas found what he was looking for and saw a store selling clothing. He stopped walking to examine the gloomy building, noticing the smashed windows, and kept his guard up while approaching.When entering the quiet and dark shop, Atlas noticed it was dark but saw everything as if a light was overhead. His gaze swept over the store, but he didn''t see anything that would threaten him.


    Afterward, he went shopping and started studying the clothing that resembled the ones from Earth but had a medieval touch. Coats, tunics, pants, and boots lined the walls, causing Atlas to gather enough for weeks on the road.


    The space bag gave him enough room to carry a lot of clothes, so he started dumping everything in it before changing into fresh clothes and covering the space bag with a thick jacket, which made him feel much better.


    Once he was ready to travel, he left the store and was going to head back to the guard tower. While traveling down the quiet road searching for more stores to loot, roars started around him.


    Atlas stopped walking and looked around, realizing the monsters were passing through the city again. This caused him to flee the way he had come. He left Wildwood City behind and rushed toward the forest he had come from.


    When he had gotten far enough, he turned around while hiding behind a tree, only to see a massive dust cloud approaching the city. "Another monster wave? This can''t be right. The memories implied they''re rare," he pondered silently as he went north.


    Atlas trekked through the forest, only encountering a group of three wolves. He quickly dispatched them by rushing at them and using Void Arrows, catching the monsters off guard and leveraging his upgraded stamina to move fast.


    Once he killed them, he grabbed the three white cores that the wolves dropped, which pleased Atlas as he loved the feeling of earning stuff from his kills. While journeying, Atlas realized he couldn''t rely solely on magic and would need to use weapons, perhaps even his fists.


    With that in mind, he decided to wield his Battle Staff the next time he encountered a monster. Continuing his trek through the forest, he decided to look at the map he had looted from Wildwood City.


    Retrieving it from his bag, he studied it, feeling a sense of dread when he finally came across the name of the forest he was in. ''The Wailing Woods? Why such a sinister name?'' He panicked, his nervousness mounting as he thought he heard something nearby.


    Atlas looked up from the map and scanned his surroundings to distract himself but found nothing. Then, all of a sudden, he heard the distant cries of men and women, their twisted screams echoing through the forest, sending shivers down his spine.


    ''Why do they sound so strange?''


    Atlas shook his head while choosing to ignore the screams. He turned his attention back to the map and found the route he needed to take: through the Wailing Woods to Deadwood Pass, which would take him through the Dead Mountains.


    He would have to travel to the far north and then double back south on a thin strip of land that led to the Frostmark Kingdom and the first town he would see, Avalanche Hollow. After doing so, Atlas heard a twig snap from behind him.


    His heart began to race as he swiftly turned around, hand ready to cast a spell, only to pause abruptly at the sight of a man and woman standing before him. Seeing the two of them, Atlas felt a wave of confusion wash over him.


    Though the couple appeared ordinary, they had an unexplainable strangeness and stared at him like he was their prey. That''s when the woman stepped forward with an eerie smile and spoke weirdly: ''''Elf boy. Come to camp. Have food, we do.''''


    Atlas''s eyebrow raised, but he didn''t move an inch as he readied his Battle Staff and Dagger as the man spoke, ''''Cold here, our home hot.''''


    ''Where is their white van? Do they have candy?'' Atlas thought while scanning his surroundings.


    ''''Come, little elf,'''' the woman motioned with her hand. ''''We''ll get you dinner.''''


    The man approached, drawing Atlas''s attention. He aimed his hand at the stranger and questioned suspiciously, ''''Who are you? And where did you come from?''''


    ''''Not far,'''' the strange woman spoke as she jerkily pointed behind them. ''''Home.''''


    Atlas decided to scrutinize them further because something seemed off.


    [Female Changeling]


    [Rank: F]


    [Male Changeling]


    [Rank: E]


    ''Changelings!'' Atlas realized, his mind immediately conjuring tales of these creatures from Earth folklore.


    Now that he had identified them, he could quickly tell the differences: Their eyes were lifeless, their skin had a sickly gray shade, and their movements were jerky.


    ''''Is there more people in your village?'''' Atlas asked as his heart started to race with excitement and nervousness.


    ''''Yes,'''' the female Changeling said in a robotic tone. ''''One more family.''''


    Atlas nodded and replied with a fake smile, ''''Lead the way. I''m cold and hungry.''''


    As the monsters'' expressions shifted, they ventured into the forest. Observing their movements, Atlas trailed behind, preparing to unleash a barrage of Void Arrows at the opportune moment.


    For twenty minutes, they walked until they reached a clearing dotted with several tents. However, it wasn''t those that caught his attention, but the sinister smell of death and decay that made him gag, prompting the two Changelings to whirl around and fix their gaze on him.


    ''''Hungry,'''' Atlas said, trying to play it off.


    The woman smiled creepily before pointing at the largest tent. When they got close, he noticed another group of Changlings in human forms but speaking a language that he didn''t understand.


    Atlas spotted a bulkier monster sitting in the middle and scanned him.


    [Changeling]


    [Rank D]


    ''He''s strong, but if I kill him the experience will be worth it,'' he thought while sizing up the Changling leader as the creature stared at him with cruel eyes.


    Atlas cast several Void Arrows and bullets without wasting a second thought before sending them at the weaker Changelings. He lunged at the leader while swinging his Battle Staff, which connected with the monster''s head and didn''t do anything.


    With lightning reflexes, the leader snatched his weapon and effortlessly shattered it with a single hand, leaving Atlas stunned. Before he could react, the leader seized him by the neck, hoisting him into the air while applying a crushing grip.


    A series of strikes rained down on his body, eliciting audible cracks. When Atlas felt that, he screamed in agony while hearing noises from the other creatures behind him and had to act now.


    He reached behind his back and pulled out the dagger before plunging it into the Changeling''s head. After his sudden attack, the leader made a strange gurgling noise as its grip on his neck weakened, allowing Atlas to cast four Void Bullets into its head and chest.


    When the spells connected, the leader was blown away along with the tent just as the woman he met grabbed him and spun him around. But Atlas instantly struck and stabbed her in the heart with his dagger as the Changeling''s sharp nails dug into his shoulder.


    The creature let out a painful shriek as it dropped dead. Once Atlas was free, he scanned his surroundings and saw two monsters still moving. He approached them and aimed a hand at it before sending a Void Bullet through its head.


    Then, he did the same to the other creatures before sitting on a nearby crate. ''Why can I kill these things without feeling much? It''s horrible, but not as bad as I expected.'' Atlas thought to himself while admiring the sky above.


    After a moment of contemplation, he shrugged, unable to come up with a solution, and decided to check his status since he had leveled up during the battle.


    [Level Up: 3¡ú5]


    [Experience: 300/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2000]


    [Health: 76¡ú80]


    [Mana: 570¡ú580]


    [Strength: 76¡ú80]


    [Stamina: 77¡ú81]


    [Intelligence: 75¡ú78]


    [Core Points: 2050¡ú3350]


    [Core Points Gained: 1300]


    [Dagger Mastery Learned]


    After checking his status, Atlas wanted to see where the experience came from and how much each monster gave him.


    [Rank F Icefang Wolf x 3 - 300 Experience - 300 Core Points]


    [Rank F Changeling x 2 - 200 Experience - 200 Core Points]


    [Rank E Changeling x 4 - 800 Experience - 600 Core Points]


    [Rank D Changeling - 300 Experience - 200 Core Points]


    ''Interesting, each rank gives me a different amount of experience,'' he internally mused. ''I must say I''m doing good, but I don''t know what the average status looks like.''


    Afterward, Atlas started searching for anything of value and found nothing apart from two white cores, four orange, and one beautiful green core from the Rank D Changeling.


    Once gathering the seven cores, Atlas continued through the Wailing Woods, where the screams were still present, which he chose to ignore before spotting the Dead Mountains that pierced the clouds. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were dark and gloomy, and a feeling of evil radiated. Atlas spotted a group of flying monsters circling the peak. He continued his trek while watching his surroundings in case anything ambushed him.


    Atlas walked for an hour until the forest started to thin out as he reached the bottom of the Dead Mountains. ''This place belongs in a horror movie.''


    The area he was in was dark even though it was daytime, thanks to the mountains blocking the sunlight. Atlas continued walking until he came across the Deadwood Pass, covered in a thin layer of mist.


    With a gulp, he stepped down the pathway and made his way carefully. While doing that, he heard a whistling noise, causing him to look around and be hit in the shoulder by a shabby arrow.

 Chapter 8: Prized Objects

    Atlas screamed as the pain spread throughout his body. He wondered who had attacked him, only to see the monsters responsible. Twenty light blue Goblins dressed in monster skins rushed out of the nearby bushes.[Health: 70/80]


    He grimaced whenever touching the arrow lodged in his shoulder but still managed to scan the creatures.


    [Snow Goblins]


    [Rank: F]


    That''s when Atlas decided to deal with the new threat by rushing at the closest Goblin while taking out his dagger and casting a Void Bullet into its face, causing the other creatures to scramble.


    More arrows and small spears were aimed at him, but Atlas quickly cast Void Guard, blocking the attacks as a blue shield appeared. Just after that, he rushed out, casting more Void Bullets and slashing at the creatures.


    His dagger tore through one Goblin''s neck while his bullets peppered the others, causing small explosions to light up the pass they were in. Atlas was too slow as a spear pierced his back, causing him to yelp in pain.


    [Health: 45/80]


    ''Oh no,'' Atlas thought. ''Can''t take too many hits.''


    He quickly turned around and fired a Void Bullet at the Goblin that stabbed him. The clumsy fight continued for a while, with Atlas jumping around like a rabbit while luckily dodging most attacks, but some still made it through.


    [Health: 25/80]


    Atlas continued shooting Void Bullets at the monsters but also started blocking the Goblin''s rusty swords using his dagger. He killed all but five who began to circle him while holding spears, knives, and swords.


    He was breathing heavily as the battle took its toll on his small body, but Atlas knew this would strengthen him in the long run, so he continued studying the Goblins. ''If I attack one, the others will go for me, but if I can knock them back using Void Guard, I can get the upper hand,'' he mused while gripping his dagger tighter.


    Atlas was staring at the creatures circling him just as they launched their attack, but he cast Void Guard, causing the shield to throw them backward, allowing him to begin his counterattack.


    With his dagger, Atlas rushed forward and swiped at the shocked Goblins while casting three Void Arrows that slammed into the remaining creatures, causing them to fly back with a thud as the force overwhelmed them.


    Once the fight was over, he dropped to the ground in pain while checking his Health to see how much he had left.


    [Health: 9/80]


    Atlas''s heart raced with panic as he fumbled for a High Health Potion, hastily bringing it to his lips and forcing himself to swallow despite the disgusting taste. He grimaced but soon felt the wounds on his body begin to close, and his Health gradually rose.


    He remained sprawled on the frigid ground of Deadwood Pass, his form smeared with blood and had several arrows embedded in his flesh. Atlas looked at them before figuring out how to pull them out so the potion could fully heal the wounds.


    With several tugs, he pulled them out while screaming in pain as the arrowheads sliced his skin from the inside before they were out.


    Afterward, he rechecked his Health.


    [Health: 65/80]


    When seeing that, Atlas pulled out a Minor Health Potion before consuming it. He started to feel better after an hour and finally stood up while stretching his body. Once feeling better, he started walking toward the Goblins and cutting out the Monster Cores.


    Atlas managed to loot 17 white and 3 orange cores, which he stored in his space bag before checking his status.


    [Level Up: 5¡ú7]


    [Experience: 300/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2000]


    [Health: 80¡ú84]


    [Mana: 580¡ú590]


    [Strength: 80¡ú84]


    [Stamina: 81¡ú85]


    [Intelligence: 78¡ú80]


    [Core Points: 3350¡ú5350]


    [Core Point Gained: 2000]


    [Void Bullet: 0¡ú1]


    ''Three more levels until I get access to the Mana Core benefits,'' Atlas thought while looking at his status.


    After that, he checked his mana to see how much he used.


    [Mana: 340/580]


    ''I didn''t use that much and I have mana potions to use in case,'' he mused while traveling through the Wailing Woods until the sun started to set.


    In search of a resting spot, he eyed the branches overhead and swiftly ascended, seeking shelter. With his clothes in tatters, he quickly changed into something more comfortable, then into his space bag and reached for his book, "The History of Valoria," eager to learn about the world.


    Atlas started reading while conjuring a Void Bullet, allowing it to hover in the air and providing some light as he read. Within its pages, he learned about the dominant power in his region of Valoria¡ªthe formidable Achaemenid Empire.


    This vast realm ruled the whole Zarandar Continent and the northeast of the Aridonia but was pushed back by the Nubian and Graecoria Empires. They weren''t beaten, but the war ended in a peace treaty between the three powers, thanks to one key factor: the army of 600 Nova Mages that served the empire.


    The Achaemenidians, known as the Southmen, lived across the Sands Of Sorrow, a massive desert that separated the Astoria Continent from Zarandar. The author''s descriptions of the people and customs reminded Atlas of the Persians back on Earth.


    Next in line was the formidable Dark Elf Thalassia Empire, which resembled the Greeks. They boosted fielding 200 Nova Mages, which put them second to the Achaemenidians, positioned north of the Sands Of Sorrow and west of the eastern realms of the Orientia Continent.


    The book said the Deeproot Jungle and Deathbloom Grove blocked any advance from the west. It depicted the great Golden Lotus Empire viciously clashing with the Nightshade Kingdom, which hid in a vast mountain range that none of the region''s powers couldn''t breach.


    Their allies, the Akkadian and Atlantisian Empires, joined them in attacking the mountain kingdom. They all hated the killers who had, at one time or another, slain their generals and commanders before any attack to prevent a war, which it always succeeded in doing.


    Losing twenty high-ranking generals, nobles, and influential figures would dent an empire''s strength. During one war, several high-ranked Nova Mages went missing in the Nightshade Mountains due to the assassin Demi-God that prowled in the darkness.


    Upon his research, Atlas uncovered that the Thalassians'' primary rivals were the High Elves of the Aethyrian Empire, who resembled Romans. Although smaller than Thalassia, the Aethyrians boasted equal strength, owing to its formidable magic and the presence of 140 Nova Mages.


    Thanks to their magical knowledge and love for exploration, the Aethyrians established several colonies worldwide. They also built alliances with the nations surrounding the Thalassians, keeping them on the defensive since the last war.


    Atlas realized that the Thalassians were strong and growing stronger yearly. They would soon outmatch the Aethyrians and their allies. The author mentioned rumors that the Dark Elf emperor wanted to conquer Astoria to compete with the Achaemenidians.


    The next thing to note was the Demacia continent to the west, where war was endless, and kingdoms rose one year only to fall the next. Atlas wanted to visit such a place because it would be good to level up.


    After that, he read about the Trade Federations that held considerable power in Valoria. He discovered four prominent ones, including the Azure Tade Federation, which specialized in building ships.


    The Greenskin Confederation built Mana Airships, which carried people across Astoria and other continents. Then, the Morozov Trading Federation built Mana Trains, which the world used to traverse vast distances.


    Finally, the Khemarath League in the Far East produces some of the best mercenaries on all three continents. Many rulers and powerful people hire them for wars or expeditions. They seek their unmatched prowess in battle by bidding for available Khemarathians in an auction hosted yearly in Alexandria, their capital. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But the league wasn''t the only one; there was also the Confederation Of The Northmen, based on the Island of Bears to the south of Astoria. The soldiers were well-trained heavy infantry whom the Achaemenidians hired exclusively.


    Then there was the famous Silvershade Company that only took on women, second only to the Khemarathians, and was based in the Thalassia Empire. After that, he stopped reading because there were too many mercenary companies, trade federations, and realms.


    Once he had stored the book away, Atlas started looking at the night sky, where he spotted two moons. Their glow lit up the forest he was in, and soon, he heard a noise below. When he looked over the side of the branch, he nearly jumped out of his skin when dozens of creepy monkey-looking monsters passed under the branch he was on, which caused him to scan them.


    [Dreadclaw Howlers]


    [Rank: G]


    While doing that, one of the creatures stopped running and looked directly into his eyes, causing Atlas to raise his hand to cast a spell, but it started howling, a screeching wail that alerted the others.


    ''Oh crap what is it with this damn nightmare forest,'' he thought.


    Atlas gulped but cast a Void Arrow at the monster''s head, causing it to fall to the ground, and more howls echoed around him. Without wasting more time, he jumped out of the tree and started running.


    Two dozen Dreadclaw Howlers chased after him while letting out excited hoots, but as they got closer, Atlas blasted them with more Void Arrows, causing explosions to throw some of them off.


    Soon, he came to Black Mirror Lake and spotted the strip of land that led to the Frostmark Kingdom. He didn''t have enough time to think as one of the Howlers jumped on his back and bit down on his shoulder, causing Atlas to scream in pain when he felt the searing pain.


    He put his hand on its head and blew it away using a Void Bullet. But when doing that, the blast also affected him, sending Atlas tumbling backward just as a dozen Howlers appeared on the shore looking at the corpse.


    [Health: 55/84]


    Atlas shook his head, but pain shot through him, and his sight started to turn dizzy. He could still cast several Void Arrows at the incoming monsters, which caught them off guard and caused their bodies to drop as the spells wiped them out.


    He managed to kill all but two of the Dreadclaw Howlers, whose eyes were full of rage before they charged at him. Atlas quickly cast Void Bullet, but one of the creatures dodged it, and the other died without knowing what happened.

 Chapter 9: Rank And Experience

    The last Dreadclaw Howler pounced on Atlas, who was taken by surprise, but he managed to raise his arms to defend himself. But the claws of the creature tore into his chest and stomach with wild abandonment, ripping his skin to pieces.[Health: 12/84]


    When seeing the amount of health he had left, panic surged through Atlas, driving him to stab the monster in the head, causing it to go limp; he released a shaky breath, feeling the creature''s weight on top of him before pushing it away.


    Atlas dropped to the ground, struggling to catch his breath amidst the tension and adrenaline coursing through his veins. He curled up into a ball as the pain overwhelmed his body, forcing him to clutch his bag and pull out an Immediate potion.


    Struggling to pop the cork, and when he did, he put it to his lips before drinking half and dumping the other half on the wounds that riddled his body. After doing that, Atlas curled back up and slowly started to recover.


    Thirty minutes later, his health had fully recovered, relieving him of his headache. As Atlas sat up, he observed the eerie sight of the monkey-like creatures'' lifeless bodies strewn around him.


    Once Atlas recovered, he checked his status.


    [Level Up: 7¡ú8]


    [Experience: 300/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1000]


    [Health: 84¡ú88]


    [Mana: 590¡ú600]


    [Strength: 84¡ú86]


    [Stamina: 85¡ú87]


    [Charisma: 225¡ú230]


    [Intelligence: 80¡ú82]


    [Core Points: 5350¡ú6350]


    [Core Points Gained: 1000]


    After that, Atlas laid back down for a little while as he wasn''t used to all the fighting, which showed how his body ached. Ten minutes later, he readied his knife before cutting out the 20 black monster cores.


    He stored them in his space bag before looking around and only spotting Black Mirror Lake and snow-covered trees. Atlas felt icky, so he approached the water carefully, scanning the area he wanted to wash.


    Atlas''s blood ran cold when doing that as three monsters lay just in wait. Their ranks frightened him as they were the strongest monsters he''d seen.


    [Frostscale Crocodile]


    [Rank: D]


    ''Crocodiles! No thank you.'' Atlas thought while turning away from the water just as an explosion erupted.


    He yelped but darted away only to see the giant white crocodile marching up to the Dreadclaw Howler''s corpses and started eating them. When Atlas saw this, he got an idea and cast several Void Arrows that appeared around him. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas held the projectiles in place while aiming them all at the same spot, which caused him another terrible headache just before he released the spell that soared through the air and connected with Frostscale''s eyes.


    The arrows hit it one after another, causing the monster to roar in pain before spinning in Atlas''s direction. When seeing this, he checked his mana.


    [Mana: 120/600]


    He cast ten more Void Bullets, which used the rest of his mana, excluding twenty, before sending them flying toward the giant crocodile, which caused multiple explosions to erupt all over its leathery body.


    As the dirt settled, Atlas''s heart raced with fear. With a yelp, he swiftly leaped aside, narrowly evading the snapping jaws of the Frostscales, which closed just inches from where he stood moments before.


    Realizing he was outmatched, Atlas knew that fleeing was his best course of action. He sprinted through the Wailing Woods until the brush got too thick for the monster to follow him.


    Atlas continued to run until he stopped hearing the crashing and ended up on the shores of the Aurora Sea. It was surprisingly peaceful as the waves lapped against the beautiful beach. He looked around and realized he was in a primal forest as the trees pierced the clouds.


    While scanning his surroundings, Atlas spotted buildings in the distance, causing him to approach them cautiously. When getting close, he guessed it was an abandoned fishing village with a tall wooden wall circling it for defense.


    But he noticed the wood was rotten and looked like it was about to fall if a breeze hit it. Atlas stepped through the broken gates and started exploring the village, where he witnessed crumbling wooden houses and weed-covered streets.


    Atlas approached one store he spotted and looked into it to see things on the dust-covered shelves. He continued walking through the village, seeing three broken docks with rotten ships half-sunk in the water.


    He continued wandering until he left the village and was back in the forest. By the time the sun set, Atlas was sitting on a branch that overlooked the calm lake water, but he knew monsters hid below its dark veil.


    While in the tree, he changed his clothes again before dumping the old ones in the dark water below. When his rubbish erupted into a frenzy as the monsters sensed the blood on the fabric.


    Atlas watched this with curiosity and scanned the water.


    [Blood Piranha]


    [Rank: F]


    ''Am I in a horror film? Oh goddess, what dangerous world have you dropped me in,'' Atlas chuckled while lying back on the branch.


    Atlas ignored the monsters to read one of the books he had collected from Wildwood City. He chose ''The Valoria System: A Need To Know Guide'' to learn about his system and gain the experience needed to level up.


    Pulling out the thick book, he started to read and learned that everyone in Valoria had a system. The way they leveled up was pretty much the same, involving hunting monsters, training, and learning.


    Atlas learned that with each Rank Up, bonuses were earned, progressively enhancing the person''s attributes.


    ''As strength grows, enhancing stats becomes increasingly challenging due to ongoing bodily improvement during leveling,'' he mused, reflecting on the author''s insight that power derived not solely from stats but also from personal experiences accumulated over time.


    But Atlas also understood that the same thing applied to his Mana Core. Afterward, he read about the experience and how it ties into the monsters. The book told him each creature would give him a set amount of experience, but it also depended on the rank.


    He decided to check on the different Monster Ranks and the experience they gave, which would be helpful in this new life.


    [Rank F Monsters -100 Experience]


    [Rank E Monsters ¨C 200 Experience]


    [Rank D Monsters ¨C 300 Experience]


    [Rank C Monsters ¨C 500 Experience]


    [Rank B Monsters ¨C 800 Experience]


    [Rank A Monsters ¨C 1000 Experience]


    [Rank S Monsters ¨C 10000 Experience]


    [Rank SS Monsters ¨C 20000 Experience]


    [Rank SSS Monsters ¨C 30000 Experience]


    The author also added a list of humanoid ranks and a comparison chart, which provided valuable information about Atlas''s new world, ''This is very informative. I''m glad I took these from the city.''


    [Level: 1 ¨C 50 ¨C 1000 Experience - Rank: Novice]


    [Level: 51 ¨C 100 ¨C 2,500 Experience - Rank: Apprentice]


    [Level: 101-200 ¨C 5,000 Experience - Rank: Adept]


    [Level: 201-300 ¨C 10,000 Experience - Rank: Journeyman]


    [Level: 301-400 ¨C 25,000 Experience - Rank: Expert]


    [Level: 401-500 ¨C 50,000 Experience - Rank: Master]


    [Level: 501-600 ¨C 75,000 Experience - Rank: Grandmaster]


    [Level: 601-700 ¨C 125,000 Experience - Rank: Arch Master]


    [Level: 701-800 ¨C 250,000 Experience - Rank: Supreme Master]


    [Level: 801-900 ¨C 500,000 Experience - Rank: Legendary Master]


    [RANK SSS Monster ¨C Legendary Master]


    [RANK SS Monster ¨C Supreme Master]


    [RANK S Monster ¨C Arch Master]


    [RANK A Monster ¨C Grandmaster]


    [RANK B Monster ¨C Master]


    [RANK C Monster ¨C Expert]


    [RANK D Monster ¨C Journeyman]


    [RANK E Monster ¨C Adept]


    [RANK F Monster ¨C Apprentice]


    [RANK G Monster ¨C Novice]


    After studying the charts, he read even more and discovered that humanoids could fight monsters that rank higher than themselves and two ranks if they were in a good team. That explained why he didn''t do much damage to the crocodile monster.


    ''I wasn''t strong enough to fight it at full health,'' he mused.


    The next thing Atlas wanted to know was all about the spell levels, so he flicked through the pages until he found a chapter explaining them in extreme detail, which shocked him initially but brought a smile to his face.


    Atlas discovered that spells were categorized into six distinct levels. While most inhabitants across Valoria wielded spells ranging from level one to three, the mastery of level four and five spells was reserved for Masters.


    However, the pinnacle of magic lay with the Grandmasters, who could harness level six spells alone. This exclusive access was attributed to the immense mana requirements and the potential repercussions if a caster lacked the strength to control powerful spells.


    The author added a small story about a powerful Grandmaster from the Achaemenid Empire who specialized in water magic and tried using a level-six spell. But it backfired and destroyed him as the mana went wild inside his body.


    The mage''s demise left no trace, stunning onlookers. Reflecting on this grim tale, Atlas realized that as spells and skills leveled up, their damage or effects increased, prompting him to recall his Void Bullet spell with a thought.


    [Void Bullet - Level 1: Increases the attack power by 10%]


    He delved into Aura, an otherwordly energy wielded by mages to exert an unseen force over others. The strength of someone''s Aura depended on one''s rank, level, and mastery, shaping the strength of one''s abilities.


    Each person had a unique colored aura that they could see if they were trained enough. Scholars and Grandmasters believe that it is connected with a person''s soul. Mages and Magic Knights alike were tasked with mastering this power, a feat achievable through practice.


    Meditation allowed individuals to tap into their inner selves and control their Aura, ensuring it remained harmless to ordinary people who it may hurt. Once learning about that, Atlas put the book away, pulled out the history one, and started reading about the Morozov Trade Federation again.


    What intrigued him was that every kingdom or empire used the trains and paid the federation to maintain them, the tracks, and the stations that dot the land. A map was on one page; some stations were deep in the desert or a jungle, which confused him.


    ''Why would anyone get a train to a jungle? This world is so strange.''


    As Atlas was reading to learn about everything he needed to know, outside forces became aware of his presence and started planning to capture or aid him in his journey.

 Chapter 10: AzharZul

    [The POV chapters show the wider world and the party members. It explains stuff behind what the MC finds or comes across][Babylon City - The Achaemenid Empire]


    Emperor Cyrus Safavi, also known as Cyrus the Great, sat on his golden-encrusted throne, surrounded by his sorcerers and warlocks. They were conducting a ritual after a Core Grandmaster informed him of many signs foretelling the rise of the Dahaka.


    Every Achaemenidian knew who he was: a being prophesized to bring darkness to the empire. Cyrus ordered all his powerful mages to locate their enemy and soon discovered he had arrived in the far north.


    ''''Sacrifice more slaves to find out what our enemy looks like!'''' Cyrus ordered, causing his daughter Darya Safavi, the first Imperial Princess, to shrink back when she heard the unrestrained anger in his voice.


    Another hour passed until they had a solid picture of the Dahaka appearing on the Mana Crystal. When Darya saw the boy, her heart skipped a beat as he looked unique. She had never seen anyone like him but noticed he was about thirteen with hair as white as snow.


    The boy had beautiful azure blue eyes that glowed with untapped potential. She noticed his chiseled features were perfect and felt attracted to him. However, she shook her head and banished such a thought as she was twenty-one, and the boy was a mere child.


    But she was familiar with tales passed down from mother to child¡ªnarratives of an evil entity, a harbinger of doom, and the empire''s demise. Yet she understood that these were merely lies concocted by her ancestors and elevated to myth and legend over time.


    Some are familiar with the true story. It''s one of hope and loyalty. The last Saharaelian Emperor, a powerful God Ranked Core Mage, battled against her forebears for his people''s survival, ultimately sacrificing himself and using his Mana Core to create The Blue Dunes Desert that covered most of the Aridonia Continent.


    Across thousands of years, they flourished within its boundaries, sharpening their abilities and preparing for the return of Dahaka, known to the Saharaelians as Azhar''Zul, who would lead a Great Jihad covering the world in blood.


    When Cyrus saw him, he looked at his advisor and spoke excitedly, ''''Send the Nightowls to capture the Dahaka and bring the fiend to Babylon before an Azhar finds him. I want to deal with the threat to our great empire personally.''''


    After his announcement, everyone cheered and celebrated the upcoming victory against the being they all hated. Darya knew that finding one person among the billions that live in Astoria would be impossible.


    ***


    [The Blue Dune Desert - Aridonia Continent]


    Two moons shone over the blue desert, causing a glimmer to wash across the dunes. A red-haired desert elf girl with glowing blue eyes watched shooting stars pass by while standing atop a karst that jutted from the sand.


    She had seen them many times, but this time, they were different, as the celestial objects were a beautiful azure color. An explosion above caused her heart to race, and she remembered many tales Nonna had told her as a little girl and her best friend, Zara.


    ''''Azhar''Zul has arrived,'''' she mumbled. ''''Nonna needs to know.''''


    Afterward, she jumped off a karst that overlooked a part of the desert called The Death Plains and hurried toward the underground Azraq City. Twenty minutes later, she rushed through the settlement''s secret entrance.


    She passed by homes carved directly into the stone, with blue lights illuminating her path. A bit longer, she arrived at a fancy-looking home where several powerful guards stood outside protecting her family.


    They let her pass after saluting, and she spotted her Nonna and Madre inside having a deep conversation. Her Madre turned to her and said, ''''My darling Soraya. Did you see the sky above?''''


    Soraya nodded, ''''Yes,'''' she replied. ''''The prophecy has begun, but it was far to the north, so he isn''t a Saharaelian.''''


    An older woman, who the Saharaelians call the Great Mother, spoke in an all-knowing voice while shaking her head, ''''Our people''s Prophecy says he isn''t a desert elf, but one with the Al-firaagh. When you see him, you will know my little Sahraee, and he won''t find his way to the Blue Dunes for six cycles of Zahidul and Azadul.''''


    ''''Six years?'''' Soraya asked.


    Her Nonna nodded, ''''Yes, child. We must make sure Azhar''Zul is prepared for the Great War, in which he will lead our people to victory.''''


    ''''Why would he fight? He has no ties to the desert or our people,'''' her mother questioned.


    Soraya watched Nonna''s blue eyes glow before speaking, ''''Azhar''Zul''s first and second lovers will be attacked by those Nightowl dogs, provoking him to grow stronger and seek revenge, leading our warriors on The Great War our ancestor foresaw that would lead to his rule over the world.''''


    Hearing Nonna''s words, she asked, ''''What do we do while meeting him?''''


    Both women turned to her as Soraya''s Madre revealed, ''''You, Zara, Circe, and the banished princess are prophesized to be the Zawajat al-Maseeh''s and will fight beside him, but only after you all have experienced life and everything that goes with it.''''


    Her Nona turned toward a painting on the wall before continuing, ''''I will call a meeting on the sand leaders as we need the permission of the East, Westerns, and Southern Rahbar''s before acting on the matter, thanks to the desert laws.''''


    She understood this as the Western and Eastern peoples are completely different; Soraya shook her head and questioned, ''''What do we do once we find him? Bring him back to the Blue Dunes?''''


    The older woman shook her head, ''''He will come on his own, my child. Now prepare for your journey and take this. It will help find him.''''


    Soraya nodded, swiftly taking the necklace in hand. As she hurried out of the room, she recited a chant passed down by the believers, her voice carrying the weight of conviction, "The one who points the way."


    ***


    [Bloodfang Kingdom]


    A young Orc woman named Grishna Brokentooth was hunting in Murkwood Forest in the northern part of the Bloodfang Kingdom. She was one of many daughters of the realm''s finest general and a runt of the Brokentooth Family because she was not as strong as her siblings.


    This caused resentment on her father''s behalf as he only wanted strong children, which was one of the foundations of Orc society. So Grishna was determined to level up by hunting strong monsters across the Bloodfang Kingdom.


    Sometimes, she traveled into the Thalassia Empire, bordering their kingdom from north to the east. Grishna noticed it was Dark Day, meaning most of Valoria would rest as the week ended, allowing her a peaceful journey.


    She left Bloodtusk City bordering Thalassia and headed toward Suncrest City, a two-week trip from home. With a pack of rations and potions strapped to her back, she started walking on a well-maintained stone road leading to the metropolis.


    While walking, she spotted a storm brewing in the far north but ignored it as they rarely came south. The clouds turned black, which could be seen from the road, but it didn''t stop her from leveling up.


    Grishna traveled the road and saw merchant caravans guarded by adventurers, which intrigued her as the Bloodfang Kingdom only had them in the major cities. As she traveled along the road, she checked her status.


    Name: Valeria Brokentooth


    Age: 19


    Race: Orc


    Class: Warrior


    Level: 105


    Rank: Adept


    Experience: 2580/5000


    Affinity: Earth ¨C Metal


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 846


    Mana: 2318


    Strength: 1598


    Stamina: 1322


    Charisma: 560


    Intelligence: 350


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Diamond Fist (8) Lv-1: Metal Bullet (7) Lv-2: Earth Bolt (3) Lv-3: Razorwind Blades (0) Lv-3: Iron Shriek (0)


    Defence: Lv-1: Ironclad(7)


    Support: Lv-1: Body Enhancement(10) Lv-1: Dust Cloud(2)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Hand-to-Hand Combat (7) Spearmanship (6) Survivlist (9) Cooking (10) Tracking (6) Intimidation (7) Shield Mastery (5) War Cry (4) Lock Picking (7) Ransack (1) Hunting (3) Trapping (2)


    ''Nice, I can''t wait to try ma new magics,'' she thought while scanning the distance, only seeing the Thalassian Fortress that guarded the border. Grishna continued walking until she was stopped by a dark elf man and woman guarding the road north.


    "Stop!" they shouted.


    ''''What ya want, elf? I''m hunting monsters while heading to Suncreast City to take the Morozov Express to the Everglade Kingdom,'''' she spoke while keeping her eyes on the soldiers. ''''I heard new dungeons have been discovered there.''''


    ''''Are you sure about traveling to the city alone? The roads are dangerous,'''' the woman said, causing Grisna to look at her with narrowed eyes.


    ''''I will be fine, Gruum''ka; watches over me and has blessed ma journey,'''' she replied, ''''I''m out here to fight bandits and monsters.'''' S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two elves nodded and let her pass. Grishna walked past the fortress and admired its imposing tower, which watched over the grassland. It was made from light grey stone and had walls that stood a hundred meters tall.


    Guard towers were evenly separated along it, and a strong metal gate blocked the entrance to the inner workings. Grishna stopped looking at it and continued her journey north until she finally found some monsters to fight.


    ''''Thunderbacks, Rank D monsters,'''' she mumbled to herself. ''''Perfest test subject for ma new magics.''''


    Grishna pulled a spear off her back and walked toward them. They resembled Bison from Earth but bigger, and their fur was greeny brown, which helped out with defense. As she closed in on the monsters, her hand reached into the pouch on her belt and pulled out a small metal ball.


    It was the size of a marble, and Grishna sent some of her mana into it while casting her first new spell, ''''Silver Shriek.''''


    She watched as the little metal marble hummed with mana before throwing it at the closest Thunderback; when it hit the monster, a loud shrill erupted, confusing it and hurting her ears because she hadn''t tested them yet.


    Grishna watched as the herd bolted, but the one the ball hit was stumbling around like it was drunk, causing her to giggle before using a second spell, ''''Razorwind Blades.''''


    After casting, several metal blades appeared above her before they started spinning with menacing speed. Grishna felt their power as she sent them flying toward the Thunderback and cut into its flesh, causing the monster to roar in agony.


    Blood gushed from several gaping wounds across the Thunderback''s massive body as her attack landed. The creature staggered, its movements increasingly unsteady, giving her the perfect opportunity to attack.


    With determination etched on her face, Grishna clutched her spear tightly and launched herself forward. She closed in and thrust the spear toward the creature''s head. The weapon''s tip punctured the thick hide and penetrated the skull.

 Chapter 11: The White Warden

    Atlas noticed on one page that the author had drawn several pictures of trains that reminded him of locomotives but gave him a steampunk feeling. A list informed him that using them had several rules, including not transporting soldiers into other domains.If this rule were broken, the Morozov Guards would intervene and fight whichever kingdom broke it; plus, they had many allies who would invade the rule-breaker. He also read more about the Greenskin Confederation and the blimps the different kingdoms purchased from the goblins.


    The kingdoms had to send their pilots to the greenskins for a training program that they operated, which made most realms reliant on them for transportation. Lastly, the Azure Trade Federation dominated international trade between the continents due to its trade routes and harbors.


    Thanks to a secret method, the Azurian vessels rarely got attacked by the numerous monsters that stalked the seas, which caused a shiver to run down his spine. After that, Atlas put the book away, as he had learned enough and saw his intelligence attribute increase.


    The sudden upgrade sent a refreshing feeling shooting through his body, causing him to check it out.


    [Intelligence: 82¡ú84]


    Pleased with the minor upgrade, Atlas pulled out some fruit that resembled an apple but was blue and pink. It was strange, but he ignored it as he ate and watched the sunset. The Thalassians referred to the two moons as Zahidul and Azadul.


    Zahidul glowed a beautiful silver color that lit up the world. At the same time, Azadul let off a golden glow that illuminated the Azhar''Zul Constellation that hung over the southern part of Valoria.


    The story behind the moons was that Luxia made them at the world''s birth to bring light to the darkness and drive away the monsters. This allowed her children to grow and flourish until the terror of the night no longer affected them.


    Atlas continued to watch the night sky before wrapping the cloak around him and falling asleep while curled in a ball. The following day, he was startled awake by the echoing roars of nearby monsters.


    His heart pounded as he scanned his surroundings, but nothing could be seen. Shaking off the remnants of sleep, he rose to his feet and descended from the branch to resume his journey.


    He continued to walk through the forest and didn''t encounter anything until he walked under one tree and something lunged at him. Atlas yelped before activating Void Guard and blocking another strike.


    Atlas looked around and spotted two snakes slithering toward him. ''Where the hell did these things come from? '' he thought internally before scanning the new monster.


    [Frostfang Python]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''Why does the experience show up now? Because I learned about it maybe?'' Atlas mused before aiming his hand at the closest Python and releasing ten Void Arrows that peppered the snake''s bulky body.


    Atlas continued to cast arrows into the monster while backing off, but his panic increased when he couldn''t see the second Python anymore. A shiver ran down his spine, causing him to cast Void Guard.


    The blue shield appeared just as the creature lunged from the brush to bite Atlas. The snakes were twice the size of a Python from Earth, and the strength of their bodies sent him flying through the air.


    He crashed against a tree and felt something break.


    [Health: 42/88]


    Atlas struggled to his feet as pain radiated from his body. He looked up only to have a heart attack as the Frostfang was lunging at him with its maw wide open, only giving him a few seconds to react.


    Without thinking, he raised his hand and cast several Void Bullets that flew down the monster''s throat and erupted as the explosion rippled through its body. Atlas didn''t rest as the second was still out there.


    He glanced around and noticed it was slithering toward him with burns on its face and looking angry due to its mate being killed. Atlas sighed and cast more bullets, but the snake did something he hadn''t expected.


    It instantly sped up and wrapped its body around his own, causing him to panic and reach for his dagger and stab the Python before it could hurt him any more than it was as it was squeezing his small body.


    [Health: 20/88]


    The Frostfang Python roared out in pain, but Atlas wasn''t finished as he cast a Void Bullet into an open wound, which caused explosions to destroy the snake from the inside. Its body loosened, allowing him to free himself.


    As he escaped, the monster''s large body crashed to the ground, causing this part of the forest to grow quiet. Atlas lay there, breathing heavily, wondering why he kept getting injured.


    But to his shock, a notification popped up.


    [Health Regeneration Learned]


    When Atlas saw this, he guessed it was a benefit of getting hurt so much in such a short time. He clicked the notification to read the information.


    [Health Regeneration: Replenishes 2 Health Points every five minutes- Increases when skill is leveled up]


    ''Oh nice, that will be very useful,'' Atlas thought while lying on the cold ground.


    He stayed there for another ten minutes before standing up and checking his mana before looting the Monster Cores.


    [Mana: 340/600]


    After checking that, he stood up, reached into his space bag, and pulled out two Minor Health Potions. Atlas downed them both and felt his Health shoot up, allowing him to move around with pain shooting through his body.


    Atlas then used his dagger to dig out the two green Rank D cores, which were quickly stored in his bag. He then gazed toward the snake fangs, guessing they would be worth some coins, so he cut them out.


    With four fangs and two cores, Atlas continued his journey and finally reached The Death Mountains, where he had to turn East and follow the Black Mirror Lake until he reached an open plain ending in another snow-covered forest.


    He was trekking through the endless sea of trees; Atlas crossed over a small stream only to have a shabby arrow hit the tree right next to his head, causing him to jump to the side while taking cover behind a fallen log.


    Atlas stuck his head out and saw a swarm of Snow Goblins rushing toward him, ''Oh crap, there are loads of them,'' he thought. ''I need to thin out the numbers before they reach me.''


    With that in mind, he jumped up and started casting Void Bullets at the monster ten meters away. Atlas began to slowly back up as he took out his dagger and got ready to fight with them.


    Atlas kept firing Void bullets that mowed down many creatures, causing their bodies to drop to the ground. That tripped up the ones behind, giving him the upper hand as he charged toward them.


    With his dagger in hand and the vague knowledge of how to wield it, thanks to the Dagger Mastery Skill, he learned. Atlas reached the first Goblin and thrust the blade into the creature''s skull with a sickening crunch.


    While doing that, he aimed his hand at another before casting a Void Bullet, which caused an explosion that sent two more flying. Atlas moved onto the next Goblin and clumsily swung the dagger across its throat.


    After killing the Goblin, he rushes to the next one but is stopped when one of the monsters launches a spear at him. The weapon struck his side, causing Atlas to yelp in pain as he killed another by stabbing it through the eye.


    [Health: 66/88]


    Following that kill, Atlas fired a Void Arrow at the one who threw the spear and cast a Void Guard to deflect a few slashes from the right, which bounced off the blue shield, allowing him to kill another group without taking any more damage.


    The monster dropped to the ground as he cast three more Void Bullets at the remaining creatures, causing them to flow in the opposite direction. He was breathing heavily while leaning against a tree.


    As he gazed at the blood-spattered ground, a wave of nausea rushed through him, causing him to throw up. Yet, in the aftermath, Atlas sensed an unsettling familiarity with killing the monsters.


    ''Don''t think about it, If I didn''t kill them they would of eaten me,'' he reassured himself.


    Then, Atlas counted the Snow Goblin corpses and found twenty-seven. Using his dagger, he cut out all the cores before storing them in his space bag and sitting down to take a break.


    Atlas glanced around the forest and soon spotted some roots to hide in. He walked over to them and climbed inside. Once comfortable, he checked his status to see the new upgrades he had earned.


    [Level Up: 8¡ú10]


    [Experience: 250/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1950]


    [Health: 88¡ú148]


    [Mana: 600¡ú806]


    [Strength: 86¡ú142]


    [Stamina: 87¡ú141] S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Charisma: 230¡ú254]


    [Intelligence: 84¡ú138]


    [Core Points: 6350¡ú8100]


    [Core Points Gained: 1750]


    [Dagger Mastery: 0¡ú1]


    Atlas felt a surge of satisfaction upon receiving the Mana Core Bonus, significantly enhancing his attributes. He could sense its power coursing through his body, boosting most of his attributes by 50 points, with his mana increasing by 200 and charisma by 20.


    After that, he pulled out a loaf of bread and started nibbling while watching the winter forest. Amidst the peaceful chirping birds and distant roars, Atlas found himself momentarily at ease, allowing his guard to lower as he savored his meal.


    Yet, amidst this peace, something caught his interest. He squinted before seeing a monster stepping out of a bush, and when he saw this, his eyes widened in fear. The beast stepped into the open. It stood twelve feet tall and was covered in white, matted fur.


    Atlas couldn''t tear his gaze away from the creature''s glowing red eyes, which held an evil that caused a shiver to run down his spine as he scanned it.


    [White Warden]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]

 Chapter 12: A Damn Yeti

    ''A damn Yeti! And it''s Rank B! That would destroy me,'' Atlas thought. ''I wonder what it''s doing.''He would soon find out as another monster roared, and the sounds of something charging through the brush could be heard. Atlas poked his head out to see a Whooley Rhino-looking monster rushing toward the White Warden.


    This newcomer was the size of an elephant from Earth, with its body rippled with muscles as it barreled through trees like they weren''t there. Atlas quickly scanned the newcomer to see its rank.


    [Woolhorn]


    [Rank: B+ - 850 exp]


    ''The Woolhorn is a bit stronger, but let''s see who wins,'' Atlas mused while nibbling on his bread as he watched the sudden entertainment.


    Once the White Warden saw the newcomer, it let out a loud, ear-piercing roar and charged forward, causing the Woolhorn to rush forward. When Atlas saw this, he chuckled, ''''They''re playing a game of chicken.''''


    What happened next took him by surprise. The Woolhorn impaled the White Warden, its body flailing before hurling the monster''s corpse in his direction. With a sickening thud, it landed nearby.


    More Yeti-like monsters emerged from the brush as it prepared to charge again, witnessing their injured kin and entering a berserk fury. As this happened, Atlas noticed the badly injured White Warden was staring at him with hate in its dying eyes.


    Despite his apprehension, he resolved to face the creature. Focusing on his aim, he cast Void Arrow. An azure blue projectile materialized and shot forward, striking the White Warden''s head with unerring precision.


    When the creature died, Atlas felt the experience pouring into his body. As he did this, the battle intensified, as both sides were injured. He took this opportunity to escape his hiding place and take out his dagger.


    Quietly, he went to the lifeless White Warden, extracting a stunning azure Monster Core and stashing it in his bag before quickly departing, abandoning the intense fight. Following a twenty-minute dash, he arrived at the snowy plains leading to the Frostmark Kingdom.


    Atlas surveyed the wintry expanse and saw rolling hills blanketed in snow punctuated by sporadic clusters of trees. "It''s like a snowy desert," he mused before walking through this strange landscape.


    After scanning the landscape, he trekked across the plains for hours and saw only groups of trees. A herd of deer-like monsters ignored him, but he still scanned them.


    [Meadowhart]


    [Rank D - 300 Exp]


    He quickly noticed the male eating grass in the middle of the herd and lifted its head to watch Atlas, who was miffed at the creature''s behavior but didn''t want to bother them and continued.


    They let him pass as the monsters sensed he meant no harm to them. After another hour of walking, Atlas spotted a rundown village on the shore of the Shivering Sea, and he now understood where it got its name from as the air was ice cold, causing him to shiver before wrapping the cloak around himself.


    Atlas wrapped his Winter Cloak around himself before trekking toward the abandoned village, and when he got closer, he noticed it looked like a hunter''s village as it was half a mile away from the forest.


    Pulling out his dagger and readying a spell, Atlas searched the village and found nothing but dust. It looked like it had been abandoned for some time, so he checked one more house before leaving.


    As Atlas entered the room and scanned his surroundings, his eyes alighted upon something intriguing: a dusty tomahawk. Excitement surged within him, and he reached out and picked it up.


    The weight wasn''t an issue, so he swung it a few times to get the hang of it before using Void Sight on the new find.


    [Hunters Tomahawk]


    [Rank: Common]


    [Level: 2]


    Atlas was pleased with his find before tucking the new weapon securely into his belt. He scanned the area for anything else of value but found nothing. Satisfied, he left the old village behind and approached the forest a mile away.


    It took him about an hour to reach it because he had to track through the knee-high snow, which caused him to slow down and took a toll on his body. Atlas made it to the forest and smelled burning, which caught his interest.


    Atlas heard laughing and cheering while traveling toward the smell. ''People? I wonder if they''re human or something else,'' he thought while creeping closer.


    He readied his knife and the tomahawk while coming upon a bandit camp surrounded by a makeshift wall. Atlas counted nearly thirty men and women patrolling the area while another two guarded a cage where a group of scared people huddled together.


    Atlas''s eyes grew wide, a scene from the novels he used to devour. "Slavers!" he exclaimed. With this realization, he spotted two men and a woman stationed at the entrance, conversing and sipping their drinks.


    He swiftly crouched down, inching closer to get a better look and assess their ranks. Atlas carefully examined them once he was near enough, scanning them using Void Sight.


    [Roland]


    [Level: 65]


    [Rank: Apprentice - 200 Exp]


    [Maria]


    [Level: 89]


    [Rank: Apprentice - 200 Exp]


    [Corvin]


    [Level: 100]


    [Rank: Apprentice - 200 Exp]


    ''Oh, they''re strong, but if I can ambush them when they''re not expecting it, I could win,'' Atlas mused, but they caught himself, ''Killing them? Why is this stuff coming to me like It''s normal.''


    Atlas shook his head, attributing his thoughts to the transmigration. He then settled down to eavesdrop on their conversation. While daydreaming, he heard the dark-haired woman speak first.


    ''''Corvin, when will we be hitting Frostwood Village? There are plenty of people to take, nothing like the last place, but they will still earn us some coin and could be good playthings.''''


    He watched the large man named Corvin reply, ''''We will hit them at sunrise tomorrow before they start their work. The boss said we can have fun with the women this time because the last batch was instantly sold and he wouldn''t let us touch the bird girl.''''


    When Atlas heard that, he distracted himself from their conversation, which annoyed him. Opting to attack the bandits under the veil of night, He stealthily withdrew from the vicinity in search of a secluded spot after checking his status.


    [Level Up: 10¡ú11]


    [Experience: 50/1000]


    [Experience Gained¡ú800]


    [Stamina: 141¡ú142]


    [Intelligence: 138¡ú140]


    [Core Points: 8100¡ú8400]


    [Core Points Gained: 300]


    ''''Nice,'''' Atlas mumbled as he noticed his status had been boosted. After that, he found a bush to sit inside and wait.


    While sitting there, he pulled out ''Diving: A Beginners Guide To Dungeons'' to learn more about them. Atlas started reading as the midday sun shone overhead, allowing him to see in his hiding place.


    Atlas was amazed to discover all kinds of dungeons, from swamps to deep-sea ones. He discovered six levels of them, which were found all around Valoria. Levels seven to ten were also found, but they were infrequent and secured by magic schools or the realms they were in.


    Only high-level adventurers are allowed to join after being tested by the Adventurers Guild Instructors. Atlas read about the Guild, which fascinated him as it was precisely like the novels he had read.


    Adventurers complete quests, hunt monsters, and aid whatever realm they are in against any Monster Waves. Atlas discovered that you had to be thirteen to become one, so he signed up when he reached the first town, as the guilds weren''t in villages.


    After reading for a while, Atlas got a devious idea and jumped up before going through the snow-covered forest, looking for another Woolhorn to use as a battering ram against the bandits.


    He searched for an hour until he found a small herd, which made him second guess his plans, but he pushed it aside before raising his hand toward the monsters and casting two dozen Void Bullets.


    The azure blue projectiles lit up the forest around him before Atlas sent them flying toward the Woolhorn and started sprinting in the direction of the bandit camp. While running, he glanced backward and saw the monster staring at him with rage in its eyes. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When seeing this, Atlas yelped, knowing he didn''t have much time before the creature started charging toward him. It didn''t take him long to reach the part of the forest the bandit camp was in.


    Once reaching the area, he acted like a monkey and scaled the closest tree to get a good view of the upcoming chaos. Seconds later, the ground started to shake, causing him to spin around and spot the small family charging in his direction.


    Atlas watched as the five Woolhorns crashed through the forest, capturing the bandit''s attention as they rushed to the entrance. Just as the large group arrived outside, the large Woolhorn appeared, causing the leader to scream something.


    But it was too late for them. The monster barreled into the bandits while swinging its massive horn, goring two men and crushing another. Atlas got excited seeing the chaos, and the bandits didn''t know what hit them.


    While watching the larger Woolhorn fighting the remaining bandits who regrouped, but that''s when the rest of the monster family joined the fray. The baby creature jumped on a woman, crushing her with ease as its parents caused chaos for ten straight minutes.


    By the time the Woolhorn family''s anger was sated, more than half of the bandits lay dead while others were injured and rolling around on the ground. Atlas watched this as his blue eyes glowed with killing intent, knowing what was about to happen until the guilt of getting them killed crept back into his mind.


    Atlas shook his head while turning his gaze toward the cage that held the slaves and reaffirmed his determination to kill the slavers as they didn''t deserve to live.

 Chapter 13: I Am Not Your Lover

    Atlas made up his mind and knew these slavers had to die. With that thought, he readied his dagger and tomahawk before scanning the injured scum as they tried to stand up. There were twelve alive and could potentially fight, but there were a lot more rolling around in pain.After ensuring the Woolhorns were gone from this part of the forest, he jumped off the branch and landed with a thud before rushing toward the closest bandit, one of the less injured and already on one knee while breathing heavily.


    When getting close, the man heard him and turned around with a look of shock written on his face, forcing Atlas to panic and wildly swing with his tomahawk, only to bury the blade into the bandit''s temple with a sickening crunch.


    The nausea churned within him, but he forced it aside, unleashing several Void Arrows at another four enemies. With many enemies to contend with, he resorted to his cunning nature, using the trees as cover as he darted around, aiming to confuse the slavers.


    When the blue projectiles struck the unaware men and women, they let out shrill cries as the arrows pierced their bodies, sending them collapsing to the ground. He wasted no more time and darted around the battlefield, stabbing and slashing all the shocked slavers.


    He advanced towards the wounded, swiftly dispatching them with fatal stabs to the head. With each grim act, Atlas found it easier to suppress the revulsion of taking life, which he found strange and confusing.


    This grim acceptance drew him to the lessons of ancient history, where the line between survival and progress was often drawn in blood. Some tried to fight back but were taken out by Atlas''s magic, which blew up in their faces before putting down the remaining slavers using his dagger or tomahawk.


    Ten minutes passed by, he was now lying on his back while breathing heavily and covered in blood. Atlas was happy as he felt all the experience pouring into his body because he killed thirty-seven Apprentice-ranked slavers and seven badly wounded Adept-ranked scum.


    Thanks to them being injured by the Woolhorn attack, giving him the upper hand in his ambush. Atlas lay there while catching his breath and checked his status.


    [Level Up: 11¡ú20]


    [Experience: 550/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 9500]


    [Health: 148¡ú216]


    [Mana: 806¡ú1044]


    [Strength: 142¡ú210]


    [Stamina: 142>216]


    [Charisma: 254¡ú292]


    [Intelligence: 140¡ú214]


    [Core Rank Up: Low¡úMid]


    [Core Points: 8400¡ú13150]


    [Core Points Gained: 4750]


    [Void Arrow: 0¡ú1]


    ''Nine levels for killing the slavers,'' he thought, excited when he saw his gains for taking out the slavers. ''My status has increased.''


    After checking his status, he shook his head before searching the corpses for coin pouches. He soon found forty-three with 1000 copper, 200 silver, and 10 gold coins that he had retrieved from the slaver''s leader.


    Atlas stored them in his space bag before heading into the bandit camp to find this bird girl they spoke about. Five minutes later, he was standing in front of the cage that the slaves were kept in.


    He saw a dozen people shivering and looking horrified; Atlas used his tomahawk to break the lock while speaking, ''''I will be heading to Frostwood Village if you want to tag along.''''


    Once Atlas finished speaking to the scared people, he scanned the slaver camp and guessed they had a stash of wealth. His inner goblin came to life as he searched the huts he saw and found nothing until entering the leader''s tent.


    Atlas thought it was overly decorated. He looked around and spotted a small cage in the corner with a girl curled up while trembling, causing him to use Void Sight on her.


    [Name: Amethyst Flameheart]


    [Level: 25]


    [Rank: Novice]


    [Experience: 870/5000]


    As Atlas stood there, a melodic voice with a peculiar British accent abruptly pulled him back to reality. "Who goes there? Your aura speaks volumes¡ªyou''re certainly no slaver," the voice chimed, anchoring him in the present moment.


    He spun around and looked at the cage where the girl was sitting, looking in his direction. Atlas noticed her eyes were covered with a blindfold. ''Is she blind?'' he thought.


    Atlas was just about to speak, but the girl answered his question painedly, ''''Yes, I am blind, but I can see using my Cosmic Sight.''''


    Upon hearing the girl''s response, Atlas felt a pang of sympathy. Stepping toward the cage, he drew his dagger and broke the lock. "I''m Atlas," he introduced himself. "What''s your name?"


    The girl''s head tilted to the side, which made her look pretty as she replied, ''''Amethyst Flameheart.'''' Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas smiled warmly before extending his hand to help her, which she accepted. As their hands met, a jolt of electricity seemed to course through his body. However, Amethyst quickly withdrew her hand with a yelp.


    They remained silent for a moment, allowing Atlas to study her. His gaze was drawn to her stunning purple hair, fashioned in a messy ponytail, and her slender, petite frame, barely reaching five feet tall.


    Her white skin had an otherworldly glow, hinting at her non-human origin, and her pretty features gave her a distinct appearance. Atlas also observed her ears, similar to his own but slimmer and more pointed.


    While looking at the girl, he heard her call him something, ''''Mteule,'''' she mumbled. ''''The legends were true. You''re real.''''


    Atlas just looked at her as he grew confused and asked, ''''What''s a Mteule?''''


    Amethyst shook her head with a smile, ''''It would be your name in the Nubian Empire on the Aridonia Continent.''''


    ''''Aridonia Continent? Nubian Empire?'''' he asked before shaking his head and deciding to leave it until they were safe. ''''We can discuss this when we get to the nearest village.''''


    The girl nodded, but Atlas quickly noticed she only wore a thin dress that wouldn''t keep her warm. That''s when he gave her some clothes he had looted from Wildwood City, for which she was thankful.


    Amethyst quickly changed and now seemed warmer. She was pleased with her new look, which included a thick jumper and pants too oversized for her. Atlas had to admit she looked adorable in it.


    ''She''s so cute,'' he thought.


    Atlas noticed her cheeks turning red as she spoke in an embarrassed tone, ''''Stop staring at me like that.''''


    He laughed before changing the subject, ''''Why were the bandits calling you a bird girl? Are you a pigeon?''''


    Amethyst went completely red this time as she retorted, ''''I am not a bloody Pigeon Atlas! I am a mighty Cosmic Phoenix and will burn you to ashes if you call me that again!''''


    He started snickering before backing off, ''''Come on, Pigeon girl. We must escort the people back to the village and get warm food.''''


    After saying that, a purple glow was seen as a projectile hit the tent wall next to his head, causing him to yelp as he darted away while being chased by Amethyst, who was screaming insults, but Atlas failed to see the smile on her face.


    While outside, Atlas took a loaf of bread and handed it to her. She took it with a huff as he said, ''''It''s awesome that you''re a Phoenix; where did you come from?''''


    Amethyst looked down and revealed, ''''I argued with my parents and ran away while visiting their friend on the Aridonia Continent. Before I could return, I was caught by a roaming group of slavers who had someone with the Analyze skill.''''


    She looked down as she played with her fingers, ''''They found out I was a Pheonix and managed to find a buyer in Thalassar City down south who wanted my purity intact so he could take it, which would force me to bond with him.''''


    ''''Why would you do that? Couldn''t you escape,'''' Atlas inquired while they waited for the people to get ready to move.


    Her face went bright red before she answered, looking at her feet, ''''When a Phoenix does that thing with a man, we bond for life.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened, but Amethyst continued, ''''That''s why we''re allowed to choose our husbands; we would be bonded for life and need to get on with each other, or it won''t grow, and I would diminish until we return to the Great Beyond.''''


    He nodded in understanding before a man in his twenties approached him, ''''Young Master, thank you for rescuing us,'''' he said. ''''These ruffians were waiting for a slave ship to arrive in the next few days.''''


    When hearing this, his blue eyes glowed with greed, but Amethyst bonked him on the head, ''''You can''t attack the ship, silly,'''' she giggled. ''''They have high-ranked warriors on board and won''t be able to use a monster again.''''


    Atlas chuckled before the man introduced himself, holding his hand out, ''''I''m Biric, one of the two traders who reside in Frostwood Village.''''


    ''''I''m Atlas, and this is my girlfriend Amethyst,'''' he took the hand while pointing at the Phoenix girl with the other.


    She went bright red before exploding, ''''I am not your lover, you cheeky devil!''''


    Atlas chuckled, ''''I''m joking,'''' he said before turning to the trader, ''''It''s good to meet you, Biric. Is everyone ready to go?''''


    The man nodded, ''''Yes, it should take us a couple of hours to get to the village. Hopefully, we make it back before nightfall.''''


    ''''Okay, let''s go. Amethyst and I will watch the surroundings while you lead the way,'''' Atlas said.


    Biric smiled before rushing over to the people wrapping cloaks around themselves. That''s when Atlas remembered to check the leader''s tent for any loot. When he walked off without saying anything, Amethyst became alarmed and followed him.


    Atlas entered the tent and searched the slaver leader''s possessions until he heard the Phoenix girl comment, ''''Are you looking for his stash?''''


    ''''Yes, do you know where it is?''''


    Amethyst nodded before walking to the bed and flipping it with surprising strength for her size. When she did that, it revealed a hole with a small chest at the bottom, causing his eyes to widen.


    While this was happening, a certain princess Atlas was connected to was in trouble, which was the start of her story and a meeting that would change two lives.

 Chapter 14: The Lost And Unwanted

    [Thalassar City - Thalassia Empire] S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.[Two weeks after Atlas woke up and started his journey]


    Duke Eldric Montague, a revered figure in the empire, was pacing in the mansion''s foyer Emperor Leonidas Thalassia gave him once he learned of Echo Isles''s fate. He was waiting for the leader of the Silvershield Company.


    The warriors had been dispatched to the island to put the Monster Wave down after being hired by the Emperor. Eldric knew they were one of the best mercenary bands on the Astoria Continent and only sold their services to the Thalassians.


    The leader of the Silvershields was a famous Arch Master, which gave him confidence that she would find his son. While he was there, his wife Evelina joined him with a concerned expression, ''''I wonder if they found Atlas. I knew we should have forced him to come with us.''''


    Eldric had to agree with his wife, but it was too late. He was about to reply, but his guard commander Rowan entered the foyer and bowed, ''''My Lord, Lady Sylpha Silverscale has arrived and is approaching the entrance now.''''


    The commander opened the door wide, revealing a woman with silky orange hair and piercing green eyes. Eldric couldn''t help but notice the finely crafted silver armor she wore, which offered both protection and agility.


    Rumors of the renowned commander''s beauty circulated among the nobles, but witnessing it firsthand surpassed all expectations. She walked up to him and greeted him, ''''Duke Montagu. It''s good to finally meet the Demon General of Thalassia.''''


    Eldric smiled while returning the greeting, ''''It''s good to meet you, Lady Sylpha; I hope you bring some good news.''''


    The woman nodded as the Montagu couple led her and a younger woman to the nearby sitting room, where they all sat down as Sylpha started speaking, ''''We searched the island and wiped out the Monster Wave, which wasn''t too hard, but the area cannot be used for a colony as the creatures inhabiting it are dangerous, and another wave could break out at any time.''''


    After speaking, she pulled out a map of Echo Isles, pointed toward the settlement, and continued, ''''The town of Ironclad Pass was destroyed. No building was left standing; only rubble and debris remained after the Monster Wave''s rampage.''''


    Eldric''s face went white, but Sylpha pointed toward Wildwood City. ''''But we found a trail that led to a group of survivors who escaped the town''s fall and made their way through the Wailing Woods. We found all but one dead at the hands of Icefang Wolves.''''


    His eyes widened, but then the woman turned to the younger woman, who introduced herself, ''''I''m Atalanta Silverscale, Captain of the First Company and the one who found the survivors'' bodies.''''


    ''''Was my boy there!''''


    Atalanta shook her head, ''''No, My Lord. We found no children''s bodies, only two sets of tracks that led deeper into the Wailing Woods.''''


    ''Atlas! He must be alive,'' Eldric thought to himself as his wife Evelina inquired, ''''Did you track them?''''


    The younger woman, who looked to be a more youthful version of Lady Sylpha, continued to speak, ''''Yes, it was a young boy, according to our tracker, but the second set of footprints was completely different. It was a creature that seemed to be stalking Atlas.''''


    Eldric jumped up, his eyes filled with panic. Still, Sylpha interrupted, ''''My daughter and the First Company followed the tracks to a village in the Frostmark Kingdom, but the trail died when slavers attacked, and most people managed to escape thanks to a young boy who fought alongside a girl.''''


    The older woman let the information sink in before she continued, ''''A trader named Biric informed us that they were captured alongside the village guards.''''


    Upon hearing this, Evelina and Eldric visibly paled, their worry etched across their faces. However, Sylpha reassured them, her voice steady, "I will dispatch my second in command to Slavers Bay immediately to search for the boy. Can you provide us with a description of him?"


    "He possesses snow-white hair and bears the semblance of an elf, although he does not belong to their kind. His complexion matches the fairness of his hair," Evelina replied.


    With a nod, Sylpha absorbed the information, then inquired, "What affinities did he possess, and how old is he?"


    Eldric thought for a second, ''''He''s very good with fire magic and can use ice to some extent,'''' he said. ''''Oh, and he''s turning fourteen in a couple of weeks.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' Sylpha said. ''''The Silvershields will locate your son, but we cannot stop the rumors from spreading, so I suggest you hire my daughter and her company to protect the Montague Family until the empire knows you''re innocent.''''


    Eldric nodded, ''''I do not know why people would think we are trying to free ourselves of Atlas because he is adopted. But that has never mattered to me, Sylpha; he is my son through and through, and I''ll never stop loving him.''''


    Sylpha nodded, ''''I believe you, Duke. Atlas may not have been talented, but I know you love your children by how you dote on them. Diana tells me that your eldest Eleonora is doing good at the Arcane School of Magic.''''


    ''''Yes, she just started her second year while my youngest daughter Ashe is on her first,'''' Eldric said with a smile, remembering his daughters.


    They then discussed the Silvershield Companies plan on locating Atlas from the slavers.


    ***


    [Neapolis City, capital of the Olympaea Kingdom - Aridonia Continent]


    A brown-haired young woman named Artemis was sprinting through the city streets while being chased by the Royal Guards. Her second mother, Anastasia Olympaea, was now the undisputed queen of the kingdom until her daughter could take the throne.


    The queen ordered her to be imprisoned because she was a threat. In Olympaea, tradition dictates that the strongest prince or princess took the throne, and Artemis was far stronger than her older sister Athena, Anastasia''s daughter.


    However, despite being older, Athena was far weaker and less popular. Their father, the peaceful King Priam Olympaea, was slain during the Battle of The Lionheart Pass with the Vagrannians, which invaded Western Aridonia.


    The Vagrannian Hordes were a nomadic empire that stretched from the Sylphara Continent to the West, with rolling plains, vast grasslands, and mountain ranges. The Olympaean Synedrion advised the king to let the bigger powers fight the invaders and suggested they not get involved.


    All the old men and women were convinced the ravenous hordes wouldn''t bother the smaller Olympaea Kingdom as the other empires were far wealthier and bigger. They also wouldn''t allow their armies to fight the barbarians.


    But the king disagreed with the nobles and took his Royal Guard, The Sacred Band, to Lionheart Pass to set up a defense in case the nomadic warriors came knocking, which they did two weeks later.


    By this time, thousands had flocked to the king''s banner when the invaders decided to head for the Pass that the enemy would need to cross, leaving the council angry. As her father predicted, the Vagrannians annexed the Graecorian border region neighboring Olympaea when the twin empresses were battling in the far north.


    This allowed the enemy enough time to ship in reinforcements and continue their expansion south, which caused the council to panic. Her father held off a million-strong Vagrannian army with only a few thousand soldiers.


    This gave them enough time to gather their armies and lead a counterattack, as rumors spread that the twin Graecorian Empresses were leading a 1 million-strong army south to engage with the Vagrannians.


    But they weren''t alone. The Nubians sent 20,000 of their world-famous Nubian cavalry, while the Sylvandorians sent 10,000 of their infamous Savage Knights, who were notorious on the battlefield.


    Artemis was fascinated by everything that was going on but stopped daydreaming when she was nearly out of the city and about to pass through the gate when the Imperial Guardians blocked her way.


    She rushed forward with no choice but to plow her way through, casting a spell that she was famous for, ''Thunderpunch.'' A large boom was heard as thunder shot out from her fist and crashed into the soldiers, causing them to fly as the impact hit them.


    ''Hopefully, no one got hurt,'' Artemis thought.


    She could pass by the soldiers using Gaia''s Glide, thanks to her attack. The soldiers who tried to catch her couldn''t because she was gliding along the road like she was riding a hoverboard.


    Once Artemis made it through, she darted into the grasslands surrounding Neapolis. Thanks to her Enhancement spell, she got a good head start on her pursuers but was soon stopped by her older brother Nikolas Olympaea the first prince, a talented warrior who equaled her in skill and courage.


    When Artemis saw him, she sighed while unsheathing her sword, ''''Big brother. Anastasia is lying. I would never try to harm Athena; she''s our sibling!''''


    The young man sighed. ''''There are witnesses, Sister,'''' he responded. ''''Surrender, and I can talk to our mother so she will lessen your punishment. We do not need to make this harder than it already has.''''


    Her grip tightened on the hilt of her sword. "Anastasia wants me out of the way. Athena and I have no dispute with each other as she knows I have no interest in ruling Olympaea,'''' she said. ''''You already know this, brother, so let me go, and I''ll leave the kingdom. There''s no need for us to fight.''''


    Nikolas readied his spear while speaking for the last time, ''''I''m sorry, Artemis, but I have to bring you in so justice can be served even if I don''t want to.''''


    Following that, he activated his movement skill and dashed toward her, but Artemis already knew this would happen, so she cast Earth Spike that blocked the way, allowing her to cast Enhancement and Gaia''s Glide to speed across the ground.


    Artemis charged at Nikolas, who was caught off guard by defending against the spikes. He was struck in the chest with the pommel of her sword, sending him flying backward. She was about to flee when a dome appeared above her.


    Recognizing the danger, Artemis quickened her pace, but golden chains sprang from the ground, ensnaring her limbs and trapping her in place.

 Chapter 15: I Am Not A Pigeon

    Atlas pulled the chest out of the hole before inspecting it, only to find a strange-looking padlock. He used the tomahawk and struck it a few times, but nothing happened, causing Amethyst to giggle while watching him.He looked at the Phoenix girl, who motioned to move out of the way while pointing the finger at the lock and casting the Cosmic Bullet. The purple projectile made a whirling noise as it sliced through the air before hitting the lock, disintegrating it into ash.


    When he saw what she did, he was shocked and looked between the chest and Amethyst with wonder. Without wasting more time, Atlas opened the chest to see a few pouches of coins containing 100 gold, 500 silver, and 1,000 copper coins.


    Atlas stored his newfound wealth in his space bag before turning his attention to the three blue crystals the size of tennis balls. When Amethyst saw this, her eyes widened in shock before excitedly exclaiming, ''''That''s a Blue Core Stone!''''


    ''''What''s that?'''' he questioned.


    ''''They are found in the Blue Dune Desert in the far south. Many of the Trade Federations use them to power their machines, while the empires and kingdoms use them to boost their defensive shields, among many other things,'''' Amethyst explained.


    Atlas took the three stones and left the tent, followed by the Phoenix girl. When they arrived outside, the rescued people were ready and thanked him as Biric led the way to Frostwood Village.


    While they walked, Atlas felt a bad feeling creeping over him, which spurred him to hide his space bag by putting a tunic over it. After doing that, Amethyst giggled before asking, ''''Why hide the bag? It''s just cold.''''


    He looked at the purple-haired girl before shrugging, ''''I''m getting a bad feeling for some reason, and that usually means something''s going to happen.''''


    Amethyst giggled as she nudged him, ''''Nothing is wrong, you worry wart. You killed the bandits and freed the people. What else could happen?''''


    Atlas rolled his eyes, ''''Don''t jinx it, pigeon,'''' he said playfully, which earned him a punch in the arm.


    ''''Shut it, idiot! I am not a PIGEON!'' Amethyst declared as she held a purple Cosmic Bullet in her hand while turning her head to him.


    ''''Oi, put that spell away, young lady! I am merely stating facts!'''' Atlas replied before quickly dodging as Amethyst threw the bullet in his direction, causing him to dodge the attack while the two laughed.


    Soon after, they approached a ridge, only for Biric to comment as he approached the duo from behind, ''''Just over the hill lies Frostwood Village. When we get there, I will have a hot meal and warm bed for you love birds.''''


    Atlas chuckled while Amethyst blushed, casting a sideways glance at him. Meanwhile, Biric walked off, humming as if nothing had happened. The two watched the freed people pass by, each thanking him for helping them.


    Once the last person reached the top of the hill, they followed behind, and when Atlas saw the village, he was taken aback. It resembled a medieval village, with wooden buildings huddled behind the ten-foot-tall wooden wall.


    He saw plenty of people wandering around even though it was late afternoon and dark clouds hung overhead. Atlas turned to her and questioned, ''''What season is it?''''


    ''''I believe it''s the last month of Goldenfall, Harvestmoon, which means Frostwinter is about to start,'''' she answered with a smile.


    Atlas guessed Goldenfall was Autumn and Frostwinter was obliviously winter. It made him internally chuckle until she questioned him suspiciously, ''''How do you not know that? Children are taught about it from a young.''''


    He scratched the back of his head, wondering what to say, but as they made their way down the hill, Biric stood at the bottom with a big smile as he spoke, ''''You two are welcome to stay at my home, where my wife will cook you a lovely meal.''''


    When hearing Biric''s offer, Atlas looked at Amethyst, who shrugged, ''''I''m cold and hungry. I''m sure Biric isn''t a child snatcher.''''


    Atlas chuckled, but Biric went pale. He didn''t know where that came from and retorted, ''''I am no child snatcher! I have seven children, and most are older than the two of you.''''


    ''''Okay, so you''re not a child snatcher,'''' Amethyst commented while nodding as she tried not to laugh.


    Biric sighed before leading them through the village gate, where the residents tended to the people. Atlas noticed three guards standing outside the gate dressed in shabby-looking armor.


    Atlas thought they looked like Viking warriors from Earth. Once inside, I noticed it was quiet, with two dozen buildings made from a mix of stone and wood on the sides of the main street while homes were behind those.


    The roads were cobblestone and only had enough room for one carriage to travel down. While walking, Biric spoke, ''''So where do you come from, Atlas? You look like an elf, but your mana clearly shows you ain''t one.''''


    ''''What makes you think that?'''' Atlas answered, but he soon felt Amethyst staring at him even though she had a blindfold on, which was freaky.


    ''''Your eyes,'''' Biric answered. ''''I''ve never seen such a color; they are glowing.''''


    Atlas was confused and turned to Amethyst, who shrugged, ''''I can''t see the color, but there is a glow that my Cosmic Sight can see.''''


    He shrugged, ''''I don''t know; I woke up like this a couple of days ago when we escaped Ironclad Pass.'''' sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Biric looked confused and clarified, ''''The Thalassian Colony set up on Echo Isles?''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Yeah, I was the only survivor from the colony; a Monster Wave wiped them out.''''


    When the older man heard this, his eyes widened in shock, ''''Are you speaking the truth?''''


    ''''Yes, why would I lie? I get nothing from it,'''' Atlas answered.


    This caused Biric to sigh before replying, ''''In the morning, I will head to Avalanche Hollow. and inform the commander about the Monster Wave as it may hit the Frostmark Kingdom next.''''


    Atlas nodded, but Amethyst kept her gaze fixed on him until Biric continued walking. They followed him to a large house on the north side of the village. When he saw the house, it was a medium-sized house that came straight out of a medieval videogame.


    It was two stories tall and made from light brown wood that looked like oak but gave off a strange glow. This interested Atlas, so he decided to ask Amethyst later. Atlas quickly noticed the windows dotted the outside, but curtains prevented him from seeing inside.


    A well-maintained garden greeted them at the entrance, and a neigh emanated from a large shed nearby. Atlas shook his head slightly as Biric spoke. "Come on in, Neryssa will love to meet the both of you," he invited warmly.


    Amethyst looked at Atlas, who nodded as the two approached the door as it opened, and a beautiful woman answered the door with three children in tow. They all greeted Biric while screaming in happiness.


    When Atlas saw that, he felt jealous as he had never had anything like that since his early days before his mother dumped him at the orphanage, but he shook his head to clear those bad thoughts as Biric introduced his wife.


    ''''This is Neryssa, my gorgeous wife and mother to my children,'''' Biric said while motioning to the brown-haired woman with bright blue eyes.


    The older woman regarded them with a kind, maternal gaze as if they were lost children, which wasn''t far from the truth. With a warm smile, Neryssa said, "Oh, look at you two darlings. Come inside and get warm; I can cook a lovely stew you both will love."


    She ushered them into the house, and Atlas immediately felt welcome. The interior was cozy, with sofas in one corner and a kitchen in the other. He took in the well-decorated space, noting the carpeted floors that added to the homely atmosphere.


    Biric followed them inside, accompanied by one of the children, while the other two curiously stared at Atlas and Amethyst. Then Neryssa pushed them toward the sofa as she spoke, ''''Sit down and get comfortable. The moon is high, and the dark spirits roam the forest. We must stay indoors during the night.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his body stiffened, but Amethyst grabbed his hand. She managed to calm him down, but then Biric entered the room, followed by four older children who looked to be in their teens.


    The older group comprised two boys and two girls, while the younger group included two girls and one boy. Biric motioned for the other three children to join them as he introduced them.


    Biric placed his hand on the oldest boy''s shoulder and said, "This is Aldric, my eldest."


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment, while Amethyst offered a similar gesture as Biric continued, "This is my second eldest, Branor, and the youngest, Jareth."


    Each of the children greeted Atlas and Amethyst with a simple nod, lacking any verbal response. Meanwhile, the four girls stared at Atlas as if he were a rare monster their father had captured, which irked him.


    However, Amethyst''s gentle touch reassured him as Biric introduced the girls. "My oldest daughter is named Adara," he began, "while the other three darlings are Wrenna, Talia, and Phaedra."


    Atlas gave each of them a nod, but Aldric commented while sitting at the dinner table, ''''Where are you two from?''''


    ''''I''m from the Thalassia Empire,'''' Atlas answered while turning to Amethyst.


    She answered, ''''I lived on an island off the coast of the Nubian Empire in the south.''''


    ''''How are you so far north, then?'''' Branor questioned while taking off a pair of boots.

 Chapter 16: Valsonr

    Amethyst looked down but squeezed Atlas''s hand, so he answered in her place, ''''She was captured by slavers and brought all the way here to be sold in my homeland, but I will be escorting her back home to make sure she''s safe.''''As the two older boys heard this, they snickered, but Adara questioned, ''''How will you get so far south? It will be a long journey if you don''t use an airship or train, which could take you most of the way, but that will be expensive even for your age.''''


    When Amethyst heard his plan, a smile spread across her face, and she scooted closer. Atlas reciprocated the gesture with a smile of his own, wrapping his arm around her tiny waist as she got comfortable.


    Biric and the older girls couldn''t help but smile at seeing them together, sensing their newly formed bond. Neryssa brought two bowls of delicious-smelling stew and a half loaf of bread between them.


    As the aroma of the food hit Atlas''s nose, his stomach grumbled, causing him to start eating, with Amethyst following suit. The family stopped watching the two and sat down at the table to eat while praying,


    When Atlas saw this, he turned to the Phoenix girl and asked, ''''Who are they praying to? Luxia?''''


    She nodded, ''''Yes. She is the mother goddess who watches over all and blesses the family. Most families on Valoria pray to her.''''


    ''''Is it common to pray here?''''


    ''''Yes, Atlas,'''' Amethyst answered when they finished off a mouthful of stew. ''''What sort of question is that?''''


    He shrugged, ''''I don''t know much about this world.''''


    Atlas could tell she was looking at him, causing him to sigh, ''''When we settle down for the night, I will tell you what happened to me,'''' he said.


    Amethyst nodded with a smile before getting back to her food, which Atlas did. He paid more attention to the stew, which was nice and hot, while the meat was soft and tender. It reminded him of chicken back on Earth.


    He gobbled it all down as Biric came with two glasses, which he handed them, ''''Here, kids, some Sunfruit juice.''''


    ''''Thanks, Biric,'''' Atlas said as he took a mouthful and thought it tasted like orange juice.


    Afterward, he asked the older man, ''''Where is the nearest train station, and how much is it per ticket?''''


    ''''There is a station in Frostguard, which is the capital of the Frostmark Kingdom,'''' Biric replied. ''''If I remember correctly, it''s 10 gold per ticket, but only nobles and rich adventurers use it, but that is enough to line the pockets of the Morozovians, who are too greedy if you ask me.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Then we will head there to take the train south while trying to level up.''''


    ''''What class are you two anyway? I''ve been meaning to ask you but forgot,'''' Biric asked while sitting opposite them.


    Amethyst answered first, ''''I''m a Cosmic Mage,'''' she then looked at Atlas.


    He smiled before answering, ''''Voidwalker.''''


    Biric''s eyes widened at the revelation, and he muttered, "So, the ancient prophecy is true, the legends of Valsonr are real."


    ''''Sa sem visa leid,'''' he watched Biric quickly chant something with excitement building in his gaze.


    Atlas was confused, ''''What are you waffling on about, old man?'''' he questioned.


    ''''It''s a Frostmark Legend that Valsonr is the Voidwalker. The one who walks between worlds and will fight to stop Ragnarok when it comes for Valoria.''''


    ''Oh shit, Norse mythology in the making,'' Atlas internally thought. He shook his head and commented. ''''And what does that have to do with me?''''


    ''''If you don''t mind, show me your status,'''' Biric asked excitedly, ignoring his question.


    The older man turned to the kitchen, ''''Neryssa! Bring me that skillbook that''s hidden in the pantry!''''


    ''''Ok darling!'''' a reply soon came as Biric turned back to him, ''''I hope you''re not offended by my request, but I may have something to give you as a thank you for saving my life that''s only useful for yourself.''''


    Atlas nodded before turning to Amethyst, ''''Should I?''''


    The purple-haired girl replied, ''''The old man has been friendly to us; I don''t see the problem. It''s not like he can snatch us.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he answered with a snicker.


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 13


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: Voidwalker


    Level: 20


    Rank: Novice.


    Experience: 550/1000


    Affinity: Void


    ____ S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Health: 216


    Mana: 1044


    Strength: 210


    Stamina: 216


    Charisma: 292


    Intelligence: 214


    ____


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Mid Novice


    Core Points: 13150/20000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (1) Lv-1: Void Arrow (1)


    Defence: Lv-1: Void Guard (0)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ____


    Skills: Void Realm (0) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (0) Dagger Mastery (1) Health Regeneration (0)


    Atlas noticed Birics, and Amethyst was shocked when he saw it, causing him to inquire. ''''What''s wrong with you two?'''' he asked in a curious tone.


    ''''You''re the Valsonr!'''' Biric declared with a gleam in his eyes. ''''The Valsonr has finally arrived, Neryssa! Hurry with that book!''''


    When he heard the man''s excited voice, he was baffled, but Amethyst explained, ''''Remember the Nubians call you Mteule, while the legend surrounding you has a dozen different names depending on what realm you''re in.''''


    He looked confused, but Biric quickly explained, ''''For example, the Light and Dark Elves in the south have their legends about you,'''' he said while rushing to a nearby bookcase. ''''


    Biric continued, ''''In the Thalassia Empire, you would be known as Zhaen''dor Na''drethil, while the Aethyrians know you as Ithil''maiar,'''' he said.


    Atlas didn''t know how to feel about the information, but thanks to Neryssa, she returned holding a book wrapped in cloth. When Biric saw this, he took the book and closed his eyes before speaking, ''''Ma ljosid eydileggja myrkrid.''''


    ''''Why do you keep mumbling words that make no sense?'''' Atlas asked.


    Biric chuckled, ''''Sorry, it''s a Frostmark Kingdom prayer. It means May the light destroy the dark. Our ancestors passed it down since they arrived to these lands.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''What was the first prayer you said?''''


    Neryssa answered instead of Biric, ''''It means the one who points the way,'''' she explained. ''''It is believed the Valsonr will unite the world to fight against the coming darkness.''''


    ''Luxia! What have you got me into,'' Atlas complained. ''I have a feeling I will be dragged into something serious in the coming years.''


    He shook his head, ''''And I''m meant to be this Valsonr?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' Biric answered. ''''You could be mistaken for a high elf, but your ears are sharper, and the glowing eyes are a dead giveaway. Many people were told stories from a young age, and the main character''s eyes were always prominent.''''


    Atlas sighed, ''''Okay, I''ll just have to be more careful.''''


    Biric and Neryssa, as the older woman suggested, said, ''''Maybe you can get a disguise skill if it bothers you too much.''''


    ''''That''s a good idea, Atlas! We can head to the nearest city and buy one,'''' Amethyst said while getting excited.


    He nodded, but Neryssa sat down and put a book before them. Atlas wondered what it was and asked, ''''What''s this? A skill?''''


    "Yes, it''s a skill I bought during my adventuring days. I was down in the Argonia Kingdom down south when I was fourteen. A new dungeon opened, and everyone flocked to it because it catered to lower-level adventurers."


    Atlas watched Neryssa''s kind eyes glow as she took Biric''s hand while smiling, causing the older man to peck her on the forehead as he continued, ''''The old man I bought it from said this book will save my family''s life one day, and if you know anything about us Markians then you know were superstitious,'''' he said while turning his gaze to the book.


    That''s when Neryssa started talking, ''''I remember when he brought it back to the inn, we all thought he was stupid; I still do as the thing cost 1 gold coin when we hardly had anything, but it seems the old man was onto something.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he said, ''''What''s it called?''''


    ''''Zakhiregah-e Bo''di in the Achaemenidian language, but it''s known as Dimensional Storage in the common tongue.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened in shock as he had heard about it from the many novels he had read. Neryssa pushed the book toward him, ''''Everyone we know has tried to learn it, but no one can; the Professors in the Frostmark Magic Academy couldn''t determine the affinity needed to comprehend it.''''


    She unwrapped the cloth to reveal a beautiful azure blue book gleaming when the candlelight hit the cover. Biric took it out while examining it before handing it to Atlas, who took it with a shocked expression as if it had been a shock running through his body.


    Amethyst let his hand go as he opened the book, only to see writing that resembled Farsi from Earth. For some reason, he could understand it without needing to read it. Atlas flicked through the pages until an inner click was heard, and a notification popped up.


    [Dimensional Storage Learned]


    Atlas''s face lit up with a smile as he observed the scene. He promptly stored away the space bag he possessed. As he did so, he sensed the weight vanish from his body, reassured that only he could access his loot.


    Amethyst''s joy was palpable when she witnessed this, prompting her to squeal cheerfully as she hugged him, catching Atlas off guard. His cheeks flushed crimson, but he swiftly reciprocated with a hug, bringing happiness to the Phoenix girl.


    Shortly after that, Biric stood up with a big smile, ''''Great! My savior learned the spell many couldn''t,'''' he said. ''''Now, let''s get you to your bedroom for the night.''''


    Atlas nodded and stood up, followed by the Phoenix girl, but Neryssa interrupted, ''''Amethyst can stay in Adara''s room,'''' she commented. ''''It''s not right for a boy and girl to share a room.''''


    ***


    [Sa sem visa leid - The one who points the way]


    [Ma ljosid eydileggja myrkrid - May the light destroy the darkness]

 Chapter 17: You Dirty-Minded Girl

    When Atlas heard Neryssa''s words, he stepped in front of Amethyst and refused, ''''You will not be separating us,'''' he said defiantly. ''''I will not do anything to her; she''s safe with me.''''Biric stepped forward, but the older woman spoke in a concerned tone, ''''Swear the Mother Goddess that you will not harm or touch her without permission?''''


    Atlas looked at the woman and said in a determined voice, ''''I swear to the Mother Goddess that I will never harm Amethyst Flameheart and would do anything to help her.''''


    Neryssa''s face softened, ''''Maybe you ain''t as bad as the Tr¨²leysingi Reformers make you out to be.''''


    ''''Tr¨²leysingi?'''' Amethyst questioned as she held onto Atlas''s arm.


    "Non-believers of the Ragnarok Prophecy," Biric explained. "They are foolish people who ignore all the warning signs around them."


    After that, Neryssa led them to the spare bedroom while she spoke, ''''Wars are happening all over Astoria. The Winterfrost Dwarves have been raiding some of the border villages, stealing every bit of food they can get their grubby mitts on.''''


    Atlas chuckled while Amethyst giggled, which sounded like music to him. The older woman led them up a flight of stairs only to arrive at a room on the first floor, ''''Here, children, you two can sleep in here,'''' she said with a warm smile. ''''No hanky panky now, we don''t want any baby chick running around the place.''''


    When the Phoenix girl heard this, she squeaked before rushing into the room while Neryssa laughed, ''''I miss being that young. I was your age when I met Biric, who came here with his father before he retired.''''


    ''''You''ve been together that long?'''' Atlas curiously asked.


    Neryssa: ''''Yes, love,'''' she answered. ''''In the Frostmark Kingdom, relationships are sacred, as they give birth to the next generation who care for those that came before.''''


    The older woman looked down the stairs, ''''Well, that''s how it''s meant to go, Valsonr, but it seems things will get chaotic with your arrival.''''


    Atlas nodded before entering the room to find one big bed and a simple table next to a window with a good view over the village. He soon found Amethyst looking out the window as she played with her purple ponytail.


    He approached her while taking out a blanket from Wildwood City and wrapped it around the girl, who jumped in fright, causing Atlas to chuckle before she hit his arm, ''''You scared me! You mustn''t sneak up on someone when they''re not paying attention.''''


    ''''Oh shut up,'''' Atlas said while holding up the blanket. ''''I didn''t intentionally do it; I was just trying to make sure you were warm.''''


    After speaking, Atlas pulled out some food he found in the city and started preparing. Amethyst was staring at him with a small smile, but he wasn''t paying attention as he tried to assemble a sandwich.


    Twenty minutes later, he just ate some meat sliced into thin slices while eating chunks of bread. Atlas had some pastry-looking food that he offered to Amethyst, who happily took it before she started nibbling it like a mouse.


    This made Atlas laugh before he asked, ''''So, where''s the best place we can go to level up? Preferably near a city or these dungeon things.''''


    Amethyst''s eyebrows rose as she commented, ''''What? That''s common knowledge, idiot; how can you not know this?''''


    ''''I lost all my memories during the escape from Ironclad Pass,'''' he said, not wanting to reveal the truth just yet. ''''I woke up covered in blood and a bad headache until a surviving guard gave me a health potion to recover.''''


    ''''What happened to the guard? You were alone when you attacked the bandits,'''' she questioned.


    Atlas nodded, ''''He died from a snake bite; I traveled through the wailing woods for nearly three days until I stumbled upon the bandit camp.''''


    ''''You survived?'''' Amethyst exclaimed.


    ''''Yes? I nearly died because some goblins ambushed me and turned me into a pin cushion. At the same time, this happened; I kept getting attacked by Icefang Wolves, Snow Widows, and Changelings who tried to eat me,'''' Atlas explained while sighing. ''''Then I ran into a Woolhorn, which I lured into the bandit camp to get the drop on them.''''


    ''''You''ve had quite the adventure,'''' Amethyst commented while looking down. ''''I''m glad you were there, though, or I would still be a slave a few more days, and I would have had a collar put on me.''''


    Atlas nodded before going over to her and grabbing her hand, ''It''s really soft.'' he thought when their skin connected.


    He shook his head and said, ''''I''m glad I was there too.''''


    Just as Atlas finished speaking, she put her head on his shoulder, ''''To answer your question, there are many places to level up. Some forests are dangerous as monsters ranked E or above can be dangerous, but from C onward, they would butcher us before we stepped foot in a forest.''''


    ''''Makes sense,'''' he said. ''''I guess we must pick places on the way to your homeland to earn experience. But I do want to join the Adventurers Guild.''''


    Amethyst smiled, ''''We can do that in the next town as the guild doesn''t set up in villages.''''


    Atlas nodded before he yawned and bounced on the bed, ''''I will get some sleep. Do you want to join me?''''


    He watched as her face went bright red, causing him to laugh, ''''Not like that, you dirty-minded girl; I meant just sharing the bed so we can keep warm because it''s chilly in here.''''


    Amethyst got embarrassed again but nodded her head. The two of them climbed under the covers and got comfortable as the wind outside picked up, causing the window to rattle due to the intensity of it.


    Atlas watched it as a calming sound; while doing that, he felt the Phoenix girl cuddle up to him as she spoke, ''''I hope you don''t mind me doing this; I''m really cold.''''


    ''''It''s not an issue, my pigeon girl; I like it when you''re close,'''' he replied with an honest smile.


    Once Atlas finished speaking, he felt a pinch on his side, causing him to yelp in pain as Amethyst giggled, ''''Stop calling me that elf boy.''''


    He chuckled while tightening his hug to the purple-haired girl, who made an adorable noise as she got comfortable. Soon enough, the two were fast asleep as the weather outside got worse.


    ***


    [Artemis Olympaea''s POV]


    When the golden chains ensnared Artemis, she immediately knew who was responsible. She turned her gaze toward Anastasia, renowned for her holy magic, a stark contrast to her spiteful personality.


    She fought against the chains but couldn''t break free. The older woman approached with a smug expression, leaning forward to whisper into Artemis''s ear. "You will never become queen; I will ensure the prophecy is unfulfilled. You will never meet the damned Daimonas that Pythia foretold," she said with spite. "Everything belongs to me and my daughters now.


    Even your foolish brother was deceived by his honor."


    After Queen Anastasia spoke, she ordered her guards to take Artemis to the palace dungeons. There, she struggled against the men but soon gave up as memories of stories her Yia-Yia told her when she was a little girl. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She remembered the prophecy foretold the rise of an Olympaeanian Princess who would awaken the legendary Argonaut class, destined to be led by a figure named Atelos. This leader was prophesied to wage war against the corrupt nobles and evil queen.


    Some people didn''t believe it and regarded it as a legend. Still, It was foretold that he and the princess would lead to a Great War to restore the rightful queen to the throne by disposing of her family and uniting with the princess, bringing everlasting peace to the kingdom.


    Artemis never believed in this legend until her awakening, when she got the famous class, which sent shockwaves through Aridonia. This revelation shocked her as she believed the story to be a children''s tale of courage and famous battles that would unfold.


    One story stood out to Artemis: the Battle of Undying Tears, in which Atelos was foretold to lead the Olympaeanian loyalists who rallied to the princess''s banner; in the tale, Pythia, the oracle, foretold that the fiercest fighters on Valoria, the Saharaelian Desert warriors, would support him.


    She was astonished whenever she heard of their formidable fighting prowess, especially their ability to slaughter the renowned Immortals, regarded as the finest soldiers ever deployed by the Achaemenidians.


    Still, they stood in the shadow of the Desert Warriors, who thrived in the Blue Dune Desert to the south. Entering the place is deadly and has claimed billions of lives since its creation thousands of years ago.


    While thinking to herself, she was dragged through the palace before the guard commander clamped a collar on her so she couldn''t use her mana. She was thrown into a cell and left alone until the queen appeared.


    Anastasia smugly smiled while speaking with a voice full of venom, ''''You will be sold to slavers, dear Artemis. They''ve agreed to take you far away from the kingdom to live the remainder of your life in misery.''''


    She sat up, staring into her mother''s green eyes and smiling, ''''I will return, and when I do, myself and Atelos will be leading an army of the Desert Warriors and loyalists that will cover the kingdom in the blood of traitors,'''' her brown eyes gleamed with malice. ''''And when that time comes, you will die, Mother; I will slide my blade into your heart and watch as the life leaves your body.''''


    Artemis stood up before saying one more thing to the shocked woman, ''''You treacherous mal¨¢kas, you will die for this.''''


    Anastasia stiffened but ignored her and turned toward the guards. ''''Take this foul-mouthed girl to Port Aspurii; the slavers are already waiting there.''''


    Following this, time passed by slowly as Artemis was taken to the slavers and transported north as they were heading toward the Thalassia Empire, where she was to be sold to the nobles for a high price due to being a pure princess.


    She thought the slavers were going to harm her, but that never happened, and they were surprisingly professional. Artemis looked around and saw hundreds of people trapped in cages, but explosions caught her attention.


    Hours passed, and she heard the slavers returning to the ship. They pushed five people down the stairs. When the last person appeared, her eyes widened in shock.


    ''Atelos!''


    ***


    [Daimonas- Demon/Devil]


    [Yia-Yia - Grandmother]

 Chapter 18: Wild Orcs

    Atlas slowly opened his eyes and saw a wooden ceiling, which confused him. Then he remembered everything that had happened since coming to Valoria. He was slowly coming to terms with being in a new world.He shook his head, and that''s when a heavy feeling pined his right side to the mattress. Atlas turned his head and spotted the sleeping Amethyst, who was letting out adorable snores, causing him to smile.


    Something inside him told him never to let this girl go, and Atlas decided to do just that as he leaned over and kissed her forehead, earning him another noise as she rolled over, taking the covers with her.


    Atlas chuckled as he thought, ''A Phoenix burrito.''


    Following that, he put on some fresh clothes after taking them out of his Dimensional Storage. Atlas grew curious as he checked the new skill he learned.


    [Dimensional Storage: Stores items up to a total volume of 1 cubic meter - Capacity expands as the skill levels up - Living beings cannot be stored]


    ''Oh interesting, Its not too much but enough space for now,'' Atlas thought. ''Now should I level up some more before Amethyst wakes up?''


    Atlas shook his head, deciding against it since she wouldn''t like it. He wandered out of the room and heard Biric''s children downstairs, listening to Neryssa speak. This caught his attention, so he headed toward the stairs and descended the creaky wooden steps.


    When he arrived in the dining room, everyone glanced at him. Neryssa looked at him with a motherly smile, ''''Have some breakfast, Valsonr; I made some porridge, barley flatbread, and smoked Mossbelly meat darling bought from the market.''''


    He looked at the brown-haired woman and nodded as her sons stared at him. That was when Wrenna, Biric and Neryssa''s second daughter, questioned, ''''What are you and Amethyst planning to do today? A storm is due to hit this afternoon.''''


    Atlas shrugged as he reached a free chair Neryssa motioned to. ''''I was going to go in the forest with her and level up before moving on,'''' he said while getting comfortable.


    The children''s faces paled, but the older woman expressed, ''''If you do go out there, be careful as far scarier things than monsters in the Wailing Woods.''''


    He nodded, ''''I understand, and we will escape at the first sign of a strong creature.''''


    ''''Escape?'''' Amethyst''s voice came from behind them.


    Atlas turned around and smiled as he spotted the Phoenix girl walking toward the table while stretching. He quickly explained, ''''We''re going into the forest to level up, then we can move on tomorrow.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' she chirped with a smile beside him as the other children watched her.


    He noticed the oldest boy, Aldric, wanted to say something and did a second later, ''''How come you dragging a pretty girl into that dangerous forest!''''


    Atlas''s eyebrow arched in a sudden surge of jealousy that caught him off guard, but he embraced the feeling, ''''She''s not a damsel. Amethyst is a powerful Phoenix and can handle herself.''''


    Neryssa beamed when hearing this, but it angered Aldric, who stood up and left the table as his other siblings laughed at him as Adara explained, ''''Big Brother hates the forest and is scared of it.''''


    He was just about to reply to the older girl but stopped when he felt Amethyst''s hand in his, causing a smile to appear as Atlas squeezed it in return. Soon after that, the group started eating, but everyone noticed the happy smile on the Phoenix girl''s face.


    Half an hour later, breakfast was finished, and Atlas helped Neryssa with the dishes while Wrenna took Amethyst to get some winter clothes that would fit her. The older woman looked at him with a smile that a mother would give her son.


    ''''I hope my boys grow to be as kind as you. How you treat Amethyst is shocking for someone you just met,'''' Neryssa commented while cleaning a plate.


    Atlas thought about it and wondered why he treated her well, but he didn''t know, so he stopped thinking about it and finished washing up just as the girl in question returned wearing a thick tunic, woolen pants, and a pair of old boots.


    ''She''s adorable in anything,'' Atlas thought while looking at the Phoenix girl.


    They said goodbye to Neryssa before leaving the house and strolling through Frostwood. Atlas took in the sights and loved every second of it as the place reminded him of a medieval village.


    People went about their daily routines, some fishing on a nearby dock while others did their tasks. The duo strolled through the village until they reached the gate, where the guards allowed them to pass.


    While outside the village, Atlas pulled out his dagger and tomahawk while Amethyst readied a Cosmic Bullet. She turned to him and smiled proudly, ''''I will be able to sense when the monster grows closer. It''s called Cosmic Sense.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied. ''''Just be careful and don''t spill up; the monsters are sneaky.'''' S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two continued and finally crossed the threshold, separating the village from the dark forest. Once they stepped inside, the sounds of monsters reached their ears, causing Amethyst to step closer to him.


    Atlas smiled as he put away his dagger and took the girl''s delicate hand, making her look at him. He could see her eyebrow raised as she questioned, ''''Why are you being so kind to me?''''


    "Because I was always alone, with no one to connect with, until I met you and felt something special between us," Atlas explained. "I''d like to embark on adventures with you and explore all the lands we can."


    Amethyst stopped walking and looked at him. Her hand raised to the blindfold covering her eyes, and she started rubbing it as if it were bothering her. "Doesn''t it disturb you that I''m blind?"


    ''''No? You can still see with Cosmic Sight, so what''s the issue?'''' Atlas said with a smile, and he felt his cheeks red due to what he was about to say. ''''Plus, I find you pretty and want to see where we go.''''


    Atlas noticed her whole face and pointy ears were as red as tomatoes, which caused him to laugh. But something told him to push her out of the way, which he instantly did. Amethyst stumbled to the side as a ramshackle spear pierced the ground where she was standing.


    He looked around and saw a group of five pig humanoids rushing toward them, which caused Atlas to scan it as he was confused because he didn''t know what they were.


    [Wild Orcs]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''Oh god. But it doesn''t surprise me,'' he thought before gazing at Amethyst, who was ready to fight as two purple bullets spun in her hands.


    Atlas informed her of his plan, ''''I will take three while you take the other two, but we need to help each other.''''


    Amethyst nodded with a smile and unleashed the Cosmic Bullets toward the two Orcs at the back. The spell hit them square in the chest, knocking them to the ground. Although injured, the monsters were still alive as Atlas charged forward.


    Thanks to the old Atlas''s training with his father''s guards and Dagger Mastery, he had a basic understanding of fighting using the weapon ingrained into his body. He cast Void Shield to block the monster''s swing when he got close to the nearest Orc.


    When the wooden club hit the blue shield, it bounced backward, allowing Atlas to lunge forward and slash at the Orc''s ankle, bringing it to its knees before he fired a Void Bullet into the back of the monster''s skull.


    With one down and four to go, Atlas looked at Amethyst and saw her dodging one Orc''s swing before she rushed away like a rabbit, which confused the monster. It chased after her, but she got the upper hand and managed to trip them up using the tree roots.


    As it hit the ground, Atlas watched as she conjured a purple arrow and sent it flying toward the downed Orc. The projectile punched right through its flesh, causing the creature to drop dead.


    That''s when he spotted one of the monsters creeping up on her and took a swing. Amethyst noticed it at the last second and cast a spell that covered her body in a purple barrier, but it couldn''t stop the club as it connected with the shield.


    The strike force sent her flying deeper into the forest with a scream. When Atlas saw this, he went to rush toward her, but an Orc stepped in front of him and struck one of his legs, causing him to feel it snap when its club connected.


    This caused Atlas to flip like a cartwheel before slamming on the ground with a thud, and he screamed in pain as it shot through his body. But he still managed to spam Void Arrows, which peppered two of the three remaining Orcs, causing them to drop to the ground injured.


    Without wasting another second, he felt his bones mending themselves. Atlas was panicking as one Orc was left, causing him to take out an immediate Health Potion from his storage and downed it.


    He felt his body repairing itself, allowing him to struggle to his feet. Atlas aimed his hand at the two wounded Orcs and cast twenty Void Bullets. The azure projectiles flew through the air and pierced through their heads, killing them instantly.


    Atlas looked around and was worried about Amethyst but soon found out that he was struck by a club and sent crashing into a nearby tree, causing some of his bones to break as he slumped to the ground.


    He tried to get up, but his body wasn''t listening. That''s when he noticed the last Orc approaching with a smug grin. As the creature drew near, it raised its club, ready to swing it down on him.

 Chapter 19: The One Who Points The Way

    Atlas watched the club fall toward him, ''Am I going to die already? Well, it was fun while it lasted.'' he thought just as he tried to cast Void Guard to defend himself.But a purple blast struck the weapon, deflecting it from its trajectory and sending it careening toward the earth beside him. Atlas watched Amethyst emerge from a thicket, her form bathed in a radiant purple aura as she fired off a stream of spells.


    Arrows flew into the Orc''s face, stopping its attack on Atlas and causing it to bellow in pain. He could see she was angry as the aura around her flared like a roaring fire. She didn''t stop there and sent what looked like a Cosmic Blast at the monster that burned a basketball-sized hole in its body.


    It fell back dead, causing Atlas to let out a breath of relief as he collapsed as the pain riddled his body. When the battle was over, he pulled out a High Health Potion as Amethyst rushed over to him in a panic.


    ''''Atlas! Oh my god, you''re hurt,'''' she panicked while checking him over.


    As she did this, he popped the cork and downed half before pouring the other half on his injuries. Thanks to his regeneration and the potion, they started to heal faster, causing him to release a breath of relief.


    Amethyst sighed in relief as she hugged him tightly; Atlas smiled before asking, ''''How are you? The monster sent you flying.''''


    She grinned while letting him go before puffing out her chest and exclaiming, ''''I am a powerful Cosmic Phoenix; you seem to have forgotten that fact.''''


    Atlas chuckled, ''''Would it be okay to see your status? I want to compare the two off ours.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' she held her hand out while mumbling something, and a blue screen appeared before him.


    Name: Amethyst


    Age: 14


    Race: Cosmic Phoenix


    Class: Cosmic Mage


    Level: 25


    Rank: Novice


    Experience: 870/5000¡ú400


    Affinity: Space


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 264¡ú268


    Mana: 1200¡ú1210


    Strength: 284


    Stamina: 562


    Charisma: 310


    Intelligence: 198¡ú200


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Low Novice


    Core Points: 800/10000¡ú300


    Body Tempering Level:


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Cosmic Bullet (2) Lv-1: Stellar Arrow (3) Lv-2: Cosmic Blast (4)


    Defence: Lv-1: Cosmic Barrier (4)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Phoenix Form (Locked) Cosmic Wings (2) Cosmic Sight (4)


    When Atlas saw her status, his eyebrows raised surprisedly, ''''You''re strong, Amethyst.''''


    The phoenix girl beamed, but he wrapped his arms around her in a spur of the moment as it felt right to do; while doing this, he whispered, ''''Thank you for saving me. If not for you, I''d be dead.''''


    She nodded with a beautiful smile, which made his heart flutter; Amethyst replied sweetly, ''''Don''t worry about it, Atlas, it''s what partners do for each other.''''


    ''''We''re partners now? Does that mean you want to be my girlfriend?'''' Atlas replied with a smirk that earned him a slap to the arm.


    When Amethyst heard this, her whole face went bright red. She tried to answer, but only a string of unintelligible noises came out. Atlas smiled while hugging the Phoenix girl as she finally spoke, ''''I would like that, Azhar''Zul.''''


    A shock ran through his body when he heard that name, causing him to let Amethyst go as he was freaked out, ''''What did you call me?''''


    ''''The Azhar''Zul Prophecy,'''' she said. ''''It''s a legend that our people''s shamans and Azharites priests spread all over Aridonia.''''


    Atlas sat down on a nearby log as she joined him while continuing, ''''Al-ladh¨© yursheed al-tareeq means the one who points the way Atlas, the Saharaelians worship the Azhar''Zul, which is who I think you are.''''


    ''''What does Azhar''Zul mean?''''


    ''''The Chosen Messiah who leads us to paradise,'''' she answered. ''''I am part of the Flameheart Tribe of the Southern part of the Blue Dune Desert. Our people answer to the Great Mother who awaits the Azhar''Zul''s return.''''


    ''''Why do you think it''s me?''''


    ''''You''re eyes and magic, it''s nothing like I''ve seen before, but all the stories speak of a beautiful azure color,'''' Amethyst answered.


    ''''If I concentrate, I can see the glow of your eyes, which is a dead giveaway that proves you''re the Voidwalker, the Azhar''Zul, the Chosen Messiah, the one who unites the tribes and leads us to victory against the Achaemenidians who destroyed our people and scattered us to the desert.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he didn''t know how to feel, but it made sense when he remembered the impending chaos invasion. It would be useful to have an army of fanatical warriors who could fight against the monsters. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he was staying quiet, Amethyst panicked, causing her to reveal the truth, ''''The last Voidwalkers first wife was a Cosmic Phoenix just like me, Atlas! And you rescued me from those slavers!''''


    She jumped up as excitement overtook her. ''''It''s destiny at work! The Azhar''Zul and a Cosmic Phoenix in the same place at the same time? It''s fate.''''


    Atlas looked at her, ''''Maybe you''re right? But if we get together, we''ll take things slow?'''' he said. ''''I''ve never been in a relationship, so it''s new to me, but I ain''t going to rush into anything and ruin us.''''


    Amethyst blushed even deeper than Atlas thought possible, her voice barely above a whisper as she asked, ''''So... you want to be with me?''''


    Atlas smiled warmly, his words gentle yet filled with sincerity. ''''Yes, you''re beautiful, kind, and... well, I''d like to discover more about you as we journey through this land together.''''


    Before Amethyst could respond, she leaned in and kissed him, surprising them both. They pulled back, stunned, a shared sense of disbelief hanging in the air. Amethyst touched her lips, her voice tinged with astonishment. ''''Fate''s Connection.''''


    As they rose to their feet, Amethyst embraced him tightly. "From now on, take care of me," she whispered.


    ''''I will, my phoenix girl,'''' Atlas replied before the two separated as he continued. ''''Let''s do more hunting after I collect the cores.''''


    Amethyst nodded, ''''Okay,'''' she said with a pretty smile. ''''I will watch your back while you cut them out.''''


    "Thank you," Atlas replied gratefully, pulling out his dagger and advancing toward the Orcs.


    "Now, where would the core be?" he pondered aloud.


    "In the chest," Amethyst said from behind him.


    Atlas turned to find her twirling around the clearing with a radiant smile. He couldn''t help but feel warmed by her happiness. Shaking his head in amusement, he cut out the 5 orange Monster Cores, stowing them away in his Dimensional Storage before preparing for the next hunt.


    Once Atlas finished that, he checked his status to see his new gains.


    [Level Up: 20¡ú21]


    [Experience: 150/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 600]


    [Health: 216¡ú224]


    [Mana: 1044¡ú1048]


    [Intelligence: 214¡ú216]


    [Core Points: 13150¡ú13600]


    [Core Point Gained: 450]


    After that, they continued hunting in the Wailing Woods and ran into a pack of twenty Icefang Wolves relaxing in a clearing. Atlas stopped behind a bush as Amethyst crouched beside him, ''''What''s the plan Azhar''Zul?''''


    He looked at her with a raised eyebrow, ''''Are you going to keep calling me that?''''


    The phoenix girl grinned, ''''That or my Amore.''''


    ''''What does that mean?''''


    Amethyst went red again, but he could never get tired of seeing it as she answered, ''''A name. It''s a name a wife calls her husband in my tribe.''''


    Atlas beamed when he heard this and pecked her on her button nose, which made her giggle. But then they got down to business as he explained the plan: ''''You move to the right, and when I have their attention, attack them from the rear.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' Amethyst got ready to move, but she grabbed his hand. ''''Promise me you''ll be okay?''''


    He nodded, ''''Of course, my phoenix.''''


    After hearing that she moved through the bushes like a mouse, Altas turned back to the wolves sniffing the air, causing him to jump out, casting Void Bullets at the monsters and catching them off guard.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air and pierced the creatures'' skulls. Four of them dropped instantly as Atlas pulled out his dagger and tomahawk. Just as a wolf lunged at him, he cast Void Guard.


    It crashed against his shield, allowing him to stab the wolf in the head as another crashed into him. However, Atlas used his tomahawk to keep the monster''s jaws away from his face before casting Void Bullet into its head, causing it to flop on top of him.


    Atlas pushed the beast off him before casting several Void Arrows into the circling Icefang wolves, hitting three of them. Just after his attack, purple bullets peppered the creatures from behind, causing them to yelp.


    He sprang into action as soon as Amethyst entered the fray, their combined efforts swiftly decimating the wolf pack and drenching the clearing in a morbid display of monster blood due to their battle.


    Once it subsided, she settled beside a tree and gestured for him to join her, patting her lap invitingly. With a small smile, Atlas approached and took a seat, but before he could settle in, Amethyst gently guided his head onto her lap, her fingers threading through his hair.


    Curiously, he inquired, "How many wolves did you kill?"


    "Eight," she replied. "That leaves twelve for you. You should''ve leveled up again."


    Atlas chuckled and checked.


    [Level Up: 21¡ú22]


    [Experience: 350¡ú1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1200]


    [Mana: 1048¡ú1060]


    [Strength: 210¡ú212]


    [Stamina: 216¡ú218]


    [Charisma: 292¡ú294]


    [Core Points: 13600¡ú14800]


    [Core Points Gained: 1200]


    ''''I leveled once,'''' Atlas revealed. ''''What about you?''''


    Amethyst smiled before showing him her gains, ''''I also gained a level, which is quicker than I''m used to,'''' she said in a happy tone.


    [Level Up: 26¡ú27]


    [Experience: 70/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 800]


    [Mana: 1210¡ú1212]


    [Strength: 284¡ú286]


    [Core Points: 1100¡ú1900]


    [Core Points Gained: 800]


    When Atlas saw her status, he asked, ''''What''s the standard status?''''


    ''''Erm, I believe human children usually are born with seventy in every attribute, but when they train, it increases, but that is different to the one hundred and fifty elves receive, or the eighty dwarves get.''''


    Atlas nodded as they relaxed for a few more minutes before returning to monster hunting to level up even more.

 Chapter 20: GrakThar Gromogar

    [Grak''Thar Gromog''ar - the one who points the way][Grishna''s POV]


    Grishna traveled for days until she reached the biggest city in the southern part of the Thalassia Empire. While passing through the main entrance, she was greeted with thousands of people coming and going.


    She had to dodge around some merchants who weren''t watching where they were going. Grishna headed for the Adventurers Guild to sell the monster parts she gathered on the way here, and thanks to all her hunting, she gained several levels and upgrades to her attributes. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While strolling down the main street, she checked her last gains from hunting some Grassland Goats wreaking havoc on a nearby farm.


    [Level Up: 105¡ú106]


    [Experience: 780/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 3200]


    [Health: 846¡ú866]


    [Mana: 2318¡ú2368]


    [Strength: 1598¡ú1680]


    [Stamina: 1322¡ú1368]


    [Charisma: 560¡ú566]


    [Intelligence: 350¡ú10]


    ''Lovely,'' Grishna mused. ''Those little fuckers were a pain in the ass when they scattered, but the experience was worth it.''


    Following that, she saw the Adventurers Guild in the distance, which caused Grishna to pick up the pace and walk down the street, dodging families and people on their way to work. She also noticed they had no manners, which annoyed her, but she ignored it and entered the guild only to see it busy.


    With a roll of her eyes, Grishna approached the shortest queue, only to be intercepted by a familiar adventurer group. The leader, Thorne Blackhammer, wielded a greatsword and stood six foot five with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a gnarly scar down the right side of his face.


    Behind him were four women: two humans, an elf, and a wolf demi-human. She recognized this party as the one persistently trying to recruit her, which would mean joining Thorne''s harem¡ªa prospect that held no appeal for her.


    ''''No, I don''t want to join your harem, Thorne,'''' Grisnha warned. ''''Do you want to get knocked out again?''''


    "Woah, Grish," Throne held his hands up before revealing why he was bothering her. ''''I know you''re not interested in me, but I was here to see if you''re traveling to the Everglade Kingdom. They''ve found several level 3 dungeons giving out good spoils."


    ''''Yes, I was going to take the train down to Greenglade City before trekking to the Darkheart Jungle to level up,'''' she answered the man.


    Throne nodded, but the wolf demi-human, Mia, spoke up, ''''Why do we travel together, Grish? We''re headed for the Devil''s Swamp Dungeon outside the Darkheart Jungle.''''


    She narrowed her green eyes at the wolf woman just as one of the humans who was Throne''s mage said, ''''It will be good to have a strong warrior join us for the journey. I heard monsters are running rampage through the Kingdom.''''


    Grishna sighed. ''''Okay, but don''t try anything funny,'''' she exclaimed before turning to the elf. ''''None of your love potions, Blondie, or I will cut your hair again.''''


    The elf squeaked before hiding behind Throne, who spoke, ''''Don''t scare Jenna; she only tried to give you the potion once during that dungeon raid.''''


    ''''She was lucky Draksha caught her. Otherwise, I would have been a love zombie, which is disgusting,'''' she said the last bit with venom in her voice that caused Jenna to squeak again, making Grishna laugh.


    ''''Where is Draksha? We haven''t seen her in a year or so,'''' Mia questioned.


    ''''She joined a cult who worships Grak''Thar Gromog''ar,'''' Grishna spat out the last words with a bitter feeling as she lost her best friend to the traveling warrior devotees. ''''Stupid fanatics of a being that isn''t going to come and is just a prophecy told by the elders to give hope to the warriors.''''


    Throne laughed, ''''Yes, the older generation loves their tales. Ours tell us of the Azhar the Devil like he''s real when we all know it''s just a children''s story used to scare them into being good.''''


    Grishna nodded, ''''Okay, meet me at the Suncrest Train Station in the morning. The train should be leaving for the south.''''


    The adventurer group nodded and left the guild, allowing Grishna to sell her haul. She earned 10 gold, 89 silver, and 20 copper, which pleased her greatly. With this, she could afford a decent room and a hearty dinner, which excited the Orc warrior.


    She left the guild behind and headed for an inn she knew well, the Prancing Pony, which served delicious food. Grisna saw the large stone building decorated with beautiful blue wood, causing her to quicken her step.


    When Grishna entered the inn, she was welcomed by an old man named Bronn. ''''Oh look, who is it?'''' he said in a jovial tone. ''''The little Orc Warrior has returned to Suncrest.''''


    ''''Shut up, old man,'''' she replied with a smile. ''''I''ll stay until morning, so give me the usual.''''


    ''''Yes, Princess,'''' Bronn answered with a chuckle. ''''Same room, and I''ll send little Lucy up with the food.''''


    Grisha threw him a gold ring. ''''Thanks, Bronn. I''m glad you''re well. It''s trying times out there.''''


    ''''You too, darling. Mariam misses her Orc daughter too much, and you have to make sure you see her the next time you''re here,'''' Bronn said with a fatherly smile.


    ''''I will; it''s been chaos at home. Father is frustrated that I couldn''t catch up with my siblings, so I''m heading for the Everglade Kingdom to level up.''''


    Bronn nodded, ''''Some traders were in here a week ago claiming the kingdom has gone mad due to the old king falling ill and his sons fighting among each other, causing monsters to run wild, so if it''s the experience you''re after, Everglade is the perfect place to go.''''


    ''''Okay, old man, I''ll be going to rest as I''ve had a long journey from the Bloodfang Kingdom and fought many monsters, so I''m going to put my feet up and have a nice hot bath,'''' Grishna said while heading for the staircase.


    Ten minutes later, Grishna stood in her room and locked the door behind her. She stripped off her dirty armor and let it drop to the floor with a thud before entering the bathroom connected to the room she rented for the night.


    Grishna stepped into the relaxing hot bath and sank until her head was the only thing out of the water. She slowly started to doze off, but it wasn''t sleep. Something divine took hold of her mind.


    She woke up in a white room, which confused her. Grishna looked around but saw nothing until an older woman''s voice was heard, ''''My little Orc, it has been a while since we last spoke.''''


    When she heard the voice, she spun around, only to see an older Orc woman wearing a white toga and a motherly smile, causing Grishna to speak, ''''Goddess Gruum''ka, it good to see you after so long,'''' she went to bow but was stopped.


    ''''No need to bow, little one; I''m here to inform you of the arrival of the Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, and he will be coming to your destination, but I need you to find him and become his fist.''''


    Grishna''s eyebrows shot up, ''''He''s real? Draksha was right,'''' she said in shock.


    Grumm''ka started giggling. ''''Of course, he is, but the boy''s future is clouded, and none of us gods can see where he''s going,'''' she informed her.


    ''''We cannot tell how he will play along with our plans, but I have a slight suspicion that Grak''Thar Gromog''ar isn''t as simple as he looks and will shock Goddesses Luxia and Nyx who made him their champion,'''' the Orc goddess informed her.


    But all Grishna could think about was her friend being right, and they fell out over it, which made her feel even worse. Grumm''ka reassured her, ''''You two will reunite as Draksha is the second fist, so don''t worry, little one.''''


    She nodded as the goddess, ''''What do I need to do?''''


    ''''I will come to you when the time is right, but continue with your journey as the Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. He hasn''t arrived in the Darkheart Jungle, but you''ll know once you look at him.''''


    ''''Okay, I will do it, goddess,'''' Grishna replied. ''''Thank you for this opportunity. I hope he can bring peace to the Orc Kingdoms.''''


    Grumm''ka smiled, ''''Now enjoy your bath, and good luck on your hunt, little one.''''


    After her divine encounter, Grishna was roused from her bath by insistent knocking on the door. "Coming!" she called out, hastily wrapping a towel around her body before heading to answer.


    Upon opening the door, she was greeted by a beaming blonde girl who quickly exclaimed. "Sister Grish! How have you been?"


    ''''I''ve been good, Lucy,'''' she replied to the little human. ''''Come in.''''


    Grishna let her enter as she held the door open, and the little girl pushed the trolley inside before unloading dozens of plates like a pro, which amazed the Orc Warrior.


    After some small talk, Lucy had to get back to work, leaving Grishna alone to eat. She sat down and started tucking into the feast that Bronn''s cook had made, which tasted delicious. She continued to eat everything until she was full and lying on her bed with a bloated stomach.


    ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar''s real,'''' she sighed. ''''I''m sorry for doubting you, Draksha.''''


    Grishna fell asleep after wrapping the blankets over her and getting comfortable. The following morning, she woke up to cheering and whistling, which irritated her. She got out of bed and opened the window only to see a group of well-dressed men and women marching down the road.


    When Grishna tutted, ''''Damn, Argonian Adventurers are hitting the Thalassian Dungeons again. I wonder if that blonde bitch Estelle is there; stuck-up princess thinks she''s the best Rank G around; I''ll show her one of these days.''''

 Chapter 21: The Knight & Frostbear

    [Estelle Argonia''s POV]"May Goddess Sol bless my blade so I can smite the darkness that plagues our world," a woman said in a heavy French accent as the old mine she was in lit up, ''''Solar Slash.''''


    A heavenly fire coated her longsword in white as she sidestepped the Wraith that was attacking her. She destroyed the monster, terrorizing a nearby village with one swing that destroyed it.


    But that wasn''t the only monster lurking in the old mine she found herself in. Ghouls rushed out from deeper within the cavern, but she was ready and cast Light Blast at the creatures, and thanks to her high affinity with light magic, it easily annihilated them.


    The Ghouls continued to swarm, compelling the woman to dispatch each one skillfully with precise strikes of her sword. She instinctively dodged their attacks or raised her shield to block them, her every move guided by her rigorous training.


    It took the woman several minutes to dispatch the Ghouls, who were screeching until she cut the last creature''s head off with a quick swipe. Then, she cleaned the blade and sheathed it to scan the area. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was Estelle Argonia, the 5th Princess of the Argonia Kingdom. Thanks to her skill in battle, the king allowed her to explore the world while accompanied by five Battle Sisters who kept her safe.


    But this time, she snuck away from her guards to gain some experience instead of sharing it with them all, which was slow. Estelle looked around the mine and saw containers holding an unnamed ore.


    While doing that, she heard a group running toward her; that''s when her guards appeared ready for battle but looked around the mine in shock as the commander, an older woman named Maria, spoke, ''''My Lady, you cannot go wandering off like that. The Thalassia Empire is dangerous for high-ranked monsters.''''


    Estelle waved her away, ''''I was fine, Maria; I vanquished the Wraith plaguing the village,'''' she said with a smile. ''''We can head for the Everglade Kingdom; I want to test this new Devil''s Swamp Dungeon. The Guild Master informed me it''s the best to earn experience.''''


    Maria nodded as she said a small prayer, ''''The one who points the way.''''


    ''''Why do you pray to such an old religion, Maria? The Le Messie ¨¦lu won''t come,'''' Estelle commented while collecting the Monster Cores.


    ''''My Lady, the Chosen Messiah will come and bring light to this dark world,'''' Maria said.


    ''''Enough of this,'''' she demanded. ''''I don''t want to hear about him anymore; it''s an old children''s tale, and that''s all.''''


    Maria and the four other women nodded before another Battle Sister named Jeanne spoke, ''''We can catch the train from Suncrest City. One of the stops is Greenglade City, where we can travel to the dungeon on foot.''''


    Estella nodded, ''''Agreed,'''' she said. ''''I''ve collected the cores and am ready to go.''''


    The six left the old mine and started their walk to the city, where Estelle and the Battle Sister were well-known because she had saved it from a Monster Wave a week back. When they exited the darkness, the moon was shining brightly.


    ''''Charlotte! Set up the tent; Maria, Jeanne, and Sophie will be on watch,'''' Estelle ordered the guards. ''''Margot, you''re on firewood duty.''''


    They all saluted until Maria commented, ''''What will you be doing, My Lady?''''


    Estelle grinned as she took out her bow before answering, ''''Hunting.''''


    Following that, the Battle Sisters started their tasks while she checked her status to see her gains from the latest battles.


    [Experience: 4340/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 2000]


    [Health: 1146¡ú1148]


    [Mana: 3888¡ú3900]


    [Strength: 1212¡ú1218]


    [Stamina: 1100¡ú1102]


    ''Lovely,'' Estelle thought while looking at the blue screen. ''If I continue like this, I will rank up in no time.''


    Following her departure from the mine, Estelle ventured into the nearby woods in search of monsters to hunt. Not long before, she encountered a Woodland Boar, a notorious Rank E creature known for its ferocious charges.


    With practiced skill, Estelle approached stealthily, drawing her bow and aiming at the creature''s head. The arrow strikes the side of the Woodland Boar''s head instead, causing it to drop lifeless.


    Estelle approached the corpse before dragging it back to camp so she could prepare it for dinner as a howl was heard in the distance.


    ***


    [The Northern Wastes - Windpeak Mountain]


    Atop the snowy expanse of Windpeak Mountain, a young woman with captivating blue eyes, dark brown hair, and a complexion as rich as mahogany stood out against the stark white landscape.


    She made her home in a secluded cave, a sanctuary amidst the unforgiving terrain. The woman was Nuliajuk Sivuraq, a name whispered with reverence and fear among the Frostbear Tribe. Cast out for defying tradition, she refused the chieftain''s hand in marriage and bested him in combat.


    Branded as an outcast, she bore the title of the Frost Witch, a solitary figure shrouded in mystery. Yet, behind her solitude lay a story untold, a reason veiled by the icy winds that swept across the mountain peaks.


    A time was upon them when the Chaos Hordes invaded the world, and the Northern Waste Tribes fought them to a stalemate, but Nuliajuk knew the Chosen Messiah would arrive soon and beat back the monsters.


    Just as Nuliajuk thought that her stomach grumbled, causing her to laugh, ''''Time for dinner, it seems, Atek,'''' she said with a smile. ''''Are you joining?''''


    A growl was all that was heard, causing her to laugh, ''''You''re a big bad Frostfang, not a kitten.''''


    When she said that, a large sabertooth tiger-like monster lazily walked out of the cave. The creature''s fur was a beautiful white, and its yellow eyes spoke of intelligence and amusement.


    ''''I''m going hunting; Frostwinter has brought the Giant Mammoth herds back to the Snowdrift Plains in the north,'''' Nuliajuk said. ''''Do you want to come?''''


    Atek nodded his massive head, eliciting a smile from her before she leaped off the mountainside. As Nuliajuk plummeted toward the icy tundra below, she shifted into her Frostbear form, crashing onto the ground.


    A colossal dust cloud billowed out from the impact. She walked out in her true form, twice the size of a polar bear; Nuliajuk exuded a menacing presence. Her intense blue eyes gleamed amidst her white fur, seamlessly blending into the snowy landscape.


    Atek joined her after he jumped down the boulder he used to climb up to their home. After seeing that, Nuliajuk took off and rushed across the landscape, followed by her Frostfang companion.


    The two continued traveling until they reached a hill and got a perfect view of the herd. Nuliajuk saw the monsters grazing on the bluegrass covering the ground below. There were hundreds of monsters stretching as far as the eye could see.


    Standing twelve feet tall, these creatures resembled Earth''s mammoths, yet their demeanor exuded a savage aura. With dark brown fur and piercing red eyes that seemed to glow with malice, they presented formidable adversaries.


    Nuliajuk recognized the daunting challenge they posed. However, she and Atka possessed the skill and cunning to take down two of these behemoths, a feat that would provide sustenance for weeks to come.


    Aware of the Giant Mammoths'' formidable strength yet limited intellect, Nuliajuk strategically positioned herself beside a dense bush, blending seamlessly with her surroundings while she scanned the herd.


    Meanwhile, Atek patiently awaited her signal nearby, poised for action. Soon, a small group of mammoths emerged from the herd and headed for a nearby water hole. When Nuliajuk saw this, she knew they were her target.


    She grunted, signaling Atka to follow her as she stalked the monsters. Ahead of them were two giant mammoths and a younger one. Nuliajuk planned to take down one while her companion dealt with the other.


    After setting up the ambush, Nuliajuk erupted from the bush with a powerful roar, lunging at the largest mammoth and sinking her claws into its throat. The scared monster started to panic and wildly thrashed around.


    Nuliajuk held on tight and started hitting it with her Ice Claw spell, which demolished the mammoth''s hide. Soon, the giant beast collapsed once it lost enough blood, allowing her to target the smaller one fighting Atka.


    With a roar, she crashed into the younger mammoth and swiped at it with her massive claws, sending it collapsing to the ground. The monster stumbled back as Atka jumped onto the last adult.


    The battle continued for a few minutes, and the Giant Mammoths died when it went quiet. Nuliajuk was breathing heavily as she started dragging the corpse back to their home. She saw Atek lying down with his eyes closed.


    Nuliajuk looked at him before complaining, ''''You lousy pet! I''m dragging our food back home, and you''re lying down.''''


    The large cat looked at her and huffed before resting even more. She laughed at this before dragging the mammoth corpses until it was at the bottom of their mountain ledge. Nuliajuk clamped her jaws around the neck before dragging it up like a jaguar trying to take its food into the trees.


    It took her a while, but she finally managed to drag the mammoth back to the entrance of their cave. Moments later, the smaller mammoth carcass landed beside her with a heavy thud. Nuliajuk looked up to see Atek climbing up with a flustered expression.


    She giggled and said, "I''ll get the other corpse and try to hunt one more. Come with me."


    With that, she leaped off the ledge, and Atek followed. Nuliajuk hunted tirelessly for hours, and by the end of the day, they had amassed a collection of several Giant Mammoths. She was back at the cave entrance and returned to her humanoid form.


    As Atek glowed, he transformed into a house cat-sized Frostfang and padded over to Nuliajuk, nudging his head against her leg. She picked him up and stroked him, saying, "Let''s get inside. The moon is rising, and those things come out at night to hunt."


    The little cat growled, but Nuliajuk laughed before dragging the mammoth corpses inside the cave. She blocked the entrance with a boulder just as the howling started.

 Chapter 22: Stop Fighting Us Boy

    Atlas and Amethyst continued their hunt, eventually coming across a Rank F Forest Boars herd. The duo skillfully hunted down the boars, securing their prey. Later, they encountered a colony of Snow Widows, swiftly dispatching the creatures with flames until they ceased their movements.The monsters made the couple cringe as their skittering was skin-crawling. Atlas looked at the phoenix girl as he felt the experience pour into his body. A refreshing feeling washed over him as he leveled up once again.


    He worked out the number of monsters he killed, consisting of twenty Forest Boarts and fifteen Snow Widows, while Amethyst killed twelve boars and twenty spiders, which helped her level up.


    Atlas checked his status.


    [Level Up: 21¡ú24]


    [Experience: 850/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 3500]


    [Health: 224¡ú234]


    [Mana: 1060¡ú1084]


    [Strength: 212¡ú218]


    [Stamina: 218¡ú222]


    [Charisma: 294¡ú298]


    [Intelligence: 216¡ú222]


    [Core Points: 14800¡ú16300]


    [Core Points Gained: 1500]


    Atlas got happy, and Amethyst noticed, ''''Leveled up again, Azhar''Zul?''''


    ''''Yes, three times, and gained some boosts on my attributes,'''' he said while standing up and brushing the dirt off his pants before continuing. ''''We should head back to the village; we''ve been out for hours.''''


    ''''Go collect the cores; there should be thirty-five,'''' Amethyst commented as she messed around with her status.


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment before retrieving his dagger and looting the spiders. The task turned his stomach, as he would have preferred the process to be more akin to dealing with the boars, but luck wasn''t on his side.


    In total, he managed to collect seventy-five white cores from the creatures. With a sense of relief, he stowed them away in his Dimensional Storage. Atlas couldn''t help but feel grateful to Biric for granting him this skill, which was proving incredibly useful already.


    Once Atlas finished collecting all the cores, he stored some of the Forest Boars before the duo returned to Frostwood Village. While walking, she grabbed his hand, causing him to smile.


    While walking, Atlas felt a bad feeling crawling up his spine. He spun around and fired a Void Bullet at a creature standing there. But to his horror, it slapped the spell to the side, causing an explosion to light up the forest.


    He quickly moved Amethyst behind him while readying more spells as he took the creature in, and it sent a shiver up his spine. It was unmistakably humanoid yet distorted as if shaped by nightmares themselves.


    Its red eyes burned like molten embers as it fixated on him as it had just found a long-lost prize. Atlas noticed the creature gave off an aura of evil and malevolence that pierced his soul.


    The contours of its face are twisted as if carved from the depths of a nightmare. Its pallid and sickly skin seems stretched too tightly across its angular features, accentuating the sharpness of its bone structure.


    Jagged lines trace across its visage, resembling scars etched by some otherworldly force, adding to the unsettling nature of its countenance. Its movements are jerky and unnatural, like a marionette controlled by unseen strings.


    Its limbs seem elongated and disproportionate, bending at odd angles with an unsettling gracelessness. Yet, amidst the horror of its appearance, this twisted being emanates a sense of undeniable power.


    As Atlas cautiously retreated, Amethyst''s voice quivered with fear as she whispered, "What is that thing? Its aura is so potent, I can feel my bones trembling."


    In response, Atlas activated Void Sight to assess the creature''s strength.


    [The Lost Prince]


    [Level: 431]


    [Rank: Master]


    "Damn, this creature is strong," Atlas mumbled as he continued to edge away.


    The monster observed them with a sinister grin, but its next action sent a shiver down Atlas''s spine. "Cease your movements, little Voidwalker," a raspy voice said, freezing them in place with fear.


    It approached him at a weird pace until he was a few feet away before doing a mock bow, ''''I am the Lost Prince, 7th Chaos General and leader of the fearsome Dark Knight Reavers.''''


    Atlas went pale when hearing it, but the Prince continued, ''''Don''t worry, little one, I am not here to kill you yet,'''' it said in an amused voice. ''''I will let my meal fatten up before we have our battle. It will be more fun by then.'''' Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas''s mind raced with shock and disbelief. ''This creature is toying with us,'' he thought before responding, "So, you''re suggesting I become stronger?"


    "Yes, yes, little Voidwalker," the Prince replied eagerly. "I won''t inform the king or the other generals because I desire the pleasure of killing and consuming you myself."


    A chill ran down Atlas''s spine, and she gasped, "But why? Isn''t the king your leader?"


    "Meh, I relish a challenge, and I''ve developed a fondness for you, little one," the Prince explained in an eerie tone. "You bear a striking resemblance to my beloved wife, who is unfortunately no longer with us."


    Atlas could have sworn he heard sadness, but the creature spoke one last time in a strange, concerning tone, ''''Now I see you, little one. I want to eat you even more. You mustn''t die so I can see your face and remember my love.''''


    The Lost Prince approached Atlas, delivering one last message, "Stay alive, young Atlas. Do not perish, and we shall meet once more."


    Afterward, the creature vanished into the shadows, relieving the two from its malevolent aura. He shook his head, "Are you alright?"


    "Yes, Azhar''Zul," she replied. "Let''s find a place to rest."


    Guiding him to a fallen tree, the couple settled down, finding comfort amidst the forest''s eerie silence. Amethyst leaned her head against his shoulder, seeking comfort in his presence.


    They took a brief respite, allowing the tension of their encounter with the Lost Prince to dissipate. After a while, they rose from their makeshift seat and began their journey back to the village.


    However, as they neared their destination, a plume of black smoke rose ominously into the afternoon sky, casting a shadow over their return. Atlas panicked and started running toward the village.


    Amethyst followed behind and saw the town guard battling against slavers who attacked the town. Looking at the Phoenix girl, Atlas said, ''''We should help find Biric and his family.''''


    She nodded with a bright, out-of-place smile, and the two steeled themselves before rushing toward the attacking slavers. Atlas readied his tomahawk and dagger as he cast several Void Arrows that pierced the enemy''s skulls.


    The village guards managed to push them back, allowing her to hit them with a Cosmic Blast. As Atlas moved in close and started slashing the back of the slaver''s legs, they dropped to the ground, allowing him to finish them with a stab to the eye.


    When he felt the blade pierce the man''s flesh, he nearly threw up but kept it under control as he moved toward her, who was dodging two bandit attacks before sending multiple Stellar Arrows into one of their skulls.


    Atlas jumped on the second man''s back before stabbing him in the neck; he fell with the lifeless body and landed with a thud while speaking, ''''Let''s head into the village; I hear more fighting beyond the wall. Head to Biric home, and I''ll be you there.''''


    She nodded before whispering, ''''Cosmic Wings.''''


    She leaped into the air, her wings spreading wide as she soared effortlessly over the village walls. Atlas, spurred into action by her bold move, followed suit, using his Void Bullets to catch the slavers off guard, causing explosions that halted their advance.


    As they reached Biric''s home after a swift and decisive flight, she was already engaged in combat, swiftly dispatching the attackers with her formidable skills. Atlas wasted no time, charging into the fray alongside her.


    Dodging a swing from one of the assailants, he countered with a precise strike, plunging his dagger into the man''s face. He jumped off the body while firing a Void Arrow at another enemy approaching from behind.


    After that, he joined Amethyst as she called out to Biric, who opened the door while holding a sword. When the older man saw the two of them, he sighed in relief before dragging them inside.


    Once in the house, he noticed they were all packing to leave, with each family member wearing a travel bag as Neryssa moved the kitchen table with a grunt. Atlas put his weapons in his storage before helping the woman.


    When they did that, it revealed a trap door just as Biric was about to speak, and the door started to shudder as the slavers tried to break it down. Everyone paled at that, but Atlas quickly spoke, ''''Get your family down there now! The guards will be here soon. We will hold them off.''''


    Biric looked hesitant, but Atlas insisted, ''''Go! Wait for help until you return.''''


    The older man nodded his head, his eyes full of shame. Biric ushered his family down the ladder, allowing him to hide the trapdoor just as the door flew off the hinges. Atlas spoke with determination, ''''Stay close to me, my Phoenix, and we''ll make it through this.''''


    She nodded as they readied their spells just in time for a wave of slavers rushing in, screaming about capturing a phoenix. When Atlas heard this, he unleashed dozens of Void Bullets and Void Arrows, which exploded in their faces.


    Chaos erupted in the house as she started casting her magic while they dodged the slaver''s attacks. Soon, there were just too many enemies that they got overwhelmed, and he watched as a sneak attack knocked her out.


    The leader grabbed Amethyst and held a blade to her throat, ''''Stop fighting us, boy, or your pretty girlfriend will die,'''' he said with a cocky smile.


    Atlas wouldn''t give up, as his journey was beginning just like the two women traveling to find him or trying to get out of trouble.

 Chapter 23: Artemis Olympaea

    Atlas stopped fighting the slavers as they quickly grabbed him and tied him up as the leader spoke, ''''Smart, maybe if you''re good, you two will be bought together, but I don''t know if that would be any better.''''When Atlas heard the man''s words, he didn''t reply; he just watched him with narrowed eyes, causing the leader to laugh. ''''It doesn''t matter anyway; that''s your lot in life now, boy,'''' he said before looking at the surrounding men. ''''Take them to the ship, and no one will touch them. You know the Thalassian Nobles love pure youngsters.''''


    ''''Yeah, their twisted fucks, bossman,'''' the slaver who was holding Atlas''s rope commented. ''''How can they find children attractive? They are sick in the head.''''


    The leader nodded, ''''Yes, they are Johnny. Now stop talking, and let''s get out of here before the Guardians arrive.''''


    After that, they were taken to the docks and loaded onto rowboats. When Amethyst was in the boat, she woke up and grabbed his hand, which comforted him, but Atlas spotted Biric and his family hiding in a nearby bush.


    He could see Neryssa had tears in her eyes, but soon enough, the rowboat started moving toward a massive metal ship in the middle of Wintercove Bay, surrounded by several fierce-looking vessels.


    Atlas took in the ships, and they didn''t have sails but were sleek; people were running around on deck as an elevator-like machine lowered to the water where they pulled up. The clamps grabbed the rowboat before pulling it up.


    ''I wonder if we can escape during the journey to wherever we''re going,'' Atlas thought as they stopped at the top.


    More boats appeared beside them, carrying other villagers the slavers had caught. Everyone was pushed on board as the leader announced, ''''Ladies and gentlemen. We have caught a southern phoenix and a high elf. Payday will triple, but we must reach Slaver''s Bay within a week due to the auction.''''


    Upon hearing this, Atlas became intrigued, but the leader interrupted his thoughts with a slap on his back, saying in a playful tone, "We''ll assign you two to guard the Princess. It''ll be safer that way."


    He chuckled, adding, "Once we reach Slavers Bay, I might consider purchasing you both and turning you into gladiators. You could fetch quite a sum, lad."


    ''''Didn''t you promise your slavers triple pay?'''' Atlas retorted.


    ''''I''m a rich man, boy,'''' the leader smiled before holding his hand out. ''''I''m Leo Al-Zahiri. The most fearsome slaver to ever roam the twelve seas.''''


    Atlas ignored the hand, ''''Why are you trying to make friends with a child, old man? My parents told me I should ignore stranger''s sweet words,'''' he said in a fake suspicious tone, causing Amethyst to giggle.


    Leo bellowed out laughing before ruffling Atlas''s hair, ''''You cheeky little shit. I like you, and that is even more reason to buy you and your little girlfriend.''''


    After speaking, Leo turned to a woman and said, ''''Misha, make sure these two are fed and warm.''''


    ''''Yes, boss,'''' the woman saluted before rushing off.


    Atlas looked around only to see that the slavers were too professional, which made him suspicious. He turned his gaze to Leo, ''''What kingdom are you from? It''s clear you''re not slavers but professional sailors.''''


    Now, Atlas had an unobstructed view of the man before him, towering at an impressive seven feet in height. His complexion boasted a copper shade, while a voluminous white beard resembling Santa''s framed a set of striking light blue eyes. However, it was the pointed elf-like ears that seized Atlas''s focus.


    ''An elf?'' he pondered silently.


    Atlas shrugged because he had not received an answer, but soon, Leo spoke, ''''Smart boy, but stop being nosy. It is not good for you.''''


    After that, they were led into the belly of the ship, where hundreds of sailors went about their business. Atlas examined the vessel, noting its simple construction, but he could feel the mana radiating from the metal.


    The group descended the first set of steps and entered a long corridor with dozens of soldier metal doors. Leo gave Atlas and Amethyst a gentle push. "Come on, lovebirds, let''s take you to the royal suite," he said with a chuckle.


    They were made to walk for twenty minutes until they reached a door that a guard opened after saluting Leo by hitting his chest, which the older man returned. Atlas saw a staircase leading down to a row of strong-looking cages where several people were locked up.


    Atlas noticed one had a young woman inside who was staring at him with wide brown eyes, and Leo pushed them toward the cage as he spoke in a cheerful tone, ''''Princess! I have new friends for you, but you mustn''t bully them, as the two will become my gladiators.''''


    ''''Shut up, you Achaemenidian dog,'''' the woman spat with venom.


    Leo laughed before speaking, ''''It''s hilarious just how wrong you are, Artemis; now be a good banished princess and teach these two the rules,'''' he said while pushing Atlas and Amethyst into the prison cell.


    The door was locked behind them, causing Amethyst to become depressed, but he hugged the phoenix girl, who soon calmed down. He hugged her until he felt a pair of eyes watching him.


    Atlas turned to their cellmate. The young woman had wavy brown hair that traveled past her shoulders and big brown eyes that he found beautiful. She was a natural beauty adorned with freckles that danced across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose.


    Her skin, otherwise flawless and fair, provided the perfect backdrop for these endearing spots, each one telling a story of sunny days and carefree moments. Atlas found her lips captivating, soft, and inviting, hinting at a tenderness.


    She reminded him of the Greek warriors from the games back on Earth, which fascinated him. He shook his head and smiled at the young woman, ''''Hello. I''m Atlas, and this is Amethyst.''''


    As their cellmate spoke, Atlas motioned at the phoenix girl hugging him; the woman smiled in return before introducing herself, ''''I''m Artemis Olympaea.''''


    Atlas nodded just as she spoke again, ''''What is your affinity, if you don''t mind answering?''''


    ''''Void.''''


    Artemis''s eyes widened even more, but a small smile appeared on her pretty face, ''''Yes, he''s the Azhar''Zul or Atelos, as you Olympaeans call him,'''' Amethyst spoke while sitting beside Atlas, causing the other two to look at her.


    She got embarrassed as Artemis smiled and said, ''''A lover of history, I see? Are you from the Blue Dune or a local kingdom?''''


    ''''I was a part of the Flameheart Tribe, and we traveled around the southern part of the desert.''''


    Artemis''s eyes widened, ''''Have you met the Asadani Peoples?''''


    When Atlas heard the young woman''s question, he grew curious and listened as Amethyst answered with a smile, ''''Of course I have. My best friend Farida is Asadani.''''


    ''''Are the Azhar Tigers real?'''' Artemis questioned as Atlas saw the childlike excitement in her eyes.


    The phoenix girl shivered when she heard the name. ''''Don''t talk about them, please,'''' she said quietly.


    Artemis nodded. '''' I''m Sorry. I forgot they are a bad omen to the people of the Blue Dune Desert,'''' she apologized.


    ''''What are you doing here? And what is this Atelos you called me?'''' Atlas questions in a curious tone.


    ''''Well, in my kingdom, they think you''re the being who will fight against the treacherous queen who betrayed the realm''s princess,'''' Artemis answered while walking over to the only window in their cell.


    She continued, ''''It''s a children''s tale, but you know what they say about stories passed down the generations? They get added to over the years.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Well, it doesn''t surprise me, to be honest, as the people of Frostmark called me Valsonr, and Amethyst called me Azhar''Zul,'''' he said while examining their cell.


    The room held two beds and a table, with a bucket in the corner that made Atlas cringe. However, a small window offered a sliver of relief where Artemis stood, lost in thought.


    Atlas rummaged through his storage and pulled out some bread and meat. Handing a portion to Amethyst, he then approached Artemis. "Would you like some food?" he offered.


    She looked around the room, confused, making the two of them laugh as Atlas answered, ''''I have a skill called Dimensional Storage that a trader gave me for saving his life.''''


    Artemis nodded before taking the offered food as she spoke, ''''Atelos, what are your goals?''''


    When Atlas heard the woman''s question, he thought, ''What do I want to do?''


    After thinking for a few seconds before revealing his goals, he said, ''''I want to live a full life of adventure and love, as I''ve never had that before, and also maybe have a family one day.''''


    Amethyst went bright red, causing Artemis to giggle, ''''I assume you two are lovers?''''


    He nodded as the phoenix girl replied with an adorable smile, ''''Yes.''''


    The woman nodded, ''''This may be insensitive, but do you have the skill to see Amethyst?'''' S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Yes, it''s called Cosmic Sight,'''' she replied, unfazed by the question. ''''It''s only level 1 at the moment, but it allows me to see people as mana.''''


    A confused expression appeared on Artemis''s face, but Amethyst explained, ''''I was born blind and given the skill, but it only leveled up once since then, which is strange. Father believes that it has something to do with my soul.''''


    ''''So what happens when it reaches level ten?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Amethyst shrugged ''''The tribe took me to Azraq City to see the Great Mother; she thinks it could unlock my potential, but we haven''t found the reason behind its growth, so it''s a mystery.''''

 Chapter 24: Blasphemy

    [Soraya Al-Muharib''s POV]The two moons shone over the Blue Dune Desert as Soraya raced across the Death Field, riding her Sandstrider, which resembled a large horse-like spider gliding along the sands without making noise.


    Warriors used this mode of transport most of the time to travel across the dunes. Some walked, but there was a chance the Azure Devourers would ambush them. The monsters looked like Megalania from Earth''s ancient history but were colored blue to blend into the desert.


    The monsters would hide beneath the sand only to burst out when they sensed something nearby, so Soraya always had to be careful while heading to the Eastern Region to meet with her best friend Zara and the daughter of the Non-Believer leader.


    This was after the Great Mother and Rahbar''s declared that the three regions of the desert would send a warrior to find the Azhar''Zul. Soraya would represent the western region, while her best friend Zara would represent the southern tribes.


    Lastly, a woman named Circe Al-Darkhan, a captain in the Al-Sahraa Guardians, would also represent the East. They were ordered to leave the desert and head north, but first, they had to meet at the eastern capital, Megara.


    Soraya shook her head and stopped thinking while admiring the quiet desert, but she knew better; death lay in wait. Suddenly, a Giant Scorpion tried to ambush her. Reacting swiftly, she cast a spell, "Spirit Flames."


    Bright red flames burst from her hand, striking the monster and slowing it down, giving her enough time to get past it. Soraya wanted to avoid the fight that would have dragged on, thanks to the Giant Scorpion being Rank D, which she could handle, but it would use much of her mana.


    After an hour of riding, she spotted the lake leading to Megara, the capital of the Non-Believers, who occupied the eastern part of the desert. They fought with the Achaemenid Empire and suffered horrifying attacks that involved the razing of dozens of Qaryas to the ground.


    They slaughtered innocents but were pushed back by the Al-Sahraa Guardians. Soraya knew of them but hadn''t met any due to them not leaving the East. Once at the lake, she jumped off the Sandstrider, which was uneasy.


    Soraya was worried when the ground started to shake, causing her to look around to find a safe place, and spotted a rock outcropping not far away. She rushed toward it before casting an Enhancement spell to speed up.


    Soon enough, she reached the rock and jumped up on it as something burst through the sand, trying to attack her. Several Azure Devourers appeared their blue forms blending into their surroundings.


    Their eery yellow eyes were staring at her with hatefulness. That''s when the ground started to shake, forcing Soraya to hide in a small hole as a tentacle burst out of the sand and wrapped around several Devourers before pulling them into the sand.


    Soraya''s eyes widened in shock as she mumbled, ''''A Sand Kraken.''''


    The sand leviathan grabbed all the Azure Devourers and appeared from the sand, opening a massive maw. Soraya''s eyes widened in shock as it dropped the monsters inside before vanishing below the sand.


    She could see the sand moving when the Kraken was moving like it was in the water, which always amazed the Saharaelians. However, the desert people feared and hated the monster, as it had attacked many Qaryas.


    But the shamans found a way to hide their settlements using ancient magic and totems that scared it away. Soraya stepped out of the cave only to see one of the Devourers standing there, watching her with an evil glint.


    ''Oh no,'' she thought while readying her spells, but then several whistles were heard, attracting Sorayas and the monster''s attention. Several figures surrounded them, and one fell from the sky while holding a glowing blue long knife.


    The figure fell on top of the Azure Devourer and plunged the knife into the monster''s skull, causing it to drop dead. When that happened, silence took over the outcropping until the soldiers started cheering. ''''Captain! Captain!''''


    Soraya was perplexed by the warriors'' sudden appearance, having not detected them while scaling the outcropping. She recognized them as Saharaelians, though she couldn''t discern their specific tribe until the one drew near.


    Clad in Scorched Silk armor that shielded them from Achaemenidian blades, the blazing sun, and the swirling sands, the warriors'' clothes blended seamlessly with the desert''s shades, rendered in a protective shade of blue.


    What caught Soraya''s attention most were their eyes¡ªshe glimpsed the warrior who had slain the Devourer approaching her, their emerald green gaze brimming with adrenaline as the person closed in.


    Soraya watched the warrior remove her scarf, unveiling a young woman with short, vibrant green hair and striking emerald eyes. Her delicate features and smooth, fair skin create a striking and memorable appearance.


    ''She''s from the eastern noble tribes,'' Soraya thought. ''They make up the commanders in the Al-Sahraa Guardians.''


    The woman stopped before her, smugly grinning. ''''You must be Soraya Al-Muharib, granddaughter of the Great Mother and fanatical Dajjal lover.''''


    Soraya bristled when she heard that and retorted, ''''Azhar''Zul isn''t a false Messiah! he is our chosen and will lead us to paradise!'''' she exclaimed before speaking the prayer all believers expressed when their messiah was brought up. ''''The one who points the way.''''


    ''''Look, boys and girls, this is what blind worship does to a person,'''' the woman mocked while pointing at Soraya. ''''It''s tainted our Western brothers and sister''s minds. They refuse to believe that the Azhar''Zul is a Saharaelian and not an outsider like these fanatics believe.''''


    When Soraya heard this, she grew angry, ''''Blasphemy! You Easterners know nothing of the prophecy. Our emperor predicated Azhar''Zul''s coming days before he sacrificed himself for us!''''


    She looked around at the warriors, listening before continuing, ''''The heavens showed us his arrival when the stars crossed the desert, and the Great Council has ordered three of us to find him! Once we do, he will lead the Great War to reclaim what''s rightfully ours!'''' S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The woman chuckled softly as she approached, "What you say might be true, but the southern and eastern tribes won''t accept an outsider as the Azhar''Zul; it has to be one of our own.''''


    ''''A foreigner couldn''t understand our struggles or suffering! Please tell me how this messiah will lead us if we have to babysit him, fanatic?'''' the woman mocked as the other warriors laughed.


    Soraya declared confidently, gazing into the woman''s green eyes, ''''He is one with the Al-firaagh, blessed by Zahidul and Azadul and favored by the Mother Goddess. The Azhar''Zul will guide our people to paradise as our leader.''''


    The warriors standing on the outcropping saw Soraya''s eyes, which showed pure fanaticism as she continued, ''''You will witness the prophecy unfold when he forms a bond with the Desert Shayatin and defeats the Great Blue Devil that terrorizes our people.''''


    When Soraya said that name, the warriors around them shivered and backed away with wide eyes. The woman shook her head, ''''There''s no point in arguing with a fanatic,'''' she stated before introducing herself. ''''I''m Circe Al-Darkhan.''''


    Soraya''s eyes widened. ''''They sent a Non-Believer to find Azhar''Zul. Why?'''' she said in disbelief.


    Circe laughed before speaking to the other warriors, ''''Head back to Megara City. I want to talk to the fanatic.''''


    The warriors jumped down the outcropping before rushing toward the lake and diving inside, leaving them alone. Soraya turned to Circe, ''''I don''t expect you to believe in the prophecy, but give it a chance, and make your judgment when you witness his greatness.''''


    ''''Stop with this religious stuff, Soraya,'''' Circe barked, ignoring the redhead''s words. ''''I will join you on your journey only to experience the outside world, but when we find the Dajjal, don''t expect me to worship him like you do.''''


    ''Blasphemy! Azhar''Zul will show her the way,'' Soraya thought before answering. ''''I won''t force the Path on you, but do not slander my religion; if you can agree, then we can work together?''''


    Soraya watched Circe''s green eyes flicker before she nodded, ''''Agreed, we have enough Azharite Priests in the east and a growing population of believers who are survivors of the Achaemenidian raids for the Blue Stone and other desert treasures.''''


    ''''I heard the Asadani have raided several Achaemenidian and Nubian Sandcrawlers, as well as their Desert Camps,'''' Soraya commented. ''''Rumors speak of an invasion in the coming months.''''


    Circe laughed, ''''The Asadani know how to hide and fight; any army that invades will be lost in a sandstorm and picked clean by the many monsters that roam the land.''''


    Soraya nodded, but then the two heard a noise behind them, causing them to spin around and ready their magic, but it was useless. The stuff of nightmares appeared, ''Shayatin! An Azhar Desert Tiger,'' she thought to herself.


    A massive tiger was standing above the duo. It was eyeing them with a neutral gaze before he jumped to their level and towered above them. Soraya was stuck to the spot in fear as the Monarch Aura bore down.


    Circe was just as nervous, but soon, the aura vanished, allowing the two to admire the horrifying monster. It stood eight feet on all fours and had beautiful black fur with violet stripes all over its body.


    The monster looked like a Siberian Tiger from Earth but twice the size and even more fearsome. As Soraya looked into its eyes, she prayed. ''''Not the time to pray, fanatic,'''' Circe snapped but was cut off.


    ''''He has come, has he not? Azhar''Zul has arrived in our world, little birds. A melodic sound rang out on the outcropping.


    Both girls were shocked as the exotic accent came from the Azhar Tiger relaxing in front of them. Soraya stepped forward and said nervously, ''''Great Shayatin, are you a believer in the prophecy?''''


    The tiger''s head tilted, ''''Yes, little bird, but we''re not fanatical over the boy like you Westerners are,'''' it said. ''''And stop calling me Shayatin; I''m not a desert devil! It''s bad enough those mouse hunters call me that, and now the others are at it.''''


    Circe couldn''t help but point out, ''''Shayatin, you hunt and eat us? So you cannot blame us for naming you such a thing.''''


    ''''Shut up, green bird, or I''ll eat you,'''' the Azhar Tiger retorted before standing up. ''''When Azhar''Zul arrives in the desert, bring him to Dead Man''s Cliffs; if you don''t, I will butcher every Saharaelian I find until meeting the boy.''''

 Chapter 25: Youre A Siren

    After chatting for a while, the three went quiet. Atlas walked over to the window and looked outside, only to see rough waves hitting the bottom of the ship. ''I wonder where we are,'' he thought.While standing there, the door was opened, and a woman walked in with three plates stacked with meat on each one. She placed them on the table, allowing Atlas to see the two heavily armed men standing guard outside.


    ''Damn, I can feel their strength,'' Atlas mused as he realized they can''t escape through the door.


    That''s when the woman left the cell as he looked at the food and started eating. Time flew by, and all the three talked. They passed a massive jungle when the sun rose on the fourth day.


    Atlas noticed it ended at a small sandy beach with beautiful yellow sand, perfect for sunbathing. Gnarly trees twisted high into the sky, and karsts dotted the landscape.


    He was amazed by the sight, which caused the other two to laugh. Artemis joined him at the window with a friendly smile, ''''Do you want to escape Atelos? If so, I can only do it under one condition.''''


    ''''What''s that?''''


    ''''You help me take back my kingdom in the future,'''' she revealed but quickly continued with a smile. ''''My second mother betrayed me and turned most of the realm against me due to lies she spread about me.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened. "How am I meant to fight a kingdom that has an army?" he asked. ''''Seems a bit impossible to me at the moment.''''


    Artemis laughed before explaining, ''''Well, by the time you''re older, you will be stronger, and no doubt many powers will come to know about you and send assassins.''''


    "Alright, I''ll assist you in leveling up as we journey, and we''ll encounter numerous monsters on the way. Additionally, I''ll aid in preparing you for what lies ahead." Artemis grinned mischievously before adding, "Now, pay attention."


    Atlas and Amethyst watched in astonishment as she began to sing out to sea in an unfamiliar language. The melody was soothing but seemed ancient, sending goosebumps all over his body.


    Artemis continued singing for a few minutes until she stopped and turned to them, ''''Whatever you two do, don''t let go of each other. We have minutes at best.''''


    "What was that?" Atlas questioned.


    "It''s a race skill I unlocked. It''s called Leviathan''s Call, and Sirens gain it when we come of age," she said with a smile.


    Atlas''s eyes widened in surprise. "You''re a Siren?"


    The young woman nodded solemnly. "Correct. If we get separated, meet at the tallest mountain in the jungle, I will make sure Amethyst is safe but who knows what will happen once the ship goes down."


    Atlas''s face paled at her words, his heart beating as a roar echoed through the ship. He rushed to the window, scanning the turbulent sea, but saw nothing. As he looked out, the ship''s speakers crackled to life, commanding urgently, "We have a Kraken bearing down on us! Man the cannons and drive the monster away."


    Before long, explosions erupted, causing Atlas''s ears to throb with pain. The cannons fired sluggishly, unable to keep up, just as something massive slammed into the ship. Startled, Amethyst leaped to her feet and hurried toward Atlas, throwing her arms around him as the Kraken struck the vessel once more.


    Artemis looked at the two of them with a worried look. '''' Remember to meet at the tallest mountain if we''re separated.''''


    They nodded in understanding. The Kraken clung onto the ship and started to crush it as the cannons continued to fire. Just as that happened, the world went black as their cell was cracked open.


    The group was sucked into the cold sea, Atlas tightened his grip on the phoenix girl, but the current was too strong and tore them apart just as he spotted a tentacle heading toward him.


    Atlas quickly cast Void Guard, but it shattered, knocking him out before sending him flying through the ocean. He drifted through the water until he was washed up on the jungle beach, his body repairing while out cold.


    Hours passed, and the sun started to set, lighting the world with an orange glow. However, Atlas remained unconscious until the two moons hung overhead. He soon woke up in a panic, hearing a hiss, which caused him to look around quickly.


    That''s when Atlas spotted a giant snake slithering toward him. He sighed before using Void Sight on it, ''What the hell is it with this world? Are their monsters everywhere.''


    [Jungle Viper]


    [Rank: F - 100 Exp]


    After scanning the monster, Atlas quickly cast Void Arrow at the snake just as it lunged at him. The azure blue arrow pierced through its skull as it crashed into him, but that was all the damage he received.


    Atlas threw the corpse off himself before standing up and looking around confusedly. He was standing on a beach connected to a dense-looking jungle, and a shiver ran down his spine when he saw it.


    He remembered killing a dozen bandits in Frostwood Village. Memories of Biric and his family surfaced, causing him to worry about their safety. However, Atlas pushed the thought aside and focused on checking his status after pulling out the white Monster Core.


    [Level Up: 24¡ú26]


    [Experience: 550/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1600]


    [Health: 234¡ú244]


    [Mana: 1084¡ú1114]


    [Strength: 218¡ú226]


    [Stamina: 222¡ú228]


    [Charisma: 298¡ú302]


    [Intelligence: 222¡ú230]


    [Core Points: 16300¡ú17100]


    [Core Points Gained: 800]


    Atlas was pleased with his gains but still confused. He gazed into the sky and spotted a lone mountain in the distance, which he struggled to see. ''That is a journey!'' he thought to himself.


    With that in mind, he turned back to the sea, only to sigh when he saw an empty expanse. Atlas reluctantly started his trek through the jungle, taking out his tomahawk and dagger in case he was attacked.


    When he stepped into the underbrush, it was like a new world. Hot air hit his skin, causing him to sweat badly. Atlas had to keep wiping it from his fore before taking his shirt off and wrapping it around his face.


    The fabric blocked the heat, making Atlas feel better. He found a Game Trail and started following it until he came across a small clearing that looked peaceful, but something told him it was the complete opposite.


    He stopped walking and crouched beside a tree, hiding behind a bush. Looking around, Atlas found a stone and picked it up before throwing it into the clearing, causing chaos as plant creatures popped out from the ground.


    The moonlight allowed Atlas to see the whole clearing as if it were daytime. He was confused when he saw the monsters. They were plants but took on creepy humanoid shapes, with colorful flowers dotting the vines that snaked everywhere.


    The scene gave him the creeps, making him shudder at their jerky movement. Once he overcame that, he scanned the monsters to find their rank.


    [VenoNovelFireine Creeper]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    Following Atlas scanning the creatures, he counted ten meandering around the clearing, looking for the fake intruder. He wanted to kill them as that would earn him three thousand experience and a bunch of Green Monster Cores.


    He got ready to attack and would use Void Arrows, and Atlas planned to pepper them with a wave of projectiles. With that decided, he popped out of the bush and started casting his spells, which slammed into the Venomvine Creepers.


    The plant monsters let out an ear-piercing screech that hurt his ears, but that didn''t stop Atlas from casting Void Bullets that hit the surviving creatures, causing them to burn as the explosion blew and annihilated the monsters.


    Soon enough, he thought they were all dead until he felt something crawling up his leg, causing him to jump in fright. Atlas looked down and saw a vine wrapping around him, but he started cutting it away.


    But that''s when the vines grew barbs that stabbed into his legs, causing him to scream in pain.


    [Health: 204/244]


    ''The fuck! That hurts,'' Atlas internally panicked.


    He continued to cut away the vine, but the barbs kept stabbing into him, reducing his health at a scary rate.


    [Health: 164/244] S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Get the fuck off me, you damn plant!'''' he raged before casting Void Bullet at his leg, causing a sharp pain to shoot through his body.


    [Health: 84/244]


    But Atlas achieved his goal and freed himself from the vines before collapsing to the ground while breathing heavily. He pulled out a Minor Health Potion and downed it before pouring it on his leg.


    Following that, he checked his health after using the potion.


    [Health: 134/244]


    Atlas was delighted at his swift recovery and hastened it further with another potion. When nearly healed, he rose to his feet and surveyed the clearing. Ten glowing cores lay scattered around the clearing.


    He gathered them one by one, storing each in his Dimensional Storage. Once Atlas finished that, he continued his journey and realized he could travel as far as the jungle blocked the moonlight.


    Deciding it was time to rest for the night, Atlas spotted a nearby bush he could hide inside. He crouched low, slipped inside, and curled up, wrapping the Enchanted Winter Cloak around his body to ward off the chill.

 Chapter 26: Stay Out Of The Trees

    The following morning, Atlas woke up and rubbed his eyes while sitting up. He remembered he hid inside a bush the night before. While hidden there, he heard sniffing, which made his blood run cold.Atlas spotted a dinosaur that seemed to be an Allosaurus but looked more vicious and bloodthirsty. It was carrying a furry, human-looking monster thrashing around while letting out a howl of agony.


    He quickly scanned the two creatures.


    [Allosaurus]


    [Rank: D+ - 550 Exp]


    [Ursaling]


    [Rank: E - 300 Exp]


    Atlas was captivated by the creatures before him, and his desire to kill the Allosaurus consumed his thoughts. He prepared his weapons and spells stealthily, intent on ambushing the dinosaur.


    ''They would give a lot of experience that would be useful to me right now,'' Atlas mused.


    However, his plans were a no-go as two more creatures emerged from the brush. His heart skipped a beat as the gaze of two Allosaurus looked at the bush he was in, freezing him in place.


    Panic surged through Atlas, paralyzing his mind, yet instinct took over, propelling his feet forward despite his inner turmoil. As he moved, one of the monsters crashed into the bush he was just in.


    Atlas cast several Void Bullets that slammed into its head, causing the creature to roar in pain. The one with the Ursaling in its mouth dropped it and started chasing him, but all they received was a stream of spells hitting them.


    One of his Void Arrows connected with the closest Allosaurus''s knee, causing it to collapse, which took another with it. That left the last one quickly closing in on him, but Atlas fired a Void Bullet on the ground in front of the monster.


    It stepped into the freshly made hole and tripped over, but Atlas heard a loud crack as the dinosaur broke its leg. He went to work with all three on the ground and continuously cast Void bullets and arrows.


    The azure blue projectiles connected with the three dinosaurs, causing them to roar defiantly, but Atlas didn''t give up as he got closer to the first one and dodged a snap of its jaw before plunging his dagger into its skull.


    At first, he felt something stopping him, but soon, it broke through the tough hide and pierced the Allosaurus''s brain just as the first dinosaur got back to its feet and lunged toward him while swiping at him with its giant claws.


    Atlas swiftly invoked Void Guard, deflecting the attack. However, the force of the blow sent him flying backward, crashing into a nearby tree before collapsing to the ground. Despite the impact, he scrambled to his feet, his legs aching, and unleashed a barrage of a dozen Void Arrows at the charging monster.


    As soon as the spells left his fingertips, he darted into the dense foliage to evade the second Allosaurus that had joined the fray. Atlas yelped while running around trees and large plants that caught the dinosaurs.


    The first creature tripped up, allowing his arrows to pierce its skull, while the second bit through the plant to free itself. Atlas saw this but then noticed the Ursaling waving at him, which baffled him.


    Atlas moved to pursue the creature, but the final Allosaurus charged at the furry humanoid. Moving swiftly, he hurled several Void Arrows that struck the dinosaur''s ankles, toppling it to the ground.


    Closing in quickly, he placed his hand on its head and unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets, shattering its skull into fragments. Atlas exhaled as the adrenaline started to wear off, causing his hands to shake.


    Without wasting any more time, he cut out the three green Monster Cores before the Ursaling started panicking as the ground began to shake. Atlas throws the cores into storage before following the furry humanoid into the bushes.


    It dragged him to the ground and covered him as another Allosaurus appeared, but this one looked bigger and meaner. Atlas gulped when he saw this, but he still scanned it.


    [Allosaurus]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    Atlas froze and didn''t move as the furry humanoid held him down like a protective mother, which baffled him and made him snicker. The dinosaur roamed the area briefly before it vanished into the jungle. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once it was gone, the Ursaling grunted but hissed in pain, causing Atlas to take out a minor potion and pour it on the furry creature. He watched it panic, but it calmed down once the wounds healed.


    He watched as it got excited before stopping and looking into the distance. Atlas wondered what had happened, but it grabbed his arm and dragged him into the jungle. They came to a massive tree that the Ursaling had started climbing.


    Atlas looked at this and followed behind, climbing up the branches. He felt the ground start to shake as the Allosaurus approached. By the time he was halfway up the tree, the monster appeared.


    It stared up at him with burning red eyes, which made him shiver, but the furry humanoid leaned down and pulled him into a hut-looking structure. The Ursaling pushed him inside, and Atlas found a living space with several other creatures sitting in a circle.


    They all turned to him with wide eyes, making Atlas think they were more human than he initially thought. That''s when they started singing in an unknown language, but it reminded him of the beautiful tribal music of when they were back on Earth.


    Atlas didn''t know what to do, so he looked around. He saw blankets stacked in one corner and food and water taking up most of the free space. Soon after that, the Ursaling who helped him dragged him outside.


    The two of them looked over the edge only to see the Allosaurus, causing Atlas to get frustrated and peppered the monster with Void Bullets. The explosions rocked its body but only damaged it a bit.


    ''Stop attracting its attention! It will go away once it''s bored,'' Atlas heard an older woman''s voice in his head.


    He jumped while turning to the furry humanoid as it continued, ''You saved me, am returning the favor. Its the way of the jungle little one.''


    After speaking, the Ursaling ruffled his hair before returning inside, causing Atlas to stare at the humanoid creature. He waited outside and watched the Allosaurus wander into the jungle.


    While waiting, he checked his status, as he felt he had leveled up during the fight.


    [Level Up: 26¡ú28]


    [Experience: 650/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2100]


    [Health: 244¡ú248]


    [Mana: 1114¡ú1124]


    [Strength: 226¡ú230]


    [Stamina: 228¡ú232]


    [Charisma: 302¡ú304]


    [Intelligence: 230¡ú232]


    [Core Points: 17100¡ú17700]


    [Core Points Gained: 600]


    [Void Guard: 0¡ú1]


    After checking his status, he noticed the Allosaurus was gone; that''s when the furry humanoid appeared and advised him, ''''Stay out of the trees, little one. Many dangerous monsters up here and will attack you.''''


    Atlas nodded before speaking, ''''Thank you for your help. I hope you stay safe.''''


    The Ursaling nodded as Atlas started climbing down the tree after saying farewell. Once he touched the jungle floor, he heard the sounds of chirping birds, and other monsters could be heard around him.


    He continued his journey toward the mountain in the distance. Atlas trekked through the jungle, using his tomahawk to cut away the foliage. Soon enough, he heard a growl, causing him to jump to the side as something hit the spot he was standing at.


    Atlas pointed his hand, but it was too late. A large black cat landed on him from the shadows, biting his right arm. When he felt the pain, he let out a primal scream as he felt the bones snapping in between the creature''s maw.


    His vision blurred, but Atlas put his hand on the creature''s neck and cast a Void Arrow that seared right through the monster''s neck. Atlas felt its jaw loosen as it fell to the ground, but that''s when he was attacked again.


    Another cat pounced towards him, yet Atlas swiftly summoned his tomahawk and intercepted its swipe, forcing it to slide backward. This time, he carefully assessed it before anticipating its next move.


    [Jungle Panther]


    [Rank: F - 100 Exp]


    The Jungle Panther lunged toward him again, but Atlas sidestepped the monster and brought the tomahawk down on its neck. The blade cleaved right through flesh and bone, causing it to die instantly.


    Atlas let out a heavy breath as he felt his left arm radiating pain as the skin was torn up and crushed bones. He pulled out an High Health Potion before pouring some over the wound.


    Once Atlas had used all the potion, he sat down after checking his surroundings. He started watching the ruined arm repair itself, which amazed him. The skin stitched itself together as he felt the bones reforming.


    Ten minutes passed until he could use his left arm, allowing him to continue with his journey, and he soon found himself standing next to a river as the afternoon sun filtered through the canopy above.


    Atlas looked at the dark water and knew something was there, ''No thank you,'' he thought. ''I bet some evil crocodile is lying in wait for me to get closer.''


    He skirted around the river, but suddenly, something emerged from its depths, startling him into a jump as skeletons emerged from the riverbank. Atlas was bewildered and unnerved to see them dressed like adventurers; he scanned the newcomers.


    [Skeleton Adventurer]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    As they shuffled towards him, bones rattling ominously, Atlas swiftly reacted, unleashing a Void Bullet that shattered all ten into dust. Yet his relief was short-lived as more skeletons appeared, prompting him to disregard the creatures and bolt into the jungle.


    Atlas kept running until the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the jungle into darkness. Finally, he stumbled upon a hollowed-out stump and quickly crawled inside. He wrapped his cloak tightly around himself.


    While doing that, Atlas checked his status again.


    [Level Up: 28>29]


    [Experience: 350/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 700]


    [Health: 248>258]


    [Mana: 1124>1132]


    [Strength: 230>232]


    [Stamina: 232>236]


    [Core Points: 17700>17950]


    [Core Points Gained: 250]

 Chapter 27: Lights Of The South

    [Amethyst and Artemis''s POV]When the ship exploded and the Kraken hit Atlas, Amethyst was carried by the tide until Artemis caught her and spoke into her ear while casting an underwater breathing spell, ''''He will be fine. Worry about us as Blood Sharks are coming.''''


    She looked over Artemis''s shoulder and saw a dozen massive red blobs of mana heading in their direction, which made her stiffen. But that''s when the brown-haired girl glowed and started to transform.


    Amethyst witnessed Mana morphing Artemis and giving her a fishtail like the Sirens of legend. After transforming, she spoke in a concerned tone, ''''Hold on, birdy.''''


    After speaking, she took off and zoomed through the water while the Kraken destroyed the rest of the ship before vanishing into the darkness below. Amethyst then spotted the Blood Shark dashing toward us, and she warned in a panic, ''''They''re coming! Hurry up and swim!''''


    ''''Shut up, bird! I''m trying my best; I haven''t done this in months,'''' Artemis barked before speeding up.


    She knew the Blood Sharks were chasing them; even though they were big, the monsters were fast. That''s when an epic chase began, as the twelve creatures closed in on them, but she evaded all the attacks thanks to Artemis''s speed.


    A shark appeared whenever she tried to swim toward the shore or surface, forcing them to continue running; this happened for a while, causing Amethyst to get fed up, as being underwater annoyed her.


    She pointed her hand at the closest monster and cast Cosmic Blast. A purple blast of mana shot out and struck the Blood Shark. The spell burned a hole straight through the monster''s hide.


    Amethyst continued casting spells while Artemis was fleeing the remaining creatures. Soon enough, they were surprised as a monster burst out of the shadows below. Artemis managed to dodge it but had to flee toward a nearby cave.


    When the two entered it, there was an air pocket inside. Artemis burst out of the water and transformed into her human form before landing with a thud. That''s when a Blood Shark burst out of the water, but she took out a sling and fired a mana bullet into its skull.


    The monster flopped dead, allowing Artemis to grab it and pull it into the cave. When Amethyst saw the sight, it was horrifying. The shark was ten feet long, deep red, and had menacing-looking eyes.


    ''Just like they''re name, their blood red in color,'' the phoenix girl thought.


    Rows upon rows of razor-sharp teeth lined its mouth. Amethyst shivered at the sight, but she asked, ''''Why are we not throwing it back into the water?''''


    Artemis didn''t look at her while cutting a knife into the shark. She explained, ''''Blood Sharks are Rank D sea monsters. Their meat is soaked in mana and will give us the energy to make it through that cave once it''s cooked.''''


    She pointed to a nearby hole in their hideout. Amethyst looked into the hole, and thanks to her Cosmic Sight, she could see the mana floating in the air, but no monsters were hiding in the dark.


    While watching the hole, the water below turned bright red, causing Amethyst to yelp, but Artemis explained, ''''The Blood Sharks went on a rampage and ate the smaller ones of their kind. It''s a common behavior when prey evades them.''''


    Amethyst nodded and decided to check her status as she killed a few of them on the way here.


    [Level Up: 30¡ú31]


    [Experience: 170/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 900]


    [Health: 274¡ú276]


    [Mana: 1230¡ú1236]


    [Strength: 292¡ú296]


    [Stamina: 566¡ú568]


    [Charisma: 310¡ú312]


    [Intelligence: 212¡ú214]


    [Core Points: 1900¡ú4700]


    [Core Points Gained: 2800]


    Happy with her gains, Amethyst turned to Artemis as she cut away chunks of juicy-looking meat while taking out a large green Monster Core and sighing, ''''This would be worth at least 2 gold coins, but alas, we cannot carry it.''''


    Artemis absorbed the core until it turned into dust, allowing her to return to cutting off the best chunks of meat. She questioned while approaching the brown-haired woman, ''''How will we cook it? There''s no wood in here?''''


    ''''Don''t worry, Little Bird. I will show you and your boyfriend how to survive,'''' Artemis said as her brown eyes shone.


    She felt jealousy well up and knew she had to cement her place in Atlas''s life, ''''You do know he will have a harem?''''


    ''''Yes, the Aetlos is prophesized to tame thirteen stars; some scholars believe it represents the thirteen watchers of the Light of the South Constellation,'''' the brown-haired woman explained while glancing around.


    Artemis then spotted some nearby Dry Cave Moss, which she used instead of wood. She used her knife to cut enough to last for a while and approached Amethyst, who looked confused. "What''s wrong?" she questioned.


    ''''What is the Light of the South? I only know of the Azhar''Zul Constellation; it covers the southern portion of the world while the Nakurmiik Lights watch the north,'''' she explained.


    When Artemis heard this, she smiled, ''''Yes, that''s the name your people call it, but us who live outside that death trap call it the Lights of the South. The Graecorians and Nubians have also named it that, but the Achaemenidians call it the Vega Lights.''''


    She nodded as Artemus started a fire using the moss she collected. The grey smoke floated toward the cave entrance and was sucked into it. Following that, the brown-haired woman started cooking the shark meet.


    Amethyst sat there drying off her clothes and blindfold, causing Artemis to gasp. She turned to the woman with raised eyebrows, ''''What?''''


    ''''Your eyes are just like Aetlos''s! They are just purple and more draconic looking,'''' Artemis commented. ''''Are you sure you''re not a dragon?''''


    ''''Shut up, Fish! I am a mighty Cosmic Phoenix! The strongest of my race,'''' Amethyst declares, but the cave they were in glowed in a beautiful purple color.


    Artemis''s eyes widened in shock. "So the legends are true. The first wife of the old Aetlos was a Cosmic Phoenix who remained by his side until his death. According to the stories, her grief was so profound that she couldn''t bear to live without him. In her sorrow, she soared into the sky and detonated her Mana Core, creating what we now know as the Lights of the South."


    She was enthralled with the story, but Artemis concluded, ''''There are many stories to remember; maybe you and my future boyfriend can find a library,'''' she said with a grin.


    ''''Shut up, you Fish! You''re older than us; why would you want someone so young,'''' the phoenix girl retorted.


    Artemis giggled, ''''I''m only seventeen, Little Bird, not much older than you two.''''


    ''''Can I see your status?''''


    The brown-haired young woman laughed again, ''''Only because we''re friends.''''


    ''''Stop calling me that!'''' Amethyst snapped, causing Artemis to laugh while flipping the shark meat before showing her status.


    Name: Artemis Olympaea


    Age: 17


    Race: Siren


    Class: Argonaut


    Level: 123


    Rank: Adept


    Experience: 1240/5000


    Affinity: Earth - Thunder - Water


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 1330


    Mana: 2100


    Strength: 2400


    Stamina: 2100


    Charisma: 500


    Intelligence: 1050


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: High Novice


    Core Points: 9750/30000


    Body Tempering Level: Bronze Body


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Lightning Bullet (7) Lv-1: Water Arrow (7) Lv-2: Thunder Punch (5) Lv-2: Aqua Bomb (3) Lv-2: Earth Spike (2) Lvl-2: Lighting Slash (5) Lv-3: Arc Lightning (1)


    Defence: Lv-3: Gaia''s Embrace (2) Lv-3: Shockwave (1)


    Support: Lv-1: Gaia''s Glide (8) Lv-2: Enhancement (4)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Swordsmanship (7) Survivlist (4) Hand-to-Hand Combat (9) Foraging (6) Stealth (5) Eaglevison (2) Lockpicking (0) Appraisal (2) Treasure Sense (2) Sling Expertise (8) Siren Form (3) Leviathan''s Call (0)


    ''''Happy Little Bird?'''' Artemis commented with a grin.


    She huffed before showing her own so she was even with the brown-haired Siren.


    Name: Amethyst


    Age: 14


    Race: Cosmic Phoenix


    Class: Cosmic Mage


    Level: 31


    Rank: Novice


    Experience: 170/1000


    Affinity: Space


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 276


    Mana: 1236


    Strength: 296


    Stamina: 568


    Charisma: 312


    Intelligence: 214


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Low Novice


    Core Points: 4700/10000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Cosmic Bullet (2) Lv-1: Stellar Arrow (3) Lv-2: Cosmic Blast (4)


    Defence: Lv-1: Cosmic Barrier (4)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Phoenix Form (Locked) Cosmic Wings (2) Cosmic Sight (1)


    Artemis was impressed and thought, ''She''s just like Zenithra from the stories, why is the story becoming reality?'' S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She quickly spoke, making the phoenix girl smile, ''''You''re powerful for your age. You can potentially become one of the greats, Little Bird.''''


    Amethyst beamed, ''''Thank you, Arty,'''' she said happily.


    Artemis heard the nickname and giggled before returning to the meat. She took some spices on her belt and sprinkled them on the delicious-smelling dinner, ''''Come here, Little Bird,'''' she said. ''''You can have the first bite.''''


    The Phoenix girl nodded in agreement and settled down. Artemis passed her the makeshift knife, and Amethyst eagerly sliced off a piece. She savored the first bite, finding the meat delightfully tender and flavorful.


    ''''We need to rest for tonight as the two moons are on watch already. Once the sun comes up, we can head for the meeting place. Hopefully, Aetlos is nearly there,'''' Artemis commented before she started eating.


    The two of them continued to eat while getting to know each other better. When they were finished, Artemis stood up and gathered so Dry Cave Moss could make two small beds and lay down while speaking while pointing at the second one, ''''Join me; caves get cold during the night, and the moss will keep you warm.''''


    When Amethyst got comfortable, the brown-haired Siren commented, ''''I''ve always wanted a little sister; my older siblings are horrible people.''''


    ''''We both have Azhar''Zul now, Fish, and it seems fate guided us three together, so neither of us will be alone anymore,'''' she said in a groggy voice before falling asleep.

 Chapter 28: The Jungle King

    While Atlas was in the hollowed-out tree stump, a noise caught his attention. He poked his head out and saw nothing, but a growing feeling in his gut told him to hide, which he instantly did without questioning.Suddenly, roars and howls erupted all around him. Atlas sank into the stump, hiding in the corner as the ground shook. Vines and large banana leaves concealed him from the outside world, providing a small measure of calm.


    Seconds later, monsters rushed past, causing his face to pale as there were too many to count. Atlas hunkered down and waited for them to pass but quickly noticed the two moons in the sky.


    Zahidul''s silver glow lit up the jungle. The light gave him a clear view of the first Monster Wave he''d experienced. He was shocked, but nothing spotted him, thanks to his clever hiding place. Atlas wrapped his cloak around himself and fell asleep while leaning against the inside of the tree.


    The Monster Wave passed by while he was safe. The following morning, Atlas woke up with a yawn but caught himself in the memories of the monsters. He looked outside and noticed it was clear, which caused him to smile while stepping out and stretching his body.


    Atlas continued trekking through the jungle while keeping his eyes on the surroundings. He didn''t want to run into any more monsters, but he wasn''t so lucky, as he tripped over a log and fell flat on his face.


    He glanced behind him only to see something slithering among the jungle foliage. It had green scales that camouflaged it with the landscape, but Atlas did notice the muscles contracted under the skin. ''Oh, goddess! It''s a giant snake.''


    When realizing what the monster is, he quickly uses Void Sight on it.


    [Titanboa]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    ''So strong,'' Atlas thought before quickly firing several Void Arrows and Bullets at the massive snake monster. Explosions rang out as a wheel-sized head appeared right next to him, and a deep hiss let out a shiver down his spine.


    Atlas didn''t wait any longer and struck out by casting Void Bullet at its face. The Titanboa roared in pain, allowing Atlas to flee the jungle while dodging roots and bushes. Shortly after, he heard the monster chasing behind him as it took out trees.


    He ran for a while as the massive snake continued chasing him just as he reached a waterfall that dropped to an eery dark canyon. Atlas looked down, then back at the incoming Titanboa, and decided to jump just as the snake went to bite him.


    All he saw was a large jaws snapping mid-air as he fell into the darkness. Atlas didn''t know how long he fell, but soon, water appeared, causing him to cast Void Guard just before he crashed into it.


    He kept the shield up while swimming toward the shore as his head spun. While doing that, something massive crashed into the water behind him, causing panic and making him swim faster.


    When Atlas reached the shore, something else exploded and started fighting with the Titanboa. He was shocked and scanned the new monster.


    [Mossback Behemoth]


    [Rank: Monarch - 15000 Exp]


    ''It''s a Swamp Thing!'' Atlas thought to himself as a hulking monster covered in dark green/brown moss rose from the dark water.


    Atlas noticed it couldn''t hide its glowing red eyes. The monster held the Titanboa in its moss-covered hands before ripping it in half quickly. Blood flowed out, and the Mossback started drinking it.


    He watched as the Monarch Ranked monster devoured the massive snake like it ate a gummy. Once it was done, the Mossback Behemoth looked at him and grunted before sinking into the water.


    ''Did it just thank me?'' Atlas questioned himself.


    While standing there, he felt something latching onto his legs, causing him to yelp in pain and jump in the air. Atlas spotted weird-looking monsters crawling out of the water, and they creeped him out.


    He looked at his legs and saw them biting down, ''''Ouch!''''


    Atlas swung his tomahawk and sliced it in half before using Void Sight on another.


    [Giant Swamp Leech]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    ''I''m in a damn swamp!'' he internally panicked while casting Void Bullets at the leeches that were crawling toward him.


    Small detonations illuminated the surroundings, revealing the towering, twisted trees that loomed overhead. The moonlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy, but Atlas found his path illuminated by the glow of his spells.


    Continuing to shoot down the leeches, Atlas didn''t stop until their slimy bodies carpeted the ground. Sensing his mana reserves dwindling, he checked them.


    [Mana: 532/1132]


    Quickly, he retrieved a blue minor mana potion and gulped it down, surprised by its sweet flavor. He repeated the process twice before assessing how much his reserves had been replenished.


    [Mana: 832/1132]


    ''Three hundred mana, it seems worth it,'' Atlas thought before examining the leeches.


    They were about ten inches long and three wide and oozed a strange purple blood, which Atlas thought would be helpful. He collected all the bodies and the 15 Black Monster Cores, which he stored in his Dimensional Storage.


    Following that, Atlas walked toward the pathway he found, only to run into a wall of vines blocking his way. This caused him to sigh before using his tomahawk to slice through the vegetation, allowing him to continue.


    Atlas traveled for a few days, avoiding the bigger monsters while slaughtering ten Rank E Jungle Hyenas who ambushed him while trying to get water. He sat on a log overlooking a lake while taking a break.


    He thought it strange as the trees pierced the water''s surface, ''Do they grow underwater? Strange.''


    Atlas had never seen anything like it, but nothing shocked him anymore as the jungle revealed all kinds of nightmares, terrifying creatures, and mystical happenings. After eating some bread and drinking some water, he continued the trek.


    A rumble caught his attention while traveling through the jungle, causing him to look around in confusion. However, Atlas soon saw the culprit, and it was shocking: a massive gorilla standing as tall as King Kong.


    He was shocked but managed to use Void Sight on it.


    [Jungle King]


    [Rank: Titan - 20000 Exp]


    The sight froze him in place. Hastily, he sought cover, scrambling for a hiding spot as smaller apes trailed behind the behemoth. Atlas dove behind a moss-draped log, wriggling underneath just as a horde of apes thundered past through the undergrowth.


    Atlas scanned the smaller ones.


    [Jungle Apes]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    Atlas lay motionless, pressed against the damp earth beneath a fallen log, his heart pounding in his ears. The cacophony of the monster horde echoed around him, their snarls and heavy footsteps a terrifying symphony.


    He scarcely breathed, praying the dense foliage would keep him concealed. Minutes felt like hours as he waited, his body tense and alert. Gradually, the sounds of the horde faded, replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the distant calls of jungle creatures.


    The monster''s once-deafening roar was now a memory, leaving an eerie silence. Atlas cautiously lifted his head, peering through the thick undergrowth. The jungle, now tranquil, offered no hint of the deadly horde that had passed.


    Atlas let out a slow, measured breath, his muscles relaxing slightly, and remained hidden a bit longer, ensuring the danger had indeed passed. He crawled out of under the log only to hear a chuckle, which froze him.


    He looked around and spotted a small humanoid standing there with a big smile which creeped him out, ''What the fuck is it with the world! Its a damn horror movie,'' Atlas thought while standing up and scanning the creature.


    [Wild Human]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    Atlas didn''t wait; they cast a Void Arrow at the human''s chest and took it out; its body collapsed to the ground only to cause a chorus of wild howls and cheers, causing him to spin around and spot more of them. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He got a bad feeling and decided to hightail it by dashing into the underbrush while casting spells at the creatures. Atlas classed them as such because of their weird, jerky movements while running.


    The chase continued for a while, and Atlas grew tired. He turned around to cast several spells, but nothing was there. This confused him, but an alarm went off in his mind, causing him to raise the tomahawk.


    Atlas blocked a sword strike from one of the Wild Humans, but that wasn''t all, as another creature tackled him and bit down on his shoulder. He screamed in pain before stabbing it in the head with his dagger.


    He aimed at another and blasted it with a Void Bullet that sent the Wild Human flying backward. Atlas pushed the body off himself, but suddenly, the world went black as he was hit on the head with a club.


    Atlas was encircled by a flood of Wild Humans emerging from the underbrush, their curious eyes fixed upon him like a pack of inquisitive animals. One of the elders prodded him with a stick, shouting something unintelligible before the others swiftly tied him up.


    Atlas found himself bound tightly and carried aloft on a makeshift stretcher by the eerie Wild Humans, their haunting chant filling the air as they marched. Despite his futile struggles against their grip, he couldn''t help but feel entranced by the stunning scenery around them.


    They were on the side of a mountain that overlooked the sprawling jungle, adorned with vibrant flowers emitting a gentle, ethereal glow. Atlas was captivated as they journeyed along a winding path, where a majestic waterfall cascaded down from a cliffside, reminiscent of the one he had leaped from earlier.


    He had hoped the girls were okay as they traveled through the jungle while two more women began their journey as fate played her game, trying to entangle a certain group.

 Chapter 29: Darkheart Jungle

    [Amethyst and Artemis''s POV]Amethyst woke up to a cold breeze, which caused her to shiver. She turned around to see the brunette snoring while looking at peace. ''How is she sleeping so peacefully? Strange girl,'' she thought.


    She sat up and looked around the cave they were in. The water was calm, and the Blood Shark''s corpse was gone, which confused her, ''Where did it go!'' she thought while getting up.


    When the phoenix girl saw nothing, she shrugged and approached the cave they needed to climb through to get to the surface. While doing that, she wondered how Atlas was doing, not realizing that the Wild Humans had just kidnapped him.


    After a while, she sat down until Artemis woke up with an exaggerated yawn and stretch. Amethyst shook her head and spoke, ''''When are we leaving? I want to find Azhar''Zul before he gets into more trouble.''''


    The brown-haired girl laughed, ''''I''m sure that he''s fine. He probably found a jungle girl and is falling in love as we speak,'''' she said while brushing the dust off herself.


    SHe got angry and snapped, ''''Azhar''Zul is loyal to me! He wouldn''t run off with another girl.''''


    Artemis giggled even more, ''''I''m messing with you, Little Bird; now let''s get going.''''


    Approaching the entrance, Artemis readied her sling, peering through its sight. Finding nothing, she turned and whispered, "Stay quiet and alert me if you spot anything."


    The phoenix girl nodded in understanding before the two entered the hole and had to walk sideways while making their way up a slope. Soon, chittering could be heard, and their skin crawled as shadows of long legs were illuminated by something.


    Artemis turned back with wide eyes, ''''Spiders! This leads to a nest of Cave Spiders,'''' she whispered.


    Amethyst shivered but spoke, ''''I will burn them, but you have to cover me.''''


    ''''What? We can go back down and swim up, and I''m certain the Blood Sharks are gone?'''' Artemis pleased.


    This made her laugh, "Shut up, Fish. They are only Rank F. We need to get through this and find Azhar''Zul. Plus, there''s a monster waiting for us to enter the water. It took the shark''s body, leaving us no choice but to go this way."


    Artemis nodded, ''''I''ll use my magic to hold them back, but you must burn them as quickly as possible.''''


    ''''Okay, let us go,'''' she said as the two entered the Cave Spider nest.


    When the duo entered the darkness, the chittering stopped, which made everything worse for them. Amethyst had no trouble seeing the monsters as they were made up of mana, which she could see.


    Artemis could barely see, but thanks to the dim glow of the Cave Mushrooms, she could make out the spiders'' creepy legs. As the spiders advanced, the phoenix girl began casting Cosmic Blasts at them.


    The purple flames lit up the cave, revealing the Cave Spiders in all their creepy glory. Artemis let out a scream that could shatter glass, causing Amethyst to scream before tripping over a rock and landing on her behind with a resounding thud.


    While sitting there, the chittering began as a whoosh was heard, and Artemis yelped. Amethyst turned to her as a spider was on top of her as she struggled to keep its fangs back.


    The phoenix girl pointed her hand at the monster and cast a Cosmic Bullet that freed Artemis. After that, the two fought to the exit while cringing due to the chittering noises that caused goosebumps to run all over their bodies.


    Once they got away from the spiders, Artemis turned to Amethyst and hugged her. The hug was so tight that the phoenix girl couldn''t breathe and struggled to talk until freed. ''''Get off me, Fish! You''re crushing me,'''' she complained.


    Artemis laughed even more before replying, ''''I''m sorry, but I hate spiders. My siblings locked me in the maid''s cupboard, and they had a huntsman inside; the monsters crawled all over me. That day caused me to fear the creepy devils deeply.''''


    Amethyst looked at her sympathetically, ''''It''s okay. I hate Slimes; they give me nightmares,'''' she said with a shiver.


    When she finished speaking, the two girls started laughing before standing up and glancing around. Artemis sighed, ''''It seems we''re in an old coastal mine. I knew some empires set up here but were chased out by the Jungle King and other Titans that roam the land.''''


    The phoenix girl shivered when hearing that, ''''I hate Titans. They bring death wherever they go.''''


    Artemis nodded, ''''Yes, the Olympaea Kingdom had suffered an attack in the east. An Irontusk Titan rampaged and destroyed several towns until the Nova Core Mages pushed it back into the Blackwater Bog, where it roams to this day.''''


    ''''The Great Blue Devil terrorizes the southern Saharaelian tribes. It''s a demon,'''' Amethyst replied.


    ''''Yes, I''ve heard the tales of the Sandcrawler survivors; they speak of a monster that appears out of nowhere before vanishing into nothing, which is strange,'''' the brown-haired girl commented.


    After talking, the two of them made their way out of the mine; while traveling through the dark tunnels, Amethyst stopped Artemis as she spotted something approaching them; it looked humanoid.


    ''''Monsters are heading in our direction,'''' she whispered to the brown-haired girl. ''''They seem to be humans.''''


    ''''Ghouls!''''


    Artemis quickly removed her sling and started flinging mana orbs at the incoming monsters. The mini projectiles pierced right through the Ghoul''s heads. While she was doing this, Amethyst started casting Cosmic Bullets until the tunnel was empty.


    After all that, Amethyst felt the experience entering her body, causing her to level up. They continued their track through the dark tunnel until Artemis spotted a light in the distance. "There''s the way out!" she screamed.


    ''''Shut up, Fish! You''re ringing the dinner bell,'''' Amethyst snapped before following behind her.


    They made it out of the mines only to find themselves on the coast; after ten minutes of standing there, Artemis looked to the west and spoke, ''''The Demacia Continent is a three-month journey by an Azure ship.''''


    ''''Erm, okay? Why are you spouting random things? Did you hit your head on our escape?'''' the phoenix girl commented while joining her.


    ''''Shut up! I bring it up because I want to take Aetlos there to level up when he gets older,'''' Artemis replied. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amethyst instantly rejected the notion, ''''No way, Fish, Demecia is dangerous, and high-ranked monsters roam the battlefields,'''' she said with a shiver. ''''The Bloodhounds and Flesh Crawlers are vicious.''''


    Artemis giggled, ''''Aetlos can fight them as well; it''s all experience, Little Bird,'''' she said with a smile. ''''And he needs all that to grow stronger.''''


    ''''I understand but still don''t like it,'''' Amethyst answered.


    Following that, the two walked into the jungle after spotting the lone mountain where they were due to meet Atlas. They didn''t encounter many monsters until they spotted a group of Horned Rabbits playing in a clearing.


    The two butchered the monsters to gain experience before continuing through the jungle. Amethyst was breathing heavily and looked at Artemis, ''''Why did you have us chase rabbits around the jungle? Do you know how dangerous that is?''''


    Artemis waved her away. ''''Don''t worry about it, Little Bird. The Horned Rabbits wouldn''t be here if any predators were nearby,'''' she said.


    ''''Whatever, let''s get going. The mountain is getting close, and Azhar''Zul should be there already,'''' Amethyst replied


    ''''Okay, let''s get going,'''' the brown-haired girl said.


    The duo navigated the jungle without encountering more monsters, with Artemis leading. Before long, they reached the mountain''s base, found a path leading upward, and began their ascent.


    Artemis suddenly stopped while climbing up the path, looking off the mountainside and yelping in alarm. Amethyst, puzzled, asked, "What''s wrong, Fish?"


    The brown-haired girl didn''t reply immediately. Instead, she quickly cast Earth Spikes in front of them, creating a barrier. "The Jungle King! We need to hide or he''ll attack us¡ªthe monster hates all humanoids," she explained urgently.


    They lingered awhile, watching a massive ape amble through the trees below. From their vantage point, they could only see the top of its head. Amethyst asked in a quiet voice, "What is that thing?"


    "That''s the Titan of Darkheart Jungle," Artemis replied. "He roams the continent-sized jungle, battling other Titans and invading kingdoms that attempt to establish colonies."


    "What about Slavers Bay?" Amethyst asked. ''''I remember the Slavers talking about it.''''


    "It''s built on a large island just off the coast. The only way to the jungle is via a path that appears when the tide goes out," Artemis explained, her eyes following the Jungle King as he marched off into the distance.


    Amethyst nodded before it was safe to continue their journey up the mountain until they came to a ledge that they had to squeeze into. Once there, Artemis commented, ''''Now we wait for Aetlos. I could use Eaglevision to scout the area.''''


    ''''Do it; we need to find him before he gets into even more trouble,'''' Amethyst said. ''''I have a feeling he may have gone through much more than we did.''''


    Artemis nodded and activated her skill, which transported a part of her consciousness into any nearby flying monster. This time, she found herself in a Jungle Harpy, which resembled a large eagle on Earth.


    She controlled the monster to fly over the jungle while looking down, and all Artemis saw were waves of monsters traveling under the canopy, ''''Damn the underworld! A Monster Wave is underway. The jungle is infested with all kinds of creatures.''''


    Amethyst stiffened before looking over the edge, only to see a tsunami of mana passing by the mountain, ''''There are so many monsters; where did they come from?''''


    ''''A jungle dungeon, no doubt; it overflowed, and the monsters poured out of the entrance. The native creatures will deal with them,'''' Artemis explained.

 Chapter 30: The Goblin Nest

    [Grishna''s POV]The next morning, Grishna woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. She quickly prepared herself, eager to meet Throne and his harem at the Suncrest Train Station. As the sun rose, casting a warm glow over the landscape, she stood by the inn''s window, taking in the serene view.


    Letting out a loud yawn, she stretched and then checked her status.


    [Experience: 4920/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 4140]


    [Health: 866¡ú896]


    [Mana: 2368¡ú2490]


    [Strength: 2050¡ú2150]


    [Stamina: 1368¡ú1418]


    [Charisma: 566¡ú586]


    [Intelligence: 360¡ú390]


    [Razorwind Blades: 0¡ú1]


    [Silver Shriek: 0¡ú1]


    ''Nice! One more monster, then I''ll level up,'' she mused. ''Maybe I can kill Throne?''


    Grishna started laughing before entering the bathroom and connecting to the room. Then, she started taking a bath while thinking about the Devil''s Swamp Dungeon. She had heard from other adventurers that it was perfect for Rank G and below.


    While lying in the hot water, she pulled out her brown guild card and held it against the mana light. It had her name and the number of quests and dungeons she had completed. Next to that was a thumbprint that was used to connect it with the adventurer.


    She knew her guild card would change color after completing fifty quests. With only eighteen more to go, Grishna planned to undertake one as soon as she was dressed. She still had a couple of hours before meeting Throne and his harem.


    Ten minutes passed, and she dried herself before wearing her armor and readying her spear. Now that Grishna was ready, she left the inn and headed for the Adventurers Guild to look for a quick quest.


    While walking down the road, minding her own business, Grishna noticed a dozen guards rushing toward the southern entrance, ''I wonder what''s happened now? Maybe a Troll got to close to the city,'' she thought.


    Soon enough, she entered the guild and saw a flurry of adventurers doing business. Some were selling their hauls while others took quests. Grishna approached the quest board to find one that would suit her.


    Going through the papers, she found one and picked it up.


    [Raider Ant Extermination: Eliminate the Raider Ants that are plaguing the farming village south of Suncrest City - Reward: 5 silver coins on completion - Proof: Ant Mandibles or Monster Cores]


    Grishna thought this quest was perfect for exercise and ripped it off the board before waiting in line to see a guild receptionist. It took her ten minutes to reach the front, where a blonde human woman with bright pink eyes sat with a welcoming smile.


    The woman looked at her with wide eyes, ''''Grishna! It''s good to see you, girl; how have you been?''''


    ''''I''ve been fine, Callie. I''m here to take this quest before heading to the Everglade Kingdom with Throne and his harem,'''' she answered with a friendly smile.


    ''''You''re traveling with the Slayers?'''' Callie asked with a bewildered expression.


    She nodded, ''''Yes. Throne and Mia asked me to travel with them.''''


    ''''A strong party; the guild master sees them going far,'''' Callie said while taking the quest notice. ''''You should join them, Grish; they would help with your leveling up.''''


    ''''Shut up, Callie! I''m not joining his damn harem,'''' Grishna declared with frustration laced in her voice.


    The receptionist held her hands with an innocent smile. ''''Okay, I forgot you''re a lone wolf nowadays,'''' she said before changing the subject. Now, hand me your guild card so I can register the quest. Do you know what to do?''''


    Grishna nodded as she handed over her card, stating, "Return to the guild with proof of the kill and the Guild Coin issued by the quest givers when they post the job."


    ''''Perfect!'''' Callie exclaimed with a smile. ''''Seventeen more quests, then you can take the test, but you still need to explore a level 1 dungeon, which is nothing to you. Maybe you can hit up the Goblin Nest. Being an Adept, you can clear it in a few hours.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' the thought of leveling up and earning more coins was too much for the greedy Orc. ''''Can you message the Slayers and tell them I''ll be a few hours late?''''


    Callie laughed, ''''Don''t worry, Grish. I''ll send a messenger sparrow to them once we''re done here,'''' she said while handing her card back.


    Grishna nodded with a smile, ''''I''ll see you in a few hours, Cal,'''' she replied before leaving the Adventurers Guild and heading toward the southern gate. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While walking, she passed the one person she didn''t want to see. ''The blonde bitch is here! Dammit,'' she muttered under her breath.


    ***


    [Estelle Argonia''s POV]


    ''''What was her problem, My Lady?'''' Maria asked while watching the Orc girl giving Estelle a dirty look.


    ''''Jealousy Maria. Grishna Brokentooth hates that I''m better than her, and when she finds out that I''ve already become a Rank F adventurer, she will be angry,'''' Estelle answered with a smug grin.


    The group headed for the Suncrest Train Station, journeying to the Everglade Kingdom to run a dungeon. Estelle didn''t know the way, so the Battle Sister Sophie was leading the way due to being their navigator.


    Estelle watched the people pass by and spoke to the group''s planner, Charlotte, a bookish blonde woman in her mid-twenties, ''''Char, what dungeon do you suggest we start?''''


    ''''My Lady, I think we should start with a level 1, see how that goes, and move to a higher one,'''' Charlotta answered. ''''Rumors speak of many powerful monsters showing up. The Evergladian government has deployed the national guard to the dungeon entrances as a safe measure.''''


    ''''Okay, we will go with your idea,'''' Estelle answered as she spotted the Morozov train station.


    It was made of beautiful orange Sunshard Granite, which the federation took from the mountains surrounding the Blue Dune Desert on Aridonia. If Atlas had seen this building, he would have called it a Greek-looking building that belonged in Athens.


    Beautiful light blue glass covered one side of the building, allowing people to see the ticket booths, waiting area, and the heavily armed Morozovian guards patrolling the inside and out. They carried high-ranked weapons ranging from swords to poleaxes.


    Estelle stopped walking and examined the armor, which looked basic, but she knew it was the opposite. The helmet was shaped like a Frostfang head, while the armor was a dark grey with white trim.


    White fur padded the armor and kept them warm in the colder climates. Estelle didn''t like the Morozovians as they thought they had the upper hand against kingdoms. Rumors speak of the Achaemenidian Emperor Cryus the Great forcing the federation leaders to lower the prices and treat their clients fairly.


    She shook her head and approached the entrance while the guards watched as they passed. Battle Sister Maria said, ''''I will purchase the tickets for the ride.''''


    Estelle nodded and waited with the others while seeing what group of adventurers poured onto the platform, causing more Morozovian guards to appear and watch over everyone with narrowed eyes.


    Sophie joined her on the bench, ''''Do you think we''ll find good dungeons in Everglade, My Lady?''''


    ''''Yes, we also can explore the Darkheart Jungle. Brother told me that he and his followers went there, and he leveled up ten times,'''' Estella replied before turning her attention to Maria approaching them.


    The older woman looked angry, but Estelle said, ''''How much did you pay?''''


    ''''4 gold coins each, My Lady,'''' Maria answered.


    ''''They did lower the price like the Achaemenidians ordered,'''' she said. ''''I wonder why they listened.''''


    ''''The emperor said he would invade their homeland with his Immortals, and you know how they are,'''' Maria replied.


    Estelle and the others shivered at the thought of fighting those demons. She knew the Achaemenidian Immortals were the strongest fighters apart from the Saharaelian Warriors, but they didn''t leave the Blue Dune Desert.


    Even her father sent diplomats to the Western part. The officials returned, speaking of crazy religious fanatics speaking of a being named Azhar''Zul leading them, and the so-called Great Mother rejected their terms.


    This confused Estelle as the Argonia Kingdom was strong in its own right and raised some of the best knights on the Astoria Continent. Soon after, she shook her head as they heard a loud horn.


    An attendant appeared on the platform, informing everyone the train was coming and not to rush onboard. Estelle stood up as it pulled into the station; she was always amazed whenever she spotted the machine.


    It resembled a locomotive train straight out of the Wild West but with a more modern and sleek design, matching the gray color of the Morozovian guard''s armor. This machine pulled a dozen carriages with seats, offering a faster way for people to travel around Valoria than caravans or mounts.


    As the train halted, the Battle Sisters made way for Estelle as she boarded. Making her way through the carriage, the blonde eventually settled on a group of seats to sit together. Taking a seat, Estelle gazed out the window, taking in the sights of Suncrest City.


    Stone and wooden buildings lined the streets, with taller buildings representing the trade district, just beyond the homes and the noble district where the wealthy would build their mansions.


    Estelle watched the people pass by while doing business and living peaceful lives. She could spot Mistveil Summit in the distance, covered in a thick fog that blocked the view of the mountain peaks.


    She had heard of the horrors in that mountain range; her father told her that the Thalassian Emperor rewarded adventurers when they cleared the forest below of monsters that terrorized the local towns and villages.


    While gazing out of the window, Maria said, ''''We will arrive in the Everglade Kingdom in a couple of days, My Lady.''''

 Chapter 31: First Dungeon

    Atlas was still being carried up the three-foot-wide mountain path, so he decided against moving. He wanted to wait until they were in their home before attacking so he wouldn''t be thrown off the cliff.He wondered how Amethyst and Artemis were doing but hoped they were okay. While Atlas was busy thinking, the Wild Humans reached the summit, where several cave entrances could be seen, and more creepy beings rushed around like ants.


    ''What the hell is this hellhole!'' Atls internally thought.


    The Wild Humans carried him into the middle cave entrance. Once inside, a rotten stench hit his nose as the creatures put him on a rack and secured him to a pole. Atlas gagged, his face paling when he saw the source of the horrid smell.


    Monster and humanoid corpses littered the chamber, and a Wild Human was busy chopping something on a ramshackle table. Squinting for a better look, he realized with horror that it was a severed hand, causing him to vomit.


    He knew he couldn''t wait any longer. Summoning his strength, he cast Void Bullet at the ropes, binding him. The azure projectile exploded when it touched the rope and wood he was tied to.


    Atlas yelped as the sharp pain tore through his left hand, but when he hit the ground, he fired another bullet at the nearest Wild Human. His Void Bullet struck the creature''s chest with a thump, sending it crashing into a nearby wall.


    Chaos erupted as Atlas scrambled to his feet, looking for his weapons, but saw nothing and used magic. While backing up, he continuously cast Void Bullets at the Wild Humans charging at him, their screams and howls filling the air.


    A headache slowly intensified due to the mana drain, pushing him to charge forward and punch the nearest creature. It was sent flying, dropping a club that he quickly picked up. He began using it to bash the Wild Humans'' heads, skillfully ducking and diving around their attacks.


    Atlas had just killed one of them and spotted his dagger on one of the corpses. He lunged for it while casting several Void Bullets that connected with the Wild Humans running into the cave to see what was happening.


    He continued to spam spells while using Void Guard to block the attacks that slipped by. It wasn''t long until the Wild Humans stopped coming, but Atlas was tired and checked his mana.


    [Mana: 60/1132] Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Damn, I need to let it recover before I get attacked again,'' Atlas thought while glancing around. ''Hopefully, there aren''t any Wild Humans left.''


    After looking around, he left the horrifying chamber behind and walked out to the summit to find it empty. He found a stone to lean on again while watching the horizon as a beautiful orange glow lit up the world.


    While doing that, Atlas checked his gains.


    [Level Up: 29¡ú31]


    [Experience: 250/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1900]


    [Core Points: 9650¡ú11550]


    [Core Points Gained: 1900]


    Pleased with the outcome, Atlas scanned the distance and spotted the mountain where he had to meet the two girls. His only issue was that there were miles of jungle between him and there, which would allow him to level up even more.


    Then Atlas curled up as he wrapped the enchanted cloak around him before falling asleep. Thanks to clearing out the Wild Human tribe, he would be safe up there while the moons rose in the distance.


    The following morning, Atlas woke up with a yawn; he opened his eyes to see the beautiful jungle before him. He sat up and stretched before shaking his head, ''I''m thankful for the cloak. It keeps me warm.''


    Atlas stood up while taking out some food, which consisted of bread and a canteen of water, which he quickly ate before doing the water until he felt refreshed and was ready to search the cave.


    He approached the entrance before stepping inside, only to see dead Wild Humans lying everywhere. Atlas found no treasure but couldn''t see his tomahawk, which annoyed him; after that, he left the cave,


    Once outside, Atlas started making his way down the mountain path. He was carried up until he stepped into the jungle. The hot and humid air hit his skin, but he continued toward the mountain where the girls were.


    While journeying through the dense jungle, Atlas couldn''t see the mountain but assumed he was heading in the right direction. While walking, he spotted a pond and approached it. But he soon ran into a problem.


    There were two pillars he used to jump across, but the ravine was dark. Atlas shrugged and got the courage. When he leaped onto the first pillar that bridged the gap, it began to tremble violently, throwing him off balance.


    He plummeted toward the ground, hitting it hard before continuing to fall until he crashed onto a concrete floor with a resounding thud. The impact knocked the wind out of him, leaving him sprawled on his back. ''This has to be a joke!'' he fumed internally.


    Atlas struggled to his feet, noticing he was now in front of a stone doorway filled with foreboding as a blue door glimmered. Glancing behind, he saw a staircase leading back up to the jungle. ''Is this a dungeon?'' he wondered.


    Just as he was about to move, an angry roar rang out nearby, causing him to jump before rushing toward the doorway. He stepped through the blue portal and appeared in a long corridor with green torches lighting the way.


    ''Definitly a dungeon,'' Atlas mused as he started walking.


    Suddenly, a buzzing noise broke the silence, approaching Atlas. Recognizing it as a monster, he activated Void Sight to see what was coming his way.


    [Swamp Wasp]


    [Rank: F - 100 Exp]


    ''Insects!'' Atlas thought before casting a Void Arrow toward the monster. A small explosion ripped through the tunnel, giving him a good view of the Swamp Wasps.


    They were the size of medium-sized dogs and were a greenish-brown color. Atlas noticed they moved fast, but his spells were quicker. He started casting Void Bullets and arrows that struck the giant insects.


    The monster''s bodies were weak and couldn''t withstand the arrows, as multiple hit them. Atlas felt the experience flow into him as he attacked the Swamp Wasps that appeared out of nowhere.


    He continued battling the monsters until none were left, and the creatures'' corpses covered the corridor. Seconds later, they vanished into the floor, leaving 8 white Monster Cores behind.


    Following the battle, Atlas continued walking and soon arrived at a large chamber that resembled a swamp. He glanced around and knew monsters were in there, causing him to step forward to attract their attention.


    That''s when Atlas spotted monsters rising from the dark swamp water. They were covered in moss and swamp flowers. These new creatures caught his interest before scanning the closest one.


    [Swamp Creeper]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''''Swamp thing? What else does this dungeon have,'''' Atlas mumbled to himself.


    The monster stumbled toward him, letting out a long, eerie moan that caused him to step back. Atlas raised his hand and cast several Void Bullets at the creature. The projectiles sliced through the air until they connected with its chest.


    An explosion burned the Swamp Creeper, but that''s when Atlas saw many more approaching him. Without a second thought, he started spamming Void Arrows at the monsters, lighting them in blue flames.


    The creature let out a pain-filled roar, which filled the chamber as it collapsed to the floor. It vanished into the dungeon, leaving behind 7 glowing orange Monster Cores, which caught his attention.


    Atlas was still perplexed by the disappearing bodies but chose to ignore them as he continued his trek across the swamp. He ran into a dozen more Swamp Creepers until bumping into a new monster.


    This one creeped him out to the core just how it walked. It looked like a giant green lizard that blended in with the greenery. The monster crawled toward him like it couldn''t see him, which made Atlas chuckle at its stupidity.


    He scanned the monster to see what rank it was.


    [Swampfiend]


    [Rank: E - 200]


    ''Swampfiend? What a name,'' Atlas mused before firing several Void Bullets at the monster, but to his shock and horror, it dodged the attacks.


    It charged at him, causing Atlas to yelp before he turned and sprinted in the opposite direction as more Swampfiends emerged. Despite his retreat, he continued to cast Void Bullets and Void Arrows at the pursuing creatures.


    Gradually, he whittled down their numbers until only two remained, but Atlas breathed heavily, sweat dripping down his face. Though the Swampfiends still chased him, he could see they were growing tired.


    Without wasting any more time, he stopped by the dungeon entrance and aimed at the Swampfiends before casting Void Bullets at their feet, which blew them to bits and brought them to the ground.


    When seeing this, Atlas rushed forward while holding his dagger and dodged a swipe of one of the monsters before plunging the blade into the creature''s head while casting a Void Arrow into the chest of the other.


    Atlas couldn''t see any more Swampfiends, so he collected the 10 orange Monster Cores and some weird vine material they dropped. He shrugged before storing it in his Dimensional Storage before moving on.


    He continued to travel through the swamp while dealing with several more Swampiends and Swampcreepers. By the time he found a set of stairs, he had killed over a dozen monsters, allowing him to level up again.


    While walking down the stairs, he checked his status.


    [Level Up: 31¡ú35]


    [Experience: 450/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 4200]


    [Mana: 1132¡ú1140]


    [Strength: 232¡ú238]


    [Stamina: 236¡ú240]


    [Intelligence:232¡ú236]


    [Core Points: 11550¡ú15400]


    [Core Points Gained: 3850]


    Pleased with his gains, Atlas didn''t realize he had wandered into a vast, arena-like chamber. When he finally looked up and took in his surroundings, he gulped. "A boss fight? Just my luck," he muttered to himself.


    In the meantime, three people were close to starting their journey to help him grow stronger so he could be powerful enough to ignore fights like now while others were fighting for freedom or to survive.

 Chapter 32: The Blue Dune Desert

    [Soraya''s POV]After the Azhar Tiger spoke, it jumped off the rock outcropping and dashed across the blue sand, which shocked the two women. Soraya saw this as a sign; dropping to her knees, she clasped her hands together and whispered, "Al-ladhi yushir al-tareeq."


    ''''Oh god,'''' Circe commented while rolling her eyes. ''''Must you pray over everything, Soraya?''''


    ''''Can''t you see the signs, Circe? An Azhar Tiger spoke of Azhar''Zul,'''' The redheaded elf passionately replied after she finished praying. ''''This is a clear sign from the Mother Goddess. Our Shahanshah-e Ilahi will lead us to paradise.''''


    ''''Enough of paradise, enough of Azhar''Zul; we need to get to Megara, where Zara is waiting for us,'''' Circe declared while getting ready to jump to the desert below, once checking that it was clear.


    Soraya nodded before joining Circe by the edge of the outcropping. The green-haired woman instructed her, ''''Run for the lake and swim as fast as possible. The Devourers won''t be able to reach us once we cross the shieldwall.''''


    After that, they leaped off the edge and hit the sand below, which caused the monsters to lunge out of the sand. The two girls rushed toward the water and dived in, but soon, she heard several splashes coming from behind them.


    Soraya swam faster as the Devourers were getting close, but then they hit the Megara Shieldwall that blocked the creature''s chase. The two of them continued to swim until she spotted light in the distance.


    It took them a few seconds to reach it, and when Soraya breached the surface, the bright sun hit her eyes. She quickly covered them before swimming toward the shore and saw Circe''s hand there.


    She took it, allowing the green-haired elf to pull her up while speaking, ''''You Westerners hate that entrance, but moving here was the only thing Father could do to stop the Achaemenidian attacks on the Eastern Cities.''''


    Soraya nodded in understanding as she knew the Eastern Tribes had to construct their cities in a valley surrounded by high mountains that protected them from the outside world and most of the desert titans and other monsters.


    A group of warriors rushed toward Circe, but she waved them off while Soraya admired the landscape. Rolling dunes stretched out until they stopped at the large blue mountains that pierced the clouds.


    Karsts dotted the landscape, rising from the sands. Soraya had always loved the Blue Dune Desert, but the prospect of exploring the outside world excited her even more. However, the thing she missed when leaving the capital was that her Nonna had never explained how they would find Azhar''Zul.


    "Come on, Soraya!" Circe shouted. "The council is ready to welcome us."


    When she heard this, she turned around and spotted several Sandstriders. Soraya jumped on one as the creatures started dashing across the sand, and Giant Scorpions, Sand Hyenas, and other monsters tried chasing them. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It took the group half an hour to reach Megara, which was built into a lone mountain in the middle of the valley. The Al-Sahraa Guardians patrolled the outside and guarded several entrances.


    The Sandstriders slowed as they reached the bottom of the mountain, but something exploded from the sand, taking out one of the warriors in front of Circe. She skidded to a stop before jumping off and landing on the newcomer''s body, shouting, "Sandsnakes! Warriors, prepare for battle!"


    Soraya watched as Circe drove her Azarakhsh Blade into the serpent''s skull as it flung its head around. When she saw this new monster, she knew exactly what it was. The creature was fifteen feet long with scales the color of sun-bleached sand.


    Its yellow snake eyes glowed with malice as it devoured the fallen warrior, trying to dislodge Circe, but the wood elf girl held on, inflicting even more damage. Soraya witnessed the Guardians leaping from the mountain as more Sandsnakes attacked.


    One of the giant sand serpents lunged toward her, but she cast, ''''Flamewall.''''


    The red fire appeared before her just as the Sandsnakes closed in; when the monster touched the wall, it caused its insides to cook, but Soraya wouldn''t leave it like and cast another spell, ''''Spirit Flames.''''


    Bright red flames rushed out of her hand and washed over the monster, causing it to roar in pain and thrash around. After watching it die, Soraya looked for Circe and soon found her fighting one of the worm monsters.


    Soraya watched the green-haired elf raise her sword as mana rushed toward the blade and was absorbed into it. Then, she swung down and sent a mana slash that cut the Sandsnake in half. However, she was attacked by more monsters.


    She rushed in while dodging the serpent''s attacks and charging her spirit magic. This caused red flames to blaze around her fists before she punched the monsters, which sent them flying.


    While doing this, Soraya noticed some injured Guardians and pointed her left hand at them as she used Flamewall to defend herself. Once safe, she cast a healing spell on the warriors, ''''Spirit Healing.''''


    After casting that, she dropped the wall and rushed forward, punching any worm that came close; her fire-powered punch blew holes in the creature''s body. Soraya took out many serpents.


    She stopped to catch her breath but soon noticed Circe and three other warriors fighting a bigger Tha''ban, which shocked her at the monster''s size. It was three times the size of the regular ones and looked much more potent.


    Soraya got ready to cast a powerful spell and started concentrating before shouting to Circe and the warriors, ''''Get back!''''


    The green-haired girl and her companions scrambled out of harm''s way as she unleashed a "Spirit Blast."


    A crimson beam surged from her outstretched hands, tearing through the air before striking the colossal monster''s torso with so much force that it caused a shockwave, causing it to collapse lifeless.


    Soraya grinned, feeling the rush of energy coursing through her, ''That must have been Rank A or B. I''m glad Circe weakened it beforehand, or it wouldn''t have perished,'' she mused before turning her attention to the wounded warriors and healing them.


    After that, Circe gave her a strange look before it disappeared. She then guided the group to the city after they had retrieved the Monster Cores from the Sandworms.


    ***


    [The Blue Dune Desert - South]


    A group of Asadani warriors sat atop a dune, watching a Sandcrawler pass by them. At first glance, it appears as a stronghold on wheels, armored with mithril plates that shimmer with mana and reflect the shades of the desert sunset.


    Runes decorate its surface to protect it from desert monsters. Massive treads, imbued with even more runes that hum softly with latent power, churn the sand beneath them, leaving behind a trail of disturbed sand.


    Each track was made from a sturdy material that could take a beating. From its flanks, great arms of articulated metal are tipped with drills that pulse with magical energy. These appendages delve deep into the earth, excavating precious gems and ores hidden beneath the desert''s surface.


    Drills emit sparks of arcane energy as they work tirelessly, channeling the earth''s bounty into the waiting maw of the Sandcrawler. Rising above the armored shell, a series of domed structures house the crew and machinery.


    Through tinted glass, glimpses of figures moving with purpose can be seen, their silhouettes shadowed against the glow of magical instruments and control panels. A girl was crouched down with her arms on her knees while watching the machine.


    She was covered in the same blue Scorched Silk armor as the other Saharaelian warriors, which helped camouflage them from the lookouts and Mana Airships that flew over. The only difference was the mouse ears that poked out from the scarf.


    The girl''s yellow eyes gleamed with determination as someone''s voice brought her back to the present, "Farida, when do we strike? The Sandcrawler is almost upon us."


    "Not yet, sister. A patrolling Mana Airship will pass overhead in a few minutes," she replied, her gaze fixed on the approaching Sandcrawler. "I can hear them approaching."


    As Farida spoke, her adorable mouse ears twitched. "One minute!" she exclaimed.


    The warriors prepared their Azarakhsh Blades, which glowed with a gentle blue hue thanks to the Blue Core Stones from which they were crafted. A buzzing was heard seconds later as an aircraft passed over the Sandcrawler while patrolling the desert.


    Once the airship vanished into the distance, Farida raised her hand with a smile before signaling the attack. The Asadani warriors rushed down the dune just as the Sandcrawler approached them.


    Farida looked to the left and ordered, "Jenna''s group! Attack the treads with the Blue Shards so it stops moving, and then take out the soldiers on the crawler."


    ''''Yes Yuvaragni,'''' the warrior saluted. ''''It will be done.''''


    Jenna and her group hurled tennis ball-sized blue orbs at the Sandcrawler''s treads as they descended, triggering a massive explosion. Farida shielded her eyes from the blinding flash.


    The desert trembled, prompting Farida to shout, "Go!"


    She glanced at her older sister and added before rushing off, "You take out the guards; my warriors will target the storage, and the rest know their roles."


    Following that, the warriors rushed toward the massive machine, which got peppered with more blue shards. Farida got close and spotted several guards rushing toward her, and in the closet, one swung his sword.


    She raised her blade to block the attack, and when the sparks flew out, she moved quicker than the man could see and counter-attacked by stabbed the guard in his throat before moving on to the next enemy.


    Soon enough, more warriors joined the fray, allowing the Asadani people to loot the Sandcrawler''s haul after butchering all the Achaemenidians on board before vanishing into the desert as a Sand Kraken appeared and tore it apart.

 Chapter 33: Leveling & Rebellion

    [Nuliajuk Sivuraq POV]After dragging the Giant Mammoth into her abode, Nuliajuk began skinning it while Atak retreated to his corner and curled up. Smiling at the Frostfang, she said, "You did well today," as she continued her task.


    It took her hours until Nuliajuk had all the skins hanging up after she ensured the meat was stored in her space bag. After that, she cooked a meal for them, stirring the stew as Atak approached the fire and slumped down with a huff.


    ''''Dinners nearly done,'''' she commented with a smile. ''''I put extra meat in it this time; I''m starving.''''


    The Frostfang didn''t get up as Nuliajuk finished the dinner and looked at the lazy cat. She rolled her eyes before grabbing Atak''s bowl, filling it up, and approaching. ''''You need to come when called, you silly cat; otherwise, you''d miss dinner.''''


    Atak growled in response, but she bonked him on the head, ''''Say thank you! There''s no need to be sarcastic.''''


    After that, Nuliajuk sat down and started eating while admiring her home. It was a large cave that she had craved using her claws for many moons. She used monster bones and wood to create a bed, sofa, and storage chests.


    At fifteen, she was banished from the hidden village with nothing but the clothes on her back. For the next four years, she survived in the northern wastes. The first year was especially harsh, as she spent it in her Frostbear form, leveling up and growing stronger.


    In the second year, she found Atak, the lone survivor of a Glacial Tyrant attack. His parents and siblings managed to kill the monster, but unfortunately, he was left alone and was about to be attacked by the Great Northern Lions.


    When they were about to pounce on him, Nuliajuk appeared in her Frostbear form and attacked the lions. It was a vicious battle where she was nearly bested, but thanks to leveling up during the fight, she overpowered the monster.


    She decided to take care of him and soon found Windpeak Mountain and the small cave that was originally there. Nuliajuk carved out a home for the two of them and made it comfortable to live in.


    After finishing her meal, she surveyed the Northern Waste, where several herds of monsters roamed. A massive mountain chain loomed to the south, isolating them from the outside world.


    As she gazed across the landscape, she witnessed a fierce battle unfolding between two rival monster colonies. One was a light blue ant, about half the size of a horse, known as the Frost Fire Ant.


    Its adversary, resembling a termite from Earth but as white as the surrounding snow, was known as an Ice Termite. They were mortal enemies locked in a relentless struggle as they battled over a hunting area.


    Nuliajuk licked her lips as she spotted several warrior-type insects that were good to level up but were weak Rank E monsters that she could tear apart without using magic or enhancement.


    With that decided, she called out, ''''You lazy cat! I''m going to level up for a bit!''''


    All she heard was a deep growl, which caused her to smile before she jumped off the mountain ledge and transformed into her Frostbear form as she fell. Nuliajuk crashed, letting out an earth-shaking roar before rushing to the ongoing monster battle.


    She spotted Warrior Termites fighting with the ants and barreling into the group, slashing at the monsters shocked by the sudden attack. Her massive white claws slashed through the creature''s bodies, rending exoskeletons and tearing flesh with primal ferocity.


    Their icy blue carapaces gleaming from the sunlight, Frost Fire Ants turned to face this new threat, only to meet a swift and brutal end. Ice Termites, white as the snow around them, scurried desperately, their mandibles clicking in fear as they tried to defend against the onslaught.


    Nuliajuk''s white fur was matted with blood as she carved a path of destruction through the battlefield. Some monsters tried to flee, but her speed and strength were unmatched in this frozen realm.


    As minutes turned to an eternity of battle, Nuliajuk felt the weariness take hold. Yet still, she pressed on, driven by an insatiable rage and the need to prove her dominance. She fought until the last monsters lay dead or scattered, their ranks decimated by her wrath.


    It took a little while before the ants and termites fled from her rage-filled slaughter. Once they were gone, Nuliajuk lay down in the middle of the battlefield to catch her breath before she turned her gaze south.


    "Perhaps one day," she mused, contemplating whether to venture into the outside world.


    Afterward, Nuliajuk checked her status to review the gains she had earned.


    Name: Nuliajuk Sivraq


    Age: 25


    Race: Frostbear


    Class: Hunter


    Level: 176


    Rank: Adept


    Experience: 200/5000


    Affinity: Ice - Water


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 1450


    Mana: 4900


    Strength: 2950


    Stamina: 1750


    Charisma: 622


    Intelligence: 250


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: High Novice


    Core Points: 15000/3000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack:Lvl-2: Aqua Bolt (5) Lvl-2: Water blast (3) Lvl-3: Ice Claw


    Defence: Lvl-3: Ice Shield (1)


    Support: Lvl-2: Cleanse (-) Lvl-3: Fog (0) Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Utility: Lvl-1: Aqua Barrier (7) Lvl-1: Ice Manipulation (8)


    Skills: Archery (2) Hand-to-Hand Combat (7) Frostbear Form (10) Survivalist (10) Hunting (10) Cooking (3) Intimidation (7)


    ***


    [Port Zalliyah -Achaemenid Empire - Aridonia Continent - Redwood Forest]


    A woman with dark brown hair, rich brown skin, and captivating brown eyes strode confidently down the bustling main street. Due to the bounty on her head, she was wearing adventurer''s armor to blend in while traveling.


    She scanned the scene around her, observing traders and citizens engrossed in their daily affairs. Amid the busy scene, her attention was drawn to the Achaemenidian soldiers patrolling the streets.


    ''Damn dogs will burn by the time I finish,'' she seethed inwardly.


    Shortly afterward, she spotted her fellow rebels gathered around a market stall. Approaching them, she was met with nods of recognition as a woman stepped forward. "Delilah. The Blue Shards are planted across the city at your designated spots."


    ''''Move to your positions. I will take the city bank with my squad while you take out any soldiers who approach,''''


    ''''Yes, Shahzadi!'''' the group whispered before rushing off.


    The stall left her and two warriors, and she spoke with determination laced in her exotic accent, ''''We will complete this job so we can fund an army to strike at the Achaemenid forces in the Redwoods.''''


    They all saluted before making their way toward the Zalliyah bank in the noble district of the city. While the trio was walking through the street, explosions rocked the city. At least twenty went off, causing everyone to panic, but Delilah continued her journey.


    Delilah and the warriors swiftly arrived at the bank, where Achaemenidian guards appeared rattled by nearby explosions ripping through buildings. She unsheathed her Mithril katana, catching the soldiers'' attention.


    "Rebels! It''s an Al-Munfiyah attack!" the commander shouted, prompting them to charge at Delilah and her two warriors, who readied their weapons.


    As the first soldiers closed in, aiming their spears, she gracefully leaned back and pivoted to the left, launching a swift counterattack. With two precise swings and expert footwork, she dispatched the soldiers effortlessly, decapitating them.


    Chaos erupted as her fellow warriors joined the fray. Delilah was a master swordswoman and had been training since she escaped from her father, who tried to kill her when he found out her mother hid her birth from him.


    Because of that, she practiced from morning to night until her hands bled. After years of hard work and determination, Delilah became a master; she knew everything about the blade and could butcher dozens of men without effort.


    Delilah danced around the battlefield, dodging attacks and killing many guards. The Achaemenidians were dropping, but that''s when she noticed one of her warriors getting cornered while injured; that''s when the warrior took out a Blue Shard and shouted, ''''Shahzadi! Make sure to free our people; you will bring us freedom!''''


    With that, he activated the bomb, which detonated, obliterating the remaining soldiers and the bank walls. Witnessing the devastation, Delilah prayed for the warrior''s soul as they followed the Path, whispering, "Al-ladhi yushir al-tareeq."


    Following that, the last warrior guarded the entrance. At the same time, Delilah rushed into the bank and killed several more soldiers before reaching the vault door made from Aetherium, which glowed with mana that strengthened it.


    Delilah took out a specialized Blue Shard and stuck it to the door. She backed away as it went off and burned a hole right through it. Once it dropped to the floor, she rushed into the vault.


    With a smile, she pulled out a Morozov Space Bag and started emptying all of the copper, silver, and gold coins, along with one hundred platinum coins and three-star coins, which sparkled with multiple colors and reminded her of the night sky.


    After that, Delilah took everything and rushed outside to see the chaos in the city. She aimed her hand and cast a spell to signal the retreat. A green bird flew into the sky, letting out a screech before exploding.


    Delilah and her last remaining companion sprinted through the winding streets, their destination the Red Serpent River, for their escape. As they reached the square, their path was abruptly cut off, surrounded.


    The warrior, breathing heavily, spoke with conviction, "Shahzadi, it has been an honor to fight by your side. Free our people from their chains¡ªthis sacrifice will not be in vain."


    She paused momentarily, emotions conflicting in her gaze, before solemnly replying, "May you find paradise in the next life."


    The warrior''s eyes blazed with determination as he retrieved a Blue Shard, hurling himself towards the nearest soldiers and triggering its explosive power. The resulting blast created a chaotic diversion, enabling Delilah to break free and sprint towards the Red Serpent River, where a boat awaited.


    They navigated the waters swiftly, disappearing into the dense forest cover as the pursuing Achaemenidian forces lost their trail.

 Chapter 34: Hiding Something & Finding The Truth

    [Darya Safavi''s POV]Darya was having dinner with her family when an advisor entered and bowed toward her father, who had only just paid attention to the man. ''''What is it, Amir? Can you not see we''re eating?'''' he said annoyedly.


    She noticed Amir gulping but nodding as he spoke, ''''My great emperor. A rider just arrived at Babylon reporting an Al-Munfiyah attack on Port Zalliyah in the Redwood Forest.''''


    The man avoided eye contact with her father. Darya turned to him and saw the anger in his yellow eyes while he ran a hand through his brown hair, ''''Aridonia? Haven''t the generals got the rebels under control?''''


    Darya watched the advisor shake his head, ''''No, my emperor. The rebels raided the bank, escaped on the Red Serpent River, and used Blue Shards to destroy countless buildings throughout the city. The guards tried to contain the fires, but we believe they were distracting.''''


    She watched as her father got angry and slammed his fist on the table, scaring her mother and siblings, forcing her to speak, ''''Father, there''s no need to scare the children.''''


    Cyrus looked at her with rage but soon calmed down and nodded, ''''I agree,'''' before looking at Amir. ''''Bolster the army in that region with 100,000 soldiers and send some of the Nightowls to find this Al-Munfiyah person.''''


    ''''How will you find them? And do you know anything about this person''s father?'''' Darya questioned while sipping some southern wine.


    ''''No, I don''t. It started twenty-one years ago during the beginning years of my reign and five years before your birth, Darya,'''' Cyrus said while avoiding eye contact with her.


    ''Is he hiding something?'' she thought before returning to her dinner as Amir vanished from the dining room.


    That was when her mother, Roxana Safavi, chimed in, "Wasn''t that the time you began your conquest of Aridonia and soon after seized the rest of Zarandar? I recall how furious you were; no one dared to speak to you during those days."


    Her father nodded, ''''I would rather not speak about those days.''''


    Everyone agreed and started returning to their meals before going about their business. Darya sat in the imperial palace library while reading about the empire''s history and her father''s conquest of the remaining parts of Zarandar.


    She found hundreds of accounts of soldiers, commanders, and commoners from the regions, but one stood out. Although it was common for Achaemenidian Emperors to have harems, her father was different and stuck with her mother.


    Darya poured through books and found a shepherd''s account of the Achaemenidian conquest of the Pyrithia Kingdom. Her father led the charge and took out the royal family, but rumors speak of him falling for the realm''s princess.


    When she read this, it confused her, but she soon found many accounts from men she knew disputing the shepherd''s account and called it slander as the royal family fled during the capital''s siege.


    She ignored that and pulled out a book written by the Oracle of Azhar''Zul, which was recovered when their army invaded the Blue Dune Desert. Darya opened the book and started studying its teachings.


    An hour later, she closed it with a sigh, ''''Damn fanatics. They truly believe in Azhar''Zul and his Great Jihad.''''


    ''''Yes they do princess,'''' an old woman''s voice.


    Darya turned around to see an elderly Nubian woman who had served as her father''s historian and slave for many years. She smiled warmly and greeted her, saying, "Hello Bibi. What do you mean?"


    Bibi returned her smile, her bright expression contrasting with her dark skin. She sat down and continued, "My little flower, you and your father misunderstand Azhar''Zul like most of the desert people do."


    ''''How so?'''' Darya questioned with curiosity laced in her voice.


    The old woman coughed before explaining, ''''Azhar''Zul is the devil princess. If allowed to rise to become their leader, his Great Jihad will cover the world in the blood of a thousand kingdoms. The boy is evil incarnate and the Dark God''s Champion who is here to sow chaos in the world.''''


    Darya stiffened, ''''How do you know all this, Bibi?''''


    "I am Nubian. For generations, we have battled the Saharaelians. Yet, there was a time of peace when some of them visited our homeland, and some of us, including myself, journeyed to one of their cities on the border of our empire,'''' the old woman explained before telling her more.


    Afterward, the old Nubian woman shared all she knew about the prophecy with Darya, inspiring her to delve deeper into history as she searched for clues on how to stop the rise of Azhar''Zul.


    ***


    [Zara Al-Zahiri''s POV]


    Zara Al-Zahiri, a captain in the Ghaziyan Warrior Legion, sat atop a karst just outside Megara. Gazing across the vast blue desert, a breeze sent her short purple hair flying everywhere. Her piercing yellow eyes spoke of a lifetime of fighting.


    She turned her attention to the Dreambloom Mushroom in her hand, which glowed like the desert with a feint blue color. This rare plant thrived only in the deepest reaches of the Blue Dunes, cultivated exclusively by the Asadani people.


    ''I will find out the truth, then I can decide,'' she thought. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zara understood the risk involved; things could deteriorate rapidly if it reacted poorly with her body. However, she was determined to discover whether Azhar''Zul was the true messiah for her people or a pretender who would lead them to their doom.


    Without wasting any more time, she swallowed the Dreambloom, which caused her eyes to roll back as she collapsed backward. Soon, she blacked out, only to find herself on the edge of the Blue Dune that bordered the Achaemenid Empire.


    ''The Deathlands, many of my people have died here defending the desert against our enemies,'' Zara thought.


    She turned around, only to have her jaw drop open. Zara spotted millions of her people watching a young man with a fanatical expression, standing on a rock surrounded by a group of serious-looking girls and an army of devoted guards.


    He stepped forward in his scorched silk armor, his demeanor more intense, as if something profound had changed him. At the same time, she gazed at the young man with beautiful white hair and glowing azure blue eyes.


    Zara spotted something black lying behind him, which caused her eyes to open wide. ''The prophecy is accurate. He tamed an Azhar Tiger as written.'' The large black cat was lying against him like it always wanted to touch him, which she found adorable.


    She was brought back to reality when he passionately shouted, "Long live the fighters!"


    The Saharaelians erupted into fanatical cheers, echoing the phrase. Zara observed Azhar''Zul signaling to a redhead she instantly recognized as her best friend, Soraya Al-Muharib, who nodded and led the other girls away.


    ''He''s real! The believers were right all along,'' she internally thought.


    That''s when her vision changed. Everything went white, and her senses were muddled as she reappeared on the World''s Edge Mountains, which separated the desert from the Achaemenidians.


    She saw the enemy army forming across the grasslands and spotted Azhar''Zul casting a powerful spell. As he released the spell, the Dreambloom ran out, and she woke up to see Desert Eagles circling above, ''Damn rats with wings.''


    Zara raised her hand and cast a spell to deal with the flying monsters, ''''Gravity Bomb.''''


    The Desert Eagles halted, time seeming to freeze for an instant. Then, the air around them shifted, and they erupted into a blood mist. As the last monsters fell, a slow clap echoed behind Zara.


    Turning swiftly, she saw Soraya and Circe standing there, smiles on their faces. Zara''s face lit up with a radiant smile, and she sprinted towards the redhead and hugged her while speaking, ''''Aya! I''ve missed you.''''


    Soraya giggled before returning the hug. ''''Sorry, I haven''t come down south in a while. I''ve been training with the Blades of Azhar''Zul. More believers have been joining the Path, Al-ladhi yushir al-tareeq,'''' she said.


    Zara shook her head but whispered, ''''I''ve seen him, Aya! I took a Dreambloom Mushroom, which showed me two visions of him, and he''s real.''''


    Soraya''s blue eyes glowed excitedly when the words left her lips before she dropped to her knees to pray. This caused Circe to roll her eyes, ''''What did you say to her, Zara? Is it about her Dajjal again?''''


    She glanced at the green-haired girl and rolled her eyes. "He''s not the Dajjal, Circe. Azhar''Zul is real as written."


    Circe chuckled, "You know what the Dreamblooms do, right?'''' she explained with a knowing grin. ''''They show you what you want to see, not the future."


    After praying, Soraya stood up and retorted, "You will become a believer once we meet him."


    "No, I won''t," Circe replied firmly. "I do not follow the Path. My hope lies with our warriors, not some outsider."


    Zara quickly interrupted to stop an argument breaking out, ''''We need to gather supplies before leaving,'''' she said while stepping forward. ''''Plus, how can we find Azhar''Zul? Valoria is a big world.''''


    ''''He will be in Thalassar during the first month of Solaris,'''' Circe revealed. ''''It will give us enough time to get there.''''


    ''''How do you know that?'''' Zara asked.


    Circe laughed again before replying, "The Great Mother told me; she said I should be the first to know."


    She smiled at this while Soraya''s expression turned to anger. Sensing the tension, Zara addressed her best friend, "There must be a reason the Great Mother didn''t tell you directly."


    Turning to Circe, Zara continued, "When we leave the Blue Dune Desert, we''ll only have each other to rely on, so we need to be at least civil."

 Chapter 35: Hiding In A Tree

    Atlas gazed around with interest, noting how the arena resembled a Greek amphitheater with seats that gradually rose until they disappeared from view and murky swamp water that reached up to his ankles.As he took in the surroundings, a bell chimed, startling him as torches came to life as they lit up one by one. That''s when Atlas noticed a ten-foot black gate beginning to open, accompanied by the echoing sound of heavy footsteps.


    He spotted a large and more vicious-looking Swamp Creeper, which made his skin crawl. It stood seven feet tall and was covered in muck, vines, and damp vegetation. A foul odor hit his nose, causing him to recoil in disgust.


    ''That smells so bad, makes me want to throw up,'' he thought while gagging.


    Atlas held his nose and covered his mouth with a scarf he pulled from storage. Once safe from the smell, he used Void Sight on the monster. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Bog Fiend]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''Well, this is going to be hard,'' Atlas thought. ''It''s not nearly dead like the White Warden I killed before, which will make it much harder to defeat.''


    As he watched the monster, it let out a primeval roar as another bell chimed, announcing the start of the boss battle. Atlas yelped as the Bog Fiend closed in on him and swung a giant mossy fist.


    Atlas jumped to the side as it slammed into the floor; he got to his feet and cast several Void Arrows at the monster. The azure blue sliced through the air and connected with its body, causing miniature explosions.


    The Bog Fiend roared in agony, but Atlas spotted something. As small blue flames broke out on the spot, his spell hit, which caused his eyes to gleam, ''It''s weak to fire!''


    While thinking the monster sunk into the swamp water, ''Where did it go!'' he started to panic internally.


    Something told Atlas to protect himself, so he cast Void Guard as the Bog Fiend''s fist slammed into his torso. Pain overloaded his body as he flew across the amphitheater and crashed into the lower seats.


    [Health: 182/258]


    Atlas clenched his teeth as his Regeneration kicked in, allowing him to cast a barrage of Void Bullets and Arrows at the creature. It attempted to evade into the water, but the shimmering azure arrows found their mark.


    The creature bellowed in agony, thrashing about as flames licked across its form, consuming a layer of moss. Atlas''s smile of satisfaction faltered, replaced by a grimace of pain as he struggled to rise on unsteady legs.


    He downed one of the better Health Potions, allowing him to start moving normally despite the pain. Atlas quickly jumped forward as the Bog Fiend appeared behind him, but he unleashed ten Void Bullets this time.


    The projectiles struck the monster forcefully, eliciting a pained recoil. Sensing an opportunity, Atlas leaped up and dashed towards its legs. He drew his dagger and sliced it into its mossy ankles.


    As Atlas slashed its ankles, the Bog Fiend collapsed with a tremendous splash, drenching him in filthy water. Seizing the opportunity, he unleashed a barrage of Void Arrows into the creature''s body.


    The arrows buried deep before exploding, inflicting significant damage on the creature. Despite growing lightheaded, Atlas continued casting until he stumbled. With his final ounce of strength, he cast one more Void Bullet before everything went black.


    Hours later, Atlas woke up with a scream, shivering as he found himself mostly submerged in the filthy water. Frantically, he looked around for the Bog Fiend but saw only a baseball-sized, glowing green Monster Core and a pile of loot that caught his attention.


    Atlas got up while shaking his head and stretching his body, causing all the bones in his body to snap. Following that, he approached the pile of loot and saw ten silver coins and a yellowish potion that sparkled as the light hit it.


    He threw the coins into his storage while examining the potion.


    [Advanced Antidote Potion: Heals most poisons known to the world]


    ''Oh this will be useful one day,'' Atlas thought while storing it away.


    After that, he glanced around for an exit, which he spotted. It was a glowing door that led to the jungle outside. Atlas sighed in relief before stepping through it while readying his dagger for more attacks.


    But nothing came as he stepped out the door and felt the hot air brush against his face. When outside, Atlas looked around and couldn''t see anything, so he climbed up a tree to get the lay of the land.


    It took him five minutes to rush up the tree and finally get a look out of the jungle, covered in mist and flying monsters passing by. That''s when Atlas spotted a lone mountain where he was meant to reach the girls were nearby.


    The trees around Atlas started to shake, and he could hear roars, howls, and other strange noises from monsters below could be heard. Atlas stiffened as he saw the Jungle King again, but it was heading in his direction this time.


    Atlas quickly descended into the canopy and hid below the leaves just as an explosion rang out from the nearby mountain. He panicked as that''s where Amethyst and Artemis were waiting for him.


    He poked his head out of the canopy to see a purple explosion tearing up the summit, but that''s when he spotted something flying away from the mountain, causing him to release a breath of relief.


    Following that, the tree he was in started to shake, which confused Atlas. He started climbing lower, only to stop when a sea of monsters passed, ''Guess I''m hiding in a tree.''


    Atlas looked up at the sky and noticed it was late afternoon, which meant the sun would be setting in a few hours, ''I need to find somewhere to sleep safely and check the mountain where the girls were.''


    He climbed down the tree until he was ten feet above the ground and noticed the swarm of monsters slowing down. Atlas waited for another hour, and he saw nothing before climbing down.


    When his feet touched the ground, Atlas looked around and saw nothing. After that, he searched for a place to sleep, and after a couple of hours of searching, he soon found a cave with an overhang, which was out of the way of the monster trail he was on.


    Atlas slowly approached the cave as he readied a spell but found nothing but a dry space. Realizing everything was clear, he wrapped his cloak around him before pulling out some bread.


    He began eating while observing the jungle, bathed in a pink glow from the setting sun. The light illuminated the mist, creating a strange, enchanting haze as the beautiful scene captivated his interest.


    Soon after, he got comfortable in the corner of the cave, drifting off to sleep to the soothing sounds of the outside world. The night passed by as Atlas was hidden in the shadows, which he unintentionally did, but it hid him from the monsters that investigated.


    The following morning, Atlas slowly opened his eyes as he yawned, only to jump out of his skin when he saw a little monster resembling a Honey Badger glaring at him with white and black fur and glowing yellow eyes.


    He slowly stood up while holding his hands out to the side, but the creature had other plans and lunged at him. Atlas yelped as he tried to dodge the angry badger who swiped at him with its sharp claws.


    Atlas fell backward as the thing bit into his ankle. His scream echoed through the cave as he started to thrash his leg, launching the creature across the chamber with a hiss. ''What the hell! Where did this thing come from!''''


    Once it was at the cave entrance, Atlas scrambled to his feet, but it lunged at him again. This time, he was ready and cast Void Guard, which caused the monster to crash face-first into the azure shield, but that didn''t do much apart from daze it for a few seconds.


    He took his chance and sprinted out of the cave, but the crazy badger was on him. It started to chase Atlas through the jungle while letting out a deep growl. As he jumped over a branch, the thing caught up to him and slammed into his back.


    Atlas was sent flying, but that''s when the badger bit into his shoulder, causing him to let out a scream of pain as they hit the ground with a crash. He tried to get the thing off, but it was clinging to him.


    ''''Get off me, you little shit! Why are you attacking me!'''' Atlas shouted at the badger, intent on teaching him a painful lesson.


    It then used its claws to slice through his skin, which felt like hot knives, causing him to scream out. Atlas gritted his teeth as the pain was worse than anything he had experienced so far.


    The two were wrestling, but the badger was determined to hang on by digging its claws and teeth deeper into his skin, ''What is this crazy thing! I did nothing to it!''


    He was flailing around like a madman, but that''s when something caught his attention, causing Atlas to forget about the badger as a monster towered over them with a look of malice in its black eyes.


    The newcomer was massive and covered in a greenish-black hide with a row of razor-sharp teeth the size of him. Atlas noticed the only difference between its Earth counterpart. ''Now a damn Tyrannosaurus! What the fuck is with this jungle!'' he internally panicked, but used Void Sight on it.


    [Drakaroth]


    [Rank: A+ - 1000 Ex]

 Chapter 36: Arzuros

    Growing increasingly frustrated by Atlas''s lack of response, the badger ceased its biting assault. Instead, it caught sight of the newcomer and charged toward it with menacing growls.Atlas watched the Drakaroth grunt before hitting the badger with its enormous tail like it was swatting an annoying fly. The little monster was sent flying in the opposite direction like a football, causing him to chuckle at it, but that''s when it turned its attention to him.


    He gulped before getting to his feet as it took a step forward, spurring him to run through the jungle. The Drakaroth gave chase but wasn''t as fast because the trees and giant roots blocked the monster''s path, allowing him to get a headstart.


    While running, Atlas spotted the badger charging at the giant monster and thought with a growing smile, ''This thing is crazy! It just won''t stop.''


    After thinking that, Atlas noticed it got in between him and the monster; he was baffled because the badger looked like it was defending him, which caught his interest as the thing was chasing before meeting their mutual enemy.


    The little creature''s antics caused the Drakaroth to stop and look at it with amusement. He watched as the massive monster tried to stomp on it, but the badger dodged to the side and went for its ankles, which made Atlas laugh as he hid by a nearby tree.


    He continued to watch as the little creature went mad. Its actions further irritated the Drakaroth, which stepped back and swung its tail again. Oblivious to the danger, the crazy badger lunged forward, but it was struck and sent flying in his direction.


    Aware that another attack could prove fatal for the reckless creature, he sighed and unleashed a barrage of a dozen Void Arrows and Bullets as the monster got closer. They sliced through the air with deadly precision, striking the Tyrannosaurus''s face and forcing it to stagger backward.


    Upon witnessing the scene, Atlas hurried over and scooped the badger into his arms but yelped when it sank its teeth into his arm as he resumed running. Frustrated, he glanced down at the creature and gave it a firm smack on the head.


    "Don''t bite me, you stubborn monster! I''m trying to help you," he scolded, causing the badger to stare at him but soon stopped giving him problems.


    Atlas sensed the Drakaroth was closing in on them, the ground trembling beneath their feet. His heart raced with urgency, but he found a glimmer of hope when he spotted a path leading up the mountain where he was supposed to meet the girls.


    He darted toward it, only to be bitten again and yelped, but ignored it as he scrambled up the pathway. The dinosaur burst out from the nearby trees, sending some falling to the ground with a smash.


    Without looking back, Atlas ascended the mountain as the Drakaroth tried following them but soon fell off as it was too big to climb. When seeing that, he slowed down and bonked the angry badger on the head, ''''Stop biting me, you stupid creature! I was only helping you.''''


    Once Atlas scolded the little monster, he put it down while continuing, ''''Once that demon goes, we can go our own way. You don''t know how to be grateful to the person that saved you from being eaten.''''


    The badger eyed him with its yellow eyes before growling, causing Atlas to throw up his arms, ''''See! You''re an angry monster that needs to calm down.''''


    After that, Atlas trekked to the summit and found a firepit with monster bodies everywhere. He approached one of the corpses and studied it; the creature looked like a chimpanzee but was much smaller and had more humanoid features.


    Once Atlas finished examining the corpses, he retrieved his dagger and carefully extracted an orange Monster Core, a task that brought a satisfied grin to his face. Moving swiftly, he harvested twenty more cores and stored them away.


    Atlas rose to his feet and gazed over the jungle, struck by its breathtaking beauty. Towering trees reached skyward, and flocks of birds darted across the expansive canopy, pursued by larger monsters in flight.


    "This place is more beautiful than Earth," he mused, momentarily feeling admired. However, his daydreaming was shattered when the head of the Drakaroth suddenly appeared around the ledge above.


    The badger startled and lunged at the monstrous head, crashing into it with fierce determination. Atlas watched as the Tyrannosaurus-like monster plummeted to the ground below with a deafening crash,


    Atlas turned towards the badger, approaching him with a defiant gleam in its yellow eyes. He rolled his hand as the creature lunged, but he swiftly sidestepped and delivered a sharp chop to its head, only to find it growing even more furious.


    They began grappling on the summit, where the honey badger sank its teeth into Atlas''s limbs and clawed at him. With confusion etched on his face, he exclaimed, "Are you crazy? Stop attacking me!"


    The tiny creature halted its assault, allowing Atlas''s Regeneration to start healing the wounds it had inflicted. Once he saw the sliced skin stitching together, he sighed before looking at the angry creature staring at him with rage-filled eyes.


    Atlas, unsure how to proceed, uttered, "Can we stop fighting?"


    The Arzuros stared at him, prompting Atlas to examine it using Void Sight.


    [Arzuros]


    [Rank: D+ - 300 Exp]


    ''It''s strong for its size,'' Atlas thought to himself.


    Just then, the Arzuros closed in, swiftly moving within arm''s reach and squaring up. Atlas sighed before bopping it on the nose, but this proved the wrong move as it lunged at him and started biting.


    However, the bites were gentle this time, like nibbles, making Atlas laugh. The sound of his laughter seemed to excite the Arzuros even more, prompting it to attack him with renewed enthusiasm playfully.


    When the Arzuros grew tired of nibbling him, it lay in his lap like a house cat, amusing him. He pampered his hand through its surprisingly soft fur while watching shooting stars streak across the sky above the jungle.


    Atlas soon realized the little creature was a girl, which surprised him. She had been nipping at him whenever he suggested male names, but when he tried "Lilith," she made an excited noise before curling up and falling asleep.


    Feeling his exhaustion setting in, Atlas gently stood up and headed towards the firepit where the girls gathered. That''s when he saw a message scratched into the ground next to a bench, which caught his attention.


    [Azhar''Zul, we may have to flee due to the monsters, but if we''re not here when you arrive, meet us at the Port city of Setoria. Artemis and I will be waiting for you there]


    ''I''m glad they''re safe,'' Atlas thought, wrapping himself and Lilith in his enchanted cloak, earning another bite from her, causing him to smile.


    He looked at the small black-and-white creature and hugged her as the wind picked up, eventually drifting off to sleep. Something jumped on his chest the following morning, and Atlas was awakened. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His eyes opened to see Lilith standing over him with a naughty twinkle in her eyes as she quickly leaned down and bit his ear. This caused a shock to run through his body and made him laugh before pushing the silly badger off him.


    Lilith started pacing back and forth while squeaking, which Atlas found adorable, but he spoke, ''''What''s wrong?''''


    She gestured dramatically towards the cliff''s edge, prompting Atlas to peer down. To his dismay, he spotted the Drakaroth gazing up at them with an appetite that could rival a starving wolf.


    "Seriously? Can''t you find a salad or something?" Atlas hollered indignantly, waving his arms at the giant lizard.


    Unimpressed by his protest, Atlas unleashed a volley of Void Bullets. They zipped through the air like angry fireflies and smacked the Tyrannosaurus in its smug face, causing it to roar in pain before it scuttled back into the jungle.


    Atlas turned his gaze northeastward, where a dark river wound through the dense jungle. The river eventually opened into a vast lake, its tranquil waters embracing an island at its center.


    With relief, Atlas scanned the area below and found no trace of the bothersome creature. He spoke, ''''Climb onto me, Lilith.''''


    Lilith nodded eagerly, then scrambled up Atlas''s body, clinging to his clothing with her claws. She playfully nibbled his neck, a signal that she was prepared. With a daring leap off the edge, he landed on a slope and began to slide down.


    ''Hopefully that annoying monster doesn''t appear,'' Atlas mused but cursed himself shortly after.


    That''s when the annoying Drakaroth appeared at the bottom of the mountain, looking excited as it waited for them, but Atlas tried something and cast a Void Bullet below him, sending them flying through the air.


    Atlas hurtled towards the monster''s gaping maw, taking quick aim and firing a bullet right at its snout. The creature shook its head in surprise, momentarily thrown off balance, creating a perfect opening for him.


    Seizing the moment, he crashed into its head and tumbled across its rough surface, desperately clinging to one of its long spines to halt his slide before he could regain his footing.


    Before Atlas could stop her, Lilith launched herself off his chest and scrambled up the monster''s body, targeting its eyes with a fearless determination, ''Damn Honey Badger!''


    He chased after Lilith, scrambling over the thrashing body of the Drakaroth. Despite the beast''s wild attempts to dislodge them, she clung tenaciously to its face, tearing into flesh and causing blood to spray in all directions.

 Chapter 37: Tidebreakers

    Atlas finally reached the creature''s head, determinedly placing his hand on its skull. Without hesitation, he unleashed a barrage of Void Arrows, their azure glow illuminating the chaos around them as they tore through the monster''s hide at close range.The Drakaroth roared in pain and continued to thrash around. Atlas realized he couldn''t kill it, so he quickly grabbed Lilith before leaping off the rage-filled monster and hitting the jungle floor.


    Atlas started dashing through the trees while heading Northeast. He jumped over branches and fallen logs. Lilith wriggled out of his arms and started running beside him, emitting an adorable growl.


    They raced through the jungle until they reached the river Atlas had spotted from the summit. When Atlas halted, Lilith didn''t brake, launching into the water with a spectacular splash and paddling across without a hint of concern.


    Emerging on the opposite bank, she had an enormous leech clinging to her. Atlas quickly scanned it with Void Sight.


    [Poison Leech]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    Before he could react, Lilith tore the leech off and devoured it in a couple of bites. Then, with a shudder, she collapsed. Atlas peered at her, tongue lolling out and looking like a drunk college student at spring break.


    He was worried about the little devil and started searching for a way to cross the dangerous river full of monsters that made his skin crawl. While walking, Atlas scanned the water because he felt something watching him.


    [Swamp Drake]


    [Rank: E - 200]


    Atlas stopped walking while raising his hand and casting three Void Arrows into the water. This caused a mini explosion as the water erupted just as the monster lunged at him, but he was ready and cast Void Guard.


    The monster slammed into his shield and pushed him backward, allowing him to retrieve his dagger. The Swamp Drake attacked again, but Atlas was ready, so he quickly sidestepped the monster before stabbing it in the eye.


    It roared in pain and tried to free itself, but Atlas cast a Void Arrow directly into its eye through the dagger, which caused the thing''s head to explode. Following that, he walked along the riverbank until he found a way across.


    By the time he reached Lilith, she was out cold and looked drunk, which made him laugh as he scooped her up. Atlas continued to travel through the jungle without being bothered by any more monsters.


    Soon, as the sun began to set, he started searching for a place to settle down for the night. Finding no suitable spot, he crawled under a bush, curling up and cuddling Lilith for warmth and comfort after wrapping the cloak around them.


    The night passed, and Atlas was well hidden so that none of the stronger night monsters could see or sense him, thanks to the enchanted cloak. But that didn''t stop Lilith from waking up.


    She panicked but soon realized Atlas was hugging her. The angry Arzuros looked at the young boy, who recoiled with an uncertain expression before she nudged his head with her own and curled up closer.


    As the sun rose and lit up the jungle, Atlas stirred and woke up, the warmth of the morning light bringing him back to consciousness. He crawled out of under the bush while cradling Lilith.


    Atlas looked around and saw dozens of massive monster prints. While examining the scene, he heard two loud roars, which caused him to look up as something flew past, causing a mini earthquake.


    He rushed to a tree and started climbing, but Lilith lunged at something. Atlas quickly looked to see her fighting a medium-sized snake. The honey badger-like monster was vicious, savaging the serpent with relentless ferocity.


    In the meantime, Atlas starts climbing up the branches until he reaches the canopy, only to see two massive monsters fighting each other. One was the Jungle King and the other looked like a giant Allosaurus. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The giant dinosaur lunged at the ape, but it sidestepped the attack before striking its head with a hammer fist. Atlas heard the loud crunch when its fist crushed the monster''s skill before two more joined the fight.


    ''Ouch, one punch kill must have hurt,'' he internalized while watching the fight. Atlas realized they were getting closer, which caused him to quickly descend the tree after grabbing Lilith.


    When he hit the ground, he started sprinting through the jungle as everything shook. Atlas managed to flee the area, and, thanks to the Titan''s fight, the monsters all hid, allowing him free travel across the jungle.


    He made good time and ended up in a clearing covered with monster bones, which caused him to think, ''What did this?''


    While standing there, Atlas heard a primal and haunting sound reverberating across the clearing. It began as a low rumble, akin to distant thunder rolling across the plains, building in intensity with each reverberation.


    As it rose in pitch, the growl transformed into a piercing shriek, sharp and menacing, cutting through the air like a blade, ''I wonder what monster it is now?'' he sighed.


    A ten-foot-tall culprit stepped into the clearing, allowing Atlas to see the monster. Its green feathers and back helped it blend into its surroundings, but what unnerved him were its glowing yellow eyes.


    Its massive hooked beak looked deadly. When Atlas saw this newcomer, he gulped, ''Oh god. Why is something like this here?''


    Atlas quickly scanned it with Void Sight.


    [Terror Bird]


    [Rank: E+ - 300 Exp]


    As he did that, Lilith growled before wiggling out of his arms and dropping to the ground. She made herself look bigger before charging at the Terror Bird and attacking it, which shocked Atlas, who quickly followed.


    The monster roared in anger and rushed forward. When Atlas saw how fast it was, he cast Void Guard as its massive claws struck the shield, causing him to fly backward, but that''s when Lilith bit down on the Terror Bird''s side.


    Atlas wouldn''t let her get the kill and started casting dozens of Void Bullets at its large body. When the projectiles connected, the monster tumbled over and crashed to the ground, allowing the Honey Badger to swarm over it.


    He rushed forward just as the creature was about to bite Lilith, grabbed its head, and instantly Void Arrow into its skull, causing it to burst like a watermelon, allowing the experience to flow into his body.


    ''''Ahhh, that always feels good,'''' he mumbled.


    Atlas shook his head before looking at Lilith, chewing at the corpse. She was ripping pieces of flesh off the Terror Bird. Confused at the girl''s behavior, he pulled out his dagger and cut out the orange Monster Core.


    Once he had done that, he stored the message in his storage: ''''Come on, Lily. Stop eating the bird.''''


    She looked at him with narrowed eyes; he knew what she would do and warned her, ''''Don''t you dare attack me! We''ve spoken about this, you demoness.''''


    Just as the last words rolled off his tongue, she pounced. All Atlas saw was black and white flying toward him until she clung to him like a face hugger; he fell backward as Lilith nibbled every part she could get hold of.


    The Arzuros kept attacking him, and if Atlas managed to free himself, Lilith would do it again until she was sitting on his chest with a look of triumph on her little face. This made him laugh, but he pushed the little devil off him while standing up.


    Lilith scrambled up his body and slumped on his shoulders like a sloth, causing Atlas to shake his head and press on through the dense jungle. Occasionally, she gave him a lick or a playful nibble, sending a shiver down his spine.


    Suddenly, the demoness''s head shot up, her gaze fixed on the south. She swiftly jumped off him and darted into the bushes. Atlas sighed and hurried after the mischievous creature, who led him to a beach nearly an hour''s trek away.


    Arriving there, he gazed at the stormy sea and quickly noticed a landmass further north. Atlas quickly realized that the beach stretched to that distant shore. He glanced at Lilith, who was prancing around in the sand and grinned.


    Atlas began walking down the beach, but suddenly, something exploded from under the sand, sending him stumbling backward as Lilith lunged. He shook his head and saw a dog-sized crab with two large pincers holding the angry badger as she went wild.


    This caused him to chuckle before scanning the monster.


    [Tidebreaker]


    [Rank: F - 100 Exp]


    "Not too strong," Atlas mused. "Let''s clear them out for the experience."


    He rushed forward just as Lilith freed herself from the Tidebreaker''s claws and tried attacking the monster by jumping onto its back. However, the creature''s shell absorbed the impact, leaving it unharmed.


    That''s when Atlas cast Void Bullet at its face. The projectile pierced the Tidebreaker''s soft flesh and exploded inside the shell. Lilith yelped and quickly jumped off as the creature collapsed to the sand below.


    Then, even more Tidebreakers popped out of the sand and started attacking. Atlas cast Void Guard just as one of the monsters slammed into him. Spinning around, he cast Void Arrow into its face, the azure projectile hitting its mark with deadly precision.


    Atlas''s spell exploded, flinging the crab away just as Lilith rushed in and bit down on one of the monster''s legs, ripping it out with a strong tug. He swiftly plunged a blade into the soft flesh, finishing the creature off.


    The battle continued for a few more minutes until all the Tidebreakers lay lifeless on the beach. Atlas, breathing heavily, counted ten monsters before sitting down to catch his breath.

 Chapter 38: Jungle Boar

    Atlas rose and began pulling out the ten white Monster Cores, storing them carefully with every piece of edible meat he could find. Then, inspired by an idea, he used his dagger to slice off slabs of meat to try.He searched for sticks to make a campfire, and after finding some, Atlas started a fire by casting a Void Bullet at it. After five minutes, it roared to life, causing him to smile before grabbing two slabs of crab meat, stabbed to stick into them, and hung them over it.


    When the flames touched the meat, it sizzled, causing Atlas''s stomach to rumble as Lilith walked up and plopped beside him while watching their meal cook. As he sat there, he checked his status.


    [Level Up: 35¡ú36]


    [Experience: 950/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1500]


    [Health: 258¡ú266]


    [Mana: 1140¡ú1150]


    [Strength: 238¡ú242]


    [Stamina: 240¡ú244]


    [Intelligence: 236¡ú240]


    [Core Points: 15400¡ú16750]


    [Core Points Gained: 1350]


    [Void Bullet: 1¡ú2]


    Happy with his gains, Atlas watched the Tidebreaker meat cook and turned it around when one side was done. After that, he gave the first piece to Lilith, who started chewing on it after making an adorable noise.


    It took him another half an hour to finish cooking, and Atlas got excited as the crab meat smelt delicious, causing his mouth to water just as his stomach growled. Without wasting any more time, he started eating it.


    There was no seasoning, but the meat was still delicious and tasted like chicken, which Atlas loved. After that, they traveled along the beach, eating his piece of meat, which he thoroughly enjoyed and left wanting more.


    They didn''t encounter any more monsters on their way to another river. Lilith was sitting on his shoulder before launching herself into the water and swimming across, making Atlas shake his head.


    He started searching for a cross, which he soon found as a fallen tree bridged the river. Atlas cautiously traversed the bridge-like tree, his steps deliberate to avoid any misstep into the water below.


    Suddenly, Lilith growled, startling him so much that he almost lost his footing. Shaking his head in frustration, he gestured towards the creature. "Shut up, Lily! You nearly made me fall," he exclaimed.


    Grumbling, he hurried across the tree trunk while Lilith appeared to be stifling laughter at his expense. When he finally reached solid ground, he couldn''t resist giving her a playful bonk on the head.


    She growled, but Atlas ignored her as he spoke while looking toward the beach, ''''We''re not far from the Everglade Kingdom where Amethyst and Artemis are.''''


    Following that, the duo continued to walk the beach while avoiding the jungle, only for Tiebreakers to appear again. Atlas killed eighteen of them and collected the cores and meat while basking in the feeling of leveling up.


    Following that, the duo had to enter the jungle when the beach ended. Once he stepped into the treeline, Atlas checked his new status.


    [Experience: 750/1000]


    [Experience gained: 1800]


    [Core Points: 16750¡ú18550]


    [Core Points Gained: 1800]


    Pleased with the gain, Atlas picked Lilith up and stroked her soft fur. However, being the hyperactive badger she was, she attacked his fingers, but he ignored her as he continued walking through the jungle.


    While trekking through the jungle, Atlas encountered only a Blue Viper hidden among the vines. He wouldn''t have noticed it if Lilith hadn''t lunged at the small monster and started eating it.


    It was only Rank G, but it gave Atlas a bad feeling, prompting him to leave the area quickly. As he continued through the jungle, the surroundings became less damp, and the smell of smoke hit his nose, causing him to stop abruptly.


    Atlas crept closer and saw a camp of soldiers who looked like they were hunting monsters. They had a mix of metal and leather armor with the crest of a tree. He scrambled into a nearby bush when he heard noises nearby.


    That''s when Atlas saw several tiger-looking monsters creeping up on the camp, causing him to use Void Sight on them.


    [Wraithclaw] S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    ''Hope they don''t spot me,'' Atlas thought while a chill ran down his spine.


    The Wraithclaws stalked up to the soldiers'' camp before exploding from the bushes and charged in, panicking them. As Atlas watched this, Lilith struggled out of his arms and darted after the powerful monsters.


    Atlas was shocked, but he couldn''t leave her to die. He rolled out of the bush just as an explosion rang out. Hearing it, he dashed after the demoness, drawing his dagger as he entered the camp where the soldiers were fighting the tigers.


    That''s when he saw Lilith on the back of one of the monsters, which roared in anger as she mutilated it. Atlas rushed forward and skidded to a stop as a tiger swiped at him. Dodging the attack, he got close to the one the angry badger was attacking and cast a Void Arrow into its face.


    His spell only annoyed the monster, making his heart drop. Atlas was torn between helping Lilith and running, knowing the tigers were too strong to fight. He decided to flee while shouting, "I''m leaving, Lily! They''re too strong!"


    After that, he fired more Void Arrows at the monsters before fleeing into the jungle, climbing over the soldiers'' wall. Seeing this, Lilith stopped attacking the Wraithclaw, dashed after him, and jumped on his back.


    Atlas smiled when he felt this. ''''Thank you for listening, girl; I don''t want you to get hurt,'''' he said while fleeing the chaos.


    He ran for another hour until he came to a peaceful-looking lake. Trees lined the shore, their branches extending over the clear water. Atlas looked into the sky and noticed it was still afternoon before putting Lilith down.


    The badger wandered the lake, scanning for anything to attack, but her nose found nothing. She shuffled back to Atlas, who was preparing to start a fire by gathering some dry sticks and using stones to create a firepit.


    Lilith settled in comfortably, her gaze fixed on Atlas as he meticulously arranged a circle of stones and placed the sticks inside. He cast a subdued Void Bullet into the firepit, igniting a gentle azure flame.


    The warmth embraced Atlas''s exposed skin, eliciting a sigh of relief from him. After that, he pulled out some meat, which caught Lilith''s attention. This caused her to jump up and wander off into the jungle, confusing him.


    He ignored the silly creatures and skewered two large chunks of crab meat to cook over the fire. As the meat began to sizzle, Lilith bounded back carrying a pile of leaves, which she dumped beside him.


    Curious, Atlas picked one up and recognized it as a bay leaf. Using the butt of his dagger, he started crushing the leaves in his palm. After cooking for a few minutes, he dumped the dust on the sizzled crab meat, giving off a delicious aroma.


    Once the meat was cooked, Atlas handed a piece to Lilith. She chirped happily as she began to eat, joining him in the meal. They sat by the lake''s edge while the duo ate, the fire warding off the encroaching cold air.


    It didn''t take the two of them to finish the food, and when they did, something moved in the lake, causing Atlas to jump back, followed by Lilith as a tentacle slammed into the firepit he made.


    Atlas didn''t want to face the monster, so he rushed into the treeline as the tentacle swung toward them. Fortunately, they escaped and continued their journey through the increasingly sparse jungle without encountering more creatures.


    As they continued walking, Atlas was drenched in sweat. When the humid air finally vanished, he felt relieved since the sweat had irritated him. While walking, he thought he heard something in the distance.


    Curious, he turned and headed in that direction as Lilith crawled up to his shoulders and looked around with narrowed yellow eyes. They soon reached a clearing where six people were battling a massive, enraged boar.


    The beast slammed into a towering man with a large shield and a greatsword. ''People!'' he thought, examining the adventurers. The defender was a big man with blonde hair and blue eyes in plate armor.


    A blonde woman with pointed ears, likely an elf, fought beside him by casting spells over the group. Two humans¡ªan archer and a warrior¡ªfought alongside a wolf woman who guarded their flank.


    However, it was the last woman who captured Atlas''s attention. She had green skin, short black hair, and glowing green eyes. Atlas found her stunning, with a warrior''s physique and wielding a spear like a master, which held his gaze while she struck out at the monster.


    The group of six initially fought the powerful monster easily, but the tide of battle shifted when a smaller, similar creature appeared. One of them charged at the green-skinned woman who was fighting the bigger one.


    She quickly spotted it and threw something, causing it to become dizzy after a loud, shrill sound confused the monster. Seizing the opportunity, she swiftly rushed forward and plunged her spear into the monster''s forehead, ending its life in an instant.


    Intrigued, he decided to scan the larger monster to gauge its strength and was shocked at the results.


    [Jungle Boar]


    [Rank: A+ - 1000 Exp]


    ''Strong,'' Atlas thought as he looked at the Boar before turning to the adventurers. ''They must be on a quest.''


    Atlas stepped forward, grasping the excited Lilith, who bit at his arm, prompting him to yelp and release her. She dashed eagerly towards the battle, earning a sigh from Atlas. "Little demoness wants to be in the middle of everything."


    Drawing his dagger, Atlas hurried towards the larger creature the little monster had pounced on, his internal frustration simmering. ''I swear, one day she''s going to get me seriously hurt.''


    While he and Lilith were caught up in trouble, the other women had just begun their journeys or were about to start. Despite the chaos, everything seemed to fall into place, even without their knowledge.

 Chapter 39: Distrustful & Soft Noble

    [Grishna''s POV]Grishna walked south to complete the Raider Ants quest. It took her half an hour to reach the farming village and find the quest giver. Before getting the information, she had to show her Adventurer''s Badge and the quest paper to a suspicious old woman.


    ''Damn humans! Always distrustful,'' the Orc girl thought.


    She guessed it was because this side of the Thalassia Empires hated Orcs, thanks to all the previous wars between the two realms, which ended in a peace treaty. After thinking, Grishna questioned the quest giver and discovered the monsters had a colony on a nearby hill.


    Following that, she made her way there and took out her spear. Grishna then saw her first Raider Ant. It was the size of a large dog and looked mindless as it dragged a monster''s corpse toward a large hole in the side of a hill.


    ''The Workers are Rank G while the Warriors are Ranked F, easy peasy,'' she thought as her excitement grew.


    Grishna grinned before quickly casting an Earth Bolt as the creature, a cone of solid stone, formed above her. She sent it flying toward the ant, who finally paid attention, but the monster was too late as the projectile annihilated it.


    ''Yes! Ma magics is growing stronger!'' she internally celebrated.


    The Raider Ant dropped to the ground, its body curling up in death, triggering a chorus of chittering and clicking mandibles from the nest. Grishna smiled before pulling out a marble-sized piece of metal.


    She cast Silver Shriek on it just as the first Warrior Ant rushed out of the entrance, then threw the metal at it. The projectile flew through the air and struck the monster on its head, emitting a shrill noise that confused the ants.


    Grishna giggled at their reaction before bursting into motion. She rushed toward the entrance, casting Razorwind Blades that soared through the air, slicing through any ant they touched and cutting them in half.


    Once she cleared the entrance, Grishna approached it, but several ants appeared on top of the hill and charged at her. She smiled before blocking several attacks and sidestepped another as she plunged her spear into the monster''s head.


    In the meantime, even more Warriors Ants appeared, causing her smile to widen as she used Iron Fist to punch one of the monsters who tried to sneak up on her. Due to the impact, the creature exploded into chunks of meat and splattered over the other enemies.


    Afterward, Grishna invoked Body Enhancement, enveloping herself in a shimmering aura of brown and silver. With renewed vigor, she proceeded to methodically slaughter every Raider Ant that emerged from the nest, employing a combination of Iron Fists, Metal Bullets, and her spear.


    Once the flow of Raider Ants stopped, Grishna approached the nest entrance while taking out more metal balls. Before entering the cave, she readied her spells, but nothing appeared, causing her eyebrows to raise.


    Grishna slowly moved through the monster tunnels, ensuring she could defend herself when attacked. But all she found were empty chambers until she reached the last tunnel, which descended further into the colony.


    By the time Grishna was halfway down the tunnel, the chittering of dozens of ants had echoed around her, causing her predatory smile to widen. ''Let''s see how you critters deal with this,'' she thought, retrieving more metal marbles from her pouch.


    She cast Silver Shriek on them just as she reached the entrance to the queen''s chamber. As she stepped over the threshold, she scattered the marbles across the room. Each marble struck a surface, emitting an ear-piercing shrill that left the Raider ants and their queen dizzy and disoriented.


    ''Let''s go!''


    Seizing the opportunity, Grishna unleashed a barrage of Razorwind Blades and Earth Bolts into the densely packed horde, creating chaos among the ants. She then charged forward, her spear and enhanced body moving in deadly harmony.


    With swift, precise strikes, she tore apart the warrior ants, effortlessly dodging a bite from the queen with agile ease. She pointed her hand at the larger ant and struck Earth Bolt down.


    The queen dropped to the ground with a crash, allowing Grishna to ready her spear and attack every ant she could see until the colony was empty. Following that, she went around collecting 30 Black Monster Cores and all the mandibles she could fit in her space bag.


    Afterward, Grishna left the cave after securing her spear and eating some jerky as the sun hit her face. She covered her eyes as she spoke, ''''Should I hit Goblin Nest? Would be a good exercise to kill some of the little fuckers.''''


    With her mind made up, she collected the Guild Coin from the quest giver before heading toward the level one dungeon. Grishna wanted to run it before heading for the train station to meet Throne and his harem.


    It took her several hours of running to reach the dungeon west of Suncrest City, situated alongside the banks of the Aurora River and nestled next to a mountain. A Thalassian stronghold fortified the area.


    Inside the fort was an Adventurers Guild that functioned almost like a small town in its own right.


    ***


    [Estelle Argonia''s POV]


    Estelle watched the landscape fly back as the train sped through the Thalassia Empire. Along the route, she saw dozens of towns and villages, which intrigued her because the Argonia Kingdom wasn''t this big.


    Thinking of home, Estelle grimaced, thinking of her fate if she were to stay back in her homeland, ''No way I''m marrying a soft noble,'' she thought.


    While sitting there, she heard her five guards praying and looked toward them in their private room. They were kneeling and mumbling words.


    ''''Messiah of Heaven, hear our prayers, Guide us through the shadows of life. Carry us to the blessed land, Where peace and harmony reign.''''


    Estella watched Marie continue her prayers before saying something she''d become used to hearing with these women, ''''The one who points the way.''''


    She didn''t believe in their The Chosen Messiah. It was foretold that they would lead the knight kingdom to victory against the conquerors. ''Why did father assign me a group of hardcore fanatics,'' she thought.


    All she knew was that the Battle Sisters were from the Church of the Messiah. They were responsible for finding Le Messie ¨¦lu and becoming his shield in dark times. She respected their dedication as they swore off all vices and lived the life of a Lame Choisie.


    Estelle shook her head and returned to looking out the window as Maria joined her. ''''My Lady, I know you hate me talking about this, but you must take the prophecy seriously. It foretold that the Messiah would need a guardian, and ever since your birth, all the signs point to you.''''


    ''''I''m not his wife, Maria! I will only marry a man stronger than me, and by the time he comes along, I will be the strongest knight in Argonia.''''


    The older woman shook her head before explaining, ''''You cannot run from fate, Estelle. You were meant to be The Chosen One''s shield against the fire trying to cleanse the world; you will be beside him when the Great War starts with the Desert Warriors of the South.''''


    Estelle narrowed her eyes and retorted, ''''Prove it, show me this great warrior!''''


    ''''Pray to our Lady Luxia; she will show you how,'''' Maria and the other guards bowed. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She shook her head and started praying to the head goddess, and that''s when the world around her turned black. Estelle wasn''t worried when she heard a majestic voice, ''''Little knight princess. Watch what my champion will become if the future comes true.''''


    That''s when the scene changed again, and she was now standing on a rock surrounded by a group of women she couldn''t make out because they were vague. She shook her head and looked at the form standing above them.


    Estelle noticed he was clad in distinctive blue armor that covered most of his body and came with a scarf to protect himself from the brutal sun. He stood tall, his snow-white hair contrasting with glowing azure eyes.


    She quickly noticed his elf-like ears and whiter-than-usual skin, which caught her interest. After that, she gazed across the sea of warriors; she couldn''t help but gulp. ''Saharaelian Warriors! Rumors claim they''re the strongest fighters in Valoria, surviving the death trap known as the Blue Dune Desert.''


    While thinking, she was brought back as the boy raised a glowing Azarakhsh Blade and passionately shouted, ''''Long live the warriors!''''


    The Saharaelians responded in kind, and Estelle felt the warriors'' fanaticism. She shook her head as the scene changed to a massive battle on the edge of the desert, where the Desert Warriors were battling with the Achaemenidian Imperial Army.


    She heard chanting, ''''Azhar''Zul! Azhar''Zul!''''


    Estelle turned around to see a million-strong army charging toward the Achaemenidians. Soon, she was pulled back into the darkness as a woman''s voice was heard, ''''See, little knight, that is one of many futures the boy can take if the right people, including yourself, surround him.''''


    She nodded, ''''This gives a lot to think about, Goddess Luxia; thank you for hearing my prayer.''''


    ''''You''re welcome Estelle,'''' the goddess replied before concluding. ''''Now enjoy your rest, Estelle Argonia, Azhar''Zul''s shield against Chaos.''''


    Following Luxia''s words, she was sent back to the train, where she woke up as the moons were high in the sky. She quickly noticed they were traveling through a forest and didn''t know where they were.

 Chapter 40: Believer & Adventurer

    [Nuliajuk Sivuraq POV]Nuliajuk stood on her ledge overlooking the Northern Wastes as a Monster Wave was underway. She turned her gaze to the south, where the mountains blocked the way to the Summerlands.


    The two moons lit up the sky, and thanks to the cloudless night, she could see everything below. She saw thousands of monsters heading west where The Northern Trade City was, causing her to think, ''Will the soldiers be able to hold them off? Luckily, the village is in the mountains, and Frostbear Warriors will guard the way, but that won''t stop those creatures.''


    Following that, she was urged to travel south but dismissed it while walking back into the cave as it was getting cold. Just as she approached the entrance, the creepy howling started, causing her to turn back around.


    ''I wonder where they came from,'' she thought, her blue eyes glowing briefly before she shook her head. ''There''s no point in speculating. They''re here and won''t be leaving anytime soon.''


    As she stood there, a sound reached her ears. Nuliajuk quickly walked to the entrance and moved the boulder in front of it. Just as something reached the ledge, it slammed into the large stone, causing it to shake.


    Nuliajuk walked into her living room, where Atek sat while watching the entrance. He growled before standing up and walking over. She ran her hand through his beautiful white fur as his eyes were stuck on the outside world, causing her to comment, ''''The Monster Wave is underway; they are heading west.''''


    ''''Don''t worry, you silly cat, they won''t be able to get in here, and I blocked the entrance already,'''' Nuliajuk said while making her way to bed.


    She crawled under the covers before falling asleep, only to wake up when a woman''s voice was heard, ''''Little Nulia.''''


    When the Frostbear girl heard this, her eyes flew open, and she found herself on the Eastern Shore. Nearby, a woman stood by the wall, smiling at her. Nuliajuk was stunned when she saw her.


    "Goddess Sedna," she whispered.


    ''''Yes, child,'''' Sedna''s smile grew even more. ''''It warms my heart that not all my children have forgotten about me.''''


    Nuliajuk''s eyes widened. ''''The Frostbears have lost their way. The new chief has delusions of conquest to the south, leading them to steer away from the Path you set out, but I have not.''''


    The Goddess nodded in understanding, ''''Yes, they have a child, but I brought you here because I have a mission for you.''''


    ''''A mission?''''


    ''''Yes, little one, the Chosen One has finally arrived, but danger is approaching him from all sides. Many gods and goddesses hate his presence in this world,'''' the Goddess said with a concerned voice.


    When Nuliajuk heard this, her eyes widened, and she dropped to her knees and started praying, '''' Messiah of heaven, hear our prayers, lead us through the shadows of life. Carry us to the blessed land, where peace and happiness abound. The one who shows the way will guide us to the Summerlands.''''


    ''''A true believer, I see,'''' Sedna said with a beaming smile. ''''You''re a true Frostbear; your ancestors would be a proud little one.''''


    Nuliajuk stood up and nodded, ''''Of course I am. That and Atek were the only things that kept me sane while living in the Northern Wastes.''''


    ''''Good child, but I''m here to inform you that you must travel to the Summerlands to find the Hinn Utvaldi. He will need your help on his adventures,'''' Sedna revealed.


    When Nuliajuk heard the Goddess''s words, her eyes widened. She shook her head and asked, ''''How can I find him? I heard the Summerlands are endless.''''


    Sedna smiled, ''''He will be in a city called Thalassar in an empire called Thalassian when the first days of Solaris start,'''' she said.


    Nuliajuk nodded, ''''Will you show me what he looks like, and when should I depart?''''


    ''''During your journey, I will show you in a dream because I used too much of my power to bring your soul here,'''' Goddess Sedna said. ''''You must wait a week or two; more Monster Waves will cover the Northern Wastes.''''


    "Thank you, my Goddess, for bestowing such an honor upon me," Nuliajuk replied, bowing her head before awakening back in her cave.


    ***


    [Grishna''s POV]


    Grishna stared at the Thalassian Fort, its size a testament to its role as a bulwark against Monster Waves that plagued the southern part of the empire. She approached the gate, knowing she needed to register at the Adventurer''s Guild before delving into the dungeon.


    ''Damn rules! I don''t see why I must tell the guild I''m diving! I know they hate their adventurers dying and try to rescue them, but that''s not the point,'' she thought.


    Several merchant caravans waited outside as Grishna approached the gate, eager to enter. The soldiers seemed unusually tense as she joined the queue into the fortress. Standing in line, she overheard nearby traders discussing a Monster Wave ravaging the western part of the empire, which troubled her deeply.


    However, they also mentioned that the Demon General of Thalassia and the Silvershield Company had joined forces, successfully pushing the monsters back. Grishna stopped listening and checked her status, as she was third in line now.


    [Level Up: 106¡ú107]


    [Experience: 1420/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 1500]


    [Health: 896¡ú900]


    [Mana: 2490¡ú2500]


    [Strength: 2150¡ú2152]


    [Stamina: 1418¡ú1424]


    [Intelligence: 390¡ú392]


    [Razorwind Blades: 1¡ú2]


    [Silver Shriek: 1¡ú2] sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Ah nice, ma stats have increased a little, but it''s getting harder to do,'' Grishna thought. ''I''ll crack more skulls on my journey west.''


    Ten minutes passed, and the guards let her into the fortress when they saw her guild card. Grishna stepped in and saw dozens of buildings clustered in the center while a large space circled it.


    She saw hundreds of soldiers and mercenaries training while adventurers practiced their spells. Grishna didn''t bother watching any longer and went down the cobbled streets. ''There are loads of shops in this fort,'' she thought while glancing around.


    After a brisk walk, she spotted a general store ahead. "I should buy some food. I don''t want to eat disgusting monster meat again," Grishna muttered to herself.


    Entering the bustling store, Grishna began scanning the crowded shelves. She carefully selected items ranging from spices to Elven Waybread and other long-lasting foods before walking to the counter, where an older woman stood serving people.


    Once Grishna reached the counter, she put all the food down as the woman started counting it before speaking, ''''That would be 64 silver, young lady.''''


    She nodded while taking out a gold coin and handing it to the worker before receiving 36 silver coins as change, ''''Thanks for shopping at Old Teds General Store.''''


    Grishna nodded as she stowed all the food in her space bag. Leaving the store behind, she approached the Adventurer''s Guild. It was a quick ten-minute walk, and upon arrival, she found dozens of adventurers milling about.


    Disregarding the curious glances, Grishna confidently pushed her way into the guild. She made a beeline for the counter, where a woman stood available, not occupied with any other adventurers.


    The woman looked up with a smile. "Hello miss, how can I help you today?"


    "I want to explore the Goblin Nest to clear it for my rank-up test," Grishna replied.


    "Alright, please give me your guild card," the woman requested. "I need to record your entry so the empire''s soldiers are aware you''re inside the dungeon during your expedition."


    Grishna nodded, handing over her guild card. Its brown color indicated her Rank G status. After five minutes, the receptionist handed it back, ''''You can head to the Goblins Nest; I assume you know the way?''''


    "Yeah, I know how to get there; thanks for the help," Grishna said before leaving the building. She made her way towards the Aurora River, where the dungeon was situated.


    She knew of its location between the cities of Barter''s Bay to the south and Waterfalls Piers to the north, with a road running from north to south. The fortress stood just off this road, opposite the dungeon''s position.


    Grishna walked away from the fortress and made her way to the dungeon twenty minutes from its gates. She soon saw the entrance, which the Thalassian Army guarded. The soldiers wore a mix of leather and metal armor that covered all their weak spots.


    ''I can see why the Berserkers loved fighting the Thalassians and their weak armor,'' Grishna mused with a smile.


    Each soldier carried a sword and shield, numbered nearly one hundred. They guarded the Adventurer''s Guild shop and the other stores outside the Level 1 dungeon. Grishna had always found it fascinating how small villages could spring up around such dangerous places.


    That''s when she noticed a soldier rushing out and stopping her from continuing, ''''Halt! Do you have your Guild Card, young lady?''''


    Grishna handed her card to the man. "Here you go, got my permission from the Adventurer''s Guild."


    The man nodded and handed the card back. "Be careful if you go below the 3rd floor, miss. There have been reports of powerful Goblin Shamans spawning."


    Her eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Why hasn''t the kingdom dealt with them? Are you not strong enough?"


    The nearby soldiers chuckled. "No, miss. Whenever we raid the dungeon, they vanish. It seems they only go after small groups and solo adventurers."

 Chapter 41: Hot Food & Gobbos

    [Amethyst and Artemis''s POV]While waiting for Atlas, Artemis was looking over the edge only to panic when she saw the Jungle Apes climbing in their direction with rage in their red eyes. The two narrowly evaded the Monster Wave as it surged towards the summit.


    Panicked, the Phoenix Girl seized Artemis and leaped off the ledge, causing the older girl to scream and carry them far before landing in a clearing far enough away from the mountain. As Amethyst touched the ground, her purple wings vanished, and she dropped to her knees due to the mana overuse; she was breathing heavily.


    Artemis brushed the dust off her dress as she spoke, ''''Thank you for helping us. We would have been in trouble if we stayed.''''


    ''''Shut up, Fish! I need to catch my breath and recover my mana,'''' the phoenix girl retorted, making the older girl smile.


    ''''I see you''re okay. Recover, and we can reach Setoria City before sunset,'''' Artemis said while scanning their surroundings.


    Amethyst finally felt better and stood up. She looked around but saw nothing with her Cosmic Sight. ''''I''m ready, let''s go.''''


    They traveled through the jungle and only encountered a few Jungle Wolves. The Artemis dealt with them using her slingshot to take them out. Amethyst used Cosmic Bullet to kill several monsters.


    When the duo reached a clearing in the dense jungle, they rested for a few minutes. The trees acted like a wooden wall that circled them, and there was a small clear pond in the center with all kinds of beautiful flowers littering the area.


    Amethyst let out a breath before sitting down and checking her status.


    [Level Up: 31¡ú34]


    [Experience: 970/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 3800]


    [Health: 276¡ú280]


    [Mana: 1236¡ú1292]


    [Strength: 296¡ú300]


    [Core Points: 2700¡ú6600]


    [Core Points Gained: 3600]


    ''Nice, leveled up three times,'' Amethyst internally thought.


    While the phoenix was studying her stats, Artemis did the same after scanning the surrounding jungle.


    [Experience: 4640/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 3400]


    [Health: 1330¡ú1334]


    [Mana: 2100¡ú2120]


    [Strength: 2400¡ú2408]


    [Stamina: 2100¡ú2104]


    [Core Points: 9750¡ú13750]


    [Core Points Gained: 4000]


    [Arc Lightning: 1¡ú2]


    Artemis smiled when she saw her upgrades before turning to Amethyst. ''''Little Bird, when we get to Setoria City, we will register as adventurers to earn some coin.''''


    The purple-haired girl nodded in agreement, ''''We can rent out a room; I bet Azhar''Zul will be tired by the time he reaches the city.''''


    ''''Yes, but we need to use a coin for that,'''' Artemis said. ''''We can gather some monster parts before leaving for the city. Hopefully, Jungle Termites are lurking around; their antennae and mandibles will get us a lot at the guild.''''


    Amethyst smiled in reply before jumping up and stretching. Artemis followed suit, and the two walked back into the jungle to search for any monsters they could farm for parts to sell. It didn''t take too long until they found their prey.


    Artemis dragged the phoenix girl behind a tree as the lion-sized monsters roamed the jungle, ''''Jungle Termites! We can hit them with magic and my sling. Are you ready, Little Bird?''''


    ''''Of course, I am,'''' Amethyst replied with a beaming smile. ''''We can buy some hot food.''''


    After speaking, the two rushed out as Artemis took out her sling and started hitting them with explosive mana shells that startled the monsters. Amethyst could see the Termites moving around the jungle thanks to Cosmic Sight.


    She aimed her hand at the approaching Jungle Termites and unleashed Cosmic Bullets upon them. The two girls coordinated seamlessly, cutting down the creatures as they tried to sneak up on them.


    Dozens of Termites fell before the onslaught, forcing the rest to retreat into their colony. As the immediate threat passed, Artemis caught her breath and pulled out a knife, handing it to Amethyst.


    "You cut off the antennae while I gather the mandibles and Monster Cores," she instructed.


    The phoenix girl nodded resolutely and approached the nearest Termite. As she got closer, she realized the creature towered over her, its size daunting. Undeterred, Amethyst shrugged off her initial surprise and swiftly sliced off the antennae, piling them up efficiently.


    It took them a solid hour to fill Artemis''s space bag with the valuable insect parts. After securing their loot, the two continued through the jungle, noticing that the dense foliage was beginning to thin out.


    Soon, the distant sound of voices caught their attention. They cautiously approached and soon spotted a group of lumberjacks chopping down trees. Artemis readied her sword as the men smiled when seeing them.


    One of the lumberjacks swaggered forward with confidence, his voice laced with a creepy undertone. "What are two beautiful girls doing wandering around a dangerous jungle?" he asked, his tone unsettling.


    The other men nearby tried to intervene, sensing the inappropriate nature of his comment, but before they could act, Amethyst reacted swiftly. She pointed her hand and unleashed a Cosmic Blast at the lumberjack''s head.


    Artemis jumped before spinning around, ''''Why did you do that? she demanded.


    ''''The way that filth was looking at us, only Azhar''Zul can give me those sorts of eyes,'''' the phoenix girl declared while pointing her finger at the other men.


    When the lumberjacks saw this, they panicled before dropping to their knees and pleading with her. Amethyst smiled, but Artemis spoke, ''''As long as you don''t try anything like that idiot, then we won''t have an issue.''''


    The leader nodded. "Rest assured, Little Ladies, we are married and faithful men. The Temple of the Eternal Flame teaches us never to harm those who mean us no harm."


    After speaking, the men whispered in unison, "May the Messiah Azarus bless our path forward and shine bright in the coming darkness."


    When the two girls heard this, their eyes widened in shock, but Amethyst smiled, ''''Legends of Azhar''Zul are all over Valoria Fish.''''


    ***


    [Grishna''s POV]


    The Thalassian guards granted Grishna access to the dungeon''s entrance after signing a form acknowledging the risks involved. As she approached the gate, marked by a shimmering blue portal, she couldn''t help but scoff inwardly, ''Stupid humans. Gobbo''s could never never take me down.''


    She confidently strode through the portal and emerged on the other side in a dense forest. Immediately, Grishna readied her spear and grasped several metal marbles just as a group of Goblins emerged from the bushes.


    They charged at Grishna, who was already smiling as she met them head-on. She swung her spear, slicing through two Goblins effortlessly, then threw one of the marbles into the middle of the monsters.


    ''Hera ya go Gobbo''s.''


    The marble emitted a shrill noise, causing the remaining Goblins to drop to the ground, clutching their ears and screaming in pain. Grishna moved swiftly, finishing them with precise thrusts of her spear through their chests.


    She moved like the wind as more Goblins rushed out. She slaughtered them with skillful spear thrusts and powerful spells, leaving a trail of dead monsters in her wake. Each Goblin that dared to attack fell swiftly, unable to match her lethal prowess and agile movements.


    Grishna knew that Level 1 Dungeons had four floors, with a Goblin boss waiting on the final level, a challenge she eagerly anticipated. ''I hope it''s a Shaman Gobbo! They give good experience,'' she mused.


    She unleashed her Razorwind Blades as the battle raged, deftly dodging the shabby arrows aimed at her. Her spells sliced through the enemies with deadly precision, cutting two Goblins cleanly in half.


    Once Grishna started fighting, she was consumed by bloodlust, slaughtering her way down to the third floor. There, she encountered the formidable Goblin Warriors. The Orc girl paused, taking a moment to plan her attack.


    ''If I use Silver Shriek and use the distraction to get in close I can wipe them out with ma Iron Fists,'' she thought before taking out another marble.


    With a smirk, Grishna hurled the object towards the charging Goblin Warriors. Upon impact, a shrill sound erupted, disorienting them momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, she dashed forward, her fists enveloped in a luminous glow from her Iron Fist spell.


    Closing in on the first warrior, it swung at her, but she swiftly ducked under the blow. With precise timing, Grishna unleashed a devastating punch that struck the monster''s chest, sending it hurtling into its comrades among the Goblin Warriors.


    She moved across the battlefield with the grace of a Death Dancer, swiftly dispatching every creature within reach of her spear with well-placed stabs. When the last of the Goblins fell, Grishna leaned on her weapon, taking a moment to catch her breath. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While resting, Grishna did the math and calculated that she earned 1000 experience from the twenty G-Rank Goblins while getting 1500 from the fifteen Goblin Warriors. After that, she checked her status.


    [Level Up: 107¡ú108]


    [Experience: 2420/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 2500]


    [Mana: 2500¡ú2520]


    [Strength: 2152¡ú2156]


    [Stamina: 1424¡ú1428]


    [Intelligence: 392¡ú394]


    ''Nice! Only a slight boost to the attributes, but it''s better than nothing,'' Grishna mused before making her way to the boss floor.


    She had gathered dozens of copper and silver coins and some Health and Mana Potions. Luckily, Grishna owned a regular space bag that easily accommodated the 10 Black and 15 White Cores without issues.


    Grishna finally reached the boss floor and saw a large amphitheater with a tall Goblin clad in black knight''s armor. Her excitement grew as she readied her spear and marbles for a good fight.


    She stepped forward and pointed the tip of her spear at the Goblin Knight, ''''Fight me, Gobbo! Give me a good fight!''''


    Following that, she burst forward and swung her weapon while throwing the marble that erupted, causing the monster to stumble back. Grisha raised her hand and cast Razorwing Blades at it.


    The three silver blades sliced through the air, but the Goblin Knight deflected them with his Greatsword. Grishna''s excitement grew as she charged forward and dodged his attack. She struck out and pierced a gap in its armor.


    ''Got ya! Now ma magics will ware you down!'' she mused.

 Chapter 42: Thirteen Trials & Cut Off Your Head

    TRANSLATIONS:[Div-e Afsan - Demons of Legend]


    [Al-Mawt al-Aswad - The Black Death]


    ***


    [Soraya''s POV]


    Circe guided them to Megara, nestled within a towering mountain. The formidable Al-Sahraa Guardians guarded its entrances. Each sentinel offered a respectful salute to the green-haired elf as she strode past them.


    When they entered one of the caves, it stretched deep into the mountain until it stopped at a bridge that bridged a massive gaping abyss. Soraya knew the Easterners found this place and made it their home to hide from the Achaemenidian armies that invaded the desert.


    The bridge was a vital connection, fashioned from dry wood sourced from the World''s Edge Mountains encircling the Blue Dune Desert. Should the Achaemenidians breach the mountains, the Rahbar commanded every tribe in the east to retreat to Megara.


    After that, the fighters burned the bridges to keep the enemy away from the capital. Once Soraya took this all in, she followed Circe across without looking down, which gave her the creeps.


    When the desert elf crossed, she started to see the underground city stretching out as far as the eyes could see. All the buildings on the street level were made from blue stone from the desert above, which Soraya found interesting.


    She stopped walking and took in the second level, which stretched toward the ceiling. Walkways and bridges crisscrossed the city, which amazed her. Soraya noticed it was made from Starwood harvested from the Southern Moonwood Jungle.


    The city was busy with all kinds of Saharaelians going about their business. Soraya even spotted a group of Asadani Warriors escorting a noble down the main street, lined with all sorts of shops.


    Soraya had been to the Eastern Capital a few times when her Nonna traveled with her, but she tended to stay in the West. Thanks to her attire, which consisted of blue scorched silk armor and a scarf that covered her fair hair, only leaving her eyes visible.


    While she looked around, Circe''s voice reached her ears, ''''Soraya, come on. You will get lost in Megera if you''re not careful.''''


    She looked at the green-haired girl and nodded before following behind her. Circe led her down the main street until they reached the city square. When they arrived, Soraya spotted a group of men and women praying.


    Circe spoke as they maneuvered through the crowds; she spotted some people praying in the corner of the square, ''''These are the followers of the Path. They''ve constructed temples throughout the city, and the citizens seem to regard them as skilled warriors.''"


    Soraya nodded in understanding, on the verge of replying when her gaze was drawn to a mesmerizing sight: a towering pyramid looming before her. Its majestic form exuded a palpable aura of potent mana, captivating her completely.


    Entering the pyramid alongside Circe, they were met by the Div-e Afsan, renowned as the second-best fighters in the Blue Dune Desert. The Companions only surpassed them¡ªelite warriors personally trained by her father.


    Soraya halted her thoughts as she followed the girl through corridors that twisted and turned, eventually arriving at a spacious meeting room dominated by a large table in the center.


    She was drawn to a tall, muscular man with Circe''s distinctive green hair. ''Is that her Father? The leader of the Eastern Tribes of the desert? ''


    Just as Circe was about to speak, the man introduced himself to Soraya before questioning her, ''''I am Youssef Al-Darkhan; you''re the Great Mother''s Granddaughter, correct?''''


    Soraya nodded in affirmation, prompting him to speak further, though his voice now carried a noticeable sadness. "Was your father Caspian Al-Muharib, leader of the Companions?"


    "Yes, my father led them in battle against the invaders," Soraya replied solemnly, causing Circe''s eyes to widen in astonishment. "But he fell during the Western Wars against the Nubians."


    The green-haired girl exclaimed, "That means your mother is the Al-Mawt al-Aswad."


    ''''Yes, that was her name; now she protects Azraq City against the monsters running wild,'''' Soraya answered.


    Following that, Soraya and Circe were led into a meeting hall where the eastern council was amassing. When inside, she spotted Zara, who waved at her before the meeting was underway.


    The council informed the two girls that Azhar''Zul would face thirteen trials to determine whether he was the Chosen Messiah. Soraya was shocked but accepted it because the Eastern and Southern Tribes would have slain him when he stepped foot in the Blue Dune Desert.


    Once the meeting was over, Soraya and Zara were led to the Al-Darkhan Mansion, where the three would stay before leaving on their journey.


    ***


    [Grishna''s POV]


    Grishna quickly jumped back while casting Body Enhancement and Iron Fist before she rushed in again. The Goblin Knight recovered enough to swing again, but it was useless as she caught the blade with her left hand while throwing a devastating punch on the right.


    A resounding boom echoed when her fist connected with the Goblin''s head. But Grishna wasn''t done yet; she quickly cast several Razorwind Blades and an Earth Bolt at her foe¡ªthe spells sliced through the air, striking the creature with precision.


    Though the Warrior Goblin was incapacitated, it wasn''t dead yet. Grishna swiftly drew her spear, lunged forward, and plunged it into its skull, ensuring its demise. When the Goblin Warrior vanished into particles, leaving behind a pile of silver coins, a gold amulet, and a Boss Token, which could be traded for 5 silver.


    This caught her attention, and she picked it up. However, she couldn''t figure out what else to do with it, so she put it in her space bag along with the coins and a bundle of Blue Grass, which is used in creating Mana Potions.


    Following this, Grishna saw a portal to the outside open up; she stepped through it and appeared in front of the dungeon, shocking the surrounding soldiers. This caused her to smirk before heading back to Suncrest City.


    It took her an hour to run back, and the sun was setting when she reached the Guild. When Grishna entered the building, she spotted Throne and his women waiting at the bar, but she ignored them and made her way over to Callie behind the counter.


    The woman''s pink eyes lit up. "Grish! You''re back so quickly. Did you complete the quest and dungeon?" she said with a big smile.


    Grishna nodded while taking out the Quest Coin and the Boss Token as proof, causing Callie''s smile to grow even wider. The receptionist shook her head, asked for her Guild Card, and marked down the completed quest and dungeon.


    The two spoke briefly before Grishna approached the Slayers, who turned to face her. Throne smiled and commented, "You truly are an Orc, aren''t you, girl?"


    "Shut up, human! What are ya waffling on about?" Grishna retorted, sitting next to the wolf demi-human Mia, who smiled at the exchange.


    "You do what you want when you want, even though you agreed to meet us this morning," the big man said in an amused tone.


    That''s when the elf woman commented with narrowed eyes, ''''I don''t see why you''re so smitten with such a savage Darling.''''


    Mia cringed while Jenna slunk back as Grishna''s eyes locked onto the brown-haired elf. "You''ve never introduced me to your two newest members," she said with a growing grin, turning her attention to Throne.


    The big man gulped before replying, "The elf is our healer, Mei Greenleaf." He pointed to the woman who had just spoken and then motioned to the human, "And this is Sophia, another attacker like Mia." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Grishna nodded as she swiftly got up, casting Body Enhancement. In a blur of movement, she circled the table and placed a knife at Mei''s neck, shocking the elf. "If you ever say anything about me again," Grishna hissed, "I will cut off your head and feed your remains to the monsters."


    The elf went pale, but Throne quickly intervened. "Grish, she''s new to the harem and doesn''t know you. I promise she or Sophia won''t say anything about you again."


    Mei nodded frantically, like a scared chicken, prompting Grishna to release her. "Let''s go get the train south. I want to kill some monsters," Grishna said curtly.


    With that, she left the Guild behind, striding purposefully toward the Suncrest Train Station. The Slayers followed, arguing among themselves as they trailed behind her. When Grishna reached the station, she paid the 4 gold coins for a ticket south.


    After that, Grishna sat in the station waiting for the train as the Slayers joined her. Mia spoke up while sitting beside her, "I have a quest from Suncrest City. A top merchant''s brother went missing in the Darkheart Jungle; it''s said he had a store in Setoria City."


    "Why are you telling me this?" Grishna questioned.


    "If you help us with it, we''ll split the reward. Six gold spilt two ways," Mia explained. "Plus, you''ll be able to kill monsters in the jungle. Rumors speak of Monster Waves and overpopulated dungeons."


    Grishna''s interest was piqued, and she nodded just as the train pulled into the station. The group entered after showing their tickets to the Morozov Guards, who allowed them on board.


    Following that, the journey continued without a hitch. Mei apologized, and Grishna accepted it. When they reached Greenglade City, the two moons of Gorath and Drakkar hung high in the sky.


    The city was lively, resembling a Western medieval town with a fantasy touch. The buildings were crafted from beautiful white stone, and glowing Elderwood illuminated the streets with Gorath''s silver light.


    Throne suggested, "Let''s get a carriage down to Setoria first thing tomorrow morning. We can complete our quest before hitting the dungeons."

 Chapter 43: The First Fist

    [Gro''shak na''golga''k ¨C The one who points the way][Grak''Thar Gromog''ar - The Chosen Messiah]


    ***


    [Grishna''s POV]


    Grisha found herself sitting in a carriage traveling down one of the trade roads that led from the capital to Setoria City, the biggest trading city in the Everglade Kingdom. While looking out the window, she saw dozens of farming villages littering the landscape.


    What shocked her, though, were the Waystations that dotted the road. She saw many knights guarding the road while others patrolled. Sophia saw her interest and spoke, ''''The Everglade Army is always recruiting due to their wars with the Argonians to the north.''''


    She turned to the brown-haired woman and asked, ''''Aren''t they allies with the Moonhare Kingdom? I thought those two keep the knights in check?''''


    Sophia nodded, ''''They did, but a natural disaster struck the southern part of their kingdom. The sea gods caused a tsunami that washed over the land and killed thousands. Their queen deployed the army, which allowed the Argonians to attack their northern border.''''


    ''''How come the trains are still running?'''' Grishna questioned.


    Mia and Jenna giggled, earning them a look, but the wolf woman explained, ''''The Morozovians are shutting down the route here. War is breaking out, and this part of Astoria will become chaotic.''''


    Grisha''s green eyes glimmered with determination, yet silence fell over the carriage as everyone readied their weapons and potions for the journey across the Everglade Kingdom, which wouldn''t take long because they were traveling quickly.


    While they sped down the trade road, Grishna saw thousands of soldiers marching northwest, poised to aid their allies. At that moment, her thoughts turned to her rival. ''I hope you stay safe, blondie,'' she mused.


    After a peaceful journey, they reached the outskirts of Setoria just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The group resolved to resume their quest the following day. Grishna secured lodgings at the inn nearest to the western gate.


    Inside, she spotted two girls dining in a corner. One, with brown hair, was clad in adventurer''s armor. At the same time, the other wore identical armor and had a mysterious black blindfold concealing her eyes.


    Ignoring the two girls with their laughter and striking features¡ªa brown-haired adventurer in armor and her companion with purple hair and elf-like ears¡ªGrishna rented a room from the innkeeper and grabbed a quick dinner.


    Returning to her room, Grishna settled to eat, eager for the upcoming monster hunts that promised more experience and levels. Fatigue settled in as she finished her meal, and she drifted into a deep sleep.


    Grishna was jolted awake by the clamor of panicked voices outside her window. She quickly rose, peering out but unable to discern the cause of the commotion. After gathering herself, she started the day with a brisk breakfast before meeting the Slayers at the western gate as planned.


    When Mia and Jenna spotted Grishna, their faces filled with concern as they hurried toward her. "Grish! Have you heard the rumors?" Mia exclaimed urgently. "The Southmen have discovered a route through the Sands of Sorrow and launched an attack on the Wildheart Kingdom."


    Grishna''s eyes widened in alarm at the news. The Wildheart Kingdom lay south of her homeland, a journey of several months'' travel. However, she knew well the determination of the Southmen to unify Astoria and Zarandar Continent.


    ''''Let''s ignore the rumors for now and complete your quest,'''' she said to the Slayers. ''''I want to level up and kill some monsters.''''


    They all agreed as Throne led the way through the countryside before seeing the Darkheart Jungle in the distance. Grishna noticed several Everglade Forts where the soldiers would patrol the nearby area.


    The group traveled north until they passed the last fortress before Mia stopped walking and sniffed the area, ''''There was a battle here. I can smell our merchant.''''


    Her eyebrows lifted in surprise, prompting Jenna to elaborate, "His brother provided us with fragments of his clothing to aid Mia in tracking him."


    Grishna nodded in understanding before Mei interjected, "Jungle Apes ambushed them, and those who survived were dragged into there,'''' she pointed into the tree line.


    Throne stood upright, drawing his greatsword and shield, and addressed the group. "Grish, Mia, you''re with me up front. Sophia, Mei, Jenna, guard our rear. We cannot afford to be ambushed by Jungle Apes."


    The group traveled into the jungle following Mia, who tracked the kidnapped merchants. Grishna heard something approaching them and called out, "Something''s coming!"


    As predicted, a massive Jungle Boar burst from the nearby bushes and charged Mia, but Throne swiftly intercepted, positioning himself to block the monster''s attack. Grishna reacted swiftly, casting Earth Bolt at the creature''s flank, eliciting a pained roar.


    The skirmish intensified as additional Jungle Boars emerged. Amidst the chaos of battle, Grishna noticed a small creature darting out of nowhere and leaping onto the Boar she and Throne were engaged with.


    Several ominous blue spells streaked out from the jungle amidst the chaos, striking the Boar with deadly precision. Grishna''s attention snapped toward the origin of the magic, intrigued by this unexpected intervention.


    That''s when Grishna spotted a young boy bursting out of the bushes, clutching a dagger. Her eyes widened in shock as she watched him dart toward the Jungle Boar, attacking its legs and causing the massive creature to drop.


    She watched in awe as the black-and-white monster fiercely chewed at the Boar''s throat, blood pouring out like a waterfall. The boy appeared completely wild, with snow-white hair and elvish ears.


    Despite his small stature, barely reaching her chest, something about him captivated her. As she eyed him, she sensed something unique about his aura, prompting her to murmur, "It''s Grak''Thar Gromog''ar."


    As Grishna witnessed the unfolding scene in the Darkheart Jungle, a revelation struck her with a thunderclap. ''Goddess Grumm''ka was right! He is here and real. This boy is the one who will lead the Orc Legions to victory.''


    ''Gro''shak na''golga''k,'' she prayed


    Her green eyes were ablaze with shock and awe. Fate, it seemed, had orchestrated this meeting as if it were written in the stars. An instinct surged within her, compelling Grishna to acknowledge the boy''s destiny.


    Without hesitation, she moved forward, her every step resonating with purpose. As the boy battled the ferocious Jungle Boar, Grishna cast a swift and lethal spell, piercing the beast''s brain and bringing it crashing down.


    The boy turned to her as she knelt before him; Grishna spoke with unwavering conviction and belief, "Grak''Thar Gromog''ar! Bless Goddess Grumm''ka, for she has guided me to you."


    Her eyes, filled with determination, met his piercing blue gaze as she pledged, "I will be your First Fist, and together, we shall confront the darkness that threatens our world."


    ***


    [Back To Atlas]


    Atlas gazed at the green-skinned woman, startled as he observed a shimmering blue line extend from her and link with him. Uncertain of what to make of this strange connection, he couldn''t help but think, ''Another one! How many names will I be given?''


    Nevertheless, he smiled while introducing himself, "That''s a new one for me, but I go by Atlas. And you are?"


    When the connection was completed, she looked up and answered, ''''I''m Grishna Brokentooth, warrior of the Bloodfang Kingdom and now your First Fist.''''


    His eyebrow rose as he spoke, "It''s nice to meet you, Grishna, but can you stand up, please? Also, could you tell me what a Grak''Thar Gromog''ar and a First Fist are?"


    Before she could answer, the rest of her party rushed to her, only to spot Atlas standing there. He watched the big man approach while looking at Grishna but questioned him, ''''Boy, what are you doing out here? It''s dangerous for a child your age.''''


    Atlas felt offended and retorted while Lilith joined him, ''''I''ve traveled for miles through this nightmare. I must go to a nearby city to find my girl and a friend.''''


    The man nodded and was about to speak, but Grishna interrupted, "I''m traveling with the boy and showing him the ways of the world Throne."


    As she finished speaking, the man and the four women tried to protest, but Atlas noticed the look she gave them. The man relented and said while giving him a dirty look, "Well, it was good traveling with you, Grish. We need to get back to our quest."


    Atlas watched as Grishna nodded, replying, "Be careful out there. The Southmen are invading the north, and the continent will become a hellhole soon."


    Soon, the adventurers left them behind after collecting all the monster materials from the Forest Boars, causing Atlas to grow confused. "Weren''t the five of them in your party?"


    Grishna shook her head. "No. I was traveling with them, but now that I''ve met you, I''ve found my true place, so there''s nothing to worry about."


    ''''Okay,'''' he said baffled. ''''Why do you want to be in a thirteen-year-old''s party?''''


    ''''Because you''re the Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, and I must protect you until you''re strong enough to fight back,'''' Grishna revealed.


    Atlas nodded in understanding, ''''You didn''t answer my previous question?''''


    The young woman smiled before speaking, ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar means the Orc''s Chosen Messiah and a Fist is what we call a guardian.''''


    ''''Okay, what makes you think I''m this Grak''Thar Gromg''ar?'''' He asked.


    "Your mana is unique and gives off an empty yet strong aura," Grishna commented, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Your class is Voidwalker, correct?"


    Atlas nodded, ''''Yes.''''


    ''''You''re not a half-elf or elf but a Voidborn?''''


    ''''Yes. How did you know that?'''' Atlas grew concerned and confused.


    Grishna''s face lit up, ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar!'''' she declared before hugging him.


    Atlas, feeling lost, asked, "What was that blue string connecting us?"


    The Orc woman''s eyes lit up with a smile as she answered, releasing him, "Let''s walk and talk.''''


    After that, he nodded before going to the nearby road as Grishna answered. ''''What you saw is the Blue String of Fate Grak''Thar Gromog''ar."


    S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 44: Titanfang Tarantula

    ''''Interesting, I''ve heard of something like this before,'''' Atlas said as they traveled toward the city; he brought up something else. ''''If you like, you can call me Azhar''Zul.''''Grishna nodded, "Okay, Azhar''Zul." However, her eyes widened as she grasped his shoulders and asked, "Isn''t that the name revered by the Saharaelian Desert Fighters?"


    Atlas shrugged, ''''That''s what Amethyst told me before we were separated,'''' he answered.


    After talking to Grishna, Atlas picked up the Arzuros and introduced her, ''''This little demoness is Lilith. We''ve been traveling together since I found her.''''


    Grishna''s eyes widened in shock as she spoke, ''''That''s a Jungle Devil! Why is she following you around?''''


    When Lilith heard the woman''s words, she growled, causing Grishna to hold up her hands, ''''Don''t have a stab at me; that''s what the people call ya! I didn''t come up with the name.''''


    Atlas chuckled at Lilith, who climbed onto his shoulders while scanning the road they were on. He quickly introduced the Arzuros, ''''This is Lilith. I found her in the jungle, and we became friends after she kept attacking me.''''


    The orc girl started laughing before asking another question, ''''Where did you come from Azhar''Zul?''''


    ''''I came from the Echo Isles to the north, but me and Amethyst were captured by Slavers and put on a ship sailing to Slavers Bay until a Kraken attacked us,'''' Atlas said while the two dodged a merchant caravan.


    ''''Then why were you in the Darkheart Jungle? It''s a dangerous place that most people don''t travel through,'''' Grishna questioned.


    ''''I washed up there,'''' Atlas replied while scanning the landscape. ''''I was trying to find my friends, but they were lucky and could fly away from our meeting spot just as a Monster Wave hit the mountain they were on.''''


    Grishna nodded in understanding, ''''What do they look like? Your friends, I mean?'''' she asked.


    ''''One wears a blindfold and has beautiful purple hair, and the other has brown, but she''s older than us,'''' Atlas answered as he spotted a city in the distance.


    He was taken aback and stopped walking as this was his first time seeing a living city, not a dead one like Wildwood Port. This one sat on the jungle side of the river but was protected by a massive wall at least ten meters tall.


    The city beyond reminded Atlas of the Western medieval cities he saw in the history books back on Earth, but this one had a fantastical look as white and blue banners hung from the wall.


    Atlas could even make out the giant cannons sitting atop the wall as specks traveled along it. Grishna soon noticed he wasn''t moving and asked with a concerned expression on her pretty face, "Is everything okay, Azhar''Zul? Have you sensed any monsters?"


    The Orc woman whipped out a dangerous-looking spear, causing Atlas to laugh and shake his head. "No, it''s just my first time experiencing such a city Grishna."


    Her confused expression grew, and she looked unexpectedly adorable. While the two of them stood there, it gave him enough time to examine the woman closer. Atlas had to admit he loved everything about her; she had a bob cut of jet-black hair that framed her striking features.


    Grishna''s piercing green eyes captivated him, and they held a mesmerizing depth. Her facial features were impeccably carved, each contour emphasizing her charm and strength. He had to admit she looked like an Olympic athlete with a warrior figure.


    Atlas admired the sculpted muscles beneath her smooth, emerald-toned skin, which reflected power and grace in every movement. He noticed she was clad in leather armor that covered all her vulnerable parts ¡ª her torso, arms, neck, thighs, and shins.


    The armor sat atop pants resembling leggings that hugged her muscles, paired with a modest shirt. Atlas thought, ''First a Phoenix girl and now a beautiful Orc, what''s next, a supermodel Tiger?''


    He laughed to himself, causing Grishna to shake her head, ''''What do you mean the first time? Didn''t you say you''re from Thalassia?''''


    Atlas continued walking when Lilith licked his face before jumping off his shoulders and went off hunting. While traveling down the road, he replied with a smile, ''''It doesn''t matter for now. We can look for the girls, but then I want to sign up as an adventurer to go to a normal dungeon.''''


    ''''Normal dungeon? What do you mean?''''


    ''''When I was in the jungle, I was caught by the Wild Human but managed to escape but then fell into a hole which led to a swamp dungeon,'''' Atlas commented. ''''I fought my way through it, but it was a nightmare.'''' S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Grishna''s eyes widened, ''''You must have found an undiscovered Level one dungeon,'''' she said excitedly.


    Atlas chuckled, but his amusement faded when he noticed Lilith staring intently into the jungle, growling. Following her gaze, he saw the trees in the distance rustling. "Is that a Monster Wave?" he asked aloud.


    She turned around, her expression shocked. "I think it''s a wandering Titan. We won''t make it to the city, but we have to find cover before it arrives."


    Atlas nodded in agreement and wasted no time. He started running down the road, where merchant carriages were already speeding towards the walls, seeking the same refuge. Lilith rushed toward the jungle, but he scooped her up.


    She struggled, but Atlas scolded her, ''''Stop it, Lily! That''s a Titan, not a random jungle monster, and we must find somewhere to hide.''''


    While running, Grishna called out in relief, ''''Azhar''Zul! A bridge is coming up; we can hide there until the Mayor deals with the monster.''''


    Atlas followed the orc woman swiftly, ducking under the bridge alongside half a dozen others seeking shelter. He sighed, settling down briefly, but curiosity drove him to peek out. From his vantage point, he could observe the jungle beyond and the hurried carriages crossing the bridge.


    Suddenly, a tree soared through the air, crashing dangerously close. Atlas instinctively ducked as splinters sprayed out, peppering the surroundings. When he dared to glance up again, his eyes widened.


    A colossal spider emerged from the jungle''s depths, sending a chill down Atlas''s spine. Despite his fear, he didn''t hesitate to employ Void Sight.


    [Titanfang Tarantula]


    [Rank: Titan - 20000 Exp]


    ''Oh god! How many Titans are there,'' Atlas thought before turning to Grishna, holding a spear in her right hand while messing with a metal marble in the other.


    He shook his head before questioning, ''''How many Titans roam Astoria? And are they all hostile?''''


    Grishna shook her head, ''''No one knows how many there are Azhar''Zul. But they come from chasms and ravines that lead to the Underworld.''''


    Atlas was about to speak, but Grishna touched his lips as she whispered, ''''The Titanfang is approaching the city. Stay quiet as it will hear us thanks to its extraordinary hearing.''''


    He nodded solemnly, then returned to the Titan rampaging nearby. It had already crushed a helpless carriage under its colossal weight. Watching the destruction unfold, Lilith struggled to break free from his embrace.


    "Stop it, Lily! You can''t fight a Titan! And if you try to escape, I won''t chase after you like I did before," Atlas exclaimed urgently.


    Lilith ceased her struggle, sensing the sincerity in his words. She realized he genuinely cared for her. Without hesitation, she clung to his body, playfully nibbling his neck, causing him to shiver involuntarily.


    Grishna chuckled at the scene before her, remarking casually, "She truly cares for you, Azhar''Zul. This is the first time I''ve seen a Jungle Devil refrain from attacking something."


    Lilith growled softly at the comment but quickly resumed nibbling on Atlas''s neck. He responded with a hint of amusement, "I''m honestly surprised. We did clash when we first met. I think I inadvertently took over her territory, and she wasn''t too pleased about it."


    As Atlas continued speaking, Grishna suddenly yanked him back just as the destroyed carriage collided with the bridge. She swiftly cautioned him, "The Titanfang is near! Stay low."


    He nodded, but before they could react, a hairy spider leg emerged next to the bridge, eliciting screams from bystanders and drawing the monster''s attention. Atlas and Grishna braced themselves for a fight when, suddenly, a whistling noise cut through the chaos.


    Grishna''s eyes widened in realization. She grabbed Atlas and cast a protective spell, enveloping them in a shimmering metal shield. "Ironclad!"


    Explosions erupted all around them, throwing the area into further turmoil. Terrified people scrambled into a nearby pipe for cover, while others, unfortunate enough to be caught out in the open, were burned by the firestorm that erupted.


    The Titanfang screamed in pain but rushed toward the city as the defenders fired even more mana shells at it. Grishna dismissed her shield as the two dropped to the ground. Atlas spotted some people walking out of the pipe, looking shell-shocked.


    Lilith jumped off him and sniffed the area before chirping at him. Atlas looked in the direction she was pointing as a being appeared above the Titan. When Grishna saw this, she spoke in awe, ''''It''s the Everglade''s Supreme Master. Watch it destroy the monster.''''


    Atlas gazed towards the figure and observed as they unleashed a powerful spell. An ominous red beam descended from the sky, striking the Titanfang Tarantula and eliciting hisses of agony from the creature.


    The Titan''s body trembled, but in an instant, the newcomer materialized before it and delivered hundreds of punches. The spider''s tough carapace fractured under the onslaught until it erupted in a burst of debris.


    While this was happening, Lilith went crazy, causing Atlas to look toward the jungle as an army of man-sized spiders rushed toward them. His eyes widened in shock before he turned to Grishna, ''''A Monster Wave!''''


    The orc woman nodded and warned everyone to run toward the walls while the defenders and Supreme Master covered their retreat, but that''s when Atlas saw several webs flying in their direction.

 Chapter 45: They Are Bonded

    [Gro''shak na''golga''k ¨C The one who points the way][Tol us khazru - Lead us to paradise]


    ***


    The Evergladian Supreme Master battered away the webs just as another Titanfang Tarantula appeared alongside thousands of other monsters, but this one was much bigger. Grishna grabbed Atlas''s hand and sprinted toward the city as the smaller spiders closed in on them.


    They ran through the grassland marked with craters due to the defender''s cannons. Atlas saw Grishna speed up as she let go of his hand to take out an incoming spider with an Earth Bolt.


    While running, Atlas made sure Lilith clung securely to his back. After confirming she was safe, he noticed a pack of monsters closing in on them. As they neared the city, they pounced on the survivors and slowly took them down individually.


    As the monsters were busy with the people, he had a chance to scan one of the monsters up close.


    [Wolf Spider]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''Damn, they are creepy looking, they belong in a horror movie,'' Atlas thought while taking in the giant spiders that looked the same as the ones on Earth.


    That''s when he noticed one of the creatures heading straight for Grishna, who just sped up to clear the way. Atlas quickly pointed his hand at the Wolf Spider and cast several Void Bullets that all but one missed, which connected with one of the bigger monsters.


    As it turned towards Atlas, causing him to yelp in surprise, the Wolf Spider closed in rapidly. Just as it lunged forward, Lilith appeared out of nowhere and pounced on it. She barreled into the creature; the crazy Honey Badger used her sharp claws and teeth to tear it apart.


    Atlas saw even more heading in their direction, and he started casting Void Arrows to slow the creatures down while rushing toward the one Lilith was fighting. The massive spider reared up as he arrived, allowing him to ram his dagger into its torso.


    The blade sank deep into the creature''s flesh; Atlas then unleashed a torrent of spells, causing it to explode in a burst of chaotic mana. Swiftly, he spun around and cast Void Guard just as a massive spider crashed into him, pinning him to the ground.


    Atlas grunted as he wrestled with the monster, holding its fangs at bay by gripping them tightly. Suddenly, the spider thrusted its sharp legs into his body, causing blood to spatter violently in all directions.


    This sent pain shooting throughout his body; he let out a pain-filled grunt. During this chaos, a rage-fueled Lilith leaped at the spider, launching a fierce assault to defend him as she put herself between it and Atlas.


    While this was happening, several shrills erupted, causing the creatures to recoil in pain and quickly back off. Lilith leaped off the Wolf Spider and hurried over to Atlas as he started coughing up blood.


    He was still aware and retrieved a potent Health Potion and swiftly consumed it before pouring the remainder over his wounded torso.


    ***


    [Grishna''s POV]


    When Grishna saw Atlas injured, she panicked and swooped in, lifting him gently into her arms before she dashed toward the wall. Lilith followed closely behind, her piercing yellow eyes fixed on Atlas.


    She sprinted across the grassland while glimpsing mana shells flying over her, creating a beautiful trail as they exploded amidst the oncoming Monster Wave. Grishna stumbled briefly but swiftly regained her balance.


    As Grishna started running again, she spotted a group of spiders charging straight at them as they closed in on the wall. Before the creatures could draw near, a sudden purple blast annihilated them.


    At that moment, two familiar figures emerged. They were the two girls she had seen at the inn earlier. The purple-haired one dashed towards her, speaking urgently as she fussed over the unconscious boy, "How did he get injured? And why does he look so wild?"


    "Not here, Little Bird. Let''s get back to the city," the brown-haired girl interjected, her tone resolute as she suddenly appeared, catching Grishna off guard.


    "Follow us, and don''t drop him!" the purple-haired girl instructed Grishna, casting a wary glance at Lilith, who growled in response.


    Grishna nodded as they sprinted toward the city''s wall with speed. She kept close behind the two girls while Lilith kept up with them. After ten minutes of straight running, they reached a lift just as it was hoisted up.


    As they ascended, spiders slammed into the wall below, only to be repelled by a powerful shock. Reaching the top, soldiers quickly helped them over the wall and guided them down the city''s bustling streets.


    The brown-haired girl turned to the group, her voice calm but firm, "Let''s head back to the inn and properly introduce ourselves."


    Grishna followed until they arrived at the familiar inn, where the group of three entered and made their way to the biggest room on the third floor. She noticed the two girls were looking back at Lilith while gossiping, who was marching alongside her.


    The little monster wouldn''t take her eyes off Atlas, making Grishna smile as she mused, ''She truly cares for the boy.''


    After a five-minute walk, they arrived at a door the brown-haired girl opened and held open for her with a smile, ''''Join us; I''m sure he wouldn''t want you somewhere else.''''


    Grishna smiled and entered, carefully laying Atlas on the nearest bed. Lilith promptly jumped up and nestled beside him, shielding his body with her own. Seeing this heartwarming scene, Grishna couldn''t help but giggle.


    She turned around and noticed the two sitting comfortably, settling in for rest. The brown-haired girl spoke first: ''''I am Artemis Olympaea.'''' She then pointed at the other girl: ''''This is Amethyst Flameheart, Atlas''s little lover.''''


    Grishna beamed as Amethyst''s cheek went red, ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar is lucky to have such a powerful mate,'''' she said to calm the younger girl down.


    That''s when Artemis''s eyes widened, and Amethyst started jumping up and down with a smile, ''''I told you, Fish! Azhar''Zul is known all over Valoria. He is the Messiah who will bring us to paradise.''''


    As Grishna heard this, she smiled and mumbled, ''''May the one who points the way take us to paradise.''''


    All the orc warriors recited it as a prayer before battle or for those who followed the Path. Afterward, Artemis glanced at Lilith, whose eyes widened as if she suddenly remembered something.


    ''''What''s a Jungle Devil doing here?'''' she exclaimed.


    That''s when Artemis pulled out her sword, and Amethyst jumped up while readying her spell, but Lilith let out a growl while standing over Atlas like she was protecting him. Grishna got in the middle and revealed, ''''They are bonded! She now belongs to him just like he does to her. It''s the way of the Arzuros.''''


    "Arzuros?" the two girls questioned in unison, confusion etched on their faces.


    Grishna approached Lilith, who snarled at her. But that didn''t bother her as she reassured the little creature, "You know I won''t harm him, girl. Stop being overprotective."


    She gently stroked the angry Honey Badger. "This pretty girl is an Arzuros. That''s the name of their race. They are proud and loyal creatures once they bond with their mate. Only one person has ever bonded like they have, and that''s just a legend."


    As she finished speaking, both girls raised their eyebrows. Shortly after that, Artemis giggled, "You mean the Jungle Devil thinks Atlas is her lover?"


    Grishna nodded with a smile as Lilith growled again. "I suspect so," she said, gazing at the purple-haired girl. "Come here, Amethyst. Try to kiss him."


    Amethyst turned bright red, shaking her head in embarrassment. Undeterred, Artemis approached the sleeping Atlas, leaning in to kiss him. But Lilith snapped at her, growling fiercely. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The three girls burst into laughter before they all sat down as Grishna asked in a severe tone, ''''So it''s us three protecting Grak''Thar Gromog''ar? Many kingdoms will see him as a demon and hunt him.''''


    ''''I assume you''ve spoken to him about joining?'''' Artemis responded.


    Grishna reavealed, ''''We bonded. I am his First Fist and will defend him with my life.''''


    Both girls looked at her with strange expressions, causing her to smile, ''''The Bloodfang Kingdom is a client state of the Thalassians. We haven''t been free for a long time, and every orc wants freedom,'''' she said with conviction.


    She looked at Atlas before continuing, ''''The Grak''Thar Gromog''ar will bring the long-awaited freedom at the end of an Azarakhsh Blade.''''


    ''''Are you a believer of the Path Grishna?'''' Amethyst asked with excitement bubbling up.


    ''''I didn''t follow it fully as I was concerned about leveling up and growing stronger,'''' she answered with an honest smile. ''''But since meeting Atlas, things have changed, and now I want to follow the Path.''''


    After speaking, she prayed, which caught the other two off guard, ''''Gro''shak na''golga''k, Tol us khazru.''''


    ''''Is that the orc''s prayer? Many kingdoms have their own,'''' Amethyst questioned.


    Grishna looked at the phoenix girl before replying, ''''Yes. My mother taught me it as she was a warrior before retiring to raise her children.''''


    After their conversation, the three girls continued talking under the glow of the twin moons overhead. They drifted off to sleep one by one, leaving the room in silence. Yet, someone remained awake.


    "Lilith," Atlas murmured, his voice tinged with amusement, causing her body to tremble with excitement.


    She leaned in closer, her affection evident as she continued showering him with gentle licks. Atlas couldn''t help but smile wider, and he playfully nipped at her, eliciting adorable noises of delight from the honey badger.

 Chapter 46: Shaytan al-Kharab

    [Shaytan al-Kharab - Devil of Ruin]***


    Atlas continued paying Lilith attention before picking her up and hugging her, saying, "Thank you for helping me when the Wolf Spider attacked me."


    Lilith chirped adorably, almost as if she were telling him not to worry about it. After that, he glanced around the room, drawing attention to a balcony door. He crossed the room and stepped outside to get some fresh air.


    When he was on the balcony, the cold air brushed against his skin, causing him to shiver, but Lilith climbed onto his shoulders and wrapped herself around his neck before licking his cheek to keep him warm.


    Following that, Atlas looked out over the city bordering the Darkheart Jungle, which was strange to him as the treeline was only a mile away, and it was a nightmare there. While doing this, he spotted hundreds of torches dotting the grassland outside the walls.


    Atlas saw people rushing around like ants as they harvested the monster''s bodies. He sat down and got comfortable while wrapping the cloak around them both, who was now curled into a ball in his arms.


    While doing that, Atlas checked his status as he killed a few spiders on their run to the city.


    [Level Up: 36¡ú37]


    [Experience: 550/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 600]


    [Health: 266¡ú270]


    [Stamina: 244¡ú248]


    [Core Points: 16750¡ú17200]


    [Core Points Gained: 450]


    ''Nice, I leveled up,'' he thought, stroking a happy Lilith.


    While doing that, Atlas fell asleep. The roof above kept most of the wind out while his cloak blocked the rest. As the two slept, the world outside fell to chaos as the Achaemenid Empire marched north.


    The Wildheart Kingdom to the south was their first stop, but they weren''t alone in the sudden war. The empires and kingdoms of Astoria answered their call for help and sent armies south to halt the Achaemenidian advance.


    As this happened, the realm they were currently in was fighting the Argonians alongside the Moonharians. The following morning, Atlas woke up to shouting and screaming from the street below, which caused him to jump to his feet.


    He rushed to the balcony to see a column of soldiers marching toward the northern gate and the bridge crossing to the mainland. While watching that, Artemis and Amethyst walked out with radiant smiles once they spotted him.


    The Phoenix girl rushed forward and hugged him tight. ''''It''s so good to see you, Azhar''Zul,'''' she said, burying her head into his chest while continuing. ''''I''ve missed you.''''


    Atlas smiled before replying, ''''I''ve also missed my Pigeon.''''


    Amethyst punched him but giggled; once she let go of him, Artemis hugged him, though this one was more platonic. The three sat down as he recounted everything, from the Wild Humans to the Titans, which amazed the two girls.


    As the sun began to rise, lighting up the world, Artemis said, "We should get you signed up at the guild. I took Amethyst there yesterday before the Monster Wave appeared."


    Atlas nodded. "That sounds good to me. Is Grishna still asleep?" he asked with a smile.


    The two girls nodded as Amethyst commented while watching the marching soldiers below, ''''What will we do about the war? What if we get dragged into it?''''


    ''''I doubt we will. The army usually ignores adventurers due to the income they bring in, but that won''t stop rouge bands of mercenaries that roam the land,'''' Artemis replied. ''''If that''s the case, then we must fight.''''


    Amethyst nodded determinedly, and Atlas smiled as the three entered the room. Spotting Grishna curled up in bed brought a smile to his face, and he carefully relocated the sleeping Lilith to another bed before heading to breakfast.


    After ensuring Lilith was comfortable, Atlas departed the room with Artemis and Amethyst and went to the dining hall together. When they walked downstairs, an older woman smiled and warmly greeted them, ''''My darlings! Do you want some breakfast?''''


    Artemis nodded with a smile of her own, ''''Yes, Sue. Can we have the special?''''


    ''''Of course,'''' Sue said before her gaze met Atlas, causing her smile to grow as she teased the purple-haired girl. ''''Is this little Amethyst''s lover?''''


    The phoenix girl''s face reddened, causing the other two to laugh as Artemis guided them to a free table, causing Sue to laugh as she walked back to the kitchen; they sat down as he questioned, ''''What''s the special?''''


    ''An English Breakfast! Who knew they had those here,'' he thought, excitement building.


    The trio waited eagerly for their food, but a loud bang suddenly caught their attention. Atlas heard hurried footsteps descending the stairs and couldn''t help but laugh when Lilith appeared at the bottom, surveying the dining hall.


    Spotting Atlas, she dashed over and climbed into his lap, curling up contentedly. The unexpected sight amused the two girls, who burst into laughter along with others in the hall, amused by the monster''s antics.


    Amethyst''s laughter subsided as she asked, "How did you two meet?"


    He smiled while stroking Lilith''s soft fur before recounting the story of them fighting and helping each other, which earned him a bite, causing him to boop the honey-badger on her head.


    They continued to talk for ten minutes until a young man brought out two plates, followed by Sue carrying the last three mugs. The two placed everything on the table as the older woman commented, ''''That will be 6 silver, my darlings. It would be 12, but I''ll do a discount because I like you both.''''


    Artemis smiled before handing over the coins and tucking into her food. Atlas noticed the young man staring at the brown-haired girl, who was ignoring him while eating some of her eggs.


    He smiled briefly before turning his attention to his plate, which was piled high with sausages, bacon, and some unfamiliar meats, accompanied by beans and mushrooms. Atlas took a moment to admire the spread before diving into his meal.


    As soon as the food touched his tongue, his stomach growled audibly, eliciting laughter from Artemis and Amethyst. Ignoring their amusement, Atlas ate with the voracity of someone who hadn''t eaten in days.


    Recognizing his hunger, the girls ordered more food. Before Artemis could settle the bill, Atlas placed four silver coins on the table while eating some bacon as the two girls spoke to each other.


    He took some meat and fed Lilith, who happily ate it. Atlas finished his food just as the girls expressed their desire to go wash, which he also wanted to do. The three of them walked upstairs and separated into the proper bathrooms.


    When Atlas entered, he initially thought he had walked into a gym''s shower room, with stalls lining the walls. With a shrug, he entered one, stripped off, and had a shower, which made him feel much better.


    ''Ahhh, after washing off all the dirt and blood, I feel fresh,'' he mused.


    Atlas spent ten minutes in the shower, then retrieved a shirt and pants from his storage. After dressing, he stepped into the corridor. Finding that the three girls weren''t ready, he knocked on the female bathroom door and told them he was going for a walk.


    They nodded in agreement, cautioning him not to stir up trouble. Atlas chuckled as he exited the inn, the chill of the morning streets hitting him, with Lilith following closely behind. He glanced up and down the quiet street and observed only a handful of early risers.


    Strolling towards the city center, Atlas admired the architecture around him. The buildings were constructed from dark grey stone blocks interwoven with jungle wood, evoking a medieval charm.


    The district''s cobblestone streets wound past shops that seemed plucked from a fantasy tale. As Atlas walked, Lilith leaped onto him and climbed to his shoulders; she got comfortable as he searched for a spellbook shop.


    Unable to find anything, Atlas approached one of the city guards standing on the corner. "Excuse me," he said. "Where can I buy a spellbook?" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The guard looked down at him and replied, "End of the street on the left, boy."


    Atlas thanked the man and followed his directions. Soon, he spotted a shop on the corner that exuded an aura of magic, surprising him. Above the door, he read the sign that declared, ''Spellbound Treasures.''


    Atlas stepped into the shop and noticed several people already browsing the spells. He began scanning the shelves, but nothing caught his attention. The only spell he recognized was Fireball, but his interest lay in mastering Void magic.


    After ten minutes of fruitless searching, Atlas grew frustrated until a voice spoke from behind him, "Can''t you find anything, young devil?"


    Startled, Atlas whirled around to face an old man with a large white beard and a bald head. The stranger, clad in black mage robes, radiated an aura of intelligence and wisdom as he swiftly positioned himself beside Atlas.


    "I know who you are. There''s no mistaking the Voidwalker: pale white skin, glowing blue eyes, and hair as white as the clouds above," the old man remarked. "And then there''s your eerie affinity. It feels like nothingness surrounds you and makes you its home."


    Atlas looked at the stranger with narrowed eyes before responding, ''''Do you tend to approach young boys acting all creepy? You don''t have a white van outside?''''


    As he said that, Lilith woke up and observed the old man whose eyes bulged as he exclaimed, ''''A Jungle Devil!'''' he stepped back as his face paled. ''''You are the Shaytan al-Kharab.''''


    ''What is this crazy old man talking about,'' Atlas mused before asking, ''''Well, we''ve already established that old man. Now, do you know where I can buy void spells?''''

 Chapter 47: You Little Shit

    Atlas watched the old man gulp before speaking, ''''There''s a shop on the border of the slums in the southern part of the city that has one for sale, Shaytan al-Kharab. Now I''ve helped you. Will you not bring ruin to Setoria as my family lives here.''''''''Stop being overdramatic; I won''t destroy anything,'''' he replied before leaving the shop.


    Once outside, Atlas looked at Lilith and said, ''''I come to this world as Luxia''s champion but also the devil. This is going to get annoying, girl.''''


    Lilith chirped cutely and licked his cheek, eliciting a smile from him. After that, Atlas headed south, walking for twenty minutes until he finally spotted the shop in a gloomy alley. He shrugged and entered, making his way towards the shop.


    That was when he was intercepted by two men wearing menacing grins who looked down at him. ''The city robber troupe, I wonder what else will happen?''


    The two of them were your stereotypical slum dwellers in tattered clothing, filthy skins, and a haunted look in their eyes. Before he could react, Lilith launched herself at the tallest man, tearing his face apart with her razor-sharp claws.


    The second robber, shocked by the sudden attack, was swiftly brought to the ground as Atlas sliced through his ankles using his dagger. Once the man was down, he thrust his blade through his throat, causing the man to gargle as blood spilled from his mouth.


    ''No wonder people get addicted to this,'' he mused while pulling his blade from the man''s throat.


    When Atlas saw this, a shiver ran through him as he became used to killing. This feeling was different, but a sudden jolt brought him back. Turning to Lilith, he smiled, "Sorry, Lily. It felt right killing him, and the experience felt nice."


    The little monster looked into his eyes and shook her head. Confusion washed over Atlas, prompting him to scoop her up and enter the shop, leaving the bodies bleeding in the alleyway.


    As he stepped inside, an old, musky smell assaulted his nose, causing him to recoil. That''s when a woman''s raspy voice was heard, ''''Shaytan al-Kharab, what brings the Devil of Ruin to my store?''''


    ''Do I have a damn arrow over my head announcing my many names!'' Atlas thought.


    ''''I want to buy the void spell you''re selling,'''' he responded.


    ''''Oh, so the Shaytan al-Kharab is also the famous Voidwalker, interesting,'''' a middle-aged woman stepped out.


    Her long grey hair hung like wisps of smoke, framing a face etched with lines of suffering and eyes burning with a furious red glare. As Atlas laid eyes on her, a chill crept down his spine, his gaze widening in dread realization. ''She looks like a witch!''


    ''''The old man seemed to know I''m both,'''' he responded.


    "Old Rowan isn''t mistaken, young devil. You bear all the hallmarks of the Voidwalker, nearly forgotten by Valoria save for those of us who delve into ancient histories," she divulged, approaching him with two dusty books.


    As she arrived at a nearby table, the witch introduced herself, "I am Zarina. I will offer you these spellbooks for 2 gold each, as only you can use it as the Void affinity is ancient magic, but I implore you, when returning to the Everglade kingdom in the future, forgo bringing ruin to this city." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He nodded at the woman and then took 4 gold coins from his storage, handing them to Zarina. She thanked him as she passed over the books. Atlas wiped the covers to read the spells, "Voidfire Blast and Void Step."


    ''These are good spells, but I can only use one,'' he thought. ''What one do I choose?''


    Atlas shrugged before putting them in his Dimension Storage before thanking Zarina, ''''Thank you for the deal on the spells.''''


    She nodded. "You''re welcome, Shaytan al-Kharab. May your travels spare other lands from ruin."


    When Atlas heard that, he rolled his eyes and left the store, only to see a dozen city guards standing around the robber''s body. He was about to leave, but Lilith growled, causing the men to turn around.


    Everyone saw him covered in the man''s blood and instantly knew they had their suspect as he tried to cover the stains with a fake smile. But when Atlas realized it wasn''t working, he gulped and spoke, ''''They tried to rob me while I was visiting this store to buy some spells; I had the right to kill them.''''


    The guards looked shocked while looking down at him. An older man stepped forward and spoke sternly, ''''You will come to the barracks with us while we investigate the crime. It is Everglade law regardless of age or race, boy.''''


    Atlas sighed and turned to Lilith. "Cause chaos, my demoness. We need to escape."


    The little monster growled and lunged at the older man, tearing into him. The others reacted by drawing their weapons, but Atlas cast Void Bullets at them, causing the sword to fly out of their hands.


    Explosions echoed as the beautiful azure projectiles struck the guards before they could move toward him. Following that, Atlas started running as he shouted to the honey badger, "Lily! On me now, girl!"


    Lilith ceased her attack on the guards and sprinted after Atlas, leaping onto his back as they raced through the streets of Setoria toward the inn where the girls were staying. As they reached the square, he encountered a row of guards blocking their path.


    Without hesitation, Atlas cast a dozen Void Bullets, which struck the guards'' shields and sent them flying as explosions caused chaos, clearing a path for him to dash through. As he crossed their lines, one guard attempted to grab him.


    Atlas dodged the man''s grasp, slicing him with his blade before casting a Void Bullet into the guard''s face. Afterward, he rushed toward the inn and crashed through the door before seeing two soldiers chatting to Sue.


    He knew they were stronger than him, but he had Lilith, who lunged at one. This distracted them, allowing Atlas to close in, and he slipped his dagger through the other guard''s armor and stabbed into the man''s flesh.


    This caused the man to go into shock as the angry honey badger annihilated the first guard. As this was happening, Artemis and Grishna rushed downstairs. When the orc girl saw him fighting the guards, she rushed forward while taking out her spear.


    She killed both of them while plunging her weapon through their hearts as Artemis demanded, ''''You little shit! What''s happened?''''


    ''''No time! The guards are after me; we must escape the city,'''' Atlas said while catching his breath.


    The two older girls looked at him with anger shimmering in their eyes, but that''s when Amethyst came down and informed the group, ''''There are hundreds of soldiers heading in our direction.''''


    When Grishna heard this, she nodded, ''''Artemis, you take the rear; I''ll cover the front while the children go in the middle.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' Artemis answered while taking out her sword.


    Following that, the group rushed out of the inn and made their way to the city wall after Grishna said she had a plan. While running, Atlas spotted more soldiers ahead, which the orc girl dealt with by casting a spell and throwing a metal marble at the enemy.


    A deafening shrill noise erupted when it hit, causing the soldiers to stumble. This allowed Grishna and Artemis to take them down easily. The group soon reached the northern gate but noticed they were almost surrounded.


    Artemis pointed her sword at the top of the wall as she spoke, ''''Get to the top. I''ll take Grishna,'''' she said before looking at Amethyst. ''''You take Atlas and Lilith. We will meet at the Everglade.''''


    The phoenix girl nodded with a determined smile as they rushed toward the stairs. Grishna cleared it from the city guards who tried capturing them. Once the group reached the top, they saw a long drop to the rough waves below.


    Atlas hesitated momentarily, then Artemis grabbed the orc girl and leaped off while casting Gaia''s Glide. This spell formed a sloping path of earth that connected smoothly with the cliffside.


    He watched as she slid down the side of the cliff, landing near a distant bridge and making it look easy. Afterward, Atlas turned toward Amethyst, but he spotted a spell hurtling toward them before he could react.


    Quickly, Atlas shoved the phoenix girl aside and invoked Void Guard, but the spell hit him, propelling him off the wall. He plummeted towards the sea below, clutching Lilith tightly. As the wind rushed past, a scream pierced the air.


    Suddenly, he felt someone catch him, the force causing both of them to grunt as they continued to fall. Atlas saw Amethyst struggling to regain control, and after a tense moment, she managed to stabilize their descent.


    She flapped her wings before ascending to the bridge where Artemis and Grishna were waiting. When the two saw them, they cheered as the phoenix girl reached the ledge and collapsed due to exhaustion.


    Artemis took out a green potion and gave it to Amethyst while Grishna rushed over to him, ''''Are you okay, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar?''''


    ''''Yes. Let''s get going before the city guards catch up,'''' Atlas said while standing up.


    The group dashed across the bridge, and the train tracks ran alongside. When Atlas saw this, he was confused but ignored it as a horn rang out from behind them, causing him to spin around as soldiers rushed toward them.


    He smiled before pointing his hand at the bridge and spamming Void Arrows and Bullets that hit the stone, causing a massive explosion that destroyed at least ten meters of bridge and track, allowing them to escape.

 Chapter 48: The Chosen Messiah

    Atlas and the girls dashed across the stone bridge but were abruptly attacked as arrows and spells flew at them. Perplexed, he questioned the situation, only for Artemis to explain, "It''s the Bigonia town guard¡ªthey''re Evergladians, so they would attack us as we''re the enemy."Understanding the threat, Artemis took the lead after speaking, casting an Earth Spike to shield their advance. As they sprinted forward, Atlas spotted guards on the town walls and unleashed Void Bullets, causing explosions that sent them reeling. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Drawing nearer, Artemis wielded her sling, peppering the defenders with mana bullets that caused chaos when they hit their target, while Amethyst unleashed Cosmic Blast to clear their path toward the town.


    Grishna used Ironclad to block most of the spells coming their way before casting Razorwind Blades at the defenders. The guards were wiped out within moments as the spells washed over them.


    As the orc girl approached the gate blocking their path, she swiftly cast Earth Bolt several times while Atlas sent twenty Void Arrows toward it simultaneously. The combined force shattered the entrance.


    Debris scattered in all directions, sparking chaos and panic within the town. The group rushed into the town while Grishna and Artemis took the brunt of the attacks, but Atlas and Amethyst started casting spells as he darted through the entrance, stabbing guards whenever he got the chance.


    Once the enemies dropped to the ground, he stabbed them through the hole in their helmets while casting Void Bullets at the reinforcement. Following that small battle, they rushed through the city only to see a bright light coming from a nearby train.


    Atlas halted abruptly, a sudden compulsion urging him to aid the besieged townspeople. Sensing his intention, Artemis attempted to pull him away, but he broke free and sprinted towards the train.


    As they ran, Grishna relayed, "The tracks lead to the Twilight Forest. We can hide there."


    Approaching the train stations, they witnessed a fierce battle unfolding¡ªa group of women bravely fighting off hundreds of Evergladian soldiers. Seeing their plight, Atlas charged towards the station with his dagger drawn.


    Spotting him, a man and woman lunged forward. Atlas deftly sidestepped, driving his dagger into the large man''s thigh. Simultaneously, he unleashed a Void Arrow at the female''s face, eliciting a pained scream.


    The girls collided with the enemy soldiers while battling toward the train, as Archer wielded his dagger and magic to attack their foes.


    ***


    [Estelle Argonia''s POV]


    Estelle and the Battle Sisters had to disembark at the town of Bigonia because the war was breaking out. While in their cabin, Maria rushed in and, panicked, said, ''''My Lady. The Evergladian passengers know your identity and are trying to force their way in.''''


    ''People are stupid. I have nothing to do with Father''s invasion, but thanks to being an Argonian Princess, they would target me.''


    She shook her head, growing concerned, but nodded before walking out, only to see the Battle Sisters blocking the entrance. Estelle took out her beautiful silver shield while approaching her friends. ''''Stand back, ladies. I will block their approach,'''' she said.


    The women stepped aside as Estelle''s shield grew as big as a door. Then, she slammed it into the floor, and the passengers broke through. She didn''t give them a chance and used Shield Bash to send them flying back as she took out her sword.


    Without mercy, Estelle struck out and cleaved an Evergladian fighter in half with a powerful swing. When the people behind the man she just killed become furious and charge forward again.


    Estelle stood firm as the Battle Sisters used their weapons to attack the enemy from above, using her shield as cover. She realized they would soon be overwhelmed if they didn''t get off the train.


    ''''Maria! Find a way off the train,'''' she ordered the older woman who saluted.


    Following that, she cast Solar Slash twice. The searing hot slash easily cut through flesh and metal. Estelle moved forward while using Shield Bash to keep the Everglades at bay. They moved forward ten feet before Maria shouted, ''''My Lady! We can get out here.''''


    She turned back and saw the other Battle Sisters forcing a door open, but she noticed the azure blue explosion erupting all over Bigonia. ''Is the town under attack?'' Estelle thought while backing up.


    As she scanned the chaotic scene, Estelle noticed a boy effortlessly dispatching two soldiers before boldly charging into the midst of the growing crowd. His azure-colored bullets exploded on impact, stunning her with their power.


    Focusing on the advancing soldiers, Estelle swiftly took action. She used her skill Shield Bash and Ground Pound to weaken their ranks while her Battle Sisters efficiently dealt with any enemies she missed.


    ''This should slow them down,'' she thought after using her two skills.


    Following that, Estelle left the train carriage while the Evergladians surrounded them. Soon, however, the enemy was struck from behind by blue and purple explosions that illuminated the area.


    When Maria saw the boy, her eyes widened in shock as she mumbled, "It''s The Chosen Messiah, My Lady. He''s here!"


    Estelle glanced at the newcomers and saw three girls and a boy attacking the soldiers, but the boy caught her attention. His gorgeous white hair was the color of snow, and she could see his glowing blue eyes.


    That''s when the two groups met up in the middle and stared at each other, but that''s when she heard a familiar voice, ''''We rescued the blonde bitch? Why did the goddess bless me with bad luck, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar.''''


    Her eyes landed on an orc she despised. "Look who it is, the green-skinned menace and lousy adventurer."


    Grishna got angry and started to step forward, but the boy stopped her. "Grish, not now. We have more important things to deal with."


    ''What is she doing with The Chosen Messiah? Why is he traveling with such a savage!'' Estelle internally complained.


    Estelle watched as the orc girl nodded before the boy turned to her. "Let''s get going. We can use the tracks to get out of town. It seems the Evergladians are hunting both our groups."


    Everyone agreed and rushed toward the trains, dealing with any soldiers or town guards who got too close. She watched the boy as he fought like a wild beast, darting in between the enemies while stabbing them.


    ''He''s wild but I like the effort he puts into his attacks,'' Estelle thought.


    She smiled and was thankful for their intervention as they jumped onto the tracks while the Battle Sisters covered their retreat as more soldiers appeared.


    ***


    [Back to Atlas]


    They sprinted across the tracks when the blonde girl caught up with them. Suddenly, an explosion caused the rails to wobble. Atlas turned to see the station, and several tracks erupt in flames.


    ''What are they using? Won''t the Morozovians be angry?'' Atlas pondered but soon stopped as he cast spells at the enemy below.


    He watched as the knights accompanying Estelle fell to the ground below. One older woman locked eyes with him before she dropped, calling out, "Look after the princess, The Chosen Messiah. Get her back to the Argonia Kingdom, we will meet you there."


    She landed just outside the town walls, surrounded by Evergladian town guards. Along with the other girls, Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets and spells, clearing a path through the enemy.


    The women fought forward, and Artemis urged everyone to keep running, but Atlas noticed the blonde girl wasn''t moving and kept her eyes on the four below as they escaped the enemy.


    Atlas hurried over, seizing her arm urgently. "Come on, they''ve gotten away. We need to move, or we''ll be cornered."


    She met his gaze, nodding solemnly, her French accent distinct as she replied, "Okay,The Chosen Messiah. Lead the way."


    After rushing along the train tracks, the group reached a hill and swiftly descended. As Atlas skidded down, he caught sight of distant mountains encircled by an expansive forest.


    The forest lay miles away, a daunting distance ahead of them. Upon landing, Grishna''s urgent command echoed, "Run to the forest! They''re sending riders after us."


    With those words, the group sprinted across the picturesque grassland, scattered with rolling hills in every direction. Atlas spotted several villages they avoided as Grishna and Artemis led the way.


    It took them more than an hour to approach the forest, but as they neared the treeline, a barrage of spells erupted around them. Atlas spun around and spotted approximately a hundred knights on horseback closing in.


    They were covered in shining silver armor that covered their whole body and was trimmed with red accents. Atlas raised his hands, unleashing dozens of Void Bullets and Arrows that streaked through the air.


    The azure projectiles struck the enemy, but their advance continued unabated. Suddenly, a rider surged forward, charging directly at him. Atlas attempted to evade, but the knight cast a spell that immobilized him on the spot.


    Atlas felt a surge of panic as the knight bore down on him. As he prepared to evade, the blonde girl appeared, chanting something. Her shield expanded as she drove it into the ground, thrusting her sword forward in a decisive motion.


    The knight and his mount collided with the shield, eliciting a grunt from her, yet to Atlas''s astonishment, she held her ground without struggling. Because of her action, the enemy soared over the shield and crashed nearby.


    Turning to Atlas with a serene smile, she extended her hand, saying, "Come, We must make our escape."

 Chapter 49: So Righteous And Holy

    Atlas seized her hand, feeling reassured by her presence as she pulled him to his feet. Grishna killed the knight in the chaos with a stab to the neck. Together, they sprinted into the looming forest, leaving their pursuers behind in a blur of foliage and fading echoes.Once they hit the forest, the land changed, and the canopy above blocked out most of the sunlight. Atlas looked around while they dashed through the trees but soon noticed Lilith chirping.


    She worriedly glanced to the north. ''''Don''t worry, girl, we will only stay here for a while,'''' he reassured the worried honey badger.


    The group ran for another twenty minutes until Grishna called out, urging them to stop running as they reached a small clearing. When Atlas finally stopped, he fell to the grass and breathed heavily.


    Artemis and Amethyst looked at him and laughed while Grishna approached with an annoyed expression, ''''Why did you cause trouble, boy? Are you an idiot? We needed to sign you up as an adventurer so we could take some quests.''''


    When Grishna said this, Lilith lunged at her, but Atlas caught the angry honey badger, which shocked the surrounding girls. But he ignored their reactions and quickly spoke to calm the little monster down, ''''Don''t worry about it, Lily. She is right, after all. I was the one who attacked the guards first.''''


    Atlas stood up, catching his breath, before explaining what had happened when the two men attempted to rob him and how he had responded by taking their lives¡ªan action that shocked most of the girls present.


    Most nodded in understanding, processing the gravity of the situation. However, Estelle spoke next, her French accent coloring her words. "You did the right thing, Atlas," she affirmed firmly. "They were scum for trying to rob a child. Grishna, you know this is true."


    Grishna turned sharply towards the blonde girl and snapped, "Of course you would think that, Estelle. You Argonians think you''re so righteous and holy."


    "We follow Lady Sol on the Path," Estelle retorted firmly. ''''I admit Father is a zealot when it comes to our lady, but most knights of Argonia just want to help the commoners.''''


    The orc girl visibly seethed angrily, but Atlas stepped in before the tension escalated. "It seems you two know each other well."


    Estelle nodded in acknowledgment. "I''m close friends with the Bloodfang Princess and Draga''s best friend, who happens to be Grishna''s big sister."


    ''''Yes, you may be friends with them, but that doesn''t change the fact that you''re an uptight bitch who thinks she''s right all the time,'''' Grishna responded.


    "You can continue calling me names, but it was you who failed the Brokentooth Family. Everyone in the academy knows it," Estelle shot back sharply. "Even Draga acknowledges that you let down your siblings."


    Atlas noticed Grishna''s growing anger and stepped forward, speaking with firm resolve, "Don''t insult her, Estelle. She''s a formidable warrior, and I''ve seen it firsthand. I don''t know what standards the orcs have, but if they aren''t satisfied with her, then they don''t deserve to have her."


    Turning to Grishna, who looked at him with wide green eyes, Atlas continued, "I would gladly have her by my side during a battle. If you have a problem with that, you''re free to leave. We rescued you from the Evergladians, but I won''t tolerate insults toward her."


    Afterward, Atlas strode deeper into the forest, with Lilith trotting faithfully at his heels, leaving the others behind. As he distanced himself enough, he scanned for a secluded spot to unwind.


    Spotting a fallen tree, Atlas climbed atop it and settled in, finding a comfortable position to rest while scanning the surroundings before checking his status.


    [Level Up: 37¡ú39]


    [Experience: 790/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2240]


    [Health: 270¡ú274] sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Mana: 1150¡ú1180]


    [Strength: 242¡ú248]


    [Stamina: 248¡ú260]


    [Charisma: 304¡ú308]


    [Intelligence: 240¡ú246]


    [Core Points: 17200¡ú19200]


    [Core Points Gained: 2000]


    [Void Arrow: 1¡ú2]


    [Dagger Mastery: 1¡ú2]


    Atlas was pleased with his small gains, but a rustle to his left caused him to take out his dagger, only to see Grishna standing there. The orc girl smiled at him, ''''Thank you for defending me, Azhar''Zul.''''


    ''''You''re welcome, Grish,'''' he replied as she climbed up the tree and sat beside him.


    The two sat silently as Lilith jumped down, chirping, causing Atlas to reply, ''''Be careful, Lily. We don''t know what monsters are out here.''''


    Lilith''s confident noise elicited laughter from Atlas and Grishna as the honey badger marched into the tree line. Once the spirited creature was out of earshot, Atlas turned to Grishna with a curious expression.


    "What did she mean by letting down your family?" he asked.


    Grishna''s demeanor shifted slightly as she looked down and sighed before responding, "In the Brokentooth family, we are renowned Warrior Shamans. It''s our birthright. My siblings all inherited spirit affinities, but I was born with earth and metal affinities, which are considered taboo."


    "Why though?" Atlas remarked. "I''ve seen what you can do, and it''s amazing, especially those little metal things you use that screech like an angry woman."


    The orc girl chuckled softly at his question before responding, "There existed a formidable tribe among orcs known as the Earthsong Tribe," she began. They sparked a hundred-year war that reduced our people to mere pawns in the hands of the Thalassians and other nations."


    That''s when she looked down and avoided eye contact. ''''Like me, they wielded earth and metal, but their mastery was unparalleled. They could devastate armies and reduce cities to rubble with a single spell.''''


    He felt sorry for Grishna, who would have been shunned due to her affinities in orc society. When Atlas saw the depressed look on her face, he spoke, ''''Well, I think you''re amazing, Grish. Does it matter what anyone thinks? You know your strength and can prove them wrong.''''


    The orc girl looked at him and replied in a quiet voice, ''''You''re not scared I''d cause problems for you?''''


    Atlas chuckled, "The Evergladians dubbed me Shaytan al-Kharab, the Devil of Ruin. I imagine other nations have their own versions," he mused. "Then there''s Amethyst and Artemis, who insist on calling me the one who points the way in their own peculiar fashion. It''s always been a bit puzzling to me."


    Grishna burst into laughter and suddenly hugged Atlas, her voice warm and earnest. "There are many legends about you, my Azhar''Zul, but I know you''re not a devil or a demon who brings ruin. You''re just a boy who wants to explore the world and be loved."


    Atlas felt his cheeks flush, but Grishna paid it no mind and pressed on. "I''ve noticed how you look at Amethyst. Even though you''ve only known her for a short time, I can tell you''d do anything for that bird girl."


    His voice trembled with a raw ache as he nodded, his words heavy with the weight of abandonment. "I''ve spent most of my life alone. My mother left me at an orphanage, promising she''d come back, but she never did. I think she found a new family and just... forgot about me."


    Every word carried a shattered hope that echoed through the stillness of the forest, laying bare the loneliness etched deep into his soul. Grishna tightened her hug and spoke, ''''You can talk to me, Azhar''Zul.''''


    "I don''t understand why none of the parents adopted me," Atlas mumbled, his voice tinged with lingering hurt. "I was never lazy always helped the other children and adults, but I was always ignored. All I wanted was a family, like the children outside the orphanage I used to see walking to school."


    Grishna released her hold on him and spoke earnestly, "I think maybe the reason you weren''t adopted is because it brought you here. You already have Amethyst, and I''m sure you''ll meet many more ladies who will be happy to love you."


    When Atlas heard that, he smiled before teasing her, "Does that include a certain orc girl?"


    She laughed before gently pushing him away, "You cheeky devil. But who knows what the future holds? I may fall in love with you once you grow up, or we may remain comrades. Fate is mysterious, Azhar''Zul."


    After their conversation, Grishna descended from the tree and returned to where the other girls waited. "Come back when you''re ready," she called to Atlas. "Artemis is preparing some meat, and we all need to eat before we travel north."


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment. "I''ll join you shortly. I''m just going to find Lilith first."


    Grishna smiled warmly before departing, leaving Atlas alone in the clearing. He leaped down from the tree with a soft thud and set off in the direction Lilith had scampered off to, determined to locate the honey badger.


    He held his dagger and readied Void Bullet while stepping through the thick foliage, down trees and bushes bigger than himself. Atlas continued trekking until he heard a battle that caught his interest.


    As Atlas approached, he spotted Lilith in a fight with three Wild Orcs attempting to capture her. Despite their efforts, the badger''s agility prevented them from seizing her. When nearing them, he used Void Sight to scan the monsters.


    [Wild Orc]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''Not too bad,'' he mused with a wicked smile. ''I can surprise them and get the upperhand.''


    With a solid plan, Atlas burst out from behind the bush, catching the monsters off guard as his Void Bullets slammed into them, causing the creatures to stagger back in shock at the sudden attack.

 Chapter 50: Estelle Argonia

    Quick and agile, Atlas closed the distance, dagger in hand, before slicing through the tendons of a Wild Orc, sending it crashing to the ground. Witnessing him joining the fight, Lilith lunged at another creature, tearing into its face with ferocity.As the last remaining monster swung its wooden club at him, Atlas dodged the attack. In a fluid motion, he leaped forward, driving his blade deep into the creature''s chest. He cast a Void Bullet through the weapon with a surge of power.


    The Wild Orc was burned from the inside out, causing it to bellow in agony, but it dropped dead. Atlas jumped off the monster''s corpse and looked for Lilith, who suddenly appeared covered in blood while carrying an orange Monster Core in her maw.


    Atlas chuckled at the sight, causing her to drop the orange orb at his feet. He bent down to grab it just as Lilith moved to get the other two cores from the other two bodies. Her claws made quick work of the orc hides.


    Soon, the honey badger brought two more to Atlas, who stored them away. After that, he got an idea and told Lilith, ''''We can cut off some of the orc meat. I bet it tastes nice.''''


    The tiny creature nodded, and Atlas began slicing meat from the carcass, storing it in his Dimensional Storage. Afterward, they returned to camp, with Lilith lazily perching on his shoulders.


    Atlas smiled, shaking his head at her blood-stained state. It took only five minutes for the delicious aroma of cooking meat to reach them, prompting him to quicken his pace. When the four girls saw them, their eyes widened.


    Grishna leaped up. "Why are both of you covered in fresh blood?"


    Atlas glanced at his clothes and realized only then that some of the orc''s blood had splattered on him. His gulp caught her attention as he looked from Grishna to the stains and didn''t know how she''d react.


    Approaching with narrowed eyes, the orc girl questioned, "What did you kill? I left you twenty minutes ago, Atlas."


    "Um, Lilith was fighting some Wild Orcs, and we took care of them," he explained.


    Grishna beamed, "Great! Did you manage to grab some of their meat? It''s perfect with a Dwarven Roll."


    Atlas stared at her in disbelief, which immediately caught her attention. She grinned mischievously, "Did you think I''d be offended just because they share my name?"


    He nodded sheepishly, prompting laughter from the other girls. Artemis said, "Atlas, Wild Orcs aren''t like Grish here, an evolved Orc with shared ancestors. They''re from a different branch that evolved to be more humanoid as mana seeped into their very souls, as you can see."


    "Are they really that different?" Atlas asked.


    "Yes, so don''t worry about killing my cousins Grak''Thar Gromog''ar," Grishna commented before taking a seat.


    Atlas joined them when Amethyst patted the seat next to her. Lilith leaped off him and hurried toward the fire to get comfortable as he settled down. When he did, Estelle said, "If I may, I''d like to stay with you, Le Messie ¨¦lu, but I won''t be friends with this disgraced orc. That''s a deal-breaker for me."


    He was about to respond when the orc girl interrupted, "Oh, I feel the same way about you, blonde bitch. The only reason we''re not fighting is because Grak''Thar Gromog''ar needs our help to grow stronger," she said with a smile that annoyed Estelle.


    "Enough, both of you!" Artemis cautioned, her tone firm. "We can''t afford to argue while escaping the Everglade Kingdom."


    Estelle huffed audibly while Grishna shot a mischievous smile at the blonde knight. Meanwhile, Amethyst announced, "The food is ready."


    Artemis swiftly turned her attention to the meat, deftly removing it from the skewer. She precisely cut the cooked meat into five portions and gave a piece to each of them. Atlas thanked the brunette before eating.


    While doing that, he rechecked his status.


    [Level Up: 39¡ú40]


    [Experience: 190/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 400]


    [Core Points: 19200¡ú19500]


    [Core Points Gained: 300]


    As the group ate, Estelle spoke, ''''If we can reach the Argonia border, the Evergladians won''t chase us like Big Brother''s armies marching south.''''


    Everyone looked at her, but Amethyst questioned, ''''If you knew this was going to happen, then why come here?''''


    Estelle smiled before revealing, ''''My friends are from a church set up to follow the Le Messie ¨¦lu, but they are also tied to the Argonian Royal Family due to my father marrying the head priestess who leads the Church of the Messiah.''''


    Once the blonde girl finished speaking, she mumbled an Argonian prayer, ''''The one who points the way will lead us to paradise.''''


    Atlas and the girls were confused, but he recognized the language as French. He shook his head and asked, ''''So what does this have to do with me?''''


    Estelle smiled before eating some of the meat. As she swallowed the mouthful, she explained, ''''In Argonia, there are two religions: the Church of the Messiah, who worship you, and the Zarathrulians, who worship the God of Darkness known as Zarathrul. They hate the Le Messie ¨¦lu, who they believe is the doom of Argonia.''''


    Everyone listened intently as Estelle continued, "But Le Messie ¨¦lu is the bringer of Sol''s light, while Zarathrul''s champion is the Evil One. He is destined to cover the world in blood and ignite a holy war that will kill millions."


    Once she finished speaking, Atlas asked with a curious tone, "What if I''m not messiah but the opposite? What would you do then, Estelle Argonia?"


    The blonde paused and replied, "I honestly don''t know. But I don''t believe you are the Evil One. Someone from the darkness wouldn''t have helped me, but you did."


    Atlas nodded thoughtfully. "Only time will tell who I truly am. For now, let''s focus on eating and getting our strength back before we move on."


    The group continued to eat while Grishna and Artemis set up traps to keep them safe as the sun began to set. Estelle and Amethyst started collecting firewood, and Atlas took out the spell books he had gotten from Zarina.


    While examining them, he realized Voidfire Blast was a Level 2 spell, which he couldn''t learn until he ranked up. So, he decided to focus on Void Step and started reading.


    A notification popped up as the sun vanished, and the two moons shone overhead.


    [Void Step Learned]


    [Alert: No more spells can be learned until you reach Apprentice]


    Atlas smiled at his accomplishment but couldn''t resist the urge to test out the new spell. He looked in Artemis''s direction as she set up a trap between two trees. Without wasting any more time, he cast Void Step.


    Instantly, Atlas vanished from his spot and reappeared a few meters away from the brunette. Artemis, startled, spun around with her sword at the ready. He was dizzy and wobbled slightly but quickly cast Void Step again.


    This time, he disappeared in a blur. Artemis caught off guard and attempted to dodge, but before she could react, Atlas reappeared above her. Despite her efforts to evade, it was too late.


    Atlas landed clumsily on top of Artemis, and they both tumbled in a heap, ''''Malakas! What nonsense are you up, Aetos? Get off me,''''


    Now that he paid more attention to her, he noticed her thick Greek accent, which he found irresistible. The freckles on her face and her brown eyes mesmerized him until Artemis bonked him on the head.


    ''''Stop staring at me like that, you little pervert,'''' Artemis said with a giggle.


    Following that, the two of them walked back to the camp after she set the trap, only to see Amethyst sitting on a log while Grishna sharpened her spear, and Estelle tended to the fire as it roared to life.


    Atlas sat down next to Artemis, who looked at him with a knowing smile as she leaned in and whispered, ''''You''re way too young, little Aetos, so get any thoughts of us out of your head until you grow up.'''' S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His grin widened even further before he quickly kissed the older girl''s cheek, prompting her to exclaim, "Malakas! Enough of your games, child, or there will be consequences!"


    The other girls glanced at her, causing Grishna to tease Artemis as Atlas settled between her and Amethyst. "It looks like you enjoy his teasing, Arti. Why not admit it?" the orc girl quipped.


    "Shut up, Grish. He''s a scoundrel! I know he will grow up to be a playboy," Artemis shot back, eliciting laughter from the rest.


    Grishna draped an arm around Atlas''s shoulder and proclaimed, staring teasingly at the brunette girl, "Well, if you''re not interested, Arty, I''ll gladly take second place."


    Artemis stiffened, prompting Amethyst to stifle a giggle. The brown-haired girl responded, "You''re third in line, you greedy orc! No cutting!"


    Laughter erupted all around before Atlas whipped out some orc meat. Artemis jumped in to cook, with Estelle lending a hand. While they did this, the others kept watch as Lilith woke up, growling into the darkness.


    While standing there, a twang was heard, but Grishna dodged by leaning back and catching the arrow before exclaiming, ''''Bandits!''''

 Chapter 51: Respect The Dead

    Atlas and the girls braced themselves as bandits surged out of the darkness, encircling them. Artemis and Estelle''s swordsmanship proved crucial as they engaged in swift combat, dispatching their adversaries.Grishna wielded her spear like a master while using Metal Bullets to puncture through bandits with lethal accuracy. Meanwhile, Amethyst provided cover by killing any foes that appeared from the rear.


    Atlas''s excitement surged as he cashed Void Step to teleport behind the assailants. He struck their exposed backs with Void Bullets and Arrows before closing in with his dagger. Dodging any attack sent his way while targeting their legs.


    His attacks brought them down, allowing him to deliver fatal blows to their skulls by driving his blade into them. Atlas looked around and noticed Lilith was fighting two men, causing him to use Void Step again.


    Atlas disappeared and appeared behind the men attacking the honey badger. Without thinking, he cast a Void Arrow into one man''s back while plunging his dagger into the side of the second, eliciting a cry of pain as Lilith lunged for the man''s throat.


    Moving quickly, Atlas darted across the battlefield, stabbing with frenzied excitement. He brought down numerous bandits, slashing throats with a grim thrill. However, in a moment of vulnerability after his last attack, he was caught off guard and struck by a war hammer.


    He flew across the battlefield and crashed into a nearby tree with a loud thud before dropping to the ground. Atlas looked up to see the bandit leader approach him with a furious look.


    Atlas gulped down a Health Potion, grimacing as pain shot through his body, but he managed to push himself upright. The bandit leader closed in, swinging his hammer. Atlas locked eyes with a spot behind the man and executed Void Step just as the hammer arced toward him.


    In a blink, Atlas vanished and reappeared behind the bandit leader. With a desperate leap, he clambered onto the man''s broad back, stabbing wildly. Blood sprayed, painting the scene around them crimson.


    Lilith rushed forward, slamming into the back of the leader''s legs, sending the big man crashing to his knees. Atlas continued his relentless assault, driving his dagger home until the bandit slumped lifeless beneath him.


    After the leader fell, the bandits began to crumble. Estelle dispatched several with quick cuts, while Grishna used Silver Shriek to disorient those who remained before stabbing them with her spear.


    Amethyst and Artemis swiftly dealt with the remaining foes, aided by Atlas using magic. Once the battle subsided, the girls hurried towards him, but he waved them off as his Regeneration kicked in, swiftly healing his wounded body.


    He moved about, cutting the coin pouches from the fallen bandits, prompting confusion among the girls. Estelle voiced her concern, "Why are you taking their belongings? The Path teaches us to honor the dead."


    Atlas met her gaze with a narrowed look. "The dead have no use for coins or potions. They would only go to waste if left untouched."


    After gathering every pouch he could find, Atlas walked over to the girls sitting at the fire and started to count the loot, which amounted to 3 gold, 20 silver, and 236 copper coins.


    ''''Why don''t you care about stealing from the dead?'''' Estelle questioned.


    He was about to answer, but Grishna quipped, ''''Those are bandits, Blondie; they don''t deserve the respect.''''


    With a lofty air, Estelle declared, "The Path insists we respect the dead, but let''s face it, those scoundrels don''t deserve any respect in death."


    Grishna, her orcish temper flaring, retorted sharply, "Pipe down, Bitch. Save your lectures for someone who cares."


    Amethyst interjected, trying to keep the peace, "Enough, you two! You''re squabbling like alley cats in enemy territory. Can we focus on not getting skewered?"


    The two older girls nodded in agreement, causing Atlas to laugh. Their narrowed glares directed at him only fueled his amusement as he stood up. "Don''t give me that look," he chuckled, waving them off. "You all are acting like a bunch of feisty cats. Can''t a man catch a break around here?"


    Atlas wandered over to a tree while Artemis shouted, "Shut it, kid! You''re thirteen, not twenty!"


    He glanced back at her, only to be met with laughter from the others. Shrugging it off, Atlas climbed up to a nearby branch. Lilith followed, curling up in his lap before drifting off to sleep.


    The girls soon noticed he was out cold and started settling down. Estelle offered to take the first watch, which the other two agreed to¡ªafter that, the night passed with no problems. The forest came alive around them, but the blonde knight kept them at bay.


    When Atlas woke up and forgot where he was until he saw the sunlight, he remembered everything, causing him to sigh, sit up, and stretch before jumping out of the tree, followed by the energetic Lilith.


    He approached the girls, who were already awake, but quickly noticed something odd. Atlas stopped walking and asked, ''''Where are the bodies?''''


    They looked at each other, but Estelle was the one to answer, ''''The Dark Ones took them.''''


    ***


    [Royal Palace - Evergreen City - Capital of the Everglade Kingdom]


    King Royce Everglade was in his study when a panicked knock rang out, causing him to shout, ''''Stop banding god dammit! Come it.''''


    Following that, the door flew open, and a young man who was his advisor named Marcus entered, speaking, ''''Your Majesty, the Shaytan al-Kharab has been spotted in Setoria City, and reports speak of him aiding the Argonian Princess.''''


    Upon hearing this, Royce felt a deep realization wash over him, recalling his father''s poignant words from his deathbed, ''Do not pursue the devil. Let the creature go and live to see your grandchildren reign over Everglade, my son.''


    Royce fixed his gaze on the young man, his expression resolute. "Set them free! Order the army to halt the pursuit of Shaytan al-Kharab." Drawing out a parchment, he inscribed the decree, pressing his seal firmly into the wax. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let it be known throughout our lands, Marcus," he declared solemnly. "This decree carries the force of the king''s law. In our kingdom of many faiths, I implore all: do not provoke the devil, lest he return leading a formidable army and cover our lands in blood."


    "A wise decision, Your Majesty," Marcus bowed. "Your father''s legacy shines through your actions."


    Once the young man was gone, Royce thought, ''I hope the nobles don''t do something stupid. We won''t be able to survive a wave of Saharaelians washing over my kingdom.''


    He stepped onto his balcony, looked over his capital, and wondered what the future held. That''s when he resolved to bring the Argonians to the table in an alliance to fight against the Shaytan al-Kharab.


    ***


    [Sometime in the future - Secret location in the Everglade Kingdom]


    A group of nobles met secretly to discuss the rumors of the Shaytan al-Kharab''s appearance in our kingdom. They were excited as a woman stood in front of them all and declared, ''''If we can kill the devil while he''s young, he cannot return to Everglade.''''


    ''''I respect and love King Royce, but he doesn''t see the danger that our great noble houses do,'''' the woman riled up the crowd before continuing. ''''The Shaytan al-Kharab will bring ruin on us. With the war taking our sons and daughters to the pirates raiding our coasts, our luck will change if we bring down this devil.''''


    That''s when a man spoke, ''''If he reached the Blue Dune Desert, he will unite those devils and begin the Great Jihad that the Achaemenidians warned us about many moons ago.''''


    Following that, the noble houses of Everglade came together to kill the devil that lurked in their kingdom. Thanks to the war, they couldn''t deploy their armies, but they raised another ten thousand soldiers from the veterans and sent them after the boy.


    The soldiers headed straight for the Twilight Forest, where they reported their last sighting of him. Some nobles followed behind the army and wanted the glory and fame of killing the devil.


    ***


    [Honorhall City - Capital of the Argonia Kingdom]


    King Louis Argonia stood on his balcony watching an army leaving the capital. The second Princess Camille led them. They were ordered to conquer the Moonhare Kingdom''s main island, where their royal family was sheltered.


    His spymaster Andr¨¦ appeared behind him and spoke in a low voice, ''''My Brother. Rumors are spreading like wildfire, claiming the Le Malin has risen and Princess Estelle is traveling with him.''''


    Louis looked at his younger brother. ''''It doesn''t surprise me; her mother is the leader of the L''¨¦glise du Messie, but that won''t stop ¨¦lise from hunting the boy. What do you suggest?''''


    ''''Capture the boy and sell him to the Achaemenidian Slavers,'''' Andr¨¦ replied. ''''Or we can make him an ally of the kingdom if the right terms are offered.''''


    ''''Terms? Speak your mind, brother,'''' Louis said in a frustrated tone.


    ''''If he and little Estelle get on, offer her hand in marriage, and I''m sure the boy will accept, and that will allow us to have a powerful tool at our disposal,'''' Andre suggested, but that''s when the voice of reason interrupted.


    "Don''t try to shackle the Le Messie ¨¦lu. This will only backfire on us," cautioned Isabelle Argonia, the first queen and mother to Estelle. "Let our daughter handle the boy; she has a certain charm about her."


    Louis nodded in agreement, much to the frustration of Andre, who stormed off in a huff, causing the royal couple to shake their heads.

 Chapter 52: Whats The Third Option

    Atlas looked at the blonde girl confusedly, ''''Dark Ones? What are they?'''' he questioned.Estelle looked at the others, but Artemis commented while sharpening her blade, ''''It''s clear he doesn''t know about them; you tell him blondie.''''


    He waited for someone to start speaking, which happened seconds later when Estelle looked at him, ''''Dark Ones are cruel monsters who have infested Valoria; they hunt during the night and tend to stay away from towns and cities, but they do attack small villages,'''' she explained while glancing as the tracks all around their camp.


    Atlas followed her gaze only to shiver when she noticed the claw marks in the ground, which looked like a wild animal had gone crazy and slashed the ground. ''''What do they look like?'''' Amethyst asked as she was listening intently.


    "The monsters are tall and gangly, twisted remnants of what were once humans, now corrupted by the Dark Gods," Estelle said, her voice trembling. "They haunt the deepest shadows of the forests and the blackest corners of the world. Their skin is sickly, ashen gray, stretched taut, making them look even worse.''''


    Atlas noticed the horror in her blue eyes, which remained briefly before it vanished as she continued. ''''Their dark eyes are voids of darkness, soulless and empty. Their teeth... a horrific maw of razor-sharp fangs, perfect for ripping flesh from bone. They devour everything that gets their claws on."


    ''''And they were here last night? Why didn''t they attack?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Estelle pointed at the fire and then at the traps the others set up that circled them, ''''Instead of being useless as usual, Grishna set up traps that keep them away.''''


    ''''Shut up bitch,'''' the orc girl retorted while throwing a stick at the knight. ''''At least I know how to keep the creatures away, unlike some.''''


    The blonde knight dodged the stick before ignoring Grishna and continuing, ''''It is said diabolical cults kidnap villagers to sacrifice them in a strange ritual that turns them into a Dark One who answers to the Dark God Vorkoth and his minions.''''


    "Why haven''t the kingdoms or empires done anything about them?" Atlas inquired.


    Artemis was the one to answer, "They have tried, but it''s futile. These creatures flee to underground caverns, old mines, and countless other places where numbers are useless. Some royal families hire powerful adventurer parties to clear out their nests when found."


    That''s when Amethyst jumped while exclaiming, ''''Azhar''Zul will fight the Dark Ones and banish them back to their master''s realms.''''


    Atlas gulped when he heard this, but he was curious: ''''I want to stay up tonight and look at them.''''


    All the girls looked at him as Grishna replied, ''''Why? They give me the creeps, always prowling in the shadows like perverts.''''


    While they were chatting, Atlas felt Estelle looking at him. He smiled at the older girls before speaking, ''''Why are you staring at me?''''


    ''''You remind me of an old family that lived on Aridonia; it''s an old wives tale that the scholars believe was told to deter betrayal,'''' Estelle explained while still putting a teapot on the fire as the others did their own thing.


    The blonde knight said, ''''Want to listen while having tea? It''s an Argonian specialty.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Yes, please.''''


    Estelle smiled as she tended to the fire, deftly arranging two cups and gathering various ingredients. "Before the Achaemenids swept into Aridonia," she began, her voice soft and reminiscent, "there existed a powerful realm in the Northeast known as the Aurelian Empire.


    Their fair and capable emperor was bolstered by a noble house of great renown¡ªthe legendary monster slayers known as the Pendragon Family."


    After speaking, Estelle poured some sweet-smelling tea into one of the cups before handing it over to Atlas, ''''Legends speak of their valor in defending the empire during its darkest hours, sacrificing themselves so that the imperial line might endure. They hunted the darkest monsters of the knight and terrible necromancers that plagued the world."


    She sat down and looked at Atlas with a gleam in her blue eyes, ''''The Pendragons were renowned for their snow-white hair and devilish good looks; at their lowest, the Aurelian Imperial Family took them in and boosted them into legend, but like everything good, it ended thirteen moons ago.''''


    Atlas was entranced in the tale and sipped the delicious tea before talking, ''''What happened? Why aren''t they around anymore?''''


    Before Estelle could speak, the other girls chimed in, Artemis smiling warmly. "I''ve heard this tale," she said, her voice nostalgic. "Mother used to tell it to me when I was younger. Arthur was a true warrior and laid down his life for the Aurelians."


    The blonde girl nodded, her smile reflecting the story''s gravity. "When the Achaemenids invaded, the entire Pendragon Family rushed to the capital. They arrived just in time to reach the imperial palace as the enemy breached the city days later."


    Everyone sipped the tea Estelle had poured for them before she continued, "During the final days of the empire, the Pendragons held the line against the Immortals so that the Imperial Family could escape.


    They were nearly caught until Arthur Pendragon, the young master of the family, rumored to be in love with a maid who worked in the palace, sacrificed himself by detonating his Mana Core to ensure their freedom."


    ''''Are the Aurelians still alive? And why did you say I remind you of the Pendragons?'''' Atlas inquired.


    Estelle shrugged nonchalantly. "They vanished thirteen years ago, and no one''s seen them since," she disclosed before addressing his second question. "You bear a resemblance to Arthur Pendragon, though he was human with white hair, and you''re clearly of a different race."


    Atlas nodded solemnly, but their moment of reflection was abruptly interrupted by a resounding roar. This prompted Grishna to take charge, her voice cutting through the tension. "Alright, time to strategize, people. We''ve got three routes through the Everglade Kingdom, each with its pros and cons. Let''s decide together."


    The orc girl jumped up and pointed south, ''''We can follow the coast until reaching Navagrono Port City, where we can hope to hire a boat to sail us to the Moonhare Kingdom where the Evergladians won''t chase us.''''


    Everyone listened intently as Grishna continued, ''''Or we can travel north through the Twilight Titan Mountains to lose our pursuers and cross the Twilight River before following the coast to Port Wildreach, where smugglers will take us to the Sea City of Volantis, which is in the Argonia Kingdom.''''


    ''''What''s the third option?'''' Amethyst said with a smile as she sat next to Atlas.


    "Then there''s the riskiest option, but it''ll help Atlas level up even more. We rush east, crossing straight through enemy territory. We''ll have to fight all the way, but once we reach the Moonhare Kingdom, they''ll stop," Grishna concluded with a wild smile.


    When Atlas saw her expression, he knew what he wanted to do as his excitement soared. "We go east. I need to level up, and it''ll improve our teamwork."


    Amethyst looked nervous, and Atlas sensed her unease. He turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry, my Pigeon. You''re strong and can handle the upcoming fights."


    The phoenix girl nodded with a determined smile. As the group stood up, Atlas took charge. "If we get surrounded, Estelle, you take point with your shield. Grishna and I will follow behind. Artemis and Amethyst, you two take the rear."


    Everyone nodded as Grishna put out the fire, and the others kept a lookout as even more roars rang out across the forest. Atlas walked over to the sleeping Lilith and poked her belly, causing the honey badger to wiggle.


    Lilith''s head shot up as her yellow eyes landed on him; the little monster jumped up and climbed up his body before nibbling on his neck, causing a shiver to run down his spine as he ran his fingers through her silky fur.


    While doing that, Atlas checked his status as he felt something during last night''s fight, and when he saw the gains he had earned, he got excited.


    [Level Up: 40¡ú41]


    [Experience: 390/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1200]


    [Health: 274¡ú324]


    [Mana: 1180¡ú1384]


    [Strength: 248¡ú300] S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Stamina: 260¡ú314]


    [Charisma: 308¡ú330]


    [Intelligence: 246¡ú298]


    [Core Rank: Mid Novice¡úHigh Novice]


    [Core Point: 19500¡ú100]


    [Core Points Gained: 600]


    Once Atlas had given his instructions, he wanted to check on Estelle and Grishna''s status before setting off. He walked over to the blonde knight, who was cleaning her tea equipment in a nearby stream.


    Hearing his approach, Estelle turned and smiled, her French accent adding a charming lilt to her words. "What can I do for you, Le Messie ¨¦lu?"


    ''''Can I see your status, please?''''


    The blonde knight nodded and replied, ''''Certainly, here, take a look.''''


    Name: Estelle Argonia


    Age: 23


    Race: Human


    Class: Solar Guardian


    Level: 125


    Rank: Adept


    Experience: 4340/5000


    Affinity: Light


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 1148


    Mana: 3900


    Strength: 1218


    Stamina: 1102


    Charisma: 960


    Intelligence: 750


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Solar Slash (5) Lv-2: Light Blast (2) Lv-3: Radiant Strike (1) Lv-3: Dawns Wrath (0)


    Defence: Lv-1: Holy Barrier (6) Lv-2: Solar Shield (1)


    Support: Lv-1: Healing Light (4)


    Utility: Lv-3: Vigilant Watch (1)


    ___


    Skills: Swordsmanship (7) Archery (3) Hunting (2) Hand-to-Hand (5) Cooking (10) Brace (2) Shield Wall (1) Ground Pound (4) Vigilant Watch (2) Shield Bash (2)


    "Oh, you''re strong," Atlas mumbled, a smile spreading across his face. "You have Level 3 spells; you must show me them one day."


    Estelle nodded, her expression serious. "I will, Le Messie ¨¦lu, but now''s not the time. We have to get moving before the Evergladians find us," she said.

 Chapter 53: Five Ways

    Following his chat with Estelle, Atlas made his way over to the orc girl who was scanning the forest. When he arrived, Grishna said without taking her eyes off the trees, ''''Little Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, are you ready to move?''''''''Yes, Grish, but can I see your status before we go?''''


    The orc girl''s green eyes turned to him, her eyebrows raised, and she replied with a smile, ''''A bit bold to march up to a girl and ask for her secrets, but yes, you can look.''''


    Name: Grishna Brokentooth.


    Age: 18


    Race: Orc


    Class: Warrior


    Level: 113


    Rank: Adept.


    Experience: 4920/5000


    Affinity: Earth ¨C Metal


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 932


    Mana: 2820


    Strength: 2216


    Stamina: 1528


    Charisma: 590


    Intelligence: 412


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Iron Fist (8) Lv-1: Metal Bullet (7) Lv-2: Earth Bolt (3) Lv-3: Razorwind Blades (2) Lv-3: Silver Shriek (3)


    Defence: Lv-1: Ironclad(7)


    Support: Lv-1: Body Enhancement(10) Lv-1: Dust Cloud(2)Lv-1: Minor Healing (4)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Hand-to-Hand Combat (7) Spearmanship (6) Survivlist (9) Cooking (10) Tracking (6) Intimidation (7) Shield Mastery (5) War Cry (4) Lock Picking (7) Ransack (1) Hunting (3) Trapping (2)


    ''Grishna''s strong, weaker than Estelle but not by much,'' Atlas thought before instructing her to check on the other two.


    Atlas went to find Artemis, chatting with Amethyst about the surrounding forest and its monsters. Once the two noticed him, the brunette turned to him and asked in her unique Greek-like accent, "What''s up, Aetos?"


    "Can I see both of your statuses, please? I want to compare them against mine to gauge my strength to see where I am," he asked.


    Both girls nodded, and Artemis showed hers first, followed by the phoenix girl.


    Name: Artemis Olympaea


    Age: 17


    Race: Siren


    Class: Argonaut


    Level: 123


    Rank: Adept


    Experience: 4640/5000


    Affinity: Earth ¨C Thunder - Water


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 1334


    Mana: 2120


    Strength: 2408


    Stamina: 2104


    Charisma: 500


    Intelligence: 1050


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: High Novice


    Core Points: 13750/30000


    Body Tempering Level: Bronze Body


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Lightning Bullet (7) Lv-1: Water Arrow (7) Lv-2: Thunder Punch (5) Lv-2: Aqua Bomb (3) Lv-2: Earth Spike Lvl-2: Lighting Slash (5) Lv-3: Arc Lightning (2)


    Defence: Lv-3: Gaia''s Embrace (2) Lv-3: Shockwave (1)


    Support: Lv-1: Gaia''s Glide (8) Lv-2: Enhancement (4)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Swordsmanship (7) Survivlist (4) Hand-to-Hand Combat (9) Foraging (6) Stealth (5) Eaglevison (2) Lockpicking (0) Appraisal (2) Treasure Sense (2) Sling Expertise (8) Leviathan''s Call (0)


    ''She''s strong for her age and would be able to defend our rear and Amethyst,'' Atlas mused. He took a moment to examine their statuses, feeling more confident about their chances during their adventures.


    Name: Amethyst Flameheart


    Age: 13


    Race: Cosmic Phoenix


    Class: Cosmic Mage


    Level: 36


    Rank: Novice


    Experience: 300/1000


    Affinity: Space


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 312


    Mana: 1524


    Strength: 334


    Stamina: 568


    Charisma: 326


    Intelligence: 264


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Low Novice


    Core Points: 9600/10000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Cosmic Bullet (2) Lv-1: Stellar Arrow (3) Lv-2: Cosmic Blast (4)


    Defence: Lv-1: Cosmic Barrier (4)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Phoenix Form (Locked) Cosmic Wings (2) Cosmic Sight (1)


    When Atlas saw Amethyst''s status, he was amazed, realizing she would become even more powerful as she aged. He hugged the phoenix girl, who melted into his arms, speaking quietly, "I''m glad the others joined us; now we can explore most of Astoria."


    Atlas nodded with a smile before kissing her on the forehead, which sent her scuttling back with a bright red face. Then, Grishna called out for them to leave. The group left their camp and traveled east.


    After a few hours, Atlas took point because he wanted to kill some monsters to level up. The group was soon at the base of the Twilight Titan Mountain, where Atlas felt something watching them.


    He spun around and sput dozens of cave entrances littering the side of the mountain, making him shiver. Lilith raised her head and growled while looking at the closest cave. The girls stopped walking when they noticed Atlas staring into it.


    Grishna approached and touched his shoulder, "Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, never step into a cave without us. Many of the world''s nightmares dwell in the dark."


    ''''It feels like something is watching us, Grish,'''' Atlas said while turning to the orc. ''''Can you sense it?''''


    "I do, little one. But don''t get too close; they might be Dark Ones waiting to pounce," Grishna cautioned before they continued.


    Amethyst appeared beside Atlas, speaking nervously, "There were two monsters inside the darkness. They were watching you, Azhar''Zul, and gave off the same feeling as the Lost Prince."


    ''Are they part of the Chaos Army? Maybe the king sent forces ahead of the main force,'' Atlas mused as he took Amethyst''s hand.


    The five pressed on through the forest, encountering three Rank E Forest Boars that charged at the group. Atlas swiftly drew his dagger and launched several Void Arrows at them. As the monsters closed in, he sidestepped their charge and lunged forward, plunging his dagger into the largest boar.


    Atlas dragged the blade across the creature''s body, swiftly ending its life. In the meantime, his Void Arrows found their mark, striking down the other two boars. Once the monsters were dead, he looted the 3 orange Monster Cores and some meat that Grishna pointed out.


    They continued trekking through the thick forest until they reached a clearing. Grishna motioned for them to stop moving, but Atlas crept forward and saw a small camp of twenty soldiers.


    Estelle knew who they were and whispered, ''''Those are Everglade mercenaries. Maybe the king hired them to track Le Messie ¨¦lu, as they only see him as a devil.''''


    The other girls nodded, but Atlas commented excitedly, ''''Let''s attack them. What rank are they?''''


    "Most are Apprentices, while a few are Adepts like me, Grish, and blondie," Artemis remarked with a smile.


    "My name''s not blondie! It''s Estelle," the blonde knight protested.


    Everyone chuckled before Atlas stroked the hyperactive Lilith. "Me and the demoness will hit from the north. Grish, you take the south," he directed, then turned to the remaining three girls. "Amethyst, you stay here and sling spells at them. Artemis, attack from the west, and Estelle, come in from the east."


    Atlas looked at the four girls, who nodded in agreement as he continued, ''''I will rush in with Lilith and cause chaos. When I''ve got their attention, you rush in and attack from the rear.''''


    ''''Good plan, little one,'''' Grishna said before heading south.


    The other girls agreed and went to their spots. Atlas and Lilith went north and saw several men passing by as they patrolled the edge of the camp. Once the honey badger spotted her first victim, she darted out as the excitement was too much.


    Lilith lunged at the shocked man as Atlas sliced the second man''s ankles before firing a Void Bullet into his skull. The little monster tore the first soldier''s throat out, and blood splattered over everything.


    Following that, the duo stormed into the Evergladian camp. Lilith lived up to her namesake and became a demon that brought death to the soldiers. Atlas spammed Void Bullets while stabbing and slicing the surprised soldiers, but they soon regrouped.


    They finally pushed him back using their advantage of numbers, only to have a Cosmic Blast fall upon them, causing a massive explosion. He skillfully used Void Guard to block incoming attacks while dodging and parrying strikes with his dagger.


    Once this happened, the other girls charged in. Grishna threw a marble that shrieked as it hit the unsuspecting enemies, causing some soldiers to clutch their ears. She then moved in with her spear and killed them with several powerful thrusts.


    Artemis burst out from a bush while using her sling to send mana stones slicing through the air. When the projectiles connected with the soldier''s bodies, they looked like Swiss cheese before the brunette took out her sword and finished off the rest.


    The Phoenix Girl rained down more Cosmic Blasts and Cosmic Bullets, peppering the enemy soldiers. Meanwhile, Estelle''s shield bashed two of them, throwing the bandits off balance and allowing Atlas and the girls to take the rest out.


    By the time they were finished, Atlas was breathing heavily before collapsing to the ground as he felt the experience pouring into him. Amethyst appeared from the forest and approached him with a smile. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Atlas saw this, he returned the smile with one of his own before speaking, ''''How was the fight, Amethyst?''''


    ''''It was nerve-racking but also exciting at the same time,'''' she responded while holding her hand for him.


    Atlas took her dainty hand and helped him up just as Grishna and Estelle approached, their eyes scanning the surroundings. The orc girl remarked, "What''s the plan for the spoils?"


    "We split it five ways," Atlas replied with a smile. "It''s only fair since we''re a team now."


    Afterward, the group scattered to loot whatever they could find. While Artemis and Estelle collected coin pouches, Grishna gathered a bundle of decent swords to sell at the next city. Amethyst discovered a stash of potions she found hidden in a barrel.


    Atlas sat down to rest, watching the others work, when Lilith limped over to him. He jumped up and gently scooped up the injured honey badger, who yelped in pain. Quickly, he pulled out one of the better Health Potions, coaxed her to drink it, and then poured some on her injury.


    The wound began to heal almost immediately, causing him to release a breath of relief and pull Lilith into a tight hug that she happily accepted. That''s when Amethyst approached them with a smile, ''''You truly care for her, don''t you?'''' she said.


    "Of course I do, just like how I care about my pigeon girl," Atlas said with a cheeky smile, earning a half-hearted punch from the phoenix girl, who giggled as a smile appeared.

 Chapter 54: The Chasm Pit

    After messing around with Amethyst for a little while, the group moved out and left the soldier''s camp behind while trekking through the forest. Atlas found their surroundings beautiful as the forest stretched out all around them.''I wonder if there are any forests the size of Darkheart Jungle,'' Atlas internally mused.


    He could hear all kinds of monsters chirping or roaring off in the distance. Lilith was sitting on his shoulders, scanning their surroundings as Artemis found a monster trail they started traveling down.


    The narrow path forced them to travel single-file until it widened after about a mile. Eager to lead the way, Atlas took the point to remove any monster that came close. As they continued, Grishna approached him, holding out a pouch.


    "I''ve got your share of the loot¡ª20 silver and 100 copper. Should keep us going for a while," she said with a smile while handing it over.


    ''''Thanks, Grish,'''' Atlas said while putting the coins in his Dimensional Storage before questioning. ''''In the next city, can Amethyst and I sign up to be adventurers?''''


    The orc girl smiled before answering, ''''Yes, but we must wait until we reach Volantis.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied, excited about exploring a normal dungeon.


    Atlas went first, followed by Grisha as they passed over a dark chasm by walking across a fallen tree; when they reached the other end, the group continued for a little while until Artemis stopped them, ''''Everyone hide! People are coming down the trail,'''' she warned.


    The group rushed to the side, and Atlas skidded under a bush just as a horse rushed past them. He watched a dozen knights travel down the monster trail they had been on, and the group hid because they were turning around at the crossing.


    While lying there, Atlas felt himself slipping as the enemies passed by again. He looked back and realized he was at the top of a steep drop. He tried to grab hold of something and found a root.


    Glancing around, he saw the girls clinging to anything they could grab while slipping down the slope. More horsemen rode past, making the ground unstable and causing them to start sliding into the darkness below.


    When Atlas saw this, he let go and fell with the girls, skidding down and falling into the darkness for minutes until slamming into the ground below with a thud. Lilith was on his back; her little paws dug into his skin as she avoided stepping in the sticky mud.


    Atlas soon came to as his head was spinning and stood up as Grishna shouted from nearby, ''''We fell into a deep chasm, guys. It''s like a swamp down here.''''


    He shook his head before casting a Void Bullet, which lit up their surroundings with a blue glow, allowing him to see the other girls. Amethyst was beside him, trying to get the mud off her hands with a disgusted expression.


    Estelle was helping Artemis out of the mud, and Grishna was heading toward them. That''s when Atlas scanned their surroundings, seeing holes dotting the chasm walls covered in vines and a sticky-looking substance.


    ''It looks like that insect pit in that King Kong film back on Earth,'' Atlas thought while glancing at the swamp-looking ground. The group gathered together as they heard a chittering noise from around them.


    They stayed close to each other while getting covered in the thick muck. Atlas looked up to see a slither of sunlight that made it into the darkness, but thanks to his Void Bullet floating above him, it lit up everything.


    Artemis glanced up before speaking, ''''I''ll use Eaglevision to find a way out, but I''m vulnerable, so protect me.''''


    Following that, Atlas heard her mumble before she went still. They encircled her, and Amethyst said nervously, ''''I see monsters approaching us from all sides.'''' sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That''s when the ground around them started moving as if alive, which made Atlas shiver. He cast a Void Arrow into it, causing a small explosion that sent worm-looking creatures flying across the chasm.


    When seeing the monster, Atlas quickly scanned it.


    [Carnictis]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    "Oh god," he muttered, instantly recognizing the creature when he saw its name.


    It looked like a faceless worm with a dark brown body that glided through the muck, but Atlas had no time to react as another appeared next to him, its circular mouth thrusting from a hole and attempting to bite him with a row of dirt riddle teeth.


    Acting swiftly, he cast Void Bullet at the monster, causing it to explode before getting closer. The creatures gave him the creeps as they were much bigger than any of them, and when the girls saw this, Grishna warned, ''''Chasm Worms! Don''t let them touch you!''''


    After speaking, the orc girl launched an Earth Bolt, which slammed into one of the monsters, impaling it. Amethyst was almost grabbed, but Estelle stepped in front of her, raising her shield just in time to block the worm''s creepy mouth.


    The Carnictis crashed into Estelle''s defense, but with a swift and precise strike, she sliced through its heart. Meanwhile, Artemis deftly used her sling to pepper the incoming worms with explosive pellets; each shot creating a fiery burst that sent chunks of the creatures flying.


    ''''There''s no way out by foot; we need to climb out of here!'''' Artemis revealed. ''''There are vines on one side of the chasm wall. Atlas sighed before casting several Void Bullets that struck a horde of the creepy worms and sent them flying.


    As this happened, Lilith started growling at something to the right, causing him to scan the newcomers as his face paled.


    [Arachno]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    A massive spider with two large pincers and six creepy legs helped them traverse the chasm walls. They had a black carapace with beady red eyes that locked onto the group, giving Atlas a shiver.


    ''''Arachno''s coming from the walls! Be careful,'''' he shouted in warning before casting Void Arrows into the creepy spiders that annihilated them without much effort. Chaos erupted around them as the group pushed toward the vines.


    Amid the commotion, a buzzing noise echoed above them, growing louder and more ominous. Atlas looked up to see dog-sized flies swooping down on them and quickly used Void Sight to scan them.


    [Blightwing Devourer]


    [Rank: F ? 100 Exp]


    As the monsters closed in, Amethyst cast a Cosmic Blast, incinerating every creature that got close. Meanwhile, Grishna, Artemis, and Estelle fought off the Arachnos and Carnictis, battling fiercely to keep the swarm at bay.


    Atlas joined the battle by using Void Bullets and Arrows at all the monsters that came close, causing chaos as the giant insects surged. The group battled their way through the chasm.


    They saw a body of water, and Atlas shouted in warning, ''''Do not step in the water! There are monsters inside.''''


    Grishna stopped short, turned her spear toward the water, cast Ironclad on herself as a leech lunged out of it, and tried to bite her, but her defense spell held up. The orc girl was covered in a metal skin that blocked the creature''s teeth.


    She grabbed the leech and threw it in the air before blasting it with Metal Bullet. As she fought off the leeches, Atlas spotted and fired a Void Arrow as an Arachno snuck up on her by climbing out of a nearby hole.


    When Atlas saw they were overwhelmed, he took charge: "Artemis! Use your sling on the Blightwings. Estelle defends Amethyst while she casts her magic. Grishna, take point and lead us to the vines."


    After saying that, something stabbed into his leg, only to see a smaller Carnictis biting him. Atlas sliced it in two using his dagger before limping after the group. The wound was burning, but he ignored it while casting a dozen Void Bullets that pushed the horde of insects trying to get them.


    Explosions rocked the chasm as Artemis, Amethyst, and Grishna cast their spells alongside his while Estelle kept them safe with her light magic. Atlas finally caught up and heard the blonde''s sweet accent, ''''Healing Light.''''


    Atlas felt a soothing energy wash over him, healing the worm''s bite. He glanced at Estelle, who winked at him before swiftly blocking a sneaky Arachno''s attack aimed at Grishna''s rear; the knight cut the monster in half along with several other creatures.


    The group fought through the chasm while killing any monsters that came close. Atlas spammed spells at the crowds of Arachnos, who poured out of the holes in the walls but were wiped out by the azure projectiles.


    Artemis wielded her sling with precision, killing dozens of Blightwings. After an hour of relentless action, they finally reached the vines. When there, Atlas shouted, "Grishna and Amethyst, you two go first. Estelle and Artemis, follow. I''ll cover your retreat until you can do the same for me."


    Everyone nodded before the orc and phoenix started climbing as Atlas targeted the monsters, trying to attack the girls. Still, his azure bullets easily destroyed them until Amethyst''s Cosmic Bullets joined the fray, allowing the other two to climb.


    Atlas remained at the bottom as Arachnos and hundreds of Carnictis swarmed toward him, chittering and snapping their claws. He was forced to use Void Guard to avoid the teeth and talons while decimating the insect hordes.


    Blue fire engulfed the horde, scattering the monsters and granting him precious moments to ascend after the girls while they provided cover. Blood flowed from numerous wounds across his body, his clothes shredded to tatters.


    As Atlas looked up, he sighed heavily. They were so far down that only a faint speck of sunlight pierced the darkness, marking the daunting distance they had to climb.

 Chapter 55: You Talk Nonsense

    [Aft¨®s pou de¨ªchnei ton dr¨®mo ¨C the one who points the way]***


    Atlas and the four girls climbed up the vines, using magic to keep the monsters off them until they reached a certain height, at which point they stopped chasing them. Grishna called out, ''''They hate the sunlight, look.''''


    She pointed up, and the sunlight illuminated the vines and surrounding walls. Atlas breathed a breath of relief as his heart pounded due to the situation. He continued to climb until a hand reached over and grabbed him.


    Estelle smiled and pulled him up before dropping to the ground to catch her breath. Atlas looked at the blonde. ''''Thanks,'''' he said.


    The knight nodded while resting as she leaned against a tree. He did the same thing as Lilith, who stopped clinging to him. Atlas looked around and realized they were in a small clearing that bordered the chasm.


    Trees enveloped them, adorned with hundreds of colorful flowers. Bushes sprouted up between the trunks. It was then that Atlas caught something darting from tree to tree not far away from them.


    The creature was tall, really tall, and had grey skin and hair, and Atlas didn''t know how it moved because it would vanish only to reappear behind another tree. He noticed it peeking out with creepy red eyes that gleamed with intelligence.


    This caused him to sit up and scan the area with Void Sight quickly, but he saw nothing that spooked him out, as no creatures were lurking around. Grishna noticed his expression and asked, ''''What''s wrong Grak''Thar Gromog''ar?''''


    Atlas pointed toward a distant tree, ''''A tall creature was out there watching us, but it''s gone now.''''


    The orc girl looked into the distance, but Artemis spoke to no one in particular, ''''Wood Devils. Scholars believe they''re creatures protect the forest and are usually friendly.''''


    When the other four heard this, Amethyst retorted, ''''What do you mean friendly? Are they going to share a picnic with us, Fish? You talk nonsense.'''' S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This made Atlas laugh as her British accent flared up when she was annoyed, but that''s when Artemis answered, ''''Don''t blame me, Little Bird, it was the Achaemenidian scholar from the famous city of learning called Samarkand that''s west of their capital Babylon. They believed one of the Gods of Light created them to watch over the land.''''


    Atlas nodded understanding before speaking to the group, ''''Let''s get going. We still have a week or two until we reach Volantis City.''''


    Following that, everyone prepared to continue their journey as Atlas checked his status.


    [Level Up: 41¡ú46]


    [Experience: 240/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 5050]


    [Health: 324¡ú334]


    [Mana: 1384¡ú1430]


    [Strength: 300¡ú312]


    [Stamina: 314¡ú334]


    [Charisma: 330¡ú334]


    [Intelligence: 298¡ú310]


    [Core Points: 100¡ú4350]


    [Core Points Gained: 4250]


    [Void Guard: 1¡ú2]


    ''Five more levels then I''ll rank up and unlock the Void Realm,'' Atlas mused.


    A snapping twig caught Atlas''s attention, making him spin around and cast Void Bullet. The dark projectiles hurtled through the air, striking a tree and causing it to explode into splinters that shot out in all directions.


    The girls swiftly ducked down, activating their defense spells to shield themselves from the flying debris. Once everything calmed down, Artemis turned on him, ''''Aetos! What are you doing? Stupid mal¨¢kas!''''


    Atlas chuckled nervously, "A twig snapped behind me, and I assumed it was those Wood Devils sneaking up on me."


    "Don''t go casting spells at close range," the brunette complained, her Greek accent on full display, adding a melodic edge to her words. "It''s dangerous for all of us, including yourself, Aetos."


    "Sorry, Artemis. It caught me off guard," Atlas apologized, his voice tinged with regret.


    Her expression softened, and she approached him, enveloping him in a comforting hug. "You don''t need to apologize," she whispered gently. "You startled me, especially after everything we''ve been through in that creepy chasm."


    After that, the group continued until sunset, when they found a cave to camp inside. Once inside, everyone got to work. Artemis started setting a fire while Estelle and Amethyst went for some wood.


    While the girls did this, Lilith jumped off him and started prowling outside the cave, ensuring their safety. Atlas kept an eye on everything but soon started watching Grishna chanted a word that lit up the entrance, causing him to ask, ''''Could you teach me that one day, please?''''


    The orc girl stopped what she was doing and turned back, ''''I will come here.''''


    Atlas approached as Grishna explained, ''''This is the Trapping skill; it allows me to set traps for small monsters and Runes that keep the Dark Ones away from the cave. Now watch as I send mana into my fingertip to draw it.''''


    He nodded as a green glow appeared, and Grishna started drawing a picture of a star with several scribbles. Then she waved her hand, and the Rune sunk into the ground, hidden from sight.


    Once doing that, Grishna turned back, ''''It''s all about concentration, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar,'''' she said while motioning to a new spoke. ''''You try; just copy what I did while focusing on the mana flowing to your finger.''''


    Atlas stepped forward while trying to send his mana to his hand; at first, he couldn''t do it, but when shaking his head, a blue glow appeared on his fingertip, causing him to beam as Grishna praised him, ''''Well done Little One. Now copy the Rune I created, and you should unlock the Trapping skill.''''


    Then, Atlas crouched down and started drawing the Dark One trap as the sun created a beautiful purple hue over the forest. It took him ten minutes to make the Rune, which pleased Grishna, who hugged him.


    He was trapped between her soft mountains, which sent his mind reeling, but she declared, ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar! You learn quickly; I have many things to teach you.''''


    While saying this, Artemis shouted, ''''Grishna! You''ve trapped the boy between your boobs, girl; he cannot breathe.''''


    ''''Oh my bad,'''' the orc girl said while letting him go as she changed the subject. ''''Now, once the sun completely goes, the Dark Ones come out, so get some rest, and I''ll wake you up.''''


    Atlas smiled, ''''Okay Grish.''''


    Afterward, he retrieved a blanket from his storage and curled up. Lilith rushed over and settled beside him, finding a comfortable spot. As he relaxed, Atlas observed Estelle and Amethyst gathering wood for Artemis to start a fire.


    The Phoenix girl approached him quietly. "Can I join you, my Amore?" she asked.


    Atlas lifted the blanket, eliciting a smile from Amethyst as she climbed in beside him. She became the little spoon as he hugged her close. Soon, the couple fell asleep as Lilith was lying on them both.


    This scene caused the older girls to smile; Artemis watched the two while keeping the fire alive, ''''Everything those two have been through, they seem rather happy to be exploring. Aetos didn''t panic when we were in the chasm,'''' she said with a shiver.


    Grishna laughed, ''''I was scared; those Chasm Worms are dangerous monsters.''''


    The other two agreed with a nod, but Estelle soon spoke, ''''Where does he come from?''''


    Artemis told the two girls about Atlas, including that a noble family had adopted her in the Thalassia Empire. When Grishna heard this, she spoke, ''''Do you think he has something to do with the Pendragon Family? I mean, they did say the males of that family were extremely handsome and had beautiful white hair just like he does.''''


    ''''Not possible; all records claim the youngest Pendragon was twenty-one when the family was wiped out,'''' Estelle revealed.


    ''''A shame; if that was true, he could have united the Aurelians in Aridonia and fought the Achaemenidians who will be here in a year or so, depending on how the other kingdoms fight in the upcoming war,'''' Artemis said while watching the sky go dark.


    ''''Do you think another continent-wide war will happen again? I was five when the last one broke out, and that''s when the Achaemenidians wiped out the old empire of Astoria and made landfall on Aridonia by decimating Aurelia,'''' Grishna remarks.


    The three girls grew quiet for a couple of hours as Atlas and Amethyst slept, but Estelle spoke as the outside world went pitch black: ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu is someone that the goddess Sol sent to us in our time of need; he is more important than a fantasized lost prince of a dead empire.''''


    ''''You never know, who knew we would find Aetos? My people believe he will be the light of Valoria when the darkness comes,'''' Artemis said before praying. ''''Aft¨®s pou de¨ªchnei ton dr¨®mo.''''


    Grishna stared at the brunette and smiled, ''''I didn''t know you were a devout follower of Grak''Thar Gromog''ar and the Path. Thought you were more straight-laced Artemis Olympaea.''''


    Artemis giggled, ''''I see how the boy looks at us three; if I start showing him that I follow the Path, it will give him the wrong impression. I''d rather get to know him before making a decision.''''


    ''''And what if he doesn''t choose you? Being a bit vain thinking Le Messie ¨¦lu will choose you for a wife?'''' Estelle commented while putting her shield down. ''''Once the boy grows powerful enough, he can have any woman he wants.''''


    Grishna stood up and started speaking, which shocked the other two as she recited a well-known poem that the Path teaches children.


    ''''In the depths of Azhar''Zul''s boundless night,


    Where darkness weaves with threads of light,


    Thirteen stars, in constellation bold,


    Their stories ancient, yet untold.


    Each a beacon in the endless sky,


    From realms unseen, they draw the eye,


    Azurite sparks, with silver hue,


    Their constellations, secrets imbue.


    Starlight whispers in the cosmic dance,


    Of empires lost and dreams askance,


    Legends woven ''cross celestial dome,


    In Azhar''Zul, they find their home.


    So gaze upon those stars on high,


    Where myth and truth entwine and lie,


    In Azhar''Zul''s celestial sea,


    The thirteen stars, forever free.''''


    "The boy is Azhar''Zul or Grak''Thar Gromog''ar as I know him as. The thirteen stars symbolize the wives of the messiah, and I believe the four of us are just the beginning. But I never expected him to be so young," the orc girl concluded.


    Estelle was taken aback before blurting out, "The savage pays attention in class! Well done!"


    "Shut it, bitch," Grishna shot back sharply. "Go wake up Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. The Dark Ones are outside."

 Chapter 56: Eaglevision

    Atlas was comfortable sleeping while cuddled up with Amethyst. The two were pressed against each other for warmth, and Lilith was lying on them. He was woken up by Estelle whispering, ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu. Wake up.''''His eyes opened to see the blonde knight looking down at him with a smile. Atlas yawned before moving Lilith onto Amethyst as he spoke, ''''What''s wrong, Estelle?''''


    ''''The Dark Ones are lurking outside,'''' she said. ''''You wanted to see them, correct?''''


    ''''Oh yeah,'''' Atlas mumbled while standing up. ''''Are the others asleep?''''


    ''''Yes. I volunteered for the first watch when Grishan reminded me to wake you up,'''' she explained as he stumbled toward the cave entrance.


    He gazed into the darkness but saw no monsters, ''''There''s nothing out there.''''


    ''''Put one foot over the Rune, then wait, Little One. They will come, then you will see the monsters who haunt the darkness,'''' Estelle commented.


    Atlas glanced back at the blonde knight and found her sitting on a stone close to the fire, ''Has she seen these creatures that much that she''s unfazed by them?'' he thought.


    He shrugged his shoulders before putting one foot over the Runes, which caused him to hear a rustling noise as something charged out of the shadows. Atlas jumped back when he heard a growl.


    That''s when he finally spotted the monsters that plagued the night, and Atlas knew precisely what they were, ''Wendigo''s.''


    Atlas was shocked as the creature stalked outside on all fours, its black eyes glued on him as they moved with jerky, unnatural movements that creeped him out when seeing it. This sent a shiver down his spine as the atmosphere changed.


    But he reacted without thinking and cast a Void Bullets at its head as something inside told him to put it out of its misery¡ªthe azure projectile shot from his hand, piercing the Wendigo''s head.


    The creature collapsed, lifeless, but that''s when Atlas saw something leaving the body before shooting into the sky. He watched this and heard a feint male voice that sounded exhilarated, "Thank you for freeing me, my fellow countryman."


    Atlas was lost and didn''t know how to feel, but that''s when he returned to reality. More Wendigos appeared from the surrounding darkness, who howled in fury. Estelle sprang to her feet, "Le Messie ¨¦lu! What are you doing?"


    ''''Something told me to free it,'''' he replied, not taking his eyes off the creatures he felt connected to. ''''There was a voice that spoke to me, Estelle. I want to fight them and end their suffering.''''


    ''''No, you can''t! They''re two ranks above you,'''' Estelle protested, but Atlas had already moved by taking out the dagger and stepping over the Runes.


    He quickly scanned the creatures before making a move.


    [Dark One]


    [Rank E - 200 Exp]


    When Atlas stepped outside, all the Dark Ones turned to him with hunger in their eyes, but he wasn''t affected as these creatures gave off the same feeling the first one did. Without wasting any more time, he used Void Step.


    He vanished from the spot, which confused the creatures, but Atlas reappeared next to one of them and plunged his dagger into its skull, causing light to emanate from the wound.


    They dropped dead, but then a translucent mass left its body, and this time, a woman spoke, ''''Thank you, little one. Many of your people have become these vile creatures.''''


    After speaking, the mass vanished just as a Dark One lunged and swiped. Atlas cast Void Guard, which deflected the creature''s claws, allowing him to cast Void Arrow through its skull, but this time, no voice came.


    Atlas then used Void Step while constantly stabbing them, who were baffled by a dozen of them falling dead; he didn''t stop until a dangerous aura washed over the area, causing Estelle to shout in panic, ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu! A stronger one is coming; get back here now.''''


    He listened to the knight and rushed back to the cave entrance as a bigger monster crashed out of the nearby treeline. The newcomer ran after Atlas, who just passed the Runes, forcing the creature to stop.


    It stared at Atlas lying on the ground, he looked back at the Dark One as the creature stared at him with hate in its black, lifeless eyes. Estelle cast a Light Blast at it, causing it to rush back into the darkness.


    Once it was gone, she spun on Atlas and scolded him, ''''What were you doing! They could have killed you.''''


    ''''Two of them spoke to me when I killed them; they said we were a part of the same people,'''' he explained while a look of confusion crossed his face.


    Estelle calmed down and crouched before him, ''''Don''t go out there fighting them alone again as the stronger ones normally lurk nearby when they spot prey.''''


    Atlas nodded before standing up and yawning, ''''I understand.''''


    The blonde knight hugged him, ''''Get some sleep and ensure you''re ready to travel tomorrow, Le Messie ¨¦lu. We must reach Volantis to find peace and sleep in a real bed.''''


    ''''Night, Estelle,'''' he replied with a smile before climbing under the blanket with Amethyst and Lilith, causing the two to cling to him due to the cold air.


    Atlas soon fell asleep as howling started outside the cave, just as Estelle laid down after checking on the Runes. The following morning, he woke up when something was licking his cheek.


    His eyes opened, and he saw Lilith standing on his chest, staring at him with her beautiful yellow eyes. Atlas smiled, ''''Morning girl.''''


    The honey badger monster got excited and started biting his neck, which caused him to laugh before hearing the other girls walking into the cave. That''s when Atlas heard Artemis''s voice: "Wake up, Aetos. Breakfast is nearly done."


    Atlas sat up as Lilith climbed on his shoulders before he stood up and stretched, ''''Morning Artemis,'''' he said with a smile.


    Afterward, he left the cave to see Estelle and Amethyst sitting by a fire while Grishna appeared from the nearby forest carrying a few Horned Rabbits. Atlas smiled when seeing the girls and greeted them all before sitting down.


    ''''So, what did you think of the creatures?'''' Grishna questioned as she handed the rabbits to Artemis, who started preparing them.


    ''''They are creepy looking,'''' Atlas answered without revealing he killed a dozen or so last night.


    Ten minutes later, Artemis was done with the rabbits before she stuck them on sticks. Following that, she put them above the fire. After doing that, the brunette spoke, ''''I will use Eaglevision to see the best path to take,


    Everyone agreed with a nod while Atlas checked his status due to leveling up the night before, thanks to the Dark Ones.


    [Level Up: 46¡ú48]


    [Experience: 640/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2400]


    [Core Points: 4350¡ú6150]


    [Core Points Gained: 1800]


    ''I will level up soon,'' Atlas mused.


    He studied their surroundings and realized an old tree blocked the cave entrance; Atlas felt like he was being watched but couldn''t see or hear anything apart from birds chirping and a monster roaring in the distance.


    Twenty minutes passed, and Atlas was returned to reality by Amethyst handing him two of the cooked rabbits, ''''Here, my Amore. You and Lily need to eat before we start traveling.''''


    Atlas looked at the purple-haired girl and smiled, ''''Thanks, Amethyst. Have you eaten yet?''''


    The phoenix girl held up her rabbit. "I was waiting for yours to finish before starting."


    As the two began eating, Amethyst gave Lilith her one, which made the little monster extremely happy. She jumped off Atlas''s shoulders before eating the juicy meat; Artemis finally broke the silence. "The Evergladian nobles have surrounded the forest. They''ve amassed a large army and are waiting for us."


    They all grew nervous, but the brunette continued, "The blockade is weaker to the northeast because the camps are too stretched out. We could break through there and head north to the crossing, then blow up the bridge to slow them down." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone agreed that her plan was the best one. With their course set, they finished eating before setting off through the forest. Atlas led the way, followed by Estelle and Grishna, with Amethyst and Artemis bringing up the rear.


    The group didn''t encounter any monsters, which was surprisingly refreshing. They didn''t have to fight while trekking, and soon, they came to the forest''s edge. Atlas saw a beautiful grassland that stretched out until it reached a river.


    Atlas spotted a stone bridge with an army camp in front of it, and soldiers patrolled the surrounding areas. Grishna broke the silence, ''''We should take out the soldiers on the road before hitting the camp.''''


    ''''We should just hit the camp and rush through,'''' Estelle suggested.


    He agreed with the orc girl and voiced his concerns, ''''If we do that, then the soldiers on the road will hit us from behind; we should split up and take out as many enemies as we can before meeting up outside the camp.''''


    The girls looked at him and agreed, ''''Good idea, Aetos, I''ll stay with Estelle while Grishna and Amethyst could be another,'''' Artemis commented.


    Atlas nodded, ''''Lilith and I will travel further along the road while you girls go the opposite way. By the time we meet, I would have ranked up already,'''' he said with determination burning in his eyes.


    All four girls looked at him wide-eyed, but Grishna embraced him, saying, ''''I know you will become strong, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar.''''


    He smiled before returning the hug, and the groups split up and headed to opposite sides of the road. Artemis and Estelle went to the northern part, while Grishna and Amethyst took the western one.

 Chapter 57: We Need To Cross

    Atlas and Lilith made their way to the southern road with the little creature barreling through the bushes until they were half an hour away from the others. He spotted half a dozen soldiers marching, which caused him to stop.''Here they are,'' he thought when seeing them. ''This should be easy as I can hit them with a few spells before charging in as they are confused.''


    The Twilight Forest bordered the road on one side, and grassland stretched to the river, blocking their way to Volantis City. Atlas watched soldiers and merchant caravans passing by.


    After watching, Atlas rushed ahead, crouching by a bush as Lilith tried to jump off his shoulder and rush toward the enemy. He quickly grabbed her and whispered, "Stop, Lily. We can plan this out better and hit them from two sides." S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''You will run further down the road and cross when out of sight of the soldiers,'''' Atlas revealed his plan. ''''Follow them until I start attacking; then, you will strike them from the rear, which will cause chaos.''''


    Lilith nodded; her yellow eyes gleamed excitedly before he let her go, and she rushed off. Atlas watched the little honey badger cross the road, shocking a nearby merchant caravan and the adventurers guarding it.


    One of the women in the group stepped toward Lilith, but she growled at the stranger before vanishing into the long grass. Atlas followed the soldiers while hiding in the forest and soon came to what looked like a Waystation.


    ''What is this? A rest stop along the road?''


    It was a small fort guarded by even more soldiers who patrolled the top of the walls. Atlas managed to see inside when the gates opened; smaller buildings that looked like barracks or hotels were built inside.


    Traders went about their business while regular Evergladians manned stalls and shops, baffling Atlas. However, he pushed aside his confusion and grew more cautious as more soldiers joined the ranks, causing him to be more careful.


    When they started traveling down the road and got further away from the Waystation, Atlas decided to attack. He aimed his hand at the group and cast a dozen Void Bullets that sliced through the air and slammed into the soldiers.


    Explosions rang out, causing Atlas to cast Void Step and appear in the center while holding his dagger. He jumped onto one soldier before stabbing him in the neck as Lilith rushed out of the long grass.


    She lunged at the closest soldiers and tore the poor man apart as he was in shock. When Atlas saw this, he aimed his hand and cast Void Arrow at the enemy that went to hit the honey badger who was too busy attacking her victim.


    The azure blue arrows pierced the soldier''s chest, and the rest managed to regroup and form up to fight Atlas, who was smiling at them. Three enemies rushed toward him, but he cast Void Step and vanished.


    He reappeared in the middle of their formation, allowing him to cast another dozen Void Bullets into the soldier''s backs. The explosions tore them into meat chunks as Atlas basked in the flow of experience pouring into him.


    Lilith was on her third soldier, reducing the poor woman to mincemeat. At the same time, Atlas plunged his dagger into the remaining enemies, mercifully ending their suffering as they writhed in agony from the burns inflicted by his spells.


    Once the fighting ended, Atlas noticed his low mana, causing him to take out a potion and down it. After cleaning his blade, he felt refreshed and looted the bodies by cutting off their coin pouches.


    Atlas counted out 15 gold, 200 silver, and 1000 copper, which excited him. He stored the loot in his Dimensional Storage before approaching Lilith and started pampering the honey badger who loved it.


    The duo continued down the road and heard explosions in the distance, which caused him to think, ''It seems the girls have already started.''


    It took Atlas twenty minutes of walking to spot the bridge they needed to use to cross. There was an army camped on this side, which blocked their way forward. When he saw this, he thought, ''Maybe Lilith and I could attack it? Use the element of surprise?''


    While thinking, a group of soldiers rushed down the road where the other girls were coming from, causing Atlas to smirk before scanning the three enemies he could see.


    [Aldric]


    [Level: 97]


    [Rank: Apprentice - 200 Exp]


    [Balin]


    [Level: 78]


    [Rank: Apprentice - 200 Exp]


    [Cedric]


    [Level: 117]


    [Rank: Adept - 300 Exp]


    and say, ''''Want to clear the camp with me, Lily? Let''s surprise the others.''''


    Lilith let out a fierce growl in reply, causing Atlas to approach the gate while readying his dagger, and when the soldiers spotted him, they sounded the alarm, causing dozens to run out and making him rethink his plan.


    But without waiting, Lilith jumped and started charging at the soldiers. Atlas rolled his eyes when he saw this and cast Void Step, only to vanish when the closest enemy neared. He reappeared in the middle of them.


    Atlas unleashed a frenzied assault, slashing at the soldier''s legs and toppling them to the ground. The sudden brutality shocked the remaining enemies, but Atlas wasted no time. He conjured Void Bullets that erupted into explosions among them.


    Screams rang out as Lilith slashed and bit any soldiers she came in contact with; Atlas started slashing while casting Void Bullets and Arrows into the remaining enemies, who were baffled.


    As Atlas attacked one guard, one stronger soldier stepped forward and swung a giant sword, but he cast Void Guard just in time. When the blade struck him, he was sent flying and crashed to the ground with a thud.


    While recovering, Atlas scanned the newcomer.


    [Falkor]


    [Level: 175]


    [Rank: Adept - 300 Exp]


    ''Oh shit,'' he thought when seeing the man''s level and rank. ''I should''ve waited for Grishna and the others.''


    As the man advanced, fury etched on his face, he rose to his feet. The man swung his sword, prompting Atlas to cast a Void Bullet at the blade, deflecting it and enabling him to evade. A tense cat-and-mouse exchange ensued.


    Atlas evaded Falkor''s assaults while simultaneously launching Void Arrows into the backs of the Evergladian soldiers engaged in combat with Lilith. Atlas couldn''t evade all attacks, and whenever he got struck, he cast Void Guard to protect him but was sent flying.


    Just as he hit the ground, a shrill noise erupted, confusing everyone, even Falknor, who held his ears but was struck by a Cosmic Blast that Amethyst cast as she appeared from the treeline.


    Artemis and Estelle slammed into the Evergladian soldiers. While this was happening, Grishna appeared, but Atlas waved her away, "I''ve got this. Go!"


    The orc girl looked at him with narrowed eyes but nodded proudly. Once she left, Atlas stood up and shook his head to clear the dizziness before rushing toward the dazed leader, who swung his weapon.


    He skidded under the blade and slashed through the man''s ankles, causing him to crash to the ground. With the commander incapacitated, he cast Void Step and reappeared on Falkor''s back before plunging his dagger into his throat.


    Following that, the girls cleared the remaining soldiers, and Grishna approached before placing a hand on his shoulder, ''''Come Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, we need to cross the bridge.''''


    Atlas nodded as he stood up, shaking off the dizziness before rushing toward the bridge. Lilith climbed up his body and wrapped around his neck. Together, they made it to the bridge and quickly crossed as soldiers appeared.


    They started casting spells at the group while crossing. Atlas looked to the side and saw a riverboat targeting them. When they reached halfway, explosions hit the bridge, shaking the stone.


    Atlas and Amethyst trailed behind as the bridge began to collapse. The phoenix girl quickly summoned her wings, grabbing him just as the structure plunged into the river. With powerful flaps, she saved them both from falling in.


    She flew them safely to the other side and gently landed beside the other girls. Atlas aimed his hand at the riverboat and cast several Void Arrows at it, causing it to explode and giving them enough time to escape.


    They all rushed further inland as the remaining soldiers fired spells at them, but it was too late, as the group got away. After running for an hour, the group came to a hill where they started to rest.


    Amethyst dropped to the ground while breathing heavily, and the others sat around a tree as Grishna commented, ''''Did you hear what those soldiers were talking about?''''


    Artemis nodded, ''''Yes, the Argonia''s have conquered the Moonhare Kingdom and everything east of the Burrow Mountains.''''


    ''''Father and my brothers moved quickly. They called it a lightning war where the heavy knights charged across the borders along with the artillery legions and seized every fortress they came across with the help of the Mage Core.''''


    ''''Why is the king attacking Moonhare and Everglade kingdoms?'''' Artemis questioned the blonde knight.


    ''''Land, people, and resources,'''' Estelle answered. ''''Argonia is overcrowded, so Father started recruiting soldiers and trained them over Goldenfall to invade during Frostwinter to catch the two kingdoms off guard.''''


    Everyone nodded as Grishna responded, ''''It''s the way of life now; wars are breaking out all over Astoria, well, except for the north, but all that''s up there are dungeons and monsters.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his azure blue eyes glowed, causing the orc to quickly retort, ''''No, we''re not going there, you little shit. It''s dangerous, and Frostbears roam the tundras.''''

 Chapter 58: I Will Cook It For Us

    Atlas laughed at Grishna''s response as the group rested beside the hill covered in trees, which kept them hidden from the outside world. While lying there, Estelle said, ''''We can stop off in Tavarovou City to get supplies and let Le Messie ¨¦lu become an adventurer.''''Everyone agreed as Atlas questioned, ''''Why stop off there? Won''t there be Evergladians there?''''


    Grishna shook her head, ''''They won''t bother searching for us as the Argonians are coming, which scares them more, I guess,'''' she said while checking their surroundings.


    Atlas nodded before the group continued toward Tavarovou City. While they were talking, he checked his status because he ranked up during the fight with the soldiers.


    [Level Up: 48¡ú53]


    [Rank Up: Novice¡úApprentice]


    [Experience: 40/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 3400]


    [Health: 334¡ú436]


    [Mana: 1430¡ú1550]


    [Strength: 312¡ú414]


    [Stamina: 334¡ú438]


    [Charisma: 334¡ú354]


    [Intelligence: 310¡ú364]


    [Core Points: 6150¡ú7850]


    [Core Points Gained: 1700]


    [Void Realm accessible]


    [Void Step: 0¡ú1]


    [Health Regeneration: 0¡ú1]


    ''I can finally use Void Realm; when we stop for the night, I''ll check it out,'' Atlas thought after checking on his gains from the rank up.


    Someone grabbed his hand while he was busy with his status, causing him to return to reality. He saw Amethyst smiling at him as she spoke, ''''Are you okay, Amore?''''


    ''''Yes, I''m fine. I was checking my status,'''' Atlas replied. ''''I ranked up from Novice to Apprentice, which has allowed me to use a skill called Void Realm.''''


    When Atlas said that, he noticed her eyes rise under her blindfold as she questioned, ''''What''s that?''''


    "It''s a realm the Voidwalker visits to conquer an army to battle against the Chaos Army, but I''ve never seen it myself, so I don''t know what to expect," Atlas admitted.


    "Can I come with you?" Amethyst asked suddenly.


    Atlas was surprised but nodded. "Yes, I''ll bring you and Lily with me."


    Just as he mentioned the honey badger, Lily came plodding out of the long grass they were passing by. The couple looked at her and laughed as she carried a horned rabbit covered in blood.


    She started walking alongside them, causing Estelle to giggle. "The Jungle Devil seems to love you, Le Messie ¨¦lu. Earning her affection proves that you''re the messiah."


    Atlas was confused and asked, "How?"


    Artemis answered, "Lilith''s race is elusive and extremely rare. They have been in hiding since the last Monster War where the alliance turned of them, forcing them to flee into the forests and jungles of Valoria."


    He nodded before the group fell silent as they traveled the dirt road. Only two caravans passed, heading west to escape the Argonia Kingdom invasion beyond the Burrow Mountains.


    Thanks to the wind and bad weather, the armies had to pause at Trader''s Pass due to the snow covering the Moonhare realm and the eastern part of Everglade Kingdom. When Atlas heard this, he questioned the blonde about how she knew all this.


    Estelle grinned, ''''I interrogated one of the Evergladian commanders who happily told me everything he knew to save his head.''''


    ''''But the brutal bitch killed him anyway,'''' Grishna said over her shoulder, causing the blonde knight to huff.


    Atlas and Amethyst were playfully messing around as they walked down the long road. He teased her by calling her a pigeon, which made her fire Cosmic Bullets at him. He dodged deftly and started mimicking a bird, prompting her to chase after him.


    The older girls laughed at their antics while Lilith growled at Amethyst, trying to defend Atlas. After a few hours of trekking, Grishna called out as she pointed out a large hill off to the right, ''''We can camp on top of those and set up traps that encircle us.''''


    Everyone agreed before turning toward the hill, and when they arrived, another group was there. Estelle informed them it was an Adventure Guild testing party with a few officials and twenty low-ranked adventurers out taking a ranking-up test.


    When the large group saw them, a middle-aged woman who looked like a mage and a man with salt-and-pepper hair and glasses approached. Atlas stepped forward as the woman spoke, "I''m Maria, an official for the guild tests. Are you young people adventurers?"


    ''''Me and my girlfriend aren''t, but the other three are,'''' Atlas answered, surprising the two adults. ''''We are in an adventurer''s party together.''''


    The man stepped forward with a device and looked at the older girls before speaking, "I''m Felix, the head guard at the Tavarovou Guild. Can I see your guild cards? For security purposes due to having fake ones circulating in the Everglade Kingdom."


    Atlas watched as Grishna took a Brown card and handed it over. The man used the device to scan it, then nodded and returned the card. Estelle took out a grey card, surprising the orc girl.


    "You''re a Rank E already? How?" Grishna exclaimed, causing the blonde knight to laugh in response.


    Estelle handed over her card, leaving only Artemis with a grey one. Atlas watched as the man nodded and returned the card while Maria suggested with a warm smile, "We''d be delighted to have you join us for our journey back to the city."


    Atlas and the girls nodded in agreement before setting up camp away from the adventurers, who kept glancing at them. When he saw them eyeing up the four girls, he became jealous, which confused him.


    Amethyst felt this and turned to him with a smile. She quickly sat in his lap and leaned forward until her lips touched his ear. ''''Don''t get jealous, my Amore; all three girls are waiting until you''re older; I''ve heard them gossiping.''''


    Just as the Phoenix girl finished speaking, two younger men approached Artemis and Estelle, who were starting a fire. Atlas watched as the blue-haired man spoke to the two, ''''Hello, beautiful ladies, I''m Uther Lockwood. Would you like to join us for dinner?'''' he motioned to the other boy. ''''Micheal makes a delicious stew that I think you''ll love.''''


    ''''What makes you think we''re those types of girls?'''' Estelle questioned with narrowed blue eyes, causing Uther to step back and raise his hands. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''There''s no underlying meaning; it''s just food as we''re the same age and could get on,'''' Uther said in an attempt to convince them.


    ''''No, thank you. We''d rather eat with our boy and not some strangers with ulterior motives,'''' the blonde knight replied as she smiled at Atlas before starting a fire.


    Uther and Michael looked offended, but Artemis expressed, "Go away; we don''t want your secret offers. We do not need your attention or compliments. Ain''t that right, ladies?"


    All four girls nodded in agreement, prompting the two young men to leave. Grishna giggled and said, "Adventurers think they''re so special."


    Everyone agreed before the orc girl turned to Amethyst, sitting on Atlas''s lap while resting, ''''Little Bird, are you enjoying your lover''s lap?''''


    They all watched the Phoenix girl''s cheeks go bright red, but he held her in place by wrapping his arms around her waist, causing her to be stuck, so she buried her head into his shoulder.


    Atlas chuckled before playing with her purple hair, saying, ''''Should we cook some of that Wild Orc meat?''''


    Grishna nodded as she held her hand out, ''''Gimme, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. I will cook it for us.''''


    ''''Aren''t you a cannibal? You''re eating your people,'''' Estelle commented.


    Atlas gave Grishna the meat before she spun on the blonde knight with a fire in her green eyes, ''''My people? Shut up bitch; Wild Orcs are like any other monsters, while Orcs evolved into what we are during the last era.''''


    Estelle laughed in response before Grishna started preparing the meat. Lilith finally woke up and bit Amethyst, causing the girl to jump up as she yelped. The honey badger climbed off Atlas and marched toward the nearby treeline.


    ''''Where is she going?'''' Artemis questioned.


    He shrugged, ''''Probably gone hunting. Remember when she returned with the Horned Rabbits?''''


    They all nodded before returning to their tasks. He watched as Amethyst jumped up and helped Estelle collect some wood while Artemis aided Grishna in preparing the food. Once the two girls finished their task, the orc girl placed the pot on the fire before setting up the Dark One traps around their part of the hill.


    Atlas watched with interest until Grishna said with a smile, "Get up and help me, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. You know how to create the runes."


    He grinned before standing up and helping her encircle their camper with green and azure runes that would protect them. When Grishna saw this, a radiant smile appeared as she praised him.


    ''''Amazing! You learn so quickly; I can''t wait to see what else my future husband is good at,'''' she said mischievously.


    Atlas''s imagination ran wild as Artemis joined the conversation, ''''Stop terrorizing him, Grish. We all laid claim to him, and once he turns sixteen, we will make things official,'''' she teased.


    Grishna nodded, ''''We will ward away any other girls that come close to him, but the blonde bitch has to go; we cannot have the same husband,'''' she said with determination.


    When Atlas heard the orc girl, he felt excited about being with them. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he smiled, "I will be the one deciding who I marry and no one else."


    ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, fate has her sights set on you. It wasn''t random that us four girls met you; all of us are connected to the thirteen stars of the Azhar''Zul Constellation,'''' Grishna said.


    Atlas looked skeptical, but the orc girl continued, ''''Look at Artemis, how do you meet a banished princess from Aridonia? The free-spirited knight who doesn''t want to be a princess so fled her homeland?''''

 Chapter 59: The Void Realm

    Grishna jumped up and continued as her passion soared, ''''Then there''s us. We randomly met in a jungle when you appeared out of nowhere and helped with the boar. It was fate that had me join the Slayers and travel here.''''"It''s just a coincidence," Atlas responded as their conversation continued, but Artemis chimed in, pointing at the phoenix girl, who was chatting with Estelle as the two were putting up the group''s tents.


    "How do you explain bonding with her? They are notoriously distrustful and avoid contact with anyone outside the Blue Dune Desert," the brunette remarked before continuing. "And then here comes Aetos, saving the Little Bird, who could be a descendant of Zenithra, a famous Cosmic Phoenix from history, and guess who she was married to?''''


    ''''The last Voidwalker?'''' Atlas commented.


    "Exactly," Artemis exclaimed with a smile. "Cosmic Phoenixes will do anything for their partner. It seems Amethyst has chosen you, just as Zenithra chose the last Voidwalker."


    Atlas nodded before the group settled down. Estelle and Amethyst returned to the fire after setting up three tents. The phoenix girl sat beside him with a tired smile and complained, "It''s so hard setting those things up. But at least we have our own."


    Grishna then started cooking the Wild Orc meat before taking out some spices and dosing them on the food. This caught Atlas''s attention as the delicious aroma hit his nose, causing his mouth to water.


    It took another ten minutes until the food was done, and Atlas watched Grishna hand out the meat before everyone started eating. While enjoying his food, he spotted the other adventurers cooking their meals while others patrolled the perimeter.


    While eating, Maria approached the group and said, ''''I see you young ones are from Astoria. I come from the Wildheart Kingdom in the south.''''


    ''''Aren''t they fighting the Achaemenidians? Rumors say the empire is moving north,'''' Estelle questioned when finishing a mouthful of meat.


    ''''It''s the truth,'''' Maria said with a frown. ''''The kingdom has fared well, but the Dwarves refuse to fight while only the Thalassians and Aethyrians have sent aid, but they''re being pushed back as we speak.''''


    ''''So the Achaemanidians will take Astoria in the end?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Everyone shook their heads, ''''The Thalassians will be able to hold them back at the Emperor''s pass that leads into their empire, but if the Acdaemanidians find a way through, then yes, they will finally conquer the continent.''''


    The group fell silent until the older woman stood up and said, "The Argonian conquest becomes meaningless if the armies of the Southmen sweep over the land."


    Maria mentioned she could register Atlas and Amethyst when they arrived in Tavarovou. They thanked her before she returned to her group. Once she was gone, the group began to relax around the fire.


    Atlas wanted to enter the Void Realm but was interrupted by a fight erupting in a nearby bush. Everyone jumped up as Lilith rolled out while fighting a Giant Tree Snake. When he saw this, he rushed forward, but she growled at him before continuing the fight as the two monsters rolled around.


    The honey badger took a few bites from the snake''s fangs, but she slashed it using her claws. Blood splattered everywhere as Lilith tore the monster apart before it went still, and she dropped to the ground and started spasming.


    Amethyst went to jump up, but Atlas grabbed her arm, ''''Wait and see what happens,'''' he said, causing the others to turn to the unconscious Lilith.


    That''s when she suddenly jumped up and shook her body before grabbing the snake and making her way towards them like nothing happened. The four girls turned to him with questioning expressions, causing him to chuckle.


    Atlas smiled. ''''She''s an Arzuros, and they''re tough monsters. Most creatures find it hard to deal with them as they can withstand most poisons and toxins that would kill anything else. It happened once before while traveling through Darkheart Jungle,'''' he said.


    They all nodded as Lilith plopped down by the fire, noisily eating the snake. Estelle turned to the little monster and said, "Can you stop making so much noise, Lily?"


    Lilith growled at Estelle, causing everyone to laugh before continuing with their meal. After finishing, Atlas and the girls retired to their tents. Amethyst joined him and asked with a smile, "Are you going to try out the Void Realm?"


    He nodded, ''''Yes, do you still want to join me? I don''t know what to expect, but could I try it first, and then we can go in tomorrow?''''


    ''''I want to come with you, Amore,'''' Amethyst declared. ''''We can do this together and grow stronger.''''


    Atlas smiled before activating the skill as she clung to him. Their consciousness started to fade when Lilith appeared and jumped on them. The next thing they knew, they woke up in a forest surrounded by a sea of trees.


    When Atlas regained consciousness, he saw a grey sky above him, prompting him to sit up and survey his surroundings. Bushes and foliage obstructed his view, but he noticed the world around him was devoid of life, washed in shades of grey.


    As he looked around, Amethyst and Lilith came too. The honey badger rushed over to him and made adorable noises that put a smile on his face. Atlas picked her up as the Phoenix girl stood up.


    She looked around and said, ''''I can''t see anything; mana is coming from the surrounding nature but no other life.''''


    Atlas was about to speak, but notifications popped up.


    [Welcome, Voidwalker. If you''re reading this, it means you''ve become an apprentice, granting you access to the first level of the Void Realm. Here, you will encounter the Void Raptors, vicious creatures with an insatiable appetite for violence and blood]


    He was confused, but another notification appeared.


    [Defeat the Void Raptor King to conquer the creatures and progress to the second level. Good luck in your first trial; we anticipate great things from you, Little One]


    ''Okay, so we have to locate some monsters and defeat their leader to gain control over them,'' Atlas mused.


    Afterward, he informed Amethyst and Lilith, who listened intently. The phoenix girl declared they would hunt down the monsters and eliminate them, which made Atlas smile at their enthusiasm.


    Atlas led them through the forest until roars echoed through the trees, prompting the duo to halt. Amethyst prepared to cast a spell while Atlas scanned their surroundings to locate the source and found them dashing toward them.


    He scanned them using Void Sight.


    [Void Raptor]


    [Rank: E]


    As he did, the purple-haired girl informed him, "Three monsters rushing toward us from the west, Amore."


    Spinning around, he readied his Void Bullet just as the creatures emerged. He was shocked to see they resembled Velociraptors from Earth''s past, albeit slightly smaller. Excitement surged through Atlas as he cast the spell at one of them.


    Amethyst joined in and started casting Cosmic Blasts toward the three monsters that were taken by surprise as the spells slammed into them, but what happened next shocked the couple.


    The corpse broke down into azure motes before floating into the air. That''s when Lilith jumped off his shoulder and started crawling through the underbrush while Atlas and Amethyst trekked through the forest.


    Atlas checked his status and realized he wasn''t earning experience from the kills, which confused him, but a notification cleared it up.


    [The Void creates copies of the monsters for you to fight. If you pass this level, then you have access to all the Void Raptors, who you can call upon at the cost of 400 mana per portal that summons a pack of six monsters led by a warrior to aid you, but it will cost even more mana to keep them in the world]


    Once Atlas saw this, he thought, ''Hopefully, this will be easy.''


    As the trip got deeper into the forest, more Void Raptors charged at them, but they managed to deal with the monsters until there were too many to count that appeared from behind trees.


    Even when Atlas used Void Step, they would catch him off guard and strike with their long tails before clawing at them. The first to be taken out was Lilith, who charged at a group of three.


    Lilith pounced on one, but the others managed to deal with her. Then, Amethyst was taken out by an ambush when they crossed a small stream, leaving him alone as he used Void Guard to block most attacks.


    An hour passed, and Atlas reached a clearing with a path on the opposite side. As he walked towards it, dozens of Void Raptors suddenly pounced on him, tearing him apart and causing him to wake up abruptly. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas looked around to see Lilith sleeping while curled up in Amethyst''s lap. The Phoenix girl smiled, ''''That was tough, but I know we can do it, Amore; together, we can do anything.''''


    He nodded with a smile before leaning forward and kissing her without any warning, but she quickly returned it. After a minute, they separated before lying together and cuddling up as the two moons shone down on the world.


    Atlas drifted off; he heard the howls of the Dark Ones rising from the bottom of the hill, causing some adventurers to panic. Despite the commotion, he ignored it and let himself succumb to sleep.


    As the young couple slept peacefully, chaos erupted outside. The Dark Ones targeted the adventurer group but left theirs alone, deterred by the protective Runes encircling their tents and firepit.


    The next day dawned with an eerie silence settling over the hill. The lingering scent of blood hung in the air, yet it wasn''t enough to rouse the group from their slumber until Atlas finally crawled out of the tent.

 Chapter 60: The War

    When crawling out of the tent after waking up, Atlas shook his head. Once outside, his eyes opened wide in shock when he noticed the area outside their protective Runes was covered in blood.Following that, Atlas glanced around, thinking, ''Where is everyone? Why didn''t we hear anything?''


    Atlas stepped past the Runes and felt a sudden dread wash over his body, which caused him to look around. Lilith wandered out of the tent and joined him by making a chirping noise that put a smile on his face.


    He guessed she wanted to be picked up. With a roll of his eyes, Atlas put the little monster on his shoulder while he explored the hilltop and saw the adventurer''s tent, but most were covered in blood.


    After that, Atlas looked around and noticed tracks similar to Dark Ones. ''Did the adventurers set up Runes? It makes no sense,'' he mused while approaching the edge and saw something at the hill''s edge on the opposite side of their camp.


    Atlas approached one of the Runes and noticed a tiny slash through it; he remembered Grishna telling him they would fail if they were damaged. ''Someone inside the adventurer''s camp was on the other side?''


    The whole scene confused him. Atlas didn''t know what to think and approached their tents just as Grishna exited her and Artemis''s. The orc girl smiled when she spotted him, ''''Morning, Grak''Thar. How long have you been awake?''''


    He looked at her before answering, ''''Not long, but we have a problem. The Dark Ones wiped out the adventurer group.''''


    When Atlas finished speaking, Grishna''s eyes widened, ''''Show me.''''


    Following that, he showed the orc girl, who grew concerned as she confirmed his suspicion, ''''There was a traitor in the camp. Someone is working with the creatures.''''


    Atlas was about to reply when the other three girls joined them. Each one stroked Lilith, who loved the attention. Estelle smiled at him, ''''Morning, Le Messie ¨¦lu. I heard you explain it to the runt. Father suspected the Evergaldian Guild had been taken over by a group named the Cult of Eternal Night.''''


    ''''I''ve heard of them; they plague the Graecoria Empire, but the twin empresses have cracked down on them,'''' Artemis revealed as she joined them at the hill''s edge. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Who are they?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Everyone shrugged, but Amethyst spoke while staring at the Runes, ''''I believe they worship a being known as Pazuzu. It''s said he will bring bloodshed and ruin to the world. They want to aid him during his Great War against the kings and empires of Valoria.''''


    He noticed the phoenix girl shivered when talking about this being, and the others looked concerned, but he wondered who it was. Without wasting any more time on it, the group went on to make breakfast.


    Atlas walked to the edge that overlooked the road they had to take to Tavarovou City. Nothing caught his attention apart from specs out to sea miles away. When he noticed this, he called out to the brunette, ''''Artemis, can you come here?''''


    Seconds later, the older girl appeared next to him with a smile. ''''What do you need, Aetos?'''' she said.


    ''''Can you use your Eaglevision skill to check out what that is?'''' he asked while pointing north.


    Artemis narrowed her eyes before slapping his back, ''''Wow, how did you spot that Little One? I can barely see it.''''


    Atlas shrugged, causing the brunette to mumble a chant before she went still, and a translucent blue eagle shot out of her and flew north. He lost sight of the bird and then had to wait a little while.


    Ten minutes passed until Artemis came to and shook her head, ''''It a Ravencrest Mercenary Fleet. I think they are invading the northern part of the kingdom. From the rumors I''ve heard, they serve one realm with extreme loyalty, which means the situation has worsened.''''


    ''''What have the Evergladians done to deserve this?'''' Amethyst questioned with a concerned tone.


    Atlas also wondered why before Estelle revealed the answer, ''''They have been raiding the Achaemenidians'' trade routes. It was a matter of time until they responded, but who knew it would be during their invasion of Astoria.''''


    Following that, the group started to eat. When Artemis and Estelle finished their breakfast, Atlas remembered he had space to learn four more spells. Excitedly, he declared, "Once we reach the city, I''m going to see if I can buy some new spells."


    The four girls nodded, but Grishna spoke, ''''We have to be careful on our way to the city as the Ravernians are ruthless and will try to enslave us or worse.''''


    Atlas noticed everyone looked concerned, but he suggested, ''''Why not travel through the hills and avoid the road? We can stay one step ahead of the armies.''''


    They all gazed at him until Grishna agreed, ''''That''s a good idea, Little One. It may take us longer to reach Wildreach, but at least we''ll be safe.''''


    With that suggestion, the party left the hilltop and traveled across the Everglade hills, where they witnessed the citizens fleeing to Greenglade in the south. They paid them no attention, but Grishna and Estelle were cautious.


    Atlas and Amethyst took the middle while Artemis covered the rear with her sling. The group continued like this and only stopped when they saw a plume of black smoke reaching into the air.


    The orc girl stopped walking while speaking, ''''Mana Cannons! The mercenaries are besieging Taravorou City.''''


    After everyone heard that, they sprinted to a nearby hill where a dozen people stood at the top. When Atlas stopped climbing, he witnessed an army firing small cannons that lit up before sending a chaotic blast at the walls.''''


    When Estelle saw this, her eyes widened as she spoke, ''''Argonians are with them! How can a Father be working with the Achaemenidians.''''


    While the group watched the siege, Artemis spoke, ''''To be honest, I can''t blame your father for surrendering. Emperor Cyrus offers good terms to any kingdom that submits and aids them in their conquests.''''


    The brunette stepped forward before continuing, ''''I wouldn''t be surprised if the invasion were due to the Argonians getting aid from the Achaemenidians. After all, their empire is the biggest in Valoria and stretches across several continents.''''


    ''''They must have trillions of subjects,'''' Atlas muttered. ''''How did they become so big?''''


    ''''Cyrus believes in letting the peoples of his conquered regions worship their gods. Honestly, life only gets better once the Achaemenidians take over; they stop the bandit raids, the non-stop wars that plagued Zarandar and Southern Astoria.''''


    ''''So they''re the good guys?'''' Amethyst questioned in an annoyed tone.


    Artemis shrugged, ''''Who truly knows? Let''s take Aetos, for example; every realm has many names for him,'''' she said while looking at Atlas. ''''The Evergladians call him the Shaytan al-Kharab, while the Achaemenidians named him the Dahaka. Some people see things differently, Little Bird.''''


    ''''Shut up, Fish,'''' the phoenix girl snapped back.


    ''''Will the Immortals appear during the war?'''' Atlas asked the group.


    When he heard this, he noticed the four girls stiffen, which caused him to grow curious, but Grishna commented, ''''No. They only appear wherever the emperor points. Otherwise, the normal Achaemenid army deals with the fighting.''''


    ''''Don''t forget about the Nightowls. They give me the creeps,'''' Artemis commented while the other people on the hill started leaving.


    "Who are they?" Atlas inquired of the brunette as they journeyed eastward, leaving Tavarovou City behind.


    Artemis explained that the Nightowls were Cyrus the Great''s covert army. They served solely under his command and that of the imperial princess Darya Safavi; units of them were dispatched worldwide to assassinate or capture targets designated by the emperor.


    Estelle added that they were adept at infiltrating most locations, with even their lowest-ranked members being at least at the Journeyman level. Upon hearing this, Atlas felt uneasy, but he soon found comfort in Amethyst''s reassuring hand and Lilith''s affectionate kisses.


    They continued eastward for a few days while caring for themselves as they camped at night. Atlas and Lilith found several remains of refugee groups fleeing through the hills. Pools of blood and the occasional limbs told him that the Dark Ones hunted the people and dragged them off.


    This routine continued for a week, during which they encountered only a few goblins and plains wolves, all swiftly dispatched by the group, when Atlas spotted a Wildreach City on the coast of the Stormwrath Sea.


    Atlas halted at the final ridge overlooking the city gates. Lilith leaped off his shoulders and dashed downhill towards the forest as a barrier between the hills and the city. Grishna joined him, but he noticed she was tired.


    Without thinking much, he suggested, ''''Why don''t we rest for the rest of today, then head into the city tomorrow? The Evergladians are too busy dealing with the invading armies to be looking for me.''''


    The orc girl agreed with a nod before Atlas turned to the others and asked the same question. They all nodded in agreement, and the group began setting up their tents while he started a fire to cook the last of the wild orc meat.


    As Atlas started the fire, Estelle approached him with a smile and spoke in her French accent, which he had grown to love, "Le Messie ¨¦lu. I noticed you love to use a dagger. I was taught to use one when growing up; if you like, I could teach you a few things. "


    ''''I can teach him to use a short sword. There''s a training one in my storage ring,'''' Artemis exclaimed.


    He looked at the blonde knight and nodded, ''''That would be good. Thank you.''''

 Chapter 61: Furry Girlfriend

    Atlas was following Estelle away from the camp to train as there wasn''t enough space, and the blonde said they needed peace. While walking, his eyes trailed down the young woman''s well-trained body crafted through years of knightly training.''She''s drop-dead gorgeous,'' he mused while admiring the strong knight.


    Estelle was the definition of a beautiful woman with perfect facial features and enchanting blue eyes that glowed when the afternoon sun hit them. Atlas thought while looking at her, ''''She had a face that could launch a thousand ships.''''


    But Atlas loved the two dimples on her cheeks that appeared whenever she was happy. Atlas admired her athletic hourglass figure, which any woman on Earth would be jealous of. Still, he had noticed her muscles were firm due to her life of rigorous training and hunting monsters throughout the Argonia Kingdom.


    Due to being around Grishna, Estelle, and Artemis, who were older than him, he had developed a preference for older girls. Even Amethyst was closer to his age and a few months his senior.


    Atlas noticed her blonde hair was cascading down to the small of her back. This drew his eyes to her toned behind, forged over many years. Estelle suddenly stopped walking while he was watching, causing him to walk straight into her.


    He felt her firm behind hit his chest, and a flush of embarrassment washed over him. When she noticed what he was doing, a grin appeared on her pretty face, ''''What do you think you''re doing, Le Messie ¨¦lu?''''


    "Admiring you, Estelle," Atlas quipped with a smirk. "What did you want to teach me?"


    Estelle shot him a playful glance. "Admire all you want, but don''t overstep. Just because you''re the Le Messie ¨¦lu doesn''t mean I''m yours for the taking. First off, you''re way too young for any romance. And second, you''ve got a long way to go to catch up to me if you want a chance, but I will wait until you become stronger,'''' she replied with a knowing smile before taking out her sword and shield.


    ''''I respect that, Estelle, and won''t overstep any boundaries until I''m older and you''re ready,'''' Atlas stated before continuing. ''''But I must ask, how old should I be?''''


    ''''Seventeen,'''' she answered instantly. ''''Once you turn seventeen, we will fight to see whose stronger.''''


    Atlas beamed before taking out his dagger, asking, ''''Can I use magic?''''


    Estelle nodded, ''''Yes, but don''t complain if I use it.''''


    With no hesitation, Atlas unleashed several Void Bullets toward the blonde knight. She expertly sliced through them, but their explosive impact created a split-second distraction that Atlas used to dash forward, blade poised for action.


    Closing the gap, Atlas launched a rapid barrage of a dozen Void Arrows, each striking Estelle''s shield with force as she raised it to defend herself. Sensing an opportunity, he executed a flawless Void Step, disappearing from view only to appear behind her.


    Atlas''s slash aimed at Estelle''s legs, hoping to catch her off guard, was met with unexpected resistance as he heard her voice ring out, "Solar Shield."


    His blade struck her leg, only to be deflected, and in that moment, a retaliatory slash grazed his chest. Startled, Atlas scrambled backward, eyeing Estelle, who wore a confident smile. She swiftly readied her sword and calmly declared, "My turn." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a burst of determination, Estelle charged forward, prompting a startled yelp from Atlas as he hastily blocked her attack with his dagger. Simultaneously, he cast Void Guard and unleashed a Void Bullet.


    The azure projectile streaked toward Estelle, but she deftly dodged to the side, her blade connecting solidly with his weapon in a clash of metal. He felt his arm vibrate due to her power in the strike.


    He quickly backed away to create distance from Estelle, who relentlessly pursued him, her sword thrusting toward his torso. Despite his Void Guard successfully intercepting the attack, the impact force still jolted through his body, causing Atlas to stagger backward.


    The blonde knight halted her assault, allowing Atlas a moment to recover. She spoke calmly, her tone instructive yet firm, "You''re fast, Le Messie ¨¦lu, but speed alone won''t win battles. You need to consider where and how you strike your enemy."


    Confusion flickered across Atlas''s face, prompting Estelle to elaborate with a patient gesture, "Focus on vulnerable points, where the enemy is weakest. It''s not just about hitting hard, but hitting smart."


    Atlas nodded as she continued, ''''You need a second blade to follow up on your first strike, as people''s shields normally last one strike at such a range. With an additional weapon, I think you would be even deadlier.''''


    "Okay. I''ll buy one along with some spells when we get to Volantic," he replied, earning a proud nod from the blonde knight.


    "Your Void Bullet spell is effective; it explodes on impact. Meanwhile, Void Arrow is an armor-piercing spell, ideal against heavy armor and knights like myself because it punches a hole through most metals," Estelle added, smiling at him as she spoke.


    Her beautiful smile caught him off guard, but Atlas shook his head and spoke, ''''Do you want to continue? I want to see if I can land a hit on you.''''


    Estelle giggled with a mischievous glint in her blue eyes, ''''If you manage to touch me, then I''ll give you a prize,'''' she challenged.


    Atlas agreed, and the duo continued fighting, causing Lilith to wander over to see what he was doing. When the honey badger noticed he was training, she laid down to watch them with her curious yellow eyes.


    Lilith watched Estelle lead Atlas around, encouraging him to think of new attacking methods. By the time he dropped to the ground and breathed heavily, he had never managed to touch her.


    The blonde knight stood above him with a smile, declaring, "Maybe next time, Le Messie ¨¦lu. The prize is still on offer, but let''s call it a day with the training." She began to walk away but glanced back over her shoulder. "Come and get something to eat before you rest."


    Atlas sprawled out on the hillside, panting heavily, when Lilith sauntered over and launched herself onto him. "Hey, Lily! Can''t you see I''m beat?" he groaned, trying to fend off the honey badger''s playful nips at his ears and neck. "Seriously, stop with the surprise attacks!"


    The two of them started wrestling, but Lilith overwhelmed him due to being tired and stood on his chest with a victorious glint in her eyes. Atlas noticed she looked down at him before lovingly licking his cheek while chirping.


    This made him chuckle as he began to stroke her, but it only encouraged Lilith even more, and she launched another playful attack. Atlas surrendered and let her have her way, but then she started tickling him relentlessly.


    Soon, a voice cut through the laughter, "Aetos! Stop making love with your furry girlfriend, and join us ladies to eat! Grishna cooked a delicious soup," Artemis shouted at him.


    Lilith stopped playing games and let Atlas pick her up as they returned to the camp that had already been set up. After that, everyone started eating, and as the sun set, they painted the landscape a beautiful pink color.


    While sitting in front of the fire, Atlas shivered, causing him to wrap his enchanted cloak around his body. Amethyst looks at him with a smile, ''''Frostwinter is upon us. The nights will grow colder, and the snows will come soon.''''


    ''''Is it bad?'''' he questioned while drinking some tea Estelle made.


    "Depends on where in Astoria you are, my Amore," Amethyst explained, leaning against him. "North of the Sands of Sorrow, the snow can get pretty bad. Some years it blocks the trading roads for days. But south of the desert, it might only reach your ankles."


    Atlas nodded. "Thank you," he said, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her into his cloak. "I don''t intend to head south anytime soon. Looks like we''ll be tackling snow-capped mountains on our way to the Thalassia Empire."


    Following that, the group planned out the next days while eating their dinners; the plan was simple: find a boat at the docks and sail toward Volantic, where they would be welcomed, thanks to Estelle being the fifth princess.


    Before long, the two moons hung high in the sky, shining upon the hills, and Amethyst pulled Atlas into the tent, eliciting giggles from the older girls. Once inside, the couple settled under the covers the phoenix had set up earlier.


    As they got comfortable, Atlas turned toward Amethyst and noticed her soft, pink lips looked inviting. Unable to resist, he leaned forward to kiss her. She initially stiffened but quickly returned the kiss, pulling him closer in a warm embrace.


    The young couple continued kissing until they eventually separated and drifted asleep. Lilith watched with jealous eyes for a moment before crawling on top of Atlas and snuggling in between them, joining them in dreamland and ensuring a peaceful night passed by.


    Atlas was awoken to explosions and screaming, causing him to rush out only to see Estelle blocking several spells as Grishna and Artemis fought mercenaries. They wore midnight black armor with skull-shaped helmets that sent shivers through his spine.


    Most stood as tall as six feet and looked menacing as their armor reflected the morning light, but soon Atlas got over it and rushed forward while readying his dagger when he closed in on the closet mercenary and cast a Void Arrow at the man.


    The enemy raised his shield, blocking the spell. In response, Atlas swiftly cast Void Step, vanishing from sight and reappearing behind the soldier. With a decisive thrust, he drove his blade through the man''s ribs.

 Chapter 62: Ravenians

    Atlas felt his dagger sink into the mercenary''s flesh, which was the signal to cast a Void Bullet into his body, causing the man to make a strange death noise before falling to the ground.


    Following that, he aimed his hand at the group of soldiers fighting the three girls. He released a dozen Void Arrows, and thanks to what Estelle told him, he aimed for the enemy''s torsos, knowing the spells would give the ladies a fighting chance.


    The azure projectiles lit up the area in a beautiful blue color as they sliced through the air like homing missiles and pierced the Ravenian''s armor like a hot knife cutting through butter, causing them to stagger back as blood poured out of their wounds.


    When Artemis and Grishna saw this, they attacked the soldiers with renewed vigor. The two older girls hacked and slashed at the shocked enemies. As this happened, Atlas scanned the soldiers to grasp the enemies'' strength.


    [Marcus]


    [Human]


    [Level: 102]


    [Rank: Adept]


    [Rafael]


    [Wolf Demi-Human]


    [Level: 76]


    [Rank: Apprentice]


    [Tristan]


    [Half-Elf]


    [Level: 71]


    [Apprentice]


    ''This will be hard, but I can do it if I do what Estelle said,'' Atlas mused before rushing toward Marcus.


    He noticed the leader was a mountain of a man who spotted him and got ready to swing the massive war hammer he wielded. When Atlas saw this, he fired several Void Bullets that exploded on contact, causing the weapon to veer off course.


    When the ground next to Atlas exploded, he scrambled to his feet and rammed his dagger into a gap between Marcus''s thigh armor. As the blade pierced the big man''s flesh, he noticed that a large hand approached his face.


    Atlas ignored that while casting Void Guard to protect himself before sending a Void Bullet into the man''s legs that exploded instantly. The blast sent him flying while blowing the leader''s leg into the shreds of dangling meat strips.


    While Atlas flew through the air, he cast Void Step to appear near Lilith and Amethyst, who joined the fight. The honey badger attacked a Ravenian while the phoenix girl peppered the enemy with Cosmic Blasts and Bullets that disrupted their movements.


    In the meantime, Estelle blocked several spells aimed at Artemis and Grishna as they dealt with the soldiers pouring onto the hilltop. The three older girls worked together to push the enemy back.


    Grishna used her Shrill Shriek spells to confuse them while Artemis hit them with a dozen mana bullets she fired from her sling before pulling her sword back out to block a slash from behind.


    ''These girls can fight,'' Atlas thought while watching the three older ladies. ''But they''ve also trained for years.''


    The orc girl used her spear like a master and kept the Ravenians back while Estelle hit them with a Light Blast that sent a few soldiers flying off the hill. When Atlas saw this, he got low to the ground and started sprinting through the battlefield.


    He stabbed and slashed the legs of the enemy, bringing them to the ground with a thud before he plunged his dagger through their skull, thanks to the weak spots. The mercenaries wouldn''t be killed so easily if they were higher ranked and would take extra effort to deal with.


    Atlas noticed the leader was still alive but saw several Ravenians between him and his target. Without wasting more time, he sprinted toward Marcus while casting a dozen Void Bullets that exploded just in front of them.


    ''Hopefully, this works,'''' he thought.


    This caused a dust cloud to erupt, sending Atlas several Void Arrows at the mercenary''s chests. The azure projectile flew through the air before slamming into the enemies and boring a hole through their armor and flesh.


    He rushed into the cloud while slashing at any legs he saw before spotting the down Ravenian leader, causing his smile to widen as he drove his blade into the man''s forehead and instantly felt the experience pouring into him.


    ''This feels so good, got to love leveling up.''


    Atlas was preoccupied as a mercenary rushed up to him and took a swing, but Lilith barrelled into the man. The little monster tore the enemy''s throat out before jumping off the falling body.


    Following this, the group worked together to decimate the attacking Ravenians until Atlas was out of breath and covered in fresh blood. He found himself at the bottom of the hill, leaning against a tree with the body of a mercenary he chased a few feet away.


    ''I do love fighting but I''m young and can''t keep up with the older people,'' Atlas thought before falling to the ground.


    While lying there, Lilith walked up to him and started licking his face. Atlas smiled when he felt this before dragging the furry monster into a cuddle, which she happily accepted as he stood up.


    Atlas ascended the hill and witnessed Grishna swiftly dispatching the injured mercenaries. He intervened, calling out to her, "Grish! Spare one."


    Upon hearing his request, the orc girl beamed with understanding. She spared the last remaining Ravenian, a bloodied figure missing an arm. Atlas approached the man and questioned, ''''Why did you attack this hill, and how did you know we were here?''''


    ''''An Evergladian woman came to our camp to tell us that the Koshai was here to attack, so we struck first,'''' the dying man looked at Atlas in fear. ''''White hair and blue eyes heralds the coming of the Devil who brings death to Ravencrest.''''


    ''''Koshai? That''s new,'''' Atlas said before plunging his blade through the man''s skull and reveling in the experience that poured into his body.


    While doing that, Lilith bit his leg, bringing Atlas back to reality as she growled. He shook his head and noticed the four girls looking at him, ''''What''s wrong?'''' he questioned.


    Estelle stepped forward with a concerned expression as Lilith went off to hunt, ''''Do you get pleasure from killing people, Le Messie ¨¦lu?''''


    The others nodded in agreement and waited for his answer. After cleaning his dagger, Atlas stepped away from the body as he spoke, ''''No. When experience flows into my body, it gives me a warm feeling which is strange but comforting.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' the blonde knight responded with relief lace in her voice. ''''Try not to get lost in that feeling, Little One. It can be dangerous if you are fighting a group.''''


    ''''I''ll be careful,'''' Atlas said before making his way to a nearby tree after the older girls said they would travel to Wildreach in an hour.


    While relaxing, he checked his status. After working out, he killed two Adept Ravenians and five Apprentice Ranked soldiers.


    [Experience: 1980/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 1800]


    [Mana: 1550¡ú1560]


    [Strength: 414¡ú416]


    [Stamina: 438¡ú442]


    [Charisma: 354¡ú356]


    [Intelligence: 364¡ú366]


    [Core Points: 7850¡ú9300]


    [Core Points Gained: 1450]


    ''Nice. I''ll level up soon,'' Atlas mused before turning to the girls looting the Ravenian mercenaries.


    He stood up and approached Grishna, who was trying to tie a collection of weapons together, making him laugh. "I can put it in my storage, Grish. It saves you carrying it to Wildreach," he offered.


    "You won''t keep ma stuff?" the orc girl questioned with a raised eyebrow.


    Atlas shook his head. "No. I''ll carry it for you. I don''t want anything; it''s yours after all."


    Grishna beamed before handing him it. Atlas quickly stored it in his Dimensional Storage just as she stepped forward and pecked him on the cheek. His whole body stiffened when he felt her soft lips, and his cheeks reddened.


    ''Oh wow that felt good,'' Atlas thought while watching her walk away.


    The orc girl giggled, ''''You''re adorable when embarrassed. I hope this doesn''t change my future Navara,'''' she said before walking toward Artemis and Amethyst, who were planning a way to the city.


    Then, he heard Estelle''s voice behind him, ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu. We will be moving out once the others finish looting. Do you know where Lilith''s gone?''''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''I''m not sure, but she will find us before we leave.''''


    Following that, the group proceeded to Wildreach while dodging roving bands of mercenaries chasing Evergladians. While trekking, Atlas spotted an army heading toward the city, which gave him a bad feeling.


    Atlas turned to the group, ''''I think the Ravenians will attack Wildreach. We need to get there before they do,'''' he said.


    They all agreed and started speeding up. It took them a few hours of traveling, but by the time the afternoon sun was high in the sky, they reached the outskirts of the city, which was in chaos.


    When Atlas arrived at the top of the hill, Amethyst was waiting for him. Estelle told the group, ''''We must get into the city before they spot the army.''''


    After that, they sprinted toward the entrance. Atlas, worried about Lilith, suddenly saw her appear to their right. She sped up and launched herself at him, but he was ready and caught the little monster, causing the others to laugh.


    It took them another ten minutes to reach the line that led into the city. Once in the queue, Atlas spoke, ''''How will we travel to Volantis? Isn''t it in the middle of the ocean?''''


    Everyone looked at Estelle, who smiled. "Correct. It''s a city my father is proud of because many nations trade there. It brings in so much tax that the kingdom stationed a veteran army there." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She looked around before continuing, ''''I know a smuggler who can get us to Volantis for a price, but he''s always in Wildreach looking for work.''''


    ''''How much?'''' Atlas inquired.


    ''''For all five of us? Maybe 50 silver because he has been protected by the Argonian Navy many times,'''' the blonde knight revealed.

 Chapter 63: Worthless To Anyone

    Atlas and the girls stood in line as panicked citizens and traders sought refuge at Wildreach. While waiting, he gazed at the city''s massive protective wall made from Sea Stone that gleamed in the afternoon sun.


    The walls rose nearly one hundred meters high, adorned with numerous cannons and towers spaced every ten meters. Atlas couldn''t discern anything beyond the imposing fortifications from his vantage point on the road outside.


    He noticed hundreds of guards atop the wall looking like they were preparing for something by loading the weapons. Atlas turned to Estelle, ''''Can the smuggler get us out of the city?'''' he asked nervously.


    The blonde nodded, ''''Yes, Le Messie ¨¦lu. There''s no need to worry; we will be in Volantis by tomorrow afternoon.''''


    Atlas nodded with a smile but soon noticed they were next in line when the alarm started blaring as a soldier above shouted, ''''The Ravenian army is here! Rumors say Cataphracts and the Bow Devils are with the mercenaries.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he looked at the girls, who looked just as confused until Amethyst informed them, ''''The Bow Devils are the best horse archers on Astoria, Zarandar, and Aridonia. The Achaemenidians use them to harass the Nubians and to protect their Sandcrawlers.''''


    Everyone nodded, but Estelle spoke, ''''That means the Ravenians are working with the Achaemenid Empire to conquer Astoria. Maybe the Thalassians will be attacked from the west, diverting the armies from the Wildheart Kingdom.''''


    ''''Why does it matter? War is war, blondie,'''' Grishna said while the guards rushed the merchants in front of them through.


    Before Estelle could retort, the Evergladian guards turned their attention to Atlas, who had his hood up. They exchanged glances and were about to speak when explosions erupted a few meters behind them.


    The group darted through the gate, prompting the guards to chase them. However, they halted when they noticed others outside doing the same. Atlas paused at a nearby side street and glanced back at the massive city gate slowly lowering behind them.


    After twenty minutes of searching, the group hid in an inn Grishna found not far from the docks where Estelle said the smuggler was. While inside, Artemis ordered food while the orc girls spilled the Ravenian loot on everyone.


    ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. You get 3 gold, 31 silver, and 7 bronze coins. I split it fairly like you said,'''' she commented while handing over the loot. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas stored the coins while leaving the gold needed for their passage. He handed them to Estelle, saying, ''''This is for our ride to Volantic.''''


    Artemis smiled, showing off her beautiful freckles, saying, ''''We can pay for ourselves. You don''t have to do it, Aetos.''''


    He shook his head before responding, ''''It''s okay. Pay for my food, and we''ll be even.''''


    They all nodded gratefully and thanked Atlas. Ten minutes later, an older innkeeper brought out five plates brimming with food and carefully set them on the table. The group wasted no time and began eating while discussing who would accompany Estelle.


    After another ten minutes passed without a decision, Atlas spoke up. "You all go with Estelle. I''m going to find a shop that sells spellbooks," he announced decisively. The others agreed, and once they finished their meal, the girls bid him farewell, instructing him to meet them back at the inn as Lilith climbed on Artemis''s shoulder.


    The four left him alone on the table they were all sitting at, causing the inn''s owner to laugh while collecting the plates, ''''Partying with a group of feisty girls, young man. I feel sorry for you.''''


    Atlas chuckled, ''''They''re not that bad; I love spending time with them.''''


    The older man laughed in reply, ''''Wait until you''ve grown up, boy; they will be fighting to share your bed,'''' he said before walking away.


    He felt his cheeks going red when the lewd thoughts came to mind, but he shook his head before approaching the counter and questioning the owner, ''''Are there any local shops that sell spells?''''


    ''''No, but you will find a few in Volantic, but it looks like the city will be on lockdown by the morning,'''' the old man informed him. ''''You could try Mother Delphi''s shop that sells random stuff; a spellbook pops up there occasionally.''''


    Atlas nodded gratefully to the innkeeper and bid him farewell before stepping out into the bustling streets of Wildreach. He asked for directions to the shop selling spellbooks and set off toward the city square, his eyes scanning the surroundings in search of a market.


    After fifteen minutes of walking, Atlas finally spotted the market and approached it, eager to find the shop he was looking for. The inn owner said he had to look for a pub and enter the opposite alleyway.


    Soon enough, Atlas spotted the shop he was looking for and entered. Inside, he found Mother Delphi''s shop at the end of the aisle. As he approached, he noticed the shop was filled with a mishmash of antique items and random curiosities strewn about.


    While he browsed, taking in the peculiar assortment of monster skulls and other oddities, a woman''s voice suddenly broke the silence. "What is a handsome young lad doing in such a peculiar shop?" she asked warmly.


    Atlas spun around to see a young woman with chocolate brown hair and big green eyes that glowed under the torches. To him, she looked to be in her late teens or early twenties, but she was dressed like someone working in a shop.


    He shook his head before answering, ''''I''m looking for any void spells. It''s a rare affinity to find, but I find the backstreet stores always have goodies for sale.''''


    The young woman gave him a worried smile before speaking, ''''So the rumors are true; Shaytan al-Kharab is real and is in my family''s store.''''


    Atlas rolled his eyes, ''''Yes, the Devil who brings ruin. I''ve heard it enough times now. So that you know I''m not evil or bring destruction to Wildreach,'''' he said in a fed-up voice, making the woman laugh.


    ''''That''s what the Shaytan al-Kharab would say, eh,'''' the woman said with an amused smile. ''''My name is Amy, and you''re are in luck, devil boy. Father has a void spell that an old master sold when he realized it was worthless to anyone.''''


    She hurried into the back of the shop after instructing him to wait, which Atlas excited since he was eager to find more attack spells. It reminded him that he could potentially learn Void Blast, though he would have to wait until the group reached Volantis to pursue it.


    Soon, Amy reappeared, holding a ratty-looking book covered in thick dust, which made him raise his eyebrow. The brown-haired woman quickly spoke, ''''Don''t look at me like that boy. Father bought it many years ago.''''


    Atlas nodded as she pushed it toward him, saying, ''''10 gold and I''ll throw in two Utility spells.''''


    ''''What''s it called?'''' he inquired while looking at the void spell.


    ''''Hold on a second, let me get it,'''' Amy said before vanishing into the back again.


    When he brushed the dust off, he read the title, ''''Void Wave.''''


    ''An area of attack spell, this will be extremely useful in the future,'' Atlas thought while taking out the gold coins needed to purchase the spellbook and placing them on the counter.


    A few minutes passed when the young woman appeared holding a baby blue book and a white one. She placed them on the counter while speaking, ''''Aqua Lung and Light. Very useful spells to an adventurer like yourself.''''


    He nodded before taking the books and storing them away. Amy took the gold coins and spoke, ''''Thank you for shopping in Mother Delphi''s Shaytan al-Kharab.''''


    Atlas shook his head before leaving the store and returning to the inn. While strolling through the city, he felt he was being watched, but Void Sight found nothing. After that, he smelled something he thought he''d never smell again.


    ''Chocolate!''


    He scanned the street corner and spotted a quaint, sweet shop. The owner appeared to be closing up, but Atlas approached the man and woman at the counter and spoke politely, "Hello. I know you''re closing, but I''d like to purchase as much chocolate as you have available."


    The woman turned around with a concerned impression as she looked down and spotted him, ''''Why would you want sweets at such a time, young man?''''


    ''''I haven''t had chocolate in many years,'''' Atlas replied, taking out two gold coins to show he had the funds to buy them.


    The couple exchanged a glance, and then the man nodded. "Fill up three bags with all our remaining stock. We''ve sold a lot this week, but there''s plenty of chocolate left for you, lad."


    Atlas smiled gratefully as he handed over the coins, and the woman hurried inside to gather the chocolates. As he waited, he began to hear distant whistling noises approaching the city, but they abruptly ceased.


    Suddenly, explosions ripped through the northern part of Tidereach. The man started to panic, but the woman reappeared just in time, holding the bags of chocolate. She handed them to Atlas before the couple hurried inside the shop.


    As the man moved to lock the door, the woman turned to Atlas and asked, "Young man, would you like to join us? We have a bunker under the shop."


    Atlas shook his head resolutely. "No, thank you. My girls are waiting for me. Thanks for the chocolates and the offer, but I must go now."


    He hurried back to the inn, the sound of explosions echoing behind him. When Atlas arrived, the group was already gathered and waiting for him. Lilith spotted him and rushed toward him, climbing onto him eagerly.

 Chapter 64: We Lost Our Homeland

    As Atlas approached the group while carrying Lilith, he saw Estelle rushing toward him, equipping her shield and wrapping an arm around his shoulders before casting a spell, ''''Holy Barrier.''''


    A white barrier enveloped them moments before an explosion shattered the street. The two were sent flying, but Atlas grabbed the blonde knight while casting Void Step, only to crash through the inn''s entrance.


    The rest of the girls hurried to their side, but Estelle jumped up and quickly cast Healing Light on both, prompting Atlas to exhale with relief. He sat up, rubbed his head, and said, ''''Thanks for that blondie.''''


    ''''Don''t call me that, you little shit,'''' Estelle said with a smile. ''''Luckily, I saw the mana shell heading straight for the spot you were standing and reacted in time.''''


    Atlas nodded as the owner quickly locked the door and activated some Runes that lit up the wall. The older man turned to them and offered, ''''You young ones may rent out a room, and I''ll do it for half price as the city is under siege by the Southmen''s slaves.''''


    The group accepted and rented a room until morning. As they approached the chamber that was theirs for the night, Atlas turned to the blonde knight and asked, "When are we meeting your contact?" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Tomorrow before the sun rises,'''' she answered. ''''He wants us to meet them at the last dock in the military quarters. I have five passes, but you''ll need to hide Lily in your shirt while we enter the place.''''


    Atlas smiled and stroked the furry monster, who let out a happy chirp and climbed into his shirt, flattening against him to prove she could fit. Estelle''s eyes widened as she spoke while staring at Lilith, who was poking her head out of his shirt, "She understood?"


    "Yes, Lilith is brilliant and understands most things. For example, she bites me when I kill because she doesn''t like it when I lose myself to it," Atlas explained, prompting a nod from the honey badger.


    Estelle nodded, ''''That''s understandable, though, because the void is known as dark magic, but that''s what the churches across Valoria want you to believe. It''s the person and not the evil affinity.''''


    ''''I agree. I''m not evil, but I''m not a hero either, as I would kill my enemies and not let them live like the good guys do. It always backfires.''''


    The blonde knight smiled, ''''Get some rest; we will be in Volantis tomorrow, and I''ll take you to a few weapon shops to get you some new blades,'''' she said.


    ''''Thanks, Estelle; when can we train next?'''' Atlas asked while getting to his feet and putting Lilith on the bed, which caused her to curl up before falling asleep.


    ''''Not yet. We can''t use the garden because of the risk of mana shells landing on us,'''' she replied with a frown.


    Atlas shrugged, ''''So what? I need to get better, and I have you to protect me if any do appear.''''


    Before the blonde could reply, Grishna spoke up, ''''Why don''t we all train? He can''t fight each of us to get a different experience.''''


    His eyes gleamed when hearing this, but Estelle was going to reject the idea until Artemis commented with an amused voice, ''''I''m down for that; the little shit needs a good beating.''''


    Everyone agreed and went downstairs, with Lilith eagerly chasing after them. Atlas approached the owner and asked for access to the garden. He nodded and led the group outside.


    When stepping out, Atlas noticed a stone wall encasing the inn''s garden, but the black smoke covering the sky made visibility difficult. A small fire was starting in the back corner, prompting Artemis to cast Aqua Bomb to extinguish it.


    Estelle saw this and spoke, ''''We have to be careful. I think the siege is intensifying. I recommend staying out here for a couple of hours.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me,'''' Atlas commented before turning to the four ladies, ''''Who am I fighting first?''''


    Amethyst''s hand flew up as she announced, ''''Me!''''


    Atlas nodded, but Estelle stepped forward with a knowing smile, ''''I will join her in fighting you as you have someone on your side.''''


    He was confused before gazing down and spotted Lilith standing beside him while growling at Amethyst and Estelle. This made Atlas laugh, but they nodded at the blonde before the four of them faced each other.


    The match began shortly after that as Atlas aimed for Estelle and sped towards her while swinging his dagger, but the knight deflected it before stepping forward and kicking him in the chest, which caught him off guard.


    Atlas flew backward only to see Lilith nibbling Amethyst, who was too busy giggling at the silly monster attacking her. Artemis and Grishna were too busy laughing so much that they had to hold their stomachs, making Estelle smile.


    The group continued to battle, but the blonde knight ultimately overcame him. She then turned her attention to Lilith, stunned to suddenly find herself beside a groaning Atlas. Grisha and Artemis moved forward, but the brunette shouted, "Everyone, move now!"


    When Atlas heard this, he jumped up while grabbing Lilith, only to look up and see a wave of mana shells heading for the garden. Estelle quickly moved to cast Holy Barrier around the group just as they struck the inn.


    A massive explosion threw them into the stone wall at the back of the garden with a crash as the inn rose in flames. Atlas and the girls were coughing while getting back to their feet while coughing.


    ''''The Ravenians are using explosive shells! We need to find cover until the morning,'''' Artemis said while brushing the dust off her dress.


    Everyone agreed before rushing out of the garden to see most of the buildings around them either destroyed or on fire. Lilith led the group through the smoke as Atlas shouted, ''''Follow me!''''


    They made their way through the chaotic city as fires raged everywhere. When Estelle saw this, she shouted, ''''Head to the docks, everyone! We need to find the smuggler before this place falls.''''


    Atlas and the girls turned toward the main street that led to the military quarter, where they had to meet their contact. While running, he noticed the explosive shells stopped falling, which allowed the people to try to put out the fires using water magic.


    When Atlas saw this, he thought, ''Are they looking to destroy the city? Don''t they want to occupy it?''


    It took them ten minutes to reach the meeting place, and Atlas saw a tall man and woman waiting around the last pier. Estelle took point and approached the couple, who turned to her before bowing, ''''Princess. I knew you would come now. We are ready to leave.''''


    Estelle nodded, causing the couple to lead them to a big rowboat as the man spoke, ''''We have to use this to get past the sea wall. Our ship is anchored in a hidden bay just up the coast.''''


    The group boarded the rowboat as the man and woman took opposite sides before activating a Rune that got the vessel moving. Atlas wondered what it was, but as soon as they started speeding through the water, he thought, ''It''s a magic speedboat!''


    Following that, the man and woman didn''t speak but drove the boat out of the harbor before they sailed along the coast. The Ravenians'' cannons started firing again, but it was much worse this time as the city walls were brought down.


    The woman spotted this and spoke, ''''You see that, Gareth. I told you we should have left earlier; the mercenaries are rushing to take Wildreach due to the Achaemenidians arriving in the next few days.''''


    When Atlas heard her, he questioned, ''''They are coming this far north already?''''


    She nodded, ''''Yes, Little One. The Emperor has sent his Nightowls north to deal with the stronger fights from the Everglade and Moonhare Kingdoms.


    ''''Yes, boy. They have sent the Cataphracts, Bow Devils, and the Nightowls north to pave the way for the main force that will be here in a few months once they deal with the southern realms.''''


    ''''Juliette, you''re forgetting that the king has an alliance with the Achaemenidians that will allow the Argonia Kingdom to avoid invasion, but they have to join the war effort by invading their neighbors.''''


    ''''Why would your kingdom ally themselves with the Southmen?'''' Grishna questioned Estelle.


    The blonde shrugged, ''''No doubt to keep its independence as a nation.''''


    Grisha was about to speak, but Amethyst cut in, saying, "Cyrus the Great is known for being a fair ruler. If you surrender to the empire, they let you keep ruling as before, but you have to pay taxes to the empire and send soldiers to fight in the Achaemenid armies."


    ''''Then why won''t the desert people submit to the empire?'''' Grishna questioned with a curious expression.


    Amethyst turned her head toward the orc girl before answering, ''''We lost our homeland to the devils; we were forced into the desert after the emperor sacrificed himself to fight the Achaemenidian ancestors who drove us from the Zarandar Continent.''''


    The phoenix girl turned away from the group and continued, ''''My ancestors found a home on Aridonia far from the growing Achaemenid Kingdom. When they cornered our people with their allies, our Emperor detonated his core, which created the Blue Dune Desert, but we believe Luxia also had a hand in it.''''


    ''''How long have your people been in the desert?'''' Atlas asked while taking Amethyst''s hand, which caused her to smile.


    ''''I''m not entirely sure, to be honest,'''' she answered. ''''I know the elders speak of the Red Stars that passed over Valoria.''''

 Chapter 65: Youre My Girlfriend Amethyst

    When Atlas heard Amethyst''s answer, he grew curious and asked, "What''s Red Stars?"


    Everyone laughed at his innocence, but the man soon explained, "The last recorded incident happened thousands of years ago, in a world very different from today. It''s said that thousands of stars that were red streaking across the sky signaled the beginning of the turmoil Valoria endured during those times."


    ''''How do people know what happened so long ago?'''' Atlas commented once hearing the man''s explanation.


    ''''Mana Stones or preserved books found in the lost cities that adventurers come across while exploring Valoria''s unchartered lands,'''' the older man answered.


    Following that, their boat sped along the coast as the explosions faded. They traveled for twenty minutes until they reached a bay where a large metal trireme-looking warship was anchored.


    Atlas admired the massive vessel, noting how it dwarfed their small boat. However, its lack of oars or sails caught his attention most. Instead, he noticed hatches along the ship''s sides, presumably where the cannons would emerge.


    As they approached, the man expertly maneuvered their boat alongside the warship. Two metal ropes extended from the larger ship, connecting to their boat and lifting it onto the deck.


    A dozen soldiers awaited them there, snapping to attention and saluting as soon as they saw the couple. When everyone saw Estelle, they knelt in respect, causing the blonde knight to sigh in frustration as she mumbled, ''''Must they do this everywhere.''''


    The woman started laughing, ''''Can''t blame the men, princess. You rescued most of them from slavery during the Emberfall War.''''


    Atlas wondered what they were discussing and asked, ''''What is the Emberfall War? I''ve never heard of it.''''


    When the couple heard this, they turned to him like he was an idiot before Estelle answered, ''''I''ll explain later, Le Messie ¨¦lu, but let me introduce our hosts.''''


    She motioned toward the man, ''''This is Uncle Pierre and Aunty Juliette. They are my mother''s brother and sister-in-law.''''


    Atlas and the girls looked at Estelle, who giggled, but he questioned, ''''Why did you tell us they were your relatives? And why are they charging you coin for passage?''''


    ''''We still got a business to run and sailors to pay, boy. Even if Stella is my niece, she still has to pay,'''' Pierra responded defensively.


    Estelle shook her head before introducing the girls, ''''The orc is Grishna Brokentooth, the brunette is Artemis, and the last one is Amethyst. They are a part of my party, and we all met under special circumstances.''''


    The older couple greeted the group with a smile, and Juliette commented, ''''Did you call this young man Le Messie ¨¦lu? How do you know it''s truly him?''''


    Pierre''s gaze landed on Atlas, who nodded in response before speaking, ''''I use void magic, which Estelle said proves that I''m this messiah she speaks of.''''


    ''''Prove it,'''' the woman demanded as her brown eyes never left Atlas.


    He rolled his eyes and extended his hand towards the sea, conjuring a Void Bullet. The azure projectile streaked across the sky and detonated over the open ocean, creating a beautiful light show that surprised Estelle''s relatives and the sailors.


    The girls cheered with delight. Amethyst hurried over and embraced him, planting a kiss on his cheek. Meanwhile, Lilith''s curious head peeked out from his shirt, her yellow eyes scanning the surroundings before retreating inside.


    Following that, Pierre and Juliette looked at him with wide eyes and jaws hanging up. The older man shook his head, ''''You''re the Le Messie ¨¦lu; the L''¨¦glise du Messie priests and bishops must hear about this when we reach Volantis.''''


    While Pierre spoke, Juliette prayed, which caught Atlas''s attention, ''''Celui qui montre le chemin nous m¨¨nera au paradis.''''


    ''''What does that mean?'''' he asked the older woman.


    The older blonde smiled, ''''The one who points the way will lead us to paradise, Little one,'''' she said in a friendly tone.


    Then Pierra rushed them on board as a Ravenian warship approached, ''''Julietta will show you your rooms. I must deal with the mercenaries, which shouldn''t take long.''''


    The group was led down a set of stairs and along a walkway as the woman spoke, ''''We have an Imperial Pass from the Achaemenid High Command that allows us to operate during their invasion. It''s one of the reasons we can take you to Volantis.''''


    ''''How did you get the pass so fast? They''ve just launched their invasion,'''' Artemis commented.


    Juliette nodded, ''''Well, the negotiations went well, and the king and his council agreed to most commitments but wanted to take Moonshare and Everglade Kingdoms for themselves, which the Achaemenidian diplomats accepted if they paid slightly more taxes and even offered aid in their conquest,'''' she explained as they arrived at a dead end.


    Atlas watched her hit the wall, and a door appeared, shocking the group, but she hurried them inside while speaking, ''''Stay here until I return and try to be quiet; the Ravenians may want to search the ship.''''


    Everyone agreed before she hid in the doorway while everyone else sat down to get comfortable. As they settled in, Atlas asked the group, "What does ''Koshai'' mean? The Ravenians call me that, just like the Evergladians call me ''Shaytan al-Kharab.''''


    "The Butcher," Estelle revealed. "Many kingdoms see you as a devil because of the stories."


    Atlas nodded as the group continued to chat, allowing him to try to learn the new spells he had before trying the Void Realm again. He pulled out Void Blast and started reading while the world around him faded.


    While reading, Atlas realized that magic requires imagination, which he had in abundance. This allowed him to quickly learn Void Blast, as he visualized Amethyst''s spell but swapped the cosmic element for his void, and then the notification popped up.


    [Void Blast Learned]


    [Alert: Three spell slots left]


    Following that, Atlas started on Void Wave, but before he could read, Amethyst sat next to him with a smile. "Learning some new spells? It takes a while, but you''ll get the hang of it, Amore."


    He smiled back. "I''ve learned Void Blast and now I''m moving on to the one I bought in Wildreach."


    "An hour already? You''ve been engrossed for so long," she muttered.


    Atlas chuckled at her surprise, then shared, "I use my imagination to visualize spells, which helps me learn them quickly. You should give it a try once we reach Volantis; I''ll buy a spell for you to practice."


    "You can''t do that, spells are expensive," Amethyst protested.


    "I have plenty of coins for now, and I''ll always earn more," Atlas answered. "You''re my girlfriend, Amethyst. It''s the least I can do."


    She beamed at his words, leaning her head on his shoulder as the ship rocked gently from side to side, and Atlas returned to his reading. Another notification popped up an hour later, letting him know about his new addition.


    [Void Wave Learned]


    [Alert: Two spell slots left]


    After that, Atlas shook his head and noticed Amethyst and Artemis sleeping on the bed in the back of the room. He glanced around and heard Grishna being sick in the bathroom, which made him smile.


    ''She''s seasick,'' he mused.


    That''s when he spotted Estelle sitting at a table reading while Lilith was stretched out in front of a fireplace. Atlas wondered what this room was, but the blonde spoke, ''''This is the government cabin. Usually, my uncle and aunt shuttle diplomats around, so this place would have been theirs.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''What happened to the Ravenians?''''


    ''''They searched the ship but found nothing, so the soldiers left once they realized the ship was Argonian,'''' Estelle answered, looking up at him and giving him a beautiful smile.


    ''''Okay,'''' Atlas said, trying not to be charmed by the blonde.


    He decided to try the Void Realm and got comfortable before activating the skill, which sucked his consciousness into the strange world. Atlas appeared in front of the forest where the Void Raptors lurked.


    Atlas looked at the trees but jumped as an announcement popped into his vision.


    [Voidwalker! You''re back and want to give level 1 another go. I wish you well]


    ''''Who are you?'''' he asked out loud.


    [Pass level 1, and I''ll give you a clue, Little Voidwalker]


    ''Okay. Let''s go,'' Atlas hyped himself while walking into the forest.


    As soon as he stepped foot inside, loud calls erupted from all around him. Atlas couldn''t pinpoint anything, so he readied his dagger and magic as something exploded from the nearby bushes.


    Atlas cast Void Guard before trying Void Blast, which erupted from his outstretched hand and slammed into the monster with such force that it sent it flying. He was shocked at the power but checked his mana after using it.


    [Mana: 1540/1560]


    ''It used forty mana, not bad,'' he mused.


    Then, Atlas continued deeper into the forest, but the Void Raptor constantly ambushed him; he used Void Arrow and Blast to keep them away. But twenty minutes passed, and he was surrounded by a group of six.


    They were growling, but this made Atlas smile before he cast Void Wave. This new spell sent out a wave of volatile azure mana that sent the monsters fleeing, but he chased after them while stabbing each one. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas had slain countless Void Raptors, leaving his arms aching and his body screaming for rest. "If this isn''t my body, why do I feel like this?" he mused aloud.


    Shaking his head, he spotted a log that overlooked a river. Climbing atop it, he settled down and took a moment to rest, gazing at the flowing water below. While watching, something launched itself at him.


    He quickly cast Void Blast at the creature only to realize it was a Void Raptor sneaking up on him from the water.

 Chapter 66: My Head Is Hurting

    After Atlas dealt with the Void Raptor that lunged at him from the river below, which splashed back into the water, alerting even more monsters, he rolled his eyes before darting into the forest, thinking, ''What is the objective of this place? Kill all the creatures? Find the boss?''


    While mulling that over, a notification popped up, causing him to trip over a root he couldn''t see before falling flat on his face.


    [1. Defeat Void Raptors - 966/1000]


    [2. Defeat four Void Raptor Warriors - 4/4]


    [3. Locate the Death Valley and kill the monsters guarding the entrance - 1000/1000]


    [4. Defeat the King Void Raptor to unlock them for use in the outside world - 1/1]


    ''Void Raptor Warriors! Death Valley! What is this hateful place,'' he internally complained before asking it something, ''What happens if I die? Does it carry over?''


    [Yes, Voidwalker, if you fail the run, your total carries over. Do not worry and conquer the first level of the Void Realm]


    Afterward, Atlas journeyed through the forest, relentlessly attacking any Void Raptors he encountered. After slaying dozens, his arm grew weary, and his chest heaved with exhaustion, causing him to look for a place to rest.


    While sitting down, Atlas checked the total number of monsters he killed.


    [Void Raptors - 881/1000]


    ''This is going to take ages,'' he thought while sitting there.


    While resting, a noise caused his ears to twitch. Atlas looked to the right where it was coming from, only to see a large Void Raptor. This one was black with azure blue markings down its body.


    Seeing this creature sent shivers down his spine, but Atlas still managed to scan it using Void Sight.


    [Void Raptor Warrior]


    [Rank: D]


    ''Oh god, what is this nightmare,'' he thought while scrambling to his fight as the monster lunged at him.


    He yelped but quickly used Void Step to dodge the first lunge before casting Void Blast into the creature''s side. This caused it to let out a pain-filled roar, which encouraged the monster to attack even faster.


    Atlas had trouble keeping up with the sudden burst of speed, and whenever the chance appeared, he tried to cast Void Blast. The warrior dodged it before latching onto his left arm, and when he felt its teeth, he screamed.


    The pain overwhelmed him, but Atlas still managed to cast Void Wave in a pointless attempt to get it off. To his surprise, the Void Raptor Warrior ripped his arm off with a quick tug of its head, causing him to go into shock.


    Soon, it jumped on him again, but Atlas plunged the dagger into its eyes this time before casting Void Blast through the weapon and blowing the creature''s skull apart, causing it to vanish into the mist.


    Atlas dropped to the ground while trying to recover, but the pain was overwhelming. He glanced at his arm and was shocked as he witnessed his skin stitching together and creating more.


    It was reconstructing his arm from the cells up, which was a pleasant surprise. Then, Atlas stood up and shook his head while his Regeneration kicked in, which baffled him, but soon howling and roars could be heard.


    He scanned his surroundings, seeking a spot to ambush the approaching monsters. Spotting a high branch, Atlas ascended it as he could, but his missing arm slowed him down. Atlas still managed to get high enough to avoid the first Void Raptor that burst out of a nearby bush.


    The creature sprinted towards him like a hound dog, tracking him by scent. He panicked and cast a Void Blast at it, which tore them apart, but even more appeared below him. They started climbing the tree, causing Atlas to go higher as the monsters reached the branch he was on.


    While doing this, Atlas constantly spammed spells into the horde of monsters closing in on him. Explosions erupted once he started using Void Bullet, but he messed up and destroyed the tree he was in.


    As it began to fall, Atlas swiftly leaped to a nearby tree. However, a Void Raptor lunged at him, sinking its razor-sharp claws into his back. Despite the pain, he reacted swiftly, casting Void Wave, which killed the creature and freed him from the pain.


    Exhausted and injured, he crashed to the ground, darkness enveloping him, which meant he failed. When he regained consciousness, he found himself back on the ship. Opening his eyes, he saw Estelle sitting beside him, gently playing with his hair.


    ''''Were you having a nightmare, Le Messie ¨¦lu? You screamed a few times,'''' she said with a worried smile.


    Atlas sat up while shaking his head, ''''I was in the Void Realm and failed,'''' he said confusedly. ''''I''m still not used to it, but I''ll get used to it.''''


    ''''Whats that?'''' Estelle questioned.


    He explained everything about the Void Realm, which amazed the blonde knight. She offered to assist him on his next visit. Upon hearing her offer, Atlas smiled warmly before embracing the older girl.


    Estelle returned the hug and suggested, "We can do it together. Why not try it now?"


    Atlas nodded in agreement before taking Estelle''s hand and activating the Void Realm. Instantly, they collapsed onto her bed. A deep fatigue washed over his body when he reappeared, causing his shoulders to sag.


    ''Why do I feel so sluggish?'' he wondered, stretching his body to alleviate the weariness.


    [If you use the Void Realm too soon after failing the level, fatigue will be added as a penalty]


    This caused Atlas to roll his eyes before turning to Estelle, glancing around the forest with wide eyes, ''''Why does this place feel so creepy, Le Messie ¨¦lu?''''


    ''''I''m not sure, but I''m sure our souls are no longer in Valoria,'''' he revealed. ''''Be careful, though. The Void Raptors are sneaky.''''


    Following that, he pulled up the totals and saw he was nearly a quarter of the way there for the Void Raptors.


    [Void Raptors - 857/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 3/4]


    ''A quarter of the way there,'' Atlas thought. ''Hopefully this fatigue goes away.'' Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas shook his head wearily and yawned, prompting Estelle to ask, "Why are you so exhausted?"


    "It''s a penalty for jumping back into this place so soon," he replied as the distant roars echoed through the forest.


    Anticipating the impending danger, he readied his spells while Estelle stepped protectively before him, raising her shield and casting Healing Light to bolster him, ''''Is that the Void Raptors?''''


    Atlas nodded just as he cast Void Bullet at an approaching monster that blew it away. Estelle blocked a slash from another creature''s claws, causing sparks to fly as it hit the shield, but she slashed at it using her sword that cut through its body.


    A chaotic battle erupted as more Void Raptors charged at them. Atlas rushed forward while trying to push the tiredness away while slashing at the monster''s leg, bringing it to the ground with a thud before casting a Void Blast at another.


    Estelle managed to kill a few more before a group of four jumped her, kicking the blonde knight out of the Void Realm and leaving Atlas alone. When all the monsters turned to him, he gulped and quickly cast Void Blasts into the group.


    This sent the raptors flying, but some were protected by the others and pounced on him, causing his world to go dark. Atlas woke up in the room with a raging headache; he got off the bed while walking toward the door, ''''I''m going to get some fresh air; my head is hurting.''''


    The blonde knight didn''t answer. She looked shocked, and Atlas walked out of their quarters and saw sailors doing business. He walked toward the stairs at the end of the hallway and stepped onto the deck as the ship sailed across a dark ocean.


    Atlas couldn''t see more than a few feet from the ship. He walked towards the railings and leaned against them while looking at the pitch-black sea. Without thinking, he used Void Sight to see if any sea monsters were nearby.


    [Razorhide]


    [Rank: A - 1000]


    ''Oh boy what kind of monster is that,'' Atlas mused while trying to spot the thing but saw nothing.


    That''s when Pierre''s voice rang out from behind him, ''''Razorhide''s are horrible monsters that follow ships and leap up to grab sailors from the deck.''''


    Atlas turned around to ask, ''''What do they look like?''''


    ''''A mix of Blood Sharks and a Swamp Drake, they reach about five meters long and are intelligent compared to other monsters that lurk under the waves,'''' Pierre joined him by leaning against the railing.


    The older man looked at him with a curious expression before asking, ''''I wonder who you truly are? Maybe the Le Messie ¨¦lu or the Le Malin are the same?''''


    Atlas shrugged. ''''All I want to do is live a life of adventure and happiness. I''ve experienced a lot in my young life and want to have fun,'''' he revealed.


    ''''Do you have any ambitions of ruling a kingdom?'''' Pierre asked.


    He shook his head before answering, ''''No. I want to explore the world and dive into dungeons.''''


    ''''You''re a free spirit, I see,'''' the older man commented. ''''They are entertaining to be around; most I''ve met have explored the jungles to the east, deserts to the south, and the grasslands of Demecia.''''


    ''''Haven''t heard of any of them, but I''m sure I''ll find myself there one day,'''' Atlas answered, causing Pierre to nod in agreement.


    Atlas and the older man went quiet until he was summoned below deck, leaving him alone on the dark deck lit by a few torches. While standing there, he checked the amount of Void Raptors he''d killed so far.


    [Void Raptors - 787/1000]

 Chapter 67: I Can Smell Land

    When Atlas saw the number of Void Raptors left to kill, he was pleased as it lowered. He knew it would take a few more times to clear, but he knew he had to keep trying to complete level one to be able to use the Void Raptors.


    He then turned his attention to the calm sea and witnessed Zahidul and Azadul lighting up the world. It was quiet and peaceful, making Atlas want to chill out, so he started looking for somewhere to relax.


    That''s when he saw a few crates nearby and sat against one, looking up at the beautiful moon as he spotted something silently passing over the ship and heading north, which confused him.


    ''UFO? No way that is a thing here,'' he mused while watching the small dot vanish into the night sky. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas continued watching the night sky as colorful stars lit up the world. After that, he remained outside for another hour until fatigue set in, prompting him to return inside and join Amethyst and Lilith, who were still asleep.


    As he slipped under the sheets, both instinctively held onto him and settled comfortably. Atlas soon fell asleep, and the following morning, he was awoken by numerous explosions that shook the ship.


    He looked around and noticed that no one was in the room except Lilith, who was still sleeping beside him. Atlas stood up and stretched, then set out to find the girls. As he stepped out of the room and went to the deck, cannons rang out, making his ears ring.


    Atlas struggled up the stairs only to see Artemis at the top looking down at him with a smile. ''''Aetos! We have a chance to test out our ranged spells. A pirate fleet is attacking, and the cannons can only hold them back for so long.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he said before rushing up and stepping onto the ship deck, only to see a dozen ramshackle ships surrounding them.


    Without wasting time, Atlas rushed to the ship''s edge before casting Void Blast at the closest pirate vessel, causing the azure projectile to slam into the metal hull and rip through it with some effort.


    After that, Atlas started casting Void Bullets that peppered the damaged ship, causing explosions to rip the metal apart; while doing that, he noticed Artemis running toward the ship''s gunwale before leaping over.


    She transformed into her Siren form and splashed into the water as the battle raged around them. Atlas shook his head and looked for the other girls, only to spot Amethyst soaring overhead while casting Cosmic Blasts and Bullets into the pirate ships.


    While those two were busy, Atlas looked for the others and found Estelle defending the sailors from the spells raining down. Grishna targeted the pirates using Earth Bolts and Metal Bullets, which caused chaos on the other ships.


    Atlas watched the unfolding battle while casting his spells, just as something slammed into the ship they were on. Sudden screaming was heard as dozens of pirates poured onto the deck.


    When seeing this, he scanned the closest ones to gauge their strength.


    [Bob]


    [Race: Human]


    [Level: 72]


    [Rank: Apprentice]


    [Cedric]


    [Race: Human/Orc]


    [Level: 99]


    [Rank: Apprentice]


    [Rico]


    [Race: Wolf Demi-Human]


    [Level: 121]


    [Rank: Adept]


    He whipped out his dagger and went to work, using Void Step to appear in the middle of the enemy formation. When Atlas reappeared, he cast Void Wave, which sent them all flying forward in shock.


    Atlas rushed after them and stabbed the pirates as the Argoinians, Estelle, and Grishna joined the melee. The orc girl skillfully dodged many attacks while striking out with her spear before throwing one of her metal marbles at another group of men.


    A shrill erupted, which caused the pirates to hold their ears as Estelle slammed into them using Shield Bash that sent most stumbling, allowing Atlas to move into the group while stabbing and slashing their legs.


    Enemy fighters dropped all over the deck while he stabbed one pirate after another while rushing toward their ship and leaped onto as Lilith joined him. The duo landed on the enemy''s deck, shocking all the sailors who spotted them.


    With an evil smile, Atlas started spamming Void Arrows at any person he spotted, and the azure missile pierced dozens of men''s and women''s torsos, which sent them flying backward as they were hit with Void Bullets that exploded on impact.


    The battle continued for a while. Pierre and Juliette managed to push the pirates off the ship, which helped Artemis destroy even more vessels as the enemy panicked; while this was happening, Amethyst burned any enemies she could see.


    Once it was over, the four girls rested on the deck, with Lilith in the middle of them, covered in blood as she slept. Atlas sat on the edge overlooking the ocean below, cleaning his dagger while waiting for the ship to start sailing again.


    As Atlas ran a cloth over the blade, it snapped in two, causing him to frown, ''Why has it broken already!'' he thought.


    He stored the broken weapon in his Dimensional Storage and checked his status after killing fifteen Apprentice and ten Adept pirates.


    [Level Up: 53¡ú59]


    [Experience: 980/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 6000]


    [Mana: 1560¡ú1580]


    [Strength: 416¡ú424]


    [Stamina: 442¡ú444]


    [Intelligence: 366¡ú368]


    [Core Points: 9300¡ú12550]


    [Core Points Gained: 3250]


    [Void Sight: 0¡ú1]


    ''Amazing, but I''ve noticed the higher rank and level I go, the slower its going to take,'' Atlas mused. ''That''s why there are monsters; I can just kill even more.''


    While the group rested, they noticed Pierre and Juliette approaching them with grateful expressions as the older man said, ''''Thank you, young ones. Without your help, the pirates would have taken the ship with the numbers they had on their side.''''


    Estelle smiled, ''''No problem, Uncle. We all benefited from the fighting and leveled up from all the kills. Especially Le Messie ¨¦lu, who went up six levels,'''' she said while motioning toward Atlas.


    He nodded, which shocked Pierre. The man was just about to speak, but Juliette interrupted, ''''What level and rank are you, Atlas?''''


    ''''Level fifty-nine and apprentice, why?'''' he answered.


    ''''Seems you''re determined to level up,'''' the blonde woman said. ''''Only those with the drive to get stronger level up as quickly as you have.''''


    Atlas looked baffled, but Estelle explained, ''''I told her that you started with a fresh status due to nearly dying.''''


    ''''Yes. I''ve been killing monsters and other people since leaving Ironclad Pass on Echo Isles,'''' he said with a chuckle.


    Following that, the group went to the galley to get something to eat after Pierra shooed them away so the sailors could clean up the deck, but Atlas broke away and started looting the pirates he killed.


    Ten minutes later, he rushed into the ship and met the girls and Lilith in the galley, causing them to laugh at his greed. Atlas managed to get 13 gold, 20 silver, and 147 copper coins that he quickly stored away.


    As they started eating, Juliette appeared and said the ship had to divert because of a storm that appeared between the Everglade Kingdom and Volantis. Thanks to the mana engines working overtime, Atlas discovered it would take a few days to reach the city.


    The days passed slowly as the vessel dodged storms and other pirate fleets that roamed the Stormwrath Sea. While traveling, Atlas learned the Aqua Lung and Light skills, which he found useful.


    Atlas was resting one afternoon when he heard the girls stir as they played card games. Amethyst stood up as she declared, ''''I can smell land!''''


    The brunette Artemis nodded, ''''So do I, Little Bird.''''


    Following that, the group made their way to the top deck; when Atlas stepped into the sunlight and saw Volantis, he was in shock as it was an island city with a large wall circling it, but he noticed it was built in the water, which he found odd.


    They were made from beautiful white stone gleaming under the afternoon sun and towers dotted with mana cannons positioned to defend against attacks. Atlas was amazed until he saw a gigantic metal sea door that allowed ships to pass through.


    Atlas noticed the thousands of knights patrolling the walls while keeping an eye on their vessel. Their black armor looked durable and covered all the vital points, allowing them to move quickly.


    They all used a combination of sword and shield like a standard knight, while he looked at them Estelle leaned forward and whispered in his ear, ''''Those are soldiers of the Argonian Army, some of the best knights on Astoria, its the reason we won the Emberfall War.''''


    He turned to the blonde with sparkling blue eyes and questioned, ''''What is this war? You said you''d explain when it was brought up before.''''


    Estelle explained that the Thalassia Empire had invaded northern Argonia through the Emberfall Wastelands. After regrouping, the kingdom launched a counterattack, pushing the Dark Elves back into the wasteland and driving them off, thanks to the efforts of their knights.


    ''''You should get some books from a shop to learn about the lands you''ll find yourself in Le Messie ¨¦lu,'''' she said with a kind smile.


    Atlas nodded, ''''I will once we dock in Volantis; I also need to buy some new weapons.''''


    ''''There''s plenty of stores in the city,'''' she informed him. ''''Make sure you don''t cause any trouble; the Argoina city guard will throw you in a cell for a few days.''''


    ''''I won''t cause any trouble, Estelle. All I want to do is explore dungeons and become an adventurer to complete quests,'''' Atlas commented as the city gates opened once the guards spotted Pierre.

 Chapter 68: You Cannot Help Yourself

    Atlas was amazed as they passed through the city gates of Volantis. The ship passed through a massive archway with guardposts inside and soldiers watching them. Once they were on the other side, he noticed there was enough space between the wall and the city for several vessels to sail side by side.


    Amethyst and Grishna looked around in fascination as tiny houses were built onto the inside of the wall with wooden walkways between them. Atlas spotted people sitting outside while fishing.


    Artemis couldn''t contain her excitement and told the others she was going for a swim before jumping overboard while transforming into her Siren form. She dived into the water with a splash, and when Atlas saw this, he went to jump in and test out his new skill.


    But Estelle stopped him with a hand on the shoulder, ''''Monsters still roam under the surface; Artemis can look after herself, but you only have Aqua Lung and no way of moving,'''' she said in a concerned tone.


    ''''What if I use the explosions from Void Bullet to propel myself through the water? I could be a dolphin,'''' he reasoned with a cheeky smile, but Lilith bit him in protest as she was on his shoulders.


    ''''Too Dangerous, you silly boy. You may attract unwanted attention from the monsters roaming the sea''s bottom. They don''t come to the surface because the wall will attack them, but I''m certain the creatures would attack you,'''' Estelle explained.


    Atlas nodded before watching the passing city and was amazed. The buildings were made of beautiful white stone trimmed with orange wood. They were no bigger than five stories tall, but he saw different establishments everywhere.


    There were streets lined with shops, streets with only houses on, and a section of the city where taller buildings stood with signs on the top in the distance: ''I guess they the guilds. Hopefully, Amethyst and I can become adventurers.''


    After that, Juliette approached them and said quietly while looking at Atlas, ''''Rumors say that the Sisters of Light are in the city looking for Le Malin. You must be careful in Volantis; the fanatics won''t believe he is the Le Messie ¨¦lu as they believe the Messiah will come from the Argonia Kingdom.''''


    Estelle looked startled when she heard the woman''s news but quickly shook her head. "How do you know this, Aunty?" she questioned.


    The blonde knight looked at him thoughtfully, ''''Do not cause any trouble, Le Messie ¨¦lu. The sisters are stronger fighters and are on the warpath when the Le Malin is discovered in the Everglade Kingdom, known as the Shaytan al-Kharab.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened before sighing, ''''They''re going to think that''s me, right?''''


    The three girls nodded as Grishna commented, ''''We could get you a disguise ring, but higher-ranked fighters can see through them.''''


    ''''White hair isn''t rare, is it?'''' Amethyst questioned.


    ''''In Astoria, yes, but in Aridonia and Zarandar, a few families have natural white hair like Grak''Thar Gromog''ar,'''' the orc girl revealed as the ship started docking.


    Atlas scanned the bustling dock and noticed an empty pier where workers hurriedly unloaded cargo from two other merchant ships. As their vessel came to a halt, Artemis leaped over the side with a broad smile, her excitement evident.


    Pierre and Juliette approached them, weaving through the crowd of activity on the ship as the sailors started preparing to leave for the shore. The older man smiled at the group, ''''If you guys stick around for a few days, we will sail south to Honorhall, and you can join us. I know brother would be happy to meet your party, Estelle.''''


    He watched the blonde knight nod, ''''We will think about it, Uncle. We''re staying in Volantis for a few days and may explore the Seashell dungeon,'''' she said.


    ''''I''ve heard it''s good for beginner adventurers,'''' Juliette commented. ''''It would be perfect for you guys.''''


    The girls turned to Atlas, who smiled, ''''Yes, we can go there, but I need some new weapons and to register at the Adventurers Guild.''''


    ''''Let''s sign up as adventurers first,'''' Amethyst said excitedly. ''''Once we''re signed up, we can find an inn as it will be nighttime soon.''''


    Everyone agreed before thanking Pierre and Juliette before leaving the ship. When the group stepped onto the docks, Estelle said, ''''Follow me and don''t get lost; Volantis is full of alleyways and side streets.''''


    Following that, the blonde knight led them through the harbor, where men transported goods to the waiting vessels as merchants barked orders in shrill voices. Atlas saw one man rushing around just before he fell flat on his face.


    Atlas started laughing, and when Amethyst saw this, she caught the merchant''s attention. The fat man struggled to get up without his guard''s help, which made the young couple hold their stomachs.


    Estelle, Grishna, and Artemis turned around to see them laughing, and then the man approached them with his bodyguards. The orc girl rolled her eyes, ''''We haven''t been in the city for five minutes, and someone has already found trouble.''''


    The others agreed as the brunette stepped in front of the merchant and spoke in her Greek accent, ''''Before you try anything, the boy will kill you without thinking; he''s a bit wild and still in training.''''


    Atlas felt offended and was about to protest, but Lilith bit him again; he booped the honey badger on the head, ''''Stop biting me! I didn''t do anything wrong.''''


    Lilith looked at him, but Estelle stepped in, ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu, try controlling yourself. Merchants are nosey creatures and love to complain to the city guard.''''


    ''Their Karens!'' Atlas internally complained, but that''s when he heard one of the older man''s guards insulting Artemis.


    When this happened, he vanished from the spot, only to reappear behind the aggressive group. Atlas took out his broken dagger before stabbing the two guards in the legs and punching the merchant in his crown jewels.


    Then Lilith started attacking him in frustration, and the older girls were all wide-eyed except Amethyst, who was giggling. Estelle sighed, ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu! You cannot help yourself, can you? Let''s get out of here before the guards get here,'''' she said frustratedly.


    The group then left the area as Juliette appeared with a smile before he finished off Atlas''s victims and threw them into the water. She pulled out a necklace and contacted someone, ''''Dahaka''s in the city commander; he will be here for a few days.''''


    In the meantime, the group made it to Sea Road, the main street of Volantis City, which led to separate harbors servicing the city. Once there, Estelle spun on Atlas and scolded him, ''''You cannot attack everyone who argues with us, Le Messie ¨¦lu!''''


    Atlas watched the blonde knight look down at him and got annoyed, ''''If anyone talks to my girls like that, I will deal with them. It''s disrespectful, especially when Artemis was being civil,'''' he retorted.


    When the group heard that, they all smiled, and Amethyst giggled as she spoke, ''''I told you he likes you three. You never believed me, but here he calls us his girls.''''


    Grishna beamed as her green eyes glowed, ''''So Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, do you want to be my Navara? If so, fight me when you''re sixteen, and if you beat me, I''ll become your woman, but not a second before, understand, handsome?''''


    Atlas nodded while giving the orc girl a charming smile before Artemis said, ''''Aetos, you''re adorable but too young right now. I''m not saying no, but we shall see what the Sisters of Fate decide when the time is right.''''


    Then, all eyes turned to Estelle, who sighed softly before speaking again, "Maria always called me La femme du Messie, which means Messiah''s wife in Argonian. But as Artemis said, you''re still too young; there''s a ten-year age gap between us. If you''re still interested when you come of age, I''d be open to giving it a try."


    Afterward, Atlas smiled warmly at the three older girls. Amethyst hugged him tightly, prompting a growl from Lilith, but she playfully booped the honey badger on the head. "No need to growl, Lily, I already know he''s yours as well."


    The group shared a laugh before Estelle redirected their focus, "Let''s go sign the two Little Ones up as adventurers and then find an inn. The sun will set in an hour," she suggested, and everyone readily agreed.


    They traveled down the Sea Road, and Atlas admired the beautifully built streets paved with the same gleaming white stone used for the buildings. People navigated around their group while doing their business.


    After walking for twenty minutes, the group came to the Adventurer''s Guild, a tall building in the guild district. It was built from blue stone and decorated with the same orange wood the city used.


    Atlas noticed the sign above the door: a shield with a sword and axe crossed. Under the symbol, there was some writing he couldn''t understand. Amethyst grabbed his hand with a sweet smile as he examined the sigh.


    ''''Soon we can do quests together, Amore,'''' she said.


    He nodded as Estelle turned to them and was about to speak, but Grishna beat her to it while smiling at Atlas, ''''We will go inside and sign you two up as adventurers.'''' Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, the group entered the guild and noticed there weren''t many people inside aside from a dozen adventurers and the staff. Atlas looked around and noticed the open layout, with the quest board to the left and the counters to the right.


    He spotted a set of stairs leading upstairs. In the back of the building, several stalls and a guild shop were bustling with activity. Estelle led them to one of the counters, where an older woman sat behind it.

 Chapter 69: I Love The Name AzharZul

    When Atlas and the girls arrived at the counter, they had to wait as another party talked to the woman. It took five minutes until the group arrived in front of the receptionist, who raised her head and said, ''''Hello youngsters, I''m Adelaide. How can I help you today?''''


    Atlas stepped forward while holding Amethyst''s hand, ''''We want to sign up to become adventurers,'''' he said.


    Adelaide smiled at them, ''''Are you both thirteen?''''


    They nodded, causing the woman to take two pieces of paper and hand them to the duo with a pen. Atlas and Amethyst started filling it out and had to put their hometowns, affinity, and what class they were.


    When Atlas came to the name, he didn''t know what to put, but that''s when Amethyst''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Azhar''Zul.''


    ''That will be my adventurer''s name. It''s unique, and people all over will come to know it,'' he thought before handing the paper back to Adelaide, whose eyes widened in amazement.


    She looked at him and then back to the paper, but Estelle spoke up while glancing around, ''''Yes, he''s the Le Messie ¨¦lu. Are you a follower of the L''¨¦glise du Messie?''''


    The older woman smiled as she looked at the blonde knight and was shocked, ''''Princess Estelle, sorry for being rude. I didn''t recognize you.''''


    Atlas watched the knight wave her away, ''''We''re here for Le Messie ¨¦lu and Amethyst. Don''t cause a fuss, Adelaide.''''


    ''''Of course, My Lady,'''' she said before turning to Atlas and Amethyst. ''''Let me sort out this paperwork and prepare your guild cards. You can sit by the bar and wait until I call you both over.''''


    He nodded with a smile before the group approached the closest table, but Atlas made his way over to the quest board, which caught his interest. He started going through the available quests the guild had to offer.


    [Rank H - Sewer Clearance: Kill all the Blood Rats in the city''s sewers - Reward: 3 silver coins on completion - Proof: Rat tails]


    [Rank G - Tidebreaker Chaos: Kill all the Tidebreakers that have infested the southern beach - Reward - 10 silver coins on completion - Proof: Claws]


    [Rank H - Herb Collection: Collect Blue Seaweed from the Southeast beach - Reward: 2 Silver coins on completion - Proof: Several bundles of Blue Seaweed]


    ''Interesting, me and Amethyst could do these when we have some time,'' Atlas mused as Artemis spoke up from behind him.


    ''''Looking for quests already?'''' she said in her exotic accent that sent shivers down his spine.


    Atlas turned around with a smile, ''''Yes. I found three that Amethyst and I could do to get some experience under our belts,'''' he answered while handing over the three sheets of paper.


    The brunette took it and went through them before speaking, ''''These are good apart from the Blood Rats, their horrible creatures.''''


    He noticed she shivered when mentioning the monsters, but the duo returned to the table where the other three girls were chatting. Atlas told Amethyst about the quests which she agreed to complete with him.


    When the other three heard this, they smiled, and Grishna commented with a teasing smirk, ''''Do you want us three to babysit you, Navara?''''


    ''''No, thank you,'''' Atlas said with a chuckle. ''''You can join us or do your own thing. I want to experience my first quest.''''


    They all nodded before Estelle spoke, ''''We have some stuff to take care of; I need to buy some potions, Grish needs to buy more metal for her screaming spell, and Artemis wants to go swimming again.''''


    ''''You and Grish are bestfriends now?'''' Amethyst exclaimed with a big smile. ''''Good!''''


    ''''No, Little Bird. We have to get on because we need to make sure Le Messie ¨¦lu doesn''t die before he''s strong enough,'''' Estelle answered as the orc girl nodded in agreement.


    ''''She''s still a blonde bitch who stuck up,'''' Grishna commented with a grin. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Estelle giggled, ''''And you''re a no-good orc who let down her family.''''


    Everyone started laughing and waited for Adelaide to sort out their guild cards. The older woman reappeared ten minutes later before calling for them to return to the counter where she held two brown cards.


    Atlas took one while Amethyst took the other as Adelaide started speaking. ''''Put your thumbprint, and it will connect with you. It serves as a form of ID that allows you to enter most cities in Valoria.''''


    She took out two small booklets with the guild symbol on them and continued, ''''These are the rules and other information you need to know, but I''m sure these three young ladies will explain everything to you both.''''


    Then, Atlas examined the brown card and noticed it was shiny. It had his name and guild rank on it; that''s when he saw his name glowing at the top, ''Azhar''Zul.''


    After that, Atlas put his thumb on the bottom right corner and felt a prick. Once he pulled his thumb back, the card glowed before settling down. Once Adelaide saw this, she smiled before exclaiming, ''''Welcome, Azhar''Zul and Zulia. I hope you two do great things and your names are celebrated across Astoria.''''


    He smiled, and Amethyst was happy, but the three older girls were confused, causing Artemis to comment, ''''Why have both of you used different names? Changing them takes a long time if you ever choose to.''''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''It felt right; I love the name Azhar''Zul.''''


    The three older girls smiled at him before turning to the phoenix girl who had red cheeks. She revealed, ''''I wanted something similar to my Amore, and Zulia was the one I came up with.''''


    Artemis beamed, ''''How come the two youngest have found love already? It''s unfair to us older girls,'''' she mockingly complained.


    Grishna giggled, ''''Especially Estelle; she''s twenty-three already and nearly old enough to be Grak''Thar Gromog''ar''s mother.''''


    ''''Shut up, you goblin!'''' The blonde knight retorted.


    Then, Atlas took the three quests to Adelaide alongside Amethyst as the others waited, who smiled while taking them, ''''Is it you and Zulia doing these?''''


    He nodded, ''''Yes. I want to try my first quest. How many do I have to complete before ranking up?''''


    he older woman thought briefly before explaining, "To reach Rank G, you must complete twenty-five quests and pass a Combat Trial issued by the guild. Once you do this, we will change the color of your card."


    As Adelaide finished speaking, she took the young couple''s guild cards and put them through an odd-looking machine that emitted a bright light. After completing the process, she returned the cards to Atlas and Amethyst.


    ''''You have three days to complete all the quests, Azhar''Zul,'''' the older woman said before returning to work.


    The group left the guild as Estelle spoke, "I know an inn called The Wandering Wyvern. We can stay there tonight and do your quests in the morning before going shopping."


    Before anyone could reply, Grishna announced, "You both can deal with the monsters and seaweed. We''ll be there if anything else shows up to eat you two.


    While the four followed Estelle, the blonde pulled Atlas aside and spoke, "We''ll train when we get to the inn. I want to help you get stronger and faster."


    Atlas nodded, excitement swelling within him. "There''s no doubt I have to be the strongest, Estelle. I have a feeling I''ll be dragged into something big."


    "You will, Le Messie ¨¦lu. You will change the world at the tip of your blade, and I''m here to ensure you achieve that," she said with a smile.


    Not long after that, they arrived at the Wandering Wyvern and noticed it was quiet. Atlas and the girls entered the establishment to see half a dozen people sitting around while eating and drinking.


    The blonde knight led them to the counter, where they booked the largest room and dinner for all six, including Lilith, who made her complaints known. This elicited laughter from everyone, and Atlas promptly ordered food for the group.


    "Well, young ones. If you like, I can have your food sent up to your room, or you can dine in the hall," said the owner, a burly bald man with an infectious smile. ''''It''s sausage and mash straight from the Thalassian farms. I had a shipment arrive this morning."


    After the man finished speaking, Atlas approached the nearest table and sat down, with Amethyst to his left and Artemis to his right. The older girls sat opposite them as Estelle started telling them about Volantic.


    Atlas discovered that the city had been founded on a small island, which Nova Mages had expanded using earth magic. They created additional land and erected the protective wall that surrounded the city.


    ''''Are Nova Mages rare? Because Artemis, Amethyst, and I have a core. Does that mean we''re one?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Estelle and Grishna looked at the other three with wide eyes before the orc commented, ''''Who would have thought I would be in a party with three Nova mages? Well, two unwakened ones and a beginner, but that''s still good.''''


    Atlas looked at the brunette, who shrugged and said, "Uncle got me a basic Mana Core Pill from somewhere up north that allowed me to unlock Bronze Body, which gave me a big boost."


    "We need to get you and Little Bird some pills so you can unlock Body Tempering for both of you," the blonde knight revealed as the inn owner appeared with their food.


    The older man placed it on the table before dismissing himself as the group started to eat. Atlas enjoyed the meal, which reminded him of the orphanage''s dinners whenever guests visited and the staff put on a show.

 Chapter 70: Dont Get Into Trouble

    Atlas and the girls started eating while they spoke, but he remained quiet, thinking about everything he''d been through, ''This life is already better then the one I had on Earth,'' he thought while glancing at everyone.


    The first person he met was Amethyst, and they quickly became close. When he met Grishna, he felt a connection with her but couldn''t explain it, just like Artemis and Estelle. He looked at each one while thinking, ''I'', connected to them? It was weird how we all met.''


    Atlas shook his head and continued eating as the owner brought over five mugs. The older man placed them on the table, ''''Some Firebrand Ale, it will keep the cold out and wet your palette. Now enjoy young ones.''''


    Following that, the group took another ten minutes to finish eating. Artemis, Amethyst, and Grishna jumped up, but Estelle dragged Atlas outside after telling the three that he needed training.


    Lilith escaped and ran toward the Phoenix girl, who scooped her up and took the honey badger upstairs. Once outside the inn, the blonde let him go as she spoke, ''''Remember our bet? If you can touch me, I will give you a prize.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened, but he nodded, ''''Today I will get my present. You watch Blondie.''''


    ''''Stop calling me that, you little shit!'''' Estelle retorted.


    While walking, Atlas admired the city and noticed even though the sun had set, people were still going on the street. It took them ten minutes to reach their destination, a training field used by the guild.


    Estelle pointed at a nearby rack, ''''Scan your guild card and select your weapons, Le Messie ¨¦lu.''''


    He approached the rack and opened it to see hundreds of training weapons. Atlas couldn''t decide until he spotted two that caught his attention: a gladius and a long knife that he picked up, causing Estelle to beam.


    ''''Perfect weapons for you,'''' she said, taking a wooden sword from her storage ring before continuing with a glint in her blue eyes. ''''Get ready to fight, boy.''''


    Atlas prepared to fight while standing opposite the blonde knight, who charged forward and swung at him. He ducked until the swing before thrusting at her torso with his knife, but she battered it away and sent a kick toward his chest.


    With a grin, he sidestepped the kick and slashed at her with his short sword, but Estelle quickly stepped back while leaning back to evade the attack. Atlas was shocked and cast a Void Bullet at the ground in front of her, which caused a cloud of dust to erupt, covering the training field.


    Following this, Atlas cast several Void Bullets at her, but Estelle suddenly lunged from the dust and swung her blade as they sliced through the air at his throat with a glint in her blue eyes.


    Atlas spotted it and let out a yelp, swiftly casting Void Step to evade. He disappeared, but the blonde knight pursued him relentlessly. She swung her sword as he reappeared behind her, and despite Atlas managing to deflect a few strikes, he soon succumbed to her relentless assault.


    The pain became unbearable, causing him to lose grip on his knife. In desperation, he unleashed a Void Blast aimed at Estelle, hoping to create enough distance between them, but it wasn''t enough as she closed in.


    She dropped her sword and unleashed a flurry of punches at him. Atlas attempted to block and parry the rapid strikes, but the knight''s speed overwhelmed him. A sudden punch to the chin caught him off guard, sending him reeling and spinning through the air.


    As Atlas plummeted, he instinctively swung his blade, striking Estelle''s firm thigh, which shocked her, but she backed off to let him recover so the fight could continue for another two hours.


    By the time they were done training, Atlas was breathing heavily while lying on the dirt covered in dirt while Estelle stood above him. He looked up to see her dress and commented with a stupid smile, ''''Nice green panties, Blondie. I wonder what they''d look like on my floor.''''


    Her eyebrow raised, ''''What floor do you own, boy? You''re homeless as far as I remember, and also, stop being a pervert. It''s unbecoming of the messiah to look up a woman''s dress, you naughty goblin,'''' she said with a smile.


    ''''Technically, I''m not, as I was adopted into a noble family in the Thalassia Empire, but I have no plans to return there just yet,'''' Atlas said while trying to stand up. ''''Do you have to beat me so hard, Estelle? Can''t you take it easy on your future husband? This is domestic abuse.''''


    ''''No can do Le Messie ¨¦lu,'''' the blonde shook her head with a giggle. ''''I will have to show you true abuse; that will increase your health, strength, and stamina.''''


    Atlas shivered, but something clicked, ''''Okay. We can do it tomorrow and check on the increase while using your torture training.''''


    Estelle laughed as the two walked into the Wandering Wyvern and made their way to their room, where they found the other three girls playing cards while Lilith was sleeping on Grishna''s lap as the orc stroked her.


    He smiled at this before commenting, ''''Seems like the little demoness is starting to like you girls.''''


    ''''After we all pampered her with strokes and treats, but she won''t lick or nibble us,'''' Artemis commented in an amused tone. ''''That''s reserved for her mate, you, Aetos.''''


    Atlas chuckled and shrugged, "I love the silly girl anyway, so I''m happy to receive her bites and nibbles."


    No sooner had he spoken than a pair of yellow eyes snapped open and locked onto him. A growl rumbled through the room, and Lilith launched herself at Atlas. "Don''t attack me, Lily! I''m tired and hurting all over!" he protested.


    But it was too late. She barreled into him like a furry cannonball, pinning him to the floor and assaulting his face and ears with a barrage of licks and playful nips.


    "Get off me, you gremlin!" Atlas exclaimed, trying to pry the creature off him. But Lilith was dug in and latched onto his ear. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A shiver ran down his spine, but her adorable noises distracted him. Resigned, Atlas submitted, letting the honey badger do whatever she wanted. The four girls laughed as Amethyst quipped, "Imagine what she''d be like with a human form? She''d jump him at every opportunity."


    Everyone agreed with a nod. Lilith continued her attack and, when she was finished, stood proud on his chest before lovingly licking his face as she shuffled off to one of the beds to sleep.


    Atlas lay on the floor with a bright red face and ears; he shook his head, ''''Damn, demoness loves to attack me.''''


    ''''Whatever you did to that Jungle Devil made her truly love you, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. Don''t ruin that trust because she would die for you if it comes to it,'''' Grishna revealed while getting comfortable.


    He looked at the orc girl before asking, ''''How do you know? I know she cares, but I doubt it''s love.''''


    ''''It''s what they do with their kind, Aetos,'''' Artemis interrupted. ''''Scholars believe that when a female Jungle Devil finds a mate, she playfully attacks him as Lilith does to you.''''


    Atlas didn''t know how to feel about that but shoved it aside as he said aloud, ''''It''s a shame she doesn''t have a human form. I would love to ask why she attacked me in that cave when we first met.''''


    The four girls snickered at his remark, but Lilith''s little head popped up as she chirped a few times before approaching Atlas, curling into his lap and falling asleep like he was her bed, which made everyone laugh.


    ''''It was most likely a mate fight as she liked the look of you; if the female continues to attack you, it means that she has chosen you,'''' Artemis informed the group. ''''Female Jungle Devils are extremely aggressive. They are the ones adventurers hate meeting in the wild.''''


    Atlas nodded before standing up and placing Lilith on the bed, who looked at him like he was ditching her, but he reassured the honey badger. "I need a bath, or I''ll stink," he told her, earning a loving chirp.


    After tending to Lilith, he informed the girls of his plans, and they all laughed and said, "Don''t get into trouble!"


    Rolling his eyes, Atlas left and went to the bathroom that came with their room, following Estelle''s directions and entering. Once inside, he locked the door, stripped off his clothes, and sank into the large jacuzzi-like bath.


    The hot water washed over his body, causing the pain and aches to fade away slowly, but that''s when the door to the bathroom flew open, and Estelle strode in with a shit-eating grin on her beautiful face.


    She locked the door and turned to him, "I owe you a prize, Le Messie ¨¦lu, and I''m here to pay up. But no touching. Agreed?"


    Atlas nodded, eyes widening as she began to take off her dress, letting it drop to the floor. She stood before him in green panties and a bra that struggled to contain her ample chest. Her hourglass figure was flawless, and her white skin was smooth and blemish-free.


    A sly smile crept across Estelle''s face as she approached the bath and sat opposite him. Atlas''s gaze was glued to her every move, captivated by her flawless hourglass figure. Her perfect bubble butt was both firm and soft-looking, driving him mad with desire.

 Chapter 71: A Short Sword And Long Knife

    [Addaam reshii a-zaanta - Long live the fighters]


    [Al-ladhi yushir al-tareeq sayaquduna ila al-jannah, Azhar''Zul sayakun an-n¨±r fi az-zulamah-zulamah - The one who points the way will lead us to paradise; Azhar''Zul will be the light in the darkness]


    ***


    Atlas shook his head and cleared his head of the lust because he knew he was too young at the moment, ''''Are you into teasing me now, Blondie?'''' he taunted with a knowing smile.


    Estelle shook her head and muttered with a red cheek, ''''I''ve only done this with you, Le Messie ¨¦lu, and I''ve been called the La femme du Messie, which means I will be your wife in the future, and we''ll have to look after each other.''''


    He smiled when he heard this and asked, ''''Is that something you want, though? I wouldn''t force you to marry me; that''s wrong and not something I agree with.''''


    "I know you wouldn''t, Atlas; you seem like a lovely and decent boy whom I can''t wait to see grow up into a handsome man who will do amazing things," Estelle said, smiling warmly. "I was born when Nurani blazed across the Azhar''Zul constellation in the south.


    That''s when the believers of the L''¨¦glise du Messie proclaimed that I was destined to be with the Le Messie ¨¦lu''s wife and become his shield against the darkness that takes over Valoria."


    Atlas, still puzzled, continued washing his body as he asked, "How do they know this, though? What makes them think it''s you?"


    Estelle glanced down thoughtfully for a moment. Then, taking a deep breath, she dried her hands, retrieved a book from her storage ring, quickly flipped through the pages until she found the one he was looking for, and handed it to him. "Look at this picture."


    He took it and looked at the page she pointed out for him. There was a picture of a beautiful woman who looked familiar to Estelle; Atlas looked between the blonde knight and the picture and spoke, ''''Is this your mother or another relative? You look like a younger version of the woman, only with a bigger chest and longer hair.''''


    Once Atlas finished speaking, Estelle splashed him with the water while giggling before she explained, ''''That is the wife of the previous Le Messie ¨¦lu who lived thousands of years ago. Rumors say she was the start of the Argonia Family.''''


    His eyes widened, ''This is the previous Voidwalkers wife? Is Estelle a descendant of this woman? Seems more than likely as they share the same blonde hair and blue eyes,'' he mused while looking at the picture.


    That''s when his world went black, and he witnessed a vision of the Great War that began in his name. He saw millions of warriors chanting his name while raising banners with a blade surrounded by thirteen stars with an azure background.


    ''The stars again! Why is everything connected?''


    They were in a beautiful blue canyon that could fit the uncountable number of warriors staring in his direction. However, his attention was redirected when he saw himself, but older, dressed in cool blue armor and a scarf covering his face.


    But the one thing Atlas could see was his glowing blue eyes as he stepped forward and held up the same blade on the banner as his older self shouted, ''''Addaam reshii a-zaanta!''''


    The warriors chanted in unison, their voices shaking the ground beneath them. Atlas couldn''t fathom why he witnessed this, but the scene suddenly shifted, transporting him outside a city engulfed in flames.


    Amidst the chaos, soldiers lay butchered, their bodies forming mountains of corpses. He recognized that warriors standing around facing toward someone wore the same distinctive blue armor he had seen his older self in.


    Atlas was confused and disgusted, but that changed when he witnessed the blue armored warriors leading thousands of chained-up people through the city gates and crying with happiness as they started chanting, ''''Azhar''Zul! Azhar''Zul!''''


    ''Am I a savor of these people? They do look like slaves,'' he thought.


    That''s when they all dropped to their knees, and Atlas spotted his older self surrounded by seven beautiful women. ''It''s them, but Amethyst is older, and the other three look the same,'''' he thought. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A group of elders started chanting, ''''Al-ladhi yushir al-tareeq sayaquduna ila al-jannah, Azhar''Zul sayakun an-n¨±r fi az-zulamah.''''


    Just as Atlas heard this, he returned to the bath, and Estelle shook him with a concerned expression. ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu, are you okay? You just zoned out,'''' she said.


    All he could see was her giant boobs in his face, and they were nearly slipping out of her soaked bra. Atlas shook his head, ''''I''m fine; I just had a vision of the future.''''


    ''''What was it about?'''' Estelle questioned while sitting down.


    Atlas divulged everything, causing Estelle''s concern to escalate. "We''ll intensify your training!" she declared. "Starting tomorrow afternoon, we''ll run around the city before our fight to boost your stamina."


    He gulped nervously but nodded in agreement. Before he could speak further, the blonde knight kissed him on the cheek and gracefully exited the bath. Atlas''s cheeks were red, but he smiled as he sank into the hot water.


    After that, Atlas got out of the bath, put on some fresh clothing, and decided to buy some armor while getting new weapons. Once dressed, he returned to their room, where he found Artemis, Estelle, and Amethyst sleeping while Grishna was still awake.


    The orc girl turned to him with a big smile, ''''Handsome! Do you want to go out and have a few drinks? They fell asleep just after you left,'''' she pointed at the others.


    Atlas chuckled before nodding, ''''Let''s go Grish.''''


    ''''Hold on, let me freshen up,'''' Grishna said while jumping up and leaving the room. ''''Meet me outside, but don''t stab or hurt anyone, Little One.''''


    ''''I haven''t got any weapons; my dagger broke in the last fight, and I need to get new ones,'''' he retorted.


    Then, Atlas went downstairs and stepped onto the street outside, only to feel the cold wind brush against his skin. He quickly put up his hood and wrapped his cloak around his body as he shivered.


    Atlas watched the city, now lit with mana lamps spaced out down the street; he noticed the shops were dark and closed for the night. There were food stalls posted at random points, which intrigued him.


    Grishna reappeared wearing a woolen coat, warm pants, and sturdy boots. Atlas couldn''t help but admire her appearance and complimented her, saying, "You look great, Grish."


    The orc girl beamed at him. "Thank you, my Narava."


    After that, they found a tavern where they could drink and get food. The duo wandered through the streets and soon found a half-empty restaurant that caught their attention, ''''Should we try that place out?''''


    He nodded in agreement before the couple headed toward the front door and entered, only to have the places other customers turn to them with curious glances but shifting back to their meals.


    It looked like a normal restaurant, with tables all over the place and pictures of certain parts of Volantis City. That''s when a waitress approached the two with a smile, ''''How can the Golden Fox serve you both? We have today''s special and Firestone Ale.''''


    Atlas was about to reply, but Grishna was quicker, ''''Can we have a double special and a keg of ale, please?''''


    The waitress looked skeptical, but Atlas pulled out some gold coins, which caused the woman to nod, ''''Yes, Young Master and Mistress, I''ll bring it straight away and will tell the cook your order,'''' she said with a smile.


    She rushed off as the duo took a seat; as they got comfortable, Grishna questioned, ''''Do you know what weapons you want to purchase?''''


    ''''Yes, a short sword and long knife,'''' Atlas answered with a smile.


    ''''Good weapons for speed and fast striking,'''' Grishna explained. ''''I''ve seen your training with the blonde, and you''re quick.''''


    Atlas smiled as the conversation shifted to Volantis and the Seashell Dungeon, topics that piqued his interest. Grishna mentioned that the dungeon was teeming with weak sea monsters, which he found intriguing.


    Eager to explore the dungeon, he was told by the orc girl that the group would venture there once they had got him some new weapons. Atlas beamed just as the waitress brought their food to the table.


    He spotted two bowls of delicious-looking stew, and soon, the sweet smell of the meat hit his nose, causing his stomach to rumble. This made Grishna giggle as she spotted his azure eyes glowing with greed.


    Soon, the duo thanked the woman and started eating, which they found hot and spicy. Atlas''s tongue started burning, making the orc girl laugh at his reaction. The two of them continued once he got over the hotness.


    Atlas loved the soft, easy-to-chew meat. It took the couple half an hour to eat all the food. He also loved the Fireheart Ale, which was refreshing after washing down the food. By the time they were done, Grishna was leaning back on her chair and holding her stomach.


    The waitress returned with the bill shortly after handing it to Atlas. The meals cost 1 gold, which surprised the two of them, but he handed over the needed coin with a few silver coins as a tip, which made the older woman smile with gratitude.


    The duo got up and left the restaurant behind; when they stepped outside, Grishna spoke, ''''Want to go on a walk, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar? It''s cold but refreshing to feel the cold air on my skin.''''

 Chapter 72: Voidstalkers

    Atlas agreed, and the two started walking through Volantis. The city was quiet, as fewer people were on the street. While strolling, Grishna spoke, ''''Are you excited about doing your first quests?''''


    He nodded before responding, ''''Yes, I''m looking forward to it. I''ve never done one before, so it''s new to me, but I''m also excited.''''


    The orc girl nodded, ''''Being an adventurer is something special as we see things that normal people would never believe; I''ve loved being one and can''t wait to rank up,'''' she said excitedly.


    Following that, the duo continued traveling around Volantis and admired the sights they encountered. Soon enough, no one was on the streets, so they returned to the inn. It took them ten minutes to get back and enter their room.


    Everyone was still asleep, and Grishna walked toward her bed and collapsed before falling asleep. Atlas laughed at the older girl and joined Amethyst. The Phoenix girl snuggled up to him while Lilith climbed on his feet, making Atlas smile as he fell asleep.


    Neither knew that people were following them through the city, keeping watch. As Atlas slept, he dreamt of three young elf women engaged in the battle against monsters in a vast blue desert, mirroring the vision he had seen earlier.


    They wielded stunning blades that shimmered with an azure glow, much like his own eyes. While watching that, three stars slowed overhead, which confused Atlas. He watched their journey across the land until they reached Thalassar City, the capital of the Thalassia Empire.


    Something told him to head there to meet them, but he had no clue how to get there. That''s when the dream changed to one of an icy wasteland that stretched as far as his eyes could see.


    While looking around, Atlas spotted a massive polar bear monster rushing across the landscape. A sabertooth tiger chased behind her as another star shone high in the sky, causing him to think, ''Stars again? Maybe they''re part of the thirteen stars of the Azhar''Zul Constellation.''


    Soon enough, Atlas woke up only to notice the sun wasn''t up, and he felt refreshed. While lying there, he decided to try the Void Realm again. Without wasting any more time, he activated the skill.


    His consciousness was sucked into the strange realm, and he reappeared in the forest. Atlas shook his head before checking the total of Void Raptors and Warriors he needed to kill before searching for Death Valley to deal with the guards.


    [Void Raptors - 787/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 3/4]


    [Death Valley monsters - 1000/1000]


    [King Void Raptor - 1/1]


    ''This is going to take a while, but at least I can get experience using my spells and skills,'' Atlas mused as the Void Raptors roars rang out through the forest.


    He glanced around only to see a group of ten rushing toward him, their black eyes gleaming with malice. Atlas raised his hand and cast three Void Blasts that sliced through the air and slammed into the monsters.


    A small explosion erupted, but Atlas pressed on, unleashing Void Bullets that wreaked havoc on the Void Raptors, transforming them into azure motes. Suddenly, more monsters emerged, accompanied by a towering warrior raptor.


    He managed to use Void Sight on the warrior.


    [Void Raptor Warrior]


    [Rank: D]


    Despite the new threat, Atlas remained poised. He cast Void Step, disappearing and bewildering the creatures. Instantly, he reappeared amidst them, unleashing a devastating Void Wave attack that caught the Raptors off guard.


    Chaos erupted as the Void Raptors lunged at Atlas, who used Void Step to avoid the attacks while casting his spells at them. The azure projectiles tore through the monster''s bodies before exploding in front of the creatures behind them.


    Atlas battled against dozens of Void Raptors, converging from all directions. Despite his agile dodges and counterattacks, several managed to land blows, including one monster clamped down on his shoulder, causing him to let out a pained scream.


    He blew the monster''s head off using Void Bullet but destroyed his left arm, which was out of service. The Void Raptor Warrior swiped at him with its tail, but Atlas braced himself while casting Void Guard.


    An azure shield suddenly appeared and deflected the attack, sending Atlas skidding back with an ache in his joints but not injury. Three Void Raptors lunged at him, but he cast a Void Wave that annihilated the creatures.


    Atlas continued killing the monsters while dodging the warrior''s sudden attacks until the raptors stopped coming. He was breathing heavily before checking the total after destroying so many.


    [Void Raptors - 775/1000]


    ''Nearly halfway there; shouldn''t take too long to clear this counter,'' he mused before facing the Void Raptor Warrior as the bigger monster charged at him.


    It rushed forward while letting out a menacing growl. As it got closer, Atlas cast Void Step, only to vanish as the monster crashed into the spot where he was just out. He reappeared above the warrior and dropped on its back.


    The monster was startled, thrashing wildly as it realized Atlas was clinging to its back. Undeterred, he maintained his grip and swiftly cast a Void Arrow into the warrior''s head, causing it to stiffen in place.


    Seizing the opportunity, Atlas continued his assault, unleashing a barrage of Void Blasts until the creature''s body disintegrated into azure motes, dissipating into thin air. Exhausted, he took a moment to catch his breath, lying down briefly to recover.


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 2/4]


    Then, Atlas jumped up once he felt better and continued traveling deeper into the forest while keeping an eye on his surroundings; as he was walking, his arm was already regrowing thanks to his Regeneration, which was healing him.


    After doing that, Atlas killed off many Void Raptors who tried to ambush him along the way. Thanks to Void Guard and Void Blast, he quickly dispatched them whenever they appeared. Once all the creatures were dead, he checked out the number needed to complete the first objective.


    [Void Raptors - 702/1000]


    Following the battle, Atlas continued until he came across a clearing where he spotted a Void Raptor Warrior surrounded by the usual raptor. All their heads snapped in his direction, which made him step back.


    But Atlas steeled his determination and unleashed a barrage of Void Blasts and Bullets into the horde, plunging the scene into chaos as the monsters charged forward. He swiftly dodged one of the Void Raptors, and despite all that, another crashed into him, knocking him off balance.


    He quickly recovered his feeding before dashing around the clearing while peppering the second warrior. The monster tried to dodge the spells, but he was one step ahead of the smarter monster and sent some Void Arrows in the path it took.


    The azure projectiles pierced through the warrior''s body, causing it to turn into motes that returned to where it came from.


    [Void Raptors - 668/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 1/4]


    ''Not long before I can move onto Death Valley and the monsters that guard it,'' he mused.


    After that, Atlas continued through the forest and saw a mountain in the background, which beckoned to him. He approached it, but when getting close, something erupted from a nearby bush while attacking.


    ''Oh shit what is this thing!'' he thought before using Void Step to get out of the way and allowed him to scan it.


    [Voidstalker]


    [Rank: F]


    The monsters, with their black hides and glowing yellow eyes, reminded him of Troodons from Earth. As Atlas backed away, the creatures began letting out calls, alerting every nearby Voidstalker.


    Reacting quickly, Atlas cast Void Blast, obliterating one of the creatures with ease. However, ten more burst through the bushes, charging at him in a wild frenzy. He panicked and started spamming spells, but it was too late as they lunged at him and ended his go at level one.


    Atlas woke up in bed next to Amethyst and noticed the phoenix girl had just woken up along with the others. After yawning, Artemis said before leaving the room, ''''I will order breakfast for us while you get ready. I want to go swimming soon before taking some quests with Grishna.''''


    ''''I have to see the city mayor; he knows I''m here with my party and has requested a meeting to help out with refugees flooding into the city from the Everglade Kingdom due to the king allowing citizens passage,'''' Estelle said while walking into the room with wet hair.


    Amethyst and Grishna joined them while Atlas checked his current progress.


    [Void Raptors - 600/1000] sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 1/4]


    [Death Valley monsters/Voidstalkers - 997/1000]


    ''Won''t be long now until I can use these monsters, but what are the conditions,'' he wondered.


    Seconds later, several notifications popped up.


    [You''ve reached the third section of level one and have met the Voidstalkers. I can give you relative information that you''re entitled to see]


    [Summon a group of Void Raptors to assist in battle. The pack comprises six members led by a leader who prioritizes your safety over their own. Each summoning portal requires 400 Mana and lasts for ten minutes. Extending their presence costs an additional 200 Mana for another ten minutes]


    [Summon a group of Voidstalkers to aid in battle or scout an area. Each summoning portal costs 300 Mana and remains active for ten minutes. Extending their duration requires an additional 150 Mana for another ten minutes]


    There were two more notifications, which were blurred out after Atlas checked his status.


    [Health: 436¡ú444]


    [Mana: 1580¡ú1592]


    [Strength: 424¡ú432]


    [Stamina: 444¡ú454]


    Pleased with his small gains, Atlas got out of bed while pushing a sleeping Lilith off his legs before standing up as Estelle turned to him with a piece of paper, ''''Take this, Azhar''Zul. It''s directions to several weapon stores I know.''''


    Atlas looked puzzled, ''''You''re calling me Azhar''Zul?

 Chapter 73: Rat King

    Atlas watched Estelle nod with a smile. ''''Well, it''s easier than calling you five different names, so we all agreed on Azhar''Zul to simplify things.''''


    He nodded before looking at all four ladies, ''''Thank you, girls; it was starting to become confusing, especially when all the different kingdoms and empires have various names for me.''''


    The blonde knight smiled before turning to Amethyst, ''''Do you want to join me after completing your quests with Azhar''Zul?''''


    Amethyst nodded excitedly, ''''Yes, please. I want to see the government buildings from the inside; they are beautiful,'''' she revealed.


    Grishna suddenly stood up and announced, ''''I will pick out some quests for Artemis and me while she gets breakfast.''''


    Once she spoke, the orc girl left the room, leaving Atlas, Amethyst, and Estelle baffled at her sudden actions. The three started chatting about the Seashell Dungeon they planned to visit tomorrow before leaving the city.


    They all noticed Lilith was still asleep, curled up in the spot Atlas slept, making them all smile at her behavior. It took Artemis a little while to return, and when she did, Grishna appeared five minutes later, exclaiming that she had given her and the brunette some good quests just before the group started eating.


    Atlas glanced at the food and noticed it was an omelet-looking food that tasted nice as he gobbled it down, causing the girls to laugh. Following breakfast, the group left the inn with Artemis and Grishna, who were going to complete their quests.


    The four split up as Atlas pulled out the first sheet once outside after leaving Lilith in their room. Estelle suggested with a smile, ''''Should you two do the rat quest first? Because the other two are in the city''s southern portion, and the sewers are nearby?''''


    "Good idea, Blondie. We crawl around in the sewer, deal with the Blood Rats, then head south," Atlas said, and the two agreed.


    That''s when he got bonked on the head, ''''Stop calling me blondie! It''s Est or Estelle,'''' she declared.


    Amethyst giggled, and Atlas blew her a kiss before they followed Estelle, who led them to an access pipe guarded by two Argonian soldiers who saluted the blonde when they approached.


    Estelle looked at them and spoke, ''''These two are here to deal with the Blood Rats'' quest for the commander.''''


    The soldiers nodded and opened the gate, allowing the trio to enter. The guard commander then asked, ''''My Lady, why are you going in there?''''


    ''''Keeping an eye on my party, we shouldn''t be too long,'''' Estelle answered while walking into the sewers.


    When Atlas saw the place, the first thing that came to mind was, ''Why''s this place so clean?''


    He couldn''t see any dirt, muck, or anything else from the odd piles of bones, which Estelle said were from monsters who fell into the pipes that led to the sea and traveled until the Blood Rats killed them.


    Following that, they continued down one tunnel until Atlas started hearing a weird, jiggly noise, causing him to stop walking. He used Void Sight and found the culprit at the end of the path they were on.


    [Slime]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    ''Slimes!'' he thought.


    ''''There are slimes down here; I will take them out,'''' Atlas informed the group.


    Amethyst giggled at his reaction while Estelle explained, ''''Don''t Azhar''Zul, they clean the sewers for the city; the mayor tames them to help him keep the place spotless.'''' Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas nodded before they continued walking through the tunnels while passing the slimes; he noticed they paid no attention to them, allowing the group to pass by without any problems until a scuttling noise was heard.


    ''''Three monsters are heading in our direction,'''' Amethyst called out as a group of dog-sized dark red rats with little beady black eyes.


    He quickly scanned them.


    [Blood Rat]


    [Ranl: F - 100 Exp]


    They hissed at Atlas, who showed no mercy and cast a Void Blast at them, lighting up the tunnel in a beautiful azure glow before annihilating the creatures, leaving behind three black Monster Cores.


    ''''This will be easy,'''' Atlas said before walking to pick up the cores, only for a rat to lunge from a crevice.


    The Blood Rat latched onto his arm, making him yelp in pain before bashing it over the head until it went limp, ''''What the hell! Where did it come from?'''' he complained.


    Estelle laughed before casting Healing Light on him while explaining, ''''Blood Rats are ambush monsters who love to jump out on their victims, but as you saw, they''re weak.''''


    Atlas felt his skin stitch back together, causing him to grimace as more scuttling could be heard. Amethyst stepped forward and let her Cosmic Blast tear through the horde of rats rushed toward the group.


    The purple burst burned dozens of rats to ash as Archer started casting Void Bullets. These bullets caused explosions to ring out, sending the creatures smashing into the walls with splats as they exploded into blood mist.


    While the two were doing that, Estelle spoke, ''''Young ones, don''t forget to keep moving as the Blood Rats will find a way around you.''''


    The trio continued their trek through the tunnels, clearing them of any creatures they met. Atlas managed to kill dozens of the rats, which allowed them to travel fast. After twenty minutes, they arrived at a massive chamber with dozens of tunnels leading in all directions.


    That''s when Atlas felt something rushing from one of the nearby openings, and a massive rat appeared, making Amethyst yelp in fright. Estelle laughed and spoke, ''''Scan it Azhar''Zul.''''


    [Blood Rat King]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''It''s strong,'' Atlas thought before turning to the phoenix girl, ''''Attack it from a distance while I get up close,'''' he said with an excited smile.


    She nodded as Atlas dashed toward the giant rat who lunged at him, but he used Void Step to avoid the attacks while casting Void Blast into its flank, causing the monster to roar in pain.


    Atlas kept pelting it with magic while Amethyst closed in after summoning her wings and flying around the chamber, casting Cosmic Blasts and Bullets into the horde of Blood Rats rushing out of a nearby tunnel.


    The Rat King went berserk, its speed increasing rapidly, forcing Atlas to use Void Step to evade its attacks repeatedly. The monstrous creature lunged at him, pinning him to the ground.


    In a desperate move, Atlas cast Void Blast and fired an arrow into its chest at point-blank range. The impact of the projectiles sent shockwaves through the Rat King, but he was caught in the blast as well, feeling the force ripple through him.


    That''s when the phoenix girl shoulder-checked the giant rat, sending it flying off Atlas. The rat lay on the ground, covered in blisters and severe injuries. Estelle moved to cast Healing Light, but he raised a hand to stop her.


    "Don''t. My regeneration will heal me and level me up," he said, his voice strained.


    While he rested, Amethyst and Estelle collected the cores and rat tails, dividing the loot between them. The blonde knight declined any share, insisting it belonged to them. Meanwhile, Atlas lay on the sewer floor, his body gradually repairing itself as the phoenix girl watched over him.


    It took him twenty minutes to heal fully, a sight that left both girls in awe. Amethyst asked curiously, "How did you heal so quickly? It''s shockingly fast."


    Estelle nodded in agreement, her eyes wide with amazement. Atlas shrugged, "I''m not sure, to be honest. I unlocked this ability when I kept getting hurt, and it''s come in handy ever since."


    Following this, the trio left the sewer, ensuring no more Blood Rats lingered in the Volantis tunnels. After searching for a little while they arrived at the entrance, a carriage was sitting not far away, and a group of knights was waiting.


    He became concerned and readied his spells alongside Amethyst, which caused Estelle to giggle. ''''These are soldiers of the Volantic Mayor Azhar''Zul, but I must go,'''' she said before glancing at the Phoenix girl. Are you coming?''''


    Amethyst looked at him, but Atlas spoke before she could. "Go and enjoy yourself. Make sure to meet me at the inn when you''re done; I''ll have your half of the quest rewards."


    She beamed and then hugged Atlas, causing him to smile. He returned the hug, and Amethyst kissed him before heading off with Estelle as they entered the carriage. Once they were gone, Atlas turned and started walking southward toward the beach.


    Atlas didn''t know where he was going, so he asked a nearby stall owner, who pointed him in the right direction. It took an hour to cross the city, and when he entered the southern part, it looked more like a grassland.


    Finally, he saw the beach in the distance and approached it while keeping an eye out for the Tidebreakers that infested the area. Atlas used Void Sight on the nearby sand, and soon, dozens of alerts popped up.


    [Tidebreaker]


    [Rank: F - 100 Exp]


    He looked around and found a stone he threw onto the beach. The moment it landed, the monsters roared to life. Atlas began casting Void Bullets into the Tidebreakers, each explosion ringing across the beach and cracking their shells.


    They were quickly killed from a distance as Atlas kept away from the giant crabs he didn''t want to get near without any weapons. The Tidebreakers spotted him and started scuttling toward him.


    Atlas chuckled at their strange movements and found it funny before casting Void Blasts into the creature''s face, causing them to recoil or die as the azure flames burned their exposed flesh.

 Chapter 74: Try To Defend Against This

    Atlas still dashed around like a rabbit while dodging the Tidebreaker''s pincers. He started casting Void Blasts into the monsters'' bodies, which sent them flying as the spells were too much for the creatures.


    It took him an hour to clear the crabs from the beach, which allowed him to collect all the twenty-five Rank F mana cores he could find. Atlas looked over the carnage and wondered where the monsters came from, ''Maybe a sea dungeon? The book did say they exist all over Valoria.''


    Once he had collected all the cores and stored them away, Atlas remembered the quest item with a sigh, ''''I''ve got to grab some of the claws to prove to the guild I completed the mission,'''' he muttered while approaching the first monster.


    With that, he started pulling the claws of the Tidebreaker''s corpses before sending them to his storage. It took him some time to find more, but he cut off a lot of meat from the still-intact crabs once he found enough.


    Then, Atlas headed southeast to collect the Blue Seawood for the last quest. He soon made it to a road toward the street the inn was on. he started traveling down and saw dozens of merchants traveling along it while minding their own business.


    It took him thirty minutes to reach where the seawood was, and the beauty and eeriness of the landscape took him aback. Atlas glanced at the beach, covered in hundreds of tidepools with the waves lapping nearby; the whole scene was nice but soon started to give him an eery feeling.


    Atlas shook his head before stepping onto the soft sand. He felt himself sink slightly into the ground with each step but maintained a steady pace, careful not to linger in one place for too long.


    His eyes sharpened as he approached the first pool of water. ''This should be easy,'' he mused.


    Activating his Void Sight, he thoroughly scanned the area, ensuring no hidden threats. Satisfied with nothing, he quickly stepped into the water and pulled the seaweed. It was a dark blue and smelt sweet, confusing Atlas, but he ignored it and stored it before collecting the rest.


    It took him minutes to collect a heap of seaweed, meaning he only had to gather a little more. While doing that, Atlas heard a horrifying scream that belonged in a horror movie, which made him jump out of his skin.


    He spun around to see a creepy humanoid figure crawling out from one of the tidepools. ''What the hell are these things? Why is it always me finding the creepy monsters?''


    The creature was taller than him and had long black seaweed-like hair that obscured its face. Atlas was spooked, but he scrambled out of the tide pool as it approached. He noticed its sickly blue skin, which looked rotten, and some parts were covered in fish scales.


    That''s when Atlas spotted the creature''s claws flexing like it was getting ready to attack, which caused him to use Void Sight on the monster to find its strength.


    [Sea Hag]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''Oh god,'' he thought before casting a Void Blast at it.


    The thing raised its hand and blocked the spell with a wall of water that appeared out of nowhere, taking him by surprise. Atlas rushed forward, wanting to catch the creature off guard, which he did.


    As he closed in on it, he cast Void Step and vanished; the Sea Hag was bewildered, frantically scanning the surroundings. Confused, the creature failed to see the azure arrow streaking through the air just as it struck its torso with a forceful impact.


    The spell burrowed through its scaled body and flew out of the other side, causing blood to splatter the sand below. Atlas managed to kill the Sea Hag, but then a powerful spell hit him, violently crashing across the ground and skidding across the sand until he collided with a dune.


    ''Aghhh! What was that,'' he thought while sitting up and rubbing his head, only to see a second Sea Hag creeping its way over to him while making a bizarre chittering noise. As it got closer, Atlas saw the creature''s red eyes full of malice and cruelty that sent chills down his spine.


    Atlas cast a Void Blast, anticipating the beast would block it. That''s when he sent a dozen Void Arrows behind the first spell him, surprising the creature, ''Try to defend against this!''


    When the Sea Hag brought up its water wall, which blocked the Void Blast, when the spell vanished, it instantly dropped the shield, only to be peppered with several azure arrows that punctured its body, causing it to let out a death screech.


    Atlas exhaled while standing on wobbly legs, making him feel like a baby giraffe. He stretched his body before approaching the Sea Hag to find its Monster Core, but with no knife, he couldn''t loot them, so he left them behind.


    With an achy body, he collected even more Blue Seaweed before returning to the nearby road that led back to the guild. While walking, Atlas pulled out the paper Estelle gave him to look at the weapon store''s address and decided to buy something new as he had enough gold coins.


    Following that, he walked toward the city''s main square and spotted a street where the weapon shop was. Atlas walked down it and finally saw the generic fantasy store that would be found in any novel or anime.


    Atlas paused to observe the entrance, which featured two large windows flanking a central door. People were constantly going in and out. ''It looks busy; hopefully, they have what I need,'' he thought as he approached the door.


    After a couple had left, he entered the shop and was amazed by the inside, where racks of countless weapons, including swords, spears, and many others, were displayed. Atlas started looking around for short swords and knives that he could use.


    While searching, Atlas glimpsed a group of adventurers a little bit older than him looking at one of the displays, excitement radiating. He shook his head before finding the section with the short swords and saw a dozen blades on the weapon rack.


    Atlas started searching for something he''d like and found nothing; he continued to look for ten minutes until a woman''s voice said, ''''What are ya looking for, boy?''''


    He spun around and noticed a dwarf standing there who was taller and more muscular than him even though she was a woman; this sight shocked him and showed on his face, causing the woman to chuckle, ''''First time seeing a dwarf, ay? Ya been living under a rock, elf?''''


    She had short brown hair and yellow eyes; he noticed the woman was wearing overalls and was covered in soot. ''They look exactly like the ones from all the media on Earth, but she didn''t have a beard,''


    Atlas thought before shaking his head and answering. ''''I''m looking for a short sword I could use.''''


    The woman nodded with a smile, ''''I see. Why do ya want one of those? Dual-wielding?''''


    ''''Yes. I also want to use a knife, and I''m not an elf despite the ears,'''' Atlas replied.


    She didn''t answer and stared at him with narrowed eyes before commenting, ''''Your eyes are unique. I''ve never seen a glow like that.''''


    Atlas was baffled as that statement came out of nowhere, but the dwarf woman continued, ''''What race are you then? Half-elf?''''


    ''''Voidborn, I''ve been told it''s rare,'''' he answered.


    The woman looked confused as she spoke, ''''I''ve never heard of it, but I know there is a combination I could recommend. It would be a good fit for ya, boy.'''' S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas nodded, prompting the dwarf to head to a rack and select a sword resembling a gladius. He watched as she moved to another rack filled with knives, chose a longer blade, and walked back to Atlas.


    She handed over the weapons, saying, ''''These will be useful to ya as they are built to endure and fit perfectly with someone who uses speed like I assume ya do little one.''''


    When Atlas examined the weapons, one in particular caught his attention: a Gladius with a bone handle. What intrigued him most was its blade¡ªa beautiful blue shade that seemed to glow under sunlight, adding to its appeal.


    Next was the knife that resembled a bayonet combat knife with the same bone handle and a blue similar to the Gladius, which caused him to ask the dwarf, ''''What''s with the blue metal and bone handle? They are beautiful.''''


    She beamed before explaining, ''''Star Metal and the bone is from an elder dragon. Ma Grandfather was a renowned Blacksmith in the Wildheart Kingdom, ya know, but he saw the writing on the wall many years ago and left to settle here in Volantis.''''


    Atlas nodded before looking at the two weapons in his hands and felt something just as a blue glow radiated off them, shocking the dwarf woman as the blades connected with him somehow.


    The bright glow caught everyone''s attention, including an older dwarf man who shouted, ''''Darla! Bring the boy to the backroom.''''


    ''''Come on,'''' Darla said while grabbing his arm and dragging him across the shop floor as he couldn''t keep his eyes off the blades.


    Soon, he found himself standing in a stockroom with stacks of crates as the older dwarf man pointed at him with narrowed eyes, ''''Ya have the Voidwalkers Class, don''t ya boy?''''


    Atlas stared at the old man before nodding, ''''Yes. How did you know?''''

 Chapter 75: Eight Runes

    ''''You''re known to some dwarves as D?mragaz, which means the Evil One that brings doom to Astoria,'''' the older dwarf explained as he stepped back with a worried expression before continuing. ''''While the Runestone lot know ya as Khadun Khazkur, the Chosen Messiah.''''


    The old dwarf looked at Darla and then back at him before concluding, ''''Which of the two are ya, boy?''''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''I don''t know, but I have no intention of being evil or becoming some sort of messiah,'''' he responded while Darla stared at him with a smile.


    ''''Legends say the D?mragaz wields the powerful void magic that spilled the continents into what they are today during the Great War that changed the world forever, while it''s told in the stories that the Khadun Khazkur uses the same affinity, which is why it is hard to tell which one you''re,'''' the old man said.


    ''What is it with all these damn names!'' Atlas shook his head. ''I''m either a savor or devil according to this world.''


    ''''My Name is Azhar''Zul; I''m no evil being or gallant hero. I want to explore the world and level up,'''' he said while looking at the two dwarves.


    Once Atlas finished speaking, the blades glowed even brighter before gradually dimming, leaving the older dwarf visibly shocked. Glancing at the weapons, the dwarf remarked, "It looks like those cursed things chose ya, boy. That''ll be 22 gold for the pair."


    "Make it 20, and throw in the sheaths for both," he countered, his tone firm.


    The old dwarf scowled but eventually nodded. Atlas grinned, taking out 20 coins from his storage and handing them to Darla, who accepted them with an even bigger smile. Once the transaction was complete, he left the shop when the owner wanted nothing to do with him.


    When Atlas was outside, he spotted a stall selling meat boxes with many other dishes. A few people were waiting in line. He joined the line while strapping the Gladius to his left side and the knife to his right.


    ''It''s like the stalls back in London, tourists queuing up for mediocre food,'' he internally chuckled.


    Once in line, he heard the couple in front say this stall was the best food on Sea Road, which surprised him. Atlas was intrigued and wondered what kind of meals the place had to offer, causing his stomach to rumble.


    It took him ten minutes to reach the front, where a young man and woman worked behind the counter. Atlas looked at the duo but then turned to the menu with several meals that caught his attention.


    *Griffon Meat Box topped with Southern spices*


    *Forest Boar Meat Box topped with Northern sweet sauce*


    *Dragon Meat Feast topped with Thunder Peppers and Fire Salt*


    *Orc''s Delights seasoned with Sylvan Sage Leaves*


    ''So many different dishes, should I get the girls some? They might like them,'' he thought.


    Atlas chuckled at the names, which caught the couple''s attention as they looked over the counter. The man''s eyes widened, ''''Little Boy! How can Hugh & Cath''s Stall help you? Are you lost?''''


    He answered before giving them his order, "I''m not lost; I need ten separate meals for each of the first four menu items. What''s the cost?"


    ''''2 silver per meal, which comes to 1 gold, boy,'''' the woman responded. ''''Are you sure you''ve got that kind of coin?''''


    He chuckled before taking out the gold and handing it over with a smirk, ''''Here you go. I have to buy some armor, and then I''ll be back.''''


    The man smiled, ''''Return in an hour; I''ll start cooking your order now,'''' he said in a friendly tone.


    Atlas nodded before walking down the street to look for an armor store but couldn''t find one. After ten minutes, he saw a group of Argonian city guards guarding one of the city''s banks; he approached the one at the gate.


    When Atlas got close, they reacted by gazing at him, but he ignored their confused expressions as he asked the closest one, ''''Where can I buy armor? I''m new to the city, and my party is busy.''''


    ''''Little elf, what are you doing walking around alone?'''' one of the guards questioned. ''''You do know the gangs would sell you to some depraved mistress if the wrong people saw you.''''


    Atlas shrugged, "If they try to kidnap me, I''ll kill them, which is rather simple. Besides, I''m not alone; my group is in the city, and I''ll be meeting up with them soon," he said with a smile which unsettled the guards.


    The one who spoke shook his head before pointing down one street, ''''Dragonforge Armory is the best in the city, little elf. Though their prices are high, their work is worth it.''''


    He nodded before thanking the man, ''''Thank you for the help.''''


    Following the directions, Atlas soon arrived at the store he sought. "Here we go, time to buy some armor," he mused before stepping inside.


    The shop greeted him with scattered dummies across the floor and a bored-looking young man seated behind the counter at the rear. Atlas approached, causing the worker to look up with wide eyes.


    ''''Young Master, I''m Terrence. How can I help you?'''' the man said professionally.


    ''''I''m Azhar''Zul; I''ve come here because I need some armor that won''t affect my movement as I use speed,'''' Atlas answered.


    Terrence jumped up and commented, ''''There are a few pieces on show that you may like, Young Master. Follow me.''''


    The young man led Atlas around the store and showed him many armor sets, ranging from cloth to metal and everything in between, but Atlas was uninterested in all of it, and Terrence could see that.


    He sighed before revealing, ''''There''s a piece that my Grandfather created, but it''s expensive, and many adventurers have said it gives them a bad feeling.''''


    Atlas beamed, ''''Show me it. It may be the one for me,'''' he said.


    Terrence nodded and led him towards the back. As they entered, Atlas spotted an armor dummy adorned with a set of black armor over a black gambeson. The central part resembled overlapping dragon scales covering it, offering robust protection with white trimming along the edges.


    The armor covered the neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and all vulnerable spots on the legs. It included a helmet that concealed the face, leaving only the eyes visible. Atlas said, ''''Have you got this in a smaller size?''''


    The young man laughed, ''''It will refit itself when you put it on; the owner added a few perks to the armor, which included extra defense with a Shield Rune, the Refitting Runes, which I just mentioned.''''


    Atlas grew interested and questioned, ''''What other Runes are on it?''''


    ''''Vitality, Camouflage, Speed, Deep Sea Adaptation, Repair and a Flame Ward, which will protect you against fire spells,'''' Terrence answered.


    ''Seven Runes that will be useful for my adventurers,'' he mused. ''I bet it''s stupidly expensive, though.''


    Atlas shook his head before asking the price, ''''How much? And what is it made from?''''


    ''''105 gold coins, Azhar''Zul; the price is so high because of the rare materials used along with the Runes, which will last for centuries,'''' Terrance answered honestly.


    ''''The gambeson underneath is made from a combination of Elderhorn Ram and Giant Mammoth wool, while the armor is made from the scales of a Swamp Behemoth known for its perfect defense alongside extremely rare and expensive dragon scales Grandfather bought from the Thalassia Empire.''''


    When hearing the man''s explanation, Atlas became excited, causing him to ask, ''''Can I try it on before purchasing it?''''


    Terrence nodded, ''''Yes, Young Master. Father told me to try to sell it, but the price tag scares a lot of adventurers and guards away.''''


    Without a word, Atlas approached the armor and reached to touch it. As his hand made contact, a jolt of energy surged through his body, but he held firm, refusing to release his grip.


    The young man rushed to help him take it off the display and held it while Atlas put the gambeson on. Once he put it on, the soft armor instantly refitted itself to his body until it was perfect, causing him to smile.


    Atlas grabbed the armor and slipped it on, only for it to glow and fit perfectly, causing Terrence commented, ''''It seems to be made specifically for you, Young Master. Most people can''t approach it due to the aura it gives off, but it seems you don''t share the same problem.''''


    Then, he put on the rest of the armor, including the arm, shin, and thigh pieces that refitted to his body. Once all the armor was on him, a bright glow radiated, causing the white trim to turn blue, just like his eyes, which shocked them both.


    Terrance looked at him with wide eyes full of shock, ''''This is the first time I''ve seen armor react like this.''''


    ''''What does it mean?'''' Atlas questioned.


    ''''All armor and weapons bonded with their owners. For example, only you could take off your armor, but if you wished, others could do it,'''' Terrance explained. ''''You''ve already bonded with the blades you''re carrying, so now it''s the armor''s chance.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he remembered he could use Void Sight on the new gear. First was his armor, then the Gladius, and last was the knife.


    [Nightfall Armor]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 5] Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Night Blade]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 2]


    [Blood Knife]


    [Rank: Uncommon]


    [Level: 5]


    ''Oh, they have names,'' he mused. ''Looks like I''ve got some gear that will last until I level up even more.''


    Following that, Atlas left the shop, and as he did, he got an idea. He imagined the armor being sucked into his Dimensional Storage before he thought about it appearing on his body, which it did within seconds.

 Chapter 76: Why Pinch Ma Bum

    Atlas stepped out of the armor shop as the afternoon sun shone overhead, but there was a chill in the air. He returned the armor to his storage with a single thought while deciding what to do, ''I need some clothes, more food and a canteen before going back to the stall to get my order.''


    With that in mind, he began searching for a general store, deftly navigating the crowds of people hurrying past. It was then that he noticed two men and a woman tailing him. "Part of the gang the guards mentioned?" he mused aloud.


    A grin played on his lips as he swiftly turned down a nondescript street and immediately caught sight of a nearby store. Atlas approached it while watching the trio following him, ensuring they didn''t close the distance as he entered.


    When Atlas stepped into the shop, he saw shelves full of all kinds of stuff, from food to gear and tools. Nothing caught his attention, but soon, a man spoke, which caught him off guard, ''''How can I help you, young man?''''


    ''''I need a lot of travel food, ropes with a grapple, a comfortable tent with a sleeping bag, and anything I''d need to survive in the middle of nowhere,'''' Atlas gave the man his order.


    The shopkeeper was shocked but started laughing, ''''Very good boy! Adventurers who are prepared survive the longest and grow to become legends.''''


    Atlas smiled as the man went to collect his order, just as he spotted the three goons outside waiting for him. When seeing this, ''Wait until I get out there, you will know not to stalk a young boy like perverts.'' S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It took the man ten minutes to return with a massive heap of goods. The shopkeeper commented while picking up a book-sized bundle, ''''This is the Wilderness Tent. It will keep you hidden from monsters and roaming bandits as it blends in with the surroundings and isn''t that tall.''''


    The man explained that the tent had a bedroom and sleeping bag to protect him from cold nights. Atlas watched him take out six months'' worth of travel rations, which he explained included all kinds of dry foods.


    There were fire starters, cooking utensils, and many other things to set up a came. What caught Atlas''s attention was drawn to the six runestones the man placed down, which caused him to ask, ''''What are those things?''''


    ''''Security runestones to protect you from the Dark Ones at night if you can''t find a place to hide. They are a popular purchase for people who can''t create the Runes,'''' the shopkeeper answered before moving on.


    There was a map of the five continents, a compass, which Atlas found useful, two lengths of rope, and some grapples. After seeing all this, he questioned the man, ''''How much for all this?''''


    The shopkeeper rubbed his chin before revealing the price, ''''1 gold and 20 silver for the lot, little one; I''ll throw in some more rations,'''' he said before reaching over and grabbing some more food.


    ''Not a bad price,'' he thought to himself. ''The things will be useful for a while.''


    Atlas handed over the coins and then carefully stored his new supplies. With a nod and a word of thanks to the shopkeeper, he stepped out of the store, ready to retrieve his order from the couple on the stall.


    He began walking down the street towards the stall, noticing the same three goons still tailing him. Now, an additional four had joined them. Instead of fear, an unexpected thrill coursed through him, leaving him slightly perplexed by his reaction.


    ''Why am I feeling like this?''


    Without thinking about it, Atlas placed his hand on the Night Blade, knowing he would get into a fight sooner or later. While walking, he spotted a random stall selling charms, and when the woman behind it saw him, her eyes widened.


    She motioned him over, which Atlas found strange, but he walked toward the stall with a curious expression as the woman spoke, ''''Young man, do you have someone you like and who likes you back?''''


    ''What? Why would see ask a child that?'' Archer thought.


    He shook his head before answering, ''''Yes, but why are you asking me this?''''


    The woman took out two bracelets and showed him, ''''This is the lover''s band; the creator said once a day they can send a message to the other that will appear in the wearer''s mind, which is useful in certain situations.''''


    Atlas raised an eyebrow in curiosity and asked, "How much for these? And why did you single me out of the crowd?"


    "Your eyes," the woman replied. "I''ve never seen anything like them. Something tells me you''re different. I''ll sell the pair for 1 gold, but remember this when we meet again.''''


    Though puzzled, Atlas handed over the coin and took the bracelets. As she began packing up her stall, the woman''s satisfied expression left him even more baffled. He said goodbye and walked away, the encounter lingering in his mind.


    Atlas continued walking until he reencountered Hugh & Cath''s Stall. When the man spotted him, he started calling him over, ''''Boy! Get your orders; it''s all done.''''


    He walked over to the stall and handed over the gold coin before taking the food, but Atlas wanted to try one and decided on the Griffon Meat Box. He took a fork from the camping kit and ate while walking to the Adventurer''s Guild.


    As Atlas walked, he remained aware of the people following him but focused on his meal. The food was delicious; the meat was soft and tender, perfectly seasoned, and accompanied by a serving of rice, which surprised him.


    It took him twenty minutes to reach the guild, which was bustling with activity. Ignoring the crowd, he finished his meat box and tossed it into storage before entering the building. Atlas spotted dozens of adventurers milling around.


    Most were at the bar, while some were queuing to see one of the receptionists. While scanning the room, he spotted Grishna and Artemis standing in line. He walked over to the two girls only to hear the brunette speaking.


    ''''Where is that little shit gone to? He was seen wandering around the shopping district, but we couldn''t find him.''''


    Grishna laughed before replying, ''''Ya worry too much, Azhar''Zul may be wild, but he isn''t stupid.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he internally chuckled before stepping behind the two and pinched the orc girl''s toned bum, causing her to yelp as Artemis spun around while holding her sword only, but he saw her eyes widen.


    ''''Atlas! Where have you been? Estelle has been worried about you,'''' Artemis questioned.


    Grishna was rubbing her behind as she commented, ''''Ya little shit, why pinch ma bum? It hurt.''''


    Atlas laughed at the orc''s red cheeks but noticed she was smiling before he answered Artemis, ''''I did my quests, bought new weapons, armor, and other stuff along with some food for you girls.''''


    When Grishna heard this, her green eyes sparkled, ''''What ya get, Narava?'''' she inquired with a beautiful smile.


    ''''I''ll give it to you when we get back to the inn,'''' Atlas said as he felt someone watching him.


    Atlas turned to find the two men and woman who had been tailing him now ogling the girls with lewd stares, a surge of anger rising within him. He quickly spoke, ''''I will be back shortly; I forgot an order, but wait here.''''


    Once Atlas finished speaking, he left the guild, and the three followed. He deliberately led them down an ally this time and waited at the dead end. When the gang reached him, they were all smiling as more appeared behind them.


    Ten of them worried Atlas, but he readied his weapons by taking them out and summoning his armor while speaking. The helmet covered his head and face, leaving his glowing azure eyes on show.


    When the gang saw this, they rushed forward and tried to capture him, but Atlas quickly sidestepped one of the men''s lunges. As that happened, he plunged his knife into the man''s neck while casting a Void Arrow into another chest.


    They both dropped dead just as Atlas burst forward and dodged the attacks as he kept slashing and stabbing. One of the female gang members appeared behind him and swung her sword, but he quickly blocked it.


    Atlas quickly pushed the weapons aside before slashing the woman''s ankle and bringing her to the ground with a thud. Just as that happened, more gang members appeared, but a sudden onslaught of attacks appeared from behind.


    That''s when he noticed Grishna and Artemis attacking the other foes from behind, which allowed Atlas to kill even more until the alleyway was covered in blood and bodies. He was breathing heavily and saw the brunette approaching him while looking annoyed.


    "Azhar''Zul, what were you thinking? Those people could have been the kidnappers from Volantis! What if they had captured you? I would have lost you!" she demanded, her voice tinged with concern. "You can be reckless sometimes, but I''m relieved you''re alright."


    Atlas felt a pang of guilt, softened by her tight embrace. She held him close, her words mixing gratitude with worry. "You fought bravely, Azhar''Zul, but please promise me you won''t take such risks again."


    After Artemis released him, Grishna emerged triumphantly, clutching the gang''s bulging coin pouches. "Let''s get out of here before the guards swarm in," she declared with a broad grin.


    The trio dashed out of the alleyway and sprinted back to the guild. Upon arrival, Atlas glanced over his shoulder and saw a swarm of guards converging on the scene. Dismissing his armor with a nonchalant gesture, he ignored the startled reactions of onlookers nearby.

 Chapter 77: Monster Vault, Sol Necklace And Books

    Atlas, Grishna, and Artemis stood in line, waiting to register their completed quests. While they waited, the orc girl spoke, ''''Your armor is beautiful, Azhar''Zul. It suits you well and complements your fighting style.''''


    He nodded before answering, ''''Yeah, it feels right to wear it when we first bonded like the two blades.''''


    Grishna beamed, ''''That''s good. It means the armor will grow with you, and depending on what rank it is, sometimes it boosts the wearer''s status,'''' she revealed.


    When hearing this, Atlas remembered he needed to check his status. He had slain numerous monsters and eleven criminals during the day, but he had been eager to equip the armor to see what boosts it provided.


    [Level Up: 59¡ú63]


    [Experience: 1480/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 8500]


    [Health: 444 (50)]


    [Mana: 1592¡ú1600]


    [Strength: 432¡ú436]


    [Stamina: 454¡ú460 (100)]


    [Charisma: 356¡ú358]


    [Intelligence: 368¡ú374]


    [Core Points: 12550¡ú20600]


    [Core Points Gained: 8050]


    ''The armor gave me a boost to health and stamina alongside all the gains I received,'' Atlas thought just as the group arrived at the front of the queue as he finished checking his status and dismissed his armor.


    That''s when the queue grew smaller, and the trio reached the counter. Grishna and Artemis stepped in first while Atlas waited. He watched the girls hand over the guild coins they had earned from the non-guild quests.


    Once the two girls finished with the receptionist and received their reward, Atlas stepped forward. A young man behind the counter greeted him, ''''Young man, can I have your card, please? And are you here to take a quest or register a completed one?'''' he questioned.


    ''''Register the three quests I just finished,'''' Atlas replied while handing over the card. ''''I''ve got the proof for the kills.''''


    Then he took out the Blood Rat Tails, Tidebreaker Claws, and bundles of Blue Seaweed. It shocked the young man and two girls behind him when it was all on the counter. When Grishna saw this, she had a bright smile on her pretty face before speaking, ''''Ya never cease to amaze me.'''' S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He grinned before winking at the orc before turning back to the man, scanning his guild card, and handing it back with 15 silver coins as the reward, ''''The three quests have been marked on your record. Congratulations on completing your first quests, Azhar''Zul.''''


    Then, Atlas and the two girls left the guild and headed toward the inn where they were staying. While walking, Artemis asked him, '''' How were your first quests?


    ''''It was good, but I fought two Sea Hags that attacked me while I was collecting the seaweed, which made me jump,'''' Atlas chuckled. ''''They looked freaky while shuffling in my direction, but I killed them thanks to my magic and some quick thinking.''''


    Grishna laughed while Artemis shook her head and explained, "You should have been more careful. Sea Hags are devious creatures. They may be weak, but if their claws touch you, they can poison you, regardless of your level or rank."


    ''''That''s why it flexed them. It confused me,'''' Atlas responded while thinking. ''''They were creepy looking and appeared from nowhere.''''


    The two girls nodded as Grishna commented, ''''Were you near tidepools or a swampy beach?''''


    ''''There were tidepools there; I did notice the creature did crawl out of it,'''' he said.


    Grishna smiled, ''''The Sea Hags live at the bottom of those and react when they sense someone in the area,'''' she informed him.


    Following that, the trio returned to the inn, where Estelle and Amethyst were sitting at a table when they entered. The phoenix girl jumped up and rushed toward Atlas before hugging him with a beautiful smile.


    ''''My Amore! You''re finally back; where have you been?'''' she questioned once, letting him go.


    She dragged him toward the table where the two were sitting. He explained everything he had been up to and showed them the weapons and armor he had bought, which pleased Estelle. ''''Very good buy, Azhar''Zul. It must have cost quite a bit of coin,'''' she commented.


    Atlas nodded before replying, ''''Yes. I used all my gold to buy it, but I think it was worth it because I kept getting injured and thought armor would be useful.''''


    The blonde knight agreed with a smile before the inn owner brought over some food, ''''Here you go, young ones, Beef Brother, for a cold day.''''


    Once the group started eating, Atlas stopped before giving Amethyst the lover''s band he had bought from the woman. The purple-haired girl beamed happily as she accepted the gift while he explained its functions.


    Amethyst looked at him with a bright smile. ''''Thank you, My Amore. It means a lot to me,'''' she said while touching the bracelet.


    That''s when Estelle spoke up, ''''Are you going to give them the gift? We didn''t look around the market for an hour for nothing, Little Bird.''''


    The Phoenix girl nodded before taking out a red orb and explaining, ''''This is a Monster Vault; you can put Lilith in it so she can rest and grow stronger. As long as you''re connected with it, she will earn some experience as you kill monsters.''''


    Atlas got excited when he saw this and quickly hugged Amethyst in thanks, which caused her cheeks to go red. She quickly returned the hug. ''''Thank you, Ame. It''s the best,'''' he said with a smile.


    When the older girls noticed this, they smiled warmly. Estelle then retrieved a necklace and gently laid it on the table. "This blessed necklace boosts your health stat by one hundred. They are commonly found in the Temples of Sol, our kingdom''s goddess," she explained. I bought it for you. It will enhance your health while you wear it."


    Atlas felt a wave of unfamiliarity and nervousness wash over him. He wasn''t accustomed to receiving gifts, which made him uncertain how to react. Gathering his thoughts, he shook his head slightly and met Estelle''s gaze with a sincere expression.


    "Thank you," he said softly. "I''ve never really received gifts before, so this means a lot to me."


    Just as Atlas was about to eat, a smiling Artemis pushed three books toward him. As she spoke, ''''Grishna and I went to get you something. It''s a text of legends and myths from the five continents. I noticed you were intrigued whenever we spoke about the world, so we thought you''d like this.''''


    Atlas picked up one of the thick books, its size reminding him of an encyclopedia from Earth. He ran his fingers over the cover and read aloud the title, "Legends and Myths of Valoria."


    He thought to himself, ''This looks interesting.


    After that, Atlas looked at the brunette, who smiled as he thanked her. ''''Thank you, Artemis, but you didn''t have to buy me anything as I''ve done nothing for you,'''' he gratefully commented while storing away the books and putting on Estelle''s necklace.


    Artemis waved him away with red cheeks. ''''Don''t worry about it, Azhar''Zul. It''s thanks for welcoming me to the party,'''' she said.


    The group continued to eat and talk as Atlas questioned everyone, ''''How do we start a party?''''


    As he said that, the four girls turned to him with wide eyes, but Estelle took out her guild card along with the others, and Grishna spoke, ''''Azhar''Zul put your card on ours and decided on a name as your leader.


    When Atlas heard the orc girl, a cheeky smile appeared on his face, which caused Artemis to protest, ''''Don''t make it a stupid name, boy. This will be with us for years.''''


    Just as he was about to speak, Amethyst proclaimed, "The Voidwalker''s Harem!"


    The declaration shocked everyone, yet no one contested the name. Atlas was particularly surprised, noting a glow emanating from their guild cards. As it dimmed, he examined his black card, finding nothing visible until Grishna said, "Look at the back, handsome; everything''s there."


    Atlas turned over the card only to see a button, which he pressed, and a notification popped up.


    [The Voidwalker''s Harem]


    [Members: 5]


    [Party Leader: Azhar''Zul]


    [Mage: Amethyst Flameheart]


    [Attacker: Grishna Brokentooth]


    [Attacker: Artemis Olympaea]


    [Defender: Estelle Argonia]


    ''Oh, this is cool,'' Atlas thought as the girls put their cards away while he stored the Monster Vault.


    Atlas was about to speak, but a city-wide alarm blared, causing everyone in the inn to look towards the door. Atlas glanced at Estelle, who looked nervous. "The city is being invaded! We need to see what''s happening."


    The group nodded, quickly jumping up and heading out the door. They saw the Argonian city guards rushing south as they spoke about a sudden Evergladian naval invasion. While outside, the streets were quiet, causing them to ready their weapons.


    Atlas called forth his armor, drawing his blades swiftly. That''s when the door to the inn flew open, and Lilith barralled out before jumping onto his back. Grishna''s voice carried concern, "I think the Nightowls snuck in alongside the Evergladians."


    "How do you know that?" Estelle demanded, her voice sharp with urgency.


    The orc girl pointed towards a nearby roof, prompting Atlas to look up. He spotted figures dressed entirely in black, seamlessly blending into the shadows with featureless white masks.


    Seeing this, the girls formed a protective circle around Atlas. Amethyst spoke urgently, "They''re here for you, Azhar''Zul. The Acheadmenids want to capture you."


    Atlas gulped but was ready to fight, as were the others; when the Nightowls saw this, they jumped off the roof and initiated their attack. He rushed forward to defend against an assassin that was going for Amethyst.


    Their blades connected, but Atlas battered them to the side and cast a Void Blast into the Nightowl''s chest, sending the enemy backward. A battle erupted in the middle of the street as explosions rang all over the city.

 Chapter 78: Soul Damage

    Atlas noticed a dozen Argonian guards rushing in their direction, but they were cut off by a group of Everglade soldiers who blocked the way. When he spotted this, he cast Void Blast into the group of men, catching them unaware.


    An explosion erupted, sending the enemies stumbling as the Argonians slammed into the soldiers. While this was happening, the girls circled Atlas, and the blonde knight exclaimed in a concerned tone, ''''Head for the harbor! We need to escape.''''


    ''Good idea, we won''t last long out here,'' Atlas thought while blocking a spear aimed at his throat as he saw the worry on Esetlle''s face.


    Everyone agreed before taking off down the street as mana shells rained from the sky and caused the surrounding buildings to explode around them. Debris and large chunks of stones flew everywhere.


    Atlas had to use Void Arrows to take out a few heading in their direction, but that''s when a group of Evergladians appeared, trying to block their way. He couldn''t stop running as Lilith leaped off him and swiftly joined the fray.


    He could tell the honey badger was excited to fight as she let out growls. Together, they unleashed a barrage of attacks on the soldiers. Atlas sliced through their armor with precise strikes, aiming for vulnerable joints to bring them down with resounding thuds.


    Each strike was followed by a piercing thrust through their helmets, swiftly killing the threat that blocked their escape. The girls arrived, and Grishna used Silver Shriek to disorient the enemy before skillfully using her spear to attack the confused soldiers.


    Atlas retreated as Artemis and Amethyst entered the fray. Artemis seamlessly blended elements, launching an Aqua Bomb that sailed through the air, detonating amidst a cluster of Nightowls. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Immediately after, she unleashed a Thunder Slash that strengthened the explosion, electrifying the foes who collapsed in a heap. Atlas watched the happiness on the brunette''s face as she combined the two spells to do extra damage.


    Once, Artemis noticed two Evergladians rushing at her, but thanks to being a skilled warrior, she butchered the men quickly. Meanwhile, Amethyst wasted no time, barraging the area with Cosmic Blasts and Bullets, streaks of purple energy cutting through the chaos.


    Her relentless assault ensured no enemy could evade their combined onslaught. Atlas noticed Estelle using Solar Shield to send the spells the enemy casters aimed at them whenever their attacks flew at the group.


    While doing this, Lilith went wild and took out soldiers with her sharp claws and teeth. Blood soaked the streets as bodies started to pile up all around them, but Atlas rushed to help the blonde knight, who was now fighting several soldiers who suddenly appeared to stop her using her shield magic.


    When Atlas got closer, he cast Void Step and vanished, only reappearing in the middle of the men to take the pressure off Estelle. He started to wildly slash and stab everything around him, causing panic to erupt among the Evergladians.


    Then, he was hit by a punch from one of the Nightowls, who suddenly appeared. A dozen of them engaged with the girls. Three of them were fighting Grishna, who was holding her own despite being at a lower level.


    Amethyst took to the sky while peppering them with cosmic blasts, but she was brought to the ground when one of the Nightowls used gravity magic on the phoenix girl. When Atlas saw this, he rushed forward and dodged attacks.


    Atlas managed to kill the assassin with Amethyst trapped, but he soon noticed Artemis and Grishna were being separated, which worried him. He tried to rush toward the two girls but was blocked by several Nightowls.


    ''They''re separating us!'' he instantly knew what they were doing.


    He turned toward Estelle, surrounded by Evergladians but holding her own. Still, Atlas rushed in her direction and cast several Void Blasts into the enemy soldiers, causing another explosion to scatter the enemy.


    In a sudden burst of chaos, Estelle was engulfed by a searing mana shell, hurling her through the air. Amethyst lunged to catch her, but a stealthy Nightowl slipped out of the shadows before she could catch her falling form.


    With a vicious strike, the assailant knocked Amethyst aside, sending her sprawling. The blonde knight lay motionless, injured, and unmoving. Atlas, watching in horror, felt panic surge through him like a torrent.


    ''Please be okay,'' he thought while looking at Estelle.


    Every second she remained motionless intensified his dread; that''s when he noticed Amethyst springing to her feet with a frown and unleashing a barrage of spells at the ambusher, who dodged each onslaught.


    Before the Nightowl could react, Lilith, who crashed into the enemy assassin, blindsided it. The honey badger tore into the surprised enemy, buying precious moments for Atlas to dash forward.


    His blade found its mark with precision, piercing the enemy''s skull. But as the Nightowl fell lifeless, realization struck hard¡ªAtlas stood alone now, surrounded by chaos and carnage while cut off from the girls.


    As Atlas glanced around, he saw Amethyst scooping up Estelle and soaring into the sky after summoning her wings, leaving him alone. He glanced around and realized another assassin had appeared, striking Lilith while she was engaged with the first one.


    The small creature screamed in pain and was sent flying before crashing to the ground. He sprinted towards her, pulling out a good health potion and pouring it over the creature, but the wounds were severe.


    Atlas looked up and spotted the Nightowl, quickly scanning the assassin and its deadly blade.


    [-----]


    [Level: 239]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    [Cursed Blade]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 5]


    Atlas''s eyes widened as he unleashed a dozen Void Blasts at the Nightowl. Scooping Lilith into his arms, he sprinted away, knowing he couldn''t face this assassin head-on. As he fled, he desperately scanned the small creature.


    [Soul Damage: Lilith''s soul was grievously wounded and requires healing from a Soul or Spirit Mage. She will slip into a deep, unconscious sleep in the meantime]


    ''Oh no, where will I find a Soul Mage?'' Atlas thought, heart racing as he dashed down the narrow street.


    Amidst the chaos, he spotted Amethyst crashing to the ground nearby, clutching Estelle in her arms. Racing towards them, Atlas arrived just in time to find the two girls surrounded by Nightowl Assassins, their blades menacingly held to the girls'' throats.


    Grim determination set his jaw as he swiftly retrieved the Monster Vault. With a heavy heart, he gently placed Lilith inside, securing her safety before turning to face the looming threat. But a commanding voice cut through the tension with a Persian accent before he could move.


    "Lower your weapons, Dahaka, and we''ll release your companions unharmed. Refuse, and their blood will stain these streets."


    As Atlas heard the demand, he knew they had him. With a swift thought, he dismissed his armor and weapons into his Dimensional Storage, which visibly startled the assassin.


    "Hand over your weapons. They''ll make fine gifts for our emperor," the man demanded.


    "No," Atlas replied calmly, though his smile betrayed underlying nerves. "If you seek a reward, you''ll have to end me for it."


    The man sighed heavily before he let out a sharp whistle. Behind Atlas, he heard swift footsteps approaching. In a blink, someone had clamped cold shackles around his wrists and hoisted him effortlessly over a broad shoulder.


    Atlas watched as they let the girls go before they dashed through the city streets while the battle raged across Volantis. He watched helplessly as the phoenix girl grew smaller in the distance.


    He bounced roughly on his abductor''s shoulders as they hurried through the winding streets of Volantis. Atlas wondered what the assassins had planned, but before he could ponder further, they reached the city walls.


    With a quick chant, the assassins cast a spell that allowed them to float effortlessly to the top of the city wall. Once there, a group of Evergladians tried to stop their escape, but the Nightowls swiftly eliminated them.


    Atlas was shocked by their efficiency, but he had little time to process it before the assassins leaped off the wall. Chanting again, they glided through the air until a ship sailed into view.


    The assassins altered their course, heading straight for it. Moments later, they landed on the deck with a solid thud. Atlas was thrown to the deck as the commander said, ''''Take this devil to the hold and make sure he can''t escape.''''


    Two sailors grabbed him by the feet and dragged him along the deck. This sudden situation made him chuckle, ''Am I in a comedy movie?''


    Before long, they arrived at a door leading into the belly of the ship. Without warning, one of the men opened the door and pushed Atlas down the stairs. He hit his head on each step with an alarming thud until he crashed into the floor below.


    [Health: 424/444 (50)]


    Atlas''s head was spinning as he felt blood trickling down, but this time it wasn''t healing, which worried him, ''Is it because of these shackles?'' he thought while looking at his hands.


    Eventually, when the pain subsided, he noticed a small cage tucked away in a corner. The men walked down before hauling Atlas towards it and dumped him inside. He lay there, catching his breath amidst murmurs and distant voices.


    As Atlas glanced around, he saw dozens of other people confined in similar cages. It made him wonder, ''I wonder who they are?''


    While doing that, a man''s voice reached his ears, ''''They finally caught Dahaka; I can''t believe their boogeyman was a little boy.''''

 Chapter 79: They Caught Me

    [Al-ladh¨© yursheed al-tareeq- The one who points the way]


    ***


    [The Girl''s POV]


    Amethyst watched as the Nightowls abducted Atlas. Her heart sank when they turned the corner, and she lost sight of her Amore''s mana. ''No! The Achaedmenids have got him. They will try to execute him because they believe he is the Dahaka,'' she thought internally.


    While staring at the street, she heard a moan, which caused her to look at Estelle, who was coming to. Amethyst moved towards her as she spoke, ''''Are you okay? How injured are you?''''


    The blonde knight grimaced as pain shot through her body, eliciting a yelp. Swiftly, she cast Healing Light upon herself and sighed in relief as the pain faded. Once Estelle was better, she spoke with a frown, ''''Where is Azhar''Zul? He was fighting the Nightowls.''''


    Amethyst frowned before revealing, ''''They abducted him once he surrendered when the assassins had knives to our throats.''''


    When the phoenix said this, the blonde knight was frustrated before speaking, ''''Let''s find Grishna and Artemis. What about Lilith? Where is she?''''


    ''''Azhur''Zul put her in the Monster Vault due to being injured,'''' Amethyst replied as the two girls started looking for the others.


    It took the duo half an hour to find Artemis and Grishna, who were being tended to by the Argonian healers. Estelle rushed over and spoke, ''''Azhar''Zul has been captured by the Achaedmenidians! They will try to execute him for being the Dahaka.''''


    The orc stared at her while a woman healed a slice across her face; once the healer was gone, she spoke, ''''What does that mean? He has dozens of names across Astoria, blondie.''''


    "Bringer of Chaos," Amethyst disclosed. "The Achaemenidians believe he will topple their realm, overthrow the emperor, and seize control of the empire through blood and fire.''''


    That''s when the three girls looked at her with curious expressions as she continued, ''''Azhar''Zul is the Chosen Messiah of my people, and the gods chose him to lead the Great Jihad that will bring the Saharaelians to paradise, but the emperor would want to capture him once finding out he arrived on Valoria.''''


    Once Amethyst finished speaking, she let out a small prayer, ''''Al-ladh¨© yursheed al-tareeq.''''


    ''''Do you think he wants to be their messiah?'''' Artemis questioned the phoenix girl.


    Amethyst shook her head, ''''I don''t think so, but when destiny started to mess with us mortals, there''s nothing we can do. Just look at the name he picked, Azhar''Zul; the fanatics from the Blue Dune Desert call him that,'''' she informed the three older girls.


    The group hushed until Grisha said, "Did Azhar''Zul give you the Lovers Band he mentioned? He said they can communicate once a day."


    Upon hearing this, the phoenix girl lifted her wrist, beholding the exquisite blue necklace, and silently thought, [Are you alright, my Amore? When you receive this, please send me a message as soon as possible]


    Amethyst waited for a while but got no reply, so Estelle stood up and spoke, ''''We should head to Honorhall and travel east to the Wyldheart Kingdom. Once Azhar''Zul replies to Little Birds'' message, we can tell him to head there.''''


    Everyone agreed with a nod before heading for the harbor as the Evergladians were defeated and pushed out of the city. While walking down the quiet streets, corpses littered the way.


    Grishna covered her nose while speaking, ''''I hate the smell of death; I could never get used to it.''''


    Following that, the girls had to wait for a ship to the mainland but secured passage on a guild vessel once they showed their cards and paid 2 silver.


    ***


    [Back to Atlas]


    Atlas spotted an older man with long blonde hair and green eyes who looked to be a noble of some sort. This caught his interest. ''''What does Dahaka mean? I heard the Nightowls call me it.''''


    The man laughed before introducing himself, ''''I am Tristan, son of the warrior empress Tomyris of the Graecoria Empire on the Aridonia Continent.''''


    ''A prince,'' Atlas thought.


    He shook his head and questioned, ''''What is a prince of an empire doing on a Nightowl ship in captivity?''''


    Tristan chuckled, ''''They caught me when I was visiting my fiance on Demacia. Our ship was attacked by the Achaemenidian fleet, which overwhelmed our escorts, and here I am,'''' he said with an annoyed tone.


    Atlas nodded while holding the shackles and wondered what they did; he turned to his neighbor, ''''Do these block spells?'''' he questioned.


    ''''Yes, Little One, but some skills can be used, but it''s hit and miss on what ones,'''' Tristen replied before the ship started moving.


    Following that, he felt his stomach rumble and tried to pull out some chocolate; when the delicious treat appeared in his hand, he got excited and quickly ate it, which caught Tristan''s attention.


    ''''What you eating, boy?''''


    Atlas handed over more chocolate through the bars, and Tristan scrambled to grab it. Upon realizing it, he burst into laughter but ate it eagerly nonetheless. Then he asked, "Where did this come from? Do you have a storage skill?"


    ''''Yes,'''' Atlas answered before eating some as the ship bounced up and down.


    Some other prisoners mentioned they were enduring a storm, but the ship seemed durable enough to stand against the waves. Still, Tristan informed Atlas that it would intensify further before the ship reached the Burrow River, which served as the gateway to the Elysian Sea.


    From there, Tristan told him their journey would continue southward until they reached an island known as Titan Crest, where they were detained before eventually being transported to the Zarandar Continent.


    Upon hearing this, Atlas felt excitement about discovering new lands and seeing new things. Yet, he wanted to be with the girls but found himself alone in this new world that seemed to see him as a messiah or devil.


    Atlas would head north once the chance presented itself. He checked his status after killing the Everglade soldiers and some weaker Nightowls.


    [Level Up: 63¡ú66]


    [Experience: 180/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 2800]


    [Mana: 1600¡ú1608]


    [Strength: 436¡ú446]


    [Intelligence: 374¡ú378]


    [Core Points: 20600¡ú23400]


    [Core Points Gained: 2800]


    While Atlas checked on his gains, the ship started to shake due to the stormy sea outside, causing the prisoners to fly all over the cages. However, it soon calmed down as some sailors entered the hold with food.


    ''Smells like shit,'' he mused.


    A man dropped a bowl of porridge-looking food, which he didn''t grab, but Tristan spoke, ''''Boy, can I have that?''''


    Atlas didn''t reply and pushed the bowl toward the prince before sitting down to get comfortable. He pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box and the fork he bought from the general store back on Volantis and started eating.


    The aroma swiftly filled the cramped hold, drawing the gaze of the other prisoners engrossed in their porridge. Ignoring their curious glances, Atlas relished the warmth of his steaming boar meat as the ship swayed on the turbulent sea.


    After taking his time to savor every bite, Atlas retrieved a blanket and settled down. Activating his Void Realm skill, he let his consciousness slip into its comforting depths as he reappeared in the forest.


    Atlas glanced around and heard no Void Raptors before he started walking. While doing that, he checked the amounts he needed to kill.


    [Void Raptors - 600/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 1/4]


    [Voidstalkers ¨C 997/1000] Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [King Void Raptor ¨C 1/1]


    "Three hundred and twenty-nine more raptors to dispatch before I can turn my attention to the Voidstalkers," Atlas pondered. "Perhaps they can lend me a hand once we''re ashore."


    With that idea in mind, he retrieved his armor from storage. In an instant, it materialized onto his body, accompanied by the Night Blade and Blod Knife appearing at his belt. As Atlas did that, he heard weird chirps and other noises heading in his direction.


    Readying his weapons, Voidstalkers rushed out of a nearby bush, causing Atlas to sidestep one of the monster lunges, allowing him to plunge his blade through its skull as another jumped on him from behind before biting down on his shoulder.


    This caused Atlas to scream in pain, but he cast Void Wave, which sent an azure blast from his body; the spell sent the Voidstalker flying into the forest. He bobbed and weaved around the creature''s claws and bites as they started their gang attack.


    He used his Night Blade to slice through the monster''s thick hide, causing them to turn into azure motes that floated away. Atlas continued slaughtering the Voidstalkers while taking some of their attacks to his body.


    Atlas killed nearly one hundred creatures an hour later, prompting him to check on the total.


    [Voidstalkers ¨C 903/1000]


    ''Hopefully, we can get the total under half by the time I die,'' he mused before continuing through the forest. He came to a stop as the Void Raptors'' calls rang out through the trees, causing him to prepare.


    The first monster burst out from the bush and went to bite down on his outstretched arm, but Atlas cast Void Bullet that slammed into the raptor''s head, causing an explosion to erupt, which sent him and the monster flying.


    Atlas crashed to the ground with a crash but quickly jumped up to his feet while readying his weapons as another Void Raptor pounced on him. He sidestepped the attack before plunging the Night Blase into the chest of the monster and piercing its heart.


    More of the void creatures attacked him without mercy, covering his body and armor with slash marks and blood, but Atlas managed to kill so many that he lost count by the time they stopped coming.

 Chapter 80: This Place Is Too Big

    Atlas lay on the ground, his body healing after the battle with the Void Raptors. The forest went quiet, giving him time to catch his breath before checking the number of monsters he needed to kill.


    [Void Raptors - 573/1000]


    ''Only three hundred and seventy six left to kill,'' he thought while standing up once his wounds healed. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas looked around but didn''t see anything, so he carried on while keeping an eye on his surroundings. It took another half an hour, and more raptors appeared and charged at him with malice in their black eyes.


    ''They give me the creeps,'' he mused while looking at the dinosaur monster.


    The monsters lunged at him, but he moved to the side as a Void Raptor flew past him. Atlas stabbed his Night Blade into the side of the creature and sliced along its body until it turned into azure motes.


    Another appeared, but he cast Void Arrows at it before stabbing a third through the eye until another tackled him to the ground with a thud. Atlas felt the creature''s claw pierce his chest, causing him to scream in agony, but he quickly touched the thing''s body and blew it away using Void Blast.


    Atlas and the Void Raptors continued their battle for a straight hour as explosions and roars rang across the forest. He was battered and bruised when the monsters stopped appearing while leaning against a tree with heavy breaths.


    ''''Hopefully, this shouldn''t take too long; these monsters will be my escape plan as soon as the opportunity arises,'''' Atlas muttered as he recovered.


    He was covered in dinosaur blood, and one of his arms was hanging limp after a surprised bite he received from a Voidstalker; his Regeneration was healing every injury, but all he had to do was wait.


    ''Damn it still hurts,'' Atlas thought while looking at a large chunk of flesh that was missing from his leg.


    Atlas observed as his armor seamlessly repaired itself, and his muscles gradually stitched back together. Taking advantage of the moment''s rest, he surveyed his surroundings: a vast expanse filled with hundreds of trees and thick clusters of bushes.


    He glanced upwards and saw a deep azure sky adorned with stars that shimmered like vibrant brushstrokes on a serene canvas. Nearly twenty minutes passed before he could stand again, but just as he rose, a Void Raptor Warrior lunged at him from a nearby bush.


    ''Oh crap!''


    The massive creature pinned him to the ground, its jaws snapping dangerously close. Atlas quickly cast Void Guard, blocking the razor-sharp teeth, then unleashed a Void Blast into the warrior''s chest, burning straight through it.


    Atlas pushed the Void Raptor Warrior off him while casting Void Step


    [Void Raptors - 311/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 0/4]


    [Voidstalkers ¨C 875/1000]


    [King Void Raptor ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not many raptors left to kill, and the warriors are already taken care of,'' Atlas thought as he stood up.


    He traveled around the forest, methodically hunting down the remaining Void Raptors. However, the Voidstalkers were proving to be a significant challenge, constantly ambushing him from all directions.


    Some even lunged at Atlas from the tree branches above, making him jump after hours of relentless attacks that had taken their toll. He made a critical mistake at one point, allowing the monsters to swarm him.


    Desperate, Atlas unleashed a Void Wave to push them back, but their numbers were overwhelming. He spammed spells into their ranks while using the surrounding trees to break the monsters up, but he struggled to keep the relentless horde at bay.


    Atlas had killed hundreds of Void Raptors and Voidstalkers monsters at this point, but it was driving him crazy. When they stopped attacking, he checked the totals and rested for a few seconds.


    [Void Raptors - 0/1000]


    [Voidstalkers ¨C 513/1000]


    ''Not long before I have to fight the Void Raptor King, at least I''ve cleared the Void Raptors,'' he mused. ''First, I must deal with the Voidstalkers, then look for the boss.''


    Then Atlas continued walking through the forest as he approached the mountain he saw in the distance. While traveling, he killed even more Voidstalkers who kept up with their ambushes, which annoyed him.


    ''This place is too big,'' he mused while glancing at his surroundings. ''I wonder what the second level is like.''


    Following that, Atlas resumed his journey, but he soon found himself battling even more Voidstalkers. Frustration and fatigue mounted as he fended off the cunning creatures. This time, he was too exhausted and sluggish, and they overwhelmed him, bringing his run in the Void Realm to an end.


    Atlas returned to reality and noticed everyone was asleep before he saw the night sky through the window at the end of the hold. The ship was calm, which meant the sea wasn''t rough anymore, but he heard people rushing above and wondered what was happening.


    Mana Cannons rang out, causing the other prisoners to wake up as their captures battled sea monsters trying to attack the ship. The journey continued across the sea for days, allowing Atlas even more time in the Void Realm.


    He was now standing at the entrance of the boss area after dealing with the remaining Voidstalkers. While standing at the entrance to the valley, he pulled up the totals of the first level.


    [Void Raptors - 0/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 0/4]


    [Voidstalkers ¨C 0/1000]


    [Void Raptor King ¨C 1/1]


    ''I bet the king is much stronger than the others,'' Atlas thought as he was getting nervous. He checked his status due to small gains from all the fights with the remaining Voidstalkers.


    [Mana: 1608¡ú1630]


    [Strength: 446¡ú450]


    [Intelligence: 378¡ú380]


    ''Nice, my mana shot up by twenty-two,'' he mused as a notification popped up.


    [Well done, Voidwalker! You cleared all the monsters and now have to defeat the Void Raptor King to unlock the skill that allows you to use the Void Monsters. Good luck with your boss fight]


    Atlas asked whoever was talking to him, ''''Can you give me the name of the skill? And bring up everything available about the Void Raptors.''''


    [Call Of The Void - Summons monsters from the void to aid the caster in battle - Each creature varies in mana cost, so select which ones you want to bring forth - No list available for monsters; complete the first level to unlock this feature]


    [Group One: Summon a pack of twelve Voidstalkers to aid in battle or scout an area. Each summoning portal costs 200 Mana and remains active for ten minutes. Extending their duration requires an additional 100 Mana for another ten minutes]


    [Group Two: Summon a pack of Void Raptors to assist in battle. The pack comprises eight members led by a Void Raptor Warrior who prioritizes your safety over their own. Each summoning portal requires 400 Mana and lasts for ten minutes. Extending their presence costs an additional 200 Mana for another ten minutes]


    [Group Three: Summon a pack of Six Void Raptors Warriors led by the Void Raptor King to assist in battle. The monsters prioritize your safety over their own. Each summoning portal requires 2000 Mana and lasts for ten minutes. Extending their presence costs an additional 1000 Mana for another ten minutes]


    ''Interesting. There are three different options, but the third is expensive. I can''t summon them yet, but the second will be enough time to escape; the perfect moment must come,'' he mused before entering the Void Raptor Kings arena.


    Atlas got nervous as he walked the path descending into the valley, sensing a foreboding aura that seemed to press against his very being. Steeling his resolve, he pressed onward until he emerged into a small forest encircling a spacious clearing.


    Ancient stone walls marked the arena''s perimeter, their weathered surfaces hinting at a history lost to time. As Atlas set foot within, arcane blue lights flickered to life along the edges, casting eerie shadows that danced across the ground.


    Gripping his blades tightly, Atlas braced himself as a monstrous figure materialized in the arena. When he caught sight of the creature, his jaw dropped in disbelief. "A Megaraptor! How can I defeat this thing?" he muttered.


    The Void Raptor King loomed twice the height of the warriors, and its midnight-black hide was decorated with sinister blue stripes that suited the void. He noticed its limbs ended in razor-sharp claws as big as his legs.


    Atlas shivered when seeing this thing, but he paled when hearing a deep, menacing male voice sounding in his head, ''A new Voidwalker has been born.''


    He watched the Megaraptor close in before its giant head sniffed him. ''I can smell the void on you, boy. My last master was a powerful warrior, but you''re a baby. Why has the Void Goddess sent you to me?''


    ''What? I was brought here by Luxia and Nyx, whose this Void Goddess you speak of?'' Atlas finally spoke.


    The monster circled him but ran one of its claws down his back as it replied, ''She will show herself in time, youngling. Do you want to fight me, or would you prefer to level up even more? It only makes sense as I''m a much higher rank.''


    Atlas used Void Sight on the Megaraptor.


    [----]


    [Level One Boss]


    [Race: Void Raptor]


    [Rank: C+]


    ''So strong,'' he thought with a gulp. ''I''d have to be sneaky in defeating him.''


    ''Haha. I feel your fear, youngling; we can postpone our fight until you''re stronger,'' the monster said while walking away from him. ''I won''t think any less of you, Voidwalker, it''s the way of life.''


    Atlas shook his head and readied himself for a fight, ''That is noble of you, but I have no choice. I need to defeat you because I''ve been captured by an enemy who wants to execute me. So your help is required.''

 Chapter 81: If I Can Help

    ''Very well, youngling. We shall fight, and I hope you do defeat me so that I may aid you in the unfortunate situation you find yourself in,'' the Void Raptor King said. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas readied his blades as the armor fixed the remaining damage just as he stepped forward. His armor covered all the weak spots but allowed him to move quickly to dodge any incoming attacks.


    ''Hopefully, I can defeat this monster and move onto level two,'' he thought.


    Following that, a horn rang out, announcing the beginning of the fight as the Raptor King charged forward, getting ready to swipe at him, but Atlas was ready and cast several Void Bullets that hit the ground in front of the monster.


    When Atlas saw this, his nerves grew, ''Oh god, this is going to be difficult.''


    The spells exploded, causing chaos all over the arena, throwing the creatures off course and allowing Atlas to duck under its claws. After that, he unleashed a Void Blast at the Raptor King''s chest, causing it to roar in pain.


    When it was distracting, he cast Void Step and materialized on the creature''s back. He intended to drive his blade toward the Raptor King''s skull, but the beast suddenly bucked his aim, causing his strike to graze its tough hide.


    The creature then threw him off its back and managed to strike him with its tail, but Atlas threw up Void Guard and took the brunt of the impact. He was still sent flying before crashing across the arena''s ground.


    Atlas stopped when he hit the arena''s wall; his head spun, but he looked up only to see the Raptor King''s foot closing on him. He quickly cast Void Step again and vanished as a dust cloud erupted when it swung its massive claws, causing the monster to become momentarily blind.


    When he reappeared on the other side of the arena, Atlas quickly got to his feet. The monster turned to face him, its azure blue eyes gleaming excitedly. ''Little one, you are amusing, but you cannot run forever. Death is right behind you, and I will deliver it,'' the monster spoke in his mind before it charged at him.


    Atlas unleashed a dozen Void Blasts and Bullets. The King Raptor barreled through the attacks, but that''s when he noticed injuries beginning to cover its body. He continued to fling spells at the monster, but it never slowed it down.


    The battle continued for an hour, with Atlas dodging around the arena while the creature relentlessly attacked with its claws and tail. Growing more confident, he Void Stepped onto the monster''s head and cast a Void Blast directly into its skull.


    The Raptor King proved more cunning than anticipated, swiftly dropping its head to dislodge Atlas, who tumbled off its back. It snapped its jaws shut, swallowing him whole. That''s when the monster''s voice echoed as darkness enveloped him, "Perhaps next time, little one."


    Then Atlas just woke up as his abductors dropped his dinner in front of the cage. While looking at it, Tristan spoke up hopefully, ''''Boy, can I have that food, please?''''


    He spun on the man and spoke, ''''My name is Azhar''Zul, not boy. But yes, you can have it.''''


    After speaking, Atlas pushed the bowl over Tristan''s cage as the man thanked him, ''''It''s nice to meet you, Azhar''Zul, and thanks for the food.''''


    Atlas nodded before pulling out some chocolate and one of the books that the girl got for him. He wanted to read one about the Zarandar Continent and saw hundreds of stories that caught his attention.


    He recalled their destination: Titan Crest, once a part of the Wildheart Kingdom, now under the rule of the Achaemenid Empire. Rumors hinted at tales surrounding the mountains on the island''s western part.


    Following that, he skimmed through the book while eating some chocolate until he found a particular story about a scream that echoed through the Titan Forest and frightened the locals, with some going missing.


    ''Banshee maybe?'' Atlas mused. ''Maybe its some kind of monster hunting?''


    An eyewitness account describes a group of three hunters spotting a monster roaming through the forest before they were attacked by it. Only one survivor made it to Crestpoint Town on the southern part of the island.


    The story caught Atlas''s attention. ''Why are there monsters everywhere in the world? First, it''s blue goblins, then sea monsters,'' he complained internally.


    The survivor said it was tall, hairy, and looked like a human, which made Atlas rant even more, ''''First a Yeti and now a Bigfoot? What''s next, the Loch Ness Monster or gnomes?''''


    Atlas pondered as he contemplated the journey to the Zarandar Continent beyond the Dragon''s Deep Strait, separating the island from the mainland. Thoughts raced through his mind, ''Could this strait be my escape from the island? I have Aqua Lung, but how long does it allow me to breathe underwater?''


    He pulled up the skill and started reading through the information.


    [Aqua Lung: Allows used to breathe underwater for ten minutes - Time increases as the skill is leveled up]


    Following that, he read about local legends, consisting of man-eating trolls roaming the Titan''s Fist Forest on a peninsula leading to the mainland. There was Tajariyah, a city built on the side of a mountain.


    ''What the hell? How is a city built there?'' Atlas thought before turning to Tristan, who was now trying to sleep.


    ''''Prince, what is this Tajariyah City? Why is it on the side of a mountain?'''' he questioned.


    Tristan commented on the city, saying it used to be free, but the Immortals conquered it a few generations ago. The founders carved out a mountain to build inside it, and they sustained themselves by growing food using planters.


    The city is renowned for its dungeon, rated as level two. It attracts thousands of adventurers every week, arriving by ship from all corners of the world. Then, Atlas questioned the Graecorian Prince, who bargained for the information; he gave the man chocolate and bread, which got him talking.


    Tristan told him that Zarander''s northern coast was full of pirates, bandits, and mercenaries who worked for the Achadmenidian army. Atlas told the prince that he needed to get north, but Tristan advised against it due to the higher-ranked scum roaming that region.


    This didn''t deter him, and when he voiced this, his new friend waved him away. ''''If you come to the Graecoria Empire, I''m sure Mother and my aunt Gorgo would be able to smuggle you to the Wildheart Kingdom,'''' Tristan suggested.


    He looked at the man and said, ''''I''ll think about it as your homeland is on Aridonia, and I need to make it to Astoria, but I guess you want me to help you get out of here?''''


    ''''Yes, Azhar''Zul, but I have no doubt Mother is organizing something now,'''' Tristan said. ''''I activated my Life Token, and a few of my guards escaped the slaughter when the Nightowls bundled me back onto their ship.''''


    Atlas looked at the disheveled prince before nodding, ''''If I can help, I will.''''


    Tristan smiled as he started questioning Atlas about his life, but there wasn''t much to tell as the old memories were fractured and broken. All he knew was his adoptive family was from the Thalassia Empire, and they found him when he was a baby.


    Following that, Atlas continued reading through the different legends and myths of Zarander, only to find creepy stories and haunting tales. Once he finished the book, he put it back into storage while pulling out a Dragon Meat Feast.


    He began to eat, prompting Tristan to glance at him with pleading eyes; this caused Atlas to chuckle. He then tossed a piece of food to Tristan, drawing the attention of the other prisoners.


    With a sigh, he decided to share the meal with them. Afterward, Atlas sat down and got comfortable as the journey continued for another week. During this time, he tried to fight the Void Raptor King, but the monster always managed to beat him.


    Tristan was waffling on about his fiance who lives on Demacia and how beautiful she was, which caused Atlas to ask where she was, only to find out that the guards that were spared the ambush managed to protect her and would have been taken to the empire.


    While the two were talking, a horn rang out, causing the other prisoners to panic. This confused Atlas, but soon, the sounds of seagulls could be heard, making him realize, ''Land is nearby; let''s see where they take me.''


    Then, Atlas put away the book he was reading just as the Nightowls appeared with their creepy white marks and black bodysuits. They approached his cage while holding a chain and shackles.


    He looked at the Nightowl, who started to open the cage, and noticed her figure was womanly, causing him to speak, ''''Why do you think I''m this Dahaka?''''


    Atlas was dragged out by two of the assassins before the one he assumed was a woman slapped the shackles on him; a feminine voice answered, ''''You''re the bringer of chaos and blood. It is foretold by the elders that you will cover the empire in the blood of innocents.''''


    ''So they believe I''m so sort of demon king?'' Atlas mused.


    ''''Do you think I''m a Demon King? It sounds like it,'''' he questioned.


    The female Nightowl pushed him forward as the others parted ways, ''''You''re the much worse devil,'''' she said.


    Atlas chuckled, but that''s when he heard Tristan''s voice ring out, ''''Azhar''Zul! We will meet again. Thanks for all the help.''''

 Chapter 82: Revenge

    Atlas was pushed toward the stairs leading to the deck above; the Nightowl pushed him along without saying a word. He stumbled up the stairs because his legs were weak from being in the cage for so long.


    ''''Get up, devil! It''s not hard to walk,'''' the Nightowl female barked out. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Shut it, woman, I''ve been in that damn cage for over a week without standing up,'''' Atlas retorted while getting to his feet. ''''If you want to go quickly, how about carrying me, miss?''''


    The Nightowls stiffened, and the ones behind went to react, but the woman stopped them, ''''Just move; otherwise, I will shock you,'''' she demanded.


    Atlas chuckled but shut up when a horrible shock rushed through his body, causing him to yelp in pain, ''''Oww! What was that for!''''


    ''''Keep moving, devil, and stop trying to prolong things,'''' the woman commented.


    He could tell she was smiling, so he got back up and replied, ''''One day, I will wipe that smile off your face, woman.''''


    Atlas was shocked again, causing the Nightowls to laugh, but the woman leaned forward and spoke in an amused tone, ''''I would like to see that, Dahaka.''''


    Following that, he was led outside, where the ship was docked in a fortress. Atlas glanced around and saw hundreds of soldiers patrolling or guarding the harbor. He examined the nearest soldier, who was wearing bronze-looking armor covering his torso, limbs, and face.


    They were wielding spears or curved swords, and the soldiers reminded Atlas of the Persian soldiers from Earth''s history. After examining them, the Nightowls led him off the ship and through the fortress''s streets, only to be greeted by the people''s hatred.


    Atlas stumbled painfully through the crowded streets, his heart sinking with every jeer and every thrown object. The crowd, fueled by fear and hatred, hurled insults at him, calling him the Dahaka, their voices blending into a cacophony of scorn.


    Amidst the chaos, the Nightowls watched with cold amusement, their faces hidden in the shadows of their hoods. While walking, the woman stepped closer and swiped his feet from under him.


    He hit the ground hard, grunting in pain, but that was when another wave of random stuff hit him, and the surrounding people started cheering. Atlas''s rage was building, causing his azure eyes to glow due to his emotions.


    Atlas rose to his feet, his chest heaving with fury as he faced the mocking Nightowls. His voice crackled with pent-up rage as he unleashed his threat.


    "One day," he growled, his eyes burning fiercely, "I will make you watch as I raze this place to the ground. I''ll stack these people''s severed heads outside these damn walls!"


    After he uttered those words, the woman''s hand lashed out, striking him with a force that sent his world into darkness. It took an eternity for consciousness to return, and when his eyes finally fluttered open, he was met with a chilling sight.


    A brown-skinned man with grey hair and glowing yellow eyes, adorned in wealthy clothing crowned with gold, glowered at Atlas with seething hatred, sending a chill down his spine as he felt this person''s power.


    Shaking his head to dispel the fog, Atlas sat up slowly, only to discover himself surrounded by a ring of armed soldiers. Their spears were pointed directly at him, ready to strike at any sign of defiance.


    Atlas was in a large hall where he spotted dozens of nobles watching him with fear or hatred in their eyes. He let out a bitter laugh in this man''s face before speaking defiantly, "Does an innocent child strike fear into the hearts of the Achaemenid Empire?"


    He winced as the butt of a spear struck him, eliciting a sharp yelp before he instinctively cradled his side. The man with the glowing yellow eyes rose to his feet, an evil smile twisting his features as he advanced towards him.


    "You will be taken to Babylon City when the weather permits," the man declared, his voice laced with malice. "Once there, you will be executed for all to witness."


    Atlas met the man''s gaze defiantly, but a young woman''s voice cut through the tension before he could respond. "Father, why not make him a slave?" she suggested casually. "I could use him as a guard, or perhaps Auntie needs a toyboy?"


    Atlas gazed at the girl. Her wild pink hair cascaded down to her chin, complementing her piercing yellow eyes, similar to the men. Her face was captivatingly beautiful, embodying a blend of innocence and allure.


    The older girl''s features were delicate yet captivating: a small button nose, full plump lips that hinted at a mischievous smile. He noticed she was wearing a pink satin dress that hugged her curves, accentuating her alluring figure.


    As his gaze lingered on her, captivated by her beauty, the soldiers around him noticed and reacted. Without warning, he was struck again, this time by the commander himself. "Do not lay your lecherous gaze on the princess, devil," the commander barked, his voice laced with disdain and authority.


    Afterward, the man silenced the surrounding soldiers before speaking, ''''I am Cyrus the Great, the God Emperor of the Achaemenid Empire and soon the whole of Astoria. I must thank you for making it easy to capture you, but now I have decided what I will do with you.''''


    ''''And what is that, oh great emperor?'''' Atlas sarcastically replied with a smirk, which annoyed everyone.


    A soldier hit him again, but this time, he didn''t complain as the emperor spoke, ''''You will be put into a the boats to suffer for eternity because a devil deserves no less,'''' he stood up and looked at the gathered nobles, ''''With this I''ve ended the threat of the Dahaka toward our empire. Now continue with the Wildheart Invasion and kill that Thalassian general who is holding our army back.''''


    When the emperor said this, Atlas started laughing, catching everyone''s attention as he declared, ''''You might as well execute me now, Cyrus, because I will escape and come back for my revenge after your Nightowls hurt Estelle.''''


    A soldier moved to hit him, but that''s when the princess moved forward and laid a heavy punch on his chin. Atlas crumpled unconscious. As the emperor commanded, "Lock him up securely. Ensure he cannot escape," the surrounding soldiers promptly saluted.


    They then dragged Atlas towards the dungeons, watched intently by the onlookers.


    ***


    [Darya Safavi''s POV]


    ''I knew Dahaka was this young but he looks like a little boy compared to the picture we saw before,?'' Darya mused before thinking about something else. ''What if he does escape and bring ruin to the empire? The Immortals or Nightowls will be able to deal with him.''


    Once they were gone, her father spoke, ''''Darya, make sure to cast your spells to keep an eye on him.''''


    Darya looked at her father, ''''Couldn''t any of my siblings have done it? They all know the same spell,'''' she said confusedly.


    ''''You''re the strongest out of all my children, apart from Kian, but he is busy with the alliance now. So you must do this, my eldest daughter,'''' the emperor replied.


    She nodded before following the soldiers dragging the boy along the fortress corridors. Darya didn''t know why they were at the frontline, but she assumed it was her father''s excitement at catching the Dahaka.


    Soon, they arrived at the dungeon, where no one else was inside. That''s when Darya saw the tiny cage with the cell. ''Are they putting him in there? It''s good; at least he won''t escape.'' she thought.


    Afterward, the soldiers forced the boy into the cage amidst his curses and foul-mouthed protests. When the opportunity arose, He even tried to bite one of the guards but was swiftly struck down like a wild monster.


    ''He''s so rude,'' she thought.


    Once the soldiers had secured Dahaka inside, Darya approached as they locked the cage. They bowed to her, but she halted them with a command, "Remain here for a moment. I must set up a spell under the emperor''s orders."


    The soldiers nodded and stood off to the side while she cast the spell, but the boy spoke again, ''''You''ve got a mean left hook, woman. My jaw is still hurting.''''


    ''''Shut up, devil, do not speak to me,'''' Darya responded, causing him to laugh, which irritated her.


    ''''One day you won''t be saying that, Princess,'''' Dahaka said in an amused tone.


    Darya spun on him with narrowed eyes, but he caught her off guard and spoke again: ''''But having an enemy like yourself will be fun. Hopefully, it''s you they send after me once I escape.''''


    ''''Shut up,'''' she retorted. ''''You will not be escaping. Unfortunately, there are thousands of soldiers between you and freedom, so unless you have a secret we haven''t discovered, you are out of luck, Dahaka.''''


    After addressing her task, Darya proceeded to weave the spells, enabling her and her father to monitor the boy. Once the magic was complete, she left the dungeon and encountered her older cousin, Commander Farah Bahrami, a night owl with short brown hair, smooth brown skin, and striking green eyes.


    ''''Cousin Darya! How are you, girl? Did you lock up that devil?''''


    She smiled, ''''I''m fine, Farah, but I hate being on this island. I understand why Father brought me here, but I still don''t like it.''''


    ''''At least we caught the Dahaka; he was driving the emperor crazy,'''' Farah replied before the two strolled to the dining room.

 Chapter 83: You Will Be Left In The Dark

    Atlas spotted the Achaemenid Princess leave the dungeon, causing him to glance around and soon realize he was inside two prison cells that were inside each other. The one he was in now had enough room for him to sit up, but that''s all.


    Beyond the bars of his enclosure lay another set made of a foreboding black metal so dark that it absorbed all light, leaving Atlas perplexed. Following that, he looked around the room and found himself in a dark and gloomy one.


    ''Maybe I''m deep underground? It''s a shame they knocked me out,'' he thought while glancing around.


    That''s when he spotted guards patrolling the room. ''They are scared of me this much? It''s like they''re securing a Demon King,'' Atlas mused.


    He turned his attention to one of the soldiers and grinned while speaking, ''''Where can I go to the toilet? There''s no bucket in here.''''


    The commander stopped walking and stared at him with hatred, but he detected fear in his gaze before the soldier answered, ''''Use the floor, devil. We''re not cleaning up after you.''''


    Atlas looked at him, ''''Okay when I shit, I''m going to throw it at you, commander. I will dirty your shiny armor.''''


    ''''If you even think about it, I will kill you, Dahaka,'''' another soldier spoke.


    His threat made Atlas laugh as he pulled out some chocolate and started eating, which confused them. The commander barked out, ''''Where did that come from, Dahaka? Do you have a storage skill?''''


    ''''No comment. Until I get a toilet, I will ignore you until it''s time to throw shit at you,'''' Atlas replied before pulling out the Monster Compendium he got from Wildwood City back on Echo Isles.


    Atlas wanted to discover what monsters called the Zarandar Continent home and soon learned of many monsters, from trolls to slimes. He was getting excited to explore Zarandar but hoped the girls were okay.


    When thinking about Amethyst, he remembered the bracelet and pulled it out, only to realize the shackles blocked it. Atlas got angry but soon calmed down as the soldiers started laughing.


    ''''Shut it, humans; once I''m out of here, I will turn you into meat paste,'''' Atlas said to the guards'' commander.


    He was a tall man with a bald head and a black goatee. Atlas hated his face as he spoke: ''''I will be the one to put you into the boats and feed you every day, so watch your mouth, Dahaka.''''


    Atlas was going to speak, but then the emperor said he would put him in the boats, which caused a shiver to run all over his body. He remembered that the Persians from Earth put prisoners between two ships and covered them with honey and milk.


    The staff would attract insects and all sorts of creepy crawlers that would eat and lay eggs in the body while the guards kept the prisoner alive. When Atlas thought about this, the thought of such torture scared him.


    ''No I will unlock level one and get the Void Raptors to escape but how will I remove these shackles?'' he mused as the lights went out.


    In the pitch-black darkness, Atlas''s eyes illuminated the room, revealing even more soldiers pouring in, causing him to think, ''They are scared.''


    With a snicker, he took out some chocolate and took a bite before throwing it at one of the soldiers who passed by the cell. It hit his helmet with a tinge, causing the man to get angry, but the commander spoke, ''''Ignore the devil. He''s trying to annoy us during our rotation.''''


    Following that, Atlas decided to try to fight the Void Raptor King again and activated the Void Realm. He reappeared in the area while the monster was relaxing and sitting down like a chicken, which made him laugh.


    ''Why are you laughing, Little One? Do you find me amusing?'' the Raptor King''s voice rang out in his mind.


    Atlas laughed again before waving the monster away, ''''It''s nothing; let''s fight.'''' S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He prepared his weapons as the king charged at him. Atlas dodged the tail swipe this time instead of Void Stepping and rolled to evade the flying claws. Simultaneously, he unleashed several Void Blasts at the creature''s ankles.


    The spells struck true, eliciting a roar of pain from the Raptor King. This prompted Atlas to press his attack even harder by driving his blade into the monster''s leg and casting a Void Bullet through the weapon, causing a chunk of flesh to get blown away.


    Atlas tried to use Void Step to escape, but the Raptor King struck him with its tail; he was sent flying across the arena before crashing into the wall with a thud. He fell to the floor while his head spun.


    He quickly recovered thanks to Regeneration, only to see the monster limping toward him while speaking, ''You''re a pain in the ass Little One, my foot is hanging off.''


    ''Got you, wait until I bring you down, Mario,'' Atlas said while standing up and wiping blood from his lip. ''''You will be my escape from the prison I found myself in.''


    ''Defeat me, I will make sure my children get you out, because of your lack of mana I cannot appear to help,'' the Raptor King said while getting close.


    Atlas raised his hand and cast several Void Arrows, but his hand was more to the right before following up with a dozen Void Blasts. The spells sliced through the air, but the monsters jumped to the left.


    ''Dammit!''


    He dashed forward, but the Raptor King was ready and swung its claws in his direction. Atlas used Void Step to appear on its back. The monster bucked its giant body, but Atlas stabbed it, running the blade down its side.


    Blood rushed out, causing Atlas to slip and crash to the ground below before he understood what had happened. He looked up only to see the Raptor King''s foot crush him, which ended his run in the Void Realm.


    Atlas came to his little cage as the lights were back on, causing him to glance around and spot the emperor standing at the prison door. He grinned before speaking, ''''What do you want? You''ve got me trapped like a monster, aren''t you happy? Or do you like making little boys suffer?''''


    Cyrus twitched with anger as he snapped, ''''You''re a monster! You will kill millions on your Great Jihad. Don''t think I haven''t read the report about the three desert warriors traveling across Aridonia.''''


    ''''What does that have to do with me, old man?''''


    ''''It proves to me that you''re in league with the Devils of the Desert and plan to overthrow me,'''' Cyrus said before wrapping a cloak around himself.


    Atlas beamed, ''''I wasn''t planning any Great Jihad, old man, but now I will, and to make it even worse,'''' he teased the emperor.


    He watched the man''s eyes widen, so Atlas twisted the knife, ''''She will give me many children who will inherit your throne. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity, father-in-law.''''


    The emperor sneered at him before turning around and leaving the dungeon, causing Atlas to laugh at the man even more, which rubbed salt in the wound. Once alone, he pulled out his enchanted cloak and wrapped it around himself.


    Atlas grew tired and got as comfortable as he could before falling asleep while the guards watched him with strange expressions. When Atlas woke up, the outer cell door opened, causing him to throw the blanket back into his storage and gave the newcomers a shit-eating grin.


    The Princess addressed him with a sneer, "Get prepared for tomorrow. You''ll be transported to the capital. We''ll be traveling by ship to ensure there''s no chance of escape."


    ''''Okay, I hope the journey is peaceful,'''' Atlas answered.


    He could see the woman was getting annoyed and retorted, ''''The Boats will show you not to mess with us, Dahaka.''''


    Atlas looked at her like an idiot, ''''You''re the one who attacked me! Are you stupid, Princess? I was minding my own business, and your creepy assassins appeared out of nowhere.''''


    ''''Shut up, you demon; you would have come for us in no time,'''' she commented before turning around and exiting the cell. ''''You will be left in the dark until we leave. Hopefully, I can postpone it so you linger here longer.''''


    He chuckled before teasing the enemy princess, saying, ''''That''s fine. I like the dark; it''s comforting.''''


    When the woman heard this, she sputtered and didn''t know how to reply. Atlas watched her turn to a guard, ''''Cut the light and make sure he''s in the dark,'''' she ordered before leaving.


    Atlas found himself perplexed. ''Why is she acting so petty?'' he pondered.


    With a nonchalant shrug, he withdrew a piece of bread and began to eat as he gazed into the darkness, illuminated only by his eyes. As days passed, Atlas continued attempting to fight the Raptor King, yet each defeat only deepened his growing frustration.


    When Atlas was allowed to enter the Void Realm, he did so only to hear the Raptor Kings ringing in his mind, "Little One, you''ve done brilliantly. I do hope this time you beat me so I''m able to aid you."


    He nodded before readying his weapons and charging toward the monster while targeting its ankles. The King Raptor dodged it, but Atlas sent a dozen Void Bullets that connected with its flesh and exploded.

 Chapter 84: Head There Boy

    Atlas watched as the Void Bullets tore through chunks of flesh, eliciting a pained roar from the monster. Undeterred, he pressed on, utilizing Void Step to reappear on its back, and drove his blade deep into its body and cast Void Blast through its body.


    The Raptor King started thrashing its body around, but Atlas held on tight and continued to cast spells. He was thrown off and crashed to the ground with a thud, causing him to look at the creature''s eyes that were locked onto him.


    This made Atlas shiver, but he jumped to his feet as the monster hobbled toward him. He continued rushing forward, dodged a swipe from the monster, and slashed with both blades, slicing right through its hide.


    Covered in the Raptor King''s blood, Atlas watched triumphantly as the creature collapsed, its proud voice echoing in his mind, ''You did it, Little One! I''m proud of you and I also my old master would also be proud of your achievement.''


    Afterward, the monster dissolved into azure motes, and Atlas found himself abruptly back in the real world. Happiness surged through him as he opened his eyes, the exhilaration of victory coursing through his body.


    That''s when the notification popped up, bringing a smile to his face.


    [Well done, Voidwalker! You completed Level One and have moved on to Level Two. You may use the three Void Raptor options]


    [Call Of The Void Unlocked: Allows the Voidwalker to summon monsters from whatever level you unlocked - Void Raptors]


    ''This is brilliant; now I can escape when the time comes,'' Atlas thought. ''I wonder what the next level will be.''


    Following that, Atlas pulled out an Orc''s Delights Meat Box and started eating, which confused the surrounding soldiers, but they ignored him. He wanted to recover his energy so he could check out level two.


    Once Atlas was finished eating, he checked his status.


    [Health: 444¡ú448]


    [Mana: 1630¡ú1650]


    [Strength: 450¡ú454]


    [Stamina: 460¡ú466]


    [Intelligence: 380¡ú384]


    [Void Step: 1¡ú2]


    [Call Of The Void Unlocked]


    Atlas smiled when he saw the small increases, which were better than nothing. While looking at the status, his stomach rumbled, ''I''m hungry. Hopefully, they will try to transport me soon so I can escape.''


    Following that, he pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box and started eating while watching the guards patrolling the dungeon. A few more days passed until the princess returned with the Nightowls.


    He instantly noticed the woman assassin and smiled at her before speaking, ''''I still haven''t forgotten about our little promise. I do hope to see you again one day.''''


    ''''Shut it, Dahaka, we made no promise,'''' the Nightowl woman said.


    Atlas watched the princess step forward and say, in a severe tone, ''''Come now, demon. We will take you to the ship.''''


    He nodded as the soldiers opened the cell and approached while warning him, ''''Do not do anything, Dahaka, or I will knock you out again.''''


    ''''I will be good,'''' Atlas responded with a fake look of resignation. ''''There''s no way I can escape, so I might as well try to prove my usefulness to the empire.''''


    As he said that, the princess raised her eyebrow as a curious expression appeared on her beautiful face, ''''Why would a Father want a devil to serve him?''''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''There''s no point in trying to fight at every chance I get; I''ll just be knocked out,'''' he said.


    The princess said nothing but connected a chain to the shackles before dragging him out of the dungeon and leading him through the fortress. Atlas spotted a practical place with no decorations, but the debris everywhere looked like a battle was taking place in the halls and corridors.


    While glancing around, the princess commented, ''''We took this fortress from the Wildheart Kingdom a few days ago. When Father received the message that the Nightowls were closing in on you, he came here on the imperial airship.''''


    Atlas didn''t reply but kept walking until the smell of the sea hit his nose, causing him to smile as it was nearly time to test his new skill. The group traveled for another ten minutes until they reached the fortress''s harbor.


    As the Nightowls escorted him outside, Atlas couldn''t help but notice the hundreds of guards lingering, their eyes fixed on him with unwavering hatred. This made him smile as he finally spoke, ''''Princess, it was a pleasure to meet you, but I must go now.''''


    Afterward, Atlas activated Call Of The Void and summoned Group Two¡ªthe Eight Void Raptors, led by a powerful warrior. When the surrounding soldiers, Nightowls, and the princess saw this, their eyes widened in fear as a blue portal opened behind him.


    That''s when the eight Void Raptors surged out and lunged at the enemies; the Nightowls quickly rushed the princess out of the way as the dinosaurs tore into the surrounding soldiers, who were slow to react.


    While this was happening, Raptor Warrior rushed out just as an arrow slammed into Atlas''s shoulder, causing him to scream out in pain, but he managed to jump on the monster''s back before shouting, ''''Escape!''''


    The monster started sprinting through the harbor as spells landed all around them, but the fast dinosaur dodged everything as they spotted the fort walls looming in the distance. Atlas noticed dozens of soldiers closing in on them, which caused him to summon Group One and another Group Two using Call Of The Void again.


    A portal suddenly opened, unleashing twelve Voidstalkers, eight Void Raptors, and an additional Warrior who swiftly attacked the nearby soldiers, their screams echoing as they were torn apart.


    More Achaemenidians and Nightowls appeared; hot on Atlas''s trail, they managed to hit him a few times as the attackers appeared out of nowhere. The warrior he was riding reached the wall only to shock everyone as it started running up and reached the top within seconds.


    Atlas watched as the monster swiped at a group of soldiers who tried blocking its way before it leaped off the top and hit the ground below. He laughed and smiled as they left the fortress behind and sprinted toward the mountain in the distance.


    The void monsters left behind caused chaos to distract the enemy. Atlas rode the warrior for a while but had to spend another two hundred mana, which left him low enough to keep the monster in this realm.


    As they got further away from the fortress, he spotted a forest in the distance and pointed toward it, ''''Head there, boy!'''' he instructed the creature.


    When Atlas spoke, the Raptor Warrior let out a call in response. It darted swiftly through the dense forest, deeper and deeper, until it finally stopped. The intensity of his wounds overwhelmed Atlas, causing him to tumble off the creature.


    Three arrows protruded from his torso, and one had lodged into his left leg. Atlas grimaced, his gaze shifting from the shackles binding his wrists. He wondered how to get them off until a terrible idea appeared.


    Atlas took out two of the good Health Potions and placed them in front of him before he held his hands out and spoke nervously, ''''Boy, can you bite them off? It''s the only way to use magic and be free of these things.''''


    The Raptor Warrior appeared horrified, yet it nodded resolutely as it snapped through Atlas''s wrist, rendering him momentarily silent. He stared at the bloody stumps, bracing himself as searing pain surged through his body.


    "Gah, this hurts," he grimaced.


    Atlas noticed his Regeneration kicked in and stopped the bleeding, allowing him to use his stumps to pick up one of the potions. He downed it and felt it working by rebuilding his hands.


    The pain was something else and nearly made him black out, but the horn in the distance caused the Raptor Warrior to chirp at him in a warning. Atlas stood up and climbed onto the monster''s back, allowing it to flee deeper into the woods.


    He spent more mana to keep the creature out, but it made him dizzy. Atlas shook his head and spoke quietly, ''''Find somewhere to hide me, boy; I need some rest.''''


    Following that, the Raptor Warrior rushed through the forest until reaching the base of the Titan''s Skull Mountain. The monster searched for a place and soon found a crevice under a pile of boulders.


    The creature chirped, alerting Atlas, who climbed off its back and crawled into their hiding place. When he was inside, the raptor followed behind and wrapped its body around him for protection.


    Atlas smiled before using four hundred mana to keep it summoned as he fell asleep. The monster was there for twenty minutes, allowing the creature to cover the entrance with dirt using its claws. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The following day, Atlas awoke to a roar reverberating through the ground. Sitting up, he found himself momentarily confused, trying to remember where he was. Then, in a rush, all the memories flooded back, prompting a broad smile to spread across his face.


    Glancing down at his hands, he saw they had regenerated. With a smile, Atlas surveyed his surroundings; he noticed the entrance was now blocked off, and that was when he remembered the Void Warrior Raptor.


    Atlas shook his head and began digging his way out, only to find himself staring up at the night sky high above. "How long had I been sleeping?" he wondered.


    "I can''t travel at night; it''s too dangerous," he muttered before retreating inside the crevice.


    Soon, he realized the space was large enough for his tent, so he settled in and relaxed for a while.

 Chapter 85: Here We Go

    While Atlas was hidden in the crevice, he ate a Griffon Meat Box and recovered his strength from overusing his mana. Once he was finished eating, he decided to try level two of the Void Realm and activated the skill that pulled his consciousness into the strange domain.


    Atlas found himself standing on a mountain ledge, overlooking a sea of mountains that stretched as far as the eyes could see; they also pierced the clouds. ''Oh, what is this place? I wonder what monster will be here. Maybe wyverns?''


    He gazed around only deep ravines and mountain ledges hanging over steep slopes that dropped into a dark chasm. Atlas spotted a pathway down and summoned his armor while readying weapons; he noticed the chest piece was still ripped, but the material started repairing itself.


    ''So handy to have a repairing rune,'' Atlas mused. ''Glad I bought this armor; it will be useful for years.''


    Following that, Atlas pulled out the Night Blade and slowly made his way down the side of the mountain path until he reached some foothills. He glanced around and saw a waterfall crashing into a massive lake in the distance, reminding him of a tundra.


    ''This place is quiet but looks peaceful,'' he mused while looking around. ''But the monsters will appear sooner than later.''


    Absently, Atlas approached the crystal-clear water and caught sight of his reflection. He was taken aback, as his appearance never failed to surprise him. He looked both ethereal and exceptionally handsome with his strikingly short white hair, pointed ears, and glowing azure eyes.


    ''There was no one like me on Earth, not even close. But I prefer this look over my old one,'' he thought.


    While admiring himself, Atlas saw a notification pop up with a message.


    [Welcome to level two, Voidwalker! I hope you beat this level, but I must warn you that it will be harder as the monsters are stronger than the Void Raptors]


    After reading that, he heard a bellowing roar echo across the landscape and bounced off the surrounding mountains, making him spin around in alarm while looking at all the peaks, but he saw nothing.


    The foothills appeared empty, but something inside Atlas told him that the Void Realm''s second-level monsters were closing in on his position, ''I think the creatures want to fight me and are rushing in my direction,'''' he pondered with a smile.


    Atlas readied his blades just as he noticed a sea of rubble falling close by. He looked up and was shocked when spotting a group of bears sliding down the mountainside while eyeing him like their dinner.


    ''Damn bears! This is going to be tough,'' Atlas thought while readying to fight them.


    They were the size of black bears from Earth but looked more vicious and savage-looking. The creature''s fur was as black as the night sky, and its body had glowing blue stripes, causing him to become shocked at its ferocious nature.


    He noticed their glowing blue eyes piercing through the dim light of the mountain shadows that overshadowed the foothills. ''They look strong and share the same colored eyes as me,'' he thought with concern.


    That''s when he spotted the monster''s sharp claws as they dug into the stone beneath them, causing sparks to fly as the creatures moved. One unleashed a roar that sent a shiver down Atlas''s spine, ''Oh god, it looks like I''ll have to get used to fighting monsters now.''


    Regaining his composure, Atlas quickly scanned the newcomers to see how strong they were.


    [Savage Void Bear]


    [Rank: E+]


    ''Let''s go! I need to get stronger to survive in this world,'' Atlas psyched himself as the first bear reached him.


    The monster swung its claws to remove his head, but he leaned back before quickly counterattacking. Atlas moved to the side as he lunged at the monster''s chest; he plunged the Night Blade into it and cast a Void Blast into its body, causing it to explode just as the others reached him.


    Atlas constantly used Void Step to dodge the bear''s attacks while striking the savage bears with his blades and magic. A battle soon erupted in the foothills as he butchered the crazy monsters rushing at him.


    By the time he finished the last Savage Void Bear of the group, Atlas was out of breath and low on mana but was happy with the outcome as a notification popped up.


    [Savage Void Bear: 4994/5000]


    [??????]


    [??????]


    [??????]


    ''Bears! It had to be Winnie the Pooh''s evil cousins, but I have to discover the other three monsters to get the information,'' he snickered.


    Atlas resumed traveling through the foothills and had to climb back up the mountains. As he did that, a noise caught his attention. This caused him to look up, only to jump in fright as a massive blue bear fell toward him.


    He tried to cast Void Step to escape, but the bear let out a horrifying roar that stopped his body from moving. The monster slammed into him like a truck, kicking him out of the Void Realm as his first go at level two failed, which he found amusing.


    His eyes opened only to see the boulder above him and the tent to his right. ''It had to be bears, but this will be fun. I can''t wait to see the three other monsters, bet they will be much stronger than the Void Raptors.''


    Once Atlas thought that, he decided to start a fire due to it being cold outside as the air was making him shiver even through his enchanted cloak; following that decision, he began to dig a small hole before poking his head out of the hole to check if the area was clear. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When he realized nothing was around, he crawled through the forest and looked for wood to start a fire. Soon, he realized he was in another forest, with tall trees, dark green leaves stretching out in all directions, and thick foliage.


    Bushes blocked the view thanks to growing all over the place. ''Hopefully, the Achaemenidians aren''t nearby; I don''t want to fight those stupid Nightowls,'' he thought while searching.


    Following that, Atlas started collecting an armful of dried wood and returned to his hideaway to get warm. While strolling through the trees and bushes, he spotted a torch in the distance, which worried him, but that was when he realized the enemy was nearby.


    The lights were slowly closing in on the crevice he was staying in. He narrowed his eyes as he equipped his helmet from storage and stashed the wood in his hiding spot for later. Atlas guessed they would find it as they were determined to capture him again.


    Atlas knew he needed to confront the threat before they could discover his location, ''This isn''t good; I need to deal with them before they find me.''


    Once he had done that, he rushed into the bushes and slowly approached the soldiers searching for him with paranoid expressions. It took him ten minutes to reach the large group of enemy troops.


    That''s when he managed to get a better look at the thirty Achaemenidians walking down a Monster Trail as they scanned their surroundings. They were clad in leather armor and helmets that shielded their vital areas.


    ''Hunters most likely, but they are heavily armed to be normal people.''


    Most carried curved swords and shields, though a few wielded spears and slings as they looked around nervously. All the enemy soldiers towered over Atlas at a height that worried him for a second, but then an idea came to him.


    But this would mean he must aim for their lower halves when attacking. While sitting there, Atlas watched as they started to pass the bush he was hidden in, which made him internally chuckle, ''They don''t even know I''m here.''


    He readied the Night Blade and Blood Knife as the last soldier was closing in on his position. When the Achaemenidian came close, he burst out. The soldier''s eyes widened in shock as Atlas severed his ankles with a quick slash, sending him crashing to the ground with a pained cry.


    ''Now to kill him before he can alert the others,'' Atlas thought before driving his blade through his neck, which silenced them. With the sound of footsteps approaching, he quickly vanished into the underbrush, his movements smooth and deliberate as he melted back into the shadows.


    The other soldiers appeared with panicked expressions as the commander looked at his dead comrade. He watched them from another bush as the man angrily shouted, ''''Split up in groups of three and find the demon! The emperor personally sent us to capture or kill him.''''


    Atlas watched as the soldiers split up and started to walk through the forest as he waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. While there, he used Void Sight on some enemies to check out their strength.


    [Farid]


    [Level: 113]


    [Rank: Adept]


    [Rostam]


    [Level: 189]


    [Rank: Adept]


    [Omid]


    [Level: 143]


    [Rank: Adept]


    ''Not too strong, but they aren''t weaklings either,'' he thought as the excitement soared. ''I will ambush them to get the upper hand.''


    When thinking that, Atlas watched as the soldiers vanished into the forest before rushing after the first group while keeping low to the ground. As he came close to the three enemies, he readied his weapons.


    ''Here we go!''


    Atlas swiftly slashed through two soldiers'' ankles before launching a Void Arrow at the third, who was caught off guard. The spell quickly pierced the metal armor, sending the man crashing to the ground alongside his stunned comrades.

 Chapter 86: Its Me Or Them

    ''Not too hard,'' Atlas mused before he lunged at the remaining Achaemenidians, driving his blades through the narrow slits in their helmets. He felt the bone shatter beneath his weapons, an unsettling crunch that made him gag, ''Still haven''t got used to this but it will take time.''


    He forced himself to ignore the negative feelings and focus on the fight, ''It''s me or them; the emperor had no problem planning to torture me in the Boats. I must accept that Valoria is full of death,'' he thought while calming down as he prepared to go after the other enemies.


    Afterward, Atlas melted into the underbrush, shadowing the remaining soldiers before climbing a tree and rushing across the branches. He quickly took down the smaller groups, making his strikes precise and efficient.


    Many fell to his arrows and blades because they weren''t paying attention to their surroundings and were lost in the peaceful atmosphere of the forest, ''It''s easy getting the jump on the soldiers, but it won''t always be this easy,'' he thought while cleaning off a blade.


    Using stealthy ambushes and his deadly Void Arrows, he decimated the remaining hunters by hiding among the trees and bushes before moving on. However, when reaching the last group, he sensed the commander was stronger than the soldiers he had already killed.


    Atlas watched as the last group searched a small clearing. Like idiots, they split up, allowing him to hunt each one before attacking the leader. He tracked one of the soldiers, who was prodding the nearby bushes with his spear.


    ''Hopefully, if this goes well I can kill the two men before fighting the leader,'' he mused excitedly.


    Amused by the soldier''s cautious approach, he leaped from branch to branch until he was directly above one of them. As the soldier began to turn away, Atlas descended silently, driving his blade into the man''s neck with no mercy.


    The soldier gurgled before collapsing with a thud, but Atlas quickly cast Void Step to vanish from sight, and the leader rushed over. He dashed toward the last enemy, who was on the opposite side of the clearing.


    When Atlas got closer, he spotted the man and cast Void Arrow at his target''s head. The azure blue projectile sliced through the air before piercing through the hunter''s skull, causing him to drop dead.


    He felt the experience flowing into his body, which made him smile. The leader appeared and shouted with uncontrolled rage, ''''Come out here, Dahaka! Fight me in a fair battle.''''


    ''Is this human stupid? He brought thirty hunters here to kill me and expects mercy when their all dead now?'' Atlas thought with a snicker.


    He got close to the leader and replied, ''''You''re hunting me and want a fair fight? Funny, aren''t you?''''


    Before jumping down, he checked his status to see the gains he earned thanks to leveling up due to all the kills.


    [Level Up: 63¡ú66]


    [Experience: 180/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 6000]


    [Health: 448¡ú460(50)]


    [Mana: 1650¡ú1700]


    [Strength: 454¡ú462]


    [Stamina: 466¡ú474(100)]


    [Intelligence: 384¡ú388]


    [Core Points: 23400¡ú26400]


    [Core Points Gained: 3000]


    ''Nice, three levels and a small boost to my attributes,'' he thought with a smile. ''If this carries on I will be much stronger when I reunite with the girls. Then I can beat Estelle during training.''


    After that, Atlas jumped to the ground with a thud to confront the last hunter. He used Void Sight on the Leader to see the man''s power.


    [Mehrdad]


    [Level: 188]


    [Rank: Adept]


    ''Oh a powerful enemy; hopefully, this will be fun as I could use the experience in fighting stronger people,'' he thought before rushing toward Mehrdad.


    The leader readied his curved sword and swung it at him; when Atlas spotted this, he dropped to the ground and started skidding before slashing into his opponent''s exposed ankles, which caused the man to stumble back.


    Atlas sprang to his feet, his resolve burning brighter than ever. Determinedly, he renewed his assault; each blow was a deliberate strike of his short sword and knife. The Achaemenidian, initially steadfast, began to falter as panic seized him, and the attacks got faster.


    His ankle bled profusely, and his body was soon riddled with deep cuts. Amid the chaos, Atlas couldn''t help but revel in the thought, ''Death by a thousand cuts, this will slow you down human.''


    The Achaemenidian, now consumed by rage, roared, "Fight me like a man, demon! Stop this trickery!"


    He responded with a thunderous laugh that echoed like a storm, ''''You come with soldiers to capture me and expect me to show you mercy? Are you a comedian?''''


    After speaking, he finally unleashed Void Step and turned into a blur of motion, striking the man hundreds of times in the blink of an eye, causing the leader to falter. He materialized in front of the Achaemenidian.


    His blade sliced through the man''s armor before he vanished, only to reappear and strike again. The battered and disoriented commander struggled to comprehend the relentless assault he was subjected to.


    Atlas stopped attacking once he realized the man was beaten; he aimed his sword and said, "You are but the first of many that will fall to me. The Southmen will soon tremble in fear as I hunt them down and dismantle your empire brick by brick."


    Without thinking, he severed the leader''s head with a single swing, his azure eyes blazing with fierce determination and excitement. That''s when his senses warned of an immediate attack, causing him to cast Void Guard.


    The azure shield blocked several darts, causing Atlas to spin around and spot three Nightowls. He got nervous but pushed that away and readied his blades as a notification popped up.


    [Skill Update: Dagger Mastery¡úDual Wielding]


    ''Perfect timing,'' he beamed before exploding forward and using Void Step to become a blur.


    The Nightowls were shocked, but their instincts kicked in. They raised their weapons to defend themselves, and Atlas materialized next to the one on the right and struck out like a lightning bolt, causing the enemy to protect themselves.


    However, that didn''t work, as he cast a Void Arrow. The spell slammed into the Nightowl''s shoulder, sending them flying into the bushes as the others attacked. The middle one lashed out with a dagger, but he used the Blood Knife to dodge the attack as he counterattacked.


    Hundreds of clangs rang out as Atlas battled with the two remaining enemies, as he stood his ground against the assassins, but this time, he wasn''t alone and used Call Of The Void to summon the Voidstalkers that rushed out of the azure portal that appeared next to him.


    Along with his little raptors, he overwhelmed the three assassins with a relentless barrage of gleaming blades, razor-sharp teeth, and vicious claws. The enemy struggled desperately against the onslaught.


    The battle died as the Nightowls fell to his blade and the Voidstalkers, who circled him. He used one of them to rest, but Atlas sent the monsters to engage the new threat. However, the foe proved more formidable than anticipated, cutting down the creatures quickly and effortlessly.


    Unbothered, Atlas steeled himself for the fight. He activated Void Sight to scan the last Nightowl to check their rank and level.


    [Farah Bahrami]


    [Level: 202]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    ''This will be a learning moment to fight someone stronger,'' Atlas thought as his excitement soared.


    He pointed the Night Blade at the last Nightowl, ''''Farah," he called out, ''''give me a fight worthy of my time. The others were too easy.''''


    As Atlas spoke, he quickly noticed the assassins closing in around him, realizing, ''''Damn, they''re trying to trap me.''''


    He summoned Group Two using Call Of The Void; in response, a portal materialized, and a Void Raptor Warrior leaped out. Atlas mounted the creature just as the Nightowls screamed about his escape.


    Atlas directed the raptor towards the crevice, where he retrieved the tent and stored it away. Without hesitation, he remounted the raptor and commanded it to charge southward, leaving the encircling assassins behind.


    The Nightowls couldn''t keep up with the creature, which pleased Atlas, but they soon reached a beach that forced them to stop fleeing. He looked across and noticed a massive forest bordering a mountain range that looked creepy. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''I could use Aqua Lung to travel under the water,'' Atlas thought.


    He dismissed the warrior after thanking it. Before stepping into the cold water, Atlas heard the Nightowls shouting in the distance. When deep enough, he cast Aqua Lung and hid behind underwater rocks to watch the surface.


    While doing that, dozens of enemy soldiers and assassins appeared on the beach where he was, ''So lucky I learned this skill; they would have caught me if not.''


    After looking at them, Atlas turned around only to be shocked by the underwater world, which looked like an alien planet. Strange trees and plants dot the seafloor, ''I wonder what monster''s wonder here.''


    There were boulders and other debris he could hide behind while traveling, but he had to return to the surface or find an air pocket to recover his breath; it was better than being captured by the empire.


    Atlas shivered at the thought of being put in the Boat. Then he turned around only to scream as a massive fish stared at him curiously. He quickly scanned the monster as his heart calmed down.


    [Giant Grouper]


    [Rank: A+ 1500 Exp]


    ''Oh, it''s strong but seems friendly,'' Atlas thought, reaching for the fish. But before he could grasp it, the Giant Grouper swiftly latched onto his arm.


    Startled, Atlas barely had time to react as the fish began pulling him away. Just then, an explosion rocked the area where he had been moments before.

 Chapter 87: It Left Me Behind

    Atlas watched as a barrage of powerful spells struck the water and seafloor where he hid, erupting into a blinding cloud of dust and debris. The explosive force blurred his vision as he struggled to escape.


    ''The Nightowls are casting spells non-stop.'' While shielding his eyes from the searing light and chaos, he thought, ''They must have seen me to be spamming so much magic in my direction.''


    While watching the explosions, the Giant Grouper grabbed him by the arm and dragged him away from the scene until he could finally see again, and the stinging stopped. As the monster did this, Atlas''s sight returned, allowing him to see a beautiful world below the Dragon''s Deep Strait.


    The same underwater trees littered the seafloor while other creatures went about living their lives as the swishing of the current filtered by. After swimming for a few minutes, the Grouper let go of him beside a cave entrance, which caused him to swim into it to get out of the open.


    ''Hopefully, nothing is inside. I need to sit down and rest for a little while. Maybe I can eat again; I feel empty,'' Atlas mused as he approached the opening.


    When Atlas entered the dark hole, he found an air pocket, which allowed him to relax for a moment. The inside was peaceful and looked like any other cave he used to see in documentaries back on Earth.


    It was a welcome relief from the oppressive water outside with all kinds of monsters lurking around, but that''s when he realized the unsettling feeling lingered. Just as Atlas began to relax, his new friend, the Giant Grouper, surfaced momentarily to check up on him.


    Before he could fully process this, the water exploded as an unseen foe attacked the fish. Atlas watched as the battle calmed down, and only blood was left behind. He saw nothing, and Void Sight couldn''t spot anything.


    While looking, he saw a leathery tail swimming away from the cave''s entrance. ''Oh no, don''t tell me there are crocodiles wandering around outside.''


    Atlas shook his head before glancing around the air pocket and noticing it was warm in some parts while cold in others. He started to feel sweaty, so he dismissed the Nightfall Armor, revealing a dirty shirt and pants, which caused him to grimace at the smell.


    He took them off before throwing the filthy clothing across the cave, removing fresh ones from his storage, and putting them aside. Once Atlas had done that, he pulled out the camping gear he had bought from the general store.


    That''s when Atlas realized he had stored the wood he had collected from the forest. He pulled it out before piling it up. He used the lighter-like contraption to start a fire to get warm as it was slowly getting cold.


    All he needed to do was channel mana into the metal square, igniting a fire Atlas found quite handy. Once the fire was going, he set up the tent and sleeping bag. Afterward, he checked the clothes he had put on earlier and was pleased to find they were nice and warm.


    Atlas put them on as the fire heated the small air pocket. While sitting there, he pulled out a Griffon Meat Box and started eating while he decided to check his gains from killing the Achaemenidian leader.


    [Experience: 480/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 300]


    [Mana: 1700¡ú1708]


    [Strength: 462¡ú464]


    [Stamina: 466¡ú472]


    [Intelligence: 388¡ú390]


    [Core Points: 26400¡ú26550]


    [Core Points Gained: 150]


    Happy with the gains, Atlas continued eating and enjoyed the spicy meat while watching the water that Grouper vanished into. ''I wonder what I have to deal with once I leave this place,'' he pondered while finishing the meal.


    Following that, he grew tired and climbed into the tent before getting into the sleeping bag, and instantly fell asleep due to the comfort. Atlas slept for hours, and the outside world was chaotic as a storm started.


    Atlas woke up the following day feeling refreshed, but something caught his attention: the water was going crazy. ''Is there a storm going on?'' he thought.


    He ignored that while putting the camping stuff back into his Dimensional Storage before turning to the rough waters and muttered, ''''I do need to go back out there, but damn, I don''t want to face any crazy monsters.''''


    ''I need to be cautious as I travel along the bottom,'' Atlas thought. He equipped his armor and blades before leaping into the water with a splash. Sinking to the cave''s floor, he activated Aqua Lung and walked toward the entrance.


    Atlas was worried about the monsters lurking outside, but he saw nothing apart from a storm above that was churning the water due to the storm above. Without wasting any more time, he started walking south.


    While traveling, Atlas used the underwater trees and foliage to hide from monsters. When he felt something approaching him, he readied his magic, but that''s when the Giant Group appeared.


    The giant fish nudged its head against his body, causing Atlas to smile, but that''s when dread washed through him. He quickly used Void Sight and spotted the culprit.


    [Deepfang Crocodile]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    ''Oh shit,'' Atlas thought before moving the Grouper out of the way while casting Void Blast at the incoming monster.


    The giant fish realized what he was doing and reacted by quickly swimming away, leaving Atlas in shock, ''It left me behind!''


    Following that, he concentrated on the incoming Deepfang Crocodile. Atlas readied his blade as the dark brown twelve-foot monster closed in on him with glowing red eyes. It opened its maw, but he used Void Step to dodge.


    He reappeared nearby, cast it again while pointing the Nightblade at the creature''s body, and dashed forward before thrusting it into the crocodile''s thick hide. The attack caused it to roar in pain, but Atlas didn''t stop as he dragged it down its side.


    The attack only left a sallow wound, but the Deepfang thrashed around and lashed out with its tail. Atlas ducked the first thing and snapped its jaws; while fighting, he was hit by magic that sent him shooting through the water.


    ''What just happened? Who just cast a spell at me!'' he thought while confusion overwhelmed him.


    Atlas crashed into a nearby coral reef, causing the monsters inside to flee as his head rang. Thanks to his Regeneration, his body started to heal as he spotted the crocodile swimming toward him, trailed by blood.


    It lunged forward when it got in attacking range, but Atlas used Void Step to appear behind the monster. He started casting Void Bullets that sliced through the water and peppered the creature''s body, causing explosions to erupt.


    While doing that, Atlas tried to escape, but the Deepfang was onto him, and as he had to stop using Void Step due to mana, he turned around only to see the monster get taken out by the Giant Grouper that slammed into its body and bit down.


    Atlas watched the large fish fight the Deepfang Crocodile. Thanks to being a much higher rank and stronger, the ain''t fish decimated the monster, causing a feeding frenzy once it was dead.


    Once the fish was sure the monster was dead, it swam over to him and bumped into his body, ''What is it with this fish? Why is it so friendly?'' Atlas thought as it signaled him to grab a hold of it.


    Instead of swimming south, the fish traveled east to the open ocean, causing him to panic, ''What is this crazy thing doing?''


    They continued traveling along the sea floor, but that''s when Atlas saw hundreds of creatures pass them. He used Void Sight on everything to get an idea of how strong the monsters down here were.


    [Blood Shark]


    [Rank: E+ - 250 Exp] sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas spotted blood-red sharks that prowled above them, but they never approached the Giant Group and actively avoided the crazy fish.


    Following that, he spotted a massive shell crawling along the bottom, and when he scanned it, his eyes widened in shock.


    [Nautilit]


    [Rank: S+ - 3000 Exp]


    ''So strong but slow,'' he mused before spotting one last monster.


    [Riptide Behemoth]


    [Rank: SS - 9000 Exp]


    The behemoth was a massive whale at least two hundred feet long and dark blue, which caused it to blend in. Atlas was amazed and only saw it because the Grouper had pointed it out.


    Atlas then turned to his new friend and admired the beautiful blue scales and glowing yellow eyes. The giant fish was as big as a small family car and gave off an attitude of not caring about the monsters around them.


    This made him think, ''When I get onto dry land or another air pocket, I''ll check the monster book I have in my storage.''


    In the meantime, Atlas noticed that Aqua Lung was running low, so he tapped the Grouper and signaled for it to surface. Its yellow eyes flicked toward him before it shot up so quickly that it caught him off guard.


    However, it paused just long enough for him to catch his breath. After that, the monster dived, and soon enough, Atlas spotted a shipwreck in the distance, causing him to think, ''Treasure!''


    The monster fish swam ahead and entered the massive metal ship just as Atlas cast a Light spell, illuminating their surroundings. Atlas saw a hold packed with barrels and chests while skeletons clad in rusted metal armor were scattered throughout the ship.


    As Atlas scanned the surroundings, he noticed the giant fish observing him intently. The creature then pointed to a hole in the wall before swimming through it, leaving him puzzled and unsure of its intent.

 Chapter 88: Its Clear He Loves Her

    Atlas followed behind Giant Grouper and realized that this place was its home, and its eggs floated around as the giant fish started tending to them. However, something struck him as he noticed the mana was off and felt sickly, which worried him.


    ''This feels like the Lost Prince that Amethyst and I met,'' he mused. ''Maybe Chaos is affecting the underwater world?''


    He grabbed one of them, which caused the giant fish Mom to spin on him with narrowed eyes, but Atlas explained, ''''Your babies need mana. I''ll provide it, but you must protect me from monsters while I work. After all, you''ve helped me¡ªthis is the least I can do in return.''''


    The giant fish looked at him before nodding and swimming to the entrance while keeping an eye on him. Atlas smiled at the friendly fish as he sent mana into the egg, causing it to glow. His mana started decimating the chaos-like essence that lingered inside.


    [Mana: 1658/1708]


    ''Only fifty mana per egg, but there are hundreds of the things here,'' Atlas pondered before moving on to another.


    The first egg began to glow softly, and moments later, a tiny Giant Grouper, no larger than a small plate, emerged and swam toward the entrance. As the newborn approached, the mother''s eyes widened in surprise and delight at seeing her healthy offspring.


    Following that, Atlas continued tending to the eggs while listening to the peaceful sounds of the water, which put him at ease, but that''s when a battle erupted by the entrance. He spun around to see the Grouper mother fighting a giant eel.


    ''What''s going on now?'' he thought with a sigh.


    When seeing the intruder, Atlas quickly scanned it to determine its rank.


    [Trench eel]


    [Rank: B+ 850 Exp]


    ''Is every creature down here strong!'' he internally complained.


    Atlas noticed the massive, pitch-black monster with glowing red eyes fighting with the Giant Grouper and wrapping around her body. The fish was struggling, but he let go of the egg he was holding before dashing toward the fight.


    He drove the Nightblade into the eels and unleashed Void Bullets. Moments later, an azure glow emanated from its body, building in intensity until it erupted in an explosion. Infuriated, the Trench eel lunged at him with fierce rage.


    Without thinking, he cast Void Step to avoid its teeth before casting a Void Blast at the monster''s head, causing it to spasm, which gave the Giant Grouper enough time to attack and get the upper hand in the fight.


    Atlas kept attacking the Trench eel, who started to panic as spells and the giant fish ganged up on it until the monster was on the death''s door, and the mother Grouper looked at him as if you offered the last strike, which he took.


    He thrust the Nightblade into the creature''s head before casting a Void Blast through the weapon, which blew the eel apart into chunks of disgusting meat the Group and her baby started collecting.


    ''At least it''s dead now,'' he mused with a tired smile.


    Following that, Atlas spotted a blue Monster Core the size of a football floating around the entrance. He stored it away before tending to the eggs but soon realized he had a minute''s air left.


    Before he could turn around, the Giant Grouper was there and looked up, causing him to look and see a light not far away. Atlas glanced at the fish, saying, ''''I''m going to look up there and get some air once I run out of mana.''''


    Once Atlas finished talking, he continued healing the eggs before running out of mana. This caused dozens of baby Groupers to explode and swarm their mother, who looked happy, causing him to smile, ''So monsters aren''t all brutes and bloodthirsty murderers.''


    Atlas swam toward the light, realizing he had another minute left of Aqua Lung, only to discover that a large part of the ship was an air pocket. He saw a corridor with many doors on either side, which caused him to grow curious.


    ''Hopefully, there isn''t a zombie or some form of creepy creature lurking down here,'' Atlas thought.


    He used Void Sight but found nothing before moving down the corridor, readying his blades for any attack, and approaching the first door. Atlas opened it and peeked inside only to see bunk beds.


    ''This is where the crew must have slept,'' Atlas thought as he entered the room. ''The beds are dusty but look comfortable.''


    Eight bunkbeds ran along the walls, with a table and chairs in the center of the room. He noticed the two chests under each bed, so he approached the closest and pulled it out.


    Atlas noticed it was covered in a thick layer of dust, but that didn''t deter him from opening it and seeing articles of clothing, trinkets, and other things the crew needed. He dug through the stuff and found a pouch full of gold and silver coins.


    He tossed the bag onto the table and resumed his looting. Amidst the scattered items, he discovered a set of armor adorned with an unusual emblem. "I wonder which realm this is from?" he mused.


    Afterward, Atlas stashed the armor in storage, planning to consult the girls later. He then continued to explore the other chests, finding more of the same type of items. By the time he finished with the room, he had collected a dozen pouches of gold, silver, and copper coins.


    Two dozen Minor, High Health, and Mana Potions were alongside the pouches. Atlas stored everything away before leaving the bunkroom. He headed toward the door opposite, only to see a broom cupboard.


    He checked the others and found more bunkrooms with fewer coin pouches; Atlas soon found a storage room with all kinds of things. The stuff looked like some typing machines but was rusted due to the dripping water.


    While walking down one of the aisles, Atlas spotted another chest and pulled it out, only to be filled to the brim with Blue Stone Cores, ''Wow. There must be hundreds in here; Amethyst said that the empires of Aridonia struggle to collect these things from the Blue Dune Desert.'' S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without thinking, he swiped the chest and stored it in his Dimensional Storage, only to feel a clink go off inside his mind, causing a notification to pop up.


    [Dimensional Storage: 0¡ú1]


    ''Oh nice, I can store more stuff now.''


    Then, Atlas counted the coins he looted from the bunkrooms and ended up with 175 gold, 345 silver, and 2004 copper coins, ''This is a good haul, maybe there''s more in the ship.''


    Afterward, Atlas continued his search of the ship, finding only an empty bunkroom, a kitchen, and an engine room. Now standing in the corridor, he had just two more rooms left to investigate: one down a side corridor and the other up a set of metal stairs.


    He tackled the closer room first, heading down the corridor and stepping into what appeared to be the captain''s quarters. Atlas noticed there were suitcases placed all over the floor alongside skeletons.


    They were all covered in dust, but one stood out. A skeleton in a beautiful-looking dress held a book in its arms while slumped in a chair in the opposite corner of the room, causing Atlas to walk toward it.


    Atlas gently took the book and wiped the dust off it only to read, ''Princess Arianna''s Dairy.''


    He was taken aback but stored the information in his memory for later. He stared at the skeleton and wondered who she was. ''Well, it seems you passed away surrounded by your family,'' Atlas said as an unknown sadness washed over him.


    A man and woman lay on the bed holding hands, which made him smile as the couple died in each other''s arms. But that''s when something caught his attention. The female skeleton had strands of white hair.


    ''Other people with white hair,'' Atlas mused. ''The girls told me It''s a rare trait, so these people must be important.''


    Following that, he covered them with blankets he found in the room before searching the room while only finding personal items and rotted food. Atlas soon found a picture of an older married man and woman who were nobles due to their expensive-looking clothing.


    What caught his attention was that everyone in the portrait shared the same striking white hair and glowing purple eyes. Beside the older couple, a young man in his twenties stood out, wrapping his arm around a beautiful woman with silver hair and blue eyes.


    Atlas observed that she looked profoundly happy as she cradled her stomach. ''They seem like a beautiful couple,'' he thought. ''It''s clear he loves her.''


    While other figures were in the portrait, his gaze was drawn to these two, but he couldn''t figure out why. Then, Atlas noticed a young woman holding the very book he now possessed. "I wonder who this family is?" he muttered. ''''Maybe the girls will know."


    Afterward, he settled into an empty chair, pulled out the diary, and opened to the first page. His jaw dropped as he read the title, "Arianna Pendragon, 4th Light Day of Suncrest, the season of Solaris, year 113 of Dawn''s Chronicle."


    ''According to memory, today is the 3rd Lightning Day of Frostfall, the season of Winterfrost, year 127 of Dawn''s Chronicle,'' Atlas thought.


    As he contemplated this, Atlas reflected on how the calendar functioned in Valoria. He remembered that a week there comprised eight days, with each month divided into four such weeks. The months were named to align with their seasonal positions.


    Winter, or Winterfrost as it was known, was split into four months consecutively named Frostfall, Snowdrift, Everglaze, and Frostwane.

 Chapter 89: Is It Another Tower

    Atlas sat in the room, piecing together the details of Valoria''s calendar and the remaining seasons. He remembered that after Winterfrost came to Springbloom, four months with months named Everbloom, Blossomwind, Zephyrath, and Verdana.


    ''I wonder where these names come from,'' he mused with a smile. ''Maybe their famous Nova Mages from history.''


    Following Springbloom was Solaris, the summer season, which included Solstaria, Sunfire, Goldray, and Suncrest. He found the names captivating, each evoking the essence of the season.


    Finally, he recalled the last season, Goldenfall, which had four months: Harvestfall, Glimmerfall, Emberfall, and Harvestmoon. Atlas then went over it again just to be sure, ''Winterfrost, Springbloom, Solaris then Goldenfall. Easy enough to remember.''


    Atlas shook his head and decided to read Alisha''s journal when he wasn''t at the bottom of the sea while looking after the Gaint Gruper eggs. After that, he stood up and went to the last place to check.


    ''This must be the bridge,'' Atlas thought while stepping up the stairs and opening the door, blinded by darkness.


    He cast Light that illuminated the large bridge that had everything needed for sailing the ship, but Atlas noticed the dead bodies littered the place. They had holes burrowed through their rusted helmets.


    ''What did this?'' Atlas thought while getting closer to the nearest body, and when doing that, he got the same feeling from them that the eggs gave off. ''Was chaos involved in their deaths?''


    Atlas didn''t know what to think but looked around and found nothing; the maps were rotten and eaten by the many tiny insects. After that, he left the place behind and returned to the water.


    He quickly activated Aqua Lung before jumping in and was face to face with a baby Giant Grouper, who nudged his body in a friendly gesture. To the mother''s excitement, Atlas followed behind and continued to heal the eggs.


    ''This shouldn''t take too long now,'' he thought while burning through his mana.


    Dozens of babies were swimming around the ship''s hold, which caught Atlas''s attention, but something gave him a bad feeling. Atlas rushed toward the entrance, which caught Mother Grouper''s attention.


    When Atlas arrived, another Trench eel slammed into his body while biting down, but its teeth couldn''t penetrate the armor. He raised the Nightblade and thrust it into the monster''s head as it thrashed around the hold.


    He stabbed it before sending a Void Blast through its body, causing it to slow down and allowing the Giant Grouper Mother to attack it from the rear. The fish took minutes to kill it, but the monster''s jaws opened once it was over.


    Atlas swam out but was headbutted by the mother, who thanked him. As she did that, a chest caught his attention. ''Let''s loot this thing.''


    After the fish finished thanking him, Atlas swam over to the chest, used his blade to break the lock, and opened the lid only to be hit with a wave of mana. Even the Groupers sensed it and bunched up for protection.


    He went through it and found a weird sheet of paper that started shaking as it approached him. Atlas cast Void Guard to defend himself against it, but it flew right through it and hit his chest.


    [Subject is perfect for The ******* ******** Skill]


    That''s when Atlas''s world went black, and he appeared in a black room, which confused him, ''Where am I now? What did that paper do?''


    While looking around, he heard a woman''s voice, ''''So the Voidwalker stumbles into my domain, interesting.''''


    The scene changed, and he was sitting in a chair with a figure sitting opposite him, but Atlas couldn''t make them out apart from the outline, ''''Who are you? You''re not Luxia or Nyx.''''


    A laugh reached his ears before the stranger answered, ''''You could say I''m a caretaker of the universe. I brought you here because you''re what I''ve been searching for and only recently appeared, making it even better for me.''''


    ''''Another chosen one?'''' Atlas said in a strained voice as he rolled his eyes.


    The woman giggled before answering, ''''In a way, yes, but all it requires you do is something you already had planned, which is perfect because the family who used to wield such power has been gone for many years.''''


    Atlas was confused and questioned, ''''How can I use the skill if this family was the ones who used it?''''


    ''''Your past is clouded in a strange fog; it seems a powerful god is watching over you. So I can''t answer that,'''' the stranger commented.


    ''''Huh? Isn''t that Luxia and Nyx?'''' Atlas asked.


    The figure shook its head, ''''There''s more than just the Valoria gods, boy. The universe is a big place.''''


    ''''So what does this skill do?'''' Atlas changed the subject because he didn''t want to get a headache.


    ''''It''s a boost to your little Void Realm; those monsters alone won''t be enough when the World Eaters appear,'''' the stranger said while standing up. ''''All you need to do is conquer a dungeon to unlock the skill, and all will be shown to you.''''


    Atlas looked confused yet again, but this caused him to reply, ''''Is it another tower?''''


    The figure shook its head. "No, that''s not it. Simply complete a dungeon and place your hand on the core. Once you do, you''ll be guided. They''re aware you''re awake now and want you to accept their help."


    ''''Dungeons are living beings?'''' Atlas commented.


    ''''In a way, yes, but not in the way you''re alive. Now return to the real world and check your chest when you wake up *********,'''' the stranger said before he was sent back.


    Atlas felt a pulling sensation and woke up in front of his chest, with the Giant Grouper babies swarming him. He sat up, rubbed his head, and said, ''''I''m fine, but I need some air to finish your eggs, girl.''''


    The giant fish looked at him with appreciation as he swam to the air pocket before reactivating the skill just as he felt it level up.


    [Aqua Lung: 0¡ú1]


    ''Oh nice, hopefully, it keeps increasing,'' Atlas thought.


    He finished tending to the last egg with a sigh of relief. He searched the hold as the Giant Grouper Mother cared for the newborns. However, he found little of interest aside from some decaying cargo.


    Then, Atlas swam back up to the air pocket to set up his tent to rest and eat a Dragon Meat Feast before eating and recovering from the tiredness that washed over his body. Once he finished eating, he remembered the stranger''s words and checked his chest to see a small star tattoo that gave off a little glow.


    Afterward, he settled down to get some rest before heading south. Atlas dozed off as soon as his head hit the soft pillow, but he didn''t notice the chaos outside that was happening, causing waves to sweep away everything in its path.


    Luckily, the ship was well dug into the seafloor, which routed it in place. The following day, Atlas woke up and climbed out of the tent only to realize the light had gone out, causing him to cast Light to illuminate his surroundings.


    Atlas packed the camping stuff before using Aqua Lung and jumped into the water. The hold was empty when diving below, causing him to think, ''Where did the Giant Groupers go?''


    He shrugged before swimming out of the shipwreck to see nothing; no monsters were lurking around. Atlas was baffled but ignored it before traveling south while being careful; it took him a few hours to see the ground slowly rising, which meant the shore was close.


    "Not long now until I''m back on dry land," Atlas mused, but a sudden instinct made him turn around.


    To his surprise, he saw a fierce battle between a Trench eel and a Deepfang Crocodile. Shaking his head in frustration, Atlas hurried toward the shore. When he finally touched the shoreline, he let out a deep sigh of relief.


    That''s when Atlas spotted a sea of trees in front of him, but that wasn''t all. Several older people led a group of young men and women. They were staring at him with wide eyes and opened jaws.


    ''Who the hell are these people?''


    Atlas shook his head before speaking, ''''Where is the nearest city? I was in a shipwreck miles from here and need somewhere to rest.''''


    After speaking, he watched one of the older men step forward and say, "To the east is Tel Habair, a bustling trade city. Alternatively, you could join us on our journey to Tajariyah, the mountain city to the west, which is where we''re headed now. Would you like to come with us?"


    He nodded in return before the younger group members looked skeptical. Still, the man held his hand and introduced himself, ''''I''m Marcus Steelway, Professor of Potions and Herbology at the Zarathian Academy of Magic in Tajariyah City.''''


    Atlas took his hand while responding, ''''I''m Atlas, adventurer, and explorer.''''


    Marcus nodded, and the two walked away from the group. The older man continued, "Atlas, my boy, you must be careful in the Achaemenid Empire. You stand out significantly on the Zarander Continent, and slavers will likely be enthusiastic to capture you."


    "Thank you for the warning," Atlas replied, then asked about Tajariyah.


    Marcus delved into details, explaining that the city was constructed on the mountainside and within its caverns, allowing for impressive expansion. Atlas was intrigued and eager to see it, but the man informed him it would take a couple of days to reach.


    Following that, the older man probed into Atlas''s origins but dodged most questions, only fabricating a story about fleeing the Moonhare Kingdom when the Argonians invaded weeks back. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 90: Night Demons

    Marcus continued chatting until one of the students called for him. Once the man was gone, Atlas was thankful for the silence. While walking, he checked his status to see if he had made any gains after returning his armor to his storage.


    [Class Unlocked: ******* ********]


    [Experience: 1330/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 850]


    [Mana: 1708¡ú2208]


    [Core Points: 26550¡ú26850] S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Core Points Gained: 350]


    [Skill Unlocked: ******* ********]


    ''The figure said I had to conquer a dungeon to unlock these. But why did my mana get a big bump? Maybe it''s the new class or skill?'' he thought while looking at his status screen.


    Atlas and the academy group continued walking down the beach as the waves lapped up against the shore. A storm lashed the open ocean, causing the salty air to brush against his face.


    Looking out to sea, Atlas barely spotted the island he was imprisoned on; it was a tiny dot in the distance. He then admired the scenery and admitted that Zarandar was beautiful.


    The beach was stunning, and the trees stretched high into the sky, causing them to shade everything around them, backdropped by towering mountains, ''This place is beautiful, but I''d rather be alone or with the girls than some random students who keep looking at me like I''m a devil,'' Atlas thought.


    Following that, Atlas examined the area and the sea but saw no signs of the enemies, ''Hopefully, the Nightowls don''t realize I''m here, so I can get a head start due to vanishing into the sea; otherwise, they would be here by now,'' he mused with a smile.


    ''Once I reach the city, I''ll make my way to the heart of their empire, where they''d never expect me to be, and learn about my enemy to understand them,'' Atlas continued thinking.


    While thinking to himself, he noticed a female knight clad in leather and metal armor, clearly a member of the academy''s security team, stepping forward with a hand resting on the hilt of her sword.


    She was the same age as Marcus, and the students were older teenagers. "We''ll set up camp here for the night due to the incoming storm," she announced to the group, her voice steady and authoritative.


    The knight continued glancing at everyone, "Once rested, we will enter the forest at sunrise and return to the path home."


    As everyone nodded in agreement, Marcus approached him, accompanied by the knight who had spoken. When they were close, the older man asked in a concerned tone, "Atlas, I was wondering, do you need a tent? We have some spare gear packed as a precaution.''''


    Marcus didn''t wait for Atlas to respond. "We''ve got plenty of spare tents in the academy''s storage necklace. It''s part of the unwritten code among travelers here in Zarandar¡ªlooking out for each other on the road.''''


    ''''I have one already, but what about the Dark Ones? Won''t they come at night?'''' he questioned curiously.


    They exchanged puzzled glances, but Marcus''s expression suddenly shifted to one of alarm. "Night Demons," he expressed, his voice tight with uneasiness. "Or Shayatin al-Layl, as they''re known in the Persian tongue. We have Runes and other artifacts to keep them at bay."


    Atlas nodded before walking away from the group and finding a small hill to set up his camp. He pulled out his tent and wondered, ''Why is he being so kind to a stranger?''


    Afterward, he set up the Runes Grishna, who taught him to keep the Dark Ones at bay since the monsters gave him the creeps. The camp was simple, with a tent and fireplace just in front of it.


    To finish it off, several Runes would protect him for the night. Following that, Atlas wanted to eat some fresh meat and looked at the sky only to realize he had an hour left of sunlight and wanted to go hunt.


    He quickly stood up and approached the treeline, equipping his armor and readying his blades. As Atlas stepped into the forest, the humid air clung to his body, making him sweat profusely as he traveled through the dense undergrowth.


    Atlas continued for another ten minutes until he came across some monkey-looking monsters. They were relaxing in a small clearing, causing him to use Void Sight on the creatures.


    [Thalrax Monkey]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''Not too strong,'' he pondered until spotting a bigger Thalrax that was twice as big as the normal. ''Oh is their leader?''


    Atlas scanned it.


    [Alpha Thalrax Monkey]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    ''I''ll attack that one first before going after the others,'' he mused.


    He equipped his helmet and readied his weapons as he cast Void Step and vanished from the spot, only to reappear in front of the Alpha Monkey. Atlas quickly struck and plunged his blade into the creature''s head before casting Void Bullets.


    The azure projectile blew its head apart, causing blood and brain matter to showered the other Thalrax monkeys who tried to scatter. He dashed around the clearing while slashing and stabbing the monsters.


    ''Easy once you get the drop on them,'' he mused while dealing with the monsters.


    Blood flew everywhere as he managed to kill several of the monkeys, thanks to getting to drop on them and the shock of losing their leader, but the others escaped into the trees because they were fast.


    Atlas watched the remaining monsters flee while he dragged the nine normal Thalrax Monkey bodies and Alpha into the center. He used his Blood Knife to cut out the 10 Green Monster Cores, which let off a beautiful glow.


    Afterward, he stored the cores and pressed on through the forest, intent on finding fresh meat. It took him half an hour of searching before he spotted a Forest Boar grazing at the base of a tree.


    Without wasting time, Atlas scanned the creature, ''I wonder how strong it is,'' he pondered.


    [Forest Boar: E+ - 250 Exp]


    He crouched low, carefully closing the distance. With a steady aim, he extended his hand toward the boar and cast Void Arrow. The azure projectile sliced through the air with pinpoint accuracy, striking the boar and sending it crashing to the ground, lifeless.


    ''Yes! The perfect shot and the meat will last for a while,'' Atlas mused, approaching it with his knife to carve off some.


    As Atlas finished slicing and storing the meat, he saw the sun dipping below the horizon. A shiver ran down his spine as he thought, ''The Dark Ones will be here soon.''


    He hurriedly completed his task, but eerie howls echoed through the forest just as he was about to leave. Spinning around, Atlas saw the ominous glint of dark eyes emerging from the shadows as the creatures closed in on him.


    Atlas readied his blades while letting the Dark Ones get closer before he cast Void Wave. A blast of azure mana sent some creatures flying, allowing him to stab a few just as he started sprinting.


    Without looking back, Atlas continued to run but soon started hearing the monsters right behind him. It took ten minutes to get back to his camp, and when he burst out of the forest, Marcus and the female knights spotted him.


    They started shouting for him to get behind the Runes as more Dark Ones appeared. The creatures were encircling him, but Atlas used Void Step to avoid their trap before crashing into his camp.


    When the creatures saw this, they let out howls of rage, while the closest ones stared at him with dark eyes and growled. Atlas shivered as he heard that, but he cast Void Bullet into its face, forcing them to flee into the forest.


    Because the Dark Ones couldn''t get Atlas, they rushed toward the academy group but stopped short when the Runes glowed, which made them back off and caused the creatures to rush back into the forest.


    Once they were gone, Atlas relaxed before starting a fire. As the flames came to life, he pulled out some boar meat and started cooking it while watching the stars above shine like a beautiful canvas.


    Atlas''s stomach growled as the tantalizing aroma of the Forest Boar meat filled the air. After a few more minutes, the meat was ready. He used his short sword to cut a steaming piece and began eating, all while gazing out at the sea.


    Dolphin-like creatures occasionally leaped from the water, their sleek forms shimmering before crashing back down. "This world is both incredible and dangerous," Atlas mused.


    He finished the boar meat, feeling a deep sense of contentment. As exhaustion set in, he dismissed his armor and climbed into his tent. Settling into his sleeping bag, he drifted off to sleep as the storm outside grew increasingly violent.


    While Atlas slept, his dreams carried him back to a poignant memory from his past. He found himself reliving a Wednesday morning on Earth. He was curled up on the couch, engrossed in cartoons, eagerly anticipating the start of another school day.


    Suddenly, his mother appeared in the doorway, accompanied by her boyfriend, Darren, who he had never liked, "When are we leaving for school, Mom?" he asked, his voice filled with innocent curiosity.


    His mother''s expression was a mixture of sadness and resolve. She looked at him with eyes that seemed to carry the weight of unspoken decisions. "You''re not going to school today," she said, her tone firm yet tinged with regret. "You''ll be staying somewhere while Darren and I go on holiday."


    ''''Will I be going to Aunties?'''' Atlas questioned once again.


    She shook her head before rushing him out of the house, only for him to notice a suitcase was in the back of their car, which caused worry to swell up inside. Atlas looked at his mother, who avoided looking at him, while Darren smirked.

 Chapter 91: Marcia Valemont

    Atlas was ushered into the car by his mother, and as the dream continued, his anxiety soared. Her boyfriend Darren started driving away from their home, and Atlas, paralyzed by fear, tried to speak but found no words came out.


    Each mile felt like a stab to his heart as he thought, ''This is the day she left me at the orphanage.''


    The car turned onto the motorway, and Darren''s voice cut through Atlas''s mounting dread, boasting about the holidays they would be taking. The conversation seemed foreign, a jarring discord in his memories. ''I thought we were going on holiday. How na?ve I was. If I had asked her why, things wouldn''t have been so bad.''


    Finally, Atlas croaked out, "Why are you abandoning me, Mom? Don''t you love me anymore?" His voice trembled with the weight of his fear and confusion.


    His mother''s face stiffened at his question, but Darren''s frustrated voice answered, "We''re not leaving you, boy. Your mother and I are attending a business meeting in another country. The place you''re staying in is meant to care for children."


    Hours later, they arrived at a town outside London where the orphanage was situated. The car stopped, and his mother, with tears streaming down her face, pulled out his suitcase. She whispered, "I''m sorry, honey, but this needs to be done; he told me it''s the only way to ensure you''re safe."


    Atlas was bewildered by her words and the sight of her tears. She approached two women, Pamela and Sarah, who respectfully welcomed him. His mother gave him one last bittersweet smile and said, "Atlas, my love. I will come back for you. I can''t explain now, but this is the only way."


    The next eight years unfolded in a blurred haze of sadness and abandonment. The pain of being left behind by the one person he loved most buried itself deep within him, resurfacing with each painful memory of his lonely days at the orphanage.


    The scene slowly faded, and Atlas drifted into a deeper sleep, only to be jolted awake by a sudden, piercing scream. He rushed out of the tent and saw explosions all over the grassland, which confused him.


    Atlas couldn''t see what was happening but soon noticed bandits fighting the knights protecting the students. He summoned his armor and weapons before dashing into the fray while slashing at the enemy''s legs as the smell of smoke and blood hit his nose.


    His attacks brought them to the ground, allowing Atlas to plunge into the bandit''s skulls before moving on and slashing out as he sped past. Soon enough, the enemies were put down thanks to the combined efforts of the knights, but that''s when he realized it was still nighttime.


    The knights retreated to their camp as Marcus screamed for him to move, but it was too late. A Dark One lunged at Atlas, who yelped before quickly using Void Step to avoid the creature''s claws an inch away from his face.


    Atlas cast Void Blast at the monster, causing it to be sent flying into the forest as more of them appeared. They swarmed toward him, and he started sprinting toward his camp but was tackled as he crossed the Runes by a sneaky creature that appeared out of nowhere.


    He went to defend himself, but the Dark One was burning until it turned into ash, allowing it to flop to the ground. As more monsters circled his camp, Atlas ignored them and started cooking more of the boar meat.


    While sitting there, he pulled out the Lover''s Band and instantly received a message, [Are you alright, my Amore? When you receive this, please send me a message as soon as possible]


    ''Amethyst,'' Atlas thought when seeing the writing pop into his vision before he replied, knowing he had one message.


    [Amethyst, I''m on the Zarandar Continent and will travel toward the Wildheart Kingdom, where the war has stalled. The Nightowls are chasing me, but I''ve managed to lose them for now]


    Atlas smiled, knowing he could keep in contact with the girls. Once done, he started eating the meat he cooked but soon noticed the female knight approaching. She entered his camp and handed over something, ''''Here''s some Hearthfire Allspice to make your meat taste better.''''


    He looked at the older woman before taking the offering with a smile while thanking her, ''''Thank you, but why are you giving me this?''''


    ''''A small gift for helping us; not many adventurers would risk themselves to fight bandits when they''re not in danger,'''' she explained before holding her hand out. ''''I''m Marcia Valemont, Captain of the Everlasting Shields.''''


    ''''Azhar''Zul,'''' he took her hand as he asked, ''''Whats the Everlasting Shields?''''


    Marcia smiled, ''''May I sit with you, Azhar''Zul?''''


    Atlas nodded while moving over to make room for her. Marcia sat beside him, giving him a good view of the mature woman. He found her beautiful. She had wavy brown hair and gorgeous blue eyes that glowed when the fire hit them.


    He noticed she was a curvy woman with a well-endowed chest and fat in all the right places, which caused him to question, ''Older women are something else internally.''


    ''''The Everlasting Shields is a group of warriors who came together to defend the common people that the nobles forget about, especially in the Achaemenid Empire where we protect towns, villages, and cities across Zarandar and Aridonia.''''


    Atlas was fascinated and offered Marcia some meat, which she happily accepted as he asked, ''''So you''re a hero to the commoners?''''


    Marcia giggled, which he found adorable before she answered while shaking her head, ''''I''m no more than a soldier and no less. I''m fighting to show the small folk that there are people who will protect them from the world''s evils.''''


    ''''A noble goal,'''' Atlas replied with a smile.


    She nodded before the two of them started eating while watching the stars as the Dark Ones screaming could be heard in the distance. Marcia looked at him with narrowed eyes, ''''Are you the Dahaka? The Achaemenidian Devil?''''


    Atlas was taken aback when he heard Marcia''s question and momentarily at a loss for words, but she pressed on. "Personally, I don''t believe you''re the Bringer of Chaos, but who can say for sure?"


    He looked around for a way to escape, which caused the mature woman to laugh as she continued, ''''So you''re him! You''re the one who points the way to paradise.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he got nervous, which showed, causing Marcia to put her hand on her chest while reciting something, ''''On this world mana and may the Goddess Sol be my witness, I will never reveal your true identity to anyone, Azhar''Zul.''''


    A slight glow was seen as he was confused, but something inside him said he could trust this woman. Without thinking, Atlas spoke, ''''Do you want to fight? I''ve got an itch that needs to be scratched.''''


    Marcia''s blue eyes gleamed with excitement as she replied with a grin, ''''Trying to win a woman''s heart, Dahaka?''''


    After speaking, she stood up and readied her sword while extending the protective Runes so they would have enough room to fight. The brunette approached the center, with Atlas following behind.


    He took out his blades and prepared to fight, and when Marcus saw them, he panicked, ''''What are you two doing? It''s dark and not time for a fight!''''


    ''''Don''t worry, Marcus, the Night Demons have vanished and won''t reappear,'''' Marcia replied just before they started.


    Atlas dashed forward but used Void Step to vanish. The brunette was ready and spun around while raising her blade to block his slash, causing his arm to vibrate. Marcia grinned as she went to kick him.


    He raised his weapon to intercept her kick, but the force behind it hurled him backward, slamming him into the ground with a resounding thud. Atlas gasped for breath, quickly regaining his footing.


    As Atlas leaped up, he unleashed a Void Blast in her direction to distract the older woman and scanned her to check her rank.


    [Marcia Valemont]


    [Level: 303]


    [Rank: Expert]


    ''Damn, she''s strong,'' he thought, still catching his breath as he prepared for the next move.


    Atlas smiled before rushing at Marcia again, who prepared for his strike. He swung again, but as it got close, he vanished again, only reappearing behind her. The mature woman giggled while using her bracer as she counter-attacked.


    He was shocked by her sudden move, but Marcia spoke, ''''I see you use speed, which makes sense for your age.''''


    She battered him away while continuing, ''''You need to focus on precision, Azhar''Zul. You''re small and delicate, so quickly strike at the weak points before getting away from the opponent before they can retaliate.''''


    Atlas nodded and tried again when she was ready to fight. He exploded forward but didn''t use Void Step this time. His blades clashed against Marcia''s sword, and they started trading attacks while dodging others.


    Her holding back annoyed him, but it made sense, ''Marcia would demolish me.''


    While thinking that, the brunette struck out and swiped his feet from under him as she spoke, ''''You got distracted, boy! This isn''t good.''''


    Atlas looked up to see her staring down at him with a smile, ''''If you would be willing to travel with me, I could train you, boy.'''' sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He saw up her dress and noticed she was wearing pink panties, but Atls cleared that lewd thought before answering, ''''That would be good, I do need to learn more to get stronger. But Is there a soul or spirit mage on the route?''''

 Chapter 92: The Empire Is Here

    [Aquele que aponta o caminho nos levar¨¢ ao para¨ªso - He who points the way will take us to paradise]


    ***


    Marcia looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Why are you searching for a Soul Mage?" she asked.


    Atlas took out the Monster Vault where Lilith was resting and showed Marcia. ''''This is Lily. She saved me during a fight, and I want to heal her from the soul damage she received,'''' he explained.


    When the mature woman heard this, her expression changed to surprise, ''''Why would you go that far for a monster? It will be costly to heal her and cost you something dear.''''


    ''''What''s that?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Marcia frowned, ''''Part of your soul will be mixed with hers so that the mage can heal the damage, but that means if you die, she will follow the same fate as you will be her anchor.''''


    ''''That''s not a problem; I''d do anything for her,'''' Atlas replied while watching the honey badger sleeping, but she was unconscious and couldn''t wake up.


    The older woman sighed, ''''Well, if that''s the case and what you truly want, we can travel to the Nubian Capital, Carthage, to visit their Soul Mages and heal your little monster.''''


    Atlas gazed at her with narrowed eyes before speaking, ''''Why would you travel with a stranger? Especially one you''ve just met?''''


    Marcia looked at him before speaking, ''''Azhar''Zul; you will be one of the most wanted people on the Zarandar and Aridonia Continents. You could try to travel yourself, but you will be captured between the Immortals and Nightowls.''''


    ''''You never answered my questions?'''' he replied. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Stay connected with m|vl|e|mp|y|r


    ''''I know you are the Saharaelian''s Chosen Messiah and many people''s hope,'''' Marcia explained as the two returned to his camp. ''''I follow the Path Azhur''Zul and couldn''t believe it was you when you first said your name.''''


    After speaking, she said a prayer Atlas was becoming familiar with, ''''Aquele que aponta o caminho nos levar¨¢ ao para¨ªso.''''


    ''''To live is to fight Azhar''Zul, and when I''m finished with you, your potential will be unlocked,'''' Marcia declared.


    Atlas nodded with a smile that soon changed, ''''Thank you for your help.''''


    ''''Don''t thank me, boy, the Achaemenids wiped out my homeland and put it to the torch along with my family. I want you to help me with my revenge,'''' she said with determination as her eyes became wet. ''''I''m a wife to a murdered husband, mother to a murdered daughter, and I will have my vengeance in this life or the next.''''


    ''Sounds like Gladiator,'' Atlas mused before replying with conviction. ''''It looks like destiny had a hand in our meeting as I plan to fight the empire for what they did to Estelle. I will help you get your revenge, Marcia Valemont?''''


    ''''Thank you Azhar''Zul. Once we reach Tajariyah City and drop off the students, we can travel south and get a ship to Aridonia,'''' Marcia said as she put her sword by the tent before removing her armor.


    Atlas nodded while watching her remove her armor until she was in a tunic that clung to her hourglass figure. He had to shake his head, but what happened next shocked him. She crawled into his tent without a care in the world.


    ''Is she crazy!'' he thought while approaching.


    ''''What are you doing?'''' Atlas questioned.


    ''''Get in here, boy! I need a cuddle because it''s cold, and you''re the perfect body pillow,'''' Marcia replied pleasedly.


    ''Did she just want me to hug at night?'' Atlas mused but shrugged while dismissing his armor and weapons.


    When he entered the tent, Marcia drew him into the sleeping bag. She wrapped her arms around him, gently resting his head on her plentiful chest, which felt like a pair of cushioned pillows.


    She gently stroked his hair while he relaxed and murmured with closed eyes, "You remind me of an old friend of mine. Why is it that you feel so familiar yet so different?"


    Atlas was about to answer, but dread and horror suddenly overwhelmed him. He shook his head and said, ''''If we get separated, meet at Thalassar City in the north. Something is going to happen, Marcia.''''


    Just as Atlas said, a long, gangly arm grabbed his ankle before dragging him outside, causing his panic, but he didn''t forget to summon his armor and weapons. Atlas raised the blades to block a swipe of vicious-looking claws.


    Explosions erupted, causing Marcia to rush into battle as he scanned the creature on top of him.


    [Wendigo]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    ''What the fuck is this,'' Atlas thought while casting Void Blast, then Void Step to vanish out of the Wendigo''s grasp.


    He reappeared near the tent as Marcia was fighting two of the creatures while the other knights defended the student. The brunette turned to him concernedly, but Atlas smiled at her, ''''Remember! Thalassar City in the Thalassia Empire, look for the party called Voidwalkers Harem! '' Stay alive so we can get your revenge.''''


    Just as Atlas said, a group of Wendigos lunged at him. He managed to bat away a few of them using Void Bullet and Blast, but one of the creatures grabbed his ankle and pulled, causing him to crash to the ground with a thud.


    Atlas was then dragged into the forest as the battle intensified. He pointed his hand at the Wendigo and blew its head off using Void Arrow while blocking a slash from another creature, causing sparks to fly.


    He started battling with the remaining monsters that he struggled to fight due to their ranks, and Atlas noticed a dozen more Wendigo''s charging at him. When he saw this, he fled the forest but wasn''t fast enough as the creepy creatures were closing in on him from all sides.


    After that, Atlas used Call Of The Void to summon the pack of Void Raptors and a warrior who quickly approached him; he jumped on its back before it started rushing into the distance as the others engaged with the Wendgios in a fierce battle.


    The chase was on as the Raptor Warrior weaved around the trees and jumped over bushes as the Wendigos were catching on to them. Atlas turned around and started peppering the creatures with Void Bullets that exploded on contact.


    This continued for another hour after Atlas poured mana into the Call Of The Void, causing it to level up. Atlas stopped casting magic before speaking to the warrior, ''''Turn around and head for the beach boy.''''


    Following that, the dinosaur monster rushed through the forest until Atlas heard the sound of waves hitting the shore and arrived at the beach but was further east. He traveled along the sane until he spotted smoke in the distance.


    Atlas ordered the warrior to rush there, but once they got close, the void creature vanished, causing him to crash into the warm sand. He got up while shaking his head and noticed the sun rising on the horizon.


    When it lit up, the scene in front of him was carnage; students, professors, and knights lay dead all over the beach. But what caught Atlas''s attention was the pirates mixed in with the corpses.


    ''Did we get attacked by two different forces? What is it with Zarander, monsters, bandits, Dark Ones and now pirate,'' he thought while looking for Marcia''s body but couldn''t find the older woman.


    Atlas packed his tent and other things before following the survivors'' tracks. It took him an hour to find the first survivors, but only a dozen were attacked by more pirates when he got closer.


    He spotted several ships out at sea, but soon, they were attacked by the Achaemenid Navy, which swiftly demolished the pirate vessels. Despite his concern, Atlas set it aside and hurried toward Marcia.


    When reaching the pirates, he started stabbing them while darting around the chaotic battlefield; the older woman spotted him, and a big smile appeared as she spoke, ''''Azhar''Zul! Pirates are attacking the northern part of the empire. I would suggest that you run before the Immortals get here.''''


    Atlas cast a Void Blast at a group of pirates before turning to the brunette as the battle died down, ''''Aren''t we traveling together?'''' he questioned.


    Marcia regretfully shook her head, ''''Now the empire is here. They will deploy the Everlasting Shields to other cities to protect them from raids and Nubian attacks, plus our commander ordered us to return.''''


    He watched her take out a small charm and hand it to him, ''''I noticed your bracelet is some sort of communication device; if you add this to it, we can talk once a day, but let me send you the message first in case any officers are around.''''


    Atlas nodded as the survivors approached the shoreline, and a dozen boats approached them. Panic set in as he saw the approaching vessels, but Marcia quickly guided him toward the mountains.


    "When you reach Tajariyah City," she instructed, "head to Jaspers Spellbook store in the shopping district. Purchase a disguise skill¡ªyour eyes and hair make it too easy for people to recognize you. We will most likely run into each other while there but be careful as not everyone is a follower of the Path Azhur''Zul."


    Marcia pushed him into the forest, ''''This isn''t goodbye, boy; I will see you at Thalassar City as my contract ends in a few months. Now flee before the Immortals capture you.''''


    Atlas smiled at the older woman and said, ''''It was nice meeting you, Marcia.''''

 Chapter 93: Savage Void Bears

    Atlas dashed through the trees as the Achaemenids appeared on the beach to help the survivors, and Marcia approached them while ensuring he was out of sight. He crouched in a nearby bush, his heart racing, but luck was on his side as they hadn''t seen him.


    When he spotted the soldiers, they wore eerie devil-looking masks that sent chills down his spine. Their all-black armor looked menacing and foreboding. Seeing them filled him with a sense of dread.


    ''They''re creepy,'' he thought; Atlas quickly scanned the closest Immortal who was watching.


    [-----]


    [Level: 349]


    [Rank: Expert]


    ''Better not let them see me; it would be game over if they did,'' he mulled before fleeing toward the distant mountains where Tajariyah City was.


    Atlas fled deeper into the forest, allowing him to hear the birds chirping in the trees above. The afternoon sun shone through the tree branches as the wilderness grew denser the deeper he got.


    The smell of nature reached his nose, causing him to relax. While climbing over a fallen tree, Atlas mentally mapped out his journey, ''First, he would travel to Carthage to heal Lilith. Then, he would head north to meet the girls in Thalassar City or the Wildheart Kingdom.''


    After that, Atlas continued trekking as he approached the mountain, looking for a path to make his trip to the city easier and prevent him from being attacked or ambushed by anything.


    ''If not for Marcia, they would have captured me again,'' Atlas thought as he crossed over a stream where a group of deer-like monsters were grazing nearby.


    He walked for a couple of hours only to find nothing. After climbing up a hill, he came to a clearing and bumped into a group of goblins; by the looks on their creepy faces, they were just as shocked as he was.


    It looked like they were out hunting because of the shabby-looking weapons they held and the Forest Boar corpse they stood around. These goblins looked like your typical green instead of the blue ones he''d met.


    Atlas shook his head before lunging forward and ramming the Blood Knife into the closest creature''s skull just as the others attacked. He used Void Step to dodge most attacks, but a few hit him.


    ''Ouch!''


    However, Atlas counterattacked by casting Void Bullets into the group. His attack sent the enemies tumbling into the nearby bushes, and he sprang into action. He charged at the closest opponent, driving his sword through its skull with a fierce thrust.


    In quick succession, he decapitated two more of the grotesque creatures. The battle raged on for a few more minutes until the clearing was strewn with the lifeless bodies of goblins. Breathing heavily, Atlas surveyed the aftermath of the fierce fight before cutting out the 12 Black Monster Cores.


    ''I need to find a way to increase my speed and stamina,'' Atlas thought. ''Maybe I can train myself by running?''


    Despite the goblins being Rank G monsters and yielding only 600 experience points, he was satisfied and checked his status.


    [Level Up: 66¡ú68]


    [Experience: 980/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 3650]


    [Health: 460¡ú472]


    [Mana: 2208¡ú2238]


    [Strength: 464¡ú476]


    [Stamina: 472¡ú522]


    [Charisma: 358¡ú362]


    [Intelligence: 390¡ú398]


    [Core Points: 26850¡ú29450]


    [Core Points Gained: 2600]


    [Void Blast: 0¡ú1] Discover more at m''vl emp yr


    ''Close to getting the Mana Core benefits, but I need information on the Body Tempering,'' he thought.


    He soon noticed that Void Blast leveled up, which made him happy with his gains. After checking his status, Atlas continued walking until he reached the base of the mountains but didn''t know where to go until he spotted a pathway up.


    Following that, he started to climb up the mountain. There, he encountered no monsters but noticed the wind was getting worse. It was causing a screaming sound to echo all over. This caused him to shiver as it bit into his skin, forcing him to take out the Enchanted Cloak and wrap it around him and his armor to keep warm.


    However, it only managed to keep out some of the wind. While trekking up the mountain path, Atlas looked to the right only to see a sea of trees stretching to the east, ending in hilly grasslands.


    ''Interesting. It doesn''t seem to go on forest like the Darkheart Jungle I was in before,'' he mused. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After that, Atlas continued traveling up the mountain until he reached a ledge with a tiny foothold entrance that would give him some sense of security. While standing there, he realized the sun was starting to set.


    Without much thought, he set up his camp and started a fire using the camping gear he bought from the general store as the air was cold, causing him to shiver while pulling out an Orc''s Delights Meat Box.


    The scent hit his nose, making his stomach rumble before he started eating. He enjoyed the soft meats, spices, and other ingredients. Looking out at the mysterious landscape, he thought, ''I wonder how long it will take to get north.''


    While contemplating, Atlas pulled out the map, started looking for Zarandar, and soon noticed a little blue dot on the paper that represented him. ''Is that a marker for me? Must be as it is an expensive-looking world map embued with several Runes,'' he mused.


    Following that, Atlas continued to eat until the meat box was empty, causing him to remember that he could send Amethyst a message. [Amethyst, meet me at Wildheart Kingdom. If you cannot travel there, meet me in Thalassar City in the Thalassia Empire. I have to travel to the capital of the Nubian Empire to find a Soul Mage that can heal Lily before I turn back north]


    It took seconds to receive a reply from Amethyst, [Azhar''Zul, we''re currently on route to the Wildheart Kingdom to aid in the war effort as all adventurers have been asked to help the Asotria Realms push the Southmen back across the Sands Of Sorrow. More importantly, how did you get to their homeland? Make sure to get a disguise skill and stay out of their way unless you want to be captured again]


    Atlas smiled when reading the Phoenix girl''s words, but Marcia''s message shocked him next.


    [Boy! They know you''re on Zarandar and have sent a small army of Nightowls and Immortals to find you. Get to Tajariyah City and get that skill; once you do that, you will be somewhat safe unless you come across a high ranker who can see through it. I do hope to see you soon]


    ''Glad I left the beach now,'' Atlas thought. ''They would have found me otherwise, I don''t want be captured again and executed.''


    After that thought, he watched the two moons beginning their ascent. Zahidul bathed the world in a silver glow while Azadul''s golden light illuminated the sky, revealing a stunning display of stars sparkling above.


    Atlas pulled out the map and spotted his marker on the side of the mountain. He started looking for the city on the opposite side of the range. ''I can travel through paths; I doubt soldiers or Immortals will be traveling around here.''


    Once he was done planning his trip through the Titan''s Fist Mountain Range to Tajariyah City, he crawled into his tent and activated the Void Realm Skill and was sucked into the strange realm only to wake up on a mountain ledge.


    Following that, Atlas checked the amount of Savage Void Bear counter.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4994/5000]


    ''Only managed to kill six before that flying bear took me out,'' he chuckled when remembering the scene.


    Atlas started his journey by readying his weapons and looking for a pathway down while being careful. He soon found one and started slowly walking down as roars rang out from all around him.


    ''They are already onto me,'' he thought. ''I''ll use magic for now.''


    Without thinking, Atlas glanced up just in time to see two Savage Void Bears plummeting from the sky toward him. His heart pounded as he let out a startled yelp, barely having a moment to react.


    He unleashed a Void Blast that roared through the air, striking them with a devastating force. The explosion sent them hurtling through the air, their massive forms colliding with the mountainside before crashing into the gorges below.


    Atlas then checked his total when he felt something change after killing the monsters.


    [Savage Void Bear - 4992/5000]


    Afterward, he continued down to the foothills, facing and defeating another ten savage bears along the way. Atlas traveled for an hour and soon realized he was in a valley surrounded and blocked by massive mountains.


    ''What''s the point of trapping me here just to fight savages?'' he wondered, dispatching three more bears that had attempted to ambush him from behind some boulders.


    Atlas soon discovered a cave entrance, the only escape from the valley without climbing the mountainside. Glancing up, he saw distorted reflections of the two moons, which struck him as odd, but he stepped into the dark tunnel without hesitation.


    ''I hope there aren''t any creepy insect monsters,'' he thought as a shiver ran up his spine.


    ***


    Atlas''s current status. (Won''t be seen for a while)


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 13


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: Voidwalker/??????? ????????


    Level: 68


    Rank: Apprentice


    Experience: 980/2000


    Affinity: Void


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 472 (50)


    Mana: 2238


    Strength: 476


    Stamina: 522 (100)


    Charisma: 362


    Intelligence: 398


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: High Novice


    Core Points: 29450/30000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (2) Lv-1: Void Arrow (2) Lv-2: Void Blast (0>1) Lv-2: Void Wave (0)


    Defence: Lv-1: Void Guard (2)


    Support: Lvl-1: Void Step (2)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Void Realm (0) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (1) Dual Wielding (2) Health Regeneration (1) Dimensional Storage (1) Aqua Lung (1) Light (0)Call Of The Void (1) ??????? ???????? (0)

 Chapter 94: The Weather Is Terrible

    Atlas continued down the dark tunnel, and he could see thanks to his Light Skill, but just after he entered, a group of five Savage Bears rushed in to attack him. Using Void Step, he dodged the attacks effortlessly while his blades found their mark, sinking deep into monster flesh.


    The bears roared in anger, and the pain he inflicted sent them into a rage. The fight was close quarters, as the tunnel was twelve feet wide, and the bears were clambering to get to him while trying to bite and swipe at him.


    He quickly dealt with the Savage Bears, piercing their skulls with his blades. Once they were dead, he checked the total as the monsters turned into azure motes and vanished into the Void Realm.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4977/5000]


    ''This will take a while before I clear the first hurdle. I won''t be able to use them as I travel across the Titan Fist Mountains,'' Atlas pondered as he took a break before continuing walking down the tunnel; he soon noticed the air was getting colder the deeper he got.


    After trekking for twenty minutes, Atlas came upon a large chamber with monster bones littering the floor, which made it look like an underground graveyard. There were large claw marks gauged into the ground and chamber walls.


    ''Something lives here, it seems,'' he thought.


    Seeing all the signs caused him to ready his weapon just as he heard a defeating roar that shook the ground. The sound bounced off the walls, changing the atmosphere to one of dread. ''What kind of monster is this?'' he thought.


    That''s when a massive Grizzly Bear-looking monster charged out of the shadows. Its dark fur hid it in the darkness, while its glowing blue eyes were the only thing he could see fully. The monster was the size of a car, and its massive paws ended in claws the size of a man''s hand.


    Atlas quickly used Void Sight on the creatures while preparing for the fight.


    [Void Cave Bear]


    [Rank: D]


    ''D Rank! This will be tough as it''s two ranks above me,'' he thought as the Grizzly Bear closed in on him.


    The Cave Bear lunged forward, snapping its massive maw. Atlas quickly cast Void Blast, slamming it into the monster''s face before it reached him. Then, he jumped to the side and thrust his blades into the creature''s side.


    When they pierced the skin, Atlas went to cast Void Bullet, but the bear''s paw swung in his direction, causing him to cast Void Guard to take the brunt of the attack. Regardless, he was sent flying back down the tunnel before crashing onto the ground, which gave him enough space between himself and the monster.


    Atlas got to his feet just in time to see the Cave Bear rushing forward and swiping at his torse. He quickly leaned backward as the tip of the monster''s claws scrapped against the armor, causing him to feel the air against his face, ''Too close!''


    He quickly counterattacked by slashing the creature''s paw, which sent blood splattering against the wall while he fired a Void Bullet in its face. The explosion reverberated through the tunnel, causing the Cave Bear to stagger in agony.


    Seizing the moment, Atlas lunged forward, quickly driving the Nightblade deep into the bear''s skull. At the same time, he released a Void Arrow through the weapon. The azure projectile sliced through the skull, emerging from the other side just as the creature dissolved into motes of light.


    Atlas exhaled deeply, his breath coming in heavy gasps as he bent over, hands on his knees, catching his breath and savoring the hard-earned relief. While doing that, a notification popped up.


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1999/2000]


    ''Level two is so much harder, I just need to get stronger,'' Atlas thought before continuing down the tunnel where the bear came from.


    This continued for another hour until two of the monsters appeared and attacked him. Thanks to being under five feet tall, Atlas dodged most swipes and bites of the Cave Bears, but he managed to kill one with a void Arrow through the head.


    The monster vanished as the last one barrelled into him, but he managed to impale the bear with the Nightblade. Atlas heard two snaps as his arms broke, and the body flopped down on him, putting its total weight on him. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas struggled to push the Cave Bear off him with broken arms, but he did it after putting extra effort into it. Once free, his Regeneration repaired the bones before stitching the skin together.


    He got to his feet before continuing down the tunnel while checking on the Void Bear total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4977/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1997/2000]


    ''Nothing comes for free in life,'' Atlas mused as he saw light in the distance but was cut off by another group of Cave Bears blocking his way.


    This time, five Cave Bears charged at him, their blue eyes blazing with fury. Atlas felt a gulp catch in his throat as he faced the onslaught. He managed to take down two of the bears swiftly, but before he could react further, the remaining three leaped onto him, suddenly ending his turn at level two as they tore into his bodies.


    Atlas woke up to the tent''s ceiling shaking all over the place, thunder boomed overhead, and rain poured down like a flood. The sun hadn''t risen yet, covering the world in darkness, and he thought, ''The weather is terrible. I''m lucky I bought this thing to keep me hidden from the rain.''


    He sat up and pulled some chocolate while checking the void monster tally.


    Discover wonders at m-vl-em-py-r


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4977/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1995/2000]


    After doing that, Atlas pulled up his status to see if he had gained anything from fighting the Void Bears.


    [Health: 472¡ú474]


    [Mana: 2238¡ú2242]


    [Strength: 476¡ú480]


    [Stamina: 522¡ú532]


    [Intelligence: 398¡ú400]


    [Health Regeneration: 1¡ú2]


    Following that, Atlas waited until the sun rose before continuing his journey through the mountain, but when it did appear, the storm blocked it out, causing his trek from the ledge he was on to become even more dangerous.


    While traveling, he saw dozens of thunderbirds that flew overhead, screeching in happiness as thunder and lightning lashed the mountain peaks. Atlas noticed a forest on one nearby hill was on fire.


    Black smoke billowed high, causing him to think, ''This is chaos; I need to get to the city as soon as possible.''


    Atlas pressed on, dodging the encroaching blaze that crackled and roared as it spread. Glancing at his map, he pinpointed his location and noted that he was near a pass leading to the route toward the city.


    He looked up and saw the flames rapidly closing in, forcing him to sprint toward the escape route. Acting instinctually, he activated Void Step, propelling himself across the landscape with blinding speed and narrowly outrunning the fire.


    As he burst through the pass, the flames surged behind him, engulfing the trees and underbrush and sealing off the route he had just crossed. ''I''m glad I made it; it should take a couple of days to reach Tajariyah,'' Atlas thought with relief.


    He continued his journey, navigating carefully across a gully. Suddenly, a roar jolted him, causing rubble to cascade down from above. Atlas looked up and saw a massive bear descending the cliffside.


    Atlas quickly scanned the creature, bracing himself for the impending confrontation.


    [Mountain Bear]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    When Atlas saw this, he sighed, ''I have to deal with them in the real world as well,'' he thought while readying his blades.


    The Mountain Bear crashed into the spot he was just in; while using Void Step, he avoided the creature before attacking. He dashed forward just as it swung its claws at him, but Atlas ducked that while peppering the monster with Void Bullets.


    Explosions erupted all across the bear''s body, causing it to stumble. This allowed him to cast Void Step and appear behind the monster while slicing the back of its thick legs, bringing it crashing to the ground.


    Atlas plunged his blade into the bear''s skull and ended its life; he felt the experience pouring into his body before cutting out the green Monster Core and storing it in his Dimensional Storage.


    Atlas pressed on until he spotted a narrow pathway ascending the side of the mountain. After an hour of steady climbing, he took the path and reached a breathtaking vantage point. From the summit, the forest below stretched out endlessly, dotted with villages and punctuated by the outlines of towns and cities in the distance.


    ''I can''t wait to explore this place,'' Atlas thought, marveling at the expansive view.


    Descending into the valley, he encountered and fought off five more Mountain Bears, each battle leaving him more tired. As he examined his map, he noticed that the path to the city was now within reach.


    Realizing the sun was setting, Atlas knew he needed to find a safe place to rest for the night, ''I can''t be bothered to keep fighting these damn bears that keep appearing; it''s bad enough I have to fight them in the Void Realm.''


    Soon enough, he found a small cave with nothing inside. Atlas entered after setting up the Runes to keep him safe throughout the night. Once that was done, he put up his tent and cooked some of the Forest Boar Meat.


    Atlas placed it on fire while adding the spice Marcia had given him, which gave off a delicious smell. This caused his stomach to rumble; he noticed the meat was cooking beautifully and only had to wait a little longer.

 Chapter 95: Only Ten

    Atlas watched the wind and rain batter everything around him, but his hideaway protected him from getting wet. He sat there and ate the Forest Boar meat as the storm uprooted trees and flew debris everywhere.


    He spotted boulders crash against the mountainside, causing the ground to shake thanks to the multiple impacts, some coming perilously close to him due to the wind blowing them in his direction.


    The debris caused him to activate the spell Void Guard to shield himself from the debris that flew through the air, ''This isn''t getting any better,'' he thought while glancing at the landscape around him. ''Maybe I could kill some Void Bears until the storm stops.''


    Atlas shook his head, shivering as the cold air seeped into his bones. He decided to escape the cold and head into level two of the Void Realm. After making up his mind, he crawled into the tent he had set up in a small crevice that shielded him from the storm.


    Once out of the storm, Atlas got comfortable by getting into his sleeping bag before activating the Void Realm skill. His consciousness was sucked out of his body and reappeared in the tunnel where the bears had killed him the previous time.


    ''This is going to get boring quick. Hopefully, the other levels offer different challenges,'' Atlas mused.


    He glanced around but saw nothing as he readied his blades and equipped his armor with a single thought, causing them to appear from his storage. Within minutes of starting the level, he heard two roars reverberating through the ground from a few meters down the tunnel.


    ''They''re here,'' Atlas thought with an excited smile. ''I want to kill a few hundred today to knock the total down so I can use the bears in battle.''


    While listening, he prepared to fight as two angry-looking Void Cave Bears were charging in his direction; their large bodies made the ground tremble with every step, causing him to cast several Void Bullets at them to try to slow the angry creatures down.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air before slamming into the monsters, followed by explosions, which erupted and injured one of the bears, but the first one wasn''t affected much. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''The spell got one of them,'' he thought. ''I just have to dodge the bear''s claws.''


    That''s when the second bear collapsed, its damaged paw buckling under its weight. Seeing this, Atlas dashed forward and evaded the uninjured bear''s swipe by ducking just before he rammed the Nightblade into the injured one''s skull, causing it to go still.


    ''Now for the last one, it should be on top of me by now,'' he pondered as he pulled out his sword.


    Its body turned to azure motes as the first Cave Bear rushed at him, enraged. Atlas dodged all the wild strikes while cutting the giant creature''s body. He ducked under one swing and blasted it with a Void Blast, causing the monster to stumble back.


    Then, Atlas lunged forward and used Void Step to appear above it. He fell toward the bear before impaling it through the head using his blades. Following that he jumped off as the monster turned into motes.


    ''This is getting easier,'' he ponders while walking. But it''s only the first two monsters. I wonder what the others are like.''


    He continued his journey down the tunnel until the light got closer, which excited him because it meant getting out of the damp, dark underpass. However, he had to fight three more bears before reaching the outside world, as he checked the Void Bear totals.


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1990/2000]


    ''Only ten!'' he thought as the light washed over his body.


    Atlas was on a massive plateau covered in trees that created a small forest in the cloud; foliage littered the ground, and many Savage Bears probably hid there. Even with that, though, he still found the landscape beautiful.


    ''This place is something else; I''ve never seen anything like it,'' he mused with a smile.


    Odd-looking flowers decorated the bottom of the trees as vines hung between the branches, making them look ancient. Atlas stepped forward only to jump when ten Savage Bears charged out of the brush and headed straight for him.


    ''I called it!'' he thought.


    Atlas readied his blades as the first one swung at his torsos, but he deflected it with the short sword while stabbing the bear through its eye, causing the monster to shudder before collapsing dead.


    He started fighting the other nine and slowly killed them while darting around the trees and using the bushes to tangle the monsters up. Atlas''s tactics tripped some of them, allowing him to stab the bears through the skull until there were three left.


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    The remaining Savage Bears stood opposite Atlas, smiling before charging at them. When the monsters spotted this, the one in the middle lunged forward while swiping at him, but he deflected the creature''s claws.


    Atlas quickly stabbed the Savage Bear in the head while moving past it and casting Void Wave when the other two lunged at him. The azure mana wave shot out of his body and slammed into the monsters.


    The spell cut one in half, sending the remaining one flying into the bushes before turning into motes. Atlas started traveling through the forest, moving around the trees and foilage as he checked the Void Bear totals.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4967/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1990/2000]


    ''Is this even worth it? And where do I do?'' Atlas thought just as a message popped up.


    [You will grow in strength as you progress; check your status when back in the other world - Follow the signs, Little One; it will lead the way while killing the Void Bears]


    He nodded before continuing through the forest, killing over one hundred Savage Void Bears. Atlas started getting used to fighting the bears by using speed and fast strikes to put the monsters down.


    Afterward, he discovered a pathway winding down the side of a mountain, bathed in an unusual glow. While looking at it, he wondered, ''Could this be the sign the message mentioned?''


    As he approached, a roar shook as he spotted a few Cave Void Bears seconds leading an army of smaller Savage Bears. They slid down the mountain face while letting out enraged roars and looking to kill him.


    He started casting Void Bullets and Void Blasts into the swarm of monsters. Atlas watched as the explosions ripped the bears apart, but that didn''t slow any of them down as the first Cave Bear reached him.


    Atlas dodged the bear''s bite and quickly cast a Void Arrow, which pierced through the creature''s skull, slicing through flesh and bone before obliterating its brain. As the monster dissolved into motes, a new group of ten smaller bears emerged in its place.


    When the monsters got close, Atlas started battling the Savage Bears by avoiding their attacks and striking with metal and magic. His attack caused the monsters to drop dead before turning into motes.


    It took him at least ten minutes to fight, leaving him breathless while he checked the total while resting.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4857/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1987/2000]


    ''Slowly going down,'' he mused as he pressed up the pathway despite the relentless attacks from more Savage Bears.


    He effortlessly evaded numerous claw swipes and bites, though a few strikes found their mark while ripping open his skin. Atlas''s armor withstood some blows, but only their sharp claws could pierce and slice through his flesh.


    Atlas gritted his teeth as pain surged through his body. With a final burst of strength, he unleashed a Void Wave to finish off the remaining bears before collapsing to his knees as his Regeneration kicked in and stitched the injuries closed.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4805/5000]


    Following that, he stood up and stretched out, causing his bones to click, which made him feel better. Atlas continued up the mountain until he came to a glacial valley, ''What is his crazy place?'' he pondered.


    He noticed a hill with an arena in the valley''s center, causing him to start walking towards it, but he was attacked by even more Savage Void Bears that ambushed him from the underbrush and branches above.


    Atlas managed to kill the monsters without taking much damage while using his weapons and Void Guard to defend himself. He took out over three dozen bears were taken out, and once he had done that, a loud and earth-shaking roar rang out from the valley center.


    ''What the hell was that? It sounds even more ferocious than the Cave Void Bears,'' Atlas thought.


    He continued across the open landscape until he came to a huge amphitheater with a massive bear that resembled a polar bear on steroids. The bear''s glowing blue eyes and bright white fur glowed under the light, which appeared from nowhere.


    Atlas gulped when seeing this beast and scanned it using Void Sight.


    [Void Brute Bear]


    [Rank: C]


    ''It''s one whole rank above me,'' Atlas thought.


    He went to back off, but a woman''s voice reached his ears, ''''Come forth, Voidwalker. The queen sent me here to challenge you in the first valley.''''


    Atlas was confused and replied in a shakey tone, ''''First valley? How many are there?''''


    ''''Eleven Little One with our queen at the end of the Valley Challenges,'''' the Void Brute Bear replied. ''''Now, let''s battle and see how well you''ve grown since level one.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he readied his weapons before stepping into the amphitheater. A forcefield blocked them inside, and blue torches lit up the arena.

 Chapter 96: Exploring Zarandar

    The Brute Void Bear stood on her back legs, towering at least twelve feet tall, with a tank-like build and massive paws capable of crushing him. Her claws, Atlas''s forearm size, and beautiful white fur with light blue stripes made her an imposing figure.


    He noticed her claws, which were the size of his forearm. She had beautiful white fur with light blue stripes running down their body. The monster''s eyes gleamed as her eyes fixed on him, making Atlas wonder, ''Is this Polar Bear a battle maniac? She looks thrilled about the upcoming fight.''


    Following that, a bell chime rang out, which was the start of the fight; Atlas watched the Void Brute Bear charging forward, causing the ground to shake, which threw him off, but as she closed in on him and swiped, he used Void Step to dodge.


    When Atlas appeared behind the bear, its claws smashed into the ground, which felt like a small earthquake. He watched this and wondered how he would defeat the monster, ''How can I beat this thing?''


    ''''Oh, so you use speed to fight Little One,'''' the bear woman''s voice rang out. ''''I do enjoy chasing Thunder Rabbits.''


    Atlas was shocked when hearing this, but he shook his head before replying, ''''I''m not a Thunder Rabbit!''''


    The bear laughed as he dashed forward, aiming his Nightblade at his ankles and firing a Void Blast. It soared toward his foe, but she dodged out of the way before returning the attack with one of her own as three blue claws flew toward him.


    ''She can use magic! What the hell are these bears,'' he thought as the spell struck him.


    Atlas was sent flying back by the Brute Void Bears sudden attack and crashed into a wall before falling to the ground with a thud. The armor took most of the attack, but it slipped through and ripped his chest into a bloody mess.


    He tried to get up, but his body was aching, and the pain caused his vision to blur. However, Atlas pushed through and stood up as the bear spoke again, ''''Very good Little One. You''re still alive while others would be dead.''''


    ''''Barely, my body is screaming in pain, and my Regeneration has just started healing the injuries,'''' Atlas replied while wiping blood from his mouth. ''''I dread fighting your queen if she''s strong like you.''''


    The bear woman laughed as she replied, ''''I like you, Little One. But I must inform you that the queen is much stronger than the us generals.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding before spamming Void Bullets at the bear, followed by a dozen Void Arrows that peppered the monster''s body as he rushed forward and slashed at its ankles, which sliced deeply into the flesh.


    After his attack, the Void Brute Bear swung one of its claws at him, which left no time to dodge. Atlas was kicked out of the Void Realm as his run ended, thanks to the first boss he came across.


    ''Damn, the Void Realm isn''t easy; I have to get stronger,'' he mused while staring at the ceiling of the tent that was shaking due to the wind.


    Atlas crawled to the entrance and opened it, only to see that things had worsened. Between the wind and rain, he couldn''t see past the ledge he was on. ''Things are bad, but at least it gives me enough time to try to complete level two.''


    Following that, he pulled out a meat box and started eating while taking a mouthful of water from his canteen, which the man from the general store sold him. Once Atlas finished the food, he decided to watch the weather.


    The two moons loomed overhead, their light dimmed by the storm clouds. Atlas wrapped himself in the blankets and drifted into sleep. When he awoke the following day, he found that the storm had finally subsided.


    Atlas climbed out of his tent and put it in his Dimensional Storage while equipping his gear. Once that was all sorted, he made his way across the ledge until reaching a Plateau with large bushes dotting the landscape. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''There''s monsters lurking inside those things,'' he thought while taking out his blade and scanning the bushes.


    [Wild Mutants]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''Mutants? I wonder what they look like,'' Atlas mused while approaching the closest bush.


    As he pondered this, a humanoid figure suddenly emerged from the bushes. It resembled the Dark Ones but was smaller and more skeletal in appearance while covered in dark hair that covered their bodies.


    The creature lunged at him, its eyes glowing with a malevolent red hue and a row of jagged, yellowed teeth bared in a snarl. Its razor-sharp claws swung at him, forcing Atlas to lean back in a narrow escape.


    With a swift thrust, he drove the Nightblade into the creature''s head, silencing its advance as more of its kind emerged from the underbrush. Atlas danced around the incoming attacks, his movements a blur as he countered with bursts of magic.


    Void magic swept over the monsters, causing them to collapse lifelessly. He finished the onslaught using Void Step to materialize behind the remaining foes, dispatching them with precise strikes.


    Thanks to using speed so much, Atlas became used to it and slaughtered all the Wild Mutants quickly until fourteen of them lay dead on the ground. He was sitting in the middle and took off his helmet, which had a long scratch along the front of the metal.


    ''''That was close; those creatures were exactly like the Dark Ones but much weaker and dumber,'''' Atlas muttered while standing up.


    While fighting, he felt himself level up but decided to leave it until later. As he crossed the plateau, he spotted a manmade staircase on the other side. ''Oh, it looks like the city is close. Maybe I can sleep in a comfortable bed,'' he thought.


    Atlas started walking down and didn''t encounter any monsters but noticed dozens of footprints littering the bottom of the stairs. He looked around and saw a pathway leading around a bend he traveled down.


    A bad feeling overwhelmed him, but he shrugged it away before following it until someone grabbed him and held a blade against his throat. Atlas was confused but noticed several adventurers surrounding him as a young woman held the knife.


    ''''Who are you, and how did you travel through the Titan''s Fist Mountains?'''' a man in his thirties with blue hair and red eyes questioned.


    ''''I''m an adventurer exploring Zarandar after being washed up after a shipwreck,'''' he answered. ''''And I was careful as many monsters lurked in the shadows, and I had a mountain bear ambush me on one pathway.''''


    Upon hearing this, a mature brunette woman with coffee-colored skin and striking green eyes¡ªdressed in mage attire with a pointy hat¡ªspoke in a Persian accent, "Show us your guild card, boy."


    Atlas retrieved the black card from his pocket, and the woman accepted it, reading its contents before returning it to him. As the younger woman withdrew the blade, allowing him a better look, he noticed her distinct features.


    The woman had short brown hair and piercing red eyes. Her Amazonian build was complemented by smooth, light brown skin. She resembled the man and woman and was assumed to be the leader. ''daughter, perhaps?'' he wondered.


    As Atlas surveyed the area, he noticed five figures hidden in a narrow pass¡ªtwo men and three women¡ªeach observing with a wary interest. The final man was dark-skinned, bald, strong, clad in knightly armor, and wielding a massive greatsword.


    The last woman, older than the others, had short blonde hair and glowing yellow eyes. She was dressed in a blend of leather and metal armor, resembling a seasoned warrior. Atlas shook his head before questioning the group, ''''Where are we? I was traveling to Tajariyah City to get some rest.''''


    The man stepped forward at that moment, extending his hand in greeting. "I''m Kaelus Vexmoor, leader of the Rank A party Crimson Vanguard," he introduced himself.


    Atlas took it and responded, ''''Azhar''Zul.''''


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    Kaelus smiled before introducing the other four, ''''The mage is Elysia Vexmoor, my fiance and our spellcaster.''''


    The mage smiled at him while giving him a small wave before the man continued, ''''The big guy is Eli Stormrider, who fights alongside his wife, Aurora Stormrider.''''


    When Kaelus finished speaking, the couple greeted him with a smile before introducing the last member: ''''This little demoness is Aria Vexmoor, mine and Elysia''s daughter.''''


    Atlas greeted them as the mage woman spoke up. "To answer your earlier question, we are stationed here to guard this pass, known as the Dreadmist, against an ongoing Monster Wave threatening Tajariyah. The governor has hired us to remain here for a week, which concludes in a few days."


    ''''Can you point the way to the city? I need to buy a few things and sleep in a bed,'''' Atlas asked, dismissing his armor but leaving the weapons on his belt.


    ''''No can do, lad, it''s not safe for you out there,'''' Kaelus replied. ''''A Rank S Cycolps is lurking along the path. Rumors speak of a Rank S party a day away from here. The empire hired them from the Astoria Continent before the war broke out.''''


    Atlas was disappointed, and it showed as Aria spoke, ''''We''re heading back to the city in a few days as Mother already stated; you can join us then, boy.''''


    ''Boy? She''s only a few years older than me,'' he thought as the group returned to whatever they were doing before he arrived.

 Chapter 97: Back Off

    After that, Atlas used Void Sight on the Crimson Vanguard''s to determine their level and ranks. He first started with the leader, Kaelus, and was impressed with what he saw but knew he had to be careful in case they were loyal to the empire.


    If so, they would try to capture him because he knew the emperor would pay a fortune for him, and any adventurer would happily trap and take him to Babylon City. This information caused Atlas to become guarded around them.


    [Kaelus Vexmoor]


    [Age: 43]


    [Race: Human]


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    [Level: 397]


    [Rank: Expert]


    Next was his mage wife, and when he scanned her level, it shocked him, increasing his paranoia, ''Are they all high rank and levels? They have to be involved with the Southmen,'' Atlas mused curiously.


    [Elysia Vexmoor]


    [Age: 39]


    [Race: Human]


    [Level: 351]


    [Rank: Expert]


    Following that, he checked the last four party members who were going about their business of guarding the pass.


    [Aria Vexmoor]


    [Age: 23]


    [Race: Human]


    [Level: 253]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    Kaelus''s daughter was impressive in her own right, though not quite as formidable as the other party members. Given her age, this difference in strength was only to be expected but he did not doubt that she would grow stronger.


    [Eli Stormrider]


    [Age: 44]


    [Race: Half-Orc]


    [Level: 320]


    [Rank: Expert]


    ''A half-orc? He certainly looks strong, but he''s the third most powerful here. Kaelus is the strongest, followed by Aurora in second place. Elysia ranks third, Eli fourth, and Aria, while still formidable, is the weakest of the group,'' Atlas pondered before turning to Aurora.


    [Aurora Stormrider]


    [Age: 34]


    [Race: Barbarian]


    [Level: 389]


    [Rank: Expert]


    ''Oh wow, their all-powerful adventurers,'' he mused. ''I should be careful while with them.''


    ''''A piece of advice, Little One, don''t pry into people''s secrets with that skill of yours,'''' Aurora commented while sharpening her weapon without taking her eyes off the blade.


    Atlas nodded, ''''Sorry, I was just curious how strong you guys are. I''ve only met bandits and random adventurers, but they weren''t as high-ranked as you,'''' he explained.


    "It makes sense," Aurora said, her voice carrying a note of reluctant admiration. "Not many have the drive to push beyond the Journeyman rank. It requires immense dedication and effort."


    Her gaze sharpened as she continued, her suspicion evident. "But there''s something more. I recognize those eyes of yours. Back in my homeland, there are tales of a boy with azure blue eyes destined for great things," She paused, her scrutiny deepening. "They match those described in the stories."


    "Where''s your homeland, if you don''t mind me asking?" Atlas asked the older woman while pulling out some chocolate.


    He started eating while waiting for her answer. Aurora soon glanced at him with narrowed eyes, ''''The Ravencrest Kingdom on Demacia Dahaka,'''' she answered with a knowing voice.


    Atlas stiffened when she heard this, causing the older woman to laugh, ''''So you''re the demon of the empire. You shouldn''t worry about that too much; in Ravencrest, you''re a hero, so I''d suggest escaping and heading west.''''


    She leaned forward to whisper, ''''All of them, apart from my Eli, are from the Achaemenid Empire and are extremely loyal to the imperial Safavi Family. They hate the Dahaka so much that I''m surprised the three of them didn''t recognize you.''''


    Atlas observed the group, noting Elysia whispering to Kaelus while Aria''s gaze fixed on him with growing hostility. He swallowed nervously and scanned his surroundings, spotting a precarious drop just a few feet away.


    Rising from his seat, he cautiously moved towards the edge, his senses alert for any sudden moves from the Crimson Vanguard. The big man stepped closer and spoke, ''''Azhar''Zul; you must escape before the others realize who you are. Aurora already knows, but it won''t be long until they realize.''''


    He nodded, but something caught his interest, ''''Why are you two helping me when you''re at a party? It doesn''t make sense.''''


    ''''You''re the one who points the way to paradise and will lead the world against the darkness that is coming to Valoria in the future,'''' Eli revealed, but that''s when Kaelus and Elysia approached with hate in their eyes.


    The adventurer couple halted a few feet away, their weapons drawn and ready. Atlas''s eyes darted around, noticing Aria circling them with a hostile intent. However, Aurora stepped in front of her, blocking her path.


    "Back off, girl," the blonde commanded firmly.


    Aria looked confused alongside her parents, which made Atlas laugh as the blue-haired girl spoke in a confused voice, ''''What are you two doing? That''s the Dahaka, the bringer of chaos to our homeland.''''


    Following that, Atlas realized it was time to make his escape. He glanced at the edge and dashed toward it with a burst of speed. As he leaped, he summoned his armor and weapons and quickly put them on.


    Atlas skidded down the side of the mountain, the ground beneath him giving way as he raced to distance himself from the Crimson Vanguard. While doing that, spells started flying in his direction, causing him to bob and weave around them.


    By the time he crashed to the ground below, he had summoned Group Two of the Void Raptors and climbed on its back before the monster sprinted across the foothills, leaving the adventurers behind.


    He channeled additional mana to sustain the creatures he''d summoned, which were engaged in a fierce struggle against a pack of Mountain Bears that had attempted an ambush. Seeing the commotion, Atlas unleashed a Void Blast at the nearest bear, sending it crashing.


    Once the immediate threat was neutralized, Atlas sought refuge in a nearby cave. With the moon high in the sky and the Dark Ones prowling outside, he worked swiftly to set up protective runes before pitching his tent.


    He ensured the area was secure, hoping the adventurers would not track him down. After Atlas set up everything, he pulled out Griffin Meat Box and started eating as he spotted the Dark Ones crawling around outside.


    ''These creatures are creepy,'' he thought while chewing a soft and juicy piece of meat.


    After eating, he had some water before retreating into his tent to rest for the night. Atlas curled up in the sleeping bag before falling asleep as the monsters outside roared and howled.


    Atlas ignored all this while he was warm and comfortable inside his hideaway. The next morning, thunder woke him up. He looked out of the tent entrance and spotted dark clouds hanging over the mountains.


    But what shocked him was that there was no rain, which he found confusing. The rugged mountains loomed around Atlas as he trudged through the uneven terrain, the chill of the high altitudes biting at his skin.


    After getting out of the tent, he packed up his stuff before leaving the cave behind and moved cautiously, each step deliberate, as he followed a narrow, winding path carved into the rock.


    The path was treacherous, flanked by sheer drops and jagged outcrops, but Atlas''s sharp eyes remained vigilant. As he rounded a bend, the landscape began to change. The rocky path widened, giving way to a series of stone steps that ascended steeply up the mountainside.


    His breath misted in the cool air as he scanned the area ahead. Atlas''s gaze fell upon a group of soldiers at the base of the staircase. They were clad in striking red armor that gleamed even under the moon''s pale light, and their swords were sheathed but within easy reach.


    The soldiers stood in a disciplined formation, their eyes scanning the surroundings with boredom and vigilance. The armor''s vibrant shade and the detailed designs carved into their breastplates marked them as city guards.


    Atlas paused, taking in the scene from behind a boulder. He noted the soldiers'' precise movements and how they maintained a steady watch over the staircase, which seemed to lead to a fortified structure or a hidden stronghold.


    The guards'' presence suggested that whatever lay beyond the staircase was his destination. Atlas needed to find a way past them, but confrontation would be risky. As the wind howled around him, he began to devise a plan.


    He scanned the mountainside for alternative routes or weaknesses in the guards'' defenses. The red-armored soldiers remained steadfast, oblivious to the intruder concealed in the shadows of the mountain.


    ''I''ll use the raptors again to jump them while stabbing each one when I get the chance to,'' he thought while taking out his blades.


    Atlas used Call of The Void to summon the same raptors but, this time, ordered them to attack the Achaemenids. The monsters rushed out of the portal and pounced on the unaware enemies torn apart. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This allowed him to sprint past and up the stairs leading to Tajariyah City, which soon appeared in the distance and made him think, ''Finally, I can buy a disguise skill to hide my features whenever I''m around people.''


    Atlas ascended the steep staircase, each step echoing with his growing frustration. At the top, a massive gate loomed before him, its imposing structure a stark barrier to the city beyond.


    His eyes narrowed as he noticed a more convenient path nearby, bustling with people making their way into the city easily. A wry smile tugged at his lips. Of course, I had to choose the most difficult route, he mused, shaking his head.


    He joined the traders and travelers, winding their way towards the entrance. Momentarily lost in the spectacle, Atlas refocused and settled into the slow-moving queue.

 Chapter 98: Someones Been Busy

    [Habibi - my dear]


    At last, Atlas reached the front of the queue but was stopped by a tall man in Achaemenidian armor. The stern and vigilant guards requested a silver entrance fee, which he paid. As the gate creaked open, he stepped through and was met with a breathtaking view.


    The city sprawled across the mountainside, blending with its natural surroundings. Some buildings basked in the morning sun, their light grey stone facades gleaming warmly. Others were embedded within the mountain, their structure appearing as though it had grown from the rock.


    ''So beautiful. There''s no city like this on Earth,'' he mused while looking around.


    Cobblestone streets went in all directions, their surfaces smooth and well-worn. Atlas noticed that the homes and stores were constructed from the same spotless stone, which gave the area a harmonious and inviting appearance.


    Sunlight danced off the clean surfaces, creating a soft, shimmering glow, ''Did they carve these buildings directly from the mountain? How intriguing,'' Atlas mused, his gaze sweeping over the bustling square that greeted him.


    The unusual blend of natural and constructed elements was fascinating and striking, ''I need to find Jaspers Spellbook Store to buy a disguise spell so at least I can travel normally without being recognized all the time,'' he thought.


    Atlas glanced around and spotted several nearby stalls where he could ask someone for directions. Approaching one, he saw a kind-looking elderly woman stirring a pot of aromatic, mouth-watering food.


    He shook his head to refocus, reminding himself not to get sidetracked, ''''Habibi, how can I help you?'''' she asked cheerfully.


    ''''Can you point the way to Jaspers Spellbooks, please?'''' he requested politely.


    The old woman nodded with a warm smile, ''''Yes,'''' she pointed down the street. ''''When you see The Mirage Maker, take a right and continue walking; it will be on the corner. It shouldn''t take a young one like you long.''''


    Atlas smiled at the woman and thanked her before following the directions, ''''Thank you for your help.''''


    He looked around and admired the strange but beautiful fantasy-like city.''Valoria is amazing; I can''t wait to see the rest of the world,'' he mused as he spotted the Mirage Maker store near his destination.


    Atlas thought it came straight from a novel, which he found amusing while passing it and taking the first right. Once he did this, he spotted a few soldiers patrolling the street, forcing him to avoid them if they recognized him.


    When he got close he quickly noticed the front of the shop was made from beautiful blue wood, which sparkled as the morning sun hit it. He spotted drawings of scrolls, books, and other objects he didn''t recognize.


    He shook his head and approached the store before entering, only to see shelves and counters lined with hundreds of spells. While looking around, a man''s voice reached his ears, ''''What is a young boy doing in my shop?''''


    Atlas spun around in surprise, as he didn''t spot anyone when entering. That''s when he spotted a bald man who looked to be the owner, causing him to answer, ''''Marcia sent me here to buy a disguise skill.''''


    When Atlas answered, the man''s eyebrows raised in surprise, but he soon smiled, ''''How is that silly niece of mine? I haven''t seen her in a while.''''


    ''''The empire is deploying the Everlasting Shields to another city,'''' he replied before continuing. ''''Do you have the skill or something like it?''''


    ''''Yes, boy, let me fetch it, but I must warn you it''s expensive due to its rarity,'''' the shopkeeper commented.


    Atlas nodded, ''''I''ll take it.''


    After that, the man disappeared into the backroom. Atlas waited for ten minutes, his anticipation growing. When the shopkeeper finally reappeared, he carried an object wrapped in white cloth.


    Setting it gently on the counter, the shopkeeper looked up and said, "This will cost twenty gold coins. Do you have the funds? Because if not I must warn you not to touch it."


    Atlas retrieved the required coins and placed them on the counter. As he picked up the object¡ªa black orb¡ªhe felt a sudden jolt as a notification appeared before him, startling him.


    [Maskweaving skill learned]


    ''Nice, I instantly learned it, which is odd,'' he thought before turning to the shocked shopkeeper with wide eyes.


    The older man shook his head while taking the gold coins, ''''So quick.''''


    Atlas was confused but thanked the man before leaving the shop after storing the spell orb. Once outside, he looked for a nearby alley and found one before rushing into it and activating Maskweaving.


    As his features began to shift, Atlas experienced a peculiar sensation. He noticed a nearby window and quickly glanced at his reflection. To his astonishment, he now had hair as dark as the night, piercing green eyes, and olive-toned skin.


    ''They won''t find me now,'' Atlas snickered to himself before leaving the alley after dismissing his armor.


    When stepping onto the street, Atlas headed for the adventurer''s guild to take some quests and sell some of the Monster Cores he had collected. He walked for a while until spotting it on the edge of the mountainside overlooking the drop below.


    Atlas entered the guild and noticed it was busy, but no one had paid attention to him. He approached the quest board only to see hundreds of requests, and he started going through them before picking out three that caught his attention.


    He started reading the ones he chose.


    [Rank D - The Missing Scouts: A group of mountain scouts has gone missing while exploring a newly discovered cave system. Try to find any signs of them or what happened ¨C Reward ¨C 60 Silvers completion ¨C Proof: Anything related to the scouts]


    [Rank D - The Forbidden Quarry: An abandoned quarry sealed off centuries ago has been reopened, and now strange, aggressive creatures are emerging. Deal with the monsters and see what is causing it ¨C Reward 2 Gold on completion ¨C Proof: Anything which shows you went there]


    [Rank E - The Skybridge Protection Detail: Join with city guards and adventurers in defending the Skybridge against monster attacks as it is being built to the new portion of Tajariyah ¨C Reward 40 Silver on completion ¨C Proof: Report to the commander]


    ''Hopefully, they let me take higher-ranked quests; I don''t want to look for someone''s cat or bake bread in the local bakery,'' he thought.


    Atlas approached the counter where a young man was attending to a group of three adventurers. He waited patiently in line, and within just a few minutes, the man called out to him.


    ''''Come forward, young adventurer; I''m Ronan and will be helping you today,'''' the young man said. ''''Can I see your guild card, please?''''


    He handed it along with the three quests, causing Ronan to look at them both before glancing up from the paper, ''''Are you sure you want to go high so fast, Azhar''Zul? Don''t you think it''s too risky?''''


    Atlas shrugged as he replied, ''''It''s okay; I will retreat if things become too dangerous.''''


    ''''Okay, but so that you know, the guild won''t take responsibility for anything?'''' Ronan informed him while registering the three quests on his card.


    ''''That''s fine, it''s my choice, Ronan,'''' Atlas said with a smile that reassured the man.


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    Ronan returned it just as a group burst through the door and declared, ''''The Dahaka has been spotted in Tajariyah. Reports say he''s here hunting for someone; every adventurer should keep an eye out for him and report it to the city.''''


    ''I am? That''s new to me,'' Atlas thought with a grin before turning to Ronan and asking, ''''Where can I sell Monster Cores?''''


    The man pointed to one corner of the guild hall where a store was sitting, ''''Find Robert; he''s the Guild Quartermaster of this branch and will purchase them,'''' he answered.


    Atlas nodded before walking over to a small shop and entered only to see shelves lined with beautiful Monster Cores; purple ones were glowing until the mana lights above alongside a silver one.


    Afterward, he went to the counter and saw Robert, a portly man in a guild uniform. As he approached, Atlas said, "Excuse me, Ronan mentioned that you buy Monster Cores. I have quite a few to sell."


    Without looking up at Atlas, the man slid a piece of paper across with the prices. He looked for the cores he had in storage and found the price.


    [Black Monster Core - 5 copper]


    [White Monster Core - 10 copper]


    [Orange Monster Core - 20 copper]


    [Green Monster Core - 10 silver]


    [Blue Monster Core - 50 silver]


    ''Better than nothing,'' Atlas thought before speaking to Robert. I have hundreds. Is there anywhere I can store them?''''


    The man looked up while taking out a small box and placing it on the counter before explaining, ''''This is a Guild Storage Box. Deposit the cores inside, and I will be able to see the total.''''


    Atlas nodded before pushing out all the cores from his storage, which consisted of Ninety-four Black cores, eighty-six White cores, thirty-eight Orange cores, twenty-four Green cores, and finally, two Blue cores netted him two hundred and thirty copper, fifty-nine silver, and one gold.


    Robert was shocked and smiled, ''''Someone''s been busy, but I''m happy to see so many cores. The Crafters Guild will love all this.''''


    ''''What are they used for?'''' Atlas questioned in curiousity.


    The man looked at him with a twinkle in his eyes before motioning for a nearby chair just as he started explaining, ''''You see, little adventurer cores can be used to craft gear, artifacts, and many other magic items, but what is truly valuable is the Blue Core Stones which are used to power everything.''''

 Chapter 99: Morozov Train Card

    When Atlas heard Roberts''s explanation, it made sense why the empire sent Sandcrawlers into the Blue Dune Desert. He knew they were large machines that crawled through the sand, looking for Blue Core Pockets below the surface.


    ''''Blue Core Stones are prized materials and only come from that dreaded desert where those devils live,'''' Robert said with hate laced in his voice.


    Atlas smiled, thanked the man, and left the guild without looking back; he wanted to do a quest but had to decide which one. As he stepped outside, the blare of an alarm pierced the air, and soldiers hurried toward the city''s edge.


    ''What''s going on now? Hopefully, it''s a fight; I need one to grow stronger,'' a thrill of anticipation bubbled up inside him.


    Quickly summoning his armor and weapons, Atlas was stunned to see his black armor morphing into silver and green, ''Is it camouflaging with me?'' he wondered, bewildered by the sudden change.


    ''Maybe it was the Maskweaving Skill,'' he thought before quickly pulling up the description.


    [Maskweaving: A spell that conceals the caster from sight and detection by other individuals and from magical scanning or detection spells. It also alters the appearance of the caster''s clothing or armor, allowing for seamless camouflage]


    Atlas ignored that and started running through the city; he soon noticed the Wild Mutants attacking terrified innocent people as they tried to flee into their homes or the nearest shop but were too slow as the creatures closed in on them.


    ''Damn, monsters are attacking everything! But they will be good experience,'' Atlas thought while killing two by stabbing them through their eyes.


    He acted instantly and sped up as he saw a little girl about to be pounced upon, but he lunged and plunged his blade into its head. While doing that, another went to swipe at the girl.


    When Atlas quickly saw this, he used Void Step to appear between them and deflected the creature''s claws before blasting it with a Void Bullet that blew its head off. Without thinking, he dashed around the street, slaying every Wild Mutant he encountered.


    After ten minutes, he saw a noble family''s guards being taken down by a wave of creatures as they protected an expensive-looking carriage. Still, Atlas noticed they differed from the Achaemenid soldiers and looked Russian.


    Atlas rushed forward while casting several Void Arrows, which blasted the mutants away and gave the guards room to breathe. He fought the mutants until a bigger one appeared from a side street.


    ''A new enemy, this will be fun,'' he thought excitedly.


    The creature struck Atlas in the stomach, sending him flying into the nearest building and slamming into its stone walls. He crashed to the street below but quickly got to his feet while readying his weapons and scanning the new threat.


    [Wild Mutant Brute]


    [Rank C - 500 Exp]


    It stood nine feet tall and was built like a bodybuilder with creepy grey skin and red eyes full of malice, ''This is going to be hard,'' Atlas thought as his excitement erupted.


    He pointed the Nightblade at the Brute, his voice echoing with resolve. "I will become the strongest on Valoria, and you''re the first step in that journey. Prepare yourself¡ªshow me a fight worthy of legends!"


    Without wasting more time, he dashed forward while dodging two other mutants that tried to attack but decapitated the creatures as he dodged their claws and slashed through their necks before he reached the Brute.


    ''Here we go; this will be a proper fight that makes my blood boil with excitement,'' he thought with a smile as he ran.


    As Atlas dashed past the ornate carriage, his gaze briefly locked with that of a woman inside. Her wide blue eyes were filled with a mix of fear and curiosity. Despite the chaos, Atlas smiled reassuringly before leaping nimbly to evade a deadly swing from the Brute.


    Find the latest on m.v.l.e.m.p.y.r


    ***


    [Ksenia Morozov''s POV]


    Ksenia Morozov had come to Tajariyah on her father''s business, but the sudden assault by Wild Mutants had thrown her plans into disarray. Her guards scrambled to escort her to the safety of the Mana Airship, but a monstrous new threat abruptly blocked their path.


    A hulking Brute had emerged from a side street, cutting off their escape and forcing them into a desperate standstill. She gazed out the window and spotted a boy with black hair and piercing green eyes darting through the chaos outside.


    He eliminated two mutants, evading their attacks before severing their heads in a single, practiced motion. ''What is this boy doing? He will die,'' Ksenia thought as the Brute went to punch him, and panic surged through her.


    To her astonishment, the boy leaped onto the Brute''s massive arm, scaling it with remarkable agility. He aimed to drive his blade into the creature''s eye but was swatted away like an irritant.


    As the boy was hurled through the air, he unleashed a flurry of spells that struck the Brute''s hide with explosive force. Enraged, the creature bellowed and charged at the boy, who now seemed to flicker in and out of existence.


    ''A mage who fights in close combat! Not many choose that path,'' she thought as the excitement surged when he held his own against the stronger creature.


    Despite his unpredictable movements, the boy continued relentlessly attacking the massive beast. Ksenia watched as his blades sunk into the Brute''s flesh before he quickly retreated as it went to stamp on him.


    ''Who is this child? He''s skilled but its clearly self taught as it reminds me of a crazy monsters movements,'' she thought as her friend Anatasia tapped her.


    ''''Ksenia, will we make it to the Airship?'''' she asked.


    She turned to the blonde and responded, ''''A strange boy is fighting the Brute and standing his ground. I will tell Rostok to aid him so we can get going before more monsters appear from the mountains.''''


    Following that, Ksenia stuck her head out the window, ''''Ros! Aid the boy in his fight; we need to keep moving,'''' she ordered.


    The knight nodded, but the boy appeared and pointed a short sword at them, ''''Do not get involved in my fight! This creature is mine.''''


    ***


    [Back to Atlas]


    After speaking to the knights, Atlas rushed forward while casting Void Blast at the Mutant Brute''s ankles, causing the monster to buckle and drop to one knee. Seeing this, he cast Void Step to reappear above it.


    Atlas lunged downward, aiming the Nightblade at the Brute''s head. The creature tilted its head at the last moment, causing his sword to impale its shoulder instead. Frustrated, he unleashed a Void Bullet into its body, igniting a powerful explosion.


    He was blown away, and the creature dropped to its back. Atlas crashed to the street with a thud, but he quickly jumped back up and rushed toward the downed Brute. Finally, he could drive his blades into its head while casting a Void Blast.


    The azure blast tore through its head, which caused its body to drop lifelessly onto the street. After that, Atlas stood there for a second before killing the remaining Wild Mutants while giving some Minor Health Potions to the injured guards.


    Once Atlas was done, he went off, but a voice reached his ears: ''''Thank you for your help. Take this as a thank you for what you did for me and my guards.''''


    He turned around and spotted a woman with dark brown hair, crystal blue eyes, and wearing a fur cloak that she wrapped around her body. Atlas shook his head and noticed the card in her hand.


    She introduced herself with a deep Russian accent that immediately captured his attention, "I''m Kseni, ambassador from the Morozov Federation."


    Atlas met her gaze and responded, "I''m Azhar''Zul, an adventurer and explorer." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The brunette stepped forward with a grateful smile. ''''Take this Morozov Train Card. It will allow you to board any train for free all over Valoria. Once again, thank you for the help, but we need to catch an Airship back to the homeland.''''


    ''''Thank you for this,'''' Atlas said with a smile. ''''I may visit your realm one day as I''m traveling around Zarandar.''''


    Ksenia nodded, ''''You will love the Federation; the food there is delicious. If you''re ever there, show that card, and they will bring you to me,'''' she said smilingly before returning to the carriage and vanishing down the street.


    Atlas shook his head before continuing his hunt for the Wild Mutatns. He killed a dozen more before the chaos died, and a group of guards came to his aid by killing the rest of the creatures.


    A woman with red hair and red eyes crouched in front of Atlas with a proud smile, ''''We saw you helping the people, boy, and we''re extremely grateful for your aid. Rest, Little One, and use soldiers will clean up.''''


    Afterward, Atlas nodded in acknowledgment and found a nearby bench to rest on while watching the guards clear the bodies. Fatigue began to set in, causing his eyes to drift closed, but he snapped them open again and decided it was time to find an inn.


    It took him ten minutes to find one just off the main street, and he entered it, only to notice it was empty. He approached the counter, where an older woman stood smiling while cleaning some dishes.


    Atas smiled tiredly as he spoke, ''''Have you got a room for the night? I need to sleep.''''

 Chapter 100: Hosseinis Family Inn

    The inn owner laughed while turning around to take a key off the hook and handing it to him with a warm smile as she spoke, ''''Yes. Please take room three and pay me in the morning. It isn''t busy today and shouldn''t be a problem.''''


    Atlas took the keys with a tired smile before walking off to find the room, which only took five minutes. When he did, he collapsed onto the bed and crawled under the sheets, dismissing his gear.


    He sank into the warm, soft bed and drifted off while thinking, ''This is so comfortable¡ªfar better than sleeping out in the wilderness.''


    As Atlas slept, the weather outside battered the mountains above, causing a slight rumble echoing across the city. Thunder exploded as rain lashed against the buildings and wood walkways that stretched across the dark chasms below.


    The following morning, Atlas woke up with a yawn and noticed the room was bright due to the morning sun. He sat up and stretched while muttering as the morning sun shone through the window.


    ''I had a great night''s sleep and feel refreshed. I''m tempted to stay here a few more days before heading out,'' he thought.


    While lying there, his stomach rumbled, causing him to climb out of bed and head downstairs for breakfast. As he passed the mirror, he was taken aback by his reflection. It took him a moment to remember the Maskweaver skill he needed to stay safe in the empire.


    Atlas left the room and walked down the busy hallway, dodging some other guests who had left their rooms before going downstairs. He noticed the place was beautifully decorated with light brown wallpaper and paintings of what he guessed were famous events in the Achaemenid Empire.


    ''How old is the empire because these paintings look old? I''d have to ask the girls when I see them again,'' Atlas thought while gazing at the artwork.


    When reaching the common area, it was bustling with activity, and the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast wafted through the air. As Atlas descended the stairs, the owner''s eyes lit up as she saw him.


    With a warm smile, the woman said, "Good morning, young one! You''re up at last. Please, have a seat and make yourself at home. I''ll bring you some breakfast."


    He nodded and moved toward the nearest table while scanning the Inn''s common area, sitting to wait for his food. Ten minutes later, she reappeared with two trays and tankards of ale, which smelt delicious, causing his stomach to rumble.


    She placed them on the table and sat across from him, her smile as inviting as ever. "I''m Mitra Hosseini, the owner of Hosseini''s Family Inn," she introduced herself warmly.


    He returned the smile and replied while replying, "I''m Atlas, a new adventurer from Astoria, though I seem to have found myself in Zarandar on an unexpected but welcomed journey."


    Mitra''s eyebrow arched in curiosity, "A northerner in Zarandar?''''


    Atlas shook his head. ''''I was traveling to the eastern part of Astoria with my party to try some dungeons that popped up, but a sea monster attacked our ship. The sailors drove it away, but it was too late, as the waves swallowed the vessel.''''


    The woman frowned, "Were you, by any chance, sailing across the Titan Sea?" she asked in a curious voice.


    ''''Yes, I remember the captain mentioning the name just before the ship sunk,'''' Atlas lied to cover his tracks.


    Mitra smiled as she pushed the trays of food toward him. "Eat your breakfast, Atlas, and when you''re done, come find me so we can settle the bill."


    With that, she stood and returned to her work as she tended to the other patrons. Atlas glanced at the meal, a hearty stew with chunks of bread, and began eating. He savored each mouthful, dipping the bread into the rich, savory stew and enjoying the comforting flavors.


    Once Atlas was finished eating, he grabbed the trays and brought them over to the counter where Mitra was standing behind sorting out the Inn''s books. The older woman looked up with a smile.


    ''''How long are you staying with us? And will you be wanted breakfast and dinner?'''' she inquired.


    He thought about it, wondered if there was a dungeon in the city, and asked, ''''Is there a dungeon nearby Mitra?''''


    ''''Yes. There are two dungeons; the first is Level One, and the other is a Level Three, called Silverpeak Swamp and Shattered Chasm,'''' she replied. They are popular, but the adventurers here love running them for the experience and spoils that come from them.''''


    Atlas nodded before deciding, ''''How much is two weeks? With breakfast and dinner included.''''


    Mitra smiled as she replied, ''''That would be three gold and twenty-six silver, which includes a pass to the bathhouse down the street; there wasn''t enough room to build it in the inn, so we partnered up with them.''''


    He counted out the necessary coins and handed them to her, who accepted them with a smile before taking the trays. Eager for a bath, Atlas asked for directions and received a pass from her.


    With that, he left the Inn and went to the bathhouse. Ten minutes later, he stood outside and saw people exiting and laughing. Atlas got a towel out of his storage before entering the place and noticed a young man and woman sitting behind the counter.


    The man was reading a book but looked up and smiled as he spoke, ''''Greeting customer. Did the Inn send you here?''''


    Atlas nodded before handing over the pass as he spoke, ''''Yes, Mitra gave me this.'''' Find more to read at m.v.l.e.m.p.y.r sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Afterward, the worker-led him to the open-air bath with several pools inside, and he returned the pass before unlocking the door. Atlas stepped inside, undressed, and eased himself into the hot, steaming water.


    The warmth washed away the grime collected from his travels. As he relaxed in the bath, he glanced at his reflection in the water. Despite his youthful appearance, his physique was well-defined, with a chiseled six-pack and toned arms.


    ''My body is different from the one on Earth; I feel much stronger and faster as well,'' he thought.


    Once Atlas stopped admiring himself, he thoroughly cleaned himself. After drying off, he emerged from the steam-filled room and prepared to embark on his first quest: locating the scouts in the cave system.


    Atlas left the Inn and summoned his gear from the Dimenionsal Storage before remembering the directions to the cave system in the under-mountain part of the city. He navigated through the bustling crowd of people heading to work and, twenty minutes later, arrived at a large iron door, where a dozen guards stood watch.


    An imposing man stepped forward, and Atlas guessed it was the commander, ''''Are you an adventurer? Do you have the quest paper?'''' he said sternly.


    He nodded while taking out the piece of paper and the guild card before the man signaled for the other men to open the gate. Meanwhile, the other soldiers readied their swords in case any monsters charged out.


    A few minutes later, he stepped into the dark tunnel and felt a cold breeze brushing against his skin. Atlas started walking down the tunnel after equipping his helmet and readying his weapons while checking his status.


    [Level Up: 68¡ú70]


    [Experience: 80/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 3100]


    [Health: 474¡ú582]


    [Mana: 2242¡ú2692]


    [Strength: 480¡ú190]


    [Stamina: 532¡ú654]


    [Charisma: 362¡ú394]


    [Intelligence: 400¡ú506]


    [Mana Core: Novice¡úApprentice]


    [Core Points: 29450¡ú250]


    [Core Points Gained: 1100]


    ''Oh wow, lucky to get such a boost while taking this quest,'' Atlas thought as he passed a crossroads.


    After checking his status, something in his gut told him to raise his weapons to defend himself as claws suddenly connected with the blades. Atlas was shocked and jumped back to get some space, only to see a creepy little creature scuttling back into the darkness.


    ''What the hell was that?'' he thought while casting a Void Bullet into the shadows. The projectile lit up the tunnel, giving him the perfect view of the monster.


    A chill raced down his spine when he glimpsed the creature again. It was a small red humanoid, grotesquely reminiscent of a frog man, and was a walking nightmare. Its face was twisted, and its large mouth was shaped into a grotesque grin lined with needle-like teeth that seemed to leer in anticipation.


    ''Horrifying! What is it with this world and creepy creatures lurking in the shadow,'' Atlas pondered while trying to calm down.


    The creature hopped in place with unsettling enthusiasm. Hunger radiated from its black frog-like eyes, emitting a guttural, laughter-like sound that sent shivers through his spine, causing him to tighten his grip on his weapons.


    Atlas''s heart pounded as he shook off the creeping dread and activated Void Sight to see how strong the monster was.


    [Yara-ma-yha-who]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''What is this weird creature? But I can deal with it,'' Atlas thought.


    It hopped on the spot, waiting for the perfect chance to attack, but something shot out of the shadows behind the first monster. Atlas quickly reacted and sliced through the slimy tongue, causing the creature to screech in pain.


    The first monster hissed at him before lunging forward in an attempt to bite Atlas. He swiftly dodged its attack by sidestepping its attack and drove his knife through the creature''s eye, causing it to go still as its body went motionless.


    Just then, another monster emerged from the shadows and instantly attacked by dashing toward him. Atlas yelped and went to cast a spell, but the monster crashed into him, and the two were entangled as the Yara-ma-yha-who bit down on his shoulder with its needle teeth piercing through the gaps in his armor.

 Chapter 101: Drop Bears

    Atlas screamed in agony as the pain coursed through his body. Acting quickly, he unleashed a Void Arrow, shattering the creature''s head into meat paste. He then snatched a High Health Potion from his storage, downed it quickly, and poured the remaining liquid over the bite wound.


    The sensation was like a thousand needles piercing his flesh, but the puncture wounds sealed up as he climbed to his feet. Atlas noticed another monster lunging toward him and swiped its claws across his helmet.


    ''Damn! That nearly got me!'' he internally panicked just as he dodged in time.


    As Atlas moved away from the monster''s corpse that attacked him, he cast Void Blast directly at its head and killed it. Once the creature was dead, he leaned against the wall to recover.


    He removed the helmet and saw three scratch marks across the front, ''Thankfully, I got this armor; it''s always saved me a few times,'' Atlas mused as the metal repaired itself before he put it back on and activated the Light skill.


    The white light illuminated the tunnel as a bright orb appeared above him. As that happened, Atlas heard scuttling not far from his position, which made him smile as the creatures fled into the darkness.


    Atlas continued down the path while watching for the monsters, ''They will try to ambush me,'' he thought excitedly. ''They will help me level up.''


    He shivered as the cold air seeped into his bones, a deep sense of foreboding settling over him. The environment was imbued with an eerie aura of death and decay. The ground beneath him was a mix of damp, uneven dirt, while the walls were solid grey stone coated in a thick layer of blue moss that seemed to pulse with a life of its own.


    After walking down the same tunnel for twenty minutes, he came across a massive underground forest, which caused him to think, ''Oh no. Those Yara-ma-yha-who will be hiding in the trees and bushes?''


    Atlas readied his spells, and as the Light Orb floated next to him, he spotted dozens of human and creature footprints leading into the nearby treeline. ''It looks like I have no choice but to follow them,'' he groaned internally.


    While standing there, Atlas waved his hand while casting Call Of The Void to summon the Voidstalkers. Twelve small raptor monsters rushed out of the azure portal that appeared nearby and greeted him with head nudges.


    ''''Find any monsters in the forest and lead them to me,'''' Atlas ordered. ''''They may be hiding, so be careful.''''


    Following that, the Voidstalkers chirped before rushing into the trees as he waited behind. Five minutes later, the first raptor flew out of the bushes while three large humanoids chased it.


    The newcomers were covered in brown matted fur, dirt, and blood. Their red eyes glowed with hatred as the lead creature released a woop. They were chasing after the little raptor that chirped, trying to capture it, but the dinosaur was too fast.


    Atlas scanned them to find out what they were.


    [Yowie]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    The Voidstalker bounded right toward him, ''Its bringing them here!'' Continue exploring at m|vl-em,py-r


    As the Yowies spotted him, he readied his blades and charged toward him as the little raptor readied to fight. Atlas darted forward and quickly moved to the side as the closest monster went to attack.


    Atlas cast a Void Arrow at the creature''s torso, which caused it to stumble due to the pain it was inflicted with. The creature crashed to the ground and was injured as the other two jumped over it.


    One tried to punch him, but he deflected it using his sword while activating Void Step to avoid the second monster''s fist. When he reappeared, Atlas plunged his blade into Yowie''s skull while casting Voids Blast at the first, which sent it crashing against the tunnel''s wall.


    The second got close and kicked him, but Atlas quickly cast Void Guard to block the attack just before he cast Void Bullet at the creature''s head, which exploded on contact, sending the monster crashing to the ground.


    Atlas leaped into the fray, swinging his weapon furiously at the last Yowie. Although he dodged most of its attacks, a few strikes landed, leaving dents in his armor. He quickly used Void Step to get behind it.


    He plunged his Nightblade into the monster''s back and cast a Void Bullet, which blew its back apart and caused it to drop to the ground; after that, Atlas tried to kill the last one remaining by stabbing it in the head.


    The Voidstalker was eating one of the dead Yowies before he ordered it to search for the scouting party. Then, Atlas looted the three Green Monster Cores before returning to get the three he had left behind.


    Once that was done, he entered the forest and followed the trail the scouts left behind. Atlas continued for a while but started to feel his Voidstalkers being taken out by other monsters and wondered what happened.


    ''What''s out there now?'' he thought to himself.


    Atlas continued down the monster trail and soon found the first body. It was slumped against a tree; it was a woman covered in blood, and it looked like some monster had shredded her apart as the armor was in pieces.


    As Atlas examined the corpse, a sudden chirping noise made him glance around. Something dropped from above before he could fully react and landed squarely on him. Instinctively, he cast Void Step, but the creature remained stubbornly perched on him.


    He quickly drew his Blood Knife, stabbing the beast repeatedly. Then, with a decisive flick of his wrist, he unleashed Void Wave, sending the creature crashing to the ground. Atlas spun on his heel, using Void Step to close in on the injured foe.


    Atlas scanned the new monster before finishing it off.


    [Drop Bear]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''Is this an Australian horror forest?'' he pondered before lunging forward and thrusting his blade into the monster''s head.


    After doing this, more of the bears dropped out of the branches above, causing Atlas to deflect several claw swipes, but he ended up using Void Guard to defend himself against the sudden attacks.


    Atlas started battling the Drop Bears, who moved quickly. He was faster and managed to deflect many attacks. His armor stopped most of the damage as he started stabbing and slashing, causing the monsters to die.


    He used Void Step to avoid the creatures before casting his magic or striking with his blades, causing the bears to roar in agony as the metal bit deep into their flesh. Atlas was a blur and continued to move faster while striking at the monsters.


    It took him ten minutes to finish the Drop Bears off, but as the last one died, he felt the experience pouring into his body. Once the battle ended, Atlas counted five bears and looted the cores before moving on.


    Atlas trekked along the trail and saw puddles of blood littering the ground, causing him to think, ''They must have kept getting ambushed.''


    While studying, Atlas saw several tongues shoot out of the bushes around him and trap his limbs. He was stuck in place and couldn''t move, so he decided to wait for the monsters to appear, as he knew what spell to use.


    After that, five Yara-ma-yha-who appeared while letting out creepy laughs and chittering among themselves. The monsters closed in on Atlas, who laughed himself just before casting Void Wave.


    The azure wave rushed out of his body and slammed into the creepy frog monsters. Once they were confused, Atlas dashed forward and started slaughtering them with multiple stabs that pierced their fragile bodies.


    Atlas decapitated the last creature, who was stuck to the spot. Following the fight, he cut out all the cores before continuing down the path, only to find a cave the tracks led up to. He stepped across the threshold and had to block an arrow that flew at his face with Void Guard.


    A resounding clang echoed as the arrow struck an azure shield. The man in charge swiftly ordered the archer to cease fire. Atlas turned to face him and saw a tall Black man with glowing green eyes clad in imposing metal knight''s armor.


    Beside him stood a young archer in modest leather armor, gripping his bow. Two others completed the group: a blonde mage and a Black woman with silver hair and pointed ears who appeared to be a healer curing an injured man.


    Atlas took out a Minor Health Potion and threw it to the healer, who quickly fed it to the man. Then, he turned to the so-called leader and said, ''''Are you the missing scouts? There was a quest to find you down here.''''


    The man nodded, ''''Yes, lad. We were trapped down here by those frog men who killed many of our teammates,'''' he answered with a frown.


    ''''I know; they infest the forest,'''' he said while handing out more potions to the man. ''''I''m Atlas, a wandering adventurer who took the quest to save you guys.''''


    ''''I''m Arash, part of the Cave Wanderers,'''' the man said with a smile before pointing to the silver-haired woman, ''''That''s my wife, Homa.''''


    Arash pointed at the last two, ''''Arnold and his wife, Natasha. They are new explorers who recently joined the Explorer Guild.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Well, stay here, and I will clear a path to the exit, a trek through the forest littered with Drop Bears, Yowies, and Yara-ma-yha-who''s.''''


    The man nodded, ''''Be careful out there, Atlas. Those monsters are dangerous.'''' Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 102: Addaam Reshii A-Zaanta!

    Atlas dashed back into the forest, readying his weapons as the foilage around him grew thicker. Soon, a Drop Bear tried to fall on him from above, and it let out a growl, which made him jump.


    It was sudden, but he sidestepped the creature and slashed across its body before casting Void Blast at it. The explosion rocked the monster, sending it skidding across the ground as it bellowed in pain.


    He dashed forward and cast a Void Arrow into the Drop Bear''s skull, causing it to explode into blood and bone, ''Now to loot the core,'' Atlas mused with a smile as his loot goblin activated.


    After that, he collected the Monster Core before hunting for creatures around the cave where the scouts were recovering. Soon, Atlas encountered more Yara-ma-yha-who''s, who tried to ambush him from the surrounding foilage as he entered a dark valley.


    ''I''m starting to hate these creepy frog monsters,'' he complained.


    The creatures assailed him using the trees and bushes, but Atlas dodged the surprise attack before using Void Wave to destroy the foilage and force the monsters into the open. He deflected numerous slashes, though a few grazed his chest, leaving stinging cuts between the armor''s gap.


    ''Ahh, that hurts,'' Atlas thought, gritting his teeth in pain. ''These little devils are annoying.''


    He retaliated by casting a barrage of Void Bullets, each striking true and sending half a dozen creatures reeling. As Atlas grew more adept at fighting them, he darted around with the agility of a rabbit while slashing at his foes with swift strikes.


    His blade tore through the Yara-ma-yha-who''s flesh, and his spells caused explosions to light up the forest around them. The battle lasted twenty minutes, and then all the creatures died to his blade.


    Atlas breathed heavily as he leaned against a tree. He dismissed his helmet while taking out a canteen and downed a mouthful of water, which made him feel better. He pulled out the Blood Knife and cut out six green Monster Cores before throwing them into storage.


    Afterward, Atlas returned to the cave once he couldn''t find any more creatures to deal with. Another Drop Bear attacked him when he approached, but thanks to Void Guard, he deflected the claws.


    This time, he could get a full view of the monster, which looked like an evil koala bear with razor-sharp teeth and claws. Its eyes were blood-red, and its fur was dark brown with black patches around its face. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The bear hissed at him before launching at his face. Atlas chuckled and unleashed Void Wave, sending the creature sprawling into the distance. He then walked toward the cave, where the four survivors prepared to depart.


    Stepping forward, he spoke while sheathing his blades after cleaning the blood off them, "Are you all ready to go? I''ve taken out a few monsters and will have some of my monsters guarding us."


    Hearing this, Atlas activated Call of the Void, summoning Group Two. An azure portal opened, and a Void Raptor Warrior, accompanied by six other raptors. He turned to the scouts and commanded, "Mount their backs; they''ll get us to the entrance."


    Following that, the raptors growled at the four survivors, who quickly complied and jumped on the backs of the monsters before they started sprinting through the underground forest until reaching the tunnel.


    While running, Atlas continued to cast multiple spells at the Yowies that appeared around them. He heard their footsteps rushing through the underbrush while letting out screams and howls that scared the scouts.


    Atlas noticed that whenever the Void Raptors killed any of the monsters, he would gain experience. The group hit the tunnel just in time as the Void Creatures faded, causing the scouts to drop to the ground with a thud.


    Arnold looked up with anger and was going to say something, but Atlas pointed his blade at him, ''''Don''t look at me like that human; without me, you would be dead,'''' he warned with an eery smile.


    The scout''s leader, Arash, quickly stepped in and calmed the situation down, ''''We''re grateful for your help, Atlas. We lost six members of our party and were about to be killed by those creepy frog creatures, but thanks to you, we made it back to the tunnel to the surface.''''


    Atlas looked at the dark-skinned man and nodded but stopped moving as he spotted something behind Arash''s wife, Homa. He cast Void Step and reappeared in front of the woman before raising his Nightblade to block a Drop Bear''s claw swipe, causing sparks to fly.


    Due to the impact, he grunted but cast Void Wave to kill the bear and send its corpse crashing into the other monsters. Atlas noticed more monsters charging at them and quickly activated Call Of The Void to summon the Void Raptors again, who joined the battle with teeth and claws.


    Atlas turned to the injured group of explorers and shouted, ''''Travel up the tunnel; the Tajariyah city guards should be there.''''


    After that, Atlas fought fiercely with the Yowies and Drop Bears, who began assaulting the group. The Void Raptors summoned to guard them, held the line, and prevented the monsters from closing in or getting him from behind.


    Atlas skillfully dodged several incoming attacks but couldn''t evade all of them. He braced himself by crossing his blades to block the blow. When the Yowie''s massive fist made contact, he felt a jolt of force reverberate through his arms.


    ''Come on! You can do this, Atlas! You need to become the strongest,'' he hyped himself.


    Even more monsters surged toward him; he unleashed a Void Wave, sending them sprawling through the air with a powerful surge of energy. Atlas pointed his blade at the monsters, casting Void Bullets and Void Blasts into the group.


    An explosion rippled through the small clearing, sending the monster flying everywhere before crashing to the ground, but they were still alive. Without wasting the opportunity, he rushed forward while stabbing the creatures through the skull.


    While doing this, dozens of Yowies and Drop Bears appeared ready to join the fray as Atlas slaughtered their kin.


    ***


    [Arash''s POV]


    ''He''s a demon in human form,'' Arash thought. ''How can a young boy fight so well without any techniques or formal training?''


    ''''Husband, we should get to the entrance before they overrun the boy,'''' Homa said in a scared voice.


    Arash turned on her as his green eyes glowed in anger, ''''He saved us, Homa! We would never see the twins again without him,'''' he exclaimed.


    He took out his sword and continued, ''''Ready your magic; we''re going to help.''''


    ''''I don''t think the demon needs it,'''' Arnold commented with disdain. ''''There is something not right about him; a darkness lurks within him.''''


    Natasha agreed while gripping her staff; Arash saw this and was shocked, causing him to think, ''Cowards! All of them. This boy is a true warrior.''


    After that, Arash refocused on the battlefield, observing Atlas as he darted around like a nimble jackrabbit, his blade slicing through the monster''s flesh. When he saw this, he charged forward and swung in a wide arc, cleaving two Yowies in half with a single powerful blow.


    Catching Atlas''s approving smile and nod, Arash felt a surge of confidence. Together, they finished the remaining creatures, their combined efforts clearing the way. With the last of the monsters dispatched, they returned to the tunnel.


    While walking, he looked at the boy, who looked menacing in his armor, which revealed his glowing green eyes. Arash raised his hand to fist bump Atlas, who responded by bumping his fist, and when he did, a shock ran through his body.


    A vision appeared; he stood among thousands of the Blue Dune Desert Sand Devils. Arash looked around and noticed everyone staring at a boy with white hair and glowing blue eyes staring out at the warriors before shouting as he raised a blade in the air, ''''Addaam reshii a-zaanta!''''


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    The people around returned to chant the same words in unison while raising the famous Azarakhsh Blade that glowed in the desert sun, ''''Addaam reshii a-zaanta!''''


    ''Azhar''Zul!'' he thought in shock as the scene returned to the tunnel where he stood looking at Atlas.


    Following that, he looked at the boy and thought, ''He doesn''t have the glowing blue eyes like the Path says.''


    ***


    [Back To Atlas]


    Atlas looked at Arash, who was acting weird just as they bumped fists, but he shook his hands and spoke, ''''Let''s continue to the entrance before any more monsters appear.''''


    The group started to travel up the dark tunnel, but Natasha cast a light spell that lit up the tunnel. While they were walking, Arash kept asking him questions he had to dodge because it would have exposed his true identity, which he wanted to avoid.


    A scream echoed as they closed in on the cave system entrance, causing Atlas to spin around and notice a Yara-ma-yha-who pinning Arnold to the ground. He burst forward and ran his blade across the monster''s neck.


    The Nightblade sliced right through its flesh like a hot knife through butter, which instantly killed the creature. Arash and Homa attacked the remaining creepy monsters, who fled back into the darkness after losing several of them.


    Following that, Atlas led the group up to the large metal gate, which he banged on with the butt of his sword to signal the soldiers on the other side. A minute later, it opened, and a dozen Achaemenidians rushed in and covered the tunnel as they got ushered outside as the sun hit their eyes.

 Chapter 103: Freebies

    Atlas and the scouts exited the dark tunnels just as the sun hit their faces, causing the others to celebrate as the gate was closed behind them. He was thankful to escape the creepy underground and continue the last two quests.


    He watched the guards tend to the lost scouts while a healer checked them. After ten minutes, Arash approached him with a piece of paper that he handed over: ''''Take this as proof of you completing the quest. The guild will know the Explorer Guilds mark.''''


    He nodded while taking the offering, ''''Thanks, Arash. Are you guys being taken by the guards?''''


    The dark-skinned man smiled, ''''Yes, the mayor wants to see us, and the commander said he wants all the details about the underground and its monsters.''''


    ''''Okay. It was good meeting you, but I will be off now to prepare for my next quest, which will be guarding a bridge against monsters,'''' Atlas said before walking away as the older man watched. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''We will meet again Azhar''Zul. May you continue pointing the way,'' Arash said with a smile.


    He stopped walking and turned to the man with a smile, ''''Maybe so, look after yourself out there, old man.''''


    Afterward, Atlas put on his helmet and set off toward the city, the morning sun casting a warm glow over his path. As he walked, he took out the second quest paper and reviewed the details of his next task.


    [Rank D - The Forbidden Quarry: An abandoned quarry sealed off centuries ago has been reopened, and now strange, aggressive creatures are emerging. Deal with the monsters and see what is causing it ¨C Reward 2 Gold on completion ¨C Proof: Anything which shows you went there]


    Maybe I can do this before completing the last tomorrow. He read the directions and realized the quarry was inside the mountains to the east. Atlas started walking through the streets and noticed dozens of stalls lining the street.


    Atlas walked through the city for ten minutes until he spotted a weapons & armor shop called the Wanderer''s Arsenal and checked what sort of stuff they sold. He stepped inside and noticed it was busy with several adventurer parties browsing the shelves.


    The place looked like a typical fantasy weapon shop. The inside was decorated with Achaemenid battle murals, and swords hung on the walls. The counter where an older woman stood was made of blue oak wood cut down from the forest he traveled through.


    Atlas started glancing around and found a shelf with large marble-looking objects behind protective glass; they caught his attention and caused him to read the signs.


    Your source is m-vl|em|p,yr


    [Thunderclap Bombs 5 silver coins]


    A yellow light shone, reminding him of lightning and thunder waiting to be unleashed. ''I wonder how they get the elements inside.''


    [Inferno Bombs 4 silver coins]


    The next one Atlas looked at was a reddish one that resembled flames, which caught his interest. ''This would be good in a confined space to deal with crowds,'' he mused with a curious expression.


    [Frostfall Bombs 5 silver coins]


    ''This one looks like a snowstorm ready to be unleashed,'' Atlas mused, loving the bomb''s bluish-white color.


    [Gravity Bombs - 8 silver coins]


    ''Plain, but I can feel the power radiating off this one,'' he thought while looking at the black-colored orbs.


    [Smoke Bombs 3 Silver]


    ''Clear white, makes sense as their smoke bombs.''


    [Flashbang Crystals - 7 Silver]


    ''These look like jewelry.''


    ''Oh, these are all useful,'' Atlas mused with a smile. ''I should buy as many as the store can sell; I''m sure they will save me during my journey.''


    After that, he approached the counter but noticed something in a robust protective case that radiated mana. Atlas glanced at it and noticed eight colorful pills that called to him, but when he spotted the price, ''Eighty gold! What are these things?''


    He shook his head as the older woman turned to him, ''''Welcome to the Wanderer''s Arsenal, young man; I''m Laleh, and this is my son Omid. How can we help you today?''''


    ''''I want to buy as many bombs and Flashbang Crystals as you can sell,'''' Atlas replied with a smile.


    Omid turned to the woman, who laughed and gave him a friendly slap on the back. "I told you they''d sell my boy," she said with a grin. "Gather them all while I figure out the total for him."


    Her son nodded and hurried into the back, excitement etched on his face. The older woman''s gaze shifted to the newcomer, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "You''re a Nova Mage, aren''t you? I can sense your aura growing stronger."


    Atlas smiled, ''''Yes, but I haven''t learned much about them yet,'''' he answered honestly.


    Laleh looked at him before a big smile appeared on her face as she took out a stack of papers tied into a booklet and slid it across the counter, ''''Take this; it will tell you everything you need to know about Level One Body Tempering and the eight pills that come with it.''''


    He took the papers and noticed they were an instruction manual. Atlas stored the manual in his Dimensional Storage before asking about the colorful pills. ''''I guess those are Body Tempering Pills?''''


    ''''Yes, but they are expensive; many people can''t afford them,'''' Laleh said with a frown.


    ''''How much?'''' Atlas inquired.


    ''''Eigthy gold, 10 per pill as made by a Legendary Mater Alchemist my husband saved from a bandit raid,'''' Laleh revealed. ''''He gave us a dozen sets of pills as a thank you, and we decided to sell one to raise funds for Omid so he could attend the Royal Magic Academy in Babylon City.''''


    Once Laleh finished speaking, she started writing a total for the purchase, and Atlas was shocked when he saw the total.


    [35 gold for 2000 Flashbang Crystals]


    [15 gold for 2000 smoke Bombs]


    [24 gold for 2000 Gravity Bombs]


    [16 gold for 2000 Inferno Bombs]


    [20 gold for 2000 Frostfall Bombs]


    [20 gold for 2000 Thunderclap Bombs]


    ''With the Body Tempering pills, it will use all but two gold and ten silver, but I can always run the dungeons and complete the quests to earn more,'' Atlas thought while taking out most of his wealth in a large pouch.


    Atlas dropped it on the counter as he spoke, ''''I''ll take the pills as well.''''


    Laleh''s eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself, carefully counting the coins from the pouch. A smile spread across her face as she securely stored the money in her ring. Then, stepping around the counter, she wrapped him in a warm embrace, as a mother would her son.


    "Thank you, young man," she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "You''ve done more for our family than you might realize. I''d even say you''ve helped save the shop with your purchase."


    Atlas was surprised, but Laleh spoke, ''''Let me give you some freebies that will help you on your adventures, Habibi.''''


    The woman disappeared for a few minutes and returned with two objects. She put them on the counter before opening the Body Tempering Pills case. When Laleh took them out, Atlas could see the eight colorful pills.


    ''''Here, boy, take a look at the pills so you know which ones you''re taking,'''' she said with a smile. ''''And take off your helmet so I can add the Night Eye Rune, allowing you to see in the dark.''''


    [Fire ¨C Red]


    [Water ¨C Blue]


    [Wind ¨C Green]


    [Earth ¨C Brown]


    [Lightning ¨C Yellow]


    [Dark ¨C Black]


    [Light ¨C White]


    [Metal ¨C Grey]


    Atlas''s smile widened as he carefully stored the pills in his inventory. Removing his helmet, he handed it to Laleh with a gesture of respect. She took the helmet and began to explain the final gift.


    "This," she said, holding up an old-looking map, "is the Map of the Hidden. It reveals secret passages and concealed rooms. It was one of my father''s greatest creations, and something tells me it belongs with you."


    Atlas took the map, noting its intricate details. As he examined it, he saw that it displayed every room in the store. His eyes widened when he spotted a trapdoor behind the counter leading to a hidden passage extending into the mountains.


    He glanced up at Laleh, who met his gaze with a nod. "Yes, that''s an escape route we share with the general store," she confirmed. "It''s been a well-kept secret for a long time."


    The woman engraved the Night Eyes Rune onto the helmet and returned it to Atlas. As he examined the helmet, he had to admit he was impressed. It was adorned with intricate patterns that decorated its surface yet remained streamlined with no dangling attachments.


    Atlas loved the helmet''s design, which revealed only his eyes while granting him a perfect vision¡ªan elegant blend of functionality and style. He put it back on and felt comfortable before Omid returned with a massive box.


    The young man started unloading it, and Laleh took out a belt pouch with eight pouches and gave it to Atlas. ''''This is a basic adventurer''s belt; each pouch will allow you to carry twenty bombs, potions, or other things.''''


    ''''How much?'''' Atlas questioned with narrowed eyes, causing the mother and son duo to laugh.


    ''''Twenty silver,'''' Laleh quickly answered, causing him to get the coins out of storage.


    Once the woman had the coins, Atlas put the belt on as Omid organized the boxes. He explained, ''''There are boxes of one hundred bombs; I see you have a storage skill, so store them away so I can unload the others.''''

 Chapter 104: Chaos Scum

    Atlas saw the six boxes of bombs and started loading twenty into the pouches before putting health and mana potions in the remaining two. Following that, he said goodbye to the duo before leaving the shop.


    He noticed it was still early and decided to explore the quarry in the east, so Atlas started walking that way and saw ordinary people doing their business. It took him an hour to reach the area where the quarry was located.


    Before approaching the gate, he checked his status as he leveled up again.


    [Level Up: 70¡ú72]


    [Experience: 580/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 4500]


    [Health: 482¡ú504]


    [Mana: 2692¡ú2832]


    [Strength: 490¡ú500]


    [Stamina: 554¡ú610]


    [Charisma: 364¡ú370]


    [Intelligence: 406¡ú420]


    [Core Points: 250¡ú3850]


    [Core Points Gained: 3600]


    [Void Bullet: 2¡ú3]


    [Void Arrow: 2¡ú3]


    [Void Blast: 1¡ú2]


    [Void Wave: 0¡ú1]


    [Void Step: 2¡ú3]


    [Dual Wielding: 2¡ú4]


    [Dimensional Storage: 1¡ú2]


    [Maskweaving: 0¡ú1]


    ''Oh, nice. That was a nice upgrade,'' Atlas thought as the excitement boiled up inside him.


    There was a guardpost that led into a steep drop that a gate blocked. When the soldiers spotted him, they stepped forward as one of them spoke, ''''Young adventurer, what brings you to this haunted place, and can I see the guild card?''''


    When Atlas heard this, he grinned before answering confidently and determinedly, ''''To grow stronger, I must put myself in a dangerous situation. I''m here to clear the quarry and level up.''''


    ''''Many have tried and failed. The quarry is unforgiving, and even seasoned adventurers struggle,'''' another soldier said with a laugh. ''''Look at the party who entered earlier; they won''t last much longer once the Crawlers get them.''''


    ''''I''m not going there to die. I''m going to find out if I''m really alive,'''' Atlas responded while handing the commander his guild card. ''''Now let me pass so I can complete my quest.''''


    The soldiers moved out of the way as the commander unlocked the gate. He looked at Atlas and spoke, ''''We''ve lost dozens of adventurers, boy. I have a feeling about you, and know that if you can reach the entrance, we will do our best to help you.''''


    After speaking, the commander returned Atlas''s guild card and watched as he stepped into the cold, echoing quarry. As the gate clanged shut behind him, the path ahead was swallowed by darkness.


    Atlas''s Night Eyes soon adjusted, revealing the shadows in sharp relief. He found himself on a broad pathway that gradually descended into the abyss. Peering over the edge, Atlas saw nothing but a yawning chasm, its walls alive with the fluttering of bats.


    A chill ran down his spine as he wondered, ''What horrors lie below?''


    He started walking down the only path forward while readying his blades in case any monsters attacked. As Atlas walks, Amethyst sends him a message through the lover''s band, [We''re headed for the Wildheart Kingdom to help Grishna''s sister, who is leading the Bloodfang Orcs against the Southmen who beat the last Wildheart army who was holding the King''s Pass. I do hope you''re okay, Azahar''Zul]


    Atlas smiled before quickly replying, [I''m going to be traveling south to heal Lilith, then will get a train north as I have Morozov Train Card that some woman gave me for slaying bandits attacking them. I''m in a city named Tajariyah that''s built into some mountains. I miss you girls and will send you a message tomorrow morning]


    Continuing down the path, Atlas deflected a projectile aimed at his head with his helmet. A dozen more whizzed towards him as he steadied himself, only to rebound harmlessly off his armor.


    He scanned the new monsters, which bore a striking resemblance to giant cockroaches. Their stone-like color blended seamlessly with the cave walls, but their appearance was far from harmless; these creatures exuded a menacing, predatory aura.


    [Stone Crawler]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    When Atlas saw this, he fired a Void Bullet at the monster that blew it into pieces; the only evidence of its existence was an orange Monster Core that he threw into his storage before continuing.


    Atlas eliminated four more Stone Crawlers as they lunged at him from the shadows, but he had no problem dispatching them before reaching a tunnel that reeked of decay. "What is that awful smell?" he muttered.


    As he stepped across the threshold, a screech reached his ears as a humanoid sprinted out of the shadows and swiped at Atlas, who leaned back before casting Void Blast into the creature''s chest.


    The spell hurled the monster to the ground, allowing Atlas to rush forward and drive his blade through its skull. As the creature fell lifelessly, he looked closer at the new enemy, and a shiver ran down his spine.


    ''This thing belongs in a horror novel,'' Atlas thought. ''Where are they coming from?''


    It had once been human but had been grotesquely warped into a nightmare. Its body was a dark, blood-red hue, marred by deep, gnarled scars that covered every inch. Its eyes were hollow and black, the last vestiges of humanity fading into its monstrous form.


    Something radiated from it, which made Atlas cringe as he recognized that feeling, ''Chaos! Who are they?''


    While contemplating, footsteps could be heard, causing him to raise his blades to defend against a set of claws. Atlas''s arms felt the strain, but he pushed past that and cast Void Wave to get the creatures away from him.


    This gave him a chance to scan them.


    [Dreadfiend]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''Experience farms,'' Atlas thought as his excitement grew.


    He dashed forward, ducking under a swipe, before driving his blade through the creature''s jaw and piercing its brain. He then cast a Void Blast at another creature, getting close, which blew it away.


    Atlas engaged the Dreadfiends with precise agility, deftly weaving through their attacks while delivering a flurry of slashes, stabs, and spells. Chaos erupted throughout the tunnels as he fought, but his armor absorbed most of the damage, allowing him to remain largely unscathed amidst the fray.


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    ''I''ll continue fighting until my muscle hurts,'' Atlas thought with a smile while stabbing a Dreadfiend through the eye as it tried to bite him.


    He spun around when feeling another behind him and plunged his Blood Knife into its chest before casting Void Bullet. The spell caused the creature to explode from the inside out and covered him in bits of flesh.


    Atlas shook his head and dispatched the remaining monsters with a flurry of Void Arrows. Each arrow pierced through their bodies, and they fell to the ground, lifeless. He sheathed his Nightblade and used the knife to cut out the Monster Cores.


    ''Eight green cores,'' he thought while storing them away. ''I''ll continue to collect these.''


    Atlas continued down the tunnel until he entered a vast underground chamber. Scanning the area, he spotted a descending path that led into the encroaching darkness. "The creatures must be coming from this way," he mused.


    A rattling noise echoed through the chamber, piquing his curiosity. As he turned to investigate, a sudden barrage of arrows struck, forcing him to leap back. He quickly cast Void Guard, shielding himself from the onslaught.


    ''What the hell!'' he thought while spotting the culprits, which were skeletons, but they were his size, ''Dead dwarves?''


    [Dwarf Skeletons Miners]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    Atlas shook his head and noticed the undead were marching up the path he needed to take. With a smile, he started casting Void Blast, which collided with the skeletons, causing explosions to send them flying into the darkness below.


    He dashed forward and started striking the surviving enemies; his attacks shattered their skulls. Atlas made his way down the path while spamming spells into the crowds of skeletons that wiped them out.


    It took him close to an hour to reach the bottom, where an entrance to an unexpected dungeon was overflowing. More Dreadfiends rushed out of the entrance, forcing Atlas to dodge their attacks before blasting them away with Void Blasts. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Having dispatched the creatures, Atlas crouched down, startled by a chilling chuckle echoing through the entrance. Reacting swiftly, he sprang to his feet and activated Void Scan, quickly spotting a monster lurking nearby.


    [Forgotten Lurker]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    ''What kind of monster is this,'' Atlas pondered while readying for another fight as his breath was heavy.


    The creature crawled out of the shadows on all fours, which made him gulp. It moved like a spider but was humanoid, with two arms and legs that ended with sharp claws. Its body was covered in strange scales that he knew would be tough to break through.


    ''This is going to be tough,'' he thought, gripping his blades tightly.


    It let out another chuckle as its black eyes pierced Atlas''s soul. Its mouth was shaped into a creepy smile with shark-like teeth. The monster suddenly shot forward like a rocket, causing him to yelp while casting Void Step.


    He vanished from the spot just as the Lurker slammed into it. This gave him enough time to pepper the monster''s body with Void Bullets and Void Arrows, which caused it to screech in pain.


    Atlas grinned behind his helmet, ''This creature won''t go down easy,'' he thought while getting ready to attack.


    Without thinking, he burst forward like a bullet and started striking the Lurker with dozens of attacks, hitting it with Void Bullets that exploded on contact and confused the monsters. He rushed in, skidded under it, and ran his blades down its torse, causing it to spasm before dropping to the ground.


    He rose to his feet, the Nightblade aimed squarely at the monster''s skull. With a voice crackling with fierce excitement and unyielding resolve, he declared, "Chaos scum. This time, we will end this eternal game once and for all. I will become strong enough to frighten the Dark Gods."

 Chapter 105: Death Knight

    Atlas cast a Void Arrow into the Lurker''s skull, causing it to go lifeless before a green Monster Core popped out. He picked it up and stored it away while looking at the dungeon entrance as explosions rang out.


    ''More adventurers,'' he sighed before moving into the dungeon. ''Hopefully, they''re friendly.''


    When Atlas stepped inside, the atmosphere instantly changed to horror and dread that seeped into his body, causing him to shiver. But that wasn''t all, as a mist blocked the path forward; even the Night Eyes couldn''t see through it.


    As he walked down the cold tunnel, a bad feeling seeped into his body; when Atlas got further in and passed across a stone bridge that spanned a darkness-filled cavern, something launched at him from the shadows, ''Oh, crap! What is this thing,'' he thought.


    He quickly crossed his blades as something slammed against them and felt the impact through his arms, sending him stumbling back. This allowed Atlas to spot the monster, a dog-sized black spider that looked horrifying with a black carapace covered in black hair.


    Once he got his footing, the spider scuttled forward and tried to jump on him as its beady eyes locked onto his body, but Atlas raised his hand and cast Void Blast into its face, causing it to screech in pain as it started thrashing around.


    ''Die!'' he internally shouted. ''I hate spiders.''


    As another blast struck the monster, it collapsed to the ground, giving Atlas the opening he needed. He sprang up, avoiding the monster''s flailing legs, and drove his blade through its head with deadly precision.


    Just as he finished, the eerie scuttling of more creatures echoed through the passageway, their furious hisses reverberating off the damp, shadowy walls. He jumped up and noticed three more spiders rushing at him while chittering and making other creepy noises.


    When he saw this, Atlas quickly scanned them to find their names while preparing to fight them. As he saw what they were, his adrenaline started to rush through his body, causing him to smile.


    [Death Spiders]


    [Rank: E+ - 250 Exp]


    Atlas cringed but quickly spammed Void Bullets at creepy arachnids before lunging at the one on the right as explosions shook the tunnel. He sidestepped its lunge while counterattacking by slicing off two of the monster''s legs.


    The Death Spider reared up in pain as the other two bolted at Atlas, who chuckled as he cast a Void Wave that discharged from his body, slammed into the monster''s, and sent them flying across the tunnel before smashing into the walls.


    Atlas followed up and rammed his blade into another spider before casting Void Arrow into the creature''s torso. The azure projectiles burrowed through the monster''s internal organs and cooked them from the inside, causing it to drop dead with a dying hiss.


    Once he finished the Death Spider, he quickly launched a Void Blast at the last one, trying to retreat deeper into the dungeon. But Atlas was faster; he unleashed a barrage of Void Arrows, each projectile piercing through the spider''s body before it had a chance to escape.


    The creature was obliterated before it could make its move. Exhausted, Atlas collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily as the battle came to an end, ''Damn spiders! I hate them,'' he thought while flicking his blades to get rid of the blood.


    ''What else is this dungeon hiding? It doesn''t matter because I''ll fight regardless,'' he psyched himself up before standing up.


    After that, Atlas continued down the tunnel until he came to a mining chamber with metal trolleys everywhere. He felt weird when stepping inside, which caused him to prepare his blades. ''It''s as if something was watching me from the darkness,'' he said.


    As the thought flashed through his mind, he swiftly raised Nightblade to parry a sudden strike just as something ambushed him. He unleashed Void Wave in response, sending the encircling creatures sprawling and breaking their trap.


    Continuing his advance, Atlas deflected the incoming projectiles until he came face-to-face with humanoid jackal-like creatures who tried to ambush him. With a quick scan of the threat, he prepared to strike back.


    [Death Jackals]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''I''ll show them what true doom looks like,'' Atlas roared within, launching himself forward with unstoppable force, a living harbinger of destruction.


    He cleaved through one of the jackals with a savage slash to the throat, then spun like a storm, evading a flurry of arrows that hissed past him. He drove his blades into the remaining foes with relentless accuracy, his movements a blur of deadly grace.


    In a final, explosive surge, he unleashed a Void Blast, sending the jackals hurtling through the air. That''s when even more creatures rushed forward and attacked him with wild abandon while letting out excited howls and yips.


    ''This is going to earn me so much experience,'' he smiled.


    Atlas deflected the shabby spears while stabbing and slashing the attackers. Their bodies were falling, causing the others behind them to trip, allowing him to decimate many of them with Void Bullets and Void Blasts.


    Blood pooled on the dungeon ground as monsters dropped left and right as Atlas passed them. He rushed toward a group, but one of the Death Jackals intercepted him by getting in his way.


    Atlas flashed a fierce grin, then feigned a sprint to the left, only to pivot sharply to the right. The maneuver bewildered the monsters, giving him the opening he needed. He leaped onto one of them, carefully driving his blade through its eye.


    Rolling forward seamlessly, he drove his sword into another and unleashed a Void Blast that obliterated a third monster. As he reveled in his triumphant triple kill, a war hammer suddenly soared toward his face.


    Instinctively, Atlas raised his blades to block, bracing himself for the impact. When the weapon struck, he felt his muscles buckling under the impact, but he gritted his teeth and held on as an amused voice reached his ears.


    "Another challenge so soon! The others may have bested me by chance, but you, little boy, have no such luck," the figure declared with a cold, mocking tone before leaping back into the shadows.


    As the knight retreated, Atlas''s gaze fell upon the mysterious foe. Clad in ominous black armor, the knight''s red eyes glowed menacingly from behind the helmet, piercing through the darkness like twin embers of malevolence.


    Atlas quickly scanned the newcomer.


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    [Death Knight]


    [Floor One Boss]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    "Perhaps, but who can predict what the future holds?" Atlas declared, his eyes flaring back to their usual azure as his excitement surged.


    The tunnel illuminated with a fierce glow as he leveled his Nightblade at the dark figure. "I''m not afraid of you; this thrills me to my core. Bring it on and give me a fight that pushes me to the brink of death. I want to feel truly alive!"


    After that, Atlas burst forward and struck the knight, who blocked his attack and went to swing, but he ducked under it while pummeling the enemy''s chest with Void Bullets before slashing.


    The stronger creature blocked many of his attacks and returned the favor, causing Atlas to focus on dodging; one swing forced him to jump over the blade, barely missing the sharp edge.


    ''That was close!'' he thought.


    He used magic to redirect many attacks while landing dozens of his own, slowly breaking the knight''s armor. Atlas kept getting faster until he was a blur. He used Void Step to strike and then moved until he became invisible.


    Atlas was burning through mana and felt it emptying when he blocked a swing that sent him flying across the chamber, ''''Enough of this!'''' the Death Knight declared,


    When Atlas hit the ground, he skidded to a stop before getting to his feet and looking at the knight who seemed to have powered up out of nowhere, ''This just got even harder,'' he mused with a smile.


    The Death Knight rushed forward and swung his sword in an arc, causing Atlas to dodge, but the blade changed directions. He quickly cast Void Guard to block, and when the weapon connected, he was sent flying across the mining chamber.


    ''Oww. lucky I used Void Guard,'' he thought while crashing into a trolley covered in ores and slumping down as pain riddled his body.


    Atlas shook his head and let out a pain-filled groan as he finally sat up when Regeneration healed enough; while doing that, the knight thrust its sword at him. He quickly used Void Step to avoid the attack before casting several Void Blasts.


    After that, he took out some Mana Potions and downed them, thinking, ''This is going to be hard.''


    He launched another speedy attack at the knight, relying on his velocity. However, the knight responded by stamping firmly on the ground, causing a shockwave that unbalanced Atlas and made him stumble.


    ''''Not so fast now, are you, child,'''' the Death Knight spoke confidently.


    The knight seized the moment and lunged forward, driving his sword toward Atlas. Panicking, Atlas fired a Void Bullet at the ground beneath him, propelling himself upward just as the knight''s blade struck the spot where he had been.


    As Atlas descended, he unleashed a flurry of Void Blasts, bombarding the Death Knight with explosive energy. Following that, he drove the Nightblade through the gap in the knight''s helmet. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''I''m faster than you,'''' Atlas replied with a smirk.


    To finish, he cast Void Wave and Void Bullet, resulting in a powerful explosion that rocked the mining chamber. The Death Knight screamed in pain but evaporated into nothing, just like the other creatures, leaving behind a beautiful red Monster Core.

 Chapter 106: It’s Too Dangerous Out There

    Once the Death Knight was dead, Atlas threw the red Monster Core into his storage before taking off his helmet to wipe away the sweat, ''That was tough, but it was exciting,'' he thought with a smile.


    He pulled out his canteen before taking a mouth, putting his helmet back on, and checking his status.


    [Level Up: 72¡ú75]


    [Experience: 830/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 6250]


    [Health: 504¡ú514]


    [Mana: 2832¡ú2860]


    [Strength: 500¡ú516]


    [Stamina: 610¡ú644]


    [Core Points: 3850¡ú8050] Visit us at m-vlem,pyr


    [Core Points Gained: 4200]


    ''Not long until I rank up again,'' Atlas mused before continuing down the tunnel.


    Explosions rang out nearby, but he didn''t rush toward them while he prepared for another fight. It took him another ten minutes to see the lights of the spells being cast as roars shook the ground.


    Atlas grew curious and sped up, only to see gorilla-like monsters fighting with four people; he noticed two men were distracting the creatures while two women behind were casting several spells at them.


    He watched this with fascination and looked around, only to notice they were in a mining chamber, and Atlas was just above them, waiting for the right time to intervene. The battle went on as one of the men was battered away.


    The man, a defender by the looks of it, carried a large shield. Seeing this, Atlas quickly assessed the surrounding monsters. Without thinking, he leaped into the air, unsheathed his blades, and descended to the ground, immediately launching his attack.


    [Death Gorilla]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    Atlas surged forward, slashing at the ankles of two gorillas and sending them crashing to the ground. He then spun around, using Void Step to vanish just as a pair of massive fists slammed into the spot where he had been.


    Laughing, he reappeared above one of the Death Gorillas, descending swiftly. His blades pierced through its throat, instantly killing the beast. With the creature dispatched, Atlas moved on to continue his relentless assault.


    ***


    [The Red Band Party]


    When the adventurers saw this, they were shocked when someone appeared and decimated the Death Gorillas, who ambushed them from above. Roderic, a knight and leader of the Red Band Party, turned to the women, ''''Keep the shields up; the monsters are busy with the newcomer. Sable! Keep up the attack spells; there aren''t many left.''''


    Sable, their attack mage, continued casting spells along with Alina, who was shielding the two men. Roderic turned to the second man, ''''Marcus, hold the line while I take out the remaining monsters to help the boy,''''


    Marcus nodded, but a blue explosion erupted in the chamber before they could act, causing them to shield their eyes as the ground rumbled. The blast sent the Death Gorillas rocketing in all directions, their lifeless bodies slamming into the walls before falling to the ground.


    As the dust settled, the adventurers spotted a small figure approaching¡ªbarely five feet tall but the four had the same thought, ''A Silver Demon!''


    Despite the figure''s small size, its aura sent chills down their spines. Instinctively, Roderic and Marcus stepped in front of their wives, their protective instincts kicking in. The figure halted as they moved, sheathing their blades¡ªa knife and a short sword.


    Now able to get a closer look, Roderic noticed that their savior wore silver armor, covering all vital points. Beneath the armor was a black gambeson. However, the striking green eyes fixed intently on them captured everyone''s attention.


    Aline smiled before speaking nonconfrontationally, ''''I''m Alina Anderson, and this is my party. I must thank you for your help.''''


    The four watched the small being as it suddenly removed its helmet to reveal a young boy no more than fourteen with black hair and an olive skin complexion. When Sable and Roderic saw this, their eyes widened in shock.


    ''''That''s not Davis''s husband,'''' Sable whispered behind Roderic. ''''He died many moons ago.''''


    Roderic nodded as spoke, ''''Thanks for the help boy. What are you doing down here, though?''''


    The newcomer looked at each one before replying, ''''Took a quest to clear this place out, but never would have guessed it was an active dungeon.''''


    As the boy spoke, Sable quickly shouted a warning, ''''Behind you!''''


    That''s when they witnessed the newcomer quickly dodge the swipe of a set of claws before blasting it with unknown blue magic that burned a hole right through the Death Gorilla before the boy decapitated the monster.


    Following that, they aided the boy in fighting the four creatures that appeared in the nearby tunnel. Marcus and Roderic blocked the way as the two women rained spells down while carefully considering their new ally.


    But all the boy did was move quicker than they''d ever seen. Roderic was shocked as the newcomer cut down dozens of monsters and dashed around the battlefield like a rabbit. Once the monsters were dealt with, Sable approached the boy and smiled, ''''Would you like to join us in the safe zone?''''


    ***


    [Back to Atlas]


    Atlas nodded at the blonde woman in her late twenties, who regarded him with inquisitive grey eyes. He noticed the entire group was staring at him at one point or another, which annoyed him. The woman who had spoken seemed like a warrior mage, giving him a "big sister" vibe.


    The other woman was shorter, with green-cropped hair and glowing yellow eyes. She was dressed in mage robes and wielded a staff. After taking in their appearances, Atlas turned his attention to the two men.


    There was the leader, named Roderic, who was unmistakably a knight. His armor and longsword marked his status, and his short brown hair and blue eyes made him stand out, especially with his height of six feet.


    Atlas then glanced at the last man, who was built like a giant, but his demeanor softened when he glanced at the green-haired mage. With blue hair and green eyes that sparkled with warmth, he reminded him of a friendly teddy bear.


    He shook his head as the group descended the path and ended up in a small chamber with another way down on the opposite side. Atlas felt the shield that blocked the monsters from attacking while they rested.


    Once inside, Atlas noticed two more people waiting in the safe area; these two looked like scouts and thieves. The man had silver hair with pointed ears, while the woman had green eyes and blonde hair.


    The leader then turned to him and held out his hand while introducing himself and the group, ''''I''m Roderic Silvershield, and the blonde is my wife, Sable; she is a powerful fire mage.''''


    Atlas nodded at the woman, who gave him a motherly smile before Roderic turned toward the second couple, ''''This is Marcus and Aline Lightfoot; they are our defender and healer.''''


    They smiled at him, but it was more friendly than Sable''s. That''s when the last two introduced themselves before Roderic could do it, ''''I''m Modric, and this is my sister Fiona.''''


    "I''m Atlas, a current solo adventurer who is heading to meet my party," he introduced himself while standing up and brushing the dirt off his armor.


    Sable looked confused and spoke concernedly, ''''Where are you going Atlas?'''' S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This dungeon will be my first, and I''m excited to complete it," he answered before approaching the exit.


    As Atlas began to move, Sable stepped in front of him, her expression filled with concern. "We need at least a day to rest," she urged. "It''s too dangerous out there."


    Atlas''s eyes gleamed with unshakable confidence as he replied, "Doesn''t matter to me, the closer to death I am the more alive I feel, I need to do this to grow stronger and protect the ones I care about."


    Before the older woman could speak, Atlas vanished down the tunnel, leaving the adventurer party behind. As he got deeper, howls and screeches could be heard. He slowed down before reaching a bridge that spanned across a deep chasm.


    ''Oh god. This is bad. One wrong move and I could be sent falling to my death,'' Atlas thought while looking into the darkness.


    As he did that, a swooping noise could be heard, forcing him to use Void Step to dodge as a large monster''s claws crashed into the ground. Atlas spun around and scanned the newcomer.


    [Blood Bat]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    Atlas aimed Nightblade at the Blood Bat, unleashing a barrage of Void Bullets. The chamber erupted into chaos with each explosion, sending debris and dust flying as the impact of the blasts tore through the cavernous space.


    The racket drew more giant bats into the fray, their black fur rippling in the dim light and their red eyes glowing ominously against the azure explosions. Surveying the swarm, Atlas saw the sheer number of these monstrous bats¡ªtoo many to handle.


    Atlas activated Void Step, weaving through the relentless onslaught of attacks. Despite his evasive maneuvers, one of the creatures managed to grab him and lift him high above the chasm.


    As the monster prepared to bite down on him, Atlas drove his blade into its head. The creature convulsed and fell, dragging him with it into the abyss. Plummeting into the darkness, Atlas spotted a swarm of Blood Bats descending toward him.


    Seizing one of the bats, he grasped it tightly, desperately trying to control his descent into the horrors below. The fall sped up, and the other monsters stopped following, but the one he was on was screeching in pain.


    Atlas prepared to cast Void Guard, but something slammed into him just as he was about to. It snatched the Blood Bats from beneath him in a blur, leaving him to plunge into the icy water below.


    He freefell into the dark depths, his thoughts lingering on the four girls waiting for him. Just as darkness closed in and he lost consciousness, his Aqua Lung skill activated, allowing him to breathe underwater.

 Chapter 107: The Astoria Conquest (1)

    [The Girl''s POV]


    While Atlas was stuck in the dungeon, the four girls were sitting on a Morozov train traveling across the Everglade Kingdom or what''s left as the Argonians and Achaemenidians washed over the land.


    Amethyst looked out the window as Artemis spoke, ''''Grish, why do we need to involve ourselves in this war?''''


    The orc girl looked at her with a smile. ''''To grow stronger and gain experience, plus the Wildheart Kingdom is paying a fortune for powerful adventurers to help push the Southmen back south,'''' she said.


    ''''Rumors speak of the Demon of Thalassia holding them back at the King''s Pass, but who knows what the truth is,'''' Estelle commented as she sharpened her blade.


    ''''Do you think Azhar''Zul will meet us there?'''' Amethyst asked as she looked at the group.


    Artemis smiled, ''''It will be a while before we see him again. Aetos is wandering around Zarandar trying to find a Soul Mage to help that fluff ball, but I''m sure it will be a few months until you reunite with your lover, Little Bird,'''' she said.


    "Shut up, fish! I have a bad feeling about this all," the Phoenix girl replied with a frown. The world will search for him once they realize he''s the Voidwalker." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Azhar''Zul will be fine, little one,'''' Grishna smiled. ''''I''m sure he''s hidden and safe; I spent time with him and know he''s a free spirit. He wouldn''t be stopped from having the grand adventurer he always talked about.''''


    Amethyst nodded in agreement as Estelle''s voice cut through the hum of conversation, her tone grave. "Look out the window," she said, pointing to the right. "Oakenshield and Wildheart are burning."


    The group fell silent, their eyes following Estelle''s gaze. Through the carriage window, they could see the distant land consumed by flames, an inferno that spread across the horizon. The fiery devastation marked the advance of the Achaemenidians as they swept through Astoria, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake.


    When the women saw this, their hearts dropped as black smoke billowed into the sky, scorching the beautiful green landscape. ''''Weren''t we heading for Wildheart? I wonder where is the frontline now?'''' Grishna inquired in frustration.


    ''''My guess is the Malduhr River in the Oakenheart Kingdom, as they are allied with the northern realms and Wildheart,'''' Estelle informed the group. ''''Once we reach the frontline, we must report to the local guild for our orders.''''


    "Why do we have to fight? It''s a realm far away from Argonia. Couldn''t we just hunker down in northern Astoria and wait for Azhar''Zul?" Amethyst asked, her voice laced with worry.


    Grisha turned to her and smiled, ''''Little Bird. When you become an adventurer, you agree to aid in times of war. Due to their power, the Southmen use their adventurers as shock troops to hit well-defended positions.''''


    Following that, the journey took close to a week to reach the Thalassia Empire and get a Mana Airship to the front lines. The women found this out when meeting in the guild, and they were assigned to a group of twenty who would be assaulting Blood Bridge to push the Southmen back and establish a beachhead in the Wildheart Kingdom.


    When the four girls heard this, they agreed to it and met up with the sixteen other people who seemed friendly apart from one group. The leader approached them and tried to charm them until Grishna beat him up, claiming they all had the same husband.


    The orc girl beat him black and blue while cursing several generations of his family; she only stopped with Estelle, and Artemis dragged her back, which made Amethyst and the adventurers giggle at the scene.


    After that, they were instructed to attack the Blood Bridge and the Southmen, trying to fortify it. Their group commander was a grizzled veteran named Rollo, who had fought in many wars across Astoria and was an old friend of Grishna''s father.


    He ordered the adventurers to charge across but stopped the four women and a few others as the Southmen mages blasted them to pieces, causing the commander to laugh. Amethyst looked horrified and spoke, ''''Why did you sacrifice them?''''


    Rollo revealed the truth with a satisfied smile, ''''They were Achaemenidian spies sent to gather information but were meant to cross the other bridge.''''


    The older man turned to Grishna, ''''Show us what the Voidwalkers Harem can do,'''' he said mockingly.


    This angered the four women, as Artemis declared, ''''The other adventurers are unnecessary. Unlike you, old man, we can take that bridge with no losses.''''


    Rollo roared with laughter as he glanced at Grishna. "Why does she remind me of your mother, Zulgra?" he boomed.


    Grishna''s gaze shifted to Artemis, who was limbering up and drawing her sword with focused precision. Meanwhile, Estelle readied herself with her sword and shield, and Amethyst began to channel her cosmic magic, each preparing for the impending battle.


    ''''They are ma party, Uncle Rollo,'''' she admitted with a smile. ''''Even the blonde bitch whose judgemental but has calmed down.''''


    The older man laughed before slapping her on the back, ''''You sound like your mother, Vorga, just not as scary,'''' he smiled as he replied.


    Grishna gave him a dirty look, ''''Wait for our signal before crossing, old man,'''' she grinned at the human.


    Following that, the four women approached the bridge entrance, guarded by the Oakenheart Dwarves. They were heavily armored and wielded powerful cannons to ward the Southmen back from their side of the Malduhr River.


    On the other side of the bank, chaos reigned as a force of Southmen hunkered down while waiting for an attack. Amethyst could see their mana all over the fortress and spoke to the group, ''''There are about three hundred soldiers in the fort; most are footsoldiers, with some commanders.''''


    After the Phoenix girl spoke, they spotted the commander. When the dwarf saw them, he turned around with a cheerful smile. ''''Four beautiful ladies to fight the Southmen; I wonder if old Rolloa has lost his marbles,'''' he said in a happy tone.


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    The other dwarves chuckled, but Grishna responded, ''''The old man needs to be shown what real warriors are, so we offered to take the bridge.''''


    "Just the four of ya? Are ya crazy, orc?" the dwarf commander said with worry.


    Grishna and the other three waved them away before stepping on the blood-covered path that led to the bridge. As they passed, Estelle said, ''''I will defend you three girls while attacking where I can. Amethyst, if you can get behind them and attack them from the rear, that would be perfect.''''


    The phoenix girl nodded with a determined smile, ''''Got it, Blondie.''''


    Estelle bristled before turning to Artemis and Grishna, ''''Fish; you attack with your sling before scaling the wall with the goblin.''''


    Grishna threw something at the blonde knight, ''''Shut up bitch; it''s not the time for jokes,'''' she snapped back with a smile, ''''What happens to you once we''re on the wall?''''


    ''''I will follow you up the wall once Little Bird clears the top,'''' Estelle said with a determined smile.


    Following that, the three women looked at Amethyst as Grishna commented, ''''Kick things off, girl, cause an explosion to throw the soldiers off guard.''''


    Amethyst nodded as Estelle prepared to defend her; Artemis took out her sling and readied explosive pellets. When the phoenix girl, the blonde knight, stepped in the open only to have a wave of spells and projectiles flying toward them.


    Estelle cast Solar Shield, deflected many attacks, and sent them soaring back at the attackers just as Amethyst cast a dozen Cosmic Blasts at the Southmen. Purple mana blasts slice through the air and hit the walls with devastating impacts.


    The bridge shook, but Estelle signaled for them to attack. Artemis stepped forward and fired off a dozen explosive pellets that peppered the survivors as Grishna threw several metal balls embued with Silver Shriek.


    When the balls hit the Southmen, loud shrills ripped through the air, allowing the women to rush across the bridge. While running, Estelle shouted, ''''Go, Little Bird!''''


    Amethyst jumped up on the wall, summoning her wings, and dived off the bridge before soaring into the air. When she was high enough, she fired a dozen Cosmic Bullets at the Southmen, who were getting to their feet.


    The projectiles pierced their bodies, giving the women a head start. Following that, a volley of arrows forced Amethyst to fly off, which caused the enemy to turn toward the other three and attack.


    Estelle was in front and cast Solar Shield to block the attacks. Thousands of arrows and spells hit the bridge, but the blonde knight held firm as Artemis fired off several explosives while Grishna cast Earth Bolt and Razorwind Blades at the surviving soldiers.


    As the three women below started climbing, Amethyst swooped over the Southmen, who went to attack by casting Cosmic Bullets and Stellar Arrows on top of them. Explosions rang out, but soon, she had to descend to the others as the counterattacks were coming too quickly for her to block or avoid.


    A few attacks managed to get past her Cosmic Barrier; one of the arrows buried itself in her shoulder and exited through her back. Amethyst screamed in pain, but another hit her thigh and foot.


    She managed to control her descent as she crashed down behind Estelle, who cast Healing Light on Amethyst after Grisha broke the arrows, allowing the blonde to pull them out before the wounds healed.


    The four women climbed while Grishna cast Earth Bolts at the Southmen as Artemis sent several Aqua Bombs that hit the soldiers at the top. When the explosions erupted, some enemies were sent into the water below.


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 Chapter 108: Death Serpent

    Atlas woke up when he felt something chewing at his armor, which was growing annoying, ''What is this feeling, and why am I so cold?'' he groggily pondered while shivering.


    When he snapped back to reality, Atlas looked up to find a nightmarish fish, straight out of a horror film, sinking its teeth into his leg, causing pain to shoot through his body. Reacting quickly, he raised his hand and unleashed a Void Arrow at the creature''s head, obliterating it in a burst of mana.


    Once the fish was dead, Atlas shook his head and glanced around, only to realize he was underwater as the cold water brushed against his skin, which caused him to panic. ''How did I end up here?'' he thought.


    That''s when he remembered falling into the chasm after being attacked by the Blood Bats while crossing the bridge, causing him to mutter, ''''I find myself in another nightmare, but why does a dungeon have an underwater world?''''


    Atlas looked around and saw the underwater world he was in, which was covered in boulders and thick seaweed. He got to his feet before spotting a light above and decided to swim toward it, ensuring no monsters were nearby.


    Thanks to the Night Eyes Rune, he could see in the darkness, allowing him to see the school of dog-sized fish swimming nearby. An eel was hunting crab-like monsters littering the seafloor by snapping them with sharp teeth.


    After ten minutes of struggling due to the cold and aching body, Atlas finally broke through the surface and gasped as fresh air filled his lungs. He found himself in a vast cavern, its expanse dominated by a massive underground lake.


    Atlas spotted a stretch of dry land ahead as he took in his surroundings. He started making his way toward it by slowly swimming across the surface, but that''s when a feeling of dread washed over him like a predator had locked onto him.


    This caused Atlas to turn around, and something glided toward him; it was hidden within the shadows, so he could only see small parts of it. Seeing this unknown monster, he gulped while scanning it using Void Sight.


    Find your next read on m-vle-mpyr


    [Death Serpent]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    ''Oh fuck! This monster is coming straight for me!'' Atlas internally panicked.


    He quickly swam toward the ledge as the predator was heading for him. His heartbeat sped up as he felt the monster''s aura bearing down; Atlas climbed out before taking off his helmet and letting out a breath of relief just as a splash was heard.


    Atlas turned around only to spot a giant serpent slithering through the water. It had black scales and glowing red eyes, and it glanced at him before diving back under the surface, causing him to shiver.


    ''This world is full of all kinds of horrifying monsters; I should be getting used to it,'' he panicked internally.


    He put his helmet back on while standing up and soon realized the Nightblade was missing. Atlas started panicking, but as soon as he thought about it, only the weapon appeared in his hand, causing him to grow confused.


    ''It bonded to me; maybe that''s why it returned to me,'' he pondered.


    Following that, Atlas glanced around and saw dozens of monster bones littering the ground, ''Is this a creature nest? Maybe,'' he thought.


    Reaching that conclusion, he walked toward the only visible tunnel. As Atlas neared the entrance, a chilling howl echoed from behind him. He spun around just in time to see Blood Bats descending upon him from the shadows.


    Atlas started casting Void Blasts at the flying monsters, who couldn''t dodge the spells that exploded upon contact. They let out pain-filled screeches, but he didn''t stop casting magic at the creatures.


    The Void Blasts killed four bats, and three fell into the water, only to be eaten by the Death Serpent. When Atlas saw this, he chuckled before approaching the flying monster''s corpse, cutting the green Monster Core, and storing it away.


    He entered the passageway, using Void Sight to ensure nothing would ambush him. But the route was free from any more monsters, so he started walking. All he could hear was the sound of his footsteps as he traveled down the tunnel, only to reach a spiral staircase that went up.


    ''''Found my way back to the upper levels, it seems,'''' he muttered.


    Atlas stepped onto the first stone stairs and waited for a trap or something to happen, but nothing happened. He continued to climb while keeping his blades at the ready, and when he reached the top, he realized he had made it to a chamber. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was a massive ledge that overlooked the chasm, with a small path leading back to the bridge he had been on before. Atlas stepped onto it and heard the Blood Bats screeching; thanks to Night Eyes, he could see them.


    He started casting Void Bullets and Void Blasts into the crowd of flying monsters while using Void Step to dodge their swoops. Atlas made it to the bridge after killing several bats, which caused them to go wild.


    Atlas targeted them with Void Arrows that burrowed through their bodies; some monsters crashed into the bridge while others fell into the darkness below. He approached the three corpses and cut out the three green Monster Cores he threw into his storage before moving on.


    After twenty minutes of walking, Atlas reached a massive chamber, where a dozen Death Jackals met him, and a swarm of Death Spiders crawled all over the walls. When he saw this, he cringed as the monsters looked at him.


    ''What is it with spiders!'' he internally complained upon hearing the chittering of their legs.


    When they saw him, the jackals started yipping in excitement before charging forward, causing Atlas to use Nightblade to block the closest monster''s attack and counterattack with the Blood Knife through its eyes.


    He cast Void Wave when he noticed the Death Jackals surrounding him. The azure wave crashed into their bodies, sending them flying all over the chamber. Then, they vanished back into the dungeon.


    Green glows lit up the surroundings, allowing Atlas to see the Death Spiders launch their attack. Some of them fired a strand of wed at him, but he used Void Guard to block the sticky string before sending Void Bullets back to the monsters.


    Explosions erupted among the spiders that tried to avoid the spells, but they were swept in the azure flames. Atlas dashed toward the biggest spider, four times the size of the normal creature.


    As he got closer, he scanned it before launching his attack.


    [Queen Death Spider]


    [First Mini-Boss]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    ''A mini-boss! I wonder how many floors this place has,'' Atlas mused excitedly.


    Atlas closed in on the queen, who reared up and thrust two of its legs at him. He jumped out of the way and sent a Void Blast into the spider''s carapace, causing it to scuttle back, but Atlas chased it.


    One of the legs shot out toward him, and Atlas didn''t have time to dodge as the tip pierced through his armor and shoulder, causing him to let out a pain-filled scream before chopping off the limb, which freed himself.


    He stumbled backward while he activated Call Of The Void and summoned Group Two. The Void Raptor Warrior lunged out of the azure portal, followed by six normal ones, and the dinosaurs ganged up on the giant spider.


    Atlas jumped up and spammed Void Blasts at the queen spiders before charging in. The mini-boss swung a leg at him, but he raised Nightblade and sliced through the carapace, causing the monster to screech in agony.


    The spider had already killed three Void Raptors, but the other four managed to tear off three more legs, causing the queen to slow down dramatically. This allowed Atlas to increase his attacks, which nearly brought it down.


    While he was fighting, a hundred Death Spiders appeared from a tunnel, causing Atlas to cast a dozen Void Bullets into the swarm. He then ordered the remaining dinosaurs to deal with them while he killed the queen.


    Atlas faced the half-dead mini-boss with a smile before using Void Step to vanish and strike at the monster''s body. When the queen responded by spinning around, he disappeared once more and appeared behind it.


    He cast Void Blast directly at the creature''s rear, causing it to hiss in anger, but Atlas continued to strike the boss and finally broke its carapace by using Nightblade to pierce it and fire several Void Bullets into its inside.


    The Queen Death Spider thrashed around in pain and crushed many of its kind, but soon, it collapsed lifelessly, causing the remaining two Void Raptors to jump at the shocked monsters before tearing them apart.


    Atlas joined in and slaughtered the remaining spiders until the ground was littered with thirty green cores and a beautiful red one. When he saw all the loot, his inner goblin woke up, causing him to go around collecting everything.


    Along with the Monster Cores, Atlas discovered 5 gold, 20 silver, 100 copper coins, and a peculiar rusty key. He carefully stored these items in his Dimensional Storage and retrieved a Mana potion.


    As he walked, he reflected, "This place feels like a cross between an underground crypt and an old mine."


    The dark tunnel Atlas was in now had holes in the wall where human skulls sat, giving the impression that they were staring, which gave him the creeps. As he saw three ways he could go, he thought, ''This place reminds me of the Catacombs of Paris.''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 109: Dreadfiend Knight

    Atlas continued down the tunnel and stopped at a four-way junction, only to be confused. He looked at the tunnels and couldn''t decide which one to take, ''A maze of all mazes. What else could be lurking in here?'' he internally complained.


    ''''I bet there is a horde of monsters on the other end of the wrong paths, but I guess it will get even more experience,'''' Atlas muttered with a chuckle.


    He eventually took the path to his right, and after an hour of walking, he stumbled upon an underground town that left him perplexed, "What on earth is this nightmarish place doing down here?" he spoke.


    Old, rundown buildings lined the street leading to the tunnel entrance. The road had weeds and grass growing through it while the wild half reclaimed the structures, but even this confused him.


    ''How did a town get down here? Or did the dungeon create it?'' Atlas pondered while studying the biggest building in the center.


    He stopped thinking and continued down the street, scanning the buildings, as the feeling of being watched hit him. Atlas readied his blades and knew an attack was coming as howls echoed throughout the town.


    Atlas readied himself as Dreadfiends rushed out of their hiding places and lunged at him while trying to bite. He slapped the creature''s claws to the side and thrust his knife into its head before dealing with the others.


    Without thinking, Atlas started spamming Void Step, turning into a blur as he rushed across the street, taking out the enemy at every opportunity. While killing the Dreadfiends, he felt something targeting him.


    ''Something else is attacking!''


    He turned to face it and held the Nightblade in front of him as a sword connected, causing sparks to fly. Atlas gritted his teeth as he gripped his weapons with both hands and his arms strained.


    ''What is this enemy!'' he flicked his wrist to the right, sending the sword flying that way and embedding itself in the wall.


    As that happened, more swords flew at Atlas, causing him to jump, duck, and use Void Step to block them. After that, he spotted the culprit and rushed toward him while skillfully leaping over the blades.


    While doing this, he cast several Void Blasts at the new foe, which he managed to scan.


    [Dreadfiend Knight]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    Atlas''s excitement skyrocketed when he saw this and sped up, which created a sonic boom as he swung at the armored creature who blocked his attack with a shield, but he wasn''t deterred and cast a Void Blast at it.


    The explosion rocked the town, sending the Dreadfiend Knight flying backward. When Atlas saw this, he dashed forward and kept striking with his blades, causing the enemy''s armor to crack under the precise attacks.


    While attacking, Atlas received a warning, causing him to back away. A spear pierced the space he was just in, and another knight appeared. ''Two against one seems fair,'' he thought with a smile under his helmet.


    Following that, he started attacking the second while the first recovered. He managed to get the upper hand using his speed and magic, but when the Dreadfiend Knight slammed its spear on the ground, Atlas backed off.


    He looked at the two enemies, who looked worse for wear, and said excitedly, ''''This is what I wanted! Give me more! Show me what this dungeon can do.''''


    Once the last words left his mouth, Atlas burst forward and cast Void Blast at the first knight while the second thrust his spear toward him. He quickly cast Void Guard to defend himself before attacking with Void Wave.


    The two knights were knocked back, allowing Atlas to drop-kick the first''s knee. This brought the foe to the ground so his Nightblade could plunge through the creature''s skull as the second swung the spear in an arc.


    When Atlas saw this, he used Void Step to appear behind the Dreadfiend Knight, who thrust his spear backward so the butt hit him in the stomach. This sudden attack sent him flying back and crashing through a shop front.


    ''That hurt!'' he internally complained. ''I should have been careful.''


    He was seeing stars but managed to open his eyes just as a spear was a few feet away from his head. Atlas tilted his head just as the sharp edge ripped through his helmet and sliced his cheek, causing blood to explode outward.


    Atlas jumped to his feet and went to snap the spear, but it vanished just as more flew toward him. He dodged most of them but used Void Guard to defend himself from the last one that pierced the azure shield. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Close!''


    The second knight charged at Atlas, aiming a punch that Atlas narrowly avoided by leaning back. In response, he unleashed a Void Blast, shattering part of the knight''s armor. The attack didn''t finish the creature, which only fueled his frustration.


    He continued to press his attack and broke more of the Dreadfiend Knight''s armor, causing the creature to crash to the ground. Atlas went to finish it off, but the enemy kicked him in the chest.


    When the knight''s foot connected, he felt some of his ribs snap in half as he flew backward and crashed into another building, bringing the rubble down on him. Atlas was dizzy, and every time he took a breath, a burning pain racked his body.


    Then, Atlas pushed the rubble off, allowing him to get two health potions from his belt pouch, and downed one before pouring another over his body. While doing that, he heard the rubble being moved.


    ''This knight is persistent!'' he internally complained.


    Atlas dug himself and finally saw the Dreadfiend Knight; he pointed the tip of the Blood Knife at the creature before casting a Void Bullet at it. An explosion rang out, pushing the enemy back and allowing him to use Void Step to get out.


    Once Atlas was free from the rubble, he continued assaulting the knight by using his speed against the creature, struggling to keep up with his attacks. By the time Nightblade pierced the armor, he was exhausted and wanted to end the fight.


    He cast Void Blast and Void Bullet into the creature''s insides, causing explosions to ripple as the knight slumped to the ground. Both enemies vanished into the dungeon, leaving behind a pile of loot.


    Atlas struggled to stand but shuffled over to the two glowing red Monster Cores sitting on the ground, calling to him. He shook his head and picked them up before throwing them and the coins into storage.


    Following the fight, Atlas looked for a place to rest and noticed a Safe Zone in the town hall, which he limped toward. The injuries sent pain through his body, but Regeneration soon kicked in and slowly healed him.


    He stepped into the decrepit building and observed the sparse furnishings: a row of benches and a few threadbare beds aligned against the walls, with a crumbling fireplace dominating the hall''s center.


    Atlas approached one of the seemingly worn but inviting beds and sat down, dismissing his helmet and allowing the cold air to hit his skin. ''That feels nice,'' he thought before lying down.


    A small mana lamp softly illuminated the room, glowing gently over the worn furnishings. Atlas settled into the bed, feeling a sense of security washed over him as he drifted to sleep and the warm air wrapped around his body.


    He was jolted awake a few hours later by a thunderous roar reverberating through the building, shaking the walls around him. Atlas jumped up while thinking, ''What is it now? Damn dungeon always wants to throw something at me.''


    Atlas sat up, his heart racing from the roar that had disturbed his sleep. He retrieved a box of Forest Boar Meat from storage and began eating, savoring the hearty, energy-restoring sustenance.


    After the grueling battles and the draining use of mana, the hearty meal was a much-needed boost, restoring his waning strength. As he enjoyed the food, Atlas took a moment to check his status, curious about the gains for defeating the higher-ranked monsters. Discover hidden tales at m vl-em-py-r


    [Age: 13¡ú14]


    [Level Up: 75¡ú80]


    [Experience: 1630/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 10800]


    [Health: 514¡ú550]


    [Mana: 2860¡ú2940]


    [Strength: 516¡ú546]


    [Stamina: 644¡ú744]


    [Charisma: 370¡ú380]


    [Intelligence: 420¡ú438]


    [Core Points: 8050¡ú15000]


    [Core Points Gained: 6950]


    Atlas was taken aback when he realized it was his birthday. He shrugged it off, thinking, ''It doesn''t change anything.''


    Once he finished the meat box and took a swig from his canteen, he stood up, steeled himself, and went toward the eerie town exit to confront whatever had made that thunderous roar. Atlas stepped out and noticed a horrible aura invading his body.


    He gritted his teeth as pain surged, but it quickly dissipated as his aura pushed it back. Atlas scanned his surroundings, but nothing was in sight. With a determined nod, he equipped his helmet, which enhanced his vision in the dim light of the cavern, and pressed on.


    Atlas walked through the town as the ominous buildings loomed over him. He thought he was being watched and jumped out of his skin as Dreadfiends rushed around the corner, screeching with a horrifying voice.


    When spotting them, Atlas cast several Void Bullets at the horde of creatures, causing explosions to erupt everywhere. This threw the group of monsters off guard, allowing him to move in while stabbing and slicing through the Dreadfiends ankles.


    This brought many of them to the ground, which Atlas took advantage of and lunged forward while thrusting Nightblade through their skull, causing blood to splatter the ground below.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 110: The Astoria Conquest (2)

    Amethyst cast several Cosmic Blasts that killed a group of Southmen who tried to attack Grishna as she neared the top. The four climbed up the fortress walls as the archers and mages covered them from the other side.


    Explosions, screams, and black billowing smoke caused chaos all across the bridge as arrows struck everything. It took the group ten minutes to reach the top, and when they got up, the three women skillfully dispatched the enemy soldiers, allowing them to fight for control of Blood Bridge.


    Grishna used her spear to keep the warriors out of reach as Amethyst peppered them with powerful cosmic magic. While they did this, the blonde knight blocked a berserker''s hammer just before she sliced off the man''s legs and thrust her sword through his face.


    In the meantime, Estelle blocked many attacks aimed at the group as Artemis darted around the wall and stabbed the Southmen while weaving around the enemies, thudding them to the ground.


    The battle continued for another ten minutes until the enemy retreated as Grishna decapitated their fiercest warrior. The four started casting spells at the Southmen below, who backed off after a while.


    Amethyst watched the surviving Southmen retreat to the nearby fortress while more soldiers and adventurers appeared on their side of the bridge. Rollo walked up to them with a big smile and slapped Grishna on the back, ''''Powerful just like your mother! Sorry for doubting you and your friends, girl.''''


    The orc girl smiled as everyone spoke to the older man about the upcoming plans for the war. The four women rested on the right side and relaxed for an hour or two as the allied soldiers secured the bridge against an Achaemendian counterattack.


    Meanwhile, Artemis was leaning against a wall while using her Eaglevision to scout the enemy base. The mana bird soared across the landscape and arrived above the fortress as her keen eyes spotted the enemy preparing for another assault with fresh soldiers.


    Artemis quickly turned to the group and, while taking out her sword, warned, "They''re gearing up to retake the fort. We need to brace ourselves for the incoming wave, ladies."


    Rollo responded with a nod and cast a spell that burst into the sky like a flare. Moments later, reinforcements arrived, and the alliance soldiers began fortifying their defenses. Amethyst extended her wings, ready for action, while Artemis spun her sling, prepared for the next attack.


    Estelle and Grishna took their positions at the forefront, their resolve unwavering. The alliance soldiers drew their bows and readied their spells, their focus intense. The tension in the air was palpable, and then a resounding horn blast cut through the commotion, signaling the imminent battle.


    Seconds later, a sea of arrows and spells appeared in the air, causing Estelle to shout, ''''Girls to me know now!''''


    Amethyst, Grishna, and Artemis dashed toward her as she cast Holy Barrier, which shielded them from the destructive explosions that wiped out most of the allied soldiers with one swoop.


    As the dust began to settle, Grishna''s sharp eyes saw a woman in a menacing mask moving toward them from the right. With no time to lose, she charged forward to intercept her. She swung, which the masked stranger managed to block, but the clash quickly escalated into a fierce exchange of blows.


    Meanwhile, Artemis took advantage of the chaos below, launching explosive pellets from her sling with precise aim. Each projectile erupted in a burst of fire and debris, sending shockwaves through the horde of Southmen.


    Amethyst summoned her wings before soaring into the sky and casting Cosmic Bullets and Cosmic Blasts into the enemy ranks, causing some of them to fly into the river below while others were defended by their mages.


    Grishna reappeared, her earlier clash with the masked stranger seeming to be at a stalemate. Just then, Artemis seized the opportunity and, with precise timing, drove her dagger into the woman''s back.


    The sudden, unexpected attack left the stranger vulnerable, allowing Grishna to deliver a series of brutal blows that reduced her to a crumpled mess. As the orc girl finished, she swiftly turned, her green eyes narrowing with renewed focus.


    She charged at another assailant threatening Estelle, delivering a powerful kick that sent him sprawling. Following that, the group continued pushing the Southmen back, and soon enough, they stopped attacking a few days later.


    While peace descended upon the Malduhr River frontline, the four women stayed atop the wall for another week, but one morning, Amethyst convinced them to take a break in the nearby dwarven town of Vurndor to sleep in a real bed and eat nice food.


    Estelle and Grishna agreed while Artemis followed behind. The phoenix girl walks ahead of the group while admiring the scenery. The blonde knight asked what she saw, and the young girl explained that it was like seeing a painting of all different colors.


    Amethyst compared it to normal sight, which was just colorful. The three older girls nodded in understanding as they let a column of Thalassian soldiers march past. When Grishna saw them, she got annoyed and muttered, ''''Damn dark elves think they''re better than everyone else.''''


    Artemis marveled at the intricately crafted silver armor worn by the elves. Their sleek and elegant helmets shielded their faces, leaving only their piercing eyes visible and fixed resolutely ahead.


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    As someone who had never set foot in Astoria, the brunette absorbed every detail with wide-eyed wonder, captivated by the unfamiliar and breathtaking sights. Rolling green hills ended in a mountain range that stretched across the Oakenshield Kingdom.


    Grishna looked at Amethyst, who was falling behind; the orc girl smiled before speaking, ''''Come on, Little Bird, we will rent out an inn room with a comfortable bed so you can sleep.''''


    The phoenix girl raised her head, yawning, saying, ''''That would be nice, but your snoring is too much and keeps me up all night.''''


    Artemis laughed while Estelle smiled, but Grishna retorted defensively, ''''I can''t help that! It''s an orc trait.''''


    The group took another twenty minutes to arrive at the heavily guarded dwarf town. The soldiers at the gate waved them through, allowing the girls to enter and see the stalls selling dwarven food.


    Grishna exclaimed in excitement, ''''Dwarf stall food is delicious; you girls need to try it.''''


    They all agreed and headed to the nearest stall, where the irresistible aroma of kebabs greeted them. After each purchased a meal, they went to a nearby park. They found a spot by a stunning fountain, perfect for enjoying their food.


    Following that, the days passed quickly, and when the girls were heading back to the bridge, a warning came in the form of an injured Rollo; the big man found them at the camp as the Southmen attacked and drove the allies back.


    He glanced at Amethyst and then turned to Grishna before speaking in a worried voice as he warned them, "Get the phoenix out of here! The Sentinels are after her¡ªthey know she''s connected to the demon Dahaka they''ve been preaching about."


    At his words, the four of them quickly composed themselves. Estelle stepped forward, casting Healing Light on the older man as she spoke in a reassuring tone, "We''ll make our way to the Thalassian Empire. If the Southmen shift north, we''ll make our way to the Northern Wastes, where no one goes. There''s a free border city we could hide in."


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    [Yashar Safavi''s POV]


    The First Prince of the Achaemenid Empire was leading the invasion north when his scouts found a route through the Sands of Sorrow Desert. He was now resting before pushing forward after conquering the Wildheart Kingdom.


    Due to empire policy, Yashar had to treat the captured royal family respectfully and show them that the Achaemenidians were there to help, even if they burned their lands because they were nervous.


    He was in the capital, Astrion. When the imperial guard and two hundred Immortals entered the city, they were welcomed by the Wildheart Royal Family, who submitted to the empire without much fuss.


    While Yashar was resting in the palace, playing with one of the Wildheart Princesses, he was abruptly interrupted by the commander of the Sentinels, ''''My Prince, the Dahaka''s lover has been spotted at Blood Bridge Southwest from here,'''' he reported.


    ''What!'' he internally thought.


    Yashar pushed the girl off him and jumped up. "Who is she? What details do you have?"


    The man stepped forward while explaining, ''''She''s a young blind girl with purple hair and elf ears; reports speak of beautiful wings the same color as her hair. The general said she was flying around, taking out dozens of our soldiers.''''


    When hearing this, a plan formed in his head, ''I will enslave the demons wife and have control over him, then I can use the boy to defeat my siblings for the crown,'' he thought.


    Yashar shook his head and questioned, ''''Do you have a picture of her Davos?''''


    The commander nodded and handed over a Mana Recorder, allowing him to see a beautiful girl who reminded him of a fairy, ''''She will become mine; I want the girl to join my harem if she renounces that demon.''''


    He then turned to the pink-haired girl and said, ''''Princess, you will join me on my journey to the front. I need some stress relief, and you''re perfect for that.''''


    Yashar and his new consort left the palace while leading the fresh million-strong Achaemenidian army that washed over the land; the only cities or towns they destroyed were the ones that didn''t surrender while sparing the others.


    The First Prince wasn''t like his father, who was a merciful man and allowed people to live after losing a siege where, as Yashar put everyone to the sword. He would soon be known as the Blood Prince of the empire.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 111: Dreadfiend King

    Atlas gathered twenty green Monster Cores after the Dreadfiends ceased their assault and stored them in his storage before exhaling deeply; he flicked the blood from his blades, then cautiously continued down the street, remaining alert for any lingering threats.


    While walking down the creepy street, the buildings were dark, and curtains sat still in the windless town. Atlas checked his status as he reached the town square, where the remains of old stalls lay abandoned.


    [Level Up: 80¡ú83]


    [Experience: 1630/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 6000]


    [Mana: 2940¡ú2960]


    [Strength: 546¡ú552]


    [Stamina: 744¡ú750]


    [Core Points: 15000¡ú19000]


    [Core Points Gained: 4000]


    Happy with his gains, Atlas was only seventeen levels away from ranking up again. After that, he glanced around the square and spotted many rundown stores with homes behind them, which gave him a bad feeling. Read further on m_vl em,pyr


    Something told him to go to the mayor''s mansion in the distance, which he started doing, ''Is the dungeon guiding me there?'' he mused while walking toward the mansion.


    Atlas continued through the town as it grew darker, allowing the Deathfiends to ambush him from the shadows. He sidestepped many attacks while striking back; after putting down a few creatures, he took out an Inferno Bomb and threw it into the center of the creatures.


    A firestorm erupted when it connected with a monster''s chest, devouring many Deathfiends and causing them to howl in agony. Atlas was shocked but decided not to use them against smaller targets anymore, as he could feel the flames on his skin.


    Following that, he slaughtered the surviving creatures before collecting the ten cores. It took another twenty minutes to reach the mayor''s mansion, and then he felt an ominous feeling wash over him as howls rang out from the courtyard outside.


    Steeling himself, Atlas walked through the iron gates and saw a ten-foot being standing there holding a greatsword. It looked like a Dreadknight but was more vicious-looking, and its aura was stronger, affecting him.


    ''Another mini-boss? I''ll use Void Sight,'' he thought.


    [Dreadfiend King]


    [Second Sub-Boss]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    ''Spider Queen and now a Dreadfiend King,'' he mused. ''I''m feeling a pattern coming along. If I remember correctly, there were Death Gorillas and Blood Bats in this dungeon.''


    Atlas readied his blades, but even then, he looked like a bug compared to the boss before him. The creature''s black armor gave off an ominous feeling that seeped into his body, but he shook his head as a gong rang across the courtyard. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He looked at the new enemy and guessed it could wipe out dozens of soldiers with one swing of that deadly weapon resting on its shoulder. The Dreadfiend King dashed forward and swung the tree-sized sword at him.


    When Atlas saw this, he yelped before using Void Sight to avoid the attack; once he reappeared, he cast several Void Blasts at the foe. The azure blue blasts connected with the creature''s chest, causing it to stumble back.


    After that, he lunged forward and slashed through the metal armor, trying to bring it down, but it wasn''t good enough as the king swung its sword at him. Atlas crossed his blades and cast Void Guard just in time to defend himself, but the force of the strike sent him skidding across the courtyard.


    Atlas collapsed to his knees, blood spilling from his mouth as he struggled to catch his breath as the pain radiated throughout his body. But that''s when Regeneration quickly kicked in and started mending the internal injuries.


    He reached into his pouch and pulled a health potion before downing it. Following that, Atlas got to his feet as pain shot through his body, causing him to yelp. He noticed the Dreadfiend King wasn''t moving. ''Is it waiting for my next move?'' he thought.


    That''s when an idea came to him. Atlas took out a Gravity and Thunderclap Bomb before dashing toward the enemy. When the creature saw this, it swung its sword in several arcs, but he was too quick and dodged several attacks.


    ''It''s stronger than me but I''m faster,'' he thought while closing in on the Dreadfiend King.


    Once Atlas was close, he launched the Gravity Bomb at the boss''s chest. When it connected, something strange happened: the air around the enemy started to warp, bringing him to his knees.


    ''Got you now,'' he internally celebrated as he charged forward and threw the Thunderclap Bomb.


    The bomb struck the Dreadfiend King squarely in the face, erupting in a thunderous explosion that sent the towering boss crashing onto its back. Seizing the moment, Atlas charged forward, his heart pounding with adrenaline.


    As he reached the fallen giant, Atlas thrust his blade deep into its skull, the steel penetrating with a sickening crunch. He then unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets, each shot tearing through the creature''s head and causing it to disintegrate into a horrible mixture of blood and bone.


    Covered in the blood and gore, Atlas staggered back, overwhelmed by the brutal scene. He ripped off his helmet, his stomach churning, but it soon settled down as the body vanished into the dungeon, leaving beyond a red core and another key.


    Atlas retrieved the silver item and carefully stowed it away, along with eight gold coins, into his storage. Exhausted, he slumped against a nearby tree, allowing himself a moment of rest as he caught his breath.


    His mind wandered as he considered the path ahead. ''Two more directions left,'' he mused, ''which means two more mini-bosses to face.''


    After that, he continued to find the tunnel entrance, going up until he saw the other pathways. Atlas took the opposite one and ended up in a jungle, ''Death Gorillas, this is going to be annoying.''


    Atlas was standing at the mouth of the entrance when he started hearing the hollering of the monsters in the distance. He noticed the trees moving, so he hid behind a nearby tree and watched several angry-looking monsters rush out of the bushes.


    They slammed into the ground below as Atlas grinned, an idea for an ambush forming in his mind. He pulled out a Gravity Bomb and hurled it at the group. When it exploded, the Death Gorillas were forcefully slammed to the ground.


    When that happened, he rushed in and started plunging his blades into the monster skulls, putting them down in minutes. Atlas took minutes to finish them all, but the roars never ceased as he collected the four red Monster Cores.


    Following that, he was ambushed by more Death Gorillas, causing him to dodge their massive fists while getting a good look at the monsters. They stood five feet tall, had black hair, and raging red eyes with solid muscles rippled under their skin.


    Thanks to their size, Atlas managed to dodge most attacks, and the ones he couldn''t, he used Void Guard to block the stroke. His Void Arrows were effective against the muscular monsters who moved quicker than their size allowed.


    Atlas kept up with them thanks to his speed. Nightblade bit into their flesh while he cast Void Blast, which blew one of the gorillas'' arms clean off as he stabbed another in the eye. While fighting them, the third monster grabbed him by the legs.


    He was dangling in the air but aimed his hand at the Death Gorilla''s face before casting Void Blast. Atlas cast Void Wave to knock the surviving three back as he fell before dashing forward and slashing deep into the monster''s legs.


    The gorilla dropped to the ground with a crash before he thrust his blade through the creature''s skull and cast Void Blast, turning its head into a pile of blood and gore that soon vanished back into the dungeon.


    After dispatching the remaining Death Gorillas, Atlas collected twelve additional green monster cores and absorbed a substantial amount of experience, which brought a satisfied smile to his face. He pressed on through the dense forest, soon confronted by a relentless wave of Death Gorillas.


    Atlas enjoyed dodging many attacks before lashing out with his blades and magic, which lit up the forest. A few times, the gorillas managed to hit him. A lucky creature broke his left arm as he blocked a punch.


    When the dinnerplate-sized fist connected with his arm, he felt it instantly snap, causing him to scream out in pain as he crashed into a tree with a hard thud and dropped to the ground while yelping.


    He looked down only to see his forearm dangling, which made him feel sick, but he focused back on the fight. Two more Death Gorillas rushed toward him with rage in their blood-red eyes.


    Atlas jumped up and gripped Nightblade just as the first one got in range to swing, and predictably, it did just that. He ducked under the fist and stabbed the creature in the armpit, quickly casting Void Bullet before using Void Step to avoid the second gorilla attack.


    A fist impacted the spot where Atlas was standing, which sent the first monsters flying back due to the force. He took advantage of the moment and slid Nightblade into the gorilla''s neck as it tried to get back up.


    When he felt his blade slice through the flesh of the monster, causing it to vanish back into the dungeon as the second gorilla wildly swung its massive arms, Atlas boobed and weaved around them while lashing out with his magic.


    Void Arrow managed to impale the gorilla through the air before it crashed to the ground; after the battle, Atlas spotted seven green cores, which made him happy with the experience he had earned.

 Chapter 112: Champion

    Following the battle with the Death Gorillas, Atlas continued through the jungle and was happy he wasn''t attacked again. Thanks to Regeneration, his arm was fully healed, allowing him to summon the Blood Knife back to him.


    Soon enough, he came across an arena in the middle of the jungle that resembled Aztec architecture, ''This place reminds me of the books of forgotten cities in the Amazon Jungle back on Earth,'' he thought while glancing around.


    The colosseum lit up as a gate opened, and a larger Death Gorilla confidently strode into the arena with a swagger. Atlas noticed the monster wore ominous black metal armor that covered most of its body except the knees.


    That''s when Atlas saw the monster was wielding a massive war hammer resembling an iron block that could destroy him in one hit, ''What the hell is this thing? It''s a mafia-acting monster,'' he thought while tightening his grip on the blades.


    He scanned the mini-boss to find out its rank.


    [Death Gorilla Champion]


    [Third Sub-Boss]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    After Atlas saw the monster''s rank, he got excited because the fight would be exhilarating and push him to go further. Without wasting another second, he burst forward so fast that he created a sonic boom behind him before aiming at the creature''s exposed knee.


    ''That''s where I will attack,'' Atlas grinned. ''Maybe I can bring it down to get the advantage.'' S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Champion jumped back before swinging its war hammer down forcefully. Atlas quickly stopped attacking and slid through the monster''s legs to avoid the attack while casting a dozen Void Blasts and Void Bullets at its torse.


    Explosions lit up the arena, causing the Champion to stumble back due to the sudden counterattack. Atlas pushed forward and put pressure on the Mini-Boss by repeatedly striking its knees with his blades.


    As the monster felt this, it swung its weapon, causing Atlas to drop to the ground. He felt the metal on the tip of his nose. Following that attack, he soon realized the constant fights were taking their toll on his body.


    ''This is going to be harder than I thought,'' Atlas thought.


    When he again targeted the knees, his arm buckled due to exhaustion, causing the boss to react with a strike of its own. The Champion''s powerful kick sent him flying across the arena, slamming into a wall with a bone-jarring impact.


    Atlas crumpled to the ground, his entire body trembling with pain. A groan escaped his lips as he struggled to steady himself, feeling the sting of the impact reverberate through every bone.


    He tried to stand, but his legs shook like a baby giraffe, causing him to think, ''I need to rest after this. I''ve fought too much and for too long. It''s currently affecting me.''


    After that thought, Atlas took out a stamina potion and downed the green liquid only to feel energized, but the tiredness lingered in the background. When he did this, he felt momentarily refreshed.


    This allowed him to continue the fight with the Death Gorilla Champion. The monster was angry and rushed toward Atlas, who let the monster get closer before it was attacked by swinging the giant war hammer.


    Atlas used Void Step to dodge the attack, and he reappeared behind the creature before thrusting Nightblade into the soft flesh and casting Void Bullets. When the azure projectiles appeared, they instantly exploded.


    The magic blew the Champion''s leg off, bringing the stronger monster to the ground. This allowed Atlas to Void Step onto its back and drive his blade through the monster''s skull. The sound of bone shattering reached his ears and caused him to shiver.


    He cast a Void Blast that destroyed the creature''s brain, causing it to drop to the ground before vanishing into the dungeon. Altas quickly noticed the 10 gold coins, a necklace, and a similar key to the other two Mini-Bosses.


    While storing his spoils in his Dimensional Storage, he scanned the necklace to see if it had any effect.


    [Necklace of Stamina & Strength: increases both attributes by fifty - activate as long as the user wears it]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 3]


    "Oh, this is amazing!" Atlas exclaimed while removing his helmet before putting on the necklace, instantly feeling the boost it gave him.


    That''s when he decided to scan the key to see if any information would pop up.


    [Dungeon Sub-Boss Keys: 4/4 - Use these to challenge the boss and win its prizes]


    ''I have three so far and only need one,'' Atlas mused. ''The Blood Bats will be the last monsters but they will also be a nightmare.''


    Following that, he decided to find a Safe Zone, which took him half an hour to locate. Once inside, he dismissed his helmet and collapsed onto one of the beds, thinking, ''Why are these places down here? A question for another time,'' he thought.


    Atlas soon drifted into a deep sleep, his body working tirelessly to mend the internal injuries sustained from the relentless battles with the bosses. Hours later, he awoke to the rumbling of his stomach, a clear signal that he needed sustenance.


    He reached for a Dragons Meat Feast from his supplies and began devouring the tender, sizzling meat. The rich, savory flavors were irresistible, and each bite brought a wave of comfort.


    As Atlas finished his meal, renewed energy rushed through his body, causing him to fight the Blood Bats down the last tunnel. He then drank some water to clear his dry mouth from waking up before continuing through the dungeon.


    While getting closer to the area of the upcoming monster, they started attacking him as he stepped into a massive chamber. Atlas spotted a bridge that spanned the dark chasm below and gulped.


    ''Not this again,'' he thought while preparing his spells and weapons.


    As Atlas took one step forward, a screech rang out, and a Blood Bat swooped down on him, who stepped back. He continued slowly making his way across the dangerous bridge; while doing this, he realized there was a pattern to their attack.


    This sparked an idea in Atlas''s mind. He turned around and continued his trek but halted abruptly as a group of monsters swooped toward him. With precision, he raised Nightblade and sliced through the creatures with ease.


    The Blood Bats were cut mid-air, their forms dissipating into nothingness. As the last one vanished, a green core fell to the ground, shimmering with a faint, eerie light. Atlas picked it up while checking his status.


    [Level Up: 83¡ú84]


    [Experience: 520/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 4900]


    [Health: 550>556]


    [Mana: 2960>2970]


    [Strength: 552¡ú560]


    [Stamina: 750¡ú762]


    [Intelligence: 438¡ú442]


    [Core Points: 19000¡ú21850]


    [Core Points Gained: 2850]


    [Void Wave: 1¡ú2]


    [Void Guard: 2¡ú3]


    ''Not long until I rank up again,'' he thought excitedly.


    Following that, Atlas killed a dozen more Blood Bats by tricking them into swooping as he ran his blades across their furry bodies, which earned him more Monster Cores that he stored away before continuing to travel through the cavern.


    It resembled a tundra with large stone pillars jutting from the ground; he did spot-looking mountains in the distance. Atlas felt hundreds of Blood Bats lurking in the darkness, and thanks to the Night Eyes Rune on his helmet, he could see the closest monsters.


    The monsters weren''t attacking him except for a small group that occasionally swooped at him, forcing Atlas to kill every monster that came close. This went on for a while as he approached his objective.


    By the time he reached the mountain base, he had killed so many Blood Bats that the monsters had to retreat. Atlas took every group out while earning even more experience that would help him level up.


    ***


    [The Red Band Party]


    Sable was pacing at the entrance worriedly as her husband Roderic approached, ''''Darling. We have the chance to leave this horrific dungeon. We lost four people here, and I don''t want to lose anyone else.''''


    The blonde mage turned to him, ''''What about the boy? He wandered into a level two dungeon and will die, especially if the monsters are related to death,'''' she retorted.


    Roderic shrugged before answering, ''''It was his choice to enter alone; who are we to stop him? We already have children, Sable, and we need no more to strain our coins.''''


    After that, the four reached the quarry entrance, which the Achaemenditians guarded. When the soldiers saw this condition, their eyes widened in shock as the commander spoke in a relieved tone, ''''Red Band is alive! The Guild Master will be happy.''''


    ''''Did you run into the little warrior?'''' another soldier commented. Original content from M-VL-em|p,yr


    When the group heard this, Roderic stepped forward and responded with a frown, ''''He went to explore the dungeon we found in the quarry. It''s a Level 2 Death Dungeon commander; the monsters were strong.''''


    The Acahaemenidian commander, ''''We will send in a group of guards and inform the Adventurers Guild about the discovery,'''' he said in a firm tone.


    Following that, the Red Band left the quarry entrance and walked toward the inn they had hired before entering the hellhole they had found themselves in. Sable looked worried, which caused Roderic to calm her down.


    While walking through Tajariyah''s street, Marcus spoke in a curious voice, ''''Do you think the boys alive down there? When Alina and I went to scout, there was a battle on the bridge, but it looked like the culprits fell off it.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 113: Blood Bat King

    Atlas continued toward the mountain, where he guessed the Blood Bat King would be waiting for him. He walked toward a forest that looked ominous at the base of his destination, but he forced himself to ignore it. Then, he heard a strange swooping as something grabbed him before shooting into the sky.


    ''What is it now!'' Atlas internally complained before noticing the monster carrying him for the regular Blood Bat.


    He soon calmed down before pointing his hand at the monster''s body as he cast Void Blast, which burrowed right through and shot out the other end. The monster let go of Atlas as the pain overwhelmed it, and he started to freefall toward the mountain below.


    Without thinking, Atlas started casting Void Step to slow down, and it helped as after using it a few times, he crashed into the ground below, creating a crater. He lay in the middle as his body hurt, ''Why am I always injuring myself!''


    Atlas shook his head before climbing out of the crater, only to realize that he was at the mountain''s base that loomed high into the sky. While observing the landscape, he spotted a massive castle on one of the peaks.


    Its dark stone walls were decorated by towers that seemed to pierce the sky. Atlas admired its imposing, ancient design and was thrilled at the prospect of the battles that awaited him within its walls.


    The fortress''s foreboding silhouette only fueled his anticipation, ''That''s where I need to go,'' he thought, steeling himself for the challenges ahead as he began his ascent toward the castle.


    Atlas climbed up the side of the mountain until he found a staircase that made his ascent even easier. While trekking up, he checked his status after fighting the Blood Bats on his way there.


    [Level Up: 84¡ú86]


    [Experience: 1230/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 3600]


    Your source is m-vl|em|p,yr


    [Core Points: 21850¡ú24250]


    ''Two levels and some Core Points, not bad for a quick scuffle,'' he mused.


    Following that, Atlas continued until a group of three BloodBats targeted him. He had to cast Void Guard to defend himself against their claws before stabbing one of them whole and hitting another with a Void Arrow.


    The fight lasted a few minutes, leaving only one of the monsters alive, but a roar rang out from the castle above. When the Blood Bat heard this, it fled from the scene, causing him to think, ''The boss wants to deal with me himself.''


    It took him another ten minutes to reach the large wooden doors that would grant him access to the inside. Atlas went to touch it, but it suddenly opened, allowing him to see the inside.


    The castle interior was a large hallway, with shadows covering everything except certain spots where fires lit up. Atlas wandered inside, gripping his weapons tighter, as he heard a swoosh above him.


    He spun around, activated Void Sight, and spotted the Mini-Boss.


    [Blood Bat King]


    [Forth Sub-Boss]


    [Rabk: C - 500 Exp]


    ''The same as the others but this one flies,'' Atlas thought as something told him to jump to the side.


    When he did that, claws scrapped against the stone floor. Atlas raised his hand and cast several Void Arrows that trailed behind the giant bat, which flew around pillars, trying to get rid of the spells.


    As the monster did this, Atlas readied a Gravity Bomb, and the Bat King managed to lose the azure arrows as this hit the stone pillars. It aimed straight for him and readied its claws, but he threw the projectile at it.


    When the little orb hit the monster, it suddenly slammed to the ground with a crash that caused the floor to shake. Atlas rushed forward, but the creature looked at him and let out a screech that sent him flying.


    Atlas smashed into a fireplace before hitting the floor with a thud, but regardless of that, he noticed the monster was still stuck by the bomb, causing him to take out the Frostfall Bomb and throw it at the creature.


    When it hit its torso, a cold blast erupted, covering the Mini-Boss in ice with only its large head free, Atlas chuckled but didn''t waste the opportunity and dashed toward the monster, who screeched at him again.


    He sidestepped the spell this time before using Void Step to lunge at the King bat and drive Nightblade through its head. Atlas unleashed a Void Blast that blew the monster''s brain apart.


    Blood and brain covered him, but the corpse soon vanished, leaving behind 10 gold coins and the last key. Atlas scooped them into his storage before preparing himself for the climb down.


    As Atlas was about to proceed, a portal appeared in the middle of the hall, startling him. His initial shock faded when he peered through and recognized the other side: the familiar corridor with five branching paths.


    He shook his head, dispelling his unease, and chose the main path, now illuminated by a row of flickering torches guiding his way. As Atlas walked, he remained alert and poised for battle, but to his surprise, no threats emerged from the shadows.


    After a twenty-minute walk, Atlas reached a chamber with a massive metal door that gave him the creeps, but he recognized the aura coming off it, ''Chaos again! Are they infecting the world?'' he thought. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas shook his head and approached the door, taking out the four keys he''d collected before using them to open it. As the door opened, a familiar aura hit him that he experienced with Amethyst a while ago.


    ''Is this my first battle with a Chaos being?'' he thought while stepping across the threshold, only for the door to close behind him as a male voice rang out.


    ''''Little Voidwalker visits me first. How wonderful,'''' it said in an amused tone.


    Atlas spun around but couldn''t see anything, only to feel someone tap his shoulder, ''''This way, boy.''''


    He quickly turned and noticed a tall man with pale white skin, blood-red eyes, and a stood twice his size. The first thing that came to his mind when seeing this man was ''Vampire.''


    Without thinking, he quickly aimed Nightblade at the newcomer''s throat, who appeared shocked and backed off. Atlas chased after him while slashing at his limbs but then surprised the man by casting Void Arrows.


    The azure blue projectiles sliced through the air and hit the vampire''s chest, which sent the enemy flying back. After this, Atlas took the opportunity to use Void Sight.


    [Chaos Vampire]


    [Chaos Dungeon Boss]


    [Level: 227]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    ''This is going to be tough,'' Atlas mused with a smirk. ''But I can beat this Chaos scum.''


    He used Void Step to rush up to the vampire, who turned around angrily and cast a spell that sent needles of blood slicing through the air. When Atlas saw this, he sidestepped them while casting Void Blast in the projectiles.


    The vampire''s eyes widened in stunned disbelief as Atlas bore down upon it. With a roar, the creature lashed out with razor-sharp claws. Atlas deflected one attack with deft precision, allowing the other to drive Nightblade and Blood Knife deep into the monster''s shoulders.


    Now, face-to-face with his second chaos enemy, Atlas''s lips curled into a sinister smile. He unleashed a barrage of four Void Bullets that exploded within the boss''s body, causing confusion as the creatures'' insides were burned into dust.


    ''''Ahhhh, you puny worm! How can you hurt me like this!'''' the vampire bellowed before it writhed in agony; Atlas swiftly pulled back, only to be caught off guard by a powerful Blood Blast.


    The force of the blast sent him hurtling through the air, crashing violently into the ground. Atlas lay there as the snapped bones began to repair themselves, causing him to groan. Once his sight returned to normal after going fuzzy, he spotted the vampire on one knee with no arms.


    While watching his enemy, Atlas noticed the vampire was regenerating just as he was now. He struggled to his feet and aimed the blade at the creature''s head before casting Void Bullet at it.


    ''''If I die here, the king will avenge me. He will be glad to know the Voidwalker has returned,'''' it said in a strained voice.


    The spell soared through the air and connected with the shocked vampire, but once the explosion calmed down, Atlas used Void Step to get closer as he drove Nightblade into the creature''s heart.


    However, the vampire''s fierce swipe sent Atlas sprawling through the air. Yet, with a swift flicker, he reappeared, his blade Nightblade gleaming with deadly intent. He thrust it into the creatures with a fierce strike, eliciting a guttural scream of agony from the Chaos being.


    "Now die, vampire," Atlas declared with a steely gaze, "and tell the king I eagerly await his arrival." With that, he unleashed a torrent of Void Blasts into the man''s writhing form, each explosion tearing through its body with devastating force.


    Atlas was sent flying just as screeches could be heard as Blood Bats swooped down from the roof. He managed to cast Void Guard to block the first dive bomb, but as the second monster appeared, he stabbed into the creature''s guts.


    Drenched in blood and battered, Atlas plummeted to the floor below. But he cast Void Step and reappeared near the vampire''s corpse, which was being drawn into the dungeon''s depths.


    The boss left behind a shiny silver token that caught his attention. He approached it and picked it up, only to use Void sight to find out what it was.


    [Dungeon silver boss token: Proof that an adventurer defeated a Level Two Dungeon boss - It proves that the adventure is accomplished]


    ***


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 114: The Astoria Conquest (3)

    After visiting the first town and buying a few months'' worth of provisions for their journey to Thalassar City, the four women traveled across the Oakenheart Kingdom, dodging most of the population centers.


    They found themselves on a trading road that led them through the dwarf realm, where refugees fled in the thousands. The group passed by a mountain city called Highbuldohr, which was already locked down due to the impending invasion.


    Amethyst looked at Estelle and questioned, ''''Won''t the Southmen break the gates and get in? It seems stupid to stay put inside the mountain.''''


    The blonde knight shook her head before answering while watching the Oakenheart Soldiers ushering citizens inside, ''''They are cities built deep under the earth and mountains. Once the dwarf mages lock the gate, it won''t open until the king gives the order.''''


    "How do they get their food?" Artemis asked in a curious tone. "What if they have been in there for years?"


    Estelle was about to speak, but Grishna beat her to it, ''''They have stockpiles of food, underground lakes, and rivers that produce fish, and if anything, the Cave Mushrooms would be eaten.''''


    Everyone nodded, but the orc girl continued, ''''I remember the war between the Thalassians and winter dwarves in the north. After burning their crops, they locked down every town and city, forcing the dark elves to retreat.''''


    "Have you heard of the Runestone Empire in eastern Aridonia?" Artemis interjected after Grishna finished speaking. "They''re a formidable naval power, commanding vast territories. Unlike other realms, they don''t simply lock down their cities; they actively repel anyone who dares to invade their lands."


    Afterward, the group resumed their journey and soon arrived at a Mana Airship station. Estelle''s eyes lit up as she said, "We could catch a ride to Thalassar City from here. It''s 3 gold coins each, but it''s worth it for the convenience."


    Everyone agreed, and they headed towards the airfield, where imposing Hobgoblin warriors stood guard, their well-crafted armor glinting in the sunlight. When the soldiers spotted Grishna, they saluted, which she returned.


    As they approached, a small goblin with a clipboard stepped forward to greet them, ''''Afternoon travelers. Welcome to the only Oakenheart Airfield that is still open. I''m Martin Spitwittle, manager of the Highbuldohr Airfield. Where do you wish to travel?''''


    ''''Thalassar City,'''' Estelle replied. ''''When is the next airship leaving?''''


    The goblin looked up with beady eyes before answering, ''''I believe the captain is readying the craft for take off now, so about twenty minutes. Do you wish to take the last four seats?''''


    ''''Yes. Is it still 3 gold?'''' the blonde knight questioned.


    ''''Unfortunately not. We had to raise the prices to 5 gold pieces because a dozen of the Confederation airships had gone missing over the last two weeks, and we suspect the Achaemenidians are involved as no attacker has been found,'''' the goblin manager explained.


    Afterward, the women handed over 20 gold and were escorted to the last airship. She was amazed when she saw the craft; if Atlas were here, he would recognize it as a blimp, but the passenger compartment was five times the size of their Earth counterparts.


    As they walked across the airfield, Amethyst noticed Martin''s gaze fell on a cluster of Wild Orcs laboriously hauling large crates under the supervision of another goblin. His voice rang out, sharp with urgency, "Joe! Get those pigs moving! We need to clear out of here by tonight!" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, boss!" the other goblin shouted back before whipping the Wild Orcs, which made the four women laugh.


    Martin looked at the orc girl with a curious glance, ''''Why are you with two demi-humans and a human? Orcs usually stick with their own, especially this far north.''''


    Grishna shrugged, ''''We formed a party,'''' she replied.


    That''s when the goblin''s expression shifted to alarm as a distant explosion echoed through the airfield. "We need to get you ladies on the airship immediately!" he urged, his voice edged with urgency.


    The group hurried to the craft without hesitation, boarding quickly as the explosions grew closer. Estelle faced the three women as the doors sealed behind them, saying, "Everyone, take your seats and brace yourselves. The Southmen are closing in, and we''re in for a bumpy takeoff."


    The captain''s voice rang out over the tannoy, ''''Ladies and gentlemen, this is your handsome goblin captain speaking. Hold on tight. This will be a rough take off; the devilish Southmen have smashed the allied army at the Battle of Kugulur, after which the Blood Prince killed all the prisoners.'''' Find endless stories on m_vl_em_p_yr


    When the four women heard this, Artemis gritted her teeth angrily as Amethyst spoke, ''''Do you think Rollo escaped?''''


    Grishna sighed. ''''That old man is tough, but I honestly don''t know. The Blood Prince is ruthless and kills everyone who surrenders. She has a cavalry unit called the Hunters, which chases the fleeing soldiers,'''' she explained.


    The airship started rising as the Greenskin Confederations defenses opened fire on an approaching army. Amethyst rushed over the window to get a better view as the goblin cannons roared to life.


    Volatile arcs of mana flew through the air and peppered the Southmen''s frontline, but they had mages that deflected most of the damage. While watching the ongoing battle, Artemis shouted, ''''Thunderships! They sent their Air core after us.''''


    When the others spotted it, their eyes widened in alarm. A smaller, swifter airship, sleek and brown with eagle-like wings, streaked towards them with impressive speed.


    Estelle pushed them aside, urgency in her voice. "If we don''t take that down, it''ll destroy our airship."


    All eyes turned to Amethyst. She let out a nervous squeak but quickly found her resolve. Summoning her wings, she stepped toward the balcony exit, ready to confront the threat.


    ***


    [Rollo''s POV]


    The old man fought on the frontline when the Shahin''s Phalanx joined the fray. The allied soldiers fought bravely but were slaughtered in the hundreds thanks to the Southmens spears and shieldwall.


    When Rollo saw this, he raised his sword, ''''Soldiers of the Golden Lion Legion! Retreat to the camp and don''t look back.''''


    He turned around and started slowly fleeing, ensuring his soldiers got away. Once they were safe, Rollo rushed back to their camp, where two thousand warriors of the mercenary group survived the battle.


    The commanders hurried over, seeking his instructions. He took a moment, recalling the four women he had encountered during the Blood Bridge battle. A sense of unease lingered¡ªsomething about them made him feel they needed protection.


    Turning to his second-in-command, Rollo said, "Jorik, come with me to the main tent."


    He then addressed the remaining commanders. "Prepare the soldiers to move north immediately. We need to put distance between ourselves and the Blood Prince before he can reach us. Also, ensure we have guards stationed around the camp at all times."


    The two men entered the tent following that, but Rollo approached the shrine he had built for Nyx, his patron goddess. The older man started praying hard to get the answers he needed from a higher power, but that''s when his consciousness was sucked into another realm.


    "Little Rollo, it''s unlike you to be so fervent in your prayers. What answers are you seeking from the goddess of darkness?"


    Rollo swallowed hard, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Are those four women significant? I''m getting an odd feeling about them, but I can''t quite figure it out."


    Nyx started laughing before revealing something that would shock the older man, ''''Let''s say they are a part of the Azhar''Zul''z path and four of the thirteen stars spoken in the scripts. They need to be protected until they''re strong enough.''''


    ''''The Mahdi is truly real?'''' Rollo questioned in disbelief.


    "Yes, he''s currently engaged with those vile chaos spawns, but he''ll soon be heading to the Northern Wastes to join his party. You must ensure the safety of the four women while they are there and guard them against the monsters that roam those dangerous lands."


    Rollo nodded, about to ask another question, but the goddess instructed him. "Follow the Azhar''Zul, and the Golden Lions will become the Voidwalker''s soldiers. As he fulfills his destiny, you will gain immense wealth and power if you stay loyal to the boy."


    After Nyx spoke, she waved her hand before saying one last thing as the scene turned black: ''''Hurry up and head north. They will be at the Death Pass in a couple of weeks.''''


    That''s when he woke up to Jorik shaking him, ''''Oi old man! Don''t go dying on us,'''' the younger man spoke.


    ''''Shut up; I''m not dead and won''t be until we reach paradise,'''' Rollo responded while standing up.


    He brushed the dirt off his clothes before continuing, ''''I spoke to Goddess Nyx, and she revealed that the Mahdi has arrived on Valoria, and we must guard those four women who took Blood Bridge as their wives.''''


    Jorik''s eyes widened in shock, and seconds later, he dropped to his knees while praying, ''''May the one who points the way lead us to paradise.''''


    Rollo shook his head, his expression resolute. "We''ll move north to seek the stars. Once we locate them, we''ll establish a fort in the wilderness and wait for the Mahdi to join us."


    The younger man nodded eagerly, his brown eyes shining with enthusiasm. Rollo knew his two thousand devoted followers would enthusiastically embrace this mission, provided their families could accompany them.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 115: Dungeon Conqueror

    A strange sense of triumph and ecstasy filled the chamber as the dungeon''s shadows consumed the Chaos Being just as a bright light engulfed everything. Atlas was shocked, but that''s when he soon vanished, only to reappear in a smaller room with a glowing orb in front of him.


    He looked at the object and was fascinated, but a young man''s voice sounded in his mind, ''******* *********,'' place your hands on me to connect us, so I can aid you once you''re strong enough.''


    ''What?'' he thought while glancing around the stone chamber.


    ''I''m the Dungeon Core! Touch me to unlock your gift,'' the voice said in a frustrated tone this time.


    Atlas stepped forward and touched the orb, feeling connected to it somehow. Once he did that, something inside him unlocked, causing notifications to pop up in his view, which amazed him.


    [Dungeon Conqueror: Thanks to your lineage, you can wield this powerful class that allows you to connect with Valoria''s dungeons once you have conquered them. This would permit you to summon a horde of monsters that come from the ones you completed]


    [Dungeon Realm: A place where the conquered dungeons are gathered while still being accessible from the outside world - Can visit by activating the Dungeon Conqueror Skill in a safe location]


    [Cost: Mana cost depends on what monster you want to summon. Check out the available groups]


    ''''This is fascinating,'''' Atlas muttered with a big smile. ''''Let me select the skill and see what the dungeon I just completed is called.


    [Deathly Hollow: Level Two Dungeon]


    ''Cool name, now let''s check what kind of monsters I can use,'' he mused while going through the skill and selecting Deathly Hollow''s list.


    [Monster Rank E: Death Spiders, Stone Crawlers, Dreadfiends]


    [Monster Rank D: Blood Bats, Death Gorillas, Death Jackals]


    [Monster Rank C: Dreadfiend Knight]


    Experience more at m_vl-em,pyr


    [Monster Rank A: Death Serpent]


    [Sub-Bosses: Blood Bat King, Dreadfiend King, Queen Death Spider]


    [Boss: Corrupted by Chaos - Unavailble]


    ''Damn, Chaos, is this going to be a common event from now on?'' Atlas pondered before going down the list.


    "There are so many monsters; I won''t be able to use all of them," he muttered while staring at the list.


    [Rank G: 125 Mana per summon - Brings forth a single monster that stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Rank E: 250 Mana per summon - Brings forth a single monster that stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Rank D: 500 Mana per summon - Stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Rank C: 1000 Mana per summon - Stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Rank A: 2000 Mana per summon - Stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Sub-Bosses: 3000 Mana per summon - Stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Bosses: 4000 Mana per summon - Stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    ''Only single monsters? What about an army?'' Atlas thought.


    [Further additions will be added once the skill levels are up, and to do that, you need to use it as much as possible]


    ''What the hell is this? I need a lot of mana to use the higher ranks, but it shouldn''t take too long to get enough at the rate I''m leveling up,'' Atlas thought as the shock sunk in.


    He pulled up his status to see the upgrades.


    [Class: Voidwalker/Dungeon Conqueror]


    [Level Up: 86¡ú88]


    [Experience: 1230/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 3600]


    [Health: 556¡ú560]


    [Mana: 2970¡ú3000]


    [Strength: 560¡ú564]


    [Stamina: 762¡ú770]


    [Intelligence: 442¡ú446]


    [Core Points: 21850¡ú24250]


    [Core Points Gained: 2400]


    [Dungeon Conqueror: 0]


    After taking off his helmet and looking around to see a portal leading to the entrance, Atlas refreshed himself with a mouthful of water. Before he could leave, the dungeon core spoke in his mind, ''Conqueror, we shall speak in the Dungeon Realm and get to know each other even more.''


    ''Okay, I look forward to our next chat,'' he said with a smile as he stepped through the portal.


    He appeared in a large chamber with several tunnels leading in all directions, only to find the dungeon entrance in the center of the space. ''I bet the Achaemenidians will love this dungeon. I wonder if I get anything for completing it?''


    Atlas was eager to test his new skill, so he activated Dungeon Conqueror and summoned a Death Spider through a swirling azure portal. As the monster scuttled around the chamber, his fascination was tempered by a growing sense of unease.


    The creature''s movements, though fascinating, sent an instinctive shiver down his spine. Watching its every twitch, Atlas couldn''t shake a nagging sense of dread coming from a nearby tunnel.


    ''Is this some instinctive warning?'' he wondered.


    Following that, Atlas summoned three Blood Bats, who walked out of the portal and chirped at him in a friendly manner, which was strange as they had been attacking him a while ago. Once outside, he ordered them on the walls to wait for his signal to attack.


    After that, he summoned even more Death Spiders, and the creatures hid around the wall just as a group of adventurers rushed into the chamber. Atlas counted eight of them, and by a quick scan, the strongest was Journeyman rank.


    ''This will be tricky but exciting,'' he thought as the leader stepped forward.


    ''''Are you the boy who found the Tajariyah dungeon?'''' the man said.


    He glanced at the man, noting his height¡ªaround six feet¡ªwith blonde, curly hair and a confident, almost smug smile. The rest of the group seemed like the typical adventurers in any novel or game.


    Atlas nodded and said, "That''s right. I was just about to head back to the city to report on some quests I''ve completed."


    When he finished speaking, the leader and other men chuckled, causing him to grow confused, which showed on his face. This made the older man laugh before he spoke again, ''''You see when an adventurer discovers an undiscovered dungeon, they are granted two percent of the weekly profits along with five hundred gold coins upfront as a reward.''''


    ''I never knew that!'' Atlas thought while putting on his helmet before replying mockingly, ''''Well, thanks for the information, but I assume you''re here to claim this for yourself?''''


    ''''That''s right, little one,'''' the leader instantly replied. ''''If you leave now, we won''t harm you, but if you make things difficult, we can make sure you remember this day for the rest of your life.''''


    The man looked behind him with a chuckle, ''''I have a few men that like little boys like you,'''' he concluded.


    When Atlas heard this, he started laughing. ''''You''re going to enjoy the surprise I have for you, human. It''s the first time I''m using it, and you get to be my test subject,'''' he commented in an amused tone before waving his hand.


    Screeches rang out all around the chamber as the Death Spiders blocked the exit while others circled the adventurers. Chaos erupted as the bandits attacked, causing Atlas to move in and slash a man''s leg as a Blood Bat swooped down and plucked the enemy.


    Atlas saw a few spiders being taken down, but the bats slashed at the adventurers, causing the chamber to go quiet. He looked at the remaining monsters and smiled, ''''Have your fill, but let me loot the bodies.''''


    They all nodded in agreement, and Atlas quickly severed the coin pouches before stowing them away. Once finished, he observed as the Blood Bats and Death Spiders pounced on the bodies of the men who had tried to ambush him.


    Atlas pondered the greed that drove their actions, thinking, ''Some people are too greedy that it makes them stupid, why attack someone who survived a Level Two dungeon?''


    After a brief pause, he watched the monsters feast on the would-be attackers. Once he dealt with the scum, he dismissed the creatures, who vanished into shimmering azure motes. With that, he turned and made his way toward the entrance.


    ''Now to get out of here and have a hot bath,'' Atlas thought with a smile. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He walked for a while until he spotted a light in the distance and made his way toward it, only to notice that a few Tajariyah city guards were waiting. When they spotted him, they rushed forward as the commander spoke in a curious tone, ''''You''re the boy who rescued the Red Band Party and discovered the Level Two dungeon.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Yes, I assume all four made it back?''''


    The man smiled before inquiring, ''''They did, but where have you been?''''


    "I completed the dungeon, which was challenging, but I managed to conquer it thanks to my speed," Atlas replied in a tired voice.


    When the men heard this, they looked at Atlas like a strange monster, causing him to question as he took his helmet off, ''''Why are you lot staring at me like that?''''


    ''''For one, you''re covered head to toe in fresh blood,'''' one man answered.


    "Then there''s you, who managed to conquer a Level Two Dungeon. Not many solo adventurers could do such a thing. Do you have the boss token?" the commander said with a wary smile.


    Atlas nodded, but that''s when he noticed a group of adventurers escorting some guild staff, causing the commander to explain, ''''The empire contracts the Adventurers Guild to run the dungeons, we guard them, and the officials run the day-to-day operations.''''


    Following that, he took out the silver token he had gotten from the Chaos Vampire and showed it to the man with a smirk, ''''See, I did conquer it and defeated the boss.''''


    When the soldiers saw this, they smiled as the group passed by and gave Atlas a dirty look. He returned with a fake smile that annoyed the adventurers before he turned back to the commander, ''''I will be heading to the guild and reporting that two of my three quests are completed.''''


    ''''What''s the last one?'''' a random soldier asked in a curious voice.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 116: Do I Need Another

    Atlas looked at the soldiers and answered the question, ''''I''m meant to be guarding a bridge alongside other adventurers.''''


    The man nodded with a knowing smile as he revealed some good news, ''''I know the quest. Thanks to the guild manager, it was pushed back until midday tomorrow due to half the adventurers signing up to try out the new dungeon you discovered.''''


    After that, Atlas left the dungeon behind, wanting to find food and rest until the quest started tomorrow. He exited the cave, which led onto a mountainside overlooking a massive lake below. Find adventures at m_v l|e-NovelFire


    ''This world is beautiful,'' he mused with a smile as he admired the landscape.


    The mountains stretched out as far as the eyes could see, and the natural smell of earth and water reached his nose. Atlas noticed the forest that encircled the lake and continued through a pass to the north.


    As Atlas admired the breathtaking view, a sense of tranquility enveloped him. However, a memory of an old friend from the orphanage resurfaced¡ªa friend who had once brought him both joy and a tinge of heartache.


    ''Atleast Sierra got a loving family to adopt her,'' he thought with a sad smile.


    The recollection made him smile wistfully, a bittersweet reminder of the past. A girl who he grew extremely close to but was adopted before they could get serious as the feeling was mutual between the two.


    Atlas shook his head and decided not to think about it, as it would only bring back those depressing thoughts. He then went to the guild along the cliffside platforms until he reached the city''s outskirts.


    Once, as Atlas strolled down the main street, he noticed the number of adventurers and soldiers around had increased twofold since arriving at Tajariyah City. ''Has something happened?'' he thought as he saw the guild in the distance.


    Afterward, he made his way toward it and entered the busy building. Atlas glanced around and noticed a poster near the entrance. He approached it and spotted himself staring back, which confused him.


    ''The Achaemenidians already got the word out? That was fast,'' he pondered while reading the wanted poster.


    That''s when Atlas discovered the empire was offering two platinum coins for his capture, which made him gulp, ''Oh shit, they want me that much, eh? Well, let''s start the cat and mouse game.''


    Following that, there was recent information that the Demon Dahaka was in Tajariyah City after escaping the Nightowls through the Titan''s Fist Forest: ''They are right behind me. Maybe I should move on after completing the last quest?''


    Once he had made up his mind, he approached the counter. An older woman was tending to paperwork when she looked up and greeted him, ''''Hello, young one. I''m Khatereh. How can I help you?''''


    ''''I''m here to report two quest completions; they called the Missing Scouts and The Forbidden Quarry,'''' Atlas answered with a smile.


    Khatereh glanced at him with wide eyes as her jaw dropped open. Then, she shook her head to compose herself and inquired, ''''Are you the Silver Demon? The boy who discovered the Level Two dungeon?'''' S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas was shocked but nodded, ''''Yes, but I just came from there. How do you know?''''


    "News spreads quickly in Tajariyah, particularly with the Dahaka lurking in the city. Everyone''s on high alert and more attuned to rumors," Khatereh explained.


    Khatereh shook her head before getting back on track, ''''Can I have your guild card so I can mark off the quests? The Scouts reported that you helped them escape while the guards had already sent us a message about your achievement with the dungeon.''''


    Atlas nodded while handing over the black card. She smiled before putting it in a machine and typing something. Seconds passed before Khatereh handed it back, ''''Here you go, Azhar''Zul. Once you complete twenty more quests, you can take the guild test to become a Rank G adventurer.''''


    After speaking, she gave him the two gold and sixty silver for completing the quests, which Atlas thanked her for, ''''Okay, thank you for the information, Khatereh; what about the Skybridge Protection Detail? Is that still happening tomorrow at midday?'''' he questioned in a curious tone.


    ''''Yes. Report to the western square tomorrow, and the soldiers will take you to the construction area,'''' Khatereh answered with a smile before returning to her work but remembered something, ''''When you return from your quest tomorrow, we will sort out your reward for the dungeon discovery once the adventurers and guild staff verified it.


    After that, Atlas thanked the woman before returning to the Hosseini''s Family Inn, where he stayed to get some rest. While walking down the road, he removed his helmet but kept the rest on.


    He started thinking about all the battles he had been in and realized he had grown a lot since getting kidnapped by the empire. Atlas chuckled at his luck before spotting a spellbook but stopped walking.


    ''Do I need another? Let me check my current attack spells,'' he said, starting to think about his magic.


    [Level 3: Void Bullet: Explodes on impact, causing extra damage to the target - 30% extra damage and speed]


    ''This is my common attack spell, its thirty percent stronger since I first used it.'' Atlas thought before moving on to the next one.


    [Level 3: Void Arrow: Pierces through the target by focusing extra mana on the tip of the arrow - 30% extra damage and speed]


    ''My armor-breaking spell, this is useful to fight against heavily armored knights or soldiers.''


    [Level 2: Void Blast: Fires a volatile blast of void magic that does triple the damage to the Void Bullets and double the Void Arrows - 20% extra damage and speed]


    ''This has been extremely helpful since learning,'' Atlas pondered before checking the last attack spell he had.


    [Level 2: Void Wave: Sends out a wave of void magic that damaged the enemy and gives you space - 20% damage and speed]


    Following that, he checked the last two spells.


    [Level 3: Void Guard: Brings up an azure shield that protects you from attacks - 30% durability and speed]


    [level 3: Void Step: Allow you to teleport to a space you can see - 30% faster]


    ''It won''t hurt to see if they sell any void spells,'' Atlas thought while entering the shop.


    When stepping inside, he quickly noticed the place was old as a layer of dust covered the shelves, ''Doesn''t the owner clean this place?''


    While glancing around the store, an old man''s voice reached his ears, causing them to twitch, ''''The young man who disguises himself, what brings you here? I''m the owner of this establishment, Mehrdad.''''


    He stiffened when hearing this and grabbed the hilt of his sword, but the old man appeared behind the counter as he continued, ''''No need to feel threatened, young one, what happens in the shops stays in the shop.''''


    Atlas surveyed the man with bushy grey hair and a long beard draped in mage robes. After a moment, he shook his head slightly and asked, "Do you have any void spells for sale?"


    Mehrdad chuckled. '''' This is an old magic that no one has been able to use in many generations. There are only a handful of void spellbooks left on Valoria,'''' he said.


    ''''Many other sellers have told me this but end up having a few in storage,'''' Atlas replied with a knowing smile.


    Once he had finished speaking, Mehrdad started laughing before walking into the backroom without saying anything. Five minutes later, the old man returned carrying three books and placed them on the counter.


    ''''We have Void Barrage, Void Bomb, and Void Flight,'''' Mehrdad informed him with a tired smile. The third spell can only be used by Grandmasters.''''


    Atlas''s smile grew wider as he touched the three books to get the basic information from the system.


    [Level 3: Void Barrage: Unleashes dozens of void beams that strike a wide area and inflict damage to your targets - Cost: 200 Mana]


    [Level 3: Void Bomb: A bomb that unleashes a catastrophic explosion of volatile void magic that is capable of dealing great damage to your target - Cost: 600 Mana]


    [Level 4: Void Flight: Allows you to soar through the skies and maneuver like a bird - Cost: 3000 Mana]


    ''These are brilliant spells,'' Atlas thought with a greedy smile. ''I can use the first two, but I must wait until I can fly.''


    Following that, he looked at Mehrdad, ''''How much for all three?''''


    The old man got an excited glint in his gold eyes, ''''I will do all three for 15 gold coins, young man. I purchased them for 10, and I need to make a profit,'' he revealed the price.


    Atlas took out all the gold he had and gave it to the shopkeeper before sucking the spellbook into his Dimensional Storage, ''''Thanks for the spells, old man; if I need anymore, I will return here,'''' he said.


    Afterward, he left the shop and headed for the inn; it took him ten minutes to reach the entrance and step through, only to see every table full of adventurers and travelers, which annoyed him.


    That''s when he heard someone call his voice, ''''Atlas! Come to the counter, boy!''''


    Atlas glanced in the direction of the voice and stopped the owner, Mitra, alongside a tall bald man. He approached the duno as the older woman introduced the stranger, ''''Atlas, this is my husband, Babak.''''


    She turned to the man and continued, ''''This is little Atlas I told you about. It''s just been announced that he discovered a Level Two dungeon; it''s all the adventurers have been discussing.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 117: Wonderful

    Atlas looked at the couple and nodded. ''''It''s true. I discovered it while searching for some scouts who went missing,'''' he said.


    Babak''s eyes widened, but soon, a big smile appeared on his weathered face as he held out a hand and spoke, ''''Wonderful! You may be like a desert mouse, but there''s something about you, boy, and I like it.''''


    He laughed at the older man''s words, but Babak continued in a cheerful tone, ''''It''s a shame we don''t have a daughter; I would offer her hand in marriage to secure such a son.''''


    Atlas went blank and didn''t know how to respond, but Mitra told him off, ''''Shut up, you silly old man!


    Everyone laughed, but she turned to him angrily, ''''You stupid child, why would you wander into a dangerous dungeon? You could have been killed!'''' she exclaimed in frustration.


    ''Why does she care about a random child?'' Atlas thought before replying, ''''I''m fine, and I had no choice but enough of that; when can I get lunch? I''m starving.''''


    Mitra looked about to continue, but Babak interrupted, ''''Go to your room, and I''ll bring it up. I will double the portion for you.''''


    Atlas nodded before approaching the stairs and making his way to the room. When he entered, he collapsed onto the soft mattress. Half an hour later, he was woke disturbed by a bang on the door,


    Babak entered with a broad grin, carrying a hearty meal. "Here you go, lad¡ªsome savory meat, steaming dumplings, and fresh bread for dipping," he announced, setting the delicious spread on the table.


    Atlas smiled in appreciation, "Thank you," he said as he moved to the table. Taking a seat, he eagerly began to enjoy the meal, savoring each bite.


    While eating, he thought about the two dungeons in the city and decided to try one before sleeping. ''If I continue like this, then I will level up faster and grow strong enough to get rid of this disguise,'' he mused with a grin.


    After that, he pulled out Void Barrage and Bomb so he could start learning them. It was his journey into the dungeons. An hour later, he knew both, causing two notifications to pop up.


    [Level 3: Void Barrage Learned]


    [Level 3: Void Bomb Learned]


    ''Yes!'' he internally cheered before jumping up. ''Now to test them in the dungeons.''


    After dropping the dishes at the counter, Atlas felt refreshed and headed out of the inn. Once outside, he asked a guard for directions to the Silverpeak Dungeon, which was under the mountain part of the city.


    He followed them, and after walking through the city for twenty minutes, he saw a small fortress built at the end of a cobblestoned street. Atlas headed toward it but was stopped by the guards stationed at the entrance, ''''Take off your helmet so we can see your face, adventurer!'' the man shouted sternly.


    ''Paranoid much?'' Atlas thought before removing the helmet.


    When the guards saw his tousled black hair and emerald green eyes, they visibly relaxed, and the commander motioned for him to approach. Atlas slowly walked toward the wooden gate that guarded the dungeon''s entrance.


    ''''Do you want to enter the Silverpeak Swamp, boy? If so, show your guild card and pay the one-silver entrance fee,'''' the commander said.


    Atlas retrieved his coin and guild card and handed them to the commander for inspection. Moments later, the commander returned the card and warned, "You may enter, but be cautious. The monsters here are perilous."


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment, storing his card securely before stepping through the gate. Inside, he quickly spotted a cave entrance with stairs leading up to a shimmering portal.


    Without hesitation, he ascended the stairs and walked through the translucent portal. Atlas appeared on a beach that bordered a nasty-looking swamp, which confused him, but he soon got his bearings and put his helmet back on while readying his weapons.


    ''Let''s try the first few floors and see how it goes,'' Atlas mused while approaching the nearby jungle.


    Atlas started walking down a monster trail he spotted while holding his blades at the ready. He soon noticed the jungle was open and not as thick as others. Water came up to his ankles, which concerned him.


    ''I wonder what kind of nightmarish monsters will appear,'' he pondered while jumping over a fallen tree.


    A small wave lapped at his thighs as he emerged from the portal and splashed into the water. ''Something''s coming,'' he thought, instinctively preparing to defend himself.


    He readied Void Barrage and scanned the surroundings. When he finally spotted the approaching creature, he was taken aback. The creature was large and formidable, its presence intimidating.


    Atlas wasted no time and used Void Sight to understand the new threat better.


    [Marshlord]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    The creature before Atlas was a monstrous hippo, far larger than any he''d seen on Earth. Its dark green hide was mottled with a hellish aura, and its glowing yellow eyes and menacing tusks added to its terrifying appearance.


    With a loud bellow, the beast charged at Atlas, closing the distance rapidly. He grinned before casting Void Barrage, and what he saw amazed him as twelve azure missiles appeared above him.


    Atlas aimed his hand at the Marshlord, and the Void Barrage projectiles sliced through the air, striking the monster''s torso. Explosions erupted on impact, causing the massive creature to stagger sideways.


    Seeing his opportunity, Atlas charged forward, but the Marshlord responded with a mighty stomp, sending a crushing wave of force straight at him. As the wave neared, Atlas used Void Step to teleport to a branch overhead.


    Without hesitation, he used Void Step again to reposition directly above the beast, then plunged his Nightblade deep into its skull and cast Void Bullet that blew its skull apart before it collapsed to the swampy ground.


    Atlas jumped off as the body evaporated into the dungeon, leaving ten silver coins and a green Monster Core behind.


    Following that fight, he continued through the swamp as the air started getting more humid, causing him to get annoyed, ''Damn heat!''


    He didn''t know where to go and wandered about, looking for the other monsters. Atlas soon found another. As he passed by a lake, something exploded out of the way while he was lunging for him.


    Atlas yelped when he saw this before diving forward and missing the massive jaws. In response to the sudden attack, he instantly raised his hand and cast Void Bomb. Seconds later, a giant azure orb appeared above him.


    When Atlas saw this, he pointed at the new monster, which sent the spell slicing through the air before it slammed into the creature''s body and caused a massive explosion that sent him soaring with a concussion.


    He flew across the dungeon before crashing into the banks of a river, and his world went black. Minutes later, Atlas woke up when a pain shot through his body, causing him to look up and see a massive fish trying to pull him into the water.


    It was a massive piranha with silver scales, glowing yellow eyes, and was the size of a large dog that scared the shit out of Atlas, ''What the fuck!'' he thought before pointing his hand at the creature and casting Void Arrow.


    The azure blue projectile pierced its skull, forcing the monster to let go. He scrambled onto dry land as the water erupted into chaos. As more fish took the corpse, he was able to scan them.


    [Silverback Piranha]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    ''Damn monster fish now!'' he thought while his leg started to heal from the teeth of the monster.


    Atlas sat there for a while before remembering the Sub-Bosses from the Deathly Hollows Dungeon, ''Please, Luxia, don''t make me fight these underwater demons,'' he thought.


    After that, Atlas got to his feet once the injuries healed, and he started searching the first floor. He came across even more Marshlords, who charged him with rage-filled roars. The three monsters closed the distance quicker than he anticipated.


    He dodged their slow attacks and peppered them with Void Barrage and Bullets, which sent the hippo monsters scattering. This allowed Atlas to target them separately by using Void Step to appear on one of the creatures'' backs.


    Atlas stabbed the Marshlord through the skull before casting a Void Arrow that burrowed a hole through its head. This caused the monster to crash to the ground with a crash and attack another''s front leg with several Void Blasts.


    The battle continued until the three Marshlords lay dead, which left three glowing red Monster Cores that he stored in the Dimensional Storage before coming across the last creature that would appear on Floor One of the dungeon. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas rested on a branch as a Marshlord wandered near a massive waterhole before diving inside. Seconds later, the water erupted, and he spotted a crocodile''s tail coming out of the water as the two monsters fought.


    ''A royal rumble in the dungeon between two monsters,'' he mused while eating chocolate.


    The waterhole soon turned red as the Marshlord''s body breached the surface, getting torn apart by a massive crocodile, which Atlas instantly scanned.


    [Swamp Drake]


    [Rank C+ - 550 Exp]


    ''This will be the Sub-Boss, I guess. It''s clear it''s much stronger than the hippo,'' Atlas mused while watching the Swamp Drake eat the Marshlord. Experience new stories with m v|-NovelFire


    As he sat there, explosions started getting closer, attracting the crocodile. The crocodile spun around in the sound''s direction, causing Atlas to jump up and got his blades ready.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 118: The Astoria Conquest (4)

    [Amethyst''s POV]


    Amethyst was standing on the airship''s balcony, watching several Achaemenidian Thunderships closing in on them. She jumped and summoned her wings with a deep breath before soaring away from the airship.


    ''Azhar''Zul wants me to be stronger, and sitting back and letting the others fight won''t do,'' she thought while clenching her fist in determination. ''I need to grow stronger just like him.'' S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the phoenix girl closed in on the enemy craft, she started casting Cosmic Blasts that connected with one of the Thunderships and easily blew its wing apart, causing it to plummet toward the ground below. Read new chapters at m_v-l''e-NovelFire


    She cheered in triumph but had to swiftly dive for cover as the other Thunderships began firing at her. Amethyst maneuvered through the air, weaving and darting in unpredictable patterns that left the enemy cannons unable to track her.


    ''Too fast for them,'' she mused with a big smile.


    Amethyst managed to attract their attention as she was who they were after, and the other women soon realized this. Still, it was useless as the phoenix girl dodged the last round of mana shells before burning the enemy airships to ash.


    The purple-haired girl flapped her wings with a giggle before returning to the group. When she arrived, they piled on top of her while praising them. Once they all got up, Grishna grabbed Amethyst and hugged her, saying, ''''You''re growing strong Little Bird. One of these days, you will be one of the greatest if you continue growing.''''


    Amethyst blushed, but a smile appeared, ''''Thank you, Gris,'''' she responded.


    The orc girl beamed as Artemis commented next, ''''Azhar''Zul has a powerful lover; he better not mess with you now.''''


    Everyone laughed, but the brunette praised the phoenix even more as Estelle spoke last, ''''We will need to teach you how to use a weapon, but I''m impressed with your strength, Amethyst. You will make a splendid adventurer when you come of age.''''


    Following that, the group entered their room but was summoned to the bridge. Estelle looked at Grishna, who shrugged, ''''The captain probably wants to thank us for saving his airship; these machines are like their children,'''' she said with a laugh.


    While they all sat there, a knock on the door was heard, causing Artemis to open it. They spotted a goblin woman who quickly spoke respectfully: ''''The captain would like to speak with you, ladies. He wants to thank your party personally.''''


    The four women agreed and followed the goblin through the airship, where they spotted dozens of scared passengers of all different races fleeing the invasion. When Grishna spoke to the group, ''''When do you think the Southmen will stop?''''


    Artemis and Amethyst shrugged, not knowing, but Estelle quickly informed them with a knowing voice, ''''Maybe they will stop when taking the northern empires as the Shadowfang and Frostfang Kingdoms are horrible to live in, let alone occupy,''''


    They all nodded before Artemis asked the blonde a question as she grew curious, ''''Isn''t the empire pushing it? How can they hold so much land.''''


    Estelle smiled before answering the brunette, ''''The empire''s armies number in the trillions, and the generals he promotes are all experienced and war-hardened veterans from the many battles they have fought on behalf of the Achaemenid Imperial Family.''''


    Afterward, the group chatted amongst themselves as the goblin woman guided them through the bustling passenger section. They eventually arrived at a more luxurious area, where several uniformed men and women were seated.


    Upon entering the room, the goblin woman gestured to the chairs arranged in front of them, indicating that they should take a seat. Once they were all settled, the older goblin stood up and bowed toward them.


    ''''Thank you for saving our airship girls,'''' he said respectfully as he looked at Amethyst, who stiffened under his gaze. ''''Especially you young phoenix, what brings you so far from the Blue Dune Desert?''''


    When Amethyst heard this, she smiled at the name before explaining, ''''I was captured by northern slavers until my lover saved me. After that, we started traveling and stopped at a city where we were separated when the Southmen captured him.''''


    Following that, the captain, Steven, offered them four lifetime passes to use while traveling with the Greenskin Confederation. This shocked the group, but the goblin explained that it was customary for them to give their new friends gifts.


    Once the meeting was over, the captain suggested they flee to the free city in the north, which would allow them to wait for Azhar''Zul. The four women agreed and began planning their journey, as no trains, airships, or ships traveled there.


    The journey to Thalassar City took a week as they had to stop and refuel in the safe airfields across the Dark Elf empire. Artemis gazed out the window before alerting the group, ''''It seems like the elves are taking the Achaemenid threat seriously now. They''re sending armies south without fighting each other.''''


    Grishna and Estelle looked outside to see the combined armies heading to cut off the invaders. The orc girl spoke concernedly, ''''It looks like the coming months will be chaos across Astoria. I wager more monsters will appear due to all the death lingering in the air.''''


    They all agreed with a nod as Amethyst pointed in the distance, ''''A powerful spell was used to destroy that fortress on the shoreline where the Achaemenid Navy targeted the Thalassian coastal forts.''''


    Explosions rocked the landscape below, causing Estelle to comment, ''''It looks like the northern realms haven''t surrendered yet. Otherwise, there wouldn''t be this much destruction.''''


    In the following days, the four women arrived at Thalassar City, where it was utter chaos as recruiters tried to convince people to join the army. Apart from Estelle, none had been to the Dark Elf capital, and the blonde became their guide.


    The group visited many stores to stockpile everything they would need to travel north. It took them three days to gather everything they needed to leave the city behind, as the Achaemenids had taken all of Oakenheart Kingdom apart from the border region.


    After gathering their supplies, the women checked into a cozy inn for the night. They took advantage of the chance to freshen up and enjoy a restful sleep. The following day, the group felt rejuvenated and prepared; they set out for the eastern gate.


    ***


    [Duke Eldric Montague''s POV]


    Eldric had been pushed back to the Aurora Pass, which borders the Oakenheart and Darkwood Kingdoms. The two kingdoms signed a defense pact with the Thalassians, who were trying to stop the invasion alongside them.


    Between the war and finding his son, Eldric had been extremely stressed, but the one thing he was happy about was that his daughters were in the far north, and his wife was at the family mansion in Thalassar City.


    He stood on a stone wall that the Dwarven earth mages had constructed to block the Achaemenids when they finally appeared. While watching the defense lines being constructed, his second-in-command and best friend Jerrick appeared.


    The man went to salute, but Eldric waved him away. ''''Come on, Jer. We''re brothers. There''s no need to salute while we''re alone,'''' he said with a smile.


    Jerrick nodded before he started speaking. ''''The scouts are reporting the Southmen are a few days away; we have enough time to set up the defense line, especially since our reinforcements will arrive from Thalassia in the next day or two.''''


    ''''I know. I think we can hold them back with the support of the remaining navy, which numbers ten ships; they were the only ones that escaped the destruction of the Gondarahl Port, which was devastating to the dwarven royal family, which lost a prince and princess to a barrage of mana shells.''''


    The two men went quiet when thinking of the loss, but Eldric remembered his boy and pictures his white hair and green eyes. This put a smile on his face, which Jerrick caught, causing him to comment, ''''Thinking about Atlas?''''


    Eldric nodded as Jerrick continued, "There are rumors circulating among the refugees that the Achaemenids are searching for a particular boy."


    At this, Eldric spun toward his closest friend, his expression a mix of urgency and concern. "Tell me everything you know," he demanded.


    Jerrick''s eyes twinkled with a hint of satisfaction as he pulled out a wanted poster. With a knowing smile, he asked, "Does this face look familiar, old friend?"


    Eldric''s eyes widened in shock as he examined the portrait on the paper. The face was unmistakably familiar, yet there were unsettling changes, "What has happened to him?" he murmured, his voice trembling. "Why are his eyes blue? And why does he appear to be an elf now?"


    He shook his head before pulling out a communication talisman and contacting his wife Evelina, [My doll. Atlas is alive! But his changed due to something those Achaemenidians did to him]


    After that, Eldric held the artifact just as he got a reply, [How do you know this? The Silvershields found nothing apart from a log about a familiar boy]


    [I''m holding an Achaemenidian wanted poster with his picture and offering two platinum coins for his capture. It seems like he''s finding trouble with the strongest empire on Valoria]


    Afterward, Eldric thought with a relieved smile, "What has this boy been through? But at least he''s still alive."


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 119: Youve Returned Stronger

    Atlas glanced toward the explosions and knew the Swamp Drake would attack whoever it was when they appeared. He waited while twirling the Blood Knife as several people reached the top of a nearby hill.


    ''Adventurers?'' he mused as a Marshlord chased the group, and the monster was enraged.


    When the people got close to the waterhole he was hiding above, the Swamp Drake exploded out and grabbed one of the horrified men before returning to the water, but Atlas cast Void Blast that shot through the air like a missile.


    The spell struck the crocodile, causing it to roar with fury as the pain overwhelmed it. Its gaze shifted toward Atlas, who had swiftly used Void Step to materialize beside the enraged beast.


    He drove the Nightblade deep into the creature''s flesh and unleashed a Void Bullet. The explosion ripped through the crocodile''s body, sending shockwaves that should have been fatal, but the beast still clung to life.


    With a furious thrash of its tail, it struck him with a bone-jarring force. It hurled him through the swamp like a rag doll, and he collided violently with the trunk of an ancient tree, leaving him dazed and battered.


    Atlas dropped to the ground with a thud, groaning in pain. ''That hurt,'' he thought while rubbing his head.


    He struggled to his feet as his Regeneration kicked in, healing the broken bones and open wounds. Following that, he looked up to see the Swamp Drake lunging at him with its jaws wide open.


    Atlas swiftly cast Void Step, evading the monster''s jaws with precision. He reappeared beside it, driving Nightblade into its skull with deadly accuracy. A moment later, he unleashed Void Blast, the spell ripping through the creature''s brain and erupting in an explosion of blood and fragments.


    ''I got lucky there,'' Atlas thought while deeply breathing. ''I need to return here when I rank up, but first, let''s hunt some Marshlords before leaving.''


    Seconds later, the giant crocodile monster died, and the body started vanishing, leaving behind a red Monster Core. Atlas picked it up and turned toward the battle between the adventurers and Marshlord as he threw the loot into his Dimenionsal Storage.


    ''Should I help? Maybe I can kill it to earn even more experience,'' he mused with a grin as the excitement boiled up within him.


    Atlas used Void Step to get closer to the hippo monster who trampled a woman who tried to block its path toward the two mages at the back. As the creature approached, he appeared before stepping to the side and running Nightblade down the side of the thing.


    The monster roared in pain, but Atlas ignored it while charging the Marshlord and dodging a bite before thrusting his blade into its forehead. He cast a Void Bullet that blew its head apart.


    He felt the experience flow into him as his body vanished into the dungeon floor. After that, Atlas kicked the core toward the adventurers before leaving, ''Things are too challenging here for now. Maybe I will check out the other dungeon before returning.''


    Atlas then made his way out of the dungeon, only to notice the sun lowering in the sky, lighting up the world in a pink glow and causing him to think, ''So beautiful, this world is incredible, I can''t wait to see more of it.''


    While walking back to the inn, Atlas sent Amethyst a message informing the phoenix of his adventure, which she seems happy about. She told him they were heading to the Free Cities in the Northern Wastes.


    He decided to head there when he had healed Lilith, but soon enough, Atlas reached the inn and got dinner as Mitra ushered him onto a nearby table. The older woman brought a hearty meal of meat, mashed potatoes, and some beans.


    Atlas started eating and thoroughly enjoying it as the different flavors exploded in his mouth; while doing that, he checked his status to see the gains he had earned.


    [Level Up: 88¡ú89]


    [Experience: 280/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 1150]


    [Mana: 3000¡ú3006]


    [Strength: 564¡ú566]


    [Stamina: 770¡ú780]


    [Charisma: 380¡ú382] S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Intelligence: 444¡ú448]


    [Core Points: 24250¡ú24890]


    [Core Points Gained: 650]


    After that, Atlas finished the meal and returned to his room to rest. All the fighting he had been doing exhausted him. He climbed into bed after dismissing his armor and weapons, which was nice as he felt light.


    He got under the covers and tried the Void Realm, as he had leveled up significantly since his last attempt. Atlas''s soul was sucked into the strange world where he appeared in the same arena he fought the Void Brute Bear.


    Atlas quickly summoned his armor and weapons as the bear''s voice rang out, ''You''ve returned stronger. Shall we start round two, little one?''


    ''''Let''s go; I need to beat you today to progress through the level,'''' he replied with determination.


    The Brute Bear stepped forward and readied a giant glub just as Atlas burst forward like a bullet. He used Nightblade to cut straight through the armor and sliced the monster''s flesh, causing it to jump back, which made him smile.


    Atlas raised his hand and cast a Void Bomb, which shot out of his hand and slammed into the Void Brute Bear''s chest. The explosion erupted and blew apart the arena, but he cast Void Step to vanish from the blast radius.


    When Atlas appeared in the distance, he cast Void Guard. As the shockwave hit him, he was sent skidding back as the breath was taken from his chest, and the ground around him was destroyed.


    He quickly looked up to see a hairless bear missing its legs, which made him feel bad. Atlas approached the monster, who excitedly said, ''That was great, Voidwalker! I felt the power of the spell when it hit me.''


    Following that, the Void Brute Bear vanished into azure motes that opened a path into the mountains. Atlas guessed the second challenge would be down there, so he started walking down the monster trail without wasting more time.


    After walking for ten minutes, Atlas got a bad feeling when a Savage Bear lunged from behind a boulder. He quickly cast Void Guard to block the monster''s claws, which angered it, but he cast Void Step to escape the ambush.


    When Atlas appeared nearby, he cast a Void Arrow into the bear''s skull, causing it to explode into meat paste as more of them appeared. Twenty monsters ambushed and encircled him, but he smiled before using Call Of The Void and summoning the Void Raptor Group Two.


    The warrior launched and crashed into the biggest bear while the other dinosaurs roared before battling the Void Bears. Atlas joined in by using his blades to stab and slash into the monsters who couldn''t take it.


    They tried to flee, but Atlas and the remaining four raptors chased them. He decapitated one Savage Bear as the dinosaurs tore the others apart. The battle lasted another five minutes before the last enemy vanished into the Void Realm.


    While recovering his breath, he decided to check the levels total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4749/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1987/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 9/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    Atlas was happy with the results. Following that, he went around hunting savage bears and killed over two hundred of them while he slaughtered dozens of Cave Void Bears. He was now standing before a tunnel leading to the second challenge.


    While standing there, more Savage Bears attacked, but the Void Raptors jumped on them with their giant claws before tearing them into piles of meat and bone. Hours passed by, and Atlas got to cocky and was taken out by the claws of a Cave Bear.


    He woke up in bed and shook his head before sitting up; Atlas looked up at the ceiling and pulled up the targets.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4312/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1823/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 9/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1] Find your next read on m_v l|e-NovelFire


    ''This will take a while, but I can do it; I need every monster I can get to fight against Chaos,'' Atlas thought before getting out of bed.


    He stretched his arms and noticed it was raining outside; Atlas approached the window and noticed Tajariyah was getting lashed by wind, rain, and rubble falling from the mountain above.


    While watching this, he decided to move south after completing the two dungeons and the last quest. Atlas then put on extra pants and a tunic before summoning his armor. Once everything was equipped, he left the room for breakfast.


    Atlas arrived at an empty dining hall. Babak was reading a book behind the counter, but when the older man spotted him, he smiled, ''''Do you want some breakfast, boy? I can throw together some meat sandwiches,'''' he offered.


    ''''Yes, please,'''' he answered while approaching the counter and sitting down to wait.


    Babak nodded before entering the kitchen, and a younger man with a bow slung on his back joined him at the counter. Atlas noticed he was dressed like a ranger from the fantasy movies, but this one looked worn out by life.


    Mitra appeared and spoke warmly, ''''Siavash, would you like some ale, darling? I know you guys just got back from the coast.''''


    Siavash nodded, his expression sour. "It was nightmarish, Mitra. Sea creatures kept assaulting the waystations and forts, and one of them was destroyed, plunging everything into chaos. The mayor suspects there''s a more powerful monster pulling the strings behind all this."


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 120: Delilah Al-Munfiyah

    [Siavash''s POV]


    Mayor Arman paid Siavash and his party to clear the Merrows from the coastline below Tajariyah City. Reports say the creatures have been attacking traveling while they travel south to the other towns and cities.


    Siavash''s party, known as the Mountain Goats, consisted of Morteza, his older brother, and the group''s leader. Then there was Shirin, who was married to his brother and another attacker.


    Then there was Niloofar, the defender, Morteza''s second wife, and Taraneh, his third wife and the party''s mage. Siavash couldn''t help but feel a pang of envy at their close-knit family, especially given his single status.


    Though he resented his situation, he held no ill will toward them; fate had dealt him a different hand. Following accepting the mission, they set off at sunrise and trekked down the mountain paths like experts.


    By the time they reached the grassland below, Siavash saw a dozen Achaemenidians guarding the bottom. When the commander spotted the party, he approached with a relieved smile and asked, ''''Are you guys the Mountain Goats?''''


    Morteza nodded, ''''Yes, sir. Mayor Arman sent us her. Where would you like us?'''' his brother answered the older man.


    The commander turned to the east. ''''Can you patrol the beach to Orhame Harbor? You can rest in the fortress along the way while you kill every monster you encounter,'''' he said in a firm tone.


    ''''We know Merrows here, but is there anything else?'''' Niloofar questioned as she readied her shield.


    ''''Yes, there are Tidebreakers, mountain trolls, and a few others that some squads of soldiers have reported over the last week,'''' the older man said before saying his goodbyes and returning to his duties.


    Morteza turned to the group and gave out the orders, ''''Niloofar, you''re on point, my love, and make sure to defend us,'''' he said with a smile.


    Siavash watched them plan their patrol before he readied his bow and started walking further ahead, as that was his job. Ten minutes later, he was crouched on a dune overlooking two dozen Tidebreakers eating man-sized fish.


    ''Giant crabs are annoying to kill but their meat tastes beautiful,'' he thought as his stomach rumbled.


    As Siavash continued his scouting mission, he pulled out some jerky and munched on it, using the time to refuel before pushing on. He navigated through the terrain, carefully avoiding the numerous monsters he encountered.


    Moving east, he maintained a cautious distance from the creatures, ensuring he didn''t draw their attention. Meanwhile, his companions followed his trail steadily, each step bringing them closer to their objective.


    Siavash continued his solo patrol and snuck along the beach. The only noise he made was the soft crunch of the sand. He scanned the horizon with hawk-like eyes, the sound of the waves a constant backdrop to his thoughts.


    He crouched behind a boulder, peering around it with his bow ready. Through the growing dusk, a commotion ahead caught his attention. Siavash''s heart quickened. The Merrows emerged from the ocean''s murky depths, their figures barely visible as they slid onto the sand with disturbing grace.


    These creatures were the stuff of nightmares¡ªevil mermaids with scales shimmering in deep green and black shades. Their red eyes glowed with evil intent, and their long, webbed fingers clutched wickedly sharp spears.


    Siavash''s eyes widened in shock as he thought, ''Sea devils! I knew I would see them but its still unsettling, I hope their lower ranked ones other it will be tough.''


    Two dozen giant Tidebreakers and Saltfrogs were relaxing on the warm sand. The frogs had blue skin with poisonous patterns all over its body. It had beady black eyes as he looked in the air for the large flies on the beach.


    That''s when the Merrows pounced on the unaware monsters and speared them or used some unknown magic that cut the creatures in half. Siavash continued to watch this but backed off to warn the soldiers.


    He raced along the beach to the Achaemenidian fortress, ten minutes down the road from where the group would be. While running, he spotted dozens of blue lights falling from the cliff above.


    When the lights dropped into the fortress, an alarm began, but that''s when explosions erupted, destroying it and reducing it to rubble. Siavash looked for cover as large stones started peppering the landscape.


    After that, Siavash returned to the party, where they started clearing the monsters. This horrified him, as the creatures acted like they were being mind-controlled and moved with a purpose.


    Thanks to their well-honed teamwork, they managed to put them down not before seeing a group of Achaemenidians getting brutalized by the Merrows, who ambushed them just down the beach.


    Morteza deemed the mission too dangerous after the mysterious attackers targeted more waystations and fortresses as they returned to Tajariyah. Once back in the city, the mayor told them to rest in the Hosseini''s Family Inn because he had booked rooms.


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    Siavash stepped into the inn and immediately noticed the owner, Mitra, deep in conversation with a young boy. The boy had striking black hair and olive-toned skin, and their discussion seemed intense.


    As Siavash observed the boy more closely, an unsettling sense of familiarity washed over him, as if he had seen the boy before but couldn''t quite place where. He watched as Mitra brought him some breakfast and decided to ask him a question, ''''Boy, are you from Aridonia? Your aura reminds me of a childhood friend.''''


    ***


    [Delilah Al-Munfiyah''s POV]


    [In the near future]


    Delilah stood on a hill opposite the fortress guarding the road to Tajariyah, where their allies were being held captive. She waited for her warriors to return with the prisoners before setting off the blue shards.


    ''We''ve been attacking this road for a few days now and sent the guards in a panic causing them to spread out to find us,'' she mused with a smile.


    Ten of her soldiers entered the fortress to get the captives. While standing there, a man spoke behind her, ''''Commander, why are we attacking Tajariyah City? It doesn''t make sense.''''


    Delilah turned around, her brown eyes flashing with irritation. "I''ve already explained this," she said sharply. "A Level Two Dungeon was discovered at that location. But more importantly, the nearby cave contains an artifact crucial for fighting the demons when they arrive."


    The man nodded, but her second in command, Parisa, spoke as she joined her on the hill, ''''The scouts just arrived back from the city, and rumors speak of the Dahaka hiding in the city. Should we find the demon and kill it?''''


    When Delilah heard this, she thought, ''What is he doing here? The elders said he was in Astoria and wouldn''t bother Aridonia for six years.''


    She couldn''t figure it out, so Delilah shook her head before speaking in a determined tone, ''''We need this artifact, which is called Luxia''s Holy Necklace, that can help us kill the Demon King.''''


    At her words, those around her shivered with apprehension. She instructed them to rest and prepare for the impending attack on Tajariyah. Turning to Parisa, she said, "Take your group and infiltrate the mountain city. Set your Blue Shards in position and wait for my signal."


    Parisa nodded, her curiosity evident as she asked, "Where will you be stationed, Del?"


    While readying her weapons and mask, Delilah revealed, ''''I will set up the Blue Shards at the new dungeon tunnels before retrieving the artifact.''''


    Following that, the attacks across the road drew out most of the Tajariyah guards, allowing them to sneak in. The rebels split up and went to complete their objectives, which included robbing the city bank and mayor''s vault.


    Meanwhile, the rest of the rebels headed for the new dungeon. They easily crossed the city by using the buildings to travel and keep out of the way of the remaining guards, and the ones they did come across were easily dispatched to the next life. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As Delilah jumped across one building, she spotted a young boy in black armor running in the same direction while a group of strange-looking creatures chased him through the streets, ''What are those dreadful things! They give me the creeps.''


    She watched the boy cast a strange azure magic that killed the monsters with one spell, but more appeared out of nowhere. Delilah was about to jump down, but the strange young man vanished from sight.


    With a shrug, she continued her mission to reach the tunnel leading to the artifact she sought. The other warriors covered her while they set the charges. The scouts reported that the mayor''s soldiers were on their way.


    Delilah and the other rebels jumped across the rooftops until they entered the tunnel that led to the dungeon and hid. While doing that, they readied their escape talismans. She waited by the entrance for the perfect time to blow the Blue Shards and retrieve the artifact.


    Just as Delilah was about to activate the explosives, the same boy from earlier reappeared, now struggling as the creatures attacked him. A surge of unease washed over her, prompting her to trigger the blue shards.


    They exploded with a deafening roar, creating a massive gash in the tunnel floor. The explosion revealed a dark chasm below, and with no time to waste, Delilah leaped into the abyss.


    As she descended, her eyes caught the boy, who was fiercely stabbing a creature that had clamped its jaws onto him. ''I can''t focus on him now; the world needs this artifact,'' Delilah thought as she plummeted through the darkness.


    Spotting a ledge below, she hurled a hook, which snagged on a rocky outcrop. The sudden jolt nearly wrenched the hook from her grasp, but she managed to clutch the rope tightly, stabilizing herself as she dangled over the abyss.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 121: Mountain Devils

    Atlas listened to Siavash as he spoke with Mitra before Babak returned with his breakfast, which was several juicy-looking sandwiches that made his stomach grumble. The older man placed the dish in front of him.


    After thanking him, Atlas began eating the breakfast with relish. The moment the food touched his tongue, an explosion of flavors delighted him. As he savored each bite, he listened intently to the adults discussing recent attacks along the merchant road near Tajariyah City.


    ''There are people attacking the Achaemenid army?'' Atlas mused with a small smile. ''That''s Good. They deserve it, and I will make it worse for them while they are in their empire.''


    Ten minutes passed, and Atlas was nearly finished with breakfast when the stranger unexpectedly turned to him with narrowed eyes and questioned in a confused tone, ''''Boy, are you from Aridonia? Your aura reminds me of a childhood friend.''''


    "No. I come from the Everglade Kingdom in Astoria. Why do you ask?" he answered.


    The archer gazed at him and explained, ''''You give off the aura of a Monster Slayer, but you''re too young to be one as they accept disciples over eighteen.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''I''m just an adventurer trying to rank up so I can explore stronger dungeons,'''' he said before taking a mouthful of the ale Babak brought over.


    After speaking before pushing the bowl away while standing up, he exclaimed, ''''Thanks for the breakfast, Babak. It was delicious!''''


    Mitra took them with a smile, ''''What do you have planned for today, Atlas?'''' she asked.


    "I have a quest to complete, and then I''m going to try the two dungeons," he answered the older woman before standing up.


    After that, Atlas left the inn and started going toward the western square, where he had to report to the commander in charge of the quest. He soon arrived and noticed dozens of adventurers lingering around as a group of Achaemenidian soldiers stood off to one side.


    He approached the older man, who he assumed was the person in charge. He had tanned skin and a bald head and stood at an imposing six feet tall. With a raised eyebrow, the man peered down at Atlas and asked, "What are you doing here, boy?"


    Atlas produced his guild card and held it up for the man to see. "I''m here to guard the bridge that the city is building," he explained.


    While speaking, he noticed the soldiers looking at him strangely, ''They''re looking at me like I''m some sort of monster,'' he mused with a smile.


    "Where are your weapons and armor? You can''t defend the workers without anything, or are you one of those hot-headed mages?" the commander inquired.


    Atlas summoned his gear, which instantly appeared on him, shocking the surrounding soldiers and adventurers. When the commander saw that, he smiled before holding his hand, ''''I''m Commander Davos; I lead the city''s construction unit that builds the bridges and defenses.''''


    He nodded before replying, ''''I''m Azhar''Zul, and I''ll be happy to help kill some monsters to gain experience.''''


    As Atlas approached, another soldier spoke up, his tone skeptical, "So, you''re a leveler, are you?"


    Atlas adjusted his helmet, meeting the soldier''s gaze with a determined expression. "Yes. I''m looking to grow stronger and gain experience by facing both monsters and men."


    Davos''s curiosity was evident as he asked, "How old are you? Also, what''s your rank and level?"


    ''''Level eighty-eight Apprentice,'''' he revealed, which shocked the soldiers.


    Atlas used Void Sight on four of them to see the general level and rank of the Achaemenidians.


    [Vahid Jafari] S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Race: Human]


    [Age: 32]


    [Level: 223]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    [Amir Khatami]


    [Race: Human]


    [Age: 19]


    [Level: 89]


    [Rank: Apprentice]


    [Navid Hosseini]


    [Race: Human]


    [Age: 23]


    [Level: 117]


    [Rank: Adept]


    [Fariba Hosseini]


    [Race: Human]


    [Age: 21]


    [Level: 102]


    [Rank: Adept]


    ''I''m closing in on them,'' Atlas thought with an evil smirk that the soldiers couldn''t see due to his helmet.


    He shook his head before asking for the instructions, ''''Where do you want me to guard? I can go up front?''''


    The commander nodded while rubbing his chin, ''''The Mountain Devils and Roaring Harpies are securing the Screaming Pass; you can aid them, Azhar''Zul,'''' he said.


    Following that, the soldiers rounded up the other adventurers, and Atlas noticed nearly fifty of them. Once they were gathered, the Achaemenidians led them out the western gate and along a mountain ledge until they spotted a construction site.


    More Achaemenid soldiers guarded this side of the bridge, but there was a small wooden scaffold they had to cross to reach the opposite ledge covered in a veil of mist. Atlas crossed the bridge while holding his blades as they were ready in case any monsters attacked.


    When stepping onto the ledge, Commander Davos reached the other side, saying, ''''Most of us will guard this side while a group will clear the path ahead until you reach the Screaming Pass.''''


    Everyone nodded before the older man continued, ''''The Mountain Devils and Roaring Harpies will scout ahead while securing the area until the bridge is finished construction, which means we will be staying out here for a few days.''''


    Afterward, Davos addressed the two groups: three men and two women representing the Mountain Devils and three women from the Roaring Harpies. They were all Adept Ranked and looked strong.


    While they were speaking, the two leaders turned to look at him. Atlas chuckled at their incredulous expressions. ''Idiots, they''re doubting me,'' he thought.


    Davos called Atlas over, and when he got close, he heard the parties laughing because he was covered in his armor. He stopped walking as the commander introduced him to the leaders and vice versa.


    ''''Azhar''Zul, this is Afsaneh, leader of the Rank C Roaring Harpies,'''' Davos said, pointing to the pale-skinned woman with long blonde hair and glowing red eyes.


    The woman regarded him with curiosity as her eyes narrowed. Still, the older man continued with the introductions as he motioned to the smaller man with spiky black hair and green eyes, ''''This is Javad, leader of the Rank D The Mountain Devils. These two parties will be accompanying you into the Screaming Pass.''''


    "Are we just meant to stop monsters from getting past us?" Atlas asked. "What about the Night Demons?"


    When the two parties heard those words, they shivered, but a green-haired mage from the Mountain Devils stepped forward, ''''We have Runes for those creatures and will be able to keep them away from our camps.''''


    Atlas nodded acknowledgment as the other adventurers busied themselves, setting up their camp. He positioned himself at the entrance of the pathway, which was wide enough to accommodate three carriages side by side.


    While standing there, Atlas heard someone approaching from behind and turned around only to spot Javad; the older man nodded before speaking, ''''I can see you''re a speed fighter, Azhar''Zul. Do you mind scouting ahead? We will follow behind to look for a good place to camp?''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied before readying his weapons. ''''I will return by sunset.''''


    Atlas started walking down the creepy-looking path. Ten minutes later, he activated the Dungeon Conquerer Skill and summoned five Rank E Death Spiders before giving them an order, ''''Scout the path ahead; if you find any monsters, bring them toward me.''''


    The spiders hissed in response before scuttling off. Once they were gone, Atlas let out a breath as he felt half of his mana drain, causing him to pull out a few High Mana Potions and quickly down them.


    He felt seven hundred fifty mana points return, allowing him to have enough to fight in case any monsters appeared. After that, Atlas continued down the path, which was covered in a thin layer of mist.


    ''Why is the city building a road here? Maybe they will secure it,'' Atlas mused as he came to a bend.


    Something told him not to make that turn, causing Atlas to stop walking while taking out his blades just as a cackle was heard. It sounded human, but something about it was wrong, causing shivers to run down his spine.


    Atlas braced himself for battle as massive figures emerged from the bend. They resembled oversized, menacing hyenas, their forms grotesquely exaggerated and their eyes gleaming with malevolence.


    What unsettled him most were their eerie, human-like cackles and laughs, which put him on edge. Atlas quickly scanned them to determine their rank. Explore more at m|v-l-NovelFire.net


    [Mountain Devil]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Ambusher Hunters - Look behind you]


    Atlas spun around and cast Void Guard as a hyena-like creature pounced on him from above. When the azure shield appeared, it stopped the monster''s jaws from clamping down, allowing him to thrust Nightblade through its head.


    Once it was dead, another dozen lunged at Atlas, who started dodging the attacks as the monsters tried to bite him. He started countering their strikes as they got closer, using magic and his blades.


    While this unfolded, three Death Spiders pounced on the Mountain Devils and sunk their fangs into the monsters. Atlas stabbed another creature through the eyes while hitting another with a Void Blast.


    By the time the battle concluded, only one spider remained, though it was gravely injured. Atlas dismissed it, only to sense the final two spiders being defeated not far off. Deciding to take a moment to recover from the skirmish, he then summoned a Blood Bat to aid him.


    He sat on the mountain''s edge, peering into the pitch-black abyss below. The utter darkness gave him the unsettling impression that something was lurking just out of sight, waiting in the shadows.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 122: You Care For Me

    Atlas waited until most of his mana returned before continuing his journey, which didn''t take too long. While sitting there, he enjoyed the incredible misty mountains that stretched as far as the eyes could see.


    The fog covered the peaks and seeped down the sides, making the area creepy as the sparse trees breached the top. He was surrounded by cliffs with a dirt road about two carriages wide.


    He shook his head and rose, resuming his journey down the winding path. As Atlas rounded a bend, he noticed the dirt road expanding ahead, but the widening did little to help his unease; the ever-present threat of falling into the darkness below loomed ominously.


    As Atlas walked, an unsettling sensation washed over him. Before he could react, the ground erupted in an explosion, a dozen spells slamming into the path ahead. The sudden onslaught hurled him into the abyss below, plunging him into the darkness.


    ''Oh damn! What the hell was that!'' he panicked while falling.


    While Atlas fell, he tried to figure out how to escape the situation. That''s when he remembered the Dungeon Conquerer Skill; he activated it and summoned a Blood Bat that burst out of the portal with a screech, catching him with its claws and soaring out of the chasm.


    This allowed Atlas to see a group of bandits lurking not far away. Without thinking, he ordered the monster to attack them, which it did by dropping him in the center of the group and dive-bombing the men.


    While the Blood Bat did this, Atlas slashed and stabbed the confused bandits using Void Step to dodge the few attacks sent his way, ''Speed is the way, I can act before they react to me,'' he thought with a confident grin behind his helmet.


    They tried to flee in all different directions as Atlas was going wild with his stabs and slashes, bringing a dozen or so down before they regrouped. He managed to avoid all their attacks as the monster smashed into the tightly packed bandits. Discover hidden content at m,v l''e-NovelFire.net


    Its claws and teeth tore through armor and crushed bones, which caused panic to infect the enemies who tried to flee, but Atlas chased after them before slicing through their ankles, forcing the men to the ground.


    Atlas drove his blade into the bandits'' necks with ruthless efficiency as the Blood Bat descended upon the fallen corpses, its claws and fangs tearing through the flesh. He watched, captivated, as the creature started eating after eating.


    While watching the monster eat, Atlas felt the experience flowing into his body, which brought a sigh of relief when feeling the level-up click. Following that, a surge of curiosity and excitement bubbled within him.


    ''How can I harness the power of dungeon monsters?'' he wondered, his mind racing with possibilities.


    He shook his head before approaching the giant bat and ran his hand through its soft fur, causing the monster to let out a happy chirp. Atlas smiled as the creature nudged its head against his body.


    Afterward, Atlas leaped onto the bat''s back just as the creature launched into the air. It soared above the dirt road, its mighty wings beating steadily. He looked around to try to find some monsters but saw nothing.


    He then directed the bat to descend, guiding it closer to the ground for a better look. When Atlas saw the ground, rats the size of dogs were heading toward the adventurer party as they crawled out of holes in the cliffside.


    Atlas decided to deal with the monsters himself and ordered the Blood Bat to attack. When the monster swooped down, it clamped two rats in its claws as he jumped off its back and cast Void Wave, sending dozens of them flying into the chasm below.


    Following that, he scanned the monsters to find out what they were.


    [Cannibal Rat]


    [Rank: F+ - 150 Exp]


    [They have poison on their teeth and fangs - So be quick]


    Seeing this, Atlas readied his blade as the first Cannibal Rat lunged at him. He sidestepped the monster before plunging Nightblade into its body. When doing that, he cast a Void Arrow that burrowed through its body and struck another creature that attacked from behind.


    Once Atlas started attacking, the Blood Bat landed with a crash before tearing through a giant rat with a few chomps as it swiped at the other monsters, sending them into the darkness below.


    The more creatures they killed, the more that replaced them as more jumped from the cliff above, forcing Atlas to back off while defending himself, but that''s when he decided to summon some help.


    He activated Call Of The Void and summoned the Voidstalkers, who chirped as they slammed into the rats and started slaughtering them. Atlas chuckled at this and rushed forward, stabbing the monsters through their skulls.


    Atlas and his monsters fought for over an hour. All the Voidstalkers were gone thanks to the overwhelming number of Cannibal Rats, but the Blood Bat stood firm even though it was seriously injured.


    ''This needs to end now,'' he thought while aiming his blade at a group of rats and firing several Void Blasts at them before activating Dungeon Conquering and using the last of his mana to summon a Death Gorilla. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After the portal opened, the massive muscled primate rushed out before slamming its enormous fist into the side of a bigger rat. When Atlas saw this, his legs gave out, and he felt weakness over his body as he stopped to the ground.


    ''I shouldn''t have done that, but I needed the extra strength to finish them off,'' he thought as exhaustion overwhelmed him.


    Atlas looked at the Blood Bat and whistled, causing the monster to come to him. He climbed onto its back and told it to escape while the Death Gorilla butchered the remaining Cannibal Rats who targeted it.


    The bat emitted a screech before attempting to fly towards the adventurers'' camp. However, its injuries took a toll and faltered, crashing onto a nearby cliff. As the creature vanished, Atlas began to slide down the cliff face, barely conscious.


    Instinctively, he drove his blades into the rock, slowing his descent just in time to prevent himself from plunging into the darkness again. Atlas stopped as his arms strained, but he still managed to look around.


    Atlas noticed a mountain ledge not far off and used Void Step to reach it safely. However, the exertion left him faint, and he collapsed onto the ledge. While sleeping, the Death Gorilla continued its relentless assault on the remaining Cannibal Rats, eventually finding its way to the ledge where he lay.


    The massive primate appeared and, upon seeing Atlas resting, let out a low grunt. Gently, it removed his helmet and settled down behind him. With a tender touch, it began to comb through his white hair, keeping him warm and secure as he rested.


    When Atlas woke up a few hours later, it was pitch black, and he couldn''t see. This made him panic, but the memories returned when a big hand grabbed him and huffed. He shook his head and realized his helmet had been removed, only to wonder if this monster had done it.


    He put his helmet back on and noticed the Death Gorilla staring at him with a surprisingly tender gaze as if he were its offspring. ''Is this creature female?'' he wondered.


    The monster let out a gentle huff before carefully wrapping Atlas in a warm, protective hug, its large form shielding him from the biting cold. When the warmth washed over his body, it caused him to fall asleep slowly due to the mana exhaustion.


    Hours slipped by as rain and wind battered the mountain ledge. The Death Gorilla remained vigilant, its massive frame providing a steady shield against the storm until Atlas stirred a few hours later.


    When Atlas finally awoke, the darkness of the night still enveloped him. He blinked groggily and wondered, ''I must have regained my mana by now.''


    He glanced around the ledge and noticed the Death Gorilla was still looking at him; this caused him to think, ''I feel a connection with each one of these monsters. Is there something else to this skill?''


    Atlas shook his head, peering at the Death Gorilla with curiosity. "Can you understand me?" he asked.


    The gorilla responded with a nod and gently enveloped him in a hug. Atlas smiled, "Alright, I get it¡ªyou care for me. Just don''t squeeze me too tightly, okay?"


    Then, Atlas asked the monster to take him back to the path, which it agreed to do. It put him on its back and jumped across the gap without warning but grabbed the ledge before pulling them up.


    As they did that, some appeared from below them, causing Atlas to spin around only to see three large scorpions crawling up the side of the mountain, ''How are people going to travel this path? It''s too dangerous,'' he wondered before scanning the newcomers.


    [Mountain Scorpions]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    They were dark grey, which allowed the creatures to blend into the mountain, but their beady yellow eyes glowed with malice. Atlas watched the monster''s pincers snap in his direction before he cast a Void Arrow at the closest.


    The azure projectile sliced through the air and pierced the scorpion''s face before hitting another behind it. While Atlas was casting spells, the Death Gorilla went wild and squashed the monsters into critin paste.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 123: Screaming Pass

    Atlas and the Death Gorilla continued fighting until the ground started to rumble, causing him to glance around. As the dirt road widened, a troll marched up the path, ready to fight with a giant stone club. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He got nervous when he saw this monster, which caused him to scan it.


    [Mountain Troll]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Brute attacker - Slower but very powerful - Avoid at all costs]


    Atlas began casting Void Bullets, each streaking towards the troll and exploding on impact. The blasts rocked the monster, causing it to stumble backward, but despite the damage, it remained far from defeated.


    He scanned for an escape route, but before he could act, the Death Gorilla surged to its feet, pounding its chest in a fierce display of aggression. With a roar, it charged at the troll, swinging its massive club recklessly.


    Atlas watched in tense anticipation as the gorilla ducked beneath the troll''s swing, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow. The dungeon monster grabbed the newcomer and dragged it into the chasm below.


    Minutes later, Atlas felt experience pour into his body, causing him to think as the excitement boiled up, ''The gorilla killed the troll!''


    Following that, he returned to the adventurer''s camp, where he was met by the Roaring Harpies leader Afsaneh. The older woman''s green eyes met his as she spoke in a firm tone, ''''Where have you been, boy? You were only meant to scout ahead, but it''s been hours,'''' she said.


    Atlas dismissed his helmet before explaining everything, minus summoning the monsters and falling into the chasm below. Once he was done talking, Afsaneh commented, ''''How did you defeat a Rank B Mountain Troll?''''


    ''''I used spells to knock it into the chasm, then returned here once the rats were killed,'''' Atlas answered.


    The older woman nodded before letting him pass, and one of her party members approached with a smile. Her pink eyes glowed as she ruffled his hair. ''''It''s good to see you''re okay, little one. It''s dangerous in these mountains,'''' she chirped.


    Atlas smiled in return, but the woman introduced herself. ''''I''m Rita Ghasemi. It''s nice to meet you, Azhar''Zul,'''' she said with a smile.


    His eyebrow raised in surprise when Rita explained, ''''Commander Davos told us your name while asking us to keep an eye on you.''''


    He nodded in agreement and set about making camp. Atlas pitched his tent and started a fire, which soon crackled warmly against the evening chill. As he finished, the two moons hung high in the sky, casting a silvery light over the rugged expanse of the Screaming Pass.


    Atlas was sitting in front of the fire, cooking some orc meat, when he decided to check the gains he had earned by killing all the monsters alongside his creatures.


    [Level Up: 88¡ú93]


    [Experience: 230/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 9950]


    [Health: 560¡ú670]


    [Mana: 3006¡ú3460]


    [Strength: 566¡ú686]


    [Stamina: 780¡ú930]


    [Charisma: 382¡ú416]


    [Intelligence: 448¡ú560]


    [Core Points: 24890¡ú32090]


    [Core Points Gained: 7200]


    [Core Rank: Low¡úMid]


    [Void Blast: 2¡ú3]


    [Void Wave: 2¡ú3]


    [Maskweaving: 1¡ú2]


    ''The Mountain Devils, Scorpion, Cannibal Rats, and Troll earned me a lot of experience and core points,'' Atlas mused with a smile while dismissing his helmet so he could eat.


    In the meantime, the orc meat was done, causing Atlas to start eating while watching the surrounding cliffs. While doing that, sudden screams started echoing around them, making him jump.


    As he did that a man''s voice reached his ears, ''''That''s the people who died here, many explorer groups tried find a way through the Titan Fists Mountain but now they linger here years after their deaths.''''


    He turned around to see a blonde man standing there, ''''What about the Night Demons?''''


    The adventurer stepped forward and held out his hand while introducing himself, ''''I''m Carlos, scout for the Mountain Devils.''''


    Atlas took it before responding, ''''Azhar''Zul.''''


    Carlos smiled, ''''To answer your previous question, the mages set up Runes before you arrived, which had kept those horrible creatures away,'''' he explained.


    He nodded before Carlos concluded as he went to walk away, ''''Don''t listen to the voices; they are trying to lure you into the darkness. The Night Demons differ in the mountains as they rely on traps and ambushes.''''


    Then, Atlas continued eating while listening to the screams that bounced off the cliffside. He looked around but couldn''t see anything, but that''s when the whispers started, and they creeped him out.


    ''''Come here little one,'''' one eery voice said.


    It ranged from fake compliments to pleading for help, but Atlas listened to Carlos''s advice and blocked the whispers out. Afterward, he crawled into his tent and got comfortable before attempting to kill more Void Bears.


    He spent hours in the Void Realm and slaughters hundreds of Cave and Savage Bears while traveling to the second valley, where he has to fight another Brute Bear, which he is excited to do.


    After walking for a few hours, Atlas stopped when he exited another tunnel under several mountains. He had fought non-stop as the Cave Bears gave him a good fight, but they all fell to his magic or blades.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 3709/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1584/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 9/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''I killed a lot on this run but it will take a while longer before finishing off the first two groups of bears,'' Atlas pondered while approaching an arena he spotted.


    Once stepping inside, he was blocked from exiting as a gate on the opposite side opened, only to have a Void Brute Bear rush out and dart straight for him. Atlas was caught off guard and assumed this one would also talk to him, but he was wrong.


    As the massive white bear lunged at him, its claws slashing viciously, Atlas used Void Step to vanish from its attack. Reappearing at a safer distance, he immediately unleashed a volley of Void Barrage at the beast.


    The azure projectiles exploded on impact, causing the bear to stagger backward. Seizing the opportunity, Atlas closed the gap and drove his blade into its knee. He followed up by casting Void Bullet, a powerful explosion that shattered bone and brought the massive creature crashing to the ground.


    As Atlas executed his attack, the bear spun with surprising speed, its claws raking across his chest. The force of the strike was so intense that it tore through his armor as if it were made of paper.


    The sharp claws dug deep into his flesh, and the searing pain made him cry out in agony as he flew backward. Stunned by the injury, Atlas struggled to regain his composure as the pain overwhelmed him.


    He looked up to see the Void Brute Bear crawling toward him with an enraged look in its eyes, but Atlas raised his hand and cast Void Arrow into the monster''s head, causing it to turn into azure motes before sinking back into the realm.


    Following that, Atlas had enough and quit the ream only to reappear in his tent; he opened his eyes to find it was still night. With a weary sigh, he rolled over and drifted back to sleep, the echoes of the screaming fading into the background.


    The days after that were much the same, apart from a large group of Mountain Devils attacking the camp before a group of Wild Goblins tried to ambush the Roaring Harpies while they were on patrol.


    While waiting around, Atlas left the camp several times, but something had happened by the time they got word that the bridge needed one more day to finish, which meant they could head back to Tajariyah.


    Atlas guarded the road into the mountains alongside Carlos, who was telling him about the Nubian Empire and how the land was wild, full of monsters, and full of hordes of horse riders who captured anyone who traveled off the main road.


    He grew curious and was about to ask something when a roar rang out, causing Carlos to jump up and ready his spear. Atlas joined him as a rumbling was felt in the ground below; he wondered what kind of monster would be doing this,


    That''s when Carlos revealed the culprit, ''''It''s a Mountain Titan Azhar''Zul. This doesn''t make sense as they only roam deeper in.''''


    As the man spoke, a massive humanoid climbed out of the darkness below a mile down the path, giving it more room to walk. When Atlas saw it, He examined the new monster and thought, ''This is a giant!''


    The Titan loomed nearly thirty feet tall, its form clad in skin that resembled jagged stone plates. Muscles rippled across its colossal frame like a bodybuilder''s, and it draped itself in tattered monster hides as makeshift clothing.


    Its presence was a vision of terror¡ªtwisted and warped into a grotesque parody of evil. A palpable, dark aura radiated from it, casting an ominous shadow that seemed to pulse with evil power.


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    Atlas quickly scanned the Titan.


    [Mountain Titan]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: Titan - 20000 Exp]


    [Flee the area before it finds your scent; otherwise, you will not be able to hide]


    When Atlas saw the warning, he grew nervous, and his hands rested on the hilts of his blades. As he did that, Carlos turned to him with an expression of fear as he spoke, ''''Run Ahzar''Zul! We cannot fight this.''''


    The two of them started running down the path to the camp, only to run into the group preparing to leave. Atlas spotted Javad, who rushed over to them with a concerned expression and asked, ''''What is that dreadful aura? What monster has appeared?''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 124: Exhausted

    Atlas watched as Carlos rushed into the camp and warned the parties with a panicked shout, causing them all to look at him with worried expressions, ''''A Mountain Titan is coming! We need to get to the bridge now!''''


    Everyone started packing up as Atlas watched the groups rush around as Javad made his the way they came from. He just sat by the way out as the ground started to shake, just as explosions rang out.


    ''Is the leader fighting the Titan? He isn''t strong enough but its not my problem, I''m not getting eaten,'' Atlas pondered while readying his weapons.


    Carlos glanced in Javad''s direction and complained, ''''Foolish old man! The Titan will devour him.''''


    Just as the man spoke, a cascade of boulders came crashing down all around them, throwing everything into chaos. Atlas cast Void Guard, successfully deflecting most of the stones.


    However, he was hit by a boulder the size of a man, which launched him through the air. He fell into the chasm below, knocked unconscious and descending into the darkness. When he hit the bottom, the impact was so violent that it caused a small explosion, scattering monsters and debris throughout the chasm.


    Atlas lay unconscious as his broken and battered body repaired itself as he was buried deep beneath the mud, which kept him safe from the monsters swarming above. Hours later, he woke up when he felt the weight of the mud against his chest.


    ''What the hell! Where am I now!'' he internally panicked.


    He soon calmed down and started digging himself out, only to notice a darkness. Thanks to the Night Eyes Rune, he could see. Atlas soon realized he was at the bottom of the chasm they were camping next to.


    The walls were slick and impossible to scale, but it triggered the most alarm when Atlas saw the ground. It was swampy, reminiscent of the jungle chasm he and the girls had once fallen into, which only heightened his nervousness.


    ''Why do I always end up in creepy or dangerous places?'' he complained internally. ''I must have terrible luck.''


    Once Atlas was thought, he looked up only to see distant explosions and heard furious roars echoing from above, but the depth of the chasm obscured his view. Something hurtled toward him from the darkness as he began clawing out of the mud.


    He pulled out his blades and crossed them without thinking as a familiar creature slammed against it. ''It''s a Carnictis! I never thought I''d encounter these things again,'' he thought before casting Void Blast at it.


    The azure blast turned the creature into ash as more monsters surrounded him. Atlas deflected a surprise attack by Arachno''s sharp legs before stabbing it in the face, causing it to rear back in pain.


    ''I''ll spam them with spells before escaping,'' Atlas contemplated just as he spotted a path that led to a way out.


    He cast a Void Bullet that connected with the underside, sending it flying when the explosion erupted. Atlas burst through the dust while casting even more bullets into a horde of insect monsters.


    While running, he saw a large serpentine monster heading toward him. Its body is covered in rough, pitch-black exoskeleton plates that resemble jagged obsidian shards. These plates are interwoven with pulsating veins of dark, iridescent energy that faintly glow in the near-complete darkness of its underground realm.


    ''What the hell is this nightmare!'' Atlas wondered as he readied for a fight.


    The Burrower''s body pulsates in a curved, fluid motion, making it appear almost liquid as it moves through the earth. Atlas noticed the monster''s head was a nightmarish mixture of grotesque features: a gaping jaw lined with razor-sharp, needle-like teeth.


    Its eyes are a cluster of eerie, bioluminescent orbs that shift and shimmer, casting unsettling reflections on the cavern walls. Atlas quickly scanned the newcomer using Void Sight to check on its level.


    [Darkchasm Burrower] Explore more stories with m,v l''e-NovelFire.net


    [Rank: C+ - 300 Exp]


    [A dark creature who is one of the top predators in the chasm]


    ''I wonder how many new monsters I will encounter down here,'' Atlas mused excitedly while readying his place.


    The Burrorwer lunged at him, but he ducked under the sudden attack before stabbing the creature between its plates and casting Void Bombs into its body. Then Atlas noticed a blue glow as an explosion lit up the chasm.


    Atlas was flung like a rag doll and crashed into knee-deep water, only to be swamped by leeches. This caused him to panic before he cast a Void Wave that burned all the horrible slimy monsters, taking bites out of his flesh.


    ''Ouch! Damn things,'' Atlas raged. ''Get away!''


    He used Void Step to get out of the water, only to see the Burrower charging at him, a massive chunk of its body missing. Atlas raised Nightblade and cast Void Bomb again just before stabbing a Carnictic through its head.


    Another explosion shook the chasm, scattering the monsters as the azure flames burned them. Atlas was prepared as the shockwave hit him, but he cast Void Guard this time, which softened the impact.


    The spell''s power decimated the Burrower, overwhelming its body and turning it into charred remains. Then, he fled toward the path made from stone rather than wet mud as the blue flames annihilated all the other monsters.


    Atlas stepped onto it and breathed as the leeches stopped chasing while he rested for a minute. Once ready to travel, he started making his way down the dark path; there was enough room for two men to stand side by side, which allowed him to defend himself if any monsters appeared.


    After traveling for twenty minutes, Atlas found himself in a massive underground landscape with trees and plants. The atmosphere was creepy, causing goosebumps to run all over his body.


    He saw no movement but suspected that monsters were lurking in the brush. Atlas waved his hand, activated Dungeon Conqueror, and summoned several Death Spiders. The arachnids emerged from the portal, greeting him with a gentle nudge.


    Atlas petted one of the spiders and asked if they could scan the area for hidden enemies. The monsters eagerly agreed, ready to fulfill the task, and rushed into the forest''s underbrush in search of a foe.


    While waiting, Atlas decided to eat and pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box. The smell hit his nose, causing his stomach to grumble even more as if demanding tribute, making him laugh before eating.


    He savored the fresh food that melted in his mouth as he gazed at the forest. By the time he finished, the return of some spiders hissing ominously signaled the approach of incoming monsters.


    Atlas jumped up and aimed his Nightblade in their direction. Mantis-like monsters rushed out and pounced on one of the Death Spiders, allowing Atlas to scan the newcomer.


    [Chasm Mantis]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Fast attacker but weak to magic]


    When reading the extra information, Atlas sent several Void Arrows at the mantis, who quickly jumped to the side before lunging at him. The creature''s scythe-like blades slashed toward his torso, but he deflected the attacks.


    Atlas felt the force of the monster''s strikes through his arms, each blow pushing him to his limits. Determined, he countered swiftly with a Void Wave, sending the creature skittering backward.


    As the creature tried to block his next move, Atlas unleashed Void Blast. The azure mana enveloped the Chasm Mantis, causing it to writhe in agony. Seeing the opportunity, Atlas delivered a series of precise slashes, finally finishing the beast.


    Following that, the battle ended, and the monster fell to the ground dead, which caused Atlas to slump down. He was exhausted from everything he had been through and screaming at him to rest.


    Once Atlas finished the battle, he grabbed the green Monster Core and stored it away before searching for somewhere to hide. Finding a tiny cave where the tent could fit took over an hour.


    He inscribed the Dark One Runes before setting up the tent and slipping inside. Once settled and cozy, Atlas unwrapped some chocolate and ate while curling up. The combination of comfort and the sweet treat soon made him feel drowsy.


    Atlas finished his snack and drifted off to sleep while monsters roamed outside. The Dark Ones soon appeared, ruthlessly slaughtering any creature that couldn''t find cover in time. They hovered just beyond the Runes, their frustration palpable as they watched their prey remain tantalizingly out of reach.


    The night in the chasm passed peacefully as a storm above caused water to flood some of the underpasses. Atlas was safe as the path he was on was steep enough to block, and the murky horror couldn''t reach him.


    By the time Atlas woke up, he felt much better, but the darkness increased to the point that Night Eyes struggled to see. He stood up and stretched, causing his body to crack as he wore his helmet. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After packing the tent, Atlas glanced around and headed up the path. He nibbled on some more chocolate while staying alert for any lurking monsters ready to ambush, but nothing happened.


    Atlas continued through the first until he found a way up, but this time, it was guarded by a group of Wild Orcs sitting around a campfire cooking some meat. This caused him to think, ''Did they come from the surface?''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 125: Why Did No One Pick Me

    Atlas counted twelve orcs, causing him to scan them to find their ranks to devise a plan to take them out as quickly as possible.


    [Mountain Orc]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    [A scouting party - Easy experience]


    While watching the monsters, Atlas decided to use the Thunderclap Bomb. He took one from his pouch and examined the large marble-sized yellow orb before he threw it into the creature''s fire.


    It exploded, causing a thunderclap to ring out, which stunned the orcs before lightning struck many of them orcs. Atlas charged forward, slashing and stabbing the fallen orcs while unleashing Void Arrows at the remaining foes.


    Five minutes later, he had wiped out every Wild Orc in sight. As the experience surged through him, he leveled up, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. After the battle, he collected the twelve cores and continued up the path the orcs had been guarding.


    A few hours later, he arrived at another underground chamber, but this time, there was light shining through. He rushed across only to be attacked by massive Mount Scorpions that snapped their large pincers.


    Atlas dodged using Void Step before summoning Group Two using Call Of The Void. When the azure portal opened, six Void Raptor Warriors rushed out and attacked the scorpions. A battle broke out in the large exit chamber as more monsters appeared to join the fray.


    He started casing several Void Bombs before protecting himself with Void Guard. When the spells exploded, the chamber was rocked, but it killed dozens of Mountain Scorpions, allowing the Void Raptors to finish them off quickly.


    Following that, he jumped on the back of the Void Raptor Warrior and took off toward the entrance. When Atlas got close, he started to smell fresh air, which made him smile as the sun hit his skin.


    As he and the raptor appeared outside, they were on a ledge, but the dinosaur continued by jumping and skidding down the mountainside until reaching a monster trail below. When the creature''s claws hit the ground, something lunged at them.


    He quickly cast Void Guard as a giant snake struck him. The force sent him flying off the Raptor Warrior, who started biting and clawing at the newcomer, but the monsters finished the raptor off without effort.


    Atlas was confused but shook his head and scanned it.


    [Ironfang Python]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Mountain ambusher - Weak to swords or hammers]


    The monster resembled a python on Earth but was twice its size and grey enough to blend into the mountainside where it preyed. Seeing this, Atlas reacted by using Void Step to avoid another lunge, but that''s when its tail caught him and tangled around his body.


    He struggled as the snake monsters got ready to squeeze. He cast Void Wave and burned the thing''s scales. This caused the monster to roar in pain, but Atlas was finished and started attacking the Ironfang Python.


    Atlas drove his blade into the monster''s body before casting a Void Bomb that annihilated the giant snake from the inside out. Following that, he quickly noticed that the thing wasn''t dead as it bit into his body, causing him to scream in agony.


    The pain was something else as the monster''s fangs broke his bone and started squeezing him, aiming for his death, but Atlas cast Void Wave, which burned the python''s mouth, causing the creature to let go,


    He dropped to the ground and cast a Void Arrow straight through the giant snake''s head, sending it to the ground with a thunderous thud, where it lay lifeless. Atlas wobbled but managed to stay upright. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following this, he pulled out a High Health Poition and downed it before pouring it over his head, causing the healing to speed up until only aches remained. Atlas stretched as he pulled out the map he bought a while ago.


    After searching, Atlas found the mountain he was in, which showed a little blue dot, which he guessed was himself. That''s when he realized they had to travel Northwest to return to the bridge he was guarding.


    Atlas pulled out his canteen before taking a big mouthful as he traveled through the peaceful and uneventful mountains. There were no monster attacks as he walked across a cliff ledge, and after an hour, he spotted the bridge in the distance.


    Without wasting any more time, he rushed toward a wooden wall that protected the bridge and people beyond, but as he got closer, several arrows landed around him. ''''Stop where you are, visitor! What brings you through the Titan Fist Mountains?''''


    Atlas stopped, dismissed his helmet, and screamed, ''''I was part of the adventurers guarding Screaming Pass!''''


    A few minutes after the gate opened, silence took over the area, and the soldiers called him forward. When Atlas crossed the threshold, he noticed dozens of adventurers roaming around or sitting at fires talking.


    While glancing around, he spotted the Crimson Vanguard Party carrying the Achaemenid wanted posters. Kaelus led the way while his wife, Elysia, followed behind. Atlas was brought back to the present as the soldier said, ''''Where are the Mountain Devils or Roaring Harpies? They haven''t returned yet.''''


    ''Did the Mountain Titan get them?'' he wondered before telling the man everything that had happened.


    They were shocked but fascinated when they heard that he had fallen into the chasm and fought the monsters. After Atlas finished speaking, the man reassured him, ''''We will send a message to the guild Azhar''Zul to inform them that you completed the quest perfectly.''''


    The soldiers nodded as the man continued, ''''If that Mountain Titan were allowed to reach the bridge, it would have been over for us.''''


    Atlas nodded before asking one more question, ''''Will you send people out to find the other parties?''''


    ''''Yes. The Crimson Vanguards are going to locate them,'''' the man said.


    After that, Atlas returned to the city to register the quest before getting some food from the inn. It took him twenty minutes to reach the guild, which he entered to report the quest''s completion.


    Atlas joined the queue, but it took forever to see the receptionist, who took his card and handed it back within seconds. Once he was done there, he left for the inn to get something to eat before going to sleep.


    It took him another ten minutes to reach Mitra, who smiled at him when he entered. Atlas ordered two dinners for himself before sitting down. While resting, Babak brought him a delicious tankard of sweet ale.


    The older man put it on the table with a big smile, ''''Been busy, my boy? You look worn out,'''' he said in a cheery tone.


    Your journey continues at m v|l-e''-NovelFire.net


    ''''You could say that, but I will be getting some rest of the next few days before hitting the dungeons,'''' Atlas answered, causing the man to laugh.


    Babak slapped his shoulder before speaking, ''''Always level up, boy. Remember, there''s more to life than getting stronger. Never forget to have some fun.''''


    Atlas smiled as Mitra returned with a plate of ribs, mashed potato, and some vegetables. The older woman put it in front of him and smiled as she put her hand on Babak''s shoulder, ''''You have over two weeks left with your room, Atlas. Please let me or this silly old man know if you want to extend.''''


    "Will do," he replied, his voice muffled as he dug into his meal.


    The meat was tender and flavorful, and he devoured it with gusto. The older couple overseeing the inn chuckled at his hearty appetite before resuming their tasks. Atlas, undeterred, pulled out a Griffon Meat Box and continued eating, savoring the rich, savory taste.


    After a satisfying meal, Atlas retreated to his room. Once inside, he dismissed his armor and weapon before stripping out his muddy clothes. He climbed into bed, got comfortable, and fell asleep.


    The sleep was deep and restful, and Atlas slept longer than usual. His peaceful slumber was abruptly interrupted when Mitra entered the room carrying a breakfast tray. Seeing him still nestled under the covers, she greeted him with a warm, motherly smile.


    "My boy! You''re finally awake! Babak and I have been worried sick about you," she said with genuine concern.


    Atlas, though taken aback, felt a pang of confusion rather than irritation. Her motherly affection was unfamiliar and slightly disorienting, reminding him of a comfort he hadn''t experienced in years.


    He shook his head, but Mitra didn''t miss the sad expression, which caused the older woman to ask in a kind voice, ''''What''s wrong, darling? I can see something''s bothering you.''''


    Atlas hesitated, unsure how to respond to her question, but her encouragement urged him forward. He swallowed hard and finally asked, "If you had the chance, would you adopt me?"


    Mitra''s face lit up with a warm, beaming smile. "Of course I would!" she said, her voice brimming with happiness. "Who wouldn''t want a well-mannered, handsome son who can look after himself? And you''ve grown so much since you came here¡ªpowerful and capable. I would be proud to have a son like you."


    Atlas smiled softly, but his voice dropped to a quiet, almost hesitant tone. "Then why did no one pick me? I never caused trouble or started fights. I always helped the staff with their chores, but still, no family wanted me."


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 126: The Shattered Chasm Dungeon

    [An Ke Rah Ra Neshan Midahad ¨C The one who points the way]


    [Masiha-ye Bargozideh - The Chosen Messiah]


    ***


    After his question, Atlas noticed Mitra''s expression shift to sorrow as she listened. She reached out and drew him into a gentle hug, her voice loving and reassuring. "We lost a boy your age, you know. We''d be honored to adopt you until you leave the city. For such a short time, we have grown fond of you."


    When Atlas heard Mitra''s words, he nodded and smiled, ''''What happens if I never return to Tajariyah City?''''


    "Something tells me you''ll return one day once you''ve been on a great adventure," Mitra said, her eyes soft with hope and understanding.


    She paused, then added with a twinkle of curiosity, "Now, are you going to show me your real face? I swear by all the gods that I won''t tell a soul."


    Atlas looked at her with a raised eyebrow, ''''How did you know?'''' he questioned.


    "Do you have a scan skill? If my hunch is right, you do," Mitra replied with a knowing smile.


    He became nervous but decided to trust the woman and deactivated the Maskweaver Skill, causing her smile to grow wider as she muttered, ''''The Masiha-ye Bargozideh is real, An Ke Rah Ra Neshan Midahad.''''


    ''''The who who points the way?'''' Atlas asked.


    Mitra nodded with a giggle, ''''I can''t believe we''re harboring the Great Dahaka in our inn,'''' she said before standing up. ''''Just make sure the Immortals don''t see you; they can see through disguises.''''


    The older woman said her goodbyes, kissed him on the forehead and left the room. This situation confused him, but he was soon distracted when Amethyst sent him the daily message.


    [We are on the road heading north. The Achaemenidians are targeting me because we''re connected, but Estelle and the others are keeping us ahead of them. I can''t wait to see you again Azhar''Zul. I hope you''re okay, and I miss you]


    Atlas smiled when he saw the Phoenix Girl''s message. Before replying, he told her everything he had been up to and how much he had missed her. Then, he started eating the breakfast Mitra had brought him.


    He started planning the day''s events and decided to check out the Shattered Chasm Dungeon before trying to conquer the Silverpeak Swamp and the horrible monsters that called it home.


    Then, Atlas checked his status, knowing he had leveled up several times during the recent events.


    [Level Up: 93¡ú98]


    [Experience: 530/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 10250]


    [Health: 670¡ú700]


    [Mana: 3460¡ú3614]


    [Strength: 686¡ú722]


    [Stamina: 930>972]


    [Charisma: 416¡ú438] S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Intelligence: 560¡ú586]


    [Core Points: 2090¡ú7940]


    [Void Bullet: 3¡ú4]


    [Void Step: 3¡ú4]


    [Health Regeneration: 2¡ú3]


    ''Oh nice, two spells and a skill leveled up,'' Atlas thought while eating some of the breakfast that Mitra called Khagineh.


    The food reminded him of an omelet with herbs and meat, but he found it delicious. As the excitement built up, he pondered, ''Two more levels until I rank up.''


    After that, Atlas finished eating breakfast and drinking the Chai Tea Mitra left for him. He had to add some sugar cubes to make it taste better. ''This is delicious. I should buy more and keep it in my storage,'' he mused.


    Once Atlas finished the tea, he left the inn after saying goodbye to Mitra and Babak, who waved at him. The older woman gave him a paper bag before leaving, ''''Here''s some lunch so you won''t starve; I know you''re going into the dungeons,'''' she said with a motherly tone. Read exclusive adventures at m_v-l''-NovelFire.net


    He was still confused but deeply appreciated the experience, as it had been years since he had felt something akin to this. Atlas thanked the woman before departing, and as he summoned his gear, the sight left passersby astonished.


    Atlas knew the Shatter Chasm was in the northern part of Tajariyah and headed that way while people watching. The one thing he noticed was the increased presence of the Achaemenid soldiers.


    He even spotted several Nightowls prowling the streets, but that''s when he spotted the Immortals. Their devil-like masks sent chills down his spine, causing Atlas to shake his head and quicken his walk to the dungeon while avoiding the creepy soldiers.


    It took him half an hour to reach the entrance to the Shattered Chasm Dungeon. When the guards spotted him approaching, the commander stepped forward and asked firmly, ''''Can I see your guild card, young man?''''


    Atlas handed it over, causing the man to glance at it before asking, ''''You do know the highest rank monster is the boss, which is C+. Can you handle that?''''


    He nodded, answering, ''''I was the adventurer who discovered the Deathly Hollows.''''


    When Atlas declared that he remembered his reward, he decided to go to the guild after finishing the dungeon. He shook his head as the guard commander replied with the same firm voice: ''''Even so. You must be careful in the chasm. Many of the monsters are dangerous even if they are low-ranked.''''


    ''''I will watch my back while thinking about everything,'''' Atlas replied, causing the man to nod in agreement.


    The commander returned the card before the other soldiers opened the gate, where a portal was a few feet away. Atlas approached it while readying his weapons and stepped through the translucent doorway.


    Atlas appeared in an old, broken mining operations center that had looked abandoned for decades, as dust covered everything. While standing there, a young woman''s voice appeared in his mind, ''Dungeon Conquerer! You finally came. When I sensed you in the city above, I knew you would come to free me from the loneliness.''


    ''Yes, I conquered Deathly Hollows recently but need to complete this dungeon and the Silverpeak Swamp one before moving on,'' Atlas internally replied.


    Following that, the two of them continued to speak, but the Dungeon Master was restricted from giving him any help. Atlas stopped asking after a while before he started hearing chittering heading in his direction.


    Atlas readied his weapons and spells as a swarm of black ants emerged from the nearby tunnel. Their sharp mandibles clicked ominously, prompting him to take a step back. The relentless creatures closed in, forming a tight circle around him.


    Before they could attack, he scanned them using Void Sight on the monsters.


    [Dark Cave Ant]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    [Attacks with overwhelming numbers - Use area of effect spells to combat them]


    When Atlas saw the advice, he started casting Void Barrage multiple times, causing the chamber to light up with a beautiful blue glow before the spell launched as the swarm of ants.


    The mana blasts slammed into dozens of creatures, causing them to curl up dead as the blue flames washed over them. Loads of orange Monster Cores fell to the floor as the corpses were absorbed back into the dungeon.


    Following that, Atlas killed several monsters that survived his first attack before collecting fifty cores. The experience poured into his body, causing him to level up a few times as something inside clicked.


    ''I ranked up,'' he thought with a big smile before rechecking his status.


    [Level Up: 98¡ú103]


    [Rank: Apprentice¡úAdept]


    [Experience: 530/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 10000]


    [Health: 700¡ú854]


    [Mana: 3614¡ú3824]


    [Strength:722¡ú876]


    [Stamina: 972¡ú1126]


    [Charisma: 438¡ú472]


    [Intelligence: 586¡ú670]


    [Core Points: 7940¡ú15440]


    [Core Points Gained: 7500]


    ''Yes!'' Atlas internally celebrated but realized it was getting harder to level up.


    Following that, he walked down the tunnel the ants came from while waiting for any more attacks, but nothing happened. Atlas then stepped into a large chamber covered in weird blue grass, which didn''t make sense as he was inside a dungeon.


    ''Dungeons are strange places,'' he wondered. ''I will never get used to them.''


    Grass stretched in all directions, giving him no clue, but an arrow hit his helmet from behind. Atlas spun around and cast a Void Bullet at the culprit, who happened to be a goblin sneaking up on him.


    That''s when Atlas spotted dozens of the creatures closing in on him. He quickly scanned them.


    [Cave Goblins]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    [Easy kills - Go crazy and enjoy the free experience and core points]


    Atlas started casting Void Barrage, which slammed into the incoming monsters and caused explosions. He readied Nightblade before darting forward and ramming the sword into a Goblin''s head as he spun to slash another.


    The battle erupted, with Atlas swiftly gaining the upper hand. His superior speed left the goblins struggling to keep up. He effortlessly cut through the weaker creatures, his growing boredom evident as he continued the relentless slaughter.


    When Atlas finally finished, all twenty-three Cave Goblins lay defeated. Their bodies were absorbed into the dungeon, leaving behind the black Monster Cores, which he promptly began collecting.


    Among the loot, he found one hundred copper coins, which he stashed away in his Dimensional Storage. Atlas continued to fight some rank G Gaint Rats who attacked him when he was nearing the stairs to the next level.


    Upon entering the second level, Atlas found himself in narrow tunnels barely wide enough for a carriage. With only one path ahead, he moved cautiously, prepared for any attacks that might come his way.


    While walking down the dark tunnel, Atlas started to feel the ground rumbling, which caused him to jump to the side. A creepy worm-like monster appeared from the freshly opened hole and tried to bite, but he fired several Void Blasts.


    The newcomer dropped to the ground while thrashing around, which allowed him to scan it.


    [Giant Dark Worm]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ***


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 127: This Is Interesting

    When Atlas saw the worm monsters trying to attack him, he dodged their lunges while stabbing them in the head. As the creatures surrounded him, he cast Void Wave, which sent some of them flying.


    Following that, he took out two Inferno Bombs and launched them at the worms, causing two firestorms to erupt in the tunnel. As the fire toward Atlas, he cast Void Guard as the flames washed over him.


    Seconds passed, and when the blue fire vanished, Atlas glanced around and spotted five green cores, which he sucked into his storage before continuing down the dark tunnel that was covered in cobwebs and bones of fallen adventurers that the dungeon left out for the show.


    Atlas decided to activate the Dungeon Conquerer Skill and use it on the dungeon, only to have a notification pop up, which caused his excitement to grow.


    [Floor 1: Monster Ranks: E-G]


    [Floor 2-5: Monster Ranks: G-E-D]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 6-15: Monster Ranks ¨C G-E-D]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 16 ¨C 26: Monster Ranks ¨C D-C]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 27-37: Monster Ranks ¨C C]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 38-40: Monster Ranks ¨C C ¨C B]


    [Boss: ?????? ]


    ''Forty-one floors!'' Atlas internally exclaimed. ''This is an interesting thought; I wonder if it''s a benefit of having the Dungeon Conquerer Skill.''


    While examining the notifications, something told him to duck, which he did as a four-foot-long lobster-like creature passed by. Atlas quickly struck back by casting Void Blast at the monster, causing it to explode.


    Just as Atlas prepared for the next move, a swarm of monstrous creatures surged forward, their claws snapping menacingly. With a swift, agile dance, Atlas ducked and wove through their attacks, his blades flashing as he dodged their strikes.


    He unleashed Void Wave in a heartbeat, a powerful blast that cleared a wide berth around him. Gathering his focus, Atlas readied his blades and tapped into his incredible speed. He darted and leaped so quickly that afterimages trailed his path, confusing the lobster-like creatures.


    As Atlas struck with precision, each stab dropped a monster before a spell blasted it away. He seized the moment to scan the monsters.


    [Cave fisher]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Speed! Speed! Speed!]


    Atlas listened to the advice and became a whirlwind as he blocked the monster''s attacks before stabbing them through the eyes. He battled the Cave Fishers with a skill that constant fighting granted him.


    As the fight raged on, Atlas became a storm of death because he only got faster and more precise as he killed more monsters. Each enemy that fell before him only fueled his ferocity, making him an unstoppable force.


    He carved a path of destruction through the dungeon, his movements a blur of black and blue as the disguise deactivated. Finally, he appeared on the third floor, where a new and formidable enemy awaited him.


    The surroundings reminded him of the chasm''s bottom, minus the swamp, which made the environment somewhat more bearable. Atlas, restless and brimming with unspent energy, was in desperate need of an outlet.


    Just then, something darted out from the shadows, capturing his full attention. Atlas raised Nightblade only to block a spider''s pointed leg; following that, he struck back and cut the limb off before blasting the monster with a Void Bullet that exploded in its face, sending it flying backward.


    He followed this with a Void Barrage; a storm of void mana erupted from his hands. The barrage struck the swarm of hissing spiders as they scuttled toward him, eradicating their numbers in a flood of azure explosions.


    This gave Atlas time to scan his new foe.


    [Cave Weaver]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Explosions deal with them effortlessly]


    Atlas continued casting Void Bullets and Void Blasts, which peppered the remaining spiders, causing them to drop dead while others fled deeper into the chasm. The dungeon quickly absorbed the bodies, allowing him to collect the twenty glowing green Monster Cores.


    He pressed down the clear pathway, preparing Void Guard to shield himself. However, the spiders kept their distance, allowing him to pass without incident until he reached the fourth-floor entrance.


    As he was about to descend, the Cave Weavers lunged at him from the shadows. Atlas activated Void Guard just in time to deflect their attacks. The spiders rebounded off his shield, giving him the opening he needed to unleash Void Barrage, obliterating three monsters.


    While fighting, the Cave Fishers joined the battle, forcing Atlas to focus more on his attacks so he could whittle down the swarm of monsters. The fight lasted for twenty minutes, and his breath grew short.


    Atlas, needing a brief respite, dispatched a group of goblins with ruthless efficiency. However, his moment of reprieve was abruptly shattered when a Cave Weaver lunged at him, its fangs piercing through his armor and embedding themselves in his chest.


    The venomous bite injected a paralyzing toxin directly into his bloodstream. Feeling his strength leaving him, Atlas summoned all his remaining energy to cast Void Wave, which hurled the Cave Weaver away, crashing into a nearby wall.


    Due to force, Atlas tumbled down the stairs to the fourth floor, hitting the ground with a resounding thud. Though weakened, the creatures above were blocked from following by an invisible barrier.


    Atlas looked up and noticed he was in a Safe Zone before taking out the Antidote Potion he had received a while back and downing it. When the liquid flowed down his throat, it destroyed the spider''s venom, allowing him to fall asleep due to exhaustion.


    A few hours passed, and Atlas woke up with a headache. He sat up and noticed his armor and spider bite had already been repaired. He stood up and stretched before glancing around.


    He soon realized the Safe Zone extended onto the fourth floor, revealing an expansive chamber strewn with boulders and rocky debris. Atlas surveyed the area, bracing himself for whatever monstrous threat might emerge. Discover hidden content at m,v l''e-NovelFire.net


    "Something''s not right with this floor," Atlas mused, a creeping sense of unease settling over him.


    To his surprise, no new monsters appeared as he navigated the rocky expanse, allowing him to cross the chamber without further incident. Atlas closed in on the staircase built into a giant boulder leading to the fifth floor.


    ''A red flag,'' Atlas instantly thought. ''A monster will appear when I close in on the floor exit.''


    He walked toward it, but several explosions rang out as dust clouds rushed at him. Atlas yelped at the sudden chaos and scanned the new monsters to find out what they were and how to fight them.


    [Landshark]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    [Keep off the ground and bring them to the surface]


    As Atlas sensed the impending danger, he swiftly activated Void Step and reappeared atop a nearby stone. Just then, a massive creature burst forth from the ground, its beady eyes locking onto him with a sinister gaze that sat on a bullet-shaped head.


    The beast, roughly the size of a hippo, was encased in thick, light brown armored plates that glinted ominously. Its four sturdy, muscular legs bore immense weight, while its massive jaw snapped menacingly in his direction.


    Quickly, Atlas extended his hand and unleashed Void Blast toward the monster. However, the creature reacted surprisingly quickly, diving into the ground just before the spell could reach it.


    ''Dammit! This is going to turn into wack-o-mole,'' he thought before jumping off the stone.


    He landed with a resounding thud, immediately drawing the attention of more Landsharks that charged at him from all directions. Atlas waited until they were nearly upon him before casting Void Step, deftly evading their attacks as they erupted from the ground.


    With a precise strike, he engaged the nearest Landshark. Thrusting his Nightblade into the monster''s eye, he followed up with a Void Bullet, which exploded with devastating force, blowing its head apart.


    An explosion sent a spray of flesh and chitin cascading over him. Atlas then used this tactic to lure the monsters out; he would stab them before blowing them up like balloons. The battle lasted for twenty minutes, and ten Landsharks lay in bits while he let out heavy breaths due to the tiredness taking over.


    Atlas watched the bodies vanish, leaving behind the ten green Monster Cores and light brown plates that caught his interest. He picked up one and scanned it using Void Sight to get some information.


    [Landshark Plate - Can be used for armor or weapon - Very durable - Worth fifty silver per one]


    ''Maybe I can add this to the Nightfall Armor,'' he thought with a greedy smile.


    Atlas approached the fifth-floor entrance before more monsters could attack him. When he reached the bottom of the staircase, he saw a cave entrance resembling an ant nest, which caused him to wonder, ''I bet it''s the Dark Cave Ants. They will earn me loads of experience.'' S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He entered the ant nest just before the monsters charged out of the darkness, but he cut them down easily as he cast multiple Void Bullets that peppered the other monsters. A chaotic battle erupted at the entrance as more Dark Cave Ants swarmed from the shadows.


    Yet, the azure flames incinerated the creatures and turned them to ash, leaving behind a scatter of Monster Cores. After an intense hour of combat, the onslaught finally ceased. Atlas, visibly exhausted, found a rare moment of respite.


    The corpses of the fallen ants blocked the path, preventing any further attacks and allowing him a much-needed break to recover his strength.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 128: Could You Keep Watch

    Atlas watched the corpse pile move as more Dark Cave Ants tried to burrow through their dead kin to get to him. He readied himself while blasting the bodies with Void Blast, letting the ones behind come through.


    He stabbed, slashed, and thrust his blades into many of the giant ants before they stopped coming. Atlas caught his breath while collecting the twenty green cores and checking his status once he had stored them away.


    [Level Up: 103¡ú106]


    [Experience: 4280/5000]


    Your next chapter is on m v|l-e''-NovelFire.net


    [Experience Gained: 19750]


    [Health: 854¡ú874]


    [Mana: 3824¡ú3876]


    [Strength: 876¡ú920]


    [Stamina: 1126¡ú1146]


    [Charisma: 472¡ú482]


    [Intelligence: 670¡ú684]


    [Core Points: 15440¡ú29090]


    [Core Points Gained: 13650]


    While looking at his status, he remembered a quote from Earth about getting stronger as his body felt the strain of all the fighting and spell casting, '' The mightiest of warriors know their own limits and push beyond them.''


    Atlas gripped the handles of his blades, determination burning in his eyes as he shook away fatigue. To become the strongest warrior in Valoria, he knew he had to surpass everyone. With renewed spirit, he charged into the ant''s nest, cutting down every monster that crossed his path.


    ''These creatures won''t stop me; they will only help me grow even stronger,'' Atlas excitedly thought.


    His movements were a blur of darkness, a streak of relentless fury. Dozens of ants fell to his Nightblade before him, their bodies littering the tunnel''s floor, which led deeper into the ant''s nest.


    As Atlas advanced, he reached a sprawling chamber where a colossal insect, guarded by smaller ones, awaited him. A notification popped up when he saw his new enemies, which made him smile as it was the first hurdle on his journey.


    [Sub-Boss One: Dark Cave Ant Queen - Floor Five]


    After seeing that, he scanned the remaining monsters to see what he was fighting and their ranks. ''They don''t seem that strong, but it''s better to check,'' he thought.


    [Dark Cave Ant Warrior]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    [Tough monsters - Use explosive magic to crack the exoskeleton]


    [Dark Cave Ant Queen]


    [C - 500 exp]


    [Moody bitch who hates all intruders - Blast her away and make sure to destroy the monsters brain]


    ''Now it''s time to complete this dungeon and earn some more monsters for my growing army,'' Atlas thought as the excitement built up before he cast a dozen Void Bullets that peppered the monsters, causing chaos to erupt in the chamber as the explosion rocked the chamber.


    Smoke filled the chamber, but he didn''t move while waiting to see what the Queen Ant would do as the smell of burned monsters hit his nose. The Warrior Ants rushed forward, but Atlas grinned before activating the Dungeon Conquerer and summoning the Death Gorilla, which stormed out of the azure portal that opened up next to him.


    When the monster appeared, she brutalized the other creatures by punching and pummeling them before pulling off their limbs and crushing the ants'' heads with her foot. The Death Gorilla then let out an earth-shaking roar.


    As the massive monster clashed with the Warrior ants, Atlas focused on his true target¡ªthe queen. Without thinking, he launched a Void Bomb across the vast chamber. The spell struck the Sub-Boss squarely on the head before erupting in a blinding explosion.


    Before that happened, he shielded the Death Gorilla, who hugged him tightly after she raced across the chamber. However, the Void Guard protected them while wiping everything out apart from the queen.


    Once the dust settled, she let Atlas go while checking his body for injuries, just like a worried mother, causing him to smile as he put his hand on her arm. ''''I''m okay. Let''s deal with the queen, and you can join me on my dungeon journey.''''


    She huffed but nodded in acknowledgment before turning to the Queen Ant, who was Struggling to get up; the glow of green cores lit up the destroyed chamber. Atlas approached the monster before thrusting his blade through its head, causing it to die.


    He felt the experience pour into his body, causing him to smile before a notification popped up.


    [Sub-Bosses: 3/4]


    Atlas was happy but knew it would take a few hours to get to the boss, but that wouldn''t stop his goal of completing the dungeon. While thinking to himself, the Death Gorilla picked him up by the scruff of the neck and put him on her back.


    They started traveling to the staircase to the sixth floor, and she could pass through the barrier that blocked the other monsters. When Atlas saw the next challenge, he sighed as if it was a swamp.


    Which caused him to think, ''I hate swamps! But at least I have her with me.''


    Atlas looked at the monster as she scanned the swamp and smiled as he ran his hand through her silky fur, saying, ''''Your name will be Kala; you seem like a mother to me and have shown that you care for me.''''


    Kala looked back at him and nodded before several explosions erupted around her. That''s when she caught a pair of jaws aimed at biting them. When Atlas saw this, he cast Void Blast at one as he lunged toward another that tried to attack his monster''s leg.


    When Atlas blocked the attack, he felt his arms strain but soon realized they were again fighting the Landsharks. Kala snapped the monster''s jaws open before pummeling it with her huge fists, causing blood to fly everywhere.


    Afterward, he deftly avoided the Landshark''s attack, drove his blade into its side, and unleashed a Void Blast. The powerful explosion erupted from within, obliterating the creature.


    Kala took down two more creatures, covering him as he engaged another beast. The pair battled through a half-dozen monsters before the onslaught finally ceased. Exhausted and drenched in sweat, Atlas felt the weariness settle in as the adrenaline faded.


    ''I feel so tired, but I must keep fighting,'' Atlas pondered.


    Following that, the pair butchered their way across Floors six to twelve, where they encountered a new type of monster, one that creeped him out, forcing them to hide in a tree to evaluate the situation before attacking.


    A group of frog-like men were hunting in the swamp below, hidden in the hot and humid brush. Atlas noticed the things stood taller than himself by a head but were more muscular and evil-looking, which surprised him as they felt weak, ''These will be easy to kill!''


    He saw they were wielding homemade swords and spears while some had slings. They were hunting a Cave Fisher, cornered only to be put down seconds later when the biggest frogman thrust its spear into the lobster''s eyes.


    Atlas realized they were hunting for other creatures, which interested him. That''s when he turned to Kala, who was hiding next to him while they eyed the new targets. He smiled at the gorilla before informing her of the plan, ''''Let''s ambush them, girl. It will be fun to scare the monsters before putting them down.''''


    ''This monster is more than just a soldier,'' he wondered. ''Maybe as I use them more the monsters grow closer to me.''


    Once hearing his suggestion, Kala nodded with determination in her eyes before Atlas scanned the new monsters to see what they were.


    [Kuo-Toa]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    [Hit them with everything you have! They will swarm you otherwise]


    Atlas beamed in excitement before speaking as he jumped from the branch, ''''Let''s go, kala!''''


    Kala leaped into the fray, roaring fiercely and beating her chest. Meanwhile, as Atlas crashed to the ground, he unleashed a Void Wave that incinerated a dozen frogmen, turning them into ash.


    ''Killing these monsters is an easy experience farm. I should stay here and fight more of them,'' Atlas mused. ''No, that would become boring after an hour.'' sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After that, he went to work and ran his blade across a larger Kuo-Toa''s throat just before sending a few Void Bullets into a small group, sending them flying across the swamp. The Death Gorilla was pummeling the frog men who tried to stab her from behind with their shabby spears.


    The two of them butchered their way across floors twelve to fifteen and killed so many frogmen that it got boring after a while. Atlas was now sitting on a branch that looked over a lake in the middle of the swamp.


    ''At last, I managed to collect fifty Monster Cores. I could sell them to earn even more gold, but the two thousand silver and one hundred Kuo-Toa tongues he had collected will do for now,'' Atlas pondered while eating an Orc''s Delights meat box, which he enjoyed as all the flavors exploded on his tongue.


    Atlas offered some to Kala, but she shook her head, then pulled him into a warm embrace that made him aware of how drained he was. He removed his helmet and said, "Could you keep watch while I get some rest?"


    Kala nodded and made sure he was safe while recovering. Atlas soon fell asleep while the gorilla wrapped him in a motherly hug and let out a growl to keep the monsters away until he could wake up.


    A couple of hours later, Atlas woke up feeling refreshed, causing him to let out a loud yawn. The Death Gorilla turned her attention to him before he smiled, ''''Thank you for protecting me, Kara; I appreciate it and do hope we get on from now on.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 129: Kuo-Toa Tribe

    The Death Gorilla Kara nodded before letting Atlas go so he could stand up, remembering that they were on a branch above the murky swamp below. He looked into the distance and wondered what the boss would be next.


    ''I bet it has something to do with the frog people lurking around here,'' he pondered while preparing his weapons. ''Maybe a Shaman or something; that''s what happens in the novels.''


    Atlas shook his head and checked his status before continuing his journey through the dungeon to level up even more.


    [Level Up: 106¡ú114]


    [Experience: 780/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 31500]


    [Health: 874¡ú986]


    [Mana: 3876¡ú4326]


    [Strength: 920¡ú1034]


    [Stamina: 1146¡ú1278]


    [Charisma: 482¡ú524]


    [Intelligence: 684¡ú798]


    [Core Rank: Low Apprentice¡úMid Apprentice]


    [Core Points: 29090>7090]


    [Core Points Gained: 18000]


    [Dual Wielding: 4¡ú5]


    [Dungeon Conqueror: 0¡ú1]


    ''I''m growing so fast; I wonder if the girls are leveling up like me,'' he mused while thinking about them.


    After doing that, Atlas prepared to continue fighting while feeling refreshed. He used Void Sight to scan his surroundings but didn''t see anything. With that, he climbed on Kara''s back, and she jumped off the branch to land with a crash.


    They rushed across the fifteenth floor, killing any monsters in their way, until something told Atlas to stop running. It was too late, as the ground gave way. He quickly cast Void Step, causing them to appear nearby. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Turning around, he spotted the pitfall trap they nearly fell into, ''Did the frog people do this!'' Atlas wondered.


    While examining that, a sudden woosh of arrows and spells flew toward him, but Kara quickly stepped in front to block the attack using her large frame. She grunted as the projectiles hit her, causing Atlas to spin around and instantly cast Void Barrage, which lit up the large chamber with a bright blue glow.


    His spells slammed into a swarm of Kuo-Toa rushing toward them, which caused explosions to erupt all over the place. Frog people were torn apart and thrown all over the place just as Atlas rushed in and started killing them with slashes, stabs, and thrusts with the Nightblade and Blood Knife.


    Atlas used his speed, magic, and weapons to slim down the horde, but eventually, he was pushed back when bigger Kuo-Toa''s appeared. He crossed his blade before he was sent flying across the chamber when one of the monster''s fists crashed into his defense.


    Kara moved in and punched one of them as she tore into the others. Atlas recovered as he got to his feet, and more Kuo-Tao people charged at him. He started deflecting their shabby swords and spears that aimed at his torse as they tried to encircle the two.


    While this happened, a notification popped up when he saw the monster, which shocked Atlas but excited him simultaneously as it meant he was closer to finishing the second Sub-Boss.


    [Sub-Boss Two: Kuo-Toa Tribe Leader - Floor fifteen]


    ''A tribe boss! What the hell is it with this dungeon,'' Atlas thought as he plunged Nightblade through one of the bigger frog people.


    Its corpse crumbled to the ground while Atlas cast Void Barrage again, tearing the enemy apart. As he did that, he spotted Kara going down after she was swamped by the bigger creatures, causing him to rush to her aid.


    ''I''m sorry, Kara, there are too many monsters,'' he thought as guilt riddled him.


    He started flinging Void Bullets at the swarm of monsters attacking her, but it was no use; she vanished as the creatures jumped all over her. When Atlas saw this, he became angry and started slaughtering every Kuo-Toa he could find.


    Without a slither of mercy, he hacked, slashed, burned, and decimated the tribe until he came upon the leader. Atlas saw the monster standing six feet tall, dressed in shabby armor, carrying a massive club.


    Atlas watched the newcomer with a growing smile beneath his helmet. Around them, the other frog people formed a tight circle, their eyes fixed on the larger one, who let out a vicious roar.


    The crowd erupted into a frenzied cheer for their leader, causing the arena to tremble and prompting Atlas to growl in annoyance. He focused on the imposing monster, trying to discern whether it was of Rank C.


    [Koa-Toa Tribe Leader]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [A strong Sub-Boss - Move quick but striker quicker]


    ''Oh, a high-ranked monster!'' he smiled while readying his blades and bursting forward like a missile, shocking the surrounding monsters.


    The leader was thrown off as he struck the monster''s ankles and knees, causing the Sub-Boss to stumble forward. However, Atlas cast several Void Bullets into its back, and when that happened, the rest of the tribe suddenly attacked.


    Atlas had to bob and weave around weapons, tails, and teeth, but every time he moved, a monster dropped, leaving behind its cores. The battle continued as he became overwhelmed by the sheer number of the creepy frog people.


    ''I need some help,'' Atlas considered while blocking several attacks. ''Maybe I can test out more dungeon monsters.'' Your next journey awaits at m v|l-e''-NovelFire.net


    He used Void Step to clear some space-activated Dungeon Conquerer and spent a large chunk of his mana to summon the Rank C Dreadfiend knight. The black armored knight stepped through the portal, holding a sword and shield.


    When the Kuo-Toa leader spotted Atlas''s backup, it roared in anger before charging forward, only to be stopped by the knight who blocked its swing while slicing through its side using the sword.


    The two Rank C monsters battled while Atlas rushed around the chamber, using his weapons and magic to slay many of the remaining Koa-Toa. Blue projectiles flew all over the place, causing the monsters to try to get out of the way.


    After that, Atlas finished the surviving frogmen before turning to the leader who had just battered the Dreadfiend Knight, who skidded along the arena''s floor. He rushed toward the Sub-Boss and slung several Void Blasts at the monster, causing several explosions all over its body.


    The force of the cheer sent the Koa-Toa leader crashing into the arena''s wall. Seizing the opportunity, the Dreadfiend Knight charged past him, driving its sword through the monster''s chest.


    At the same moment, Atlas executed a Void Step, appearing beside the creature. He aimed his hand at its skull and fired a Void Arrow, which shot through and pierced it cleanly. The giant frog man went limp as the experience flowed into his body, and the knight stood at attention behind him.


    Atlas caught his breath as another notification popped up. It made him smile, and he thought, ''Two down, two to go. It shouldn''t take too long now.''


    [Sub-Bosses: 2/4]


    Then, he started collecting the one hundred Rank D Monster Cores, which glowed a beautiful green. Atlas stored them all before spotting some other loot that caught his eye and caused him to pick it up.


    The silver bracelet looked similar to the Lover''s Band but was decorated with beautiful blue gems. When Atlas saw this, he scanned it to see if he would benefit from wearing the jewelry.


    [Bracelet of Vitality - Gives the wearer one hundred in Health, Strength, and Stamina when equipped]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 5]


    ''Fighting the frog tribe was worth it for this but there in two more things,'' Atlas pondered before turning his attention to the blade that lay where the Kou-Toa Leader fell.


    He picked it up and scanned it on to be amazed.


    [Deepforge Blade - A blade made from a rare metal that comes from the Titan Sea''s underwater caverns]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level 2]


    ''This can replace the Blood Knife,'' Atlas internally mused while examining the weapon.


    It featured a dark blue blade nearly the size of his forearm, with a handle crafted from the bone of an unidentified monster. Atlas swung it around, causing him to think, ''This feels right and its the same rank as the Nightblade.''


    Atlas stored the weapon on his belt before picking up the red core and heading to the sixteenth floor, as the Dreadfiend Knight followed behind. While walking down the stairs, he used his skill to pull up the dungeon stats.


    [Floor 1: Monster Ranks: E-G]


    [Floor 2-5: Monster Ranks: G-E-D]


    [Sub-Boss: Dark Ant Queen - Floor 5]


    [Floors 6-15: Monster Ranks ¨C G-E-D]


    [Sub-Boss: Koa-Toa Tribe - Floor 15]


    [Floors 16 ¨C 26: Monster Ranks ¨C D-C]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 27-37: Monster Ranks ¨C C]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 38-40: Monster Ranks ¨C C ¨C B]


    [Boss: ?????? ]


    ''Interesting,'' he thought. ''Maybe the Dungeon Boss won''t be corrupted like the last one.''


    Following that, Atlas entered the sixteenth floor and rolled his eyes when he saw the scene before him, ''Another creepy tunnel! I wonder what monsters will be lurking down here.''


    He steeled his determination and checked on the Dreadfriend Knight, standing behind him, ready for a fight. Atlas entered the dark passageway and noticed it was damp, and the smell of mold hit his nose.


    Atlas scanned the tunnel but couldn''t see any monsters, causing him to think as he stepped in a puddle, ''This place is a nightmare in the making.''


    The tunnel was big enough to fit a carriage with some room to spare. Atlas soon reached a junction and didn''t know where to go before activating Dungeon Conquerer, summoning the Stonecrawlers, and ordering the insects to scout ahead while he waited.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 130: This Is Creepy

    Atlas was waiting for the Stonecrawlers to return while the Dreadfiend Knight stood like a sentinel, but it suddenly reacted and blocked an attack, which let out a loud clang, causing his monster to skid backward before crashing into the wall.


    ''What the hell!'' he internally thought while looking at the knight whose armor was cracked under the force of the attack.


    He spun around to see a massive humanoid-looking insect, a monstrous amalgamation of chitin and muscle that seemed to pulse with a dark, unsettling energy. It stood over six feet tall, its four powerful limbs ending in clawed appendages that dug into the ground as it moved.


    ''What is this nightmarish monster!'' Atlas panicked before he quickly used Void Sight on it.


    [Umber-Hulk]


    [Rank: C+ - 550]


    [Don''t let it catch you! Use your speed to bring it down]


    The Umber-Hulk''s head was a grotesque fusion of insect and beast, with multiple, multifaceted eyes glowing a sinister yellow. Its massive and sharp mandibles clicked ominously as it surveyed its surroundings with an unsettling intelligence.


    ''This thing is smart,'' he pondered. ''The way it''s looking at us is creepy.''


    Atlas watched the creature''s mandibles flex, revealing jagged teeth dripping with a viscous, greenish fluid. His heart pounded as he saw the Umber-Hulk. Its presence exuded a palpable menace, and the ground around it seemed to shiver in fear.


    The beast''s gaze locked onto him with an unsettling intensity, and the air thickened with tension. Atlas tightened his grip on his blades as the Dreadfiend Knight prepared to swing at the monster.


    However, the Umber-Hulk acted first, forcing the knight to block rather than attack. When the creature struck his ally with full force, it obliterated the Dreadfiend Knight. Atlas watched as the knight''s black armor shattered due to the impact of the blow.


    ''Oh shit, that attack must have been strong to obliterate the knight,'' he thought.


    When Atlas spotted this, he started casting Void Bullets and Void Blast at the new nightmare that had appeared. The azure projectiles sliced through the air before hitting the monster''s chitin armor, causing several explosions that sent him flying down the tunnel before crashing into a wall with a thud.


    He felt some of his bones break on contact, but his Regeneration kicked in as the Umber-Hulk rushed toward him with rage in its creepy yellow eyes. As the monster swiped at him, Atlas gulped but struggled to his feet.


    Seeing the monster''s fist heading straight toward him, Atlas cast Void Step to reappear behind his foe before he thrust his blades into the creature''s back and cast Void Blast, which caused the Umber-Hulk to roar in pain.


    He continued dodging the creature''s wild attacks while attacking the soft flesh between the chitin plates. Blood started running from the wounds, causing him to grow confident as he rushed in one more time.


    The Umber-Hulk was ready and swung its massive fist, striking Atlas and making him yelp in pain. It felt like a car had just hit him. He was propelled down the tunnel like a bullet before crashing down inside a large chamber.


    As Atlas lay in pain, he knew the monster was heading his way, and the ground below him trembled with every one of its steps. He managed to get to his feet after doing a health potion that made him feel better.


    He shook his head and saw the creature''s fist hurtling toward him. He cast Void Guard, successfully blocking the attack but sending him skidding backward as the barrier shattered from the impact.


    The Umber-Hulk was confused, but Atlas pointed his Nightblade at the monster and cast Void Bomb before running to find some cover. When the spell hit its target, an explosion occurred just as he saw a boulder to jump behind.


    A shockwave rang out, causing Atlas''s hiding place to tremble, but he was fine. Following that attack, he crawled out only to see the beautiful red monster core left behind, which made him smile.


    Atlas stood up and approached the core before picking up and storing it away just as the ground shook again, ''More of them!''


    He quickly leaned back as another Umber-Hulk''s fist passed by his face within a few inches causing him to feel the wind through the slit in his helmet. Atlas quickly fired off a Void Bullet that exploded in the monster''s chest, making it stumble back.


    As Atlas continued to dodge the monsters'' attacks, he discovered their weakness: targeting their unarmored ankles. Striking there caused the creatures to roar in pain each time he made contact. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''There we go, now I''ll kill you easier.''


    With a smile, he dashed forward and kept slicing at one of the Umber-Hulk''s ankles, which brought it to its knees after a few minutes, allowing him to stab through the chitin plates at the neck before casting Void Blast that tore off its head.


    Atlas felt a surge of experience flooding him when the second monster appeared and slapped him aside. He crossed his swords just before the impact but was still sent flying due to the blow.


    He managed to right himself in mid-air and landed on both feet before casting two more Void Bombs, driving his blades into the ground below and casting Void Guard just before the spell hit the two monsters.


    An explosion shook the chamber as it wiped out one of the monsters, allowing Atlas to rush in and finish off the survivor by driving both swords through its neck and splattering the ground below with its blood.


    ''Now you''re both dead,'' he thought with a tired smile.


    Atlas was drenched in sweat and covered in bruises; he could barely stand due to exhaustion. While looking around, he spotted a boulder with a hole under it, which allowed him to hide.


    ''I need to rest, my body hurts.''


    He crawled inside before pulling out his Enchanted Winter Cloak and wrapped it around himself to get comfortable, only to fall asleep seconds later as his body started to heal itself and mend all the cracked bones.


    A couple of hours later, Atlas woke up feeling refreshed. He puzzled over what had happened before recalling that he was in a dungeon. He shook his head, sat up, and took a moment to gather his thoughts.


    ''I feel so much better after a nap, but I can''t wait to sleep in a real bed,'' Atlas pondered while shaking his head.


    Minutes later, he was ready to continue but checked his status before leaving his hideaway.


    [Level Up: 114¡ú121]


    [Experience: 1280/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 35500]


    [Health: 986¡ú1010(200)]


    [Mana: 4326¡ú4426]


    [Strength: 1034¡ú1052(100)]


    [Stamina: 1278¡ú1310(250)]


    [Charisma: 524¡ú536]


    [Intelligence: 798¡ú820]


    [Core Points: 7090¡ú27340]


    [Core Points Gained: 20250]


    [Dimensional Storage: 2¡ú3]


    ''Oh nice, I''m slowly getting stronger,'' Atlas thought before continuing through the sixteenth floor where there fought another the Umber-Hulks.


    He avoided all their attacks by focusing on dodging and attacking their weaknesses, bringing them down. The more Atlas fought with them, the easier it became for him to find the way, and by the time he reached the seventeenth floor, he had slaughtered ten of the monsters.


    Atlas looted some of their chitinous armor and red Monster Cores. He continued through the next few floors and fought the creepy Cave Weavers, Spiders, Landsharks, and Cave Fishers, which were quickly dealt with.


    Many monsters fell to his blade and magic, and when reaching the staircase to the twenty-third floor, he thought, ''The previous floors had creatures I already fought. When will some new ones appear?'' Your next read is at m v|l-e''-NovelFire.net


    Following that thought, Atlas entered the next floor only to realize he was in another enormous tunnel. He looked around but couldn''t see or sense anything, causing him to think, ''This is creepy; I know the monsters will appear soon.''


    Atlas started walking down the tunnel, and twenty minutes later, he felt a slight rumble coming from the ground below, which put him on edge as he readied his blades. Seconds later, a boulder flew out of the darkness, forcing him to jump to the side as it crashed into the spot he was just in.


    The large rock exploded, causing Atlas to keep his head down. Then, he glanced at the culprit and saw a massive monster staring at him with hate in its black eyes. Atlas yelped when he saw this creature before jumping up and slowly backing off while scanning it.


    [Cave Troll]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Either run or fight, but don''t stop moving]


    ''A damn troll! I swear the God of Luck is laughing at me,'' Atlas thought while preparing to fight.


    The monster stood taller than the Umber-Hulks, with sickly grey skin and rippling muscles underneath. Atlas didn''t know how to fight such a beast but decided to try using his magic and swords.


    When the Cave Troll noticed his determination to fight, it roared angrily before swinging a massive wooden club as it charged toward him. Atlas ducked under the weapons and launched himself forward.


    He dodged another attack while casting Void Barrage at the monster, peppering it with azure projectiles that exploded. Atlas then used Void Step to reappear behind the troll as he slashed its ankles.


    In a furious flurry, the troll swung its massive arms backward, but Atlas evaded each blow as he battered the beast to its knees with a thunderous crash. Seizing the moment, he leaped onto its back and drove his blade through its skull, ending the battle with a decisive blow.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 131: Colony

    Following the battle with the Cave Troll, Atlas bathed in the experience and grew addicted to the feeling. He shook his head as the corpse was sucked back into the dungeon while leaving behind twenty silver coins and a glowing red core.


    ''This will help me become rich,'' he mused with a greedy smile.


    Atlas grabbed the loot before continuing down the dark and damp tunnel, which gave off a creepy feeling and ended in a massive chamber. It reminded him of a mine where a cart would transport stuff to the surface back on Earth.


    ''Was this part of the city? But it seems extremely old,'' Atlas mused while admiring the seventeenth floor.


    He quickly noticed massive stone beams decorated the cavern walls while the Cave Weaver webs covered almost everything. While walking through the darkness, Atlas was suddenly attacked by some Cave Fishers who lunged out of the shadows.


    Thanks to his speed, he cut them in half after sidestepping their snapping claws, ''Damn things made me jump,'' Atlas thought with a chuckle while blasting a spider with Void Bullets that caused it to drop dead in a storm of blue fire.


    He killed every skin-crawling cave lobster that kept trying to ambush him along the path, and the monsters were getting on his nerves; the next foe was the giant dog-sized Cave Weavers that crept along the walls and ceilings, forcing Atlas to use magic to kill them.


    After an hour of ambushes, he collected one hundred and three green cores along with Cave Fisher Claws and Cave Weaver poison. Void Sight told him he could see the monster parts to stores or the Adventurers Guild.


    Then, he continued down the tunnel and was shocked when he felt himself connecting with his new blade. The Deepforge was perfect for him as it was durable and could eventually connect with him the more he used it.


    Atlas continued down the tunnel, examining the new weapon he got, which felt light and comfortable in his hands. Without more monster ambushes, he traveled down the pathway in relative peace.


    Twenty minutes later, Atlas encountered a stone bridge spanning a dark chasm that he knew would end in a nightmare ecosystem of insects that would start hunting him. He rolled his eyes, mumbling annoyedly, "Looks like the world is trying to throw me down there again, but it won''t work this time."


    Atlas continued walking until his foot touched the cold stone of the bridge. When nothing occurred, he started to cross and sighed in relief as he reached the other side. After reaching the other side and surveying the cavern, he spotted hundreds of large holes scattered across the ground.


    ''More insects? Ants maybe? But they were on the previous floors so it wouldn''t make sense.''


    Curious about what creatures might emerge from them, Atlas realized he needed to be prepared for the impending fight. He activated Call of the Void and summoned a Void Raptor Warrior to ride across this place. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the dinosaur appeared, it nuzzled its head into Atlas''s chest, which made him smile, ''''Hello, boy. Sorry I haven''t called on you, but I''ve unlocked a new power that gave me more monsters.''''


    The Raptor Warrior let out a chirp of excitement as Atlas mounted its back. He commanded the creature to navigate the dungeon cavern, and with an eager chirp in response, the Void Raptor Warrior surged forward across the nightmarish landscape.


    Atlas watched the landscape pass by as the raptor dashed across the last part of the seventeenth floor. As they closed into the staircase, a giant insect lunged at him from one of the holes.


    He was suddenly flung into one of the holes when it struck him off the back of the Void Raptor. Panicked, Atlas drew his swords as he plummeted and drove them into the side of the chasm.


    The blades caught and slowed his descent until he reached a smaller tunnel, but he guessed this was the eighteenth floor as the mana changed. ''What is this place? And what was the monster that attacked me?''


    Atlas was in another dark and damp tunnel, but this time, instead of stone, it was some white material that was rock hard. He knew this stuff was organic because of the mana radiating off it, which was separate from the dungeon.


    While glancing around, he heard a chirp come from above him. Atlas glanced up only to see the Raptor Warrior was using its claws to slide down until it reached the bottom. The void monster''s actions made him smile before he stroked the dinosaur, which made the creature happy.


    ''Are those monsters growing closer to me? They seem more than weapons to use,'' Atlas mused with a smile. Discover hidden content at m,v l''e-NovelFire.net


    The two of them then traveled down one of the tunnels until the sound of thousands of insects reached his ears, forcing Atlas to stop. Hearing that, he summoned the six Void Raptors from Group Two of the level one of the Void Realm.


    When the dinosaurs appeared, he spoke, ''''You seven cover my rear; chirp if they break through.''''


    Several happy chirps reached his ears as he thought with a gulp, ''I can always use Group Three with the Raptor King, he should be useful here.''


    After that thought, Atlas readied his weapons and magic as the sound got closer. Seconds later, the first monster crawled around the corner, shocking him, but he shook his head and scanned it using Void Sight.


    [Dark Termite Warrior]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Weak to explosive magic, but the monsters are also intelligent]


    "This is going to be a tough fight," he muttered, registering the creature''s increased strength due to the volatile mana in the area.


    His grip tightened around his sword as he observed them. The creatures were as large as lions, with massive heads and fierce mandibles that snapped menacingly in his direction, sending shivers down his spine.


    Their beady eyes locked onto him with deadly intent. Atlas quickly noted that their bodies were covered in a thick carapace, offering perfect protection against most attacks. One of the dark termites reared back and emitted a harsh screech before charging at him.


    ''This is a Dark Termite colony!''


    Atlas cast Void Step to evade the initial strike. Reappearing to the creature''s left, he sliced through one of its limbs, causing the monster to retaliate by charging at him with its massive head.


    As the new monsters targeted him with a furious assault, Atlas rolled out of the way and immediately unleashed Void Barrage. The azure projectiles washed over the monsters behind, injuring most and killing some.


    He started attacking the first Dark Termite and killed it before fighting the others, which took a few hours. During this time, three of the Void Raptors fell, but they pushed the monsters back with teeth and claws.


    Atlas leaped back, narrowly avoiding the snap of a termite''s mandibles. He quickly cast Void Bomb, hurling it down the tunnel. The bomb exploded with a deafening blast, obliterating the swarm of monsters and sending the survivor creatures to retreat deeper into their nest.


    He collected forty red cores and twenty pairs of termite mandibles the dungeon left behind. Afterward, Atlas soon realized one of the tunnels had collapsed thanks to the Void Bomb, which caused him to walk down the one the Void Raptors were guarding.


    When he arrived at the tunnel entrance, Atlas noticed four dinosaurs remaining, which was better than nothing. He continued down the Dark Termite Colony paths and killed many more termite warriors that fell to his swords.


    An hour later, Atlas and the Void Raptors appeared in a large chamber where they met a swarm of monsters before them. He glanced around and noticed hundreds of termite warriors and workers waiting to attack.


    Atlas beamed when seeing this activated Call of The Void Skill and summoned level one''s group three. As the portal opened, a dread-filled aura emanated from it as the Void Raptor King appeared.


    ''It''s about time you summoned me master,'' the king said in his mind. ''It looks like we will be having a entertaining fight.''


    He nodded, preparing his blades and magic as the six Void Raptor Warriors fanned out, poised for his command. Atlas aimed the Nightblade at the largest Dark Termite, which he presumed was the queen.


    With a swift gesture, Atlas cast Void Bomb. The projectile streaked across the chamber but was intercepted by a termite warrior. An explosion obliterated the creature and incinerated dozens of its kin, leaving nothing but ash in its wake.


    The Dark Termite swarm charged just before the Raptor King emitted an earth-shaking roar and charged forward. The Void Raptors clashed with the dungeon insect in a vicious monster battle.


    Atlas rushed into the room and started putting down dozens of the termites by thrusting his swords into their brains before firing them with Void Blast. Once one creature dropped, another two took its place.


    He felt the never-ending experience pouring into his body, causing him to hear several clicks while leveling up. Atlas used every attack spell and blew away even more Dark Termites before coming face to face with the queen after putting down the last warrior.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 132: These Will Be Fun To Fight

    Atlas and the Void Raptor King stood facing the Dark Termite Queen, who was three times the size of the warriors. He gripped his swords fighters before he exploded forward but was stopped by his monster.


    ''Master. Let me distract this creature while you strike at the in-between the exoskeleton, which is its weak point,'' the Raptor King spoke in his mind. ''I will never die, but you can.''''


    He turned on the monster and pointed at him before warning, ''''I''m not scared of death. The closer I am to it, the more alive I feel.''''


    ''''You''re certainly not like my old master,'''' the monster said with a chuckle. ''''He was more cautious, but you''re a wild child.''''


    Atlas started laughing, and he agreed with a nod before scanning their enemy.


    [Dark Termite Queen]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [This monster is even moodier and forever on her period, but she is fast, so be quick!]


    ''What the hell is it with this advice!'' Atlas thought before shrugging.


    He turned to the Void Raptor King and nodded, causing the large monster to burst forward faster than he or the queen expected. The monster leaped onto the termite''s back before biting down on one of its legs.


    The queen started thrashing around, trying to get the dinosaur off. Atlas blasted it with several Void Bullets that exploded on contact, but it did minor damage, causing him to charge in and stab between one of the leg joints.


    With a swift slice, Atlas cut through the soft flesh, causing the queen to spin on him as her leg fell to the ground with a thud. The termite went to attack him, but he was already out of the way, which annoyed the monster.


    Atlas chuckled at its angry expression but decided to end it before dismissing the king, who spoke as he vanished, ''You can do it Master! I know you''re strong enough.''


    He smiled before casting two Void Bombs at the Dark Termite Queen while casting Void Guard. When the monster saw his spell, it tried to dodge it, but the spells were too quick for anyone to dodge.


    They slammed into the monster''s giant body and exploded like mini-nukes. Atlas only sustained some bruises and cuts thanks to his leveled-up Void Guard, but that didn''t bother him too much.


    As the dust settled, Atlas observed the battered monster struggling to rise. He stepped closer, his voice steady and measured. "Look, I''m the Dungeon Conqueror, and we need to come to terms. I might have to end you now, but once I complete this dungeon, I''ll have the power to summon you and offer my apologies. No hard feelings, alright?"


    The Dark Termite Queen''s remaining eye locked onto his as it let out a struggling chittering noise, which Atlas assumed it understood him before he stabbed the monster through the head, putting it out of its misery.


    Atlas felt the experience pouring into him, and that''s when something in his mind clicked, but this only confused him, ''What was that?'' he wondered.


    He shrugged before noticing dozens of termite mandibles and glowing red cores, which Atlas started sucking into his storage, and soon realized he had just got sixty altogether, ''That is a lot of red cores. Were there that many termites in here?'' he pondered. ''Well it was their queens home.''


    Atlas soon discovered the exit: a narrow tunnel wide enough to squeeze through. He crawled cautiously along the passage, the walls brushing against him on either side. As he emerged into the open space of the eighteenth floor, he stopped to check his status.


    [Level Up: 121¡ú133]


    [Experience: 2330/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 61050]


    [Health: 1010¡ú1132(200)]


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    [Mana: 4426¡ú4958]


    [Strength: 1052¡ú1264(100)]


    [Stamina: 1310¡ú1562(250)]


    [Charisma: 536¡ú572]


    [Intelligence: 820¡ú1020]


    [Core Rank: Low Apprentice¡úMid Apprentice]


    [Core Points: 27340¡ú24790]


    [Core Points Gained: 37450]


    ''Oh nice, my core ranked up; it also gave me a bonus,'' he mused before crawling out of the tunnel.


    Atlas appeared in another significant pathway leading further down. While standing there, he used Dungeon Conquerer to see what floor he was on, and a notification popped up, which made him smile.


    [Level Two - Shattered Chasm Dungeon - Floor twenty]


    While looking at that, Atlas felt the ground shake, causing him to ready his weapons before checking it out. Something told him to get out of the way as something erupted from the ground he was standing on.


    He quickly jumped to the side as a giant snake-like monster''s head smashed against the spot he was just in. Atlas spotted the newcomer, who looked like a stone snake that could move fast.


    ''These monsters are getting challenging to fight,'' he mused with a smile. ''I bet the boss with be hard.''


    When Atlas saw this, he cast Void Bomb at his before darting to the left as an explosion erupted. He readied his blade and stabbed the creature in its flank before dragging both weapons until dodging a tail swipe, but he still used Void Sight on it.


    [Rock Wyrm]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Stone plates protect its exterior] S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Atlas saw this, his smile grew even wider as he started peppering the serpent with dozens of Void Blast, which didn''t affect it. He began to panic, but that''s when the Rock Wyrm quickly turned around and lunged at him.


    The monster opened its giant maw, but Atlas cast a Void Bomb, causing the wyrm to stop moving. He watched this and saw a blue glow emanating from inside just before its body exploded into chunks.


    ''Oh damn! That''s disgusting,'' he thought while gagging.


    Atlas was covered in foul green blood, but soon, the Rock Wyrm vanished, leaving behind two gold and a red core he stored away. Following that battle, he continued to look for the staircase to the twenty-first floor.


    He searched for an hour while battling ten Rock Wyrms targeting him. Once he found the stairs, he rushed toward the entrance but skidded to a stop before casting Void Step to dodge as a troll swung its stone club at him from the shadows.


    ''That was close, Where did they come from!''


    Seeing the new creature trying to attack him, he unleashed a volley of Void Bullets at the Cave Troll, catching it off guard. But before the monster could react, Atlas closed the distance in a blur, driving his blade into the troll''s ankles.


    The creature collapsed with a resounding crash, hitting the ground heavily just before Atlas plunged his blade through its skull. While doing that, more rumbling appeared, causing him to spin around as three more enraged Cave Trolls appeared.


    ''Exciting. These will be fun to fight,'' Atlas thought as his excitement exploded.


    He shot forward like a bullet before striking the closest troll''s ankle while casting Void Bullet at the knee. Atlas''s attack brought the giant to its knees as the other two rushed in and swung their weapons.


    Atlas ducked under one while jumping over another. When hitting the ground, he cast Void Step and vanished, only to reappear on the injured monster''s back and plunge his swords into the creature''s skull, ending its dungeon existence.


    While lost in his excitement, a sudden blow from a wooden club sent him hurtling into a nearby wall. The impact shattered several of his bones, and for the first time in a long while, his health counter flashed to life, a rare and alarming sight.


    [232/1132(0)]


    ''Ahhh fuck, that hurt,'' Atlas thought as his head spun.


    That''s when he felt the rumbling getting closer, causing him to quickly cast Void Guard, which blocked another attack before he cast Void Bomb at the two powerful trolls. When the azure projectile hit its target, an explosion erupted.


    Atlas poured more mana into Void Guard so it would break, but the strain was too much for him, forcing him to stop just as the explosion force died out. He shook his head and dropped to his knees while the experience poured in.


    ''''They''re dead,'''' he mumbled before pulling out a health potion and downing it.


    While lying there, Atlas felt his body repair itself as the bones snapped back into place and his destroyed skin stitched itself together. He just lay sprawled in the deep crater inside the wall, the debris from the recent battle scattered around him.


    The hole was roughly circular, about ten feet wide and five feet deep, formed by the massive impact of his clash with the cave trolls. The jagged edges of the hole were rimmed with broken rock and splintered wood from the troll''s club.


    Just then, he felt the potion''s effects were almost immediate. His bones began to knit back together, and the worst pain receded. Atlas closed his eyes and took deep breaths, allowing the potion to do its work.


    The searing pain slowly dulled to a manageable ache as his injuries healed. He could feel his strength returning, the throbbing in his head fading as the health potion''s magic spread through his body.


    Atlas shook off the disorientation, clambered out of the hole, and gathered the four red cores and four vials of troll blood. He scanned the blood for further information on the stuff to see if it was useful to him.


    [Cave Troll Blood: Can be used in alchemy or sold]


    ***


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 133: What Is This Place

    Atlas stored everything away before approaching the stairs leading him to the twenty-first floor, where he expected more trolls and other nightmarish monsters. Still, there was nothing but another large mining tunnel, causing him to glance around.


    ''I''m starting to hate this place now,'' he internally complained.


    It stretched before him, dimly lit and echoing with distant water drips. With a wave, he activated Call of The Void and summoned the Voidstalkers to scout out the floor for him. The little monsters appeared from the azure portal that opened.


    That''s when the twelve little mischievous Troodon-looking monsters all jumped on him. The creatures happily chirped when they saw Atlas, who started pampering the monsters before they surrounded him.


    ''They''re so adorable,'' he thought. ''There is some difference with these monsters; they seem smarter than regular ones.''


    He ordered them to locate any enemies and lead them here, which the Voidstalkers agreed to. Atlas watched them zoom off in all directions, chirping and making funny noises that made him laugh just as the hair on his neck stood up.


    Atlas spun around while raising his swords to defend himself. A Cave Weaver launched at Atlas and took him down, but he instantly cast Void Wave, which killed the creepy spider as more appeared.


    The battle continued as Atlas cut them down, and nearby explosions erupted. ''What is it now?''


    After fighting the spiders, he glanced over to the noise and saw Landsharks rushing at him through the ground. When Atals saw this, he braced himself as a monster burst from the ground, but he sidestepped it before running Nightblade through its flank.


    Blood exploded from the wound, but Atlas continued his attack using Void Blast at point black range. The sudden azure explosion rippled through the chamber and decimated the attacking Landsharks.


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    Atlas activated Void Sight to scan his surroundings but saw nothing unusual. Continuing down the only accessible tunnel, he noticed large mounds scattered along the path. "What are those?" he wondered aloud, glancing at them.


    With no immediate threat in sight, Atlas pressed on toward the stairway leading to the twenty-second floor. The path remained clear of monsters, and he soon reached the next Safe Zone after the Voidstalkers found nothing.


    Overcome by exhaustion, Atlas staggered to the nearest bench and collapsed onto it. With a weary sigh, he removed his helmet and slumped comfortably. As the fatigue consumed him, he curled up on the bench, drifting into a deep, restorative sleep within the serene safety of the Safe Zone.


    Atlas slept comfortably but had no idea that someone was watching him.


    ***


    [************ POV]


    A being crept into the Safe Zone, where a boy in black armor and white hair was sleeping on the bench. With maniac thoughts rushing around in this being''s chaotic mind, it managed to control its urges to eat the king''s target, but not all was lost. ''I will not eat the Voidwalker yet; he must get stronger.'' S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''No, no, cannot kill; he reminds me of her,'' the being reached out and touched a lock of the boy''s hair. ''Soft like hers. He must live so I can remember.''


    When the being thought that, it sensed several Umber-Hulks lurking outside, waiting to ambush the boy, which angered it to no end. It charged out of the Safe Zone and quickly tore them apart before attacking the rest on the floor.


    The being returned to the sleeping boy and spoke in a raspy voice full of sorrow and rage, ''''A few more years, then we can fight to see how strong you''ve become.''''


    It shuffled out of the Safe Zone and into the dungeon''s darkness while muttering, ''Got to go see the king.''


    ***


    [Back to Atlas]


    Atlas woke up a few hours later, feeling refreshed. He sat up and surveyed the Safe Zone, quickly spotting a water fountain. He grabbed his canteen, filled it up, and took a long, satisfying drink.


    [Level Up: 133¡ú137]


    [Experience: 4830/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 7500]


    [Mana: 4958¡ú4970]


    [Stamina: 1562¡ú1624]


    [Core Points: 28540/40000]


    [Core Points Gained: 3750]


    ''Only small gains this time,'' he wondered. ''Maybe it will slow down from now on?''


    Then, Atlas continued along the twenty-second floor and soon found fourteen red cores lying on the ground, which confused him. He quickly scooped them up before throwing them into storage.


    He traveled through a few floors without encountering any strong monsters apart from Landsharks, Cave Weavers, and Cave Fishers. Once Atlas reached the twenty-sixth floor, he stepped into another boss arena, which excited him.


    ''The third Sub-Boss,'' he thought excitedly as his smile grew.


    Atlas prepared to fight by taking out his swords as the nearby gate opener, only for a bigger Umber-Hulk to step out with rage in its beady little eyes; the only thing that was different from the other monster was that this thing was as dark as shadows and had glowing red eyes.


    When the monster appeared, a notification popped up.


    [Umber-Hulk King]


    [Rank: C+ - 550 Exp]


    [Be fast!]


    ''This is going to be fun; I''m starting to love fighting,'' Atlas mused before he burst forward like a rocket and struck the monster''s joints, which frustrated it.


    The monster becomes enraged when the Deepforge and Nightblade bite into the Umber-Hulk King''s flesh, but it isn''t enough as the creature swings its giant arm backward, causing him to duck and dive into its attacks.


    Atlas''s heart was racing, but something inside him was enjoying the thrill of such a fight, and his adrenaline skyrocketed. The Umber-Hulk King charged toward him, letting out an angry roar that shook the arena''s floor.


    When it came close, Atlas cast Void Bullet into the ground below, which threw off the giant monster and allowed him to use Void Step to appear behind it, which allowed him to jump on its back.


    He went to thrust his blade into the soft neck of the creature, but that''s when the Umbrer King''s head spun around like an owl, which made Atlas jump. This gave the Sub-Boss enough time to strike him.


    Atlas was hurled across the arena, crashing into the wall with such force that it crumbled upon impact. Dazed and disoriented, he struggled to piece together what had just happened.


    ''Did it hit me? But how?'' he wondered.


    The pain was intense, and his head spun, but Atlas quickly regained his footing. Gritting his teeth, he drank a health potion, hoping it would restore his strength. Following that, the Sub-Boss rushed toward him.


    The Umber King swung its massive fists, but Atlas deftly dodged each strike while launching Void Blasts. The attacks bounced off the creature''s chitinous armor, barely making an impact.


    As he evaded another powerful swing, Atlas seized the opportunity to counterattack. He forced his blade into the joint of the creature''s arm before casting Void Bullet. The projectile detonated with a resounding explosion, severing the Umber King''s arm, which crashed to the ground with a heavy thud.


    Atlas quickly jumped back as the monster lashed out with its remaining arm, roaring in agony. The battle continued, and his speed gave him an advantage, allowing him to strike at several weak spots in the monster.


    The arena lit up with a beautiful blue glow as the fight intensified. He dodged each strike, countering with a Void Blast aimed at its legs to topple it. Furious, the Umber-Hulk flailed wildly, allowing Atlas to leap onto its arm as it swung back.


    Seizing the moment, he drove his blades into one of the creature''s eyes, eliciting a scream of pain. But the battle wasn''t over¡ªhe finished it with a Void Bullet, blowing the monster''s head apart.


    The Umber-Hulk King fell to the ground, lifeless as its life slipped away thanks to his surprise attack and the following explosion.


    [Sub-Bosses: 3/4]


    ''Three down and one to go,'' Atlas pondered with a tired smile.


    Following that, the Umber-Hulk King vanished into the dungeon, leaving behind a red Monster Core and more chitin plates, which he stored in the Dimensional Storage before spotting the stairs down to the twenty-seventh floor.


    He entered the expansive chamber, its bleakness betraying its past as a mining rest area. Now cold and blackened, fire pits were scattered across the room, and dilapidated cabins leaned precariously, their rotting wood creaking with each step.


    "What is this place?" he murmured, surveying the desolate remnants of a once-bustling hub.


    Atlas soon noticed belongings scattered haphazardly, relics of those who once worked here. As he scanned the area, he came across what appeared to be the corpse of a soldier propped up against a wall.


    A wave of sadness washed over him as he studied the fallen figure. "What happened here?" he wondered, glancing around the desolate chamber, the echoes of the past lingering in the air.


    The soldier had a symbol that looked like two lions on a shield causing him to suck the armor into his storage to show the city guards. Following that, a group of goblins dashed around the corner of one of the shacks, shouting unintelligible words as they dashed in his direction.


    Upon spotting them, Atlas chuckled and cast Void Barrage. The chamber lit up with a brilliant azure glow as multiple projectiles materialized around him. With a decisive gesture, he unleashed the projectiles, each streaking through the air and exterminating the creatures.


    Most creatures dropped to the ground, leaving Atlas to finish the remaining ones. They were no match for his skill, and the sharp edge of his swords caused the experience to flow into his body.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 134: The Dungeon Boss

    Atlas collected ten black Monster Cores and continued through the creepy place he found himself in. The air smelled of rot, monsters, and death as he came upon a group of adventurers'' gear.


    ''I wonder how they died,'' he thought while checking out the scene around him.


    It looked like they had been ambushed during their run and absorbed into the dungeon once they died. They left behind their broken and damaged gear, which consisted of rusted swords and a broken staff.


    Atlas continued with his journey and made it through the resting area, only to spot another tunnel that would lead him to the next floor. He started traveling down it, and half an hour later, the ground started shaking.


    ''A big monster is coming,'' he wondered excitedly. ''I bet its a Cave Troll.''


    He readied his spells as a Cave Troll viciously burst out of the shadows with an earth-shaking roar. It dashed forward and swung its club towards him. Atlas narrowly avoided the crushing impact by leaning back.


    The weapon whistled past just inches from his nose, causing him to think, ''That was close.''


    Seizing the moment, he unleashed a Void Blast that slammed into the troll''s face. The impact sent the beast staggering, its eyes wide with shock as it reeled backward. Atlas closed the distance without missing a beat, charging forward as the troll tried to recover.


    When the troll club swung down in a desperate arc, Atlas sidestepped the attack, causing him to become a blur. He struck out with a powerful slash, carving through the monster''s wrist and slicing open the flesh.


    The weapon tumbled from the troll''s grasp thanks to his attack, clattering to the ground as the monster howled in pain. Following that, Atlas cast Void Bomb at it before using Void Step to get away as it exploded.


    Atlas held firm as the shockwave washed over the chamber, killing the Cave Troll with an azure blast of mana. He relaxed once, feeling the experience flowing into his body, causing him to smile.


    ''I love this feeling; it''s refreshing,'' he thought with a smile.


    Following that battle, he continued traveling through the dungeon until reaching the next Sub-Boss after killing another five Cave Trolls and three Umber-Hulks with ease, thanks to his experience fighting them.


    As he took a moment to catch his breath, Atlas reviewed his status one final time, preparing himself mentally for the impending battle with the monster and the challenge of the dungeon boss that awaited him.


    [Level Up: 134¡ú137]


    [Experience: 380/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 10350]


    [Health: 1132¡ú1144(200)]


    [Mana: 4970¡ú5090]


    [Strength: 1264¡ú1288(100)]


    [Stamina: 1564¡ú1600(250)]


    [Core points: 30790/40000]


    [Core Points Gained: 6000]


    ''A few small gains, which is good,'' Atlas mused. ''But it seems to be slowing down now and the battles are only getting easier.''


    Atlas was now ready to enter the last arena where the Sub-Boss would be. This time, he decided to use his bombs, as he''d been forgetting about them. He took out a Flashbang Crystal while stepping onto the stone floor.


    A shield suddenly appeared and encircled the arena, trapping Atlas inside as a voice dripping with malice reached his ears, ''''So the king was right, and you''ve finally returned to try and stop us, but this time you''re tiny.''''


    The taunting irritated him greatly, and he seethed inwardly, "I swear by Luxia, I''ll turn this monster into nothing but meat paste."


    Atlas looked in the voice''s direction only to spot a massive troll over ten feet tall, built like a mountain with sickly green skin covered by armor. He gulped when he saw the monster''s glowing red eyes staring at him with hunger.


    "Deciding not to respond, little Voidwalker? You''ll encounter many of my kind during your journey, and sooner or later, one of the generals will claim you," the being said with a dark, amused chuckle.


    Atlas knew precisely what this thing was and scanned him using Void Sight.


    [Cave Troll King]


    [Chaos touched]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Keep moving and pepper it with spells]


    ''Oh no, I don''t think I can fight this monster,'' Atlas reconsidered but had to stop as he remembered he was trapped in the arena.


    Atlas recalled the creatures under his command and decided to summon them for the upcoming battle. Turning to face the monstrous Troll King, he sneered in response, "Let''s get this over with, chaos scum."


    The Troll King responded with a guttural laugh, revealing a massive ball and chain, its spiked surface glinting ominously. With a menacing grin, the beast began spinning the weapon, the chain whistling through the air.


    ''''I don''t want to get hit by that thing,'''' Atlas muttered.


    He readied his blades and prepared his bombs before hurling the Flashbang Crystal at King Troll, who sidestepped the bomb. However, it exploded when it hit the floor, causing the creature to cover its eyes. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas instantly reacted and threw an Inferno Bomb at the troll''s chest, which erupted into a firestorm that caused it to stumble back. He dashed forward so fast that the air crackled around him before striking the monster''s exposed ankles.


    The blades cut through the flash, but Atlas had to swiftly use Void Step to dodge as the troll''s spiked ball and chain crashed into the ground where he had just been. Reacting quickly, he reached into his pouches and retrieved a smoke bomb, hurling it in front of the monster as it turned toward him.


    ''Take this and see if you can deal with it,'' he mused with a growing grin.


    As the smoke billowed around the troll, Atlas hurled a Gravity Bomb. Upon impact, the massive creature was slammed to the ground, stunned for a few seconds. Seizing the opportunity, he launched two Void Bombs at the downed beast before quickly pulling back.


    Atlas brought up Void Guard to protect himself from the shockwave that he felt in his chest; the dust and debris flew all over the place, but once it died down, he spotted the Troll King getting to its feet with damaged armor and an enraged expression on its face.


    ''''Sneaky little demon! I will show you what it means to be a Chaos Captain!'''' the monster declared before charging forward.


    ''No, you won''t because I have a stronger monster to fight you with,'' he thought with a smile.


    When Atlas spotted this, he activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned the Rank A Death Serpent. The large black snake-like monster flew out of the azure portal, which opened up and wrapped its elongated body around the Troll King.


    ''''Fight that motherfucker; I have help, unlike some,'''' Atlas muttered.


    The Cave Troll King was shocked but couldn''t do anything. The Death Serpent bit down on its head while Atlas rushed forward and stabbed the Nightblade into the monster''s knees before casting Void Bullet, which blew it apart.


    It came crashing down, allowing the Dungeon Monster to bite into the troll''s skull before it popped out like a watermelon, causing Atlas grew excited as the Sub-Boss''s experience flowed into him.


    Afterward, Atlas carefully picked up a stunning blue Monster Core and stored it alongside the ten gold coins, a gesture that satisfied him. Sensing his contentment, the Death Serpent gently nudged him with its massive head, eliciting a smile from Atlas.


    ''These monsters are growing closer to me,'' he mused. ''I can feel that they care for me.''


    He affectionately stroked the serpent''s scales, its red eyes glowing warmly. Once he had pampered the creature enough, Atlas mounted its back. Together, they traveled the final thirteen floors, reaching the Boss''s Chamber on the fortieth floor.


    When Atlas saw the bridge leading to the arena where he would be fighting the dungeon boss and unlocking it for his skill, he ordered the Death Serpent to cross the bridge while readying himself for battle.


    A few minutes later, the two arrived and noticed the arena was the size of a football field, which gave them enough room to fight. Atlas glanced around and didn''t see anything until a portal opened.


    That''s when he saw something fly out of the portal while letting out a heart-stopped roar, causing Atlas to scan the boss.


    [Chaos Cave Wyvern]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    ''This is going to be hard but I can do it,'' Atlas pondered. ''This will help me grow stronger!''


    He got a good look at the wyvern circling above them. It had a midnight black hide with glowing red eyes. It was the same length as the Death Serpent and looked just as strong, causing Atlas to cast Void Barrage at the monster. Read exclusive content at m_v-l''-NovelFire.net


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air and peppered the wyvern''s body, causing it to roar before swooping down on them. Atlas waited for its attack, but the Death Serpent lunged into the air and managed to bite down on one of its wings.


    Atlas watched as the sudden attack brought the wyvern crashing to the ground. Still, it retaliated fiercely, using its teeth and claws to shred at the serpent''s body, sending blood cascading down.


    He cheered excitedly, but his enthusiasm faltered as the wyvern delivered a crushing bite to the snake''s spine, snapping it in a devastating blow. Atlas was shocked but started casting Void Arrows into the monster''s body.


    ''This spell will pierce its thick hide, allowing me to attack with my swords,'' Atlas thought excitedly.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 135: I Admit It Was Exciting

    Atlas''s Void Arrows pierced the Chaos Cave Wyvern''s tough hide, eliciting a roar of pain. It rushed toward him as its rage overtook it. Seeing this, he uses Void Step to evade, leaving the injured monster confused.


    ''Better be quick!'' he thought as his heart raced.


    He reappeared behind the monster while casting Void Barrage at the corrupted boss. Atlas watched as the creature grew increasingly frustrated and lunged at him with a snap of its jaws, but he dodged the attack and retaliated by striking the wyvern''s eye, causing it to roar in pain.


    His shock attack made the beast thrash violently. In its frenzy, its tail suddenly lashed out and struck him. The force of the blow sent him crashing into the arena wall, and he crumpled to the floor with a resounding thud, his body throbbing with pain from the impact.


    Atlas shook his head as his vision was blurry, and the pain was already too much for him, but he gritted his teeth while standing up. He felt his Regeneration skill kick in while starting to heal him.


    It stitched the wounds together while mending bones; Atlas felt his muscles fix themselves, causing him to sigh in relief as the intense pain faded. He opened his eyes only to see the Chaos Wyvern lunging at him with its mouth wide open.


    He darted to the side just as the monster slammed into the spot where he had been moments before. Gasping for breath, he thought, ''It''s still coming! No wonder it''s so incredibly strong.''


    Atlas hobbled away while casting Void Barrage that slammed into the monster, causing it to reel back, giving him time to recover as he checked his health.


    [Health: 387/1144(200)]


    ''Damn that hit was bad,'' Atlas thought while pulling out a health potion and downing it so he felt better.


    Atlas shook off the daze, his focus sharpening as the wyvern lunged again. With lightning reflexes, he sidestepped the monster''s deadly claws, narrowly escaping the swipe as he felt the rush of wind against his face.


    His blades flashed, carving through the beast''s side and leaving a gaping wound. The wyvern roared in agony and swung its tail in a desperate counterattack to kill him as the attack enraged the monster.


    The battle erupted as Atlas threw a Thunderclap Bomb at the monster, causing thunder to explode across the arena. When the lightning struck the creature, it roared in pain, but he couldn''t get close as the tail tried to hit him.


    Atlas hurled two Inferno Bombs, igniting a storm of flames that engulfed the wyvern. As the beast thrashed and roared in the inferno, Atlas seized the moment to close in. He channeled all his strength into a devastating strike against the wyvern''s wing, tearing it apart.


    Enraged and disoriented, the monster began snapping its jaws wildly at him. Atlas continued dodging while slashing and stabbing at the wyvern''s battered body. As the battle continued, he reacted a second too late, as it caught him off guard and used its tail to strike.


    He quickly cast Void Guard, the protective barrier shimmering into existence just in time to absorb the monstrous blow. Atlas braced himself against the impact, deflecting the tail''s fury.


    It slammed into the azure barrier with a resounding boom, creating the perfect opening for Atlas to cast Void Bomb. He quickly moved to put as much distance as possible between himself and the impending shockwave. Read new adventures at m_v-l''e|-NovelFire.net


    As the spell struck the creature, it detonated in a powerful explosion, sending tremors through the arena. Atlas stabbed his swords into the ground and supported himself so he wouldn''t get blown away.


    Following that, Atlas glanced up as the dust settled and noticed the boss was struggling to get up while looking at him with rage in its eyes. He chuckled at its expression while he approached the dying monster.


    Without wasting more time, he stabbed the Chaos-touched Cave Wyvern through the forehead, causing it to spasm before dying. He felt the experience pour into his body, making him feel like he was in heaven.


    When it calmed down, Atlas dropped on his backside as the exhaustion overtook his body. As he caught his breath, a young woman''s excited voice rang out in his mind, making him smile.


    ''Dungeon Conqueror! I didn''t think you''d make it this when I sensed you on the first floor, especially with chaos lurking inside.''


    ''Well, I''m here now. Can you open the portal to the core? I need a safe place to rest.''


    The arena trembled as a white doorway materialized a few feet away. Atlas quickly grabbed the boss''s core, its radiant purple hue casting an ethereal glow across the area. His attention was then drawn to a pair of intriguing goggles and piles of twenty gold lying nearby alongside the Shattered Chasm Silver Boss Token.


    Atlas examined the goggles, curious about their effects.


    [Goggles of True Sight]


    [Rank: Epic]


    [Level: 5]


    [Effects: Allows the wearer to see invisible creatures, detect hidden traps, and uncover secret doors]


    ''These are amazing!'' he internally celebrated.


    Atlas saw nothing, causing him to shrug before stepping through the portal and appearing in the Dungeon Core saferoom. While standing there, he spotted something in the corner, thanks to the goggles.


    He approached it and noticed it was a hidden compartment, which caused him to think, ''Is this some sort of treasure?''


    While pondering that, the Dungeon Master''s voice rang out in his mind, ''That is your prize for completing my challenges and vanquishing the Chaos beings from infecting the core.''


    Atlas smiled before tapping the stone, which completely vanished and revealed a small wooden box. He gently picked it up and opened it, only to see a beautiful silver coin different from the ones he already knew sitting on top of a ring, which caught his attention.


    ''What are these things?'' he pondered before scanning it with Void Sight.


    [Platinum Coin]


    [Worth one thousand gold coins]


    [Dungeon Sovereign Ring]


    [Rank: Epic]


    [Level: 3]


    [Effects: Increases your mana by one thousand points as long as it''s equipped]


    ''Getting this was worth the trouble,'' Atlas mused, putting the ring on and feeling his mana boost.


    With a tired smile, he turned to the Dungeon Core and slowly approached it. Atlas placed his hand on it and felt a connection growing until a screen popped up, giving him all the information he needed.


    [Shattered Chasm: Level Two Dungeon]


    [Added to the Dungeon Realm - 2 available]


    [Monster Rank G: Giant Cave Rats, Cave Goblins]


    [Monster Rank E: Giant Earthworm, Dark Cave Ants] S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Monster Rank D: Cave Weaver, Cave Fisher, Landsharks, Kuo-Toa]


    [Monster Rank C: Cave Troll, Dark Termites, Rock Wyrm, Umber-Hulk]


    [Sub-Bosses: Queen Dark Ant, Kuo-Toa Tribe, Umber-Hulk King, King Troll]


    [Boss: Cave Wyvern]


    ''More monsters!''


    ''Thank you for saving me, Dungeon Conquerer, and I look forward to working with you in the future,'' the Dungeon Master said respectfully.


    ''Can I rest here for half an hour? I''m tired and would rather have some energy when returning to the city,'' Atlas asked the dungeon, who agreed.


    Following that, he rested for a while until feeling refreshed, and the Dungeon Master opened a portal to the entrance, which he stepped through. When he exited, the fresh air hit Atlas, causing him to smile.


    Before leaving the dungeon, Atlas activated the Maskweaver, returned his disguise, and removed his goggles as he walked through the entrance, only to shock the surrounding soldiers.


    When the Achaemenidian commander saw him, his eyes widened, and his jaw dropped as he spoke, ''''Are you the boy who went into the dungeon a couple of days ago?''''


    Atlas nodded while showing the guards the boss''s token, and he replied, ''''Yes. I defeated the Cave Wyvern and was allowed out. I admit it was exciting and can''t wait to complete the Silverpeak Swamp.''''


    The city guard looked at him like he was crazy, but the proof that he had completed the dungeon was evident. That''s when the commander shook his head and informed him, ''''A guild official came by yesterday and asked me to tell you to go to the Adventurers Guild if you were to come out.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' Atlas replied, dismissing his armor before walking toward the guild.


    While traveling through the city, he noticed more soldiers, and the people looked panicked, which confused him. Atlas made it to the city''s square and saw dozens of tents everywhere, with injured guards and citizens moaning in pain.


    ''What happened here?'' he thought before continuing to the guild.


    As Atlas walked past crowds of people, he learned that a Freedom Fighter Group was attacking the city and its road. This caused him to think, ''Rebels! This should be fun. I''m sure they are fighting for a good cause, but it''s nothing to do with me.''


    After ten minutes, he arrived at the guild counter, where a man stood behind it going through paperwork as usual. Atlas took out his card and handed it to the receptionist while speaking, ''''I was told to come here by the city guard.''''


    The man took his card before scanning it, only for his eyes to open wide; he shook his head while explaining, ''''The five hundred gold coins have been credited to your Guild Account. If you wish to withdraw the funds, go to the nearest bank in any of the bigger cities in the empire.''''


    ''''Can you tell me how much is on my account, please?'''' Atlas asked, to which the man nodded before checking something.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 136: Dreadspawns

    ''''There are just the five hundred gold coins for the dungeon discovery that the mayor awarded you,'''' the receptionist answered.


    Atlas nodded before leaving the Adventurer''s Guild and going to the inn where he was staying. He noticed people panicking as they rushed down the street, looking worried and holding their children.


    ''What the hell is happening,'' he thought as explosions went off in the distance.


    It took him fifteen minutes to reach the Hosseini Inn, and when Atlas entered, he noticed it was empty, which was strange. As the door slammed shut, Mitra popped out with a shocked expression.


    ''''Atlas!'''' the older woman said as she rushed to him.


    She hugged him before continuing, ''''You need to leave Tarajiyah City. The Immortals found your room and know you''re completing the dungeons.''''


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    Atlas was confused but shook his head before questioning, ''''How do they know I was here?''''


    ''''They had a high-ranked Spirit Mage that can track you,'''' Mitra responded while checking him over. ''''Your aura differs from others as the Void lingers around you.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he shivered before she dragged him to the back of the inn as she concluded, ''''Escape into the mountains and travel quick. They have hired the Crimson Vanguard to hunt you alongside the Immortals.''''


    Atlas''s worry deepened, but Mitra was already ahead of him. With a sad smile, she gently pushed him back. "I hate that we''re parting like this, Atlas," she said. "But the rumors about the Immortals suggest they''d do unimaginable things to you. Stay safe, grow stronger, and come back to me when you''re ready my boy."


    He smiled at the woman who had unofficially adopted him during his stay in the city. Atlas thanked her for all the help and sprinted through the alleyways, equipping his armor¡ªthis time, it wasn''t hidden.


    ''They know I''m hiding myself,'' Atlas thought. ''I will fight them, but use the monsters on my side to escape.''


    Following that, he rushed through Tajariyah City, but soon, a wave of spells peppered the street around him. Atlas quickly cast Void Guard, which deflected the attacks but made him skid backward due to the impact.


    ''They''re here,'' he thought as figures dressed in all black with demon masks surrounded him.


    Atlas prepared to fight by readying his blades and looking for a way out, but a man''s voice reached his ears, ''''Surrender Dahaka, and your death will be swift. There''s nowhere for you to run or hide anymore.''''


    He bristled angrily and replied sarcastically, ''''Oh yes, let me just lay down my swords so you can put me in the Boats, as your emperor said. Noway I''m listening to you Achaemenidian dogs.''''


    After speaking, Atlas activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned three Death Gorillas led by Kara, who roared in anger as the monsters started attacking the Immortals. He burst forward and slashed at another enemy, who was shocked at his speed.


    ''Try to keep up with me, Achaemenidians!''


    Atlas pressed on with ferocity, unleashing a storm of slashes and stabs that the Immortal struggled to deflect. In otherworldly maneuver, Atlas cast Void Step, momentarily vanishing from sight.


    He reemerged behind his foe in the blink of an eye, driving his blade deep into their back. With skill, he spun and intercepted the next assault, his resolve unshaken amidst the chaos of battle.


    The battle caused chaos on the street as the Death Gorilla circled Atlas, sending the Immortals flying like rag-dolls. While fighting, he noticed more of the enemy appearing, but he fought with the leader.


    They traded blows that sent clangs through the street as their blades connected, but Atlas was faster and ran circles around the man. The Immortal kept and spoke, ''''Why fight so hard demon! Your death is the only thing that awaits you.''''


    As the words echoed around him, a distant memory surged to the forefront of Atlas''s mind. He was transported back to Earth to a sunlit afternoon in the family garden. He was seated beside his mother, the vibrant blossoms of their garden framing their conversation.


    With fervent eyes, he spoke of his dreams to become a hero like his father¡ªa firefighter who had given his life in the line of duty. Unwavering and filled with belief, his mother placed a steady hand on his shoulders.


    Her voice, a beacon of encouragement, resonated deeply. "It''s okay for you to become who you want to be, my son. Remember always to keep fighting."


    In that profound moment of remembrance, Atlas''s resolve crystallized. He halted mid-stride, his gaze fierce and unwavering. He leveled his blade at the Immortals Commander and declared, "I will become the strongest on Valoria and bring the Achaemenid Empire to its knees."


    Following that, Atlas burst forward so fast he was like a bullet and sent several strikes that cut the commander. The Immortals were shocked but quickly ganged up on him. When he saw this, he quickly deflected many of the attacks and killed a few before being struck himself.


    He used Void Step to clear space between them as the last Death Gorilla fell to the other Immortals. Once they were gone, the others surrounded him, and a new foe joined the fray with a horrifying howl.


    Atlas looked up to see creepy humanoids jumping into the street as another battle erupted between them and the Immortals, but the ones surrounding him didn''t move. He smiled while pointing Nightblade at the ground.


    ''''I shall see you guys soon,'''' he said before casting a Void Bomb that connected with the ground before exploding.


    The explosive force hurled him and the Immortals into the air, their forms tumbling through the sky. Amidst the chaos, Atlas summoned his Blood Bat, its eerie screech piercing through the din.


    As the creature burst through the portal, it snatched Atlas in mid-flight, its talons gripping him securely. The Blood Bat fluttered its wings unsteady as it chirped at him. He smiled, his fingers brushing the creature''s sleek, blood-red fur.


    Suddenly, a barrage of spells and arrows struck them, each impact causing the bat to falter. Despite the relentless assault, the Bat folded its wings protectively around Atlas as they descended.


    The pair plummeted toward the streets below, the ground rushing to meet them amidst a flurry of magical and physical attacks. Thanks to the Blood Bat, Atlas wasn''t hurt, but he was low on mana and needed to recover.


    He jumped up as the monster''s body faded and started running through the streets. Atlas passed by an alleyway, only for those creepy humanoids to lunge at him, but he could easily cut them down.


    Atlas quickly scanned one of them before passing by.


    [Chaos Dreadspawn]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Run, these monsters are hunting YOU!]


    When Atlas saw the warning, he yelped and quickened his pace. As he ran, he sensed a pair of eyes watching him, but he pushed the feeling aside and focused on spotting the cave entrance to the new dungeon he had discovered.


    As Atlas approached, three Immortals blocked his path. He quickly cast Void Bullets, their projectiles peppering the ground before them. The spells erupted, sending the enemies reeling backward and giving him a chance to slip past.


    He drove his blade into one of them, and the Dreadspawn leaped onto the remaining foes. With the way momentarily clear, Atlas dashed into the tunnel, pursued by the other howling creatures.


    One of the Dreadspawns managed to catch up, leaping onto Atlas and sinking its teeth into his shoulder, causing him to scream in pain. Just as that happened, he caught sight of four figures clad in black.


    Atlas locked eyes with one of them, whose beautiful brown eyes stood out starkly. Before he could react further, an explosion rippled through the tunnel, throwing everything into chaos as he plummeted into a dark chasm once again.


    While falling, he spotted the figure also falling, but they threw a rope and stopped. He was enveloped by darkness, and he killed the Dreadspawn that clung to him just as he crashed into a ledge.


    The impact knocked out the wind, and he hit his head hard. While Atlas lay there as his head spun, the stone broke, sending him further down. His whole body was screaming in pain as the bite wound bled profusely as he crashed into ice-cold water that woke him up.


    Atlas was still blind, and even the Night Eyes couldn''t see because of the damage it received when he hit his head. While floating to the surface, he pulled out a few mana potions before downing them to top himself up.


    As he did this, a bad feeling washed over him, as a massive shark was charging directly at him. When Atlas saw this, he panicked but pulled out his swords before casting Void Blast to move him out of the monster''s path.


    The shark zoomed past him, giving Atlas a crucial moment to act. He summoned the Death Serpent, draining all his energy as the portal materialized. The appearance of the serpentine creature halted the shark''s advance.


    With a powerful bite, the snake clamped down on the shark and coiled its lengthy form around it. As the battle unfolded, Atlas quickly scanned the enemy to determine its identity and rank.


    [Cave Shark]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Common predator that lurks the underground seas - Use your magic] Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''At least I have the Death Serpent to help me,'' Atlas thought with a relieved smile.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 137: Mystic Legends Card

    Atlas watched the Death Serpent, which was much stronger, kill the Cave Shark with ease. Once it was dead, the snake approached him protectively. He grabbed onto the snake-looking monster while glancing around, and all he could see was black.


    ''Why am I always falling down these places,'' he thought with annoyance. ''Maybe it might lead me to something.''


    Then, Atlas ordered the Death Serpent to travel north while protecting him from the monsters lurking in the shadows around them.


    [Level Up: 137¡ú138]


    [Experience: 4440/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 7100]


    [Health: 1144¡ú1146(200)]


    [Mana: 5090¡ú5092(1000)]


    [Strength: 1288¡ú1294(100)]


    [Stamina: 1600¡ú1604(250)]


    [Intelligence: 1020¡ú1024]


    [Core Points: 33640/40000]


    [Core Points Gained: 2850]


    [********** **** Locked]


    ''What is this? Why is this thing locked?'' Atlas thought to himself before clicking the mysterious notification that popped up.


    [********** **** - Will be revealed when you become Master Rank]


    ''''So long away!'''' he muttered in a frustrated voice and gave up looking into it.


    The Death Serpent glided through the dim underground tunnels, its presence barely visible to Atlas. He activated his skill Light, illuminating the area and revealing eerie insects crawling along the walls while avoiding them.


    These creatures made Atlas shiver when he saw them, causing him to ignore them. He activated Aqua Lung once again as they swam through the tunnel. Ten minutes later, the snake stopped swimming while looking around.


    Atlas grew curious, but that''s when a male''s voice sounded in his mind, causing him to jump in fright as he wasn''t expecting the Death Serpent to talk, ''Master. There''s something much stronger than me lurking in the darkness.''


    ''You can talk! Why haven''t you said anything until now?'' he asked the monster in a shocked tone.


    ''There was no need for it,'' the snake replied. ''I will find somewhere to throw you into before it attacks.''


    Atlas swallowed hard, glancing around at the encroaching darkness. ''Okay,'' he replied.


    After that, he scanned their surroundings using Void Sight but spotted nothing. An hour passed as the snake swam through the cold, dark water. While swimming through a slightly bigger passage, he was flung into a nearby crevice as something attacked.


    As the water churned with the ferocious clash of the two monsters, Atlas seized the opportunity to assess the newcomer. The sight of the grotesque creature made his blood run cold.


    [Eldritch Eel]


    [Rank: S+ - 3000 Exp]


    [Don''t you dare think about fighting it, boy! You will die]


    ''Do you think I''m stupid! I''m not going near that thing,'' he replied to the advice. ''Anything with Eldritch and eel in its name is horrifying.''


    Following that thought, Atlas noticed the water outside the crevice went still, causing him to think, ''Oh no. The Death Serpent is gone.''


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    While watching the entrance, something inside told him to move backward, and a massive eel''s head shot through the opening, snapping its nightmarish jaws. Atlas nearly shit himself as he scooted backward. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the giant eel lunged at him, Atlas frantically searched for an escape route. His eyes darted around until he spotted a narrow opening above him. With a desperate struggle, he squeezed through just in time as the monstrous creature barreled into his hiding spot.


    Atlas was relieved and let out a breath that caused him to collapse. Glancing around, he realized he was in a small cave with a pedestal on the opposite end, which caught his attention.


    Something was glowing, so he approached it, only to see a dark blue metal ingot sparkling like the stars in the night. ''What is this, and why does it feel so familiar?''


    He quickly scanned it using Void Sight.


    [Starfall Metal]


    [Rank: Artifact]


    [Level: 5]


    ''Oh, this would be worth many gold coins,'' he thought with a greedy smile.


    Atlas touched the ingot without hesitation, only to be jolted by a sudden shock. He yelped and instinctively jerked his hand away. As he recovered from the surprise, a Notification caught his attention.


    [One of ten. Collect the rest of the needed items to fight the darkness - Locate the Old King''s Map in Babylon City]


    ''Another adventure? But that''s the enemy capital and I''m not strong enough to go near there,'' he mused with a smile.


    Afterward, Atlas stored the Starfall Ingot in his Dimensional Storage, though he could still feel its lingering effects. Shaking off the sensation, he searched the room but found nothing interesting.


    It was only then that Atlas remembered the Goggles of True Sight. He quickly retrieved them from his storage and put them on. As the goggles activated, a hidden hole in the corner of the chamber ceiling was revealed, making him smile with satisfaction.


    A click happened while he approached and started climbing, causing water to pour into the chamber. It started filling the room, making him panic before climbing quicker as he could barely fit into the crevice.


    Atlas struggled to climb as the rushing water overwhelmed him, pulling him violently through the narrow passageway. He slammed his head against the walls, rendering him unconscious. Despite the harsh tumbling, his armor and helmet provided enough protection to prevent serious injury.


    He was swept through kilometers of underground tunnels and was spat out in an unnamed lake in the Far East. Atlas was floating on the surface as rain lashed down, causing him to open his eyes and spot dark clouds high above.


    ''Where am I now? Hopefully closer to Aridonia, I still need to heal Lilith before meeting the others,'' Atlas mused as a headache hit him.


    This caused him to grit his teeth in pain before swimming toward the shore, only to spot a small town in the distance. Atlas headed toward it with determination, and when he reached dry ground, he collapsed to the ground with a sigh.


    Atlas saw a green canopy above him swaying around due to the storm brewing. He sat up and shook his head, ''At least no monsters attacked me on the way here.''


    He stood up and glanced at the town in the distance while mumbling. "I need to disguise myself; I''d prefer not to be burned at the stake."


    Activating Maskweaver, Atlas transformed his white hair to blonde and his eyes to brown. His pale skin darkened to resemble that of a Southman. ''This should work perfectly,'' he thought with a smile.


    Then, he started making his way to the town while checking on his helmet, which was repaired, causing him to smile. It took him twenty minutes to reach the entrance guarded by three guards.


    One stepped forward, leveling a spear at Atlas, while the other nocked an arrow to his bow. Atlas raised his hands and called out, "I''m a lost adventurer! A monster chased me, fell into a chasm, and ended up being ejected into the lake over there!"


    The guards looked at each other before the one in charge replied suspiciously, ''''Show me your guild card.''''


    Atlas nodded before taking out the black card and showing the men, causing them to relax, which caught his attention. ''''What''s going on? You seem on edge,'''' he asked the commander in a curious tone.


    The older man nodded before explaining in a tired voice, ''''The town has been under attack by a group of Wendigos that have been snatching farmers and travelers as they approach.''''


    ''Wendigos!'' Atlas thought.


    ''''Are they lurking in the jungle, and how many are there?'''' he questioned the commander.


    ''''At least twenty. A hunter managed to cross over the Runes that keep them out of the town, but the mayor said it would only last another two weeks due to the mana consumption,'''' the man answered as they crossed through the town gate.


    When Atlas felt the place''s atmosphere, he shivered as if it were one of dread and paranoia. He looked at the man and commented, ''''Do you have the guild token they issue for quests, and what is the reward for taking the creatures out?''''


    The commander nodded in a voice laced with concern, ''''Yes. The mayor and his wife arrived today from Azurah City in the north; if I remember, it was four gold coins to clear the monsters from the jungle.'''' he revealed.


    Atlas became interested but asked one last question, ''''How can I travel to the Aridonia Continent? I will live with my mother''s brother, who owns a traveling gladiator school in Gauwilh City in the Northeast.''''


    "That''s where the famed Gladiator Scipio is from," the man said with a smile. "My son has recently found his Mystic Legends Card, which all the kids have nowadays."


    He smiled back at Atlas before the commander continued, "Your best option now is to head to Frostwinter, where the Greenskin Confederation operates on the western coast. They use their manaships to cross the Sirens Sea."


    "Why can''t I just take a ship or a train?" Atlas asked.


    The man''s smile faded as he nodded and explained, "The sea monsters destroyed the last bridge the empire built, and the Nightmare Kraken attacks all ships that attempt to cross during Frostwinter."


    Atlas nodded, ''''Thank you for the information; I will set out in the morning to clear the Wendigo nest and claim the gold coins,'''' he said before walking into the town.


    He observed people hurrying home and shops hastily locking their doors, which puzzled Atlas. Recalling the guard''s mention of the Mystic Legend Cards, he wondered, ''What are these cards? I''ve never encountered them before.''


    As he scanned the street, Atlas noticed a General Store still open. Deciding to investigate, he approached and stepped inside.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 138: Did You Deal With Them Yourself

    When Atlas entered the General Store, he noticed a young woman behind the counter looking bored while reading a book. He noticed she looked up at him, but her expression was shocked and puzzled.


    ''New people are that rare now days?'' he thought while scanning the shop.


    That''s when he spotted a fridge-looking machine with dozens of drinks inside, causing Atlas to approach it. He went through all the different choices and found a cherry-looking crate of eight glass bottles.


    Atlas picked up four before approaching the counter and putting them on there, causing the young woman to put her book down. He walked back to the fridge and picked out several more flavors.


    He then picked up some random bits and bobs he needed while traveling across Zarandar. Ten minutes later, Atlas stood at the counter. As the worker started counting everything, he spotted a box with packs of cards that the commander spoke about.


    ''Let''s see what they''re all about,'' Atlas thought before picking up a pack and placing it next to the finished pile of goods.


    The young woman looked up at him and smiled, ''''Welcome to Arashan''s only General Store. That will be two gold with ten silver.''''


    Atlas paid for his items before storing them in his storage and leaving the store. He then started searching for an inn for the night. While traveling, he admired the buildings that looked like they had come straight out of Persia.


    There was a building made from beautiful sandstone and decorated with colorful fabrics, making each one stand out from the one next. After ten minutes of searching, he found one in the northern part of town.


    He entered the inn and noticed it was empty. The owner sat behind the counter, looking bored. Atlas approached, catching the man''s eye and causing him to speak, ''''Evening traveler. How can I help you?''''


    ''''I want a room for the night and two meals,'''' Atlas replied while placing some silver coins on the counter.


    The owner smiled, ''''Yes, young man. The biggest room is on the first floor. It has its bathroom. You can have that one.''''


    Atlas thanked the man before entering his designated room, sitting on the bed, and falling backward. He pulled out the Mystic Legend pack to see a goblin drawn on it, which caused him to think, ''Why do so many things look like they belong on Earth?''


    He shook his head before tearing open the packet, only to see four cards with a monster or adventurer on the front. Atlas examined them and noticed three were creatures, and the other was a lion man.


    ''Interesting,'' he thought with a curious expression.


    ''A Wendigo, Wild Orc, and a Frostbear,'' Atlas thought while examining the monster card before turning to the lion man, ''Leo Lionheart, Rank S adventurer in the Lionheart Kingdom.''


    The cards provided brief descriptions and essential details about the monsters. Atlas set the other cards aside and examined the one depicting a Wendigo. The card detailed its vulnerability to fire magic.


    ''Void magic should kill them,'' Atlas thought, feeling excited. ''Or I could always rely on my blades.''


    While looking at the card, the owner knocked on the door and entered, holding a plate of delicious-looking meat. The aroma made his stomach rumble as the man put it on the table before leaving the room.


    Atlas stowed the card, set aside his armor, and then sat down to eat. He finished his meal in about ten minutes, feeling satisfied. Afterward, he crawled into bed, got comfortable, and drifted asleep. Explore stories on m,v l''-NovelFire.net


    The next morning, Atlas woke up feeling refreshed, but it seemed to be raining as water lashed against the room window. Ten minutes later, he walked into the bathroom to wash up before leaving. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    An hour later, Atlas left the inn after breakfast and bid the owner farewell. Once he left the town, he activated Call Of The Void and summoned twelve Voidstalkers who chirped in happiness.


    Atlas smiled when he saw this before ordering them to find the Wendigos. The little monsters agreed and rushed off into the surrounding jungle. It only took some of them half an hour to return.


    They led him to the monster nest, where two Wendigos were guarding a cave entrance while eating some meat. Atlas quickly scanned them to find out their ranks.


    [Wendigo]


    [Rank: E+ - 250 Exp]


    [Use your Void Blast to deal with them]


    When Atlas saw their ranks, he unsheathed his blades before casting Void Step to appear between the two creatures. He lashed out and stabbed them through the skulls, causing them to drop lifeless.


    Once they were dead, Atlas cut out the orange Monster Cores before storing them away and entering the tunnel. As he stepped inside, the scent of blood and gore hit his nose, causing him to gag.


    Atlas composed himself before entering the first chamber, where he saw a dozen Wendigos feeding. He recoiled in horror but quickly focused, aiming Nightblade at the group''s center and casting Void Bomb.


    An azure glow filled the chamber, catching the Wendigos'' attention just before the spell detonated. The explosion rocked the tunnel, and Atlas swiftly cast Void Guard to shield himself from the shockwave.


    As the dust settled, enraged roars echoed through the chamber. Atlas readied his blade, anticipating the first Wendigo''s attack. The creature lunged from the shadows, but Atlas swiftly sidestepped, driving his weapons into its flank.


    The Wendigo staggered, but before it could recover, Atlas cast Void Bullet. The spell erupted within the creature, causing its body to burst into a mist of blood and gore. He continued fighting more of the monsters by deflecting their claws and casting Void Wave to deal with their numbers advantage.


    After an hour of fighting, the last monster dropped to the ground while blood poured out of the large hole in its chest. Then, Atlas went around collecting thirty orange Monster Cores that littered the Wendigo nest.


    By the time Atlas reached the back of the chamber, to find a treasure chest full of random stuff. He stored it away before returning to the town while dragging the Wendigo leader by the leg.


    When he made it back to the gate, the town guards rushed out and were horrified when they saw the creature''s body behind him. The commander he had spoken to before appeared in shock.


    ''''Did you deal with them alone?'''' the older man questioned in a firm tone.


    Atlas nodded, ''''If you follow my tracks, you will reach the nest with all the dead bodies inside,'''' he informed the commander.


    The town guards and the man rushed into the jungle, prompting Atlas to chuckle as he sat down, waiting for their return. Ten minutes later, the commander emerged and expressed gratitude for Atlas''s assistance during the town''s crisis.


    "What''s your name, boy? I want to send word to the provincial capital to let them know of your deeds," the commander asked eagerly.


    "Atlas," he replied. "I''m heading west now¡ªI need to reach the Greenskin Confederation before the snow arrives."


    After that, Atlas left the town behind and traveled south through the Arashan Jungle before reaching a beautiful grassland stretching for miles. Atlas headed to the nearest city, Bahramiya, where he wanted to find an escort quest.


    Atlas walked steadily through the sprawling landscape, the sun casting long shadows on the golden terrain. As he approached the city''s outskirts, the landscape began to change. The distant silhouette of its walls grew clearer, bustling with activity.


    The road to the city was lined with merchants and travelers, each setting up their stalls or resting before entering the city gates. Atlas joined the line of people, his gaze shifting from colorful tents displaying exotic wares to caravans laden with goods.


    He moved forward while taking in the lively atmosphere. The air was filled with the murmur of conversations, the clinking of trade goods, and the occasional shout of a merchant promoting their wares.


    When Atlas reached the entrance, the Achaemenidian guards requested a silver coin for entry, which he promptly paid. Stepping through the gates, he was greeted by buildings rising at least four stories high, adorned with vibrant, colorful fabrics that draped between them.


    The roads were paved with the same exquisite sandstone used to construct the buildings, and their smooth surfaces reflected the city''s beauty. Atlas made his way to the Adventurers Guild, and once inside, he realized it was extremely busy.


    Atlas stood in line to talk to one of the receptionists, and it took him close to an hour to reach the counter, behind which a beautiful woman was sitting. She looked up and smiled, ''''Welcome to the Bahramiya branch of the Adventurers Guild. How can I help you today?''''


    He handed over the guild token that the town guard commander had given him, which shocked the woman who asked, ''''Did you come across this quest on your travels, young man?''''


    "Yes," Atlas replied. "I came across the town of Arashan and assisted the guards in dealing with a Wendigo nest that was terrorizing them."


    The receptionist nodded in acknowledgment and requested his adventurer''s card. Atlas handed it over, allowing her to mark down the completed quest. Then, he asked the woman about quests heading west.


    ''''Just wait here for a second while I look,'''' she said before leaving the counter and heading to the backrooms.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 139: Nice To Meet You

    Atlas waited a few minutes before the receptionist returned while holding a piece of paper and explained with a friendly smile, ''''There is an escort quest for the Ironborn Company traveling west to Pytharis. You need to meet the merchant at the western gate tomorrow morning.''''


    "Can I take it, please?" he asked, causing the woman to nod and smile as she took his card to scan the quest again.


    Following that, Atlas decided to see if he could find a bank to withdraw the five hundred gold coins he earned from discovering the dungeon in Tajariyah City. He walked down the main street until reaching the square, where he saw dozens of food stalls.


    While standing there, a delicious aroma hit his nose, causing him to follow it through the square until he reached a stand selling all kinds of meat buns, which caught his attention.


    A woman''s voice reached his ears. ''''What can I do for you, young man? Do you want to try one of my creations?'''' she said while holding a bun in his direction.


    Atlas nodded with a smile before taking and eating the offering, instantly loving its delicious taste. His eyes widened, causing him to order, ''''How many of these can you cook until you run out of ingredients?''''


    ''''A few hundred, why?'''' the stall owner asked in a curious tone. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''I want to buy as many as possible for my journey west that I start tomorrow morning,'''' Atlas replied. ''''How much would that cost?''''


    The woman paused momentarily before saying, "I used gold for all the ingredients and spent twenty silver on the spot. I''ll cook everything for you if you give me three gold."


    Atlas nodded and handed her the coins. He then found a nearby bench, removed his helmet, and let the cool air refresh his face as he waited. While sitting there, he checked his status to see how much he had gained from the Wendigo kills.


    [Level Up: 138¡ú140]


    [Experience: 2440/5000]


    [Experience: 8000]


    [Health: 1146¡ú1148(200)]


    [Mana: 5092¡ú5104(1000)]


    [Strength: 1294¡ú1298(100)]


    [Stamina: 1604¡ú1610(250)]


    [Intelligence: 1024¡ú1028]


    [Core Points: 38590/40000]


    [Core Points Gained: 4950]


    ''Leveled up twice, which is good,'' he mused before looking at the dark clouds above.


    It covered the city in a shadow but didn''t stop the mana lights from turning on and lighting the street up. Then, Atlas waited another twenty minutes before the woman called him over.


    Two dozen boxes were stacked on the wooden bench next to the stall. When Atlas saw the food, his excitement grew. He quickly stored all the meat buns in his Dimensional Storage to enjoy on his journey.


    Afterward, he thanked the stall owner and searched for an inn for the night. Ten minutes later, he found one in the western part of the city and paid ten silver for a room. When he got inside, he collapsed on the bed.


    Atlas dismissed his armor and weapons before activating Void Realm as he fell asleep. His consciousness reappeared on a path just outside the Second Valley arena, where he defeated the second Void Brute Bear.


    He pulled up the monster totals he needed to kill.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 3709/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1584/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''I want to get these numbers down even more,'' Atlas thought excitedly. ''Combined with my Dungeon Monsters I will have an invincible army to battle Chaos with but I do need even more mana for that.''


    He then traveled through another canyon, where over a dozen Savage Void Bears ambushed him from the cliffs above. Atlas bobbed and weaved around their attacks before casting a Void Wave that sent the monsters flying.


    ''My spells are stronger now; dealing with these weaker bears are easy,'' Atlas mused with a growing smile.


    As they were caught off guard, he surged forward, stabbing and slicing through the bears precisely before using his magic to blast them away. Minutes later, forty monsters soaked back into the Void Realm, leaving him happy.


    Once Atlas was done with them, he continued fighting more Savage Void Bears who tried attacking, but he was too fast for them to catch. While battling with another group, he decides to summon the Death Gorillas.


    When the monsters rushed out of the portal, they shocked the remaining bears, but the gorilla pummeled them into the ground. Atlas was happy, but shortly after that, they were destroyed.


    ''What happened there?'' he wondered while looking around.


    [Voidwalker. You cannot use your Dungeon Conquerer Class while in the Void Realm, as that is against ********** rules. Please don''t do it again]


    Atlas gulped when he saw the notification but chose not to push his luck and continued his journey through Level Two. He fought more Savage Bears until they were easy to kill, and he grew tired.


    He checked the monster totals once he did this for a few hours.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2817/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1584/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Nearly half way there,'' Atlas thought as his excitement soared due to all the fighting.


    Following this, he fought his way through it and only managed to get hit a few times by the massive bears because he was cocky. By the time he reached the other side, he was tired but had killed so many Cave Void Bears that he lost count of his total.


    Atlas shook his head before checking once again.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2817/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1211/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''This should be enough for now,'' he pondered. ''I will come to the Void Realm every night to clear the bears.''


    Afterward, Atlas left the realm after having enough of the killing and woke up in his room. Noticing it was still night from the window, he rolled back over and went to sleep to rest for the coming journey.


    By the next morning, Atlas felt refreshed before getting out of bed. He stretched until his bones clicked, then sat down and pulled out some meat buns before eating while watching the rain hit the window.


    Ten minutes later, he finished eating and started going to the western gate to meet with the merchant caravan he''d be joining. Atlas summoned his armor, weapons, and Enchanted Winter Cloak, which he wrapped around himself.


    It took him nearly twenty minutes to arrive at the gate, where he saw a dozen adventurers lingering around twelve carriages. Atlas wondered what they were transporting, but a portly man appeared with a friendly smile.


    ''''Are you Azhar''Zul? The guild receptionist said you were the last member of the security detail,'''' the merchant said in a jovial voice.


    Atlas nodded before answering, ''''Yes. They assigned me the quest yesterday, and here I am.''''


    The merchant laughed and introduced himself, "I''m Gus Ironborn. Nice to meet you, young man."


    Atlas was then asked to guard the convoy''s rear, to which he agreed with a smile. With his hands resting on his blades, he stood ready, waiting for their departure. He observed that the other adventurers kept their distance, which suited him perfectly.


    The city guards opened the gate as everyone took their positions, leaving him alone at the back. Atlas shrugged before following them as they passed through the gates and over a bridge.


    Continue your adventure with m|v-l''e -NovelFire.net


    The column of merchants and two dozen guards, including Atlas, exited the city and noticed the terrible weather lashing the landscape. Most people had umbrellas, but others didn''t, which allowed the rain to hit their faces.


    Atlas walked behind the trade caravan westward along the rugged road. The early morning fog clung to the landscape in a ghostly veil. The rain from the previous night had left the road muddy, making the wheels of the carriages churn up thick clumps of earth with each turn.


    Gus periodically shouted, his voice carrying over the clamor of the wheels. "Keep it steady, everyone! We''ll be in Pytharis by nightfall if we stay on course!"


    The road wound through rolling hills and dense forests, the scenery changing from verdant greens to the muted browns of late summer. Atlas noticed the occasional flash of wildlife¡ªdeer darting through the trees or birds taking flight¡ªeach brief glimpse a reminder of the world beyond the road.


    As the caravan made its way past a particularly dense patch of forest, Atlas''s sharp eyes caught movement in the shadows. He slowed his pace slightly, his senses alert. But after a tense few moments, the forest remained quiet, and they continued their journey.


    Soon enough, the day passed quickly, and they arrived at a clearing deep in some woods. Atlas was getting the creeps when looking around, but he could see any monsters lurking around, causing him to step into the tree line.


    Once inside, Atlas summoned a group of Voidstalkers and ordered them to scout the woods for hidden monsters. As they dashed into the underbrush, he called forth two Umber-Hulks and told them to burrow in the ground and guard his tent once he set it up.


    This caused him to grow tired before checking his mana.


    [Mana: 2804/5104(1000)]


    Noticing his remaining mana, Atlas summoned two Rock Wyrms. The creatures greeted him with a friendly nudge of their heads before burrowing underground. He smiled at their familiar gesture before returning to the merchant''s camp.


    Once Atlas arrived, he set up his camp and the Dark One Runes like the others in the caravan. He started a fire that roared to life as he felt his monsters settling underneath his camp.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 140: Theres Too Many Monsters

    Atlas''s camp was secluded enough from the other guards or merchants that the Voidstalkers could sneak up and warn him about the monsters surrounding them. The little creatures couldn''t describe them in detail but mentioned that they were very strong.


    "I have the two Umber-Hulks and Rock Wyrms under me," he pondered, "Maybe I need to summon more monsters?"


    He checked his mana and noted it was replenishing itself, allowing him to summon additional help if necessary. Atlas settled down, poking the fire as he ate meat buns, his gaze scanning the thick woods surrounding him.


    The clearing was dense with trees and underbrush, cutting off sightlines in every direction. Humanoid figures crept through the darkness. Atlas observed them forming a circle around their campsite.


    "These people will be slaughtered," Atlas thought grimly. "If needed, I''ll use a Rock Wyrm to escape. But some of these monsters feel stronger than anyone here, and there''s nothing I can summon that would match them."


    A group of guards were loudly laughing and drinking ale, their raucous behavior grating on Atlas''s nerves. When a chirp caught his attention, he looked down to find only two Voidstalkers remaining.


    "They must have been killed by the monsters," Atlas mused, gently stroking the little creatures.


    This revelation heightened his sense of dread. The woods around him seemed to warp into a living nightmare as a dark figure darted just beyond the light''s reach.


    ''Do I warn them? They haven''t been friendly at all,'' he thought, the weight of his decision pressing on him.


    Horrifying creatures slithered and crept in the shadows, their presence sending a shiver down his spine. Atlas''s hand instinctively reached for the Nightblade as he prepared to unleash his Dungeon Monsters at the first sign of an attack.


    But after an hour, nothing happened, causing Atlas to wonder what the monsters were doing. ''Are they waiting until only the guards are awake?'' he thought.


    Without thinking, Atlas summoned a Blood Bat that flew into a nearby tree under his orders. He had a bad feeling and decided to have a backup plan if things went wrong. While doing that, the four monsters underneath him became more active as the enemies closed in.


    "I need some rest; the monsters will keep me safe," he murmured with a yawn.


    Atlas, weary from exhaustion, shuffled into his tent. He instructed one of the Rock Wyrms to encase him in its protective embrace should any threats arise. The creature complied, and soon Atlas drifted into a deep, restful sleep, undisturbed until morning.


    The Umber-Hulks roared to life as the enemies attacked the night guards, causing chaos everywhere. When the Dungeon Monsters sensed them, they closed around Atlas to protect him from the creature''s claws and teeth.


    Many were crushed, while others were eaten before Atlas woke up and rushed out of the tent, only to see adventurers and caravan guards fighting with Wendigos and other monsters that appeared from the dark.


    He witnessed the Umber-Hulks crushing the Wendigos while the Rock Wyrms darted around the area, eating many monsters. When Atlas saw this, he readied his blades and started slashing at several Wendigos, causing them to drop dead.


    While fighting, Atlas managed to deflect a few claw swipes as he witnessed a group of caravan guards swamped by a group of Wendigos who quickly tore them apart, causing the adventurers to bunch up close by.


    They started targeting Atlas when they spotted him commanding the Umber-Hulks and Rock Wyrms to attack the enemy monsters. The leader assumed he was against them and ordered the mages to attack.


    When Atlas saw this, he grew angry and decided to leave them be as one of the Umber-Hulks was taken down by a Mountain Troll, which appeared from the treeline. As this happened, he scanned the enemies to find out their ranks.


    Find your next adventure on m_v l|e-NovelFire.net


    [Chaotic Wendigo]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank C - 500 Exp]


    [Stronger than their regular counterparts - Use explosive magic on them]


    [Mutated Humans]


    [Chaos Born]


    [Rank D - 300 Exp]


    [Kidnapped townspeople twisted by dark magic and experimentation]


    [Mountain Troll]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Much stronger than its rank shows - Get out of there!]


    ''What the hell!'' Atlas thought while taking in the horrifying sight of the black-skinned troll wearing monster skins and holding a menacing-looking sword.


    The Mountain Troll marched out of the trees and swung the massive weapon that cleaved three adventurers and a carriage in half, causing blood to fly everywhere. Atlas stepped back before summoning four more Umber-Hulks.


    ''That monster is dangerous,'' Atlas internally mused. ''I''ll have to be careful.''


    He commanded the Rock Wyrms to engage the troll while the Wendigos attempted to swarm him. Atlas managed to deflect many of their assaults, but as fatigue set in, the creature''s claws breached his defenses, slashing through his armor and sending waves of pain coursing through his body.


    Atlas quickly unleashed Void Wave, creating enough space to assess the chaotic battle. He spotted the Dungeon Monsters clashing with a massive Mountain Troll, but the sheer number of enemies overwhelmed the battlefield.


    ''There''s too many monsters. This is going to be impossible,'' Atlas mused while checking his surroundings.


    His eyes narrowed with concern as three Wendigos charged at him, their lethal claws slicing through the air in a frenzied attack. Atlas dodged many of the swipes, but that''s when he noticed something about them, ''They are growing stronger!'' S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the thought flashed through his mind, Atlas deflected an oncoming strike with his Nightblade, countering with a thrust from the Deepforge Blade. The moment the tip drove through the monster''s skull, the rest of the creatures snapped their attention toward him.


    Breathing heavily but unfazed, Atlas steadied himself, his bloodied swords glinting in the dim light. With a deep, calming breath, he flicked the crimson from his blades and surged forward, cutting through the nearest monster in a single, devastating swing.


    The monsters went wild and started lunging for Atlas, but he was so fast that he dodged any attack that came his way until he came face to face with the leader of the monsters, who held Gus by the throat while looking at him.


    Atlas stopped moving after killing several more Wendigos before scanning the tall Slenderman-looking being.


    [Mutated Elf]


    [Chaos Commander]


    [Level: 233]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    [Leader of a Chaos Raiding band - Will target you once it realizes who you are]


    When Atlas read that, he chuckled before removing the disguise and helmet, shocking the Mutated Elf. Its red eyes grew wide as it spoke in a husky tone full of malice, ''''Little Voidwalker! The king will reward me for killing you.''''


    He started laughing at the Chaos Commander before pointing Nightblade at him, ''''You will fall in this clearing tonight and will let the forest monster eat your body.''''


    The Mutant Elf threw Gus into the wreckage of a nearby carriage, its roar of fury ripping through the night. The air seemed to thrum as it charged at Atlas, intent on tearing him apart, which he found amusing.


    ''Here we go,'' he thought with an excited smile.


    But Atlas met the monstrous charge with a calm, knowing smile, his body coiled like a spring, ready to unleash himself. As the beast''s claws slashed toward him, he quickly sidestepped and ducked under each wild strike.


    His movements were a blur, effortlessly weaving around the creature''s fierce attacks. With each quick dodge, Atlas retaliated with several calculated strikes¡ªhis blades slicing through the air while arcs of magic crackled from his fingertips.


    When each attack landed, tearing into the mutant''s flesh, slowing its momentum with every cut. The Mutant Elf''s speed began to falter, its rage turning into frustration as it struggled to land a hit on the elusive warrior.


    Atlas pressed his advantage, his attacks relentless and unyielding. He combined his swordplay with bursts of magic, the two forces working in perfect harmony to chip away at the creature''s strength.


    The mutant''s once unstoppable charge had devolved into a frantic, stumbling fight for survival. Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets, each detonating on impact, tearing into the Slenderman-like creature''s twisted form.


    As the monster staggered backward, Atlas surged forward, his movements blurred due to his speed. He cast Void Step and materialized above the creature when he got close, driving his blade deep into its chest.


    Before it could react, Atlas unleashed a Void Blast directly into the wound, delivering the final, devastating blow. He used Void Step to vanish and give himself some space as the mutant collapsed.


    The Wendigos let out enraged howls, their fury boiling over as they charged at Atlas. He fought valiantly, deflecting many of their savage attacks, but the relentless onslaught was overwhelming.


    Cuts and gashes began to cover his body, each one sapping his strength until, with a pained grimace, he let out a piercing whistle. In response, the Blood Bat erupted from the nearby trees, its massive wings slicing through the air.


    With a swift dive, it snatched Atlas in its claws, lifting him away from the frenzied monsters and soaring into the sky. He glanced down at the creatures who swarmed over the clearing they were camped in.


    ''Why is this land so dangerous?'' Atlas pondered, his thoughts swirling as the Blood Bat glided toward a nearby lake. The creature descended smoothly, landing on the ground with a soft thud.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 141: Not Too Hard

    Atlas scanned his surroundings, realizing he was momentarily safe. Relief washed over him as he sank to the ground, gasping for breath. Slowly, his wounds began to knit themselves back together, the healing process taking hold as he rested. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''I''ll stay here for a while before moving on,'' he thought while scanning his surroundings and saw nothing or no one.


    The moons above shone bright, lighting up the world below. Atlas took some time to rest on the bank of the lake. While doing this, the Blood Bat covered him with one of its wings while guarding the area.


    Atlas shook his head before sitting up and admiring the peaceful water as the dark clouds above covered the world in darkness. While sitting there, he started stroking the Blood Bat, who started chirping in happiness as it nudged against his body.


    Then he stood up and stretched his body, only to feel the lingering pain from the previous fight, ''I should head for the Pytharis City and tell the guild that the caravan was slaughtered,'' Atlas thought while watching the lake.


    He noticed something swimming toward him, which alarmed him. He quickly slapped the Blood Bat''s back, ordering, "Fly girl! A monster is coming!"


    The creature took to the sky, and a giant crocodile burst from the water, causing Atlas to catch the monster''s jaws before they could snap shut on him. His arms strained as the beast tried to bite him.


    ''Why am I holding the jaws of a monster open!'' he internally panicked.


    He gagged at the horrible breath but soon started to panic as the force of the crocodile''s jaws slowly won their fight. That''s when the Blood Bat fell upon the monster''s back and began attacking it, allowing him to replace one of his hands with a foot.


    ''Here we go,'' he thought with a big smile.


    Once Atlas did that, he aimed his free hand down the monster''s throat and cast Void Blast, which instantly caused the crocodile to let him go as it thrashed around in pain. He looked at the bat and shouted, "Get off its back!"


    The Dungeon Monster listened as Atlas cast Void Bomb at the dying monster just as another crocodile appeared, allowing him to scan it before the spell erupted.


    [Razorback Crocodile]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Ambush monsters - Don''t go near large lakes, or you may become its dinner]


    ''Nearly experienced that,'' Atlas thought as an explosion erupted, causing him to fly.


    The Blood Bat screeched before grabbing him mid-air and soaring over the lake as more Razorbacks appeared. Atlas climbed onto the bat''s back while thanking the monster by stroking it.


    While sitting there, he checked his status to see how many levels he had gained due to the chaos ambush.


    [Level Up: 140¡ú144]


    [Experience: 2480/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 20400]


    [Health: 1148¡ú1254(200)]


    [Mana: 5104¡ú5538(1000)]


    [Strength: 1298¡ú1402(100)]


    [Stamina: 1610¡ú1716(250)]


    [Charisma: 572¡ú604]


    [Intelligence: 1028¡ú1140]


    [Core Rank: Apprentice Mid¡úHigh]


    [Core Points: 2560/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 8240]


    ''Nice, it''s still increasing, but I do have to fight even more or find stronger monsters,'' Atlas thought while the Blood Bat flew over the lake.


    Soon, they reached a bustling trade road lined with dozens of caravans and guarded by Achaemenid patrols. Atlas directed the Blood Bat to fly a mile from the road, ensuring a safe distance.


    Once they were clear, he signaled for the bat to descend so he could approach the road on foot. As the monster hit the ground, Atlas thanked it for its help before dismissing it and moving it back to the Dungeon Realm.


    When the Blood Bat was gone, Atlas slapped his forehead, ''I forgot to withdraw the gold coins back at the city,'' he thought.


    Atlas chuckled and reminded himself to pick it up when he reached the next city, his destination. After walking for about ten minutes, he arrived at the road and encountered a small group of students engaged in activities nearby.


    "Are they on a school trip? Who knows," he shrugged before continuing his journey toward the distant city.


    While making his way there, Atlas spotted small homesteads surrounded by farmlands that stretched in all directions and lit up by the silver light of Zahidul, causing him to think, ''Nowhere to hide if the empire finds me.''


    It took him half an hour to reach the city gates, where he was made to pay a silver coin to enter because the mayor had locked down the place due to an incoming Rank A monster wave.


    Atlas gulped but decided to leave the city before it arrived. He made his way through the packed streets, where people had panicked expressions. It took him ten minutes to find the Adventurers Guild, which he entered only to find empty.


    He glanced around and noticed a woman sitting behind the counter, which he approached and spoke, ''''Hello. How do I report that my quest giver was killed during a monster attack?''''


    The receptionist looked down at him with a raised eyebrow, ''''What do you mean, young man? This is a serious incident if what you say is true.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''It is. Monsters that ambushed us while we were camping for the night. A powerful Mountain Troll forced me to escape into the surrounding woods before the Wendigo''s could swarm me,'''' he revealed.


    When the receptionist heard this, her expression went from suspicious to concerned as she spoke, ''''Can I see your Adventurer''s Card, please? I want to get the quest''s name and void it on your account until the guild can investigate.''''


    "Alright, can I continue on my way? I need to reach the Greenskin Confederation," Atlas asked in a curious tone.


    The woman smiled reassuringly and nodded. "Yes, you''re free to go, young adventurer, as there have been similar reports all along the trade road."


    After that, Atlas looked for some quests on the board before leaving and found three bandit-hunting and three goblin ones that needed destruction. He took five quests to the guild receptionist to register them to his adventurer card.


    She was shocked but asked concernedly, ''''This is a dangerous choice, young man. The bandits are ruthless and will show you no mercy if captured.''''


    ''''I''ll be fine,'''' Archer reassured the woman. ''''I''m not a weak adventurer and must do my rank-up test.''''


    The woman nodded in understanding and took his Adventurers Card before registering the quests to his card before he left the guild. Atlas looked at the five quest papers to see what ones to do first.


    [Bandit Hunt: Deal with the outlaws plaguing Elysion Harbor Town on the Rahma River to the north - Reward: Three gold coins - Proof: Any identification of the bandits]


    [Bandit Hunt: Wipe out the bandits raiding areas around Meqshah Port city - Reward: Four gold coins - Proof: Any identification of the bandits]


    [Bandit Hunt: Kill all the Achaemenidians that rebelled against the province governor and are terrorizing the town of Hamaitan in the north - Reward: Five gold coins and a favor from the governor - Proof: Head of the rebel commander Silas]


    ''Not too hard,'' Atlas pondered. ''I can use my monsters to ambush them at night once I find their camps.''


    Afterward, he checked the two remaining quests he could on the way north.


    [Destroy the Goblin Nest in the hills surrounding Pytharis City - Reward: One gold coin - Proof: Goblin ears]


    [Defend the village south of the town of Zunikha from goblin and orc raids - Reward: A free mount and forty silver - Proof: Guild Token from the village leader]


    Following that, he decided to do the first goblin quest near the city he was in. Atlas headed for the northern gate, passed through it, and saw the hills stretching in the distance.


    Atlas got excited to kill some goblins and prepared everything, including the bombs he decided to use, as he made his way to the first hill while summoning the Voidstalkers before ordering them to find the goblins.


    The tiny Trodons scampered off, chirping excitedly as they disappeared. Ten minutes later, one of the mischievous creatures returned, leading a group of five goblins straight toward Atlas.


    He couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight. The Voidstalker would taunt the goblins by stopping just long enough to tease them, then dart away again. As the green-skinned monsters approached, Atlas raised his hand and cast several Void Arrows.


    The glowing blue projectiles whistled through the air, striking the goblins with deadly precision. They crumpled to the ground, lifeless. The Voidstalkers immediately pounced on the fallen bodies, feasting without hesitation.


    Atlas watched the little dinosaurs eat the goblins until the five black Monster Cores and five pairs of ears were left behind. He stored them all in his Dimensional Storage before following the Voidstalkers.


    They led him to an old mine walled off by the empire, but the creatures led him to an opening where the goblins were coming and going. Atlas looked at this with a raised eyebrow and knew the nest was somewhere inside.


    Atlas approached the mine entrance, where rusted carts and discarded tools littered the ground. Gripping his swords tightly, he cautiously stepped inside. The air was thick with dust, but no goblins were in sight.


    He pressed on through the tunnel, his Voidstalkers leading the way, darting ahead like silent hurricanes. Soon, the eerie silence was broken by the unmistakable sounds of goblin shrieks and panicked cries.


    The Voidstalkers had already begun their assault, tearing through the goblin nest in a frenzied feeding. The air echoed with chaos as Atlas followed the path of destruction.


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 Chapter 142: Elysion Harbor Town

    Atlas slowly made his way down the tunnel while summoning more chaotic Voidstalkers to help out in the fight. The little dinosaurs excitedly chirped before hunting down more goblins until all the monsters hid in one chamber with their captives.


    ''Please don''t be some pregnant villagers,'' Atlas thought. ''I heard they kidnapped women and girls from remote villages to use as breeding vessels.''


    The thought made him shiver in disgust, ''Goblins are a problem to the common people; kingdoms and empires only see the creatures as annoying.''


    Soon enough, he arrived at the entrance, but only three of his void creatures survived due to all the fight, causing him to dismiss them with the goblin himself. After collecting thirty black Monster Cores, he readied his blades before casting several Void Bullets into the chamber, causing explosions everywhere.


    The goblins were thrown into panicked confusion as he burst out and started cutting their numbers down with ease. Nightblade and Deepforge sliced through the monster''s flesh like a hot knife through butter, causing the chamber floor to be stained with blood.


    ''This is getting easier,'' he mused with a smile.


    When Atlas killed all the creatures, he stood before their captives, who looked like a sorry bunch. Two young men and a few women lay battered and bruised; he studied them only to realize what the goblins were doing to them.


    ''Oh, they used the five as playthings. Maybe I should just kill them as they already look dead and might not want to live after that experience,'' he pondered.


    Atlas kicked one of the men and spoke in a blunt tone as it was the only way he knew how to communicate with traumatized people, ''''Do you want to be helped or die?'''' he asked.


    One of the men nodded with tears in his eyes, ''''Yes, please, adventurer. I cannot live with the shame of what happened to me,'''' the young man stuttered while trembling.


    Atlas studied the captives, noticing a flicker of determination in their eyes. ''They could find the strength to fight back and overcome their trauma,'' he mused. ''Pamela always said, ''You have to confront the trauma until it becomes a distant memory, not something that controls you.'' sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''You know you can get healed like the others? But if it''s your choice to die, then I will aid you,'''' Atlas answered before continuing. ''''Or you can grow stronger, level up, and slaughter every goblin in the Achaemenid Empire.''''


    The two young men and the women looked at him, but that''s when he noticed the captive''s eyes grow as wide as saucers. Atlas quickly spun around and raised his swords to block the attack coming his way.


    Sparks flew as claws connected with his weapons, sending a shockwave through his small body. Atlas strained to hold the creatures back, allowing him to scan his new enemy using Void Sight.


    [Savage Goblin]


    [Rank: C+ - 550 Exp]


    [One of the strongest Goblin Sub-Races]


    Atlas''s muscles strained, but he directed a Void Wave at the Savage Goblin, which sent it flying and crashing into the chamber wall. He darted forward like a bullet while swinging at its neck with his Nightblade.


    ''This should be the end,'' he smiled as the excitement built up.


    The boss goblin jumped up and dodged, causing the Nightblade to hit the wall and sparks to fly. Atlas quickly used Void Step to try to attack the creatures from several directions, but it always managed to block his strikes.


    ''Damn smart goblin! What is this shit!''


    Following this, Atlas activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned the Death Gorilla Kara, who roared as she charged through the portal. The giant monster started wildly swinging its massive fists at the Savage Goblin.


    ''She is strong but it won''t be enough.''


    Atlas watched the creature dodge all of her attacks, but its attention was on the Death Gorilla; this allowed him to use Void Step to sneak up on it and blast it with a Void Bullet, causing an explosion to rip through its body.


    The Savage Goblin howled in pain and swung its claws at Atlas, who ducked the swing as Kara tackled the creature and bit down on its shoulder until several cracks could be heard, but the enemy wasn''t let it happen as it tore into the gorilla hide.


    ''Oh no you don''t!''


    When Atlas saw this, he rushed forward and ran his blade through the goblin''s eyes, causing the Death Gorilla to stop fighting. As the creature stopped moving, something told him to continue fighting as it wasn''t over.


    More Savage Goblins appeared, causing his excitement to rise. Kara looked at him with concern in her red eyes, but Atlas thanked the monster. ''''Thank you for your help, girl, but it''s my turn to fight these,'''' he said.


    Following that, he dismissed the Death Gorilla and turned to the survivors to speak, ''''Get out of here and head back to the city. Tell them that they have a goblin infection out here and to send the army to deal with them.''''


    One of the men tried to pick up a shabby sword, but the others dragged him away as the first Savage Goblin moved. The creature charged forward and swung its wicket claws at Atlas''s head, but he quickly leaned back, and only the tips of the talons scrapped across the metal.


    When this happened, Atlas counterattacked while hitting out with the Nightblade and sending a Void Blast through Deepforge, making the Savage Goblins scatter from the explosions.


    This spilled the monsters up, allowing Atlas to quickly move in like a bullet while slicing through the legs of the creature, causing them to drop to the floor with a thud before he plunged the swords through their throats.


    Atlas continued fighting the powerful Savage Goblins, which he put down using magic and his two blades. The creatures couldn''t keep up with him thanks to his speed, and he was chasing after afterimages.


    Once there were three left, Atlas cat Void Bomb at them before fleeing down one of the tunnels. The spell erupted and shook the ground, and the remaining monsters were easily finished.


    Then, Atlas searched the Goblin Nest, cut off all the ears, and collected the Monster Cores. Once everything was stored away, he headed to Elysion Harbor Town, where a group of bandits raided the area.''''


    He traveled through the caves until he reached the entrance, where sunlight shone. Atlas exited and started traveling north through the hills, taking out a few more Goblin groups he encountered.


    After hours of grueling travel, Atlas found himself only halfway to his destination. Frustration mounting, he summoned the King Blood Bat, hoping to speed up his journey. As the creature emerged from the swirling Azure portal, its piercing screech echoed.


    Atlas had forgotten how massive the bat was¡ªit loomed over him, its wingspan stretching far and wide, though still smaller than a full-grown wyvern. The beast''s blood-red eyes glinted in the dim light as it awaited his command, ready to carry him the rest of the way.


    ''I forgot how intimidating the Sub-Bosses are,'' Atlas mused while pushing the nerves away as if they were silly.


    It glanced at him with its red eyes before nudging his body with its talon, ''''Can you fly me to my quests, please? I have some bandits to deal with, and you can help me if you like,'''' Atlas said with a smile before scanning it.


    [Blood Bat King] Read chapters at m_v-l''e|-NovelFire.net


    [Dungeon Conquerers Monster]


    [Rabk: C+ - 550 Exp]


    The Blood Bat King agreed with a screech as it lowered its body, allowing him to climb on its back, which Atlas did. When he got comfortable, the monster flapped its giant wings before taking off and flying north.


    Atlas reveled in the breathtaking view from the bat''s back, a sight that never failed to awe him. Below, miles of lush green hills rolled out in every direction, a vibrant patchwork of colorful flowers blanketing the landscape like a painter''s masterpiece.


    The winding roads of the Zarandar Continent stretched endlessly, dotted with travelers and caravans, "This place is unreal," Atlas mused with a quiet smile, his heart lightened by the view. "Earth could never compare to this."


    They flew for a while, giving Atlas enough time to think, ''I will only use the flying monsters sparingly. I do want to see the road from below sometimes.''


    The King Blood Bat alerted him to Elysion in the distance. Wooden walls circled the town, and guards walked on top of it. As they got closer, Atlas ordered the monster to land and hide in some trees while waiting for his whistle.


    Atlas told it to come straight away, which the monster agreed to with a quiet chirp as it perched in the trees above. Following that, he left the treeline and approached the town gates, where a group of Achaemenidians stopped him.


    He raised his hands with his Adventurers Card in the open as he spoke, ''''I''m here to deal with the bandits guards. Do you know where I can find them?''''


    The town guards calmed down when they saw the black card before the commander informed them, ''''We don''t know where their camps are, but we know they have a few.''''


    Atlas nodded before heading back to the King Blood Bat and climbed onto its back to check if he had any monsters to help him.


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 Chapter 143: Im AzharZul

    The only flying monsters Atlas had were the Blood Bats and Cave Wyvern, which annoyed him, ''I need to advance in the Void Realm. Hopefully, Level Three gives me a flying monster,'' he thought while sitting in the back of the king''s back.


    Atlas stroked through the creature''s fur, causing it to chirp in happiness as he spoke, ''''Let''s find the bandits.''''


    The Blood Bat King took to the skies and started flying across the landscape while Atlas scanned the ground. As they flew over a forest, he spotted just below some hills where he spotted a camp.


    ''''Stop flying,'''' Atlas commanded the bat, causing it to hover in the air. ''''I will attack first before you swoop down and join me, boy.''''


    The Blood Bat King nodded in agreement as he spotted a few dozen bandits lingering around the camp. Atlas was looking for the leader''s tent but had no luck, which caused him to think, ''There must be another.''


    However, Atlas jumped off the bat king before free-falling toward the ground below. As he got close to the camp, he cast Void Step and appeared in the center, lunging at the biggest man.


    ''Surprise!''


    Atlas thrust his blades into the bandit''s body before blowing it away using Void Blast, shocking the surrounding men and women. He readied his weapons as some of the enemy rushed forward.


    He quickly deflected several sword swings, a surge of excitement coursing through him. Seizing the moment, Atlas unleashed a Void Wave, sending nearby bandits crashing into the surrounding tents.


    With the chaos giving him some space, the Blood Bat King swooped down, snatched a man, and savagely bit his head off. Undeterred, Atlas continued cutting through the remaining bandits, their numbers falling quickly to his speed, blades, and magic.


    ''I am starting to enjoy fighting too much,'' he pondered excitedly. ''I can''t ignore the thrill it sends through my body.''


    Atlas fought for a while with the help of the Blood Bat King, who took out a dozen bandits while protecting his rear. He was thankful for the monster''s help and let it eat some of the corpses once he looted them.


    ''It can eat those; I will give the guild their Adventurers Guild cards as proof,'' he thought with a smile.


    The bat, pleased with its catch, snatched up a few more bandits before soaring toward the trees. It landed on one of the larger branches and began devouring its prey. Atlas shook his head with amusement before returning to the camp, starting his search through the tents.


    He didn''t find much apart from a few Health and Mana Potions alongside one hundred gold, twenty silver, and a thousand copper coins, which put a smile on Atlas''s face. After searching the bandit camp, he decided to stay there for the night as the sunset.


    Atlas glanced around and found a remote tent on the other end of the camp where the bat king was relaxing while eating, ''Damn, I lost my camping tent during the ambush,'' he thought in frustration.


    He searched the Bandit Commander''s tent and found a simple tent inside. Carrying it into the nearby treeline, he paused as the Blood Bat King extended its wing, pointing out a suitable spot.


    Taking the hint, Atlas began setting up the tent. Once it was pitched, he gathered some dry wood and, using the fire-starting kit he''d purchased from the General Store, sparked a small fire to life.


    The soft crackle of flames soon filled the air, bringing warmth to the quiet forest. While sitting there, Atlas took off his helmet just as the bat king landed in front of him with a crash as it rested.


    He looked at the monster and spoke in a curious tone, ''''Can you speak like the others?''''


    Atlas witnessed the Blood Bat King respond by shaking its head, which shocked him. Once he was settled, he pulled out a Dragon Meat Feast Box while eating, which caused the monster to turn its head toward him.


    ''''Don''t look at me like that! You ate a few bandits, and I haven''t eaten anything for a while,'''' Atlas exclaimed.


    The giant creature nudged Atlas with its massive talons, careful not to hurt him. He rolled his eyes, mildly exasperated, and set the box on the ground, allowing the bat to tear into its meal.


    As he pulled out another box, the bat''s eyes lit up with interest, but Atlas raised a hand, his tone firm. "Don''t even think about it," he warned. "I already gave you one. If you try to take this, I won''t summon you for months."


    Following that, the two started to eat as the two moons lit up the dark sky. While eating, Atlas looked at the creature before speaking, ''''I will name you Theo. Do you like that?''''


    Theo bobbed his head and let out a series of cheerful chirps, which made Atlas laugh. But their meal was abruptly interrupted when a bat suddenly reared up and emitted a terrifying roar, sending the nearby monsters fleeing into the underbrush.


    As Atlas glanced around, he sensed the presence of the creatures watching him. He thought, ''''Well, it''s a good thing I summoned Theo. He''ll guard me at night.''''


    With a shrug, he turned his attention to counting out fifty Adventurer Cards to give to the guild. Afterward, Atlas curled under a blanket and fell asleep while Theo stood guard outside the tent.


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    The Blood Bat King managed to keep away all the monsters but was seriously injured when Atlas woke up. When he saw the creature''s condition, he thanked him before sending Theo back to the Dungeon Realm.


    Following that, Atlas decided to head to Elysion to get a boat along the Rahma River until he got close to Meqshah City, further Southwest. It took him half an hour to reach the town, where the guards celebrated when he showed them the cards.


    The commander shook his hand and asked in a jovial tone, ''''What''s your name, boy, and what do you plan to do?'''' sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''I''m Azhar''Zul, and I''m trying to get to Meqshah City to complete my third quest,'''' Atlas answered, causing the older man to smile.


    He exclaimed before offering him a way Southwest, ''''I''m sure Old Jonas will take you there later. That old man trades with the village on the city''s side of the Rahma.''''


    Atlas nodded with a smile, ''''That would be good. It''s another bandit hunt, but the last bunch bagged me a small fortune,'''' he said while the commander led him into town.


    The man introduced himself, ''''I''m Darius. Thank you for aiding our town; few adventurers would help us as the reward isn''t what they like.''''


    "I don''t mind it. I''m doing this to level up and grow stronger," Atlas replied as they walked past a butcher shop.


    A man and woman were busy slicing meats and drying them. Atlas took a moment to glance around, admiring the Persian-style architecture of the buildings. The intricate designs and vibrant colors caught his eye, and he appreciated the town''s beauty.


    As they approached the heart of the town, Darius nodded with a knowing smile. "So, you''re a leveler, huh? That makes sense. No solo adventurer would chase after a large bandit group otherwise."


    Atlas started laughing before answering, ''''It''s getting worse. After fighting for a while, it''s become something addicting, and I found myself loving it.''''


    Darius shook his head with a chuckle, ''''You''re a battle junky Azhar''Zul. You live for the thrill of battle and the experience, some adventurers get drunk on the power and slip up,'''' he informed Atlas who nodded in understanding.


    The older man led Atlas to the bustling harbor, where a massive trade ship was anchored. Dockworkers hurried about, loading cargo onto the vessel under the watchful eye of a stout, grey-haired man with a rough, rugged pirate appearance.


    He barked orders at the sailors, his voice carrying over the sounds of the busy dock. As they approached, the man turned and grinned broadly.


    "Darius! You soft-bellied land grubber," he called out with a booming laugh. "Why don''t you join me on the next voyage? We''re sailing through The Kraken''s Abyss Sea. Word is, the Death Whale has been spotted out there!"


    ''''Shut up, Sunny! I will not step on your ship again. You nearly sunk us last time,'''' Darius replied before putting his hand on Atlas''s shoulder. ''''But this one needs to go to Meqshah City. Can you drop him off?''''


    Captain Sunny looked at Atlas with narrowed eyes before revealing, ''''We will stop off at Jurda Tradeport. That''s the closest we will get to that nightmarish city.''''


    Atlas looked at Darius with a suspicious expression, causing the man to chuckle nervously, ''''It''s a crime-ridden hellhole full of rich street gangs who tax everyone from the mayor to common citizen.''''


    ''I may be able to get their coins! And I can kill the gang members to earn even more experience,'' he thought excitedly.


    The two men saw his red eyes glow, causing them to step back as the captain nervously said, ''''Have you brought me a crazy one, Darius?''''


    Atlas glanced at the old captain and shook his head with a smirk. "No," he replied, "he says I''m a battle junkie¡ªand he''s not wrong."


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 Chapter 144: This Shouldnt Take To Long

    Atlas watched the old Captain Sunny laugh before speaking, ''''Just like my eldest. He is fighting in the Achaemenid Army and loves it. The boy is up north in the Wildheart Kingdom, helping in the big invasion the First Prince leads.''''


    After that, Sunny told him to return in a few hours as his crew had some business to finish before they left. Atlas agreed and said goodbye to the two men before leaving the harbor to find somewhere to sit.


    ''Let''s relax until they''re done,'' he smiled while walking down the main street.


    It took him ten minutes to find a park where he sat down and pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box before he started eating while people-watching. Atlas saw families passing by with smiles on their faces.


    When Atlas saw this, he grew jealous and resentful, which has always annoyed him. ''It''s not my fault that she threw me away. I was a good child and didn''t cause her any trouble.''


    He grew frustrated and angry but soon calmed down as all the bad memories were in the past. Atlas now had a new life to enjoy, and hopefully, this time around, he could find people who loved him.


    ''Well, Luxia did say I''d find that here,'' he wondered. ''But I do have to fight Chaos to achieve it.''


    It was something he was lacking in his past life on Earth. Once Atlas finished the food and thinking to himself, he let out a burp before waiting for Captain Sunny and his ship to be ready.


    After twenty minutes, he slowly walked back to the harbor, where he saw dozens of people rushing about. While walking through the streets, Atlas spotted a board with wanted posters and soon saw his face, which made him chuckle.


    ''They will never find me,'' he thought.


    He laughed before continuing into the harbor, where the captain directed his sailors onto the ship. The old man turned around when one of them pointed him out, and Sunny waved him over, ''''Come here, boy! We are ready to leave before the storms hit.''''


    Atlas approached as the old man continued, ''''We have to sail along the Kraken''s Abyss Sea because Raham River has sunk a few ships on their journies.''''


    ''''Okay. Thanks for giving me a lift,'''' Atlas replied before stepping on board.


    The ship was big enough to fit a hundred sailors and enough storage room to trade across the empire, which surprised him. Captain Sunny ordered one of his men to lead him to the guest room after Atlas paid gold for passage. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A couple of hours later, he was lying on the room bed as the trade ship left Elysion while the sun started to set. The rest time allowed him enough time to try to cull some of the Void Bears to unlock more monsters.


    He activated his skill Void Realm and his consciousness was sucked into the creepy tower realm. Atlas reappeared outside a tunnel entrance, causing him to summon his weapons and armor before readying himself for a fight.


    After doing that, he checked the monster total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2817/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1211/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Nearly half way done with the Cave Bears,'' Atlas mused with a smile. ''This shouldn''t take too long.''


    Following that, he stepped into the tunnel entrance, and a roar rang out as one of the giant bears rushed toward him. Atlas grinned before acting Void Blast at the monsters, which caused a dust cloud to erupt.


    ''This should be easier due to my high level.''


    The Cave Bear survived the attack but was almost dead, so Atlas thrust Nightblade into its forehead. His attacks caused the monster to spasm before vanishing into azure motes, which made him smile.


    Atlas continued down the tunnel and started battling with more Cave Bears until he exited the tunnel after an hour of intense fighting. He smiled before checking the monster total to see how many he killed during his trek.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2817/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1081/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''A few more tunnels, then I''ll be able to clear the Cave Void Bears,'' he thought. ''Now, let''s move on to the Savage Bears.


    He continued walking along the passageway with high cliffs on either side, causing him to grip his blade fighters as the bears roared in anger. Atlas watched as the smaller bears slid down the side of the stone.


    ''Are these stunt bears? Why are they acting like they''re in an action movie?'' he chuckled.


    The first Savage Bear reached him and tried swiping at his torso, but Atlas sidestepped the attack before plunging Deepforge into the monster''s skull and blocking another set of claws that caused sparks to fly.


    Atlas gritted his teeth as the bear was on top of him, but he quickly cast Void Wave, causing the monster to get sent flying. He started taking out more Savage Bears that vanished into the Void Realm.


    ''There are too many of the damned things,'' Atlas thought while thrusting his blades into a bear''s forehead.


    He continued fighting until his arms grew tired and weak from killing too many monsters. The exhaustion caused him to sit down and rest while checking the Void Bear total, which made him smile because of how much it had gone down.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2401/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1081/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Halfway on the Savage Bears while there are a few more Cave Bears to deal with,'' Atlas mused while resting.


    Following that, he checked his status while no monsters were around to bother him and was happy with what he spotted the gains.


    [Level Up: 144¡ú150]


    [Experience: 2480/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 30000]


    [Health: 1254¡ú1266(200)]


    [Mana: 5538¡ú5590(1000)]


    [Strength: 1402¡ú1420(100)]


    [Stamina: 1716¡ú1728(250)]


    [Charisma: 604¡ú610]


    [Intelligence: 1140¡ú1150]


    [Core Points: 11560/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 11560]


    ''Six levels for all the previous kills back in the real world,'' Atlas pondered with a smile before continuing his journey through the Void Mountain Range.


    He continued walking through the mountain range and killed even more Savage Void Bears, who tried to overwhelm him with numbers. But thanks to his magic, it wiped them out in azure flames, causing the total to drop.


    ''My magic and spells are getting stronger,'' he internally celebrated.


    Soon enough, he came to another valley where the third Brute Void bear let out a roar that shook the ground. Atlas grinned as he stepped into the arena, knowing he could easily fight this monster.


    ''This will be fun,'' he pondered with an excited smile. ''But I will keep moving and won''t let the monster catch me.''


    His pulse quickened as he drew his blade, eyes locked on the arena''s newest threat. The towering, polar bear-like beast thundered toward him, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground.


    This made his grin stretch wide with anticipation as his blood started pumping. Atlas waited, allowing the creature to close the distance, savoring the moment''s tension. At the last second, he smoothly leaned back, narrowly evading the razor-sharp claws.


    He countered with a swift, precise slash to the monster''s wrist in one fluid motion. The Brute Bear let out a roar of fury as blood flew all over the place, its anger fueling the intensity of the battle.


    Still, Atlas peppered it with a dozen Void Bullets before they exploded on impact, causing the shockwave to wash over the arena. Then, he slung several Void Arrows that pierced the creature''s thick hide and blew chunks off it.


    The Brute Bear was enraged, and its attacks grew slower, allowing him to strike quickly using his swords. ''It''s much easier since the first time I fought one of these creatures,'' he pondered while dodging a swipe from its giant claws.


    Half an hour later, the battle ended when Atlas cast a Void Bomb at the injured monster, causing the arena to erupt into chaos. He used Void Guard to defend himself against the shock wave.


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    Atlas watched as the Brute Void Bear collapsed to the ground with a crash, causing him to smile. ''At least it''s dead now, and I can move on to clear the other monsters,'' he thought while cleaning his blades.


    He sheathed them before exiting the arena; Atlas was walking up the side of a mountain as it was the only way forward. While doing that, he checked on the Void Bear totals to see how many monsters were left to kill.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2131/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1081/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 7/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    After that, Atlas continued his journey and came across a group of Cave Void Bears lurking outside on a mountain ledge, which caused him to think, ''What the hell are they doing? Maybe a tea party?''


    He noticed the bears were chilling in a rough circle, which confused him even further, but that''s when he cast Void Bombs at the center of the gathering. When the spell sliced through the air, the monsters turned to him as the projectile hit them.


    ''Take that!''


    A thunderous explosion ripped through the mountain, instantly shaking the ground and obliterating the creatures. Atlas grinned, a spark of excitement dancing in his eyes. "Now that was a blast," he thought, feeling the surge of adrenaline.


    As the dust slowly cleared, he scanned the area. Not a single Cave Bear remained. Satisfied, he pressed forward, stepping into the looming tunnel, ready to face whatever beasts awaited him next.


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 Chapter 145: Mireclaw Crocodile

    Atlas continued down the tunnel while battling more Cave Void Bears as he used the shadows against the creatures, which he found easy to deal with thanks to his extreme speed and reaction time.


    ''I can''t wait for Level Three. Hopefully, there are stronger monsters or even flying ones.''


    While traveling through the dark tunnel, he heard rumbling from the exit, which he guessed was a group of monsters on the other side. That''s when Atlas spotted a group of Cave Bears fighting each other on a mountain ledge to which his path led him.


    When Atlas stepped outside, he felt the wind blowing, causing a low whistling sound to emanate from the surrounding mountains, ''Are they living beings? It does seem like it,'' he pondered with a curious expression.


    While standing there, he enjoyed the wind hitting his face, which felt refreshing; he watched the monsters fight before one of them spotted him. One of the bears reared up, but Atlas spoke amusedly, ''''Don''t mind me. Continue your brawl, and I''ll kill you a lot after.''''


    The Cave Void Bears roared in anger as they charged at him. Atlas chuckled as he went to work, killing the slow-moving giant monsters. Thanks to their armor-piercing ability, he used Void Arrows to damage the creatures more.


    Atlas slung many spells at the monsters to keep them out of striking range before he exploded forward and stabbed one of the creatures through the heart by lunging at its chest after dodging one of its attacks.


    It took him under ten minutes to kill the bears blocking the entrance forward. Following that, Atlas continued, and before he called it a day, he killed more Savage and Cave Bears until coming to another Arena.


    The fight with the Polar Bear was easy for him, and thanks to his powerful spells, Atlas quickly won the battle. He continued until running out of bears to fight, as none showed up or tried ambushing him.


    Once Atlas understood he needed to keep moving to find more, he quickly checked his total before returning to the real world.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 1796/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 723/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 6/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    Atlas shook his head and opened his eyes to see the ceiling of the room Captain Sunny assigned to him. He looked out the nearest window only to spot the stars and waves hitting the ship''s hull.


    ''Let''s go to the top deck and check out the view.''


    After that, he exited the bed, stretched before summoning his gear, and stepped out of the room. He ran into some sailors who nodded at him as they entered through several doors.


    ''Do they get many passengers from the town guards?'' he pondered with a curious expression.


    Once the corridor was clear, Atlas strolled toward the staircase leading to the upper decks, where he found a watchman on guard. ''Are they looking for sea monsters?'' he mused while stepping toward the railings.


    The watchman turned to him with a curious glint in his eyes as he asked a question, ''''You aren''t an Achaemenidian; are you from Astoria?''''


    Atlas turned to the man with narrowed eyes and sensed no malice before answering, ''''Yes. I used to live in the Thalassia Empire, but I was captured by Slavers and transported to Zarandar.''''


    ''''Are you planning to go home? Is that why you''re going to Jurda?'''' the watchman asked.


    ''''Not just yet; I have three more quests to complete before I need to head to the Nubian Empire capital to find a Spirit Mage to heal a friend,'''' Atlas responded while watching some dolphin monsters jumping out of the water.


    He noticed the watchmen casting curious glances in his direction before continuing, "Be cautious when you''re on Aridonia. It''s a perilous continent, constantly embroiled in conflict between the Empire, Nubians, Graecorians, and the countless outlaws infesting the land."


    When Atlas heard this, a spark of excitement flashed in his glowing red eyes, catching the watchman''s attention. "You''re a battle junkie, aren''t you?" the watchman remarked with a knowing smirk. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas grinned and nodded. "Absolutely. There''s nothing like the thrill of a good fight¡ªgets my blood pumping like nothing else."


    ''''You must be thirteen or fourteen, right? What rank and level are you, if you don''t mind me asking?''''


    He gave the man a cautious look, then nodded slightly. "One hundred and fifty," he replied, "Adept rank."


    The watchman''s eyes widened in shock, but soon, he laughed, causing Atlas to grow confused. The man explained, ''''Not many young ones your age care about leveling up like you do; it''s unusual to see nowadays.''''


    ''''Are children lazy?'''' Atlas curiously asked.


    ''''Unless they come from a noble family, most your age work with their families on farms or shops,'''' the man answered.


    The two continued talking until the ship was slammed against, causing the watchman to look over the railings only to yelp in shock, ''''A Sea Leviathan!''''


    The man pushed him away from the edge as a tentacle slammed against the deck and destroyed the spot they were in. While this happened, Atlas noticed the monster swam away from the ship to charge at them.


    He scanned it using Void Sight to find out its rank.


    [Deepmarrow Serpent]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Don''t you dare fight this monster, Atlas!]


    ''How did you know Nyx? I''m going to fight this monster to grow stronger,'' he replied to the warning.


    When Atlas saw the warning, he equipped his armor and helmet while pulling out his swords, causing the watchman to panic, ''''What are you doing! You cannot fight that monster as an Adept Rank boy,'''' the man barked out.


    ''''I''m not alone, though,'''' Atlas said with a smirk as he activated Dungeon Conquerer, causing the air around him to change.


    The man instantly felt it, causing him to step back as the Death Serpent rushed out of the portal, aimed straight for the Deepmarrow Serpent, and clashed with the massive sea monster.


    ''So epic!'' he thought when seeing the battle.


    Atlas vaulted over the railings, vanishing midair with Void Step before reappearing atop the Leviathan''s massive back. With precision, he plunged his blades into the creature''s flesh, the cold seawater crashing against him in waves.


    Below, the Death Serpent clashed savagely with the Leviathan, their battle shaking the waters, which shocked all the people watching from onboard the ship, including the amazed watchman who spoke to him.


    Together, Atlas and his summoned beast were gaining the upper hand. He thrust his blade deep into the Deepmarrow''s body before casting Void Bomb directly inside, causing a massive explosion that sent him flying across the sea only to be caught by his monster.


    ''Ow, that hurt, but it weakened the monster,'' he thought as his head spun.


    While flying, Atlas noticed the Death Serpent stopped attacking and rushed after him like a worried parent. He quickly cast Void Step to reappear on the monster''s back. It started thrashing around in agony as the spell blew a massive chunk of its body apart.


    Seeing the blood spread through the water, Atlas struck repeatedly, each blow sinking deeper into the Leviathan''s flesh. The sea churned red as his summoned Dungeon Monster, the Deepmarrow Serpent, crushed the Leviathan''s skull between its massive jaws.


    Atlas''s heart raced with excitement at the brutal victory. But before he could savor it, an explosion tore through the air. His head snapped toward the ship, where a monstrous sea creature surged toward the vessel, towering three times larger than the one they had just defeated.


    ''That is an ocean nightmare! Why am I so unlucky,'' Atlas internally complained before making up his mind.


    He looked at the Death Serpent and spoke concernedly, ''''Let''s try to lead the monster away, boy. You''re fast and agile, and we can get away.''''


    The Dungeon Monster nodded before darting through the water while Atlas activated Aqua Lung so he could breathe when it dived into the vessel. When below the surface, he saw a massive crocodile beast charging at the ship.


    ''Oh god, there''s sea crocs now!'' he panicked while aiming Nightblade at the monster and casting a dozen Void Arrows at it.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the water like it wasn''t there and slammed into the sea monster''s body. This attracted its attention, allowing Atlas to scan it to determine its rank and if it could fight it.


    [Mireclaw Crocodile]


    [Rank: S - 3000 Exp]


    [RUN!]


    Atlas gulped and realized he had fucked up before turning to the Death Serpent and panicked, ''''Flee, boy! That thing will eat us.''''


    The Dungeon Monster fled, as did the ship; the sailors cheered and thanked Atlas, making him smile. The two raced through the rough sea as the crocodile was right behind. He turned around and cast a Void Bomb at the pursuing monster, but it quickly veered to the right and dodged the attack, which made things worse.


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    Atlas didn''t know what to do, but a mature woman''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Summon Theo and have him pick you up, darling; I can''t have you being hurt on my watch,'' the voice expressed.


    Atlas jumped before realizing it came from the Death Serpent as he replied, ''You can speak?''


    ''Not the time boy!'' the monster said while dodging a lunge of the crocodile before she continued. ''Dismiss me when Theo grabs you. Do it NOW!''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 146: No One Will Find Me Here

    Atlas burned through the last of his mana to summon Theo. The creature swooped through the portal with a rush of air, its talons closing around his shoulder. With a yank, it lifted him high into the sky just as the colossal sea monster lunged out of the water.


    As they got away from the thing, he dismissed the Death Serpent, leaving the enraged creature to thrash uselessly below. Atlas watched as the Mireclaw Crocodile lunged out of the water, but Theo sped up and shot into the sky.


    ''I''m so lucky I have a flying monster to escape,'' he thought.


    Following that, he ordered the monster to fly toward a few miles away land. Atlas then sat down, holding on to Theo and soaring above the rough ocean. He turned around and spotted the ship he was on heading toward land but further north.


    The Blood Bat King had no problem flying quickly, and Atlas soon found himself not far from a coastal city, but he quickly noticed it was heavily guarded, and large warships patrolled the coast looking for something.


    ''Are they at war? It seems so.''


    Atlas surveyed the approaching forest as Theo guided them toward a secluded clearing, away from the patrols. With a gentle thud, the bat landed and emitted a reassuring chirp, signaling that it was safe.


    He jumped off Theo''s back before stroking the creatures, saying, ''''Thank you for saving me, boy.''''


    The Blood Bat King chirped happily as Atlas sent him back to the Dungeon Realm. He glanced up and noticed the afternoon sun was setting, causing him to think, ''I need to find a room and bank to withdraw the five hundred gold before moving on.''


    Atlas made his way to the nearby road, carefully removing his helmet to avoid arousing suspicion from the guards. As he walked, he passed by various traders plying their wares. Noticing a couple strolling by, he flashed them a friendly smile before asking, ''''Is that Meqshah Port City?''''


    When they heard his question, the man smiled at him as he replied, ''''Yes, young man, but I must warn you, don''t be on the road at night due to the bandits roaming outside the city walls.''''


    The woman nodded with a friendly expression, ''''Yes darling, is right. The city guard has been having trouble locating them,'''' she informed.


    Atlas thanked the two before changing the plan and decided to complete his bandit quest, leaving two quests remaining. Afterward, he would a tree to climb into and wait for sunset so he could go hunting.


    ''This should be a good place to rest,'' he mused. ''No one will find me up here.''


    Once dark, he summoned the Voidstalkers and ordered the hyperactive dinosaurs to locate the bandits. They agreed to this with a chirp before vanishing into the darkness. As the monsters left, he relaxed and started eating chocolate while waiting.


    ''I never liked chocolate much on Earth, but here I love it,'' Atlas mused with a smile.


    It took ten minutes for the first monster to return and inform him that five men were approaching the road, making Atlas grin while equipping his helmet and jumping off the branch. Find more chapters on m_v l|e-NovelFire.net


    When Atlas hit the ground, he vanished as he started following the Voidstalker, who led him to a group of heavily armored bandits talking about raiding an incoming caravan traveling to Meqshah City.


    ''I''ll follow them and let them relax before ambushing them,'' he thought as his excitement grew.


    Atlas followed the five through the forest until they hid in the treeline. He watched the leader turn to one of the others and spoke gruffly, ''''Troy! Is the caravan coming down this road?''''


    ''''Yes, boss. Marvin said they were traveling south,'''' another man answered quietly.


    When Atlas heard this, he readied his blades but stopped when he heard the boss speak again, ''''Are the others in position?''''


    ''''Not yet, but Smith should send the signal when they are,'''' another bandit spoke up from behind.


    Atlas grinned before using Void Step to appear behind the man who just spoke and thrust his blade through the bandit''s heart while covering his mouth as his victim reacted, ''One down, four to go,'' he thought with an excited smile.


    Following that, he snuck up behind another before jamming his blade into the man''s skull causing him to go limp. Atlas continued doing this until the leader was alone and unaware that all four of his men were dead.


    ''Idiot doesn''t even know,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    When Atlas realized this, he decided to troll the man and summoned some Weaver Spiders surrounding him before lunging at the leader. The bandit let out a girly scream as the monster sunk its fangs into his body.


    The three spiders were killed and turned to Atlas, who quickly gathered the five Adventurers Cards and smiled as he said, ''''Eat the bodies.''''


    Following that, the Voidstalkers returned while chirping and informed him of two other groups that were close by. Atlas smiled as he ordered the Trodon-like monsters to attack them, and the Weavers hit them from the side.


    ''This will surprise them and give us the upper hand.''


    The monsters agreed with his plans before scuttling into the underbrush as Atlas went for the second group. He rushed through the trees and quickly crossed the road, only to run right into the bandits.


    Atlas struck first, hitting them with several Void Bullets and Arrows that exploded on contact, causing chaos. The leader of this group went to attack him, but he raised Deepforge to deflect the strike before countering with a stab to the heart.


    He watched the man cough up blood before collapsing to the forest ground with a thud, causing all hell to break loose. Atlas instantly went to work and finished off the panicking bandits who were lower level than him, which made it easier. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It took Atlas and his monsters nearly twenty minutes to finish off their foes. Once they regrouped, the Voidstalker leader informed him of a nearby large camp teeming with even more men and women.


    Atlas nodded, collecting the fifteen guild cards from the fallen enemies before pressing on. He followed the Voidstalker through the forest, with the Cave Weavers skittering closely behind, their presence giving him an unsettling chill.


    ''Even though they are my monster the things give me the creeps,'' he thought.


    Following that, Atlas was led to a cliff that overlooked a large bandit camp with over a hundred scum roaming around inside. When he saw this, a plan formed in his mind; he turned around and summoned as many Death Gorillas as possible along with Kara, who looked bigger than her kin.


    He told them to attack the people below once he jumped down there. The monsters all agreed just as Atlas downed a few mana potions and cast two Void Bombs into the center of the camp.


    The azure projectile flew through the air like orbs of death before hitting the ground and erupting in two massive explosions. These explosions wiped out many bandits, allowing Atlas to leap from the cliff.


    While falling toward the camp, they started casting Void Arrows that slammed into several men, causing them to drop dead with holes through their torsos. Atlas landed using Void Step and started slaughtering the surviving bandits.


    Atlas darted around the chaotic camp as flames and monsters ran wild. Death Gorillas, Cave Weavers, and Voidstalkers scared the enemies as they dealt with the surviving outlaws and allowed all the experience to flow into his body.


    Afterward, Atlas began looting the camp, returning with a substantial haul that pleased him. He found a hundred gold coins, a chest filled with silver and copper coins, and a crate of Royal Dye, likely acquired from a passing trader.


    He meticulously gathered all the valuable items from the camp before locating a sturdy tree to rest for the night. Exhausted, Atlas settled in, keeping the remaining Death Gorillas¡ªKara and two other monsters¡ªnearby for protection.


    Atlas found a tree that hid the branches with leaves, allowing him to be hidden during the night. He put the Dark One Runes on the tree so they couldn''t get to him, ''I hate doing this, but it''s necessary,'' he thought.


    Following that, he pulled out a Griffin Meat Box and started eating while admiring the two moons that lit up the world. Atlas loved everything about Eldoria and its wild beauty and was thankful he had ended up here.


    Ten minutes later, Atlas finished eating before pulling out a blanket and wrapping it around himself as he started hearing the Dark Ones creeping around in the dark, causing the Death Gorillas to climb into his tree.


    Atlas and the Dungeon Monsters stayed out of the creepy humanoids'' way, and thanks to the Runes, they remained hidden. The next morning, he woke up with a yawn as the smell of blood hit his nose.


    This caused Atlas to look over the branch''s edge only to see trails of blood leading deeper into the forest, causing him to think, ''Did the Dark Ones take the bandit corpses? Lucky I took their cards.''


    Afterward, Atlas jumped from the branch and went north to complete the last two quests before heading to the Greenskin Confederation.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 147: Extra Attacks

    Atlas passed by two bridges leading east and west, with Achaemenidian soldiers guarding them. They spotted him but said nothing when he flashed his black Adventurers Card, which stopped them from looking at him.


    Following that, he entered a quiet village with its people looking scared, which caused him to think, ''Why do they look frightened?''


    While traveling through it, he heard a male voice echoing in his mind, ''Master, let me fly you across Zarander once you''re in private.''


    ''Theo! That might be a good idea, but we''ll have to be careful as the Achaemenidians are out in force,'' he replied.


    ''Fly high Master. We''ll be fine,'' the Blood Bat King said.


    Following that, Atlas headed out of the settlement. When he was far enough away from the village, he summoned Theo, who walked through the portal and nudged him with its head, causing him to stroke the monster''s soft fur.


    ''I''m glad I got both of those classes; they will be useful once I''m strong enough.''


    Atlas liked and treated his monsters nicely, so the Dungeon and Void creatures returned the favor. He climbed on Theo''s back before taking off and soaring north toward Zunikha while searching for the rebel camp, only to find it ten minutes later.


    But something was off, causing him not to attack when he noticed young children playing while families watched. ''What is this? They''re clearly not bandits or rebels but people,'' he pondered.


    He ordered Theo to descend outside the camp before being dismissed because a monster like the Blood Bat King would scare him, which wouldn''t help them discover what was happening.


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    ''Hopefully they didn''t see me.''


    As Atlas approached the people. When getting close, he quickly noticed several guards rushing out of the palisade, ''''Halt! What brings you here, young man?'''' An older man questioned while holding a spear.


    When Atlas heard the man, a smell hit his nose, making him recoil. It smelled of blood and decay. He shook his head and used Void Sight on the commander to determine his level and rank.


    [Changelings]


    [Rank C+ 550 Exp]


    [Perfect ambush creatures! Make sure you watch your back]


    As Atlas read the warning, he quickly cast Void Guard, which blocked a Changeling who tried to ambush him from behind. When this happened, he thrust his blade into the monster''s skull before the others attacked.


    He dodged all the attacks while deflecting the Changelings spear swipe before Atlas battered it aside and plunged his blade through the commander''s heart as he cast Void Wave that sent the surrounding creatures flying backward.


    ''''I hate Changelings,'''' he muttered.


    Atlas smiled when he saw this, darted forward, and started cutting down more of them using his speed before casting Void Bomb at another group that exploded with a fierce blast that wiped out many of the monsters.


    Following this attack, he summoned the Dark Termite Queen, who let out a horrifying screech before decimating the remaining creatures alongside him. The monsters started trying to flee, but he chased after the survivors before slaying the fleeing creatures.


    Once all the Changelings were dead, he turned to the Dark Termite Queen, who was looking at him. Atlas smiled before stroking the giant monster as he spoke, ''''Thank you for the help, girl. I will call on you and your children when needed.''''


    The Termite Queen emitted an odd sound and nudged him gently. He gave the creature a reassuring stroke before sending it back to the Dungeon Realm. Afterward, he scoured the camp, discovering thirty glowing red cores, two hundred silver coins, a collection of goblin and orc ears, and a few health potions.


    Afterward, Atlas summoned Theo before flying west to Hamaitan Town, where the orcs and goblins terrorized the area. It took the Blood Bat King to get in sight of the town, and that''s when he spotted a horde of orcs and goblins.


    ''More experience to level up,'' Atlas grinned as his excitement grew to new levels.


    ''''Swoop down and help me fight them, Theo,'''' he ordered. ''''Make sure to stay away from the bigger orcs.''''


    The giant bat let out a chirp of agreement before folding its wings and descending toward the ground. As it approached, Atlas leaped off its back, drawing his swords and casting Void Barrage.


    Atlas''s spell illuminated the landscape and town walls as azure projectiles streaked through the air, slicing through everything in their path. When the guards above saw this, they intensified their attacks.


    ''The extra attacks will help thin the horde,'' he thought, his adrenaline surging as the thrill of battle ignited every nerve in his body.


    Following his initial assault, Atlas landed heavily, his impact reverberating through the ground. He began slicing through several goblins while casting Void Wave, which blasted outward and cleared space around him.


    With the area momentarily free of obstacles, he continued his relentless assault, stabbing and slashing through the monsters'' flesh and bone, causing dozens of them to collapse dead.


    Atlas continued fighting the goblins until coming up against the wild orcs that were four times his size. Seeing this caused him to call Void Bullets at the feet of the monsters that exploded and threw them off balance.


    Once doing that, Atlas burst forward so fast that the monsters couldn''t see him. He struck at several wild orcs, causing their large frames to crash to the ground, and Theo swooped down and landed on another.


    The giant bat bit down on a goblin before cutting more in half, causing them to flee, but the Dungeon Monster chased after them. Atlas laughed when seeing this and continued slaughtering the Monster Wave.


    ''I can feel the experience pouring into me like a waterfall,'' he thought with a big smile.


    After an hour of relentless attacks, the monsters finally withdrew, allowing Atlas to exhale in relief. Covered in blood and irritated, he removed his helmet and began the annoying task of cleaning himself. As he worked, Theo approached and gave him a friendly nudge.


    Atlas smiled when seeing this before speaking, ''''Thank you, Theo. I will send you back because the humans won''t understand you.''''


    The Blood Bat King chirped before returning to the Dungeon Realm, and a group of guards appeared, holding their weapons at the ready. Atlas turned around after collecting loads of black Monster Cores and flashed them his Adventurers Card, ''''I''m here for the monster attack quest, but it looks like it''s been dealt with,'''' he said calmly.


    When the guards heard this, they were shocked, but an older woman approached as she exclaimed, ''''I am Mariam, the commander of We are in your debt, young man; let us return your help with a warm bed and hot meal in the local inn? And if you don''t mind me asking, are you a tamer?''''


    Atlas looked at the grey-haired woman and thought, ''They spotted Theo. This is the perfect opportunity to throw the Immortals and Nightowls off my trail.''


    He nodded before speaking, ''''Yes, but I''m in the middle of leveling it up after Father helped me, but thank you for the kindness.''''


    She waved him away with a smile, ''''You''re the hero of this town, boy. Without you, we would be overrun, and everyone knows what would have happened to all the females, so they are especially grateful.'''' Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''It was my job to help as I took the quest, but I will accept the bed and meal,'''' Atlas replied while she led him through the town gate.


    While doing that, Atlas checked his status to see how many times he leveled up during all the fighting that he had been doing.


    [Level Up: 150¡ú160]


    [Experience: 3840/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 53480]


    [Health: 1266¡ú1290(200)]


    [Mana: 5590¡ú5790(1000)]


    [Strength: 1420¡ú1452(100)]


    [Stamina: 1728¡ú1778(250)]


    [Charisma: 610¡ú630]


    [Intelligence: 1150¡ú1190]


    [Core Points: 23000/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 23000]


    [Dual Wielding: 5¡ú6]


    [Maskweaving: 2¡ú3]


    [Void Sight: 2¡ú3]


    ''Ten levels and some of my skills leveled up,'' Atlas excitedly thought. ''''Forty more levels until I rank up again.''


    Following that, the woman led him to a fancy-looking building and spoke with a smile, ''''I will talk to the owners and inform them that you''re the town''s hero.''''


    ''''I''m not a hero; I was just doing my job and leveled up in the meantime,'''' Atlas replied as they entered the inn.


    Mariam waved him off and chitchatted with a large man behind the counter. As the commander spoke, Atlas took a moment to survey his surroundings. It quickly became apparent that the place was filled with wealthy customers, their lavish clothing revealing that they were strangers to the outside world.


    Atlas could sense their underlying strength but couldn''t help thinking, ''They''re glass cannons. I wonder how they level up? They must be cheating somehow.''


    Following that thought, he scanned a few of them to see their level and rank.


    [Farid Mokhber]


    [Class: Merchant]


    [Level: 276]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    [Thinks of himself as the best merchant on the Zarandar Continent]


    [Kourosh Jafari]


    [Class: Warrior]


    [Level: 302]


    [Rank: Expert]


    [His family captures monsters so he can level up]


    [Omid Rostami]


    [Class: Mage]


    [Level: 339]


    [Class: Expert]


    [Thinks he''s the next Merlin who is the only Legendary Master on Valoria]


    He chuckled at the extra details about the people, but his laughter grew when he saw a familiar name. ''Merlin is here? I wonder if he''s a mad old man cackling away in a sinister tower.''


    Atlas laughed harder; he remained blissfully unaware of how close he was to the truth¡ªa revelation that would soon shock him. Meanwhile, Mariam finished her conversation with the large man behind the counter and called him over.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 148: Not Long Now

    Atlas approached the inn''s counter while the older woman greeted him with a warm smile, "Boy, I''m sorry for being rude, but I haven''t asked your name yet,'''' she questioned. Find adventures on m_v l|-NovelFire.net


    "My adventurer name is Azhar''Zul, I''m a Rank E adventurer from Astoria," he replied, introducing himself while sitting at the counter.


    Mariam nodded, but the big man spoke in a friendly voice, ''''Thalassia Empire?''''


    ''''Yes, but I was shipwrecked on Zarandar a week back; all I''ve been doing is exploring the continent while leveling up,'''' Atlas revealed, causing the two adults to smile.


    ''''So you''re a Ranker then?'''' Mariam questioned while sipping some ale the owner gave them.


    Atlas nodded before answering, ''''I love the feeling of earning experience as it flows into my body.''''


    The two adults laughed, and the older woman commented, ''''It makes sense since your aura is chaotic and flares up occasionally. All I can see is a beautiful blue glow from you, which is odd.''''


    He looked confused, causing them to laugh again before the owner explained, ''''The higher you rank, the more your aura stands out. Right now, I''m guessing you''re an Adept and way past halfway of ranking up?''''


    Atlas''s eyes opened wide in shock, causing the man to nod with a knowing smile, ''''When you get to a big city, find an aura control skill; it will allow you to restrain and hide it from those who chase you, Azhar''Zul,'''' he said in a knowing voice.


    Shortly after that, Atlas was introduced to the big man, Wilson, who owned the Prancing Pony Inn alongside his wife. That''s when he discovered the couple was from the Wildheart Kingdom but moved to Zarander many years ago.


    After that, Mariam thanked him again before leaving the inn to return to work. Wilson led him down a corridor and smiled as he started a conversation, ''''It''s an Unusual name; maybe it comes from another continent?''''


    When hearing the big man''s question, Atlas shrugged, ''''I saw it in a book and liked it. The receptionist rushed us to choose names, so I picked Azhar''Zul because of its uniqueness,'''' he answered.


    Wilson gave a friendly nod and opened a door to reveal a room. "Here you go," he said with a grin. "This one has an adjoining bathroom¡ªyou look like you could use a good freshen-up!"


    Atlas started laughing before thanking the man as he asked with a grin, ''''Where is the closest bank, old man?''''


    Wilson chuckled heartily, giving Atlas a friendly pat on the back. "Oh, come on now! I''m only thirty myself, but if you''re looking for a bank, your best bet is Karwila City to the south. Muallerah City is closer, but they''ve got hefty withdrawal fees thanks to the mayor. Karwila''s your place for better rates."


    He thanked the big man before entering his room, dismissing his gear, and walking toward the bathroom, where he saw a large circular bath that reminded him of a jacuzzi back on Earth.


    The room was decorated with beautiful colorful tiles depicting Achaemenidian history; Atlas spotted the coronation of Emperor Cyrus Safavi and the birth of the empire''s princes and princesses.


    ''I hate that damn family,'' he thought as annoyance passed through him.


    Atlas ignored the artwork as he undressed and slid into the soothing hot water. He sank into the bath, closing his eyes and letting the warmth envelop him. The gentle caress of the water against his skin melted away his tension, leaving him in complete relaxation.


    Following that, he started washing while plotting his journey, ''I will head to Karwila City and tell the Adventurers Guild about the five completed quests before getting his five hundred coins.''


    Once deciding that, Atlas cleaned up and put on some fresh clothes after drying his hair before walking into his room. As he entered the bedroom, he spotted a trolley full of food with a note and a silver plate with the town symbol.


    Atlas picked up the note and read it, ''Thank you for saving the town. I heard about your fight outside the walls and guessed you''d be hungry. ¡ª Old Man Wilson.''


    He chuckled at the message, then glanced at the food left for him. It looked like a hearty meal of dumplings, rice, and a sweet dessert, which made him smile. Atlas started eating while looking at the Town Plate. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''This will help me prove I completed the quests,'' Atlas mused while chewing on a dumpling.


    Following that, he decided to try to complete Level Two of the Void Realm before researching local dungeons and spots for strong monsters. He closed his eyes while activating Void Realm and being sucked into the strange world.


    Atlas woke up outside a cave as a storm raged high above, causing him to summon his gear along with the Enchanted Winter Cloak. He pulled out his blades before walking down a nearby path as he checked the Void Bear totals.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 1796/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 723/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 6/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    During his journey to the next arena, Atlas fought many Savage and Cave Void Bears that tried attacking him from caves and cliffs. After hours, he made it to the next Brute Void Bear fight, increasing his excitement for the upcoming battle.


    ''I can''t wait to fight the Sub Boss; it will be one more step toward Level Three,'' Atlus mused with a smile.


    The polar bear-looking monsters rushed forward as the arena blocked him inside. Seeing this, Atlas grinned before casting Void Bomb at it, causing an explosion to ring out, which sent the creature stumbling backward.


    Atlas dashed forward and started attacking the creature''s soft flesh while dodging the monster''s claws, which were swiping at him. The fight didn''t last long, as the Void Brute Bear was riddled with bad injuries.


    He used Void Step to escape the monster''s range while blasting it with several Void Bullets that exploded all over its body. Atlas knew this was working as the bear got angrier as the pain overwhelmed it.


    Following that, Atlas cast Void Guard before spamming Void Bombs at it and finally ended the Sub-Boss, allowing him to continue to slaughter many more monsters until he grew tired and bored of it all.


    ''So beautiful, I wonder if this place was every a world,'' he thought while looking over a lake surrounded by mountains with a path leading around the edge.


    Atlas shook his head before pulling up the Void Bear totals to see how far he had to go.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 1423/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 501/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 5/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now until I can face the queen,'' he mused, pressing on through the arenas. One after another, he encountered three more, and with little difficulty, he defeated the Brute Void Bears in each.


    After hours of hunting bears, Atlas was fed up and decided to return to the real world for some much-needed rest. Exhausted, he crawled into bed and quickly fell asleep, the moon''s glow casting a serene light over the town outside.


    Unknown to him, while he slept, a group of rebels had stealthily infiltrated the town and destroyed several Rune Stones, which had long safeguarded the town from the Dark Ones'' nightly incursions.


    Atlas woke up to a shrill scream, and an alarm went off. He jumped out of bed while equipping his gear and looked out the window to see several Dark Ones stalking terrified people who were trying to flee down the street.


    Seeing this, Atlas used Void Step to appear outside before attacking the creepy-looking humanoids and slashing through their bodies using his swords. This sudden attack shocked the monsters, who started trying to attack him.


    He blocked and deflected the claws, feeling the sting of other attacks scraping against his chest. Leaning back to avoid a deadly swipe, he retaliated with his Nightblade, skillfully slicing off several limbs and heads.


    Following that, Atlas crossed his blades as a spell hit him, but all it did was reactive Maskweaver, exposing his true face to the surrounding guards. He noticed their eyes widened in shock and fear while pointing at the wanted posters everywhere.


    ''Oh no. This is bad,'' he thought while the grip on his swords


    A voice rang out, riling every soldier and adventurer nearby, ''''The Dajjal is here! The devil who will bring ruin to the Achaemenid Empire.''''


    Atlas gulped just as the surrounding soldiers charged at him. He blocked one attack before striking several men and women before casting several Void Bullets that peppered the swarm of enemies.


    He blocked most attacks thanks to his speed while the armor stopped the rest. Atlas kept using Void Guard to deflect many attacks. He looked for a way out and couldn''t see one, forcing him to summon a pack of Death Jackels that scared the people, and that''s when Theo swooped down to help.


    The giant Blood Bat King picked him up while blocking arrows with an ear-piercing shriek before flying high. He watched as the soldiers below tried to follow him, but Theo was too fast for them.


    Atlas was happy as they flew south while thinking, ''What magic was the Dark Ones using? I''ve never thought about it.''


    He shrugged before telling Theo not to attract attention, causing it to chirp as a wave of mana washed over them. Atlas realized that the monster was hiding them from anyone below.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 149: Southern Eagles

    Atlas and Theo flew south until they came across the city named Khaligat, which he had heard about from Captain Sunny. He decided to withdraw the gold coins from the bank if it had one. After that, he told the Blood Bat King to descend to the ground.


    When the monster touched down, Atlas jumped off before dismissing it and returning to the Dungeon Realm as he approached the city. He finally reached the road and activated Maskweaver to disguise himself once again.


    This time around, he had blue hair and eyes. Atlas was pleased with this and was stopped by the city guards, ''''Halt, young one! What brings you to Khaligat City?'''' a tall man said.


    Atlas had to look up before answering, ''''I have to register some completed quests and visit the city bank.''''


    The man nodded, ''''That would be one silver to enter,'''' he said while writing down something.


    He paid the toll before entering the city and seeing the same as the others he''d be in. Atlas started looking for the guild. It took him about an hour to find it, causing his frustration to vanish when he entered.


    Atlas approached the counter and waited in line to inform the guild of all the quests. By the time he reached the front, he noticed it was a young man who looked at him with a friendly smile and spoke in a jovial voice, ''''Hello, adventurer. How can I help you today?''''


    He took out all the bandit cards and goblin ears needed for proof and handed them to the shocked man with the five quests. The guild receptionist shook his head before asking, ''''Can I have your Adventurers Card, please?''''


    ''''Okay,'''' Atlas replied while handing over the black card and starting to hit a device that scanned all the proof, quest slips, and guild cards.


    Five minutes later, the man returned the card with thirteen gold and forty silver coins as a reward. Atlas was happy and asked where the nearest dungeon was. He learned one was a few miles west on his route to the Greenskin Confederation.


    After that, he left the guild and searched the city for the bank. He soon found it, only to be surprised. Big soldiers guarded it in powerful-looking armor, and the name was Ironstone Bank, which interested him.


    Atlas entered the place, but as soon as he did, he felt eyes on him as he approached the counter, behind which sat a beautiful woman. She looked up and spoke, ''''How can Ironstone Bank help today, boy?''''


    Once she finished speaking, Atlas handed over his Adventurers Card, saying, ''''I want to withdraw my coins, please.''''


    The woman nodded and took it before scanning it with a device similar to the guild, which caused a beep to sound out. A few minutes later, she put a large pouch of coins on the counter, saying, ''''Here you go, five hundred gold coins paid to you by a city mayor to the east.''''


    He nodded before sending the pouch to storage and leaving the city. While approaching the western gate, he spotted a spellbook shop and decided to check if it had any void spells he could learn.


    Atlas entered the shop as the doorbell chimed, and inside, he spotted fellow adventurers perusing the shelves. His attention quickly shifted to the rarer spells, where he discovered three intriguing void spells that caught his interest.


    He scanned the spellbooks to see the basic information.


    [Void Lance ¨C Launches a spear of dark energy that pierces through enemies and explodes, taking out a group of enemies]


    [Void Veil - Covers the area in darkness, causing targets to go blind, but the caster can still see]


    [Void Infusion ¨C Infuses an object or environment with void energy, granting it special properties or effects]


    ''These will be useful, I will learn them while camping tonight,'' Atlas mused before taking the books to the counter.


    When the shop owner saw this, his eyes widened with fear and shock as he looked at Atlas, who ignored the look before asking, ''''How much for these three spellbooks?'''' Experience new stories on m v|l e''-NovelFire.net


    The older man shook his head before replying, ''''Fifteen gold coins, Azhar''Zul. May the Path guide you to paradise.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened in shock, but the man spoke quietly, ''''Get out of the empire as soon as possible. The Immortals and Owls know you''re disguising yourself and using the Void Realms Monsters.''''


    His eyes widened even more as his jaw dropped when he heard this. The shop owner smiled while holding his hand for a handshake before continuing, ''''The Path has shown me many things over the years; I''m David, and I''m sure we will meet again.''''


    Then, Atlas dropped fifteen gold coins and shook his hand while introducing himself, ''''Azhar''Zul, and it seems this Path has plans for me.'''' sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, the man told him to leave the city as the enemies would have a way to find him thanks to his rare element. When leaving the shop, he saw several Nightowls running along the rooftops as the Achaemenidian soldiers were swarming the street, which made Atlas nervous.


    He rushed down the main street while heading for the west gate, thinking, ''Maybe they have some form of magic to find me. At least now I know, so I''ll keep one step ahead of them using my monsters.''


    Soon enough, Atlas spotted the same pink-haired princess who captured him riding a horse through the city square while hiding toward the city mayor''s manor. He knew she was here to look for him, but he was already leaving.


    Atlas proceeded through the city, passing through the gate and down the road. Suddenly, a swarm of foot soldiers burst out, pointing directly at him. Seeing this, he bolted into a frantic run toward the nearby woodlands.


    While they started chasing them, he went to summon Theo, but several screeches could be heard, causing him to look up only to see flying monster riders. Atlas was started but still managed to scan the new enemies.


    [Southern Eagles]


    [Rank A: 1000 Exp]


    [These feathered nightmares are fast]


    [Johan]


    [Race: Half-Elf/Human]


    [Class: Tamer]


    [Level: 312]


    [Rank: Expert]


    When Atlas saw this, he instantly cast several Void barrages that scattered the ten Southern Eagles, allowing him to summon the Void Raptor King, who roared when he appeared from the azure portal.


    He quickly jumped on its back before shouting, ''''Run! We need to get out of here.''''


    ''Yes, master!'' the monster replied as he exploded forward while dodging the eagle''s talons.


    While running, Atlas thought of a name for the king and smiled excitedly, ''''Your name will be Drax.''''


    As soon as the words lift his lips a blue glow washed over Drax''s body causing him to speed up even faster. This shocked Atlas, but the monster''s voice rang out, ''When the Voidwalker names a void monster, they are imbued with more power as they earned his trust. Now we can help each other even more.''


    Following that, the eagle riders continued chasing Atlas, who peppered them with spells as Drax kept out of their pursuer''s talons. The dinosaur even managed to talk one down by biting onto its leg and slamming it into the ground.


    The chase was on, and the other riders were enraged as losing one of their own caused their determination to soar. Atlas cast Void Bomb but didn''t release it briefly before sending it flying into the enemy''s center.


    It exploded with a massive boom, sending some riders plummeting to the ground below and causing chaos. Atlas started laughing before vanishing into the woodland and losing the Achaemenidians.


    Drax continued running and jumped across a river before reaching a set of mountains, which caused the monster to stop running. It spoke nervously, ''A Titan resides in this place, Master. We shouldn''t be here.''


    Atlas was just about to speak when an enraged roar rang out, followed by even more, which scared them. Drax didn''t wait for the command and sprinted away from the incoming monsters.


    He turned around only to see a massive lion chasing after them, which caused his blood to run cold. Atlas knew what to do and quickly summoned Theo, who snatched him off Drax''s back as the Raptor King returned to the void.


    The Blood Bat King threw Atlas on its back as the Titan Lion lunged at them. Theo quickly dodged the attack and ascended before the monster could get them. This allowed him to scan the newcomer with Void Sight.


    [Nemean Lion]


    [Rank: Titan - 80000 Exp]


    [Titan of the Mosunah Mountains]


    [Escape!]


    Atlas urged Theo to fly faster, which the monster did until it came to a town that was a stop-off point for two bridges that traders used. He ordered the bat to land in the nearby woods so he could dismiss it without being seen.


    Theo nudged his head against Atlas with a concerned look, saying, "Stay alert, Master. Call for me if you need anything."


    Atlas chuckled and patted him reassuringly. "Don''t worry, Theo. I''ll summon you if the need arises. See you soon."


    Once Theo vanished, Atlas spread out his map and pinpointed his location. He saw that he was in the town of Neronia. Determined to prepare for the next leg of the journey, he set off toward the town to purchase a new tent and plan his route.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 150: Nivaria Continent

    When Atlas entered Neronia, he saw hundreds of merchants with their stalls lining the streets as the townspeople celebrated, ''Is this some kind of festival?'' he thought.


    He witnessed a group of children running toward a stall that looked to be some game. Atlas shrugged before searching the town for a General Store to buy a new tent before moving further west.


    ''It''s annoying that I lost the last one during that ambush,'' he thought with irritation.


    Following that, Atlas found it and entered only to see that it was busy, which annoyed him, but he chose to wait. The owner and his workers took ten minutes to clear the other customers, allowing him to approach the counter.


    The man looked at Atlas with a tired expression as he spoke, ''''What can I do for you, boy? We don''t sell weapons here.''''


    ''''I want to buy a tent, please; I lost mine in an ambush a few days ago,'''' Atlas replied, causing one of the workers to rush to the back.


    ''''We have those tents that the adventurers love; it hides them from the outside along as it''s set up against something,'''' the owner answered. ''''But that would be one gold, plus I''ll throw in some rations.''''


    Atlas accepted the price and handed over the coin, as the man had taken a box from below the counter before giving it to him. He stored it in his storage as the worker returned holding a bag she handed over.


    It shocked the two people when it vanished as the stuff vanished into nothing. Still, Atlas said goodbye before leaving the shop to find somewhere to sit down and check his map, only to realize that the Greenskin Confederation was on the next continent called Nivaria.


    But the map did show a train line leading from the Dawnstar Empire to his destination, which excited him as he could ride the Mosorov Trains, which that woman gave him a pass to use a while back.


    After that, Atlas left the city and traveled west to get a ship to Nivaria to continue from a port city named Aurelian. It took him nearly a week to trek across Zarandar, but he didn''t encounter any problems with soldiers on his journey.


    He sat on a bench in the harbor, waiting for a ship to cross the dangerous sea. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the bustling docks. Cargo ships, their hulls stained with salt and seaweed, rocked gently against the piers as dockworkers hurried to and fro, hauling crates and barrels.


    ''This place is peaceful,'' Atlas mused while people watching.


    The clatter of hooves on cobblestone mixed with the creaking of ropes and the occasional shout of commands. Atlas noted the varied nationalities of the dockhands, their accents blending into a cacophony of voices that filled the air with a sense of purpose.


    Seagulls wheeled overhead, their cries punctuating the noise as they swooped down to snatch at discarded scraps. The salty breeze tugged at Atlas''s cloak, carrying with it the tang of fish and the distant promise of the open sea.


    A group of merchants haggled loudly over the price of fresh seafood, their animated gestures drawing a smile from Atlas. Nearby, a family of travelers, their faces alight with the thrill of adventure, bustled about, preparing for their journey.


    ''Better buy my ticket to Nivaria.''


    Soon after, Atlas approached the counter to book his passage west, costing him five gold coins. The man behind the counter looked up at him and spoke in a curious tone, ''''What is a young boy doing traveling to the Nivaria Continent? You do know it''s infested with monsters.''''


    ''''I didn''t know that, but that will be useful to level up during my journey,'''' he replied to the man.


    Atlas was then led to the ship he would be bordering. It reminded him of a cruise ship, and he instantly knew it was for transporting people across the empire. Still, this one was swarming with Achaemenidian soldiers patrolling the decks.


    He shrugged before making his way on board once he showed the guard the pass that he purchased. Atlas stepped onto the vessel and realized his room was on one of the upper floors, which annoyed him.


    ''Why did they only have tickets for the highest rooms,'' Atlas internally fumed.


    Following that, Atlas located an elevator that took him to his floor. After a short walk of about five minutes, he arrived at his room. Upon entering, he found it quite simple: a bed, a desk, and a bathroom tucked off to one side.


    Atlas noticed the room had a balcony with a table and chairs stationed outside for the guests to sit. He dismissed his equipment before slumping onto the bed with a sigh. The exhaustion from everything he had been doing overwhelmed him, and he yawned.


    Not long after that, he fell asleep, and the winter sun barely shone through the dark clouds. While sleeping, the ship he was on started sailing west. Unless a storm was on the ship''s path west, it would take a few days to reach Nivaria.


    Atlas slept peacefully for several hours before waking to find it dark outside. He sat up, yawning as he stretched his body, his joints clicking softly, ''What a nice sleep; the bed was really comfortable,'' he mused, glancing out the window to see the two moons high in the sky.


    ''Let''s grab something to eat and then tackle Void Realms Level Two,'' Atlas thought, pulling out a steaming hot Orc''s Delight Meat Box.


    As he ate, the meal satisfied his hunger and restored his energy. With a satisfying stretch, he felt refreshed and ready to go. After finishing his meal, he stepped outside and settled into a comfortable chair, sinking into the soft cushions with a contented sigh.


    After finishing his meal, Atlas stepped onto the balcony, propping his feet on the table. He activated the Void Realm Skill, drawing his consciousness into the enigmatic world. When he came, he found himself in a valley surrounded by towering cliffs and jagged rocks.


    Atlas readied his swords as the monsters began to appear. A swarm of Void Cave Bears and Savage Void Bears emerged, causing him to dodge their incoming attacks easily as he struck out with his magic.


    Void Blasts and Void Barrage peppered the swarm of monsters, causing explosions to ring out all over the place. Atlas continued fighting until his arms grew tired, and the bears stopped coming.


    ''What the hell was that? Where did they all come from?'' he wondered, cleaning his blades with a flick.


    After fending off all the monsters, Atlas sat to catch his breath and checked the Void Bear Total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 1201/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 375/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 5/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now, I should complete this level during the trip to Nivaria,'' Atlas pondered excitedly.


    As Atlas hiked through the rugged mountain pass, the path narrowed, and the air grew colder. His breath formed misty clouds that dispersed quickly in the fast mountain air. The crunch of snow underfoot was the only sound until a low, guttural growl echoed through the valley.


    Atlas''s senses sharpened instantly, ''This is going to be fun,'' he thought as his excitement soared due to the fighting.


    He gripped his swords tighter, scanning the darkening landscape, knowing the monsters were nearby. Emerging from behind a cluster of boulders, a horde of Void Cave Bears appeared, their eyes glowing maliciously. Read exclusive content at mvl


    Atlas''s heart raced with anticipation. He drew his swords, their blades shimmering with a faint, ethereal light. As the bears charged, he sprang into action and started using Void Step to avoid the monsters.


    He ducked beneath a massive swipe from one of the bears, its claws grazing the air where he had been moments before. Atlas severed the beast''s outstretched claws with an upward slash while dodging more attacks.


    The monster roared in pain, but Atlas was already moving, his feet barely touching the ground as he launched into a spinning attack. His Void Blasts erupted, striking down several Void Bears with explosive force.


    One of the Cave Bears lunged at him from the side, its jaws snapping dangerously close. Atlas twisted mid-air, his sword slicing through the air to meet the bear''s attack. The blade met flesh with a wet, satisfying thud, and the bear collapsed in a heap.


    Enraged, the remaining monsters seemed to close in on him from all sides. Atlas''s movements became a blur of steel and magic. He cast a Void Barrage, a storm of azure projectiles that exploded on impact, sending several bears crashing against the rocky walls or falling into the chasm below.


    He grunted as a particularly large Cave Bear barreled toward him, its eyes glowing with hate. Atlas met its charge with a powerful vertical swing, his Nightblade cleaving through the beast''s thick fur and flesh.


    Atlas continued battling with the monsters until they all vanished into azure motes, leaving him alone on the side of the mountain path. While resting, he checked the Void Bear total he needed to complete.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 632/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 32/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 5/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1] S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 151: Level Three

    After the fierce battle on the mountainside, Atlas pressed on while eliminating the remaining Cave Bears. He unleashed a relentless barrage of magic, his spells erupting in powerful explosions that tore through the advancing swarm of Savage Bears.


    The force of the blasts sent the monsters hurtling through the air, their bodies smashing against the rugged cliffsides with thunderous crashes. Atlas was happy with the result and quickly checked the total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 632/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 32/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 5/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Won''t be long now until I fight the Void Bear Queen,'' he thought before continuing until he came to an arena, but something was off.


    Atlas glanced around and soon realized it was twice as big as the others he fought in. While standing there, the gate opened, and five Brute Void Bears rushed out. The monsters instantly launched their attacks.


    ''Oh shit!'' he internally panicked while using Void Step to dodge the large claws and snapping jaws.


    While this happened, Atlas started countering with his blades and magic, causing the Brute Bears to shudder. Void Blasts and Void Barrages removed one of the monsters while he plunged Nightblade into another skull.


    ''Two down, now two to go,'' Atlas mused with a smile full of excitement.


    Thanks to his attacks, two bears remained, causing Atlas to use Void Guard to block a swipe that sent him flying backward. He crashed into the arena''s wall just as Savage Void Bears charged forward.


    This made Atlas yelp as he struggled to his feet, but pain shot through his body, causing him to think, ''Regeneration isn''t quick enough. The bears will be here in a few seconds.''


    Atlas raised his hand before casting Void Bomb at the incoming enemies. As he drove his blades into the ground, the spells connected with the monsters, causing a devastating explosion that shook the arena.


    A massive dust cloud engulfed everything as Atlas dismissed Void Guard and didn''t see any monsters. While standing there, something told him to move, which he did by casting Void Step to appear a few meters away, only to see a Savage Bear crash into the stop he was just in.


    ''That was close,'' Atlas thought before casting Void Arrow into the monster''s skull.


    The azure projectiles brought the remaining bears down just before he cast Void Bomb at the three remaining Sub-Bosses, which sent them back into the Void Realm as motes, signaling that Atlas won the arena battle.


    After that, he removed his helmet to let the fresh air hit his face while checking the Void Bear total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 57/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 0/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 0/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now, I could complete Level Two on this run,'' Atlas pondered excitedly as a notification popped up.


    [Well done, Voidwalker! You cleared all the monsters and now have to defeat the Void Bear Queen to unlock them for use in the outside world. Good luck with your boss fight]


    Following that, he continued through the mountains and finished the last fifty-seven Savage Void Bears before battling the last Brute Void Bear, which was easy for him now. Atlas continued through the level unbothered until coming to a massive arena that stretched high into the sky.


    He looked at it and thought, ''I wonder how big this monster is, but I''m so close to moving onto Level Three.''


    Atlas stepped onto the marble floor to have a shield circle the arena and a gate on the opposite end open. Seconds later, the ground started to tremble as the Void Bear Queen rushed out, letting out a deep roar that made his blood run cold.


    The monster resembled a short-faced bear from Earth''s ancient history but was much bigger and more ferocious. It was the size of an elephant and built like a tank. Atlas felt a chill run down his spine as he scanned the newcomer using Void Sigh.


    [Void Bear Queen]


    [Rank: C+]


    [Boss of the Void Realm''s Level Two]


    [Keep moving and use explosive magic]


    He shook his head and prepared to fight, casting three Void Bombs at the queen as she barrelled towards him like a tank. Atlas readied himself as the projectile connected with the body of the monster. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Explosions erupted and shook the arena''s ground, but it slowed the monster down, causing Atlas to dodge the first swipe of the bear''s giant claws just as he spammed Void Bullets into its torso.


    When the projectile bit into the skin, it caused the Bear Queen to roar in pain and start wildly swinging at him. Atlas managed to dodge most, but one hit him and sent him flying across the arena.


    He regained his balance in mid-air and landed smoothly on his feet. Without missing a beat, he unleashed a series of Void Blasts that struck the bear, causing it to roar in pain. As the monster charged toward him, Atlas nimbly dodged its attacks and swiftly slashed at its vulnerable spots.


    While Atlas managed to avoid most attacks, some did hit, which sent him skidding back and caused his body to shake due to the impact. He let Regeneration work as he rushed in and stabbed the bear in its knee before blowing it away using Void Bullet.


    The Void Bear Queen dropped to the ground with a crash as a woman''s voice sounded, ''You little shit Voidwalker! You''re not like the last Master, that''s for sure.''


    Atlas stopped attacking and stared at the monster that was struggling to get up with a missing leg, but that''s when pain racked his body, causing him to drop to his knees while looking at his missing left arm.


    ''A trade boy, you took my leg, so I cut off your arm,'' the bear queen said with a chuckle.


    When Atlas heard this, he was fuming and looked into the creature''s red eyes before laughing as he hobbled over to her, ''''That was exciting; I enjoyed our fight, Queen Bear. Do you have a name?''''


    The monster looked at him before her voice appeared in her mind, ''My Master used to call me Ursula. If you don''t mind, call me that.''


    Atlas nodded with a smile as he finished off the bear with a swift swipe of his blade, bringing Level Two to an end.


    [Well done! You completed Level Two and can move on to Level Three. You may use the three Void Bear Option options]


    [Would you like to move onto Level Three Voidwalker?]


    Atlas nodded in agreement, and his surroundings shifted to reveal a massive plateau extending over a turbulent sea. Confusion etched on his face, he approached the edge and looked down, only to feel a chill run down his spine.


    ''Why does this place look like an arena?'' he wondered, casting a wary glance around only to realize there was nowhere to hide.


    Once Atlas calmed himself down, he pulled up the monster total he needed to deal with.


    [Void *****¨C 1000000/1000000]


    [Void ******* *****¨C 500000/500000]


    [Void ***** ********* ¨C 100000/100000]


    [Void ***** ****¨C 1/1]


    ''''What are these ridiculous numbers? One million!'''' he fumed.


    Following that, Atlas heard running, which alarmed him as fog descended on the plateau, cutting off his vision. That''s when he pulled out the True Sight goggles and saw his new enemy.


    Stone humanoids shaped into all kinds of horrifying renditions charged at him. Atlas dodged the lunge of an angel-looking monster before blasting it away using Void Blast while scanning another.


    [Void Golem]


    [Rank D+]


    [Can mold themselves into horrifying figures to scare you]


    Atlas noticed the Golems were made from a dark bluish stone and had glowing red eyes as they charged forward like the first. He bobbed and weaved around them while using Void Bullets and Void Blasts.


    ''I think I can only use magic on them as my blades cannot damage them,'' Atlas thought as Nightblade and Deepforge bounced off one Golem who tackled him.


    The wind was knocked out of him as they crashed to the ground. When this happened, he cast Void Wave to destroy the monster and give himself some space, but he was shocked when a swarm of Golems charged at him.


    Atlas was backed into the corner of the Plateau, causing him to act more carefully as he spammed spells, but he was growing tired just as one of the Golems moved quicker than he thought it could and landed a hard punch in his chest, which dented his armor.


    He was thrown over the side of the Plateau and fell into the water below, only to wake up on the ship balcony as a wave smashed into the hull below. Atlas was confused and remembered he was on a ship to the Nivaria Continent.


    While sitting there, Atlas pulled out some chocolate and started eating while pulling up the Level Three monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 999977/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 500000/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 100000/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''This will take some time, but I do have some powerful spells to learn that will help clear the overwhelming numbers,'' Atlas mused while chewing on some chocolate as the two moons lit up the sea below.


    After that, he checked his statues to see if he had gained anything from all the fighting in the Void Realm.


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 Chapter 152: A Hulk Golem

    [Level Up: 160¡ú163][Experience: 2040/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 13200]


    [Health: 1290¡ú1314(200)]


    [Mana: 5790¡ú6022(1000)]


    [Strength: 1452¡ú1470(100)]


    [Stamina: 1778¡ú1810(250)]


    [Charisma: 630¡ú638]


    [Intelligence: 1190¡ú1226]


    [Core Points: 28020/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 5020]


    ''Good, some small gains but something better than nothing,'' he thought while watching the stars above.


    Feeling hungry for more than just chocolate, Atlas exited his room and decided to find the dining hall. His ticket included three meals and snacks, so he figured it was time to take advantage of the full range of offerings.


    Atlas walked through the cruise ship corridors and saw hundreds of people enjoying them like they were on holiday. He had dismissed his helmet but left his armor and weapons on him because he trusted nothing would happen.


    ''Can''t let the Achaemenidians trap me again,'' he mused while holding the handle of his Nightblade.


    After half an hour of searching, Atlas finally found a large dining hall. The room was filled with a counter laden with an impressive array of food. Excited, he eagerly piled his plate high with various meats and mashed potatoes. ''This smells delicious; I can''t wait to taste it,'' he mused with a smile.


    With his plate stacked with delicious options, Atlas set out to find a table where he could enjoy his meal. Soon enough, he found an empty table to sit and eat while he started people-watching as they passed by.


    ''This place seems peaceful,'' Atlas thought to himself.


    While eating, he received his daily message from Amethyst, who told him they were heading north to hunt monsters and delve into dungeons until he could meet them. The young couple had been in contact since the Lover''s Band allowed communication.


    They knew Atlas was heading to the Nubian Capital to heal Lilith before catching a train north. However, when the party learned he must cross the treacherous sea between Zaradar and Aridonia.


    The phoenix girl panicked at the thought of encountering the sea monsters notorious in that region. Estelle suggested he reserve passage on an airship from the Greenskin Confederation.


    When Atlas confirmed that he was already planning to do just that, their concerns began to ease. After sending a message to Amethyst, he continued enjoying his meal before deciding to explore the ship.


    ''She worries too much but it''s nice to be cared about for once,'' Atlas thought with a smile.


    As he wandered, he discovered several restaurants where nobles dined in style and arcades designed to keep children entertained. Captivated, Atlas entered one of the arcades and found it filled with the familiar sights and sounds of classic games you''d expect in a regular arcade.


    Following that, Atlas returned to his room after finding nothing that caught his attention about an odd-looking couple following him around the entertainment floor. He managed to lose them in the crowds, but they got him paranoid.


    ''Hopefully they haven''t found me,'' he pondered while walking up some stairs.


    Atlas decided to hide in his room as he guessed they were Nightowls. While inside, he locked the door and turned the light off before sitting on the balcony and pulling out the recently bought spells.


    [Void Lance ¨C Launches a spear of dark energy that pierces through enemies and explodes, taking out a group of enemies]


    [Void Veil - Covers the area in darkness, causing targets to go blind, but the caster can still see]


    [Void Infusion ¨C Infuses an object or environment with void energy, granting it unique properties or effects]


    ''What one do I learn first? I''ll try Void Lance,'' he thought with a smile.


    Atlas grabbed the spellbook before settling into the comfortable chair as the night passed. It took him a couple of hours to learn the new attack spell, which caused a notification to pop up.


    [Void Lance Learned]


    Atlas then set aside Void Lance and began studying Void Veil, storing the first spell away for later use. As he immersed himself in learning these new spells, he felt confident they would prove invaluable in his upcoming challenges.


    ''I hope they are useful,'' he pondered as two more notifications appeared, confirming the successful acquisition of his newly learned spells.


    [Void Veil Learned]


    [Void Infusion Learned]


    Happy with his spells, causing him to activate Void Realm to test his strength against the Golem Swarm. Atlas appeared on the plateau and waited for the monsters to appear, which took seconds as they encircled him.


    ''These things are trying to overwhelm me, but I won''t let them get the upper hand,'' he thought as he prepared for the fight. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas beamed with satisfaction as he prepared to test one of his new spells. He invoked Void Veil, and an azure blue dome enveloped the plateau. Inside the shimmering barrier, the golems wandered, clearly disoriented by the sudden shift in their surroundings.


    ''It worked! I wonder for how long, though.''


    Seeing the effects of Void Veil, Atlas couldn''t contain his excitement. He immediately started casting Void Bullets and Barrages, unleashing a barrage of dark energy that overwhelmed the swarm of golems, scattering them effortlessly.


    Fueled by his growing readiness, Atlas decided to test another spell. He infused Nightblade and Deepforge with volatile void magic, causing the blades to hum and vibrate. He dashed around the plateau, slashing at the golems with his newly empowered swords.


    ''It''s like cutting through butter,'' each swing quickly cleaved through the dark stone, leaving deep, clean cuts and sending fragments flying. While Atlas fought the Void Golems, he checked the monster total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Golem ¨C 999012/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 500000/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 100000/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    After that, Atlas continued to spam magic into the uncountable number of golems until his Void Veil was broken by a newcomer that smashed its fist into the ground, causing a wave of mana to radiate from the attack.


    ''What sort of monster is this?'' he thought before using Void Guard to defend himself from the shockwave as he scanned the new Golem.


    [Void Warrior Golem]


    [Earth Mage]


    [Rank: C+]


    [Keep moving!]


    When Atlas read the advice, he dodged to the side as an Earth Lance smashed into the spot he was just in. As he rolled away from the attack, he cast Void Blast at the Warrior Golem, but it battered the spell into a group of golems.


    ''They don''t care for each other? Of course not their stone constructs,'' he thought.


    Explosions erupted around them as Atlas started spamming Void Bullets and Void Bombs that wiped out hundreds of Golem and finally dealt with the warrior as it vanished into azure motes.


    Following his previous attack, Atlas started attacking the Void Golems, whose attention was on him as they encircled him, but he managed to get out of their trap while barrelling through dozens of them.


    The Void Wave was beneficial as it cleared space for Atlas to move while attacking those who got too close. He was taking out hundreds of golems, but that''s when the hair on the back of his neck went up, and he raised his blades to defend himself.


    Atlas skidded backward as his arms trembled due to the force. When he was far enough away, he looked at the Void Warrior Golem, but this one was bulkier than the previous one and reminded him of a bodybuilder.


    ''A Hulk Golem? Please don''t,'' he internally chuckled as he jumped to the side.


    The Warrior charged forward before slamming its massive fists into the spot he was just in. Atlas quickly cast several Void Blasts that peppered its body, causing the bigger monster to stumble back.


    He charged forward, firing Void Bullets at the Warrior Golem''s feet. The golem shifted to evade the blasts just as Atlas launched a Void Bomb. The projectile sliced through the air and struck the monster, triggering a powerful explosion that hurled the smaller golems off the edge and obliterated several others.


    After that, he ran low on mana and tried to take out a potion, but a Warrior Golem landed a punch on his helmet, rocking his head and sending him crashing. Caught off guard, the other golems piled onto him.


    This ended his Level Three run as he woke up on the ship balcony with a headache. Atlas collapsed onto the chair before pulling up his level three monster to see how well he''d done on his second go.


    [Void Golem ¨C 996641/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 499996/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 100000/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Only a few thousand¡ªpretty solid for my second attempt,'' he mused with a weary smile.


    He wrapped himself in a blanket and settled into his chair, drifting off to sleep, lulled by the sight of whales breaching the water below. The night crept steadily forward, blanketing the darkness as Atlas slept peacefully on the ship''s balcony.


    The rhythmic lapping of the ocean and the occasional breach of whales created a soothing lullaby, ensuring a deep sleep. As the first light of dawn began to pierce the horizon, casting a soft glow across the sea, Atlas slowly stirred awake.


    The gentle warmth of the morning sun kissed his face, and he stretched out, feeling the comfortable weight of the blanket wrapped around him. He yawned and blinked away the remnants of sleep, his body feeling refreshed from the night''s rest.


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 Chapter 153: Useful To Me

    The journey to the Nivara continent to the west took longer than expected because the captain had to divert due to a vicious storm that threatened to capsize the massive ship in the middle of the ocean.''Beautiful but deadly,'' he thought while admiring it.


    When Atlas spotted it in the distance, it made him nervous as the clouds were the darkest he had ever seen. They had to avoid going further south due to the sea monsters that sink most shipping.


    During this time, Atlas kept trying to complete Level Three of the Void Realm and managed to bring the Void Golem numbers down. While sitting on his room''s balcony, he checked the monster total before jumping back in.


    [Void Golem ¨C 996201/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 499876/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 100000/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''This is taking its sweet ass time, but I can feel the overall improvement when finishing every session,'' Atlas pondered with a smile.


    The sun was high in the sky, and he watched a pod of whales swimming alongside the ship. Atlas noticed after the first day on board that the crew dumped food over the side, and all the monsters would scramble to eat it, which caused fights among them.


    At one point, a giant enraged shark charged at the ship, but the security blasted it with a few powerful spells, sending the monster fleeing into the deep. It looked like a giant Great White Shark that was four to five times the size of the ones on Earth. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was dark in color and had bright red eyes, allowing him to track its movements. When Atlas saw this, he was curious and scanned it before it dived down to find out what rank it was.


    [Terror Jaws]


    [Bloodthirsty Titan of the Death Sea]


    [Ranks: S - 10000 Exp]


    [Don''t you fucking dare, boy!]


    Atlas chuckled at the warning before thinking, ''I''m not going to fight that monster! Not yet, anyway.''


    He remembered the Dungeon Realm and decided to check it out to see what it was about. Atlas activated the skill only to have his mind sucked into a strange world that was just grasslands stretching far into the distance.


    When Atlas saw this, he was amazed before turning around, only to see two large portal doorways that confused him, but he soon guessed it was the two dungeons he had completed so far.


    ''That means this one is the Deathly Hollows and the other is the Scattered Chasm,'' Atlas mused excitedly. ''Let me see if I can pull up a list of monsters I could use.''


    DEATHLY HOLLOWS:


    [Rank E: Death Spiders, Stone Crawlers, Dreadfiends]


    [Rank D: Blood Bats, Death Gorillas, Death Jackals]


    [Rank C: Death Knight]


    [Sub-Boss: Dreadfiend Knight, Queen Death Spider, Blood Bat King, Dreadfiend King]


    SHATTERED CHASM:


    [Monster Rank G: Giant Cave Rats, Cave Goblins]


    [Monster Rank E: Giant Earthworm, Dark Cave Ants]


    [Monster Rank D: Cave Weaver, Cave Fisher, Landsharks, Kuo-Toa]


    [Monster Rank C: Cave Troll, Dark Termites, Rock Wyrm, Umber-Hulk]


    [Sub-Bosses: Queen Dark Ant - Kuo-Toa Tribe - Umber-Hulk King - King Troll]


    [Boss: Chaos Shadow Wyvern]


    ''So many, and this is just the beginning,'' Atlas thought excitedly. ''Let me pull up the Void Monster list.''


    [LEVEL 1: Voidstalkers ¨C Void Raptors ¨C Void Raptor Warrior ¨C Void Raptor King]


    [LEVEL 2: Savage Void Bears ¨C Void Cave Bears ¨C Brute Void Bears ¨C Void Bear Queen]


    ''Two Dungeons and two levels for the Void Realm,'' he smiled. ''I can''t wait until I unlock more monsters.''


    Then, Atlas activated Void Realm to retry Level Three and wanted to clear more Golems. But the one thing he was happy with was that his mana had increased, thanks to all the magic he used to fight.


    He reappeared on the plateau just in time to hear the rumble of approaching Golems, their heavy steps shaking the ground. Without hesitation, Atlas cast Void Infusion, enveloping his blades in a radiant azure glow of mana.


    ''Thankfully, this spell makes it easier to slice through the dark stone,'' he thought with a surge of excitement.


    The energy pulsed through the weapons as he charged forward, slashing through the advancing stone constructs, causing them to turn into azure mots before returning to the Void Realm.


    Atlas cleared some space behind him using Void Wave that sent some monsters flying into the rough waves below as he deflected several attacks from a Void Warrior Golem before slashing through the back of its legs.


    ''Get down here!''


    It collapsed to the ground with a crash as Atlas cast Void Bomb into the swarm of Golems, which annihilated hundreds of them. The battle continued for an hour until he felt exhausted from using so much of his mana.


    Sweat streamed down Atlas''s face as he summoned Void Guard, deflecting blows from the relentless Golems. With a swift cast of Void Wave, he sent the monsters reeling backward, buying himself a moment to catch his breath.


    But just as relief washed over him, something new appeared on the battlefield, something that sent a chill down his spine. His eyes narrowed, and without hesitation, Atlas activated Void Sight, eager to uncover the identity of this mysterious newcomer.


    [Void Golem Commander]


    [Controls the weaker Golems]


    [Rank: B]


    [This is going to be a tough fight, boy! Use all that you''ve learned to win]


    When Atlas saw this, he braced himself as the Golem Commander fired an Earth Blast in his direction. He yelped and quickly cast a Void Guard, which managed to block most of the attack, but he was sent skidding backward.


    His arms were trembling as he coughed up some blood before dropping to his knees as pain racked his body, ''What the fuck happened? I blocked the attack, but it did this much damage.''


    Atlas glanced up, his breath catching as the Golem Commander loomed. Exhaustion weighed down his limbs, but he forced his hand to rise, channeling his remaining energy into casting several Void Bombs.


    The azure projectiles hurtled through the air and struck the massive creature with a resounding impact. A second later, a loud explosion erupted, shaking the plateau and sending shockwaves through the battlefield.


    Atlas jolted back to reality, his heart racing as he found himself on the balcony, the storm outside growing fiercer by the moment. The phantom pains from his battle lingered, but he pushed them aside, his focus shifting to his grumbling stomach.


    ''I need to eat something.''


    He reached into his Dimensional Storage and pulled out a Dragon Meat Feast. The rich, sizzling aroma filled the air, making his mouth water in anticipation. As he savored each hearty bite, the tender, flavorful chunks of meat quickly disappeared, satisfying his hunger.


    ''Better eat before I start exploring the ship,'' Atlas thought, savoring each bite.


    While eating, he checked the total number of Level Three monsters to see how many Golems he had wiped out.


    [Void Golem ¨C 995403/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 499813/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99999/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Atlas continued eating, observing the stormy waves crashing against the ship''s side and causing it to shudder. ''This weather is dangerous,'' he thought, ''I''d hate to fall into the water.''


    After finishing his meal, he discarded the scraps into the bin and dismissed his gear with a thought. Noting the grime on his clothes, he decided it was time for a bath. Atlas then went to the bathroom, eager to clean himself up.


    As Atlas stepped into the small bathroom, he filled the tub with water, stripped off his clothes, and sank into the soothing embrace of the bath. The warmth enveloped him, bringing a sense of peace.


    He dried himself off, dressed, and was about to leave when he saw his reflection. For a moment, the old him¡ªthe one from Earth¡ªstared back. And just like that, the bad thoughts came flooding in.


    ''I''ll never know why she left me¡­ or why dad disappeared,'' Atlas thought, his gaze locked onto his deep blue eyes, searching for answers he feared he''d never find.


    While doing that, he remembered a quote from a book his mom always read to him before she abandoned him, ''You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.''


    Atlas quickly averted his gaze from the mirror, stepping out of the bathroom while activating Maskweaver to disguise himself again. As he crossed the threshold, he could have sworn he heard his dad''s soft and familiar voice whispering, "Stop stressing, little one. Live a little."


    He spun around, instinctively gripping Nightblade, ready for anything. But there was nothing. The space echoed with silence, making his heart pound. Paranoia crept in as he scanned the room again before shaking off the unease and heading out of his cabin.


    ''What is going on with me?'' he thought before shaking his head and walking down the stairs that led to the entertainment section.


    While exploring, Atlas found a place that sold milkshakes and bought a strawberry before finding a balcony to sit out on to see what dungeons were on the Nivaria Continent.


    ''There''s five that could be useful to me,'' Atlas pondered. ''Level one dungeons are pointless unless they have a certain monster.''


    He pulled out his Monster Compendium because he found a Level One Dungeon called Moonshade Grove that claimed to have rare creatures inside. Atlas went through the book and found out what the map notes pointed out.


    ''Darklings are small, shadowy humanoids relying on stealth to gather information or defeat their enemies,'' these creatures could be useful in the future.


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 Chapter 154: So Beautiful

    Atlas discovered that the dungeon was also home to several monsters that he found hilarious. ''There are Gremlins! I wonder what they look like? Then there are the Thunder Beetles that could be used as stun grenades,'' he pondered.He found five more dungeons across the Dawnstar Empire that caught his interest, ''Blackthorne Forest, Cavern Of The Cursed, Ravenhold Dungeon, The Howling Warrens, and Tomb Of The Fallen King. These are Level Two or Three, with the last being the only Level Four.''


    With his plans to conquer those dungeons on his journey to the Greenskin Confederation, Atlas finished his milkshake before looking for the library on board to see if there was more information on the dungeons, but he had no luck.


    Walking down one of the ship''s corridors, he noticed the same couple following him, ''It''s them again!'' he thought as he recognized the Nightowls tracking him.


    This made him panic, but he had nowhere to go. He slipped into a side passage while taking out Nightblade and Deepforge, and his paranoia skyrocketed when he heard the duo talking about him.


    ''I need to get rid of them before they alert the rest,'' Atlas pondered as he held his swords.


    When they passed by, his blood ran cold as he noticed the daggers, causing him to act first and step out. Atlas used Void Step to appear behind them before thrusting his blades into their hearts.


    Atlas felt the cold steel of Nightblade and Deepforge sink into the Nightowl''s flesh, their blades cutting through with brutal precision. Blood gushed from the wounds in a shockingly vivid spray, catching the enemies entirely off guard.


    The woman''s startled scream echoed down the corridor as she fell back, but the man attempted a desperate counter. Before he could react, Atlas unleashed Void Blast. The spell''s force struck the man''s head, causing it to explode.


    This sent a gruesome spray of blood and shattered bone splattering across the corridor walls. As that happened, he noticed the woman pushed a button she held while dying, which he guessed was an alarm.


    Atlas felt a surge of adrenaline as he realized escape was no longer an option¡ªmore Nightowls were closing in, their sinister presence filling the corridor. His heart pounded; the chaos was matched only by the feverish energy of the fight.


    With a flick of his wrist, he deflected a barrage of throwing knives, their clattering impacts reverberating through the narrow space. The corridor became a battleground, a brutal dance of steel, shadows, and blood.


    Fueled by fear and exhilaration, Atlas moved with a wild, almost frenzied grace. His every motion was a testament to his power, and thanks to all his experiences, his strength was shaped beyond the limits of his rank.


    The air crackled with the clash of blades and the burst of sparks as he ruthlessly cut down the Nightowls. Another lunged at him, a dagger aimed at his throat. His instincts flared, which allowed him to deflect the attack, his blade a blur.


    Atlas drove his sword into the opponent''s heart in the same fluid motion. Without missing a beat, he spun on his heel, evading another strike with a narrow escape, and delivered a lethal slash to his assailant''s face.


    The corridor erupted into a storm of violence, and Atlas''s movements were a deadly ballet in the face of overwhelming odds. Following that, Nightowls backed off but still trapped him as they cast a barrier around the battle.


    Atlas glanced left and right, his heart sinking as he saw dozens of enemies closing in on him. Panic surged through him, but he forced himself to focus. His mind raced with a single, urgent thought, ''How am I going to escape this? Failure here means I''ll never rise to the top.''


    ''Master use me to break out,'' the Death Serpent''s voice sounded in his mind.


    He nodded his head just as the first enemy charged forward, but Atlas sidestepped him before casting Void Wave, which slammed the Nightowl into the wall while the others reacted and dashed forward.


    Atlas used everything he had learned since arriving in Valoria in this fight. He crossed his blades to block an enemy sword before twisting his wrist and taking the opponent''s weapon before driving Nightblade into the man''s forehead.


    As that happened, he cast a Void Arrow at the Nightowl behind him through the corpse''s skull before he started fighting them in the packed corridor, where he had the advantage due to his small frame and speed.


    Sparks flew all over the place as he remembered Estelle''s training and went for the adult''s legs, which brought them down like dominos, causing Atlas to think, ''How many are on board? This isn''t good.''


    After doing that, he cast Void Infusion on his swords before carving through another enemy while kicking another. He managed to slay even more while approaching the barrier that was trapping him.


    The Nightowls couldn''t keep up as he bounced around, sidestepping, ducking, rolling, and keeping out of their reach while striking their legs and torsos, driving them back. As he drew near his prison, he unleashed a Void Lance at it, sending a surge of dark energy crashing into the mana barrier.


    It shattered under the force of his attack, splintering into a thousand fragments. In that instant, Atlas brought forth his Death Serpent. With a flick of his wrist, the serpent''s jaws enveloped him, and together, they plunged through the gaping breach in the ship.


    The monster''s colossal body surged through the wreckage, smashing aside Nightowls and security personnel. Bursting through the vessel''s side, they plummeted into the stormy waters below.


    They left the ship''s chaos behind in their wake, the night sky illuminated by the debris and the echoes of destruction. He was comfortable but wet while feeling the monsters dashing through the water.


    Hours later, the Death Serpent erupted from the depths, charging towards the beach with a colossal shark hot on its heels. Atlas could feel the predator''s relentless pursuit, but his monster managed to reach the shore and eject him safely.


    Atlas was hurled across the sand, skidding to a halt at the base of a towering hill. He was spent and battered by the weight of exhaustion due to the fight with powerful opponents took its toll, pulling him toward unconsciousness.


    The Death Serpent coiled protectively around him, her massive form a shield against the night. He fell asleep only to be awakened by the screech of a flock of terrified seagulls flying above.


    He opened his eyes to the blinding brilliance of the sun overhead, squinting as he sat up. The sight before him was serene: a stunning beach stretched out to the horizon, with a quaint village visible to the south.


    "Too close," Atlas thought urgently. "I need to get away from the shore."


    That''s when he quickly noticed the Death Serpent covering his body. Atlas smiled before stroking the monster, speaking in a grateful voice, ''''Thank you for saving me once again, but I have come up with the perfect name for you.''''


    The giant creature''s head moved to him, and its yellow eyes watched him as he revealed, ''''You will be called Medusa.''''


    Atlas watched the monster register the name before hissing until a glow washed over its body as its voice echoed in his mind, ''Thank you for that, Master. I was wondering when you was going to give me one.''


    He let out a soft chuckle as he stood. With a snap of his fingers, Nightblade and Deepforge materialized into his hands, their familiar weight reassuring. After sheathing the swords, he deactivated Maskweaver within the Dawnstar Empire''s domain.


    ''It feels so much better having these two back,'' Atlas smiled. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, Atlas sent Medusa back to the Dungeon Realm to rest. At the same time, he pulled out the History Of Valoria book he had in his Dimensional Storage before reading about the Dawnstar Empire.


    Atlas learned it was a powerful magic realm where people valued someone''s spellcasting, alchemy, and crafting skills. Surprised, he realized that the Achaemenidians would come here in large numbers to find him.


    ''At least I can fight them now,'' he thought with a smile. ''The more I fight and gain experience, the stronger I become.''


    Once Atlas finished that, he took out his map and discovered a town named Emberglade just over the hill. With a goal in mind, he stood up and started climbing, only to be shocked when he reached the top.


    A stunning green landscape covered in a fine layer of snow causes him to think, ''So beautiful.''


    Atlas started walking toward the town and noticed no monsters were lurking around. When he sent the Voidstalkers out to search for some, they reported that only weak creatures could be found.


    He was intrigued but thought while glancing around, ''Adventurers must keep their numbers down around population centers. I wonder where the nearest dungeon is.''


    Then, Atlas continued and spotted a medieval-looking town with large walls protecting the people. Towers dotted the grey-stoned barrier, and soldiers patrolled the top, but the cannons caught his attention.


    ''Those things can target things miles away,'' he thought in amazement while closing in on the town.


    Atlas was stopped by the guard standing in front of the gate. ''''Stop, young man! What is your business in Emberglade?''''


    He stopped moving while looking up at the older woman but noticed she was an elf, which caused him to shrug before answering, ''''I come here to dungeon run and take quests in the bigger cities so I can rank up.''''


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 Chapter 155: Emberglade Town

    The guard let him through after seeing his Adventurers Card. Atlas entered Emberglade. He saw dozens of elves and humans wandering around. ''It seems the Dawnstar Empire is a mixed empire,'' he thought while glancing around.Atlas noticed the buildings were made of beautiful white stone, gleaming under the morning sun, and had green roofs the color of leaves, which intrigued him. He then started walking down the town''s main street while people watched.


    ''This place is peaceful,'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    He observed the town''s mixed population, noticing a man walking hand in hand with an elven woman while their three children laughed and played around them. The sight brought a faint smile to his lips, though he quickly shook his head and pressed on.


    Soon, Atlas reached the guild and pushed open the heavy wooden doors. Inside, the hall was surprisingly quiet. Only three adventurers were scattered across the room; each lost in their thoughts or tasks. Read latest stories on mvl


    ''Seems quiet for a town,'' he pondered.


    Atlas decided to pick out some quests before approaching the counter. He walked over to the board and noticed dozens of requests. Some were about collecting herbs, while others were about monster slaying, which interested him.


    He grabbed at least ten before approaching the counter, only to spot an older elf woman with silver hair going through some paperwork. She looked up with a bright smile and gleaming red eyes when spotting him.


    ''''Hello, little Snowdrop. I''m Tilifa. I didn''t know your lot was still around. Is your tribe still living in the Frostmark Kingdom?'''' she said in a curious tone.


    ''What is she talking about?'' Atlas was confused, but he would soon find out as she continued speaking.


    ''''I haven''t seen a snow elf since they left Nivara decades ago after the last war. You do know the empire wants your people to return?'''' the woman questioned.


    Atlas shook his head before lying so no one would discover he was a Voidborn, ''''Father never spoke of other elves. We lived in seclusion after assassins killed my mother when I was young,'''' he said with a convincing voice thanks to his charisma stat.


    Tilifa frowned and was about to talk, but he cut her off to change the subject so she would suspect him of lying, ''''I''d prefer not to speak about the incident. It''s the reason I decided to travel the world after being trained since I could walk.''''


    The older elf nodded sweetly, ''''How can I help you, darling?''''


    Atlas put the stack of papers on the counter, ''''I want to take all these. Also, can I get any information on the dungeons in the local area, please?'''' he responded.


    ''''You want to try to complete all these?'''' Tilifa questioned with a raised eyebrow.


    ''''Yes,'''' Atlas responded. ''''There are some herb collection quests, but the bulk are monster slaying. It seems Emberglade is having problems with them.''''


    Following that, the older elf asked for his card before she registered the quests to his account, saying, ''''Azhar''Zul, it says here you''ve completed twelve so far; if you take three more, we can arrange your Rank Test, which will be held in Dawn''s Edge City to the north.''''


    Tilifa suggested two more monster-slaying quests alongside an escort one that will head toward a farming village between Dawn''s Edge and Astralkeep City before heading to his test.


    ''''Take these quests, Snowdrop,'''' Tilifa said with a warm smile, handing him the stack of papers. ''''If you report back here, I''m sure you''ll be considered for the escort quest. The recipient mentioned that they need one more person by tomorrow evening.''''


    Atlas accepted the quests with a nod of determination. "I''ll have them completed soon. You can count on it," he replied confidently.


    The older woman smiled before returning to work as he left the guild to start completing his quests. Atlas departed Emberglade and stopped on a nearby hill, where he pulled out the first two quests he would do before reading them.


    [Kill the Owl Bears that are attacking travelers in the Ember Forest - Reward: Eighty Silver - Proof: Claws or hide]


    [Destroy the Wild Orc Tribe that infests the hills to the north - Reward: One Gold - Proof: Orc tusks]


    ''Not bad for my first two,'' he thought with a smile.


    Atlas gazed out over the vibrant green forest, a vast expanse stretched far to the south. He spotted a few striking red trees standing out like fiery beacons among this sea of autumnal hues.


    ''This world is beautiful but I know a Titan is lurking in there,'' he thought with a shiver.


    Afterward, Atlas summoned the Voidstalkers and ordered them to locate the Owl Bears. The Troodon-looking monsters hopped around while chirping before rushing into the Ember Forest below the hill he was on.


    While the void monsters were locating the bears, he pulled out the herb collection quests and started going through them.


    [Herb Collection: Gather Moonshade Fern from the lakes and ponds of the Ember Forest - Reward: Depends on how many bundles you bring back]


    [Herb Collection: Gather Sunflare Jasmine from the hills around Emberglade - Reward: One Gold]


    [Herb Collection: Gather Raven''s Claw Ivy from the Redwood Trees - Reward: Three Gold]


    [Herb Collection: Gather Wispfern Leaf from the Redwood Tress - Reward: Five Gold]


    [Herb Collection: Gather Lunarleaf Herb from the caves under Ember Forest - Reward: three Gold]


    ''This is going to be annoying. Why are those two quests giving out so much gold?'' Atlas internally pondered before climbing down the hill while using Void Sight on the ground. Ten minutes later, he spotted an orange plant just as a notification appeared.


    [Sunfire Jasmine - Used in Alchemy and some food recipes]


    Atlas got excited and started picking the herbs until he had two arm falls. He wondered how he''d store it before throwing it into the Dimensional Storage after collecting even more while leaving the hill behind. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''That was lucky. Maybe I can find the other herbs this easily.''


    Following that, Atlas continued through the forest and fought a group of Goblins that tried to ambush him, but thanks to his instincts, he blocked all their attacks before using Void Wave to kill them all.


    When the last Goblin dropped dead, he spotted a massive red tree that stretched into the clouds, causing him to gulp, ''I bet I have to climb this nightmare,'' he thought.


    He shook his head, sheathing his swords before scaling the Redwood Tree until he emerged above the forest canopy. A sudden sense of dread washed over him, prompting him to scan his surroundings just as several large fruits hurtled toward his head.


    Startled, Atlas swiftly invoked Void Step and reappeared on a nearby branch. There, perched with a menacing glare, was a creature resembling a giant baboon. Its yellow eyes glowed with an evil intent as it stared back at him.


    He quickly scanned it to find out what rank this newcomer was.


    [Tree Devil]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Behind you!]


    He quickly jumped to the side while sending several Void Bullets at the monkey, who easily dodged them. Atlas watched the monster hit the tree before lunging at him, but he raised his blades as the beast got close.


    They pierced the monster''s chest, but Atlas cast a Void Wave, which sent the Tree Devil pummeling to the ground below. Following that, he jumped back up and readied to fight as more of them surrounded him.


    ''I''ll summon the Death Gorillas if this gets out of hand,'' Atlas thought, bracing himself.


    The Tree Devil leader emerged from the shadows, beating its chest in a primal display before charging toward him. Atlas let out a startled yelp and swiftly cast Void Lance. The azure projectile streaked through the air and pierced the monster''s torso, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.


    After that, chaos erupted as all the monsters attacked, but Atlas blocked the swarm using Void Guard and summoning Kera and two more gorillas. They burst out of the portal while letting out a fierce roar.


    The Dungeon Monsters battled with the Tree Devils in an epic battle in the trees. Atlas watched this with excitement after stabbing one and blasting another with Void Blast, causing the attacking creatures to back off.


    An hour later, with all the monsters defeated, Kera fussed over Atlas, who was smiling as the giant gorilla tenderly cleaned him. "Kera! Why are you doing this now? I''m out here searching for herbs," he protested.


    She focused on ensuring Atlas was unharmed and continued her assistance before finally letting him go. Afterward, he dismissed the Death Gorillas before spotting black ivy that grew all over the tree.


    Atlas''s gaze fell upon a nest-like structure below the branch where he perched, a realization dawning on him. ''They were protecting their young,'' he thought.


    Shaking off the last remnants of Kera''s concern, he focused on harvesting the Raven''s Claw Ivy. Its dark blue vines released an unexpectedly sweet fragrance, which intrigued him. He carefully gathered the ivy and stowed it away.


    Next, he turned his attention to finding the Wispfern Leaf, which grew on the same tree. It blended so seamlessly with its surroundings that locating it required a keen eye and a steady hand.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 156: Disgusting

    Atlas collected enough of the Wispfern Leaf to earn the reward before using Void Step to reach the ground below. When he arrived there, the Voidstalkers rushed over to him and let out chirps.They quickly informed him that the Owl Bears were a few miles away, making Atlas smile. He continued his journey through the forest, led by the little dinosaurs until he came to a large clearing with a cave in the middle.


    ''Is that the Own Bears home?'' Atlas pondered while readying his weapons.


    After dismissing the void monsters, Atlas continued his journey through the forest, the village drawing nearer with each step. Suddenly, a roar shattered the stillness, and a monstrous creature burst from the underbrush, its colossal claws slashing toward him.


    He quickly ducked, narrowly avoiding the deadly strike as the beast loomed overhead. Seizing the moment, he cast Void Blast at the monster''s torso, the spell''s force giving him the chance to evade its next attack.


    While doing that, he used Void Sight on the Owl Bear to find its strength.


    [Owl Bear] S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Use speed boy]


    He summoned two Void Brute Bears, their forms materializing from azure portals that flared beside him. As the towering, dark blue bears charged at the monster, they ruthlessly tore it to shreds, causing blood and flesh to fly all over the clearing.


    From the nearby cave emerged more Owl Bears, but the Void Brute Bears handled them effortlessly. Impressed by their strength, Atlas smiled before dismissing the bears back to the Void Realm.


    ''Completing Level Two was worth it just for the Void Bears.''


    Atlas then started collecting the monster''s claws, red core, and the Lunarleaf herb growing at the cave''s entrance, which he stumbled upon. Once that was done, he continued looking for water where the Moonshade Flower grew.


    After a few hours of searching, Atlas finally stumbled upon a small lake that gave him an uneasy feeling. ''There''s got to be a catch to this. Something will jump out and attack me if I get to close,'' he thought, watching the shore dotted with eerie purple flowers.


    Without waiting for a monster to attack, he summoned Medusa and ordered her to clear the lake while he harvested the herb to complete the quest. The Death Serpent dived into the water only for it to erupt as she was fighting with a giant crocodile.


    Atlas finished collecting all the flowers before using Void Sight on the monster.


    [Swamp Drake] Explore more stories at mvl


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Ambush Predator in the Ember Forest]


    He aimed Nightblade at the Swamp Drake and cast Void Lance at the monster''s giant torso. The azure projectile pierced its tough hide, allowing Medusa to snap its neck. When Atlas heard the loud crack, he cringed but allowed her to eat the monster.


    Then, Atlas collected more Moonshade flowers before resting and checking on the last seven quests.


    [Hunt the Dire Wolves plaguing the hills outside Emberglade - Reward: Twenty Silver per wolf - Proof: Teeth or hide]


    [Slayer the Swamp Drake lurking in Embar Forest, it has killed half a dozen people - Reward: Two Gold - Proof: Fangs or eyes]


    Upon reading the note, Atlas turned to Medusa and shouted, "Bring the monster''s body here, girl!"


    The Death Serpent''s head emerged from the water, giving a nod of acknowledgment before dragging the lifeless body over to him. Atlas drew his Nightblade and set to work, slicing out the fangs and eyes before carving several large chunks of meat, meticulously stripping them of skin and bone.


    Then, Atlas stored everything away before letting Medusa gorge on the Swamp Drake. While she did that, he read the last four quests.


    [Clear the Swamp Hags from the shores of the Nightfall River - Reward: Two Gold - Proof: Anything body part]


    [Deal with the marauding Swamp Bulls destroying farms outside Sunset Village to the north - Reward: One Gold - Proof: Horns]


    [Kill the evil Forest Chickens terrorizing the hills around Emberglade Town - Reward: Fifty Silver - Proof: Chicken feet]


    ''What the fuck,'' Atlas thought with a laugh as the quest caught him off guard.


    ''''Evil Forest Chickens, who wrote this request?'''' he muttered with a smile before reading the last one.


    [Kill the two Forest Trolls on the hill north of Sunset Village - Reward: Two Gold - Proof: Troll blood]


    Atlas stood up, stretching as he stored the completed quests. He glanced at Medusa, a thoughtful look on his face. ''These quests will be enjoyable,'' he mused. ''And it''ll be even easier with Theo to help me travel.''


    He decided to confront the Evil Chickens terrorizing Emberglade. Using Theo''s help, he flew across the hills until he spotted the troublesome creatures. They were the size of dogs and tearing into a farmhouse while screeching.


    ''Just for making that horrible noise, you will die,'' he thought as Theo swooped down and grabbed two of the monsters as he jumped off.


    When Atlas did that, he used Void Sight on them.


    [Wild Chicken]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    [Annoying monsters]


    Following that, he started attacking the Wild Chickens, who stood no chance against him, and the Blood Bat King. Once the battle was over, Atlas began collecting all the feet and storing them away.


    ''Only a few more quests to complete before I''m done with it all and can finally rank up,'' Atlas thought while jumping on Theo''s back.


    The creature took off and started looking for the wolves, but it soon found them stalking a merchant caravan along the road to town. He ordered Theo to descend, and when it did, the bat let out a loud screech that confused the Dire Wolves.


    Once they were close to the ground, Atlas jumped off and impaled one of the monsters through the head, which caused the other monsters to go still, but that was the opportunity he needed to kill them all using Void Barrage.


    Atlas didn''t get them all, so he had to chase after the surviving ones. He killed them in the end and gathered their teeth but left the core because it was low-level, and he didn''t need any more of them.


    ''I don''t mind collecting them, but I''m getting so many better ones at the moment,'' he mused with a greedy smile.


    After he had collected all the teeth, he moved on to his next quest: dealing with the Swamp Bulls near Sunset Village. Atlas summoned Theo, who soared over Emberglade, allowing him to spot the small farming community a few miles to the north.


    While flying, Theo let out a quiet chirp, causing Atlas to glance down. He spotted a herd of twenty Swamp Bulls wallowing in a nearby pond. They were twice the size of the ones from Earth and had two elongated horns that looked deadly.


    ''''Let''s deal with them, boy. These quests are easy to complete and will make us some gold coins,'''' Atlas told Theo after admiring the monsters.


    The creature replied with a chirp before descending. When getting closer, he started casting Void Bullets and Void Blasts that peppered the herd of unsuspecting monsters caught off guard.


    Azure explosions erupted all over the pond, causing the Swamp Bulls to panic as they fled, but Atlas targetted them with Void Arrows that burrowed through their thick hides and brought the large creatures crashing down,


    He jumped off Theo as the Bat King snatched up a bull to eat while Atlas used Void Sight on the monsters.


    [Swamp Bull]


    [Rank: C - 300 Exp]


    [Simple but strong]


    Then, Atlas continued attacking the Swamp Bull, who were trying to escape. His spells caused them to lose their footing, allowing him to stab one of the monsters through its skull and cast Void Bullet, which caused it to explode.


    ''Ewww, disgusting,'' Atlas thought while gagging due to the horrible smell.


    Thanks to his helmet, his face was protected from the blood and brain matter. Once the first monster was down, he moved on to the next. Not long after that, all the Swamp Bulls lay dead, and Theo was off to the side eating one of them.


    It threw the red Monster Core to Atlas, causing him to thank the Dungeon creature. He took some time to recover the spent mana as it was slowly recovering, thanks to his body sucking in the mana of the world.


    After an hour, he was ready to continue and harvested the horns before checking how many quests he had left to complete. ''Destroy the Wild Orcs, deal with the Sea Hags, and kill the two Forest Trolls.''


    ''So, three more to complete until I can return to Emberglade and proceed with the Guild Rank-Up test,'' he pondered.


    After the encounter, Atlas decided to take a break. He pulled out the Dragon Meat Feast and began eating, savoring the rich flavors as he checked his status.


    [Level Up: 163¡ú164]


    [Experience: 3940/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 6900]


    [Health: 1314¡ú1340(200)]


    [Mana: 6022¡ú6134(1000)]


    [Strength: 1470¡ú1502(100)]


    [Stamina: 1810¡ú1858(250)]


    [Charisma: 638¡ú642]


    [Intelligence: 1226¡ú1232]


    [Core Points: 32620/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 4600]


    ''I''m not leveling up as quickly but still getting gains from all the fighting,'' Atlas mused with a smile.


    Following that, he continued eating until finishing the meat box and called for Theo, who was doing with the Swamp Bull feast. Atlas went around collecting the twenty red Monster Cores before heading to search for the Swamp Hag on the banks of the Nightfall River.


    Atlas climbed onto Theo''s back before the Blood Bat King took off and soared into the sky while flying west.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 157: Horrible Weather

    Atlas was flying over Emberglade on the back of his Dungeon Monster Theo while the cold air brushed against his face after removing his helmet. That''s when he spotted the Nightfall River.It cut through the land and went further west, as cities and villages were on the other side of the rushing water, ''''Fly low to the ground, and let''s look for the Swamp Hags boy,'''' he said with excitement while stroking the Blood Bat King''s fur.


    The monster released a soft chirp of acknowledgment as they soared through the sky, gliding effortlessly over rolling hills and vast stretches of grassland. Below, a group of strange, humanoid figures¡ªwomen with an unnatural appearance¡ªstumbled along the riverbank, catching his attention.


    ''They look like they''re straight out of a horror novel,'' he thought with a shiver.


    When Atlas saw this, he aimed his Nightblade at the group and cast Void Bomb at them. The azure projectile sliced through the air and hit the monsters, causing an explosion that killed two, but one managed to survive, which baffled him.


    Theo dived down load and landed before Atlas jumped off the monster''s back. When seeing the Swamp Hag crawling along the shore, he uses Void Sight on the creature to determine its rank.


    [Swamp Hag]


    [Rank: C - 300 Exp]


    [Be careful of their magic]


    ''Weak monsters, this shouldn''t take too long,'' Atlas thought with a big smile before diving his blade through the skull of the Swamp Hag.


    The monster stopped moving, causing Atlas to grab three of their hands and green Monster Cores, which he stored in his Dimensional Storage, before looking at Theo, whose head tilted to the side while looking at him with a curious gaze.


    ''When we fight together, our bond grows, Master,'' the giant bat''s wise voice echoed in his mind. ''Use us to help you, and we will become stronger.''


    Atlas nodded before responding, his voice determined, ''That''s the plan; it''s why I want to conquer more dungeons while making my way west.''


    He eagerly climbed onto the monster''s back, finding a secure spot. "First, we track down the Wild Orcs," Atlas said, his voice brimming with excitement. "Then, it''s on to the Forest Trolls."


    The giant bat took off, and the duo searched for the monsters needed to complete the quest. They had no luck until they started flying over the Ember Forest. Atlas watched the ground along with Theo, who chirped and sharply turned right, taking him by surprise.


    After ten minutes of flight, Atlas spotted a ramshackle camp and orcs wandering around it doing business. When seeing this, he spoke, ''''Should I test out the Savage Void Bears boy? They were annoying to fight.''''


    The Dungeon Monster nodded, causing Atlas to smile, ''''Fly lower so I can drop the furballs on top of them.''''


    While Theo flew toward the Wild Orc Camp, he pulled up the mana costs of summoning a single Void Monster to aid him.


    [Rank F: 150 Mana]


    [Rank E: 300 Mana]


    [Rank D: 600 Mana]


    [Rank C: 1200 Mana]


    [Rank B: 2400 Mana]


    ''Not too expensive,'' he smiled before spamming summoning the Savage Void Bears that dropped into the monster camp.


    When the angry bears hit the ground, they started tearing through the Wild Orcs easily while Atlas and Theo landed nearby. He jumped off the giant bat while a group of Wild Orcs charged at him while holding weapons.


    ''They are useful at dealing with crowds of monsters as they just don''t care,'' he mused with a smile while watching the Savage Void Bears quickly deal with the orcs.


    Atlas braced himself for a fight, but two bears jumped on the creatures before ripping them into meat chunks, leaving behind half a dozen green cores. Afterward, he and Theo entered the fray and finished the remaining Wild Orcs.


    Once all the monsters were dead, all the Savage Void Bears turned to him with gleaming red eyes before everyone charged in his direction. Atlas smiled as the monsters jumped over him and lathered his face with loving licks.


    He started laughing while pushing one of the bears off his chest and sitting up before another wrapped its arms around his shoulder, causing Atlas to stroke each creature who loved his touch.


    ''They already love you, Master,'' Theo said while approaching them. ''The old master never did this; he only used us as weapons.''


    Atlas glanced at Theo, but a sudden instinct screamed at him to move. He barely had time to react before a Wild Orc crashed through the underbrush, its massive axe arcing toward his head.


    His heart seemed to stop as the deadly blade closed in¡ªbut then a blur of dark fur streaked past him. A Savage Void Bear took the full force of the blow, blood spraying across Atlas'' face as the creature was brutally cleaved in two, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze.


    ''Damn monster caught me off guard,'' he thought.


    Atlas lunged at the orc, slashing its legs from under it. The creature roared as it collapsed, but he was already on top before he drove his Nightblade into its toso before casting Void Bullet.


    The Wild Orc''s body exploded into tiny pieces that covered him in blood and guts, which made Atlas gag. Once the monster was dead, he glanced at the fallen monsters before dismissing all but Theo back to the Void Realm.


    After that, he collected the green Monster Cores and most orc tusks. Before storing them in his storage, The giant bat approached, and Atlas mounted its back, ready to continue their quest.


    With a determined smile, he signaled Theo to take flight again, heading toward Sunset Village in search of the Forest Trolls to complete his quests. The two flew across the hills about Emberglade only to find nothing due to the sun setting.


    The land turned dark, and Theo suggested when his voice echoed in Atlas''s mind, ''Maybe we should rest and continue the search tomorrow, Master?''''


    He looked around but reluctantly agreed, ''''Yes. Find the tallest hill, and we will camp there.'''' Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ten minutes later, they landed on a hill close to the town but stood over everything for miles around. Rolling hills and scattered forests lay everywhere with Emberglade and the small Sunset Village.


    He got to work and set up the Dark One Runes around his campsite while Theo watched in fascination. Atlas started setting up the tent and campfire that roared to life, causing him to look at the Blood Bat King resting next to the fire.


    Atlas pulled out some monster meat from his Dimensional Storage and started cooking it while adding spices, causing a delicious aroma to hit his nose. It took a few more minutes to be done before he started eating.


    ''This is delicious; maybe I should start collecting monster meat from now on?'' he pondered while taking a bite of the spicy food.


    After finishing his meal, Atlas realized he was still hungry. Sighing, he pulled out a box of Griffin meat, savoring each bite. The rich, savory flavor filled him with satisfaction, but a wave of discomfort hit as he devoured the last piece.


    Overeating had left him bloated and queasy. Groaning, he rubbed his stomach, trying to ease the fullness. "Guess that was a bit much," he muttered to himself.


    He gave Theo a gentle stroke, the Blood Bat King chirping softly as if offering comfort. With heavy eyes, Atlas crawled into his tent, exhaustion quickly overtaking him as he fell asleep inside his comfortable sleeping bag and blankets.


    The sky above was clear until morning when a rainstorm lashed the hilltop, causing Theo to cover the tent with his giant wings. Atlas woke up the following morning with a yawn but instantly heard the rain and wind lashing against the tent.


    ''What is it with this horrible weather,'' he internally complained before looking outside and seeing Theo soaking wet.


    ''''Thank you for covering the tent; you can return to the Dungeon Realm as we can''t fly in this,'''' Atlas commented as the monster vanished.


    Following that, he activated the Weather Runes that came with the tent, which blocked the wind and rain. While sitting there, he looked out the window and couldn''t see more than a few feet before sighing.


    ''Looks like I''m trapped here for a while,'' he thought. ''But I can clear more of the Void Golems.''


    With that decided, Atlas activated the Void Realm Skill that sucked his consciousness onto the plateau where he had been fighting before. He readied his blade while checking the monster''s total. Read latest stories on mvl


    [Void Golem ¨C 995403/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 499813/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99999/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, Atlas heard the swarm marching toward him. He beamed before casting Void Barrage at the closest ones, causing explosions as the force sent the Golems flying into the ocean below.


    While he was focused, a group ambushed him, causing Atlas to yelp in surprise. Reacting quickly, he unleashed Void Wave, shattering the stone construct. The battle raged on as he darted across the plateau, fending off waves of Void Golems.


    A few Warrior Golems also emerged, but his magic weakened them. Atlas swiftly carved the monsters into chunks of stone, empowering his blades with Void Infusion, causing the enemies to stumble backward.


    Atlas blocked a warrior''s punch with Void Guard before retaliating with a Void Blast that sent it falling off the plateau. Once he got some breathing room, he downed a mana potion and a healthy one because he took some punches.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 158: Company Caravan

    Atlas felt the potions kick in, causing his body to feel better just as he cast Void bomb a few meters away and drove his swords into the ground to brace himself. When the projectile hit a Golem, causing it to explode.The force sent many monsters flying while the azure blast outright destroyed others. Atlas was enjoying the fight with the Void Golems, which caused him to stay alert as more Warriors rushed in.


    ''There are way too many of these monsters,'' he thought while readying to fight.


    They moved quicker than he expected but managed to dodge most strikes as his armor took a few hits, causing him to stumble back. He quickly cast Void Wave, which effectively wiped out the surrounding Golems.


    Atlas managed to clear some space while he checked the monster total after fighting for a while.


    [Void Golem ¨C 970100/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 498666/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99998/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''It''s slowly going down; the spells are helping take the totals down,'' he mused excitedly.


    Following that, Atlas spammed spells while using his blades infused with his void element to cut through dozens of Golems, who turned into motes. He moved onto the next monster and turned it to dust using Void Blast.


    He tried to retreat, but a Golem Commander struck unexpectedly, delivering a powerful punch to his torso. Atlas crossed his swords to block the blow, but the force of the stone fist sent him reeling and tumbling into the water below.


    ''This is chaos, I wonder if this is a common occurrence,'' he pondered worriedly.


    The impact propelled him straight into the Void Realm''s edge, causing him to wake up in the tent. He shook his head while sitting up and checking on the weather outside as it howled like a once-in-a-lifetime storm.


    ''I bet mana''s powering the storm,'' Atlas thought before returning inside the shaking tent.


    After that, he pulled out a Dragon Meat Box and ate while ignoring the chaos outside. Once Atlas finished the meal, which took ten minutes, he crawled into his sleeping bag before falling asleep.


    The following morning, Atlas woke up to a loud screech from above, which made him jump out of his skin while waking up. He stuck his head outside, only for his eyes to widen in shock as a massive flying monster was flying above.


    ''Is that a Thunderbird?'' he wondered, admiring the majestic creature soaring above. It was the largest monster Atlas had ever seen. Its massive wingspan cast shadows over the hills and the town below.


    Dark red in color, the creature resembled a giant, fearsome eagle with a presence that dominated the sky, causing him to think, ''I wonder if it''s a Titan, but why is it flying west?''


    Atlas shook his head before using Void Sight on the new monster.


    [Tempestwing]


    [Rank: Monarch - 60000 Exp]


    Continue reading on mvl


    [Won''t bother you unless you attack it]


    ''A monarch-ranked creature? I wonder how strong it is,'' he pondered while watching the Tempestwing flying west.


    Then, Atlas noticed the storm was worsening and hid away in the tent while trying the Void Realms Level Three. The battle continued for hours until he was tired and beaten by a Void Golem Commander.


    Following the run in the Void Realm, he checked the monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 925131/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 497456/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99964/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1] S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Slowly going down, but now let''s complete the last quest,'' Atlas mused while packing away the tent.


    Once that was done, he summoned Theo, who appeared with a happy chirp as Atlas climbed on its back before the monster took flight. He commented while glancing around, ''''Look for the two Forest Trolls, boy.''''


    Theo replied with a chirp before soaring through the sky, and after searching for an hour, Atlas spotted the monsters he was after, ''''Dive down, boy. I will get the drop on them and can take one out.''''


    The Dungeon Monster dived toward the massive trolls eating some other creature outside their cave. When Atlas got close to the ground, he flung a Void Bomb at the biggest one. The azure projectile smashed into the target.


    ''This will kill one of them at least,'' he thought with a big smile.


    An explosion erupted, sending the two monsters stumbling backward, but Atlas leaped off Theo''s back and drove his blades through one of the troll''s skulls while using Void Sight on the remaining one.


    [Forest Troll]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Powerful but very slowly. Use your speed]


    ''This is going to be fun,'' Atlas thought while readying his blades as the troll collapsed to the ground with a crash.


    The remaining monster looked at him with an enraged expression and quickly lunged at Atlas, who dodged the punch before sliding across the ground to slice through the troll''s ankles, causing it to drop to one knee.


    Following that attack, Atlas used Void Step to appear on the monster''s back, allowing him to drive Nightblade and Deepforge through its skull and cast Void Blast that blew its head to pieces.


    The troll dropped to the ground as Atlas dismissed his helmet before wiping the sweat from his forehead. He glanced around and noticed Theo perched on a nearby branch as the area went quiet,


    Atlas sheathed his swords and carefully collected the troll''s blood, using the containers from his storage. Once the task was complete, he climbed onto Theo''s broad back. With a low growl, the beast began returning to Emberglade Town, carrying him through the wild terrain.


    The morning sun beamed down as they flew above the hills before the Blood Bat King landed a mile away from the town so he wouldn''t be spotted. Atlas dismissed him back to the Dungeon Realm.


    Once the monster was gone, Atlas approached the town, taking in the beautiful landscape. He noticed the air was getting colder, which caused him to think, ''Winterfrost is here and the weather will get worse.''


    Then, Atlas shook his head and approached the town gate, only to be stopped by the guard. However, when the men spotted his Adventurers Card, they let him pass. He walked through Emberglade until he reached the guild and entered.''


    This time around, it was busy, but that didn''t bother Atlas as he walked up to the counter where Tilifa was. When the older elf woman spotted him, she beamed before speaking in a friendly tone, ''''Did you complete all the quests, Azhar''Zul?''''


    Atlas nodded as he responded, ''''Can we use a private room? The counter is too small to hold even half the stuff.''''


    Tilifa smiled, then called over a young man to cover her spot before leading him toward the staircase. They ascended silently until they reached a small room off the side. Once inside, she turned to him and said, "Please place the proof materials on the floor."


    He carefully deposited everything he had collected¡ªthe spoils from the monster he killed and the herbs he gathered. The older woman''s eyes widened in surprise as she sorted the items.


    Atlas watched quietly as she meticulously checked each piece, occasionally glancing at a sheet of paper that seemed to appear from nowhere. She confirmed every detail with sharp focus.


    Ten minutes later, Tilifa smiled satisfactorily and said in a happy tone, "Everything is here. We can now confirm your Rank-up test in Starfallen City."


    "Okay," Atlas replied. "What about the escort quest?"


    ''''The caravan will be leaving this afternoon. Get some rest and report to the northern gate when the third bell sounds,'''' she informed him before storing all the items in a guild ring.


    Following that, Tilifa led him back to the counter, where she registered all the completed quests to his account before Atlas left the guild and found a park to rest in for a while, as he didn''t want to take any more quests.


    Atlas sat up against the tree while watching his family play in the nearby park, which stirred something inside him. He ignored it before activating the Void Realm and appearing on the plateau.


    ''Let''s distract myself by killing some Void Golems,'' he mused.


    He burst forward while casting Void Infusion on his swords before quickly carving through the stone monsters. When Atlas was surrounded, he used Void Wave to kill even more Golems who had closed in.


    Atlas felt his mana draining but also expanding, thanks to how much he was using during the fight. While fighting, he used Void Barrage to kill hundreds while defending himself against a Warrior Golem with Void Guard, which deflected the stone fist.


    The impact sent him skidding backward as the monster was much stronger than the regular Golems that continued to surge toward him. Atlas stabbed one through the head while kicking another before one managed to land a punch on his unprotected jaw.


    Atlas''s head spun, overwhelmed by swirling stats in his vision. Dizzy and disoriented, he barely registered the golems piling on top of him until the pressure jolted him awake. His eyes shot open just as a ringing bell filled the air.


    Quickly regaining his bearings, he leaped to his feet and hurried toward the northern gate to begin the escort quest. It took Atlas ten minutes to reach the caravan, which consisted of over twenty carriages and one hundred adventurers guarding it.


    ''Is this a company caravan? How can they afford so many adventurers?'' Atlas wondered as he approached the man in charge.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 159: Frostwinter

    As Atlas approached the caravan leader, the man spun around, pushing his glasses up his nose. He addressed Atlas with a professional tone, "I''m Robert Malduney. You must be Azhar''Zul? The guild mentioned you''re reliable and strong, even at a young age.''''Robert glanced at a group of guards and told them to return to work before continuing to speak to him, ''''We need you to take up the rear while the other adventurers and guards protect the nobles and trade carriages during the journey to Starfallen City."


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand."


    He went to the caravan''s rear, where a group of adventurers were stationed to guard the last carriage. One of the men, a human, glanced at him with curiosity. "Boy, are you a snow elf? Only they have the same pale skin and white hair as you do."


    The man was human, but the three women with him were elves, clearly part of an adventurer party. Atlas shook his head slightly, narrowing his eyes at the man, though he felt satisfied at his disguise''s effectiveness.


    "Yes," Atlas replied, "I come from the Frostmark Kingdom to the north."


    Following that, they continued asking questions, forcing Atlas to come up with even more lies as he was hiding his race. Once everything was ready, Robert shouted out to everyone, informing them to move.


    The party stopped bothering him before getting to work as Atlas followed the caravan from behind. While walking, he summoned his helmet, as wearing all the armor felt right in case any monsters tried attacking. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As they left the city and entered the grassy expanse, Atlas couldn''t shake a growing sense of unease. ''Why is it always me?'' he thought, scanning the horizon. ''What kind of monsters will we encounter on the way to the city?''


    He shook his head and continued walking, remembering to check the Level Three monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 922889/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 497127/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99930/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''This will take a couple of weeks to complete if I do it every night, but it might change when I get stronger during my journey to the Nubian capital,'' Atlas pondered while following the carriage across the beautiful grassland.


    They were traveling along a stone road that resembled the Roman ones back on Earth, which was well-built thanks to the Dawnstar Empire. The large caravan soon stopped, which baffled him, and the same human man approached with a concerned expression.


    ''What''s happened now?'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    ''''We''re entering the Death Hills, which sits between Emberglade and Starfallen City. Make sure to stay close to the carriage, or the lurking horrors will try to attack you,'''' the adventurer informed him.


    Atlas nodded before replying, ''''Thanks for the information. I will be careful during our journey.''''


    Minutes later, the caravan slowly started moving again as they entered the Death Hills, and the atmosphere instantly changed. Atlas''s grip on his sword tightened as it felt like something was watching them from the shadows.


    ''There is something following us,'' he thought while glancing around him. ''Whatever monster it is, they''re stalking one of us.''


    That''s when a thick fog descended ten minutes later, causing the guards to close in on the carriages while the people remained inside. ''What is going on? Where did this dodgy mist come from? A monster, maybe?''


    As Atlas walked, he summoned some Voidstalkers and ordered the small dinosaurs to scout the surrounding landscape. He watched his monsters rush off, but they were all killed within minutes, which surprised him.


    The deeper they ventured, the more nervous Atlas became, anxiously waiting for an attack that never came. This place is unsettling... but I can''t figure out why, he thought, scanning his surroundings with a growing sense of unease.


    The caravan continued traveling for hours until it soon reached a river, where Robert ordered it to set camp. The adventurers set up Dark One Runes and many others to protect them from the monsters lurking around them.


    While this happened, Atlas watched their surroundings until he set up his camp next to the last carriage. He had a roaring fire going, but he grew creeped out while looking around as the hair on the back of his neck stood on edge.


    ''This is worse than the Darkheart Jungle. I can feel monsters around us, but they''re well hidden,'' Atlas thought while he debated telling the other adventurers.


    He decided it was a good idea to inform them and stood up to approach their camp, but Medusa''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Stay in the Runes Master. They will be fine.''


    ''Can you sense them?'' Atlas responded.


    ''Yes, but won''t attack anytime soon,'' Medusa answered. ''Your projection is perfect, and they won''t be able to hurt you unless a high-ranked monster appears.''


    The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the Death Hills shrouded in a twilight gloom that seemed to stretch endlessly. The caravan had settled for the night beside the river, the soft murmur of the flowing water barely cutting through the heavy silence.


    ''I''m tired, but this creepy feeling is annoying me,'' he thought while getting comfortable.


    Atlas crouched by his camp, the only source of light the flickering embers he was coaxing into a fire. His breath formed small clouds in the chill night air as he arranged dry kindling and twigs, his fingers numb from the cold.


    The sounds of the caravan''s camp setup¡ªtent pegs being driven into the ground, murmurs of the guards¡ªfaded into the background as he focused on his task. The fire''s warmth would be a small comfort against the encroaching darkness.


    ''I feel like I''m being watched. Is this the feeling people used to talk about on Earth?'' Atlas mused while using Void Sight all around him but found nothing.


    As the flames began to crackle, Atlas leaned back on his heels, trying to shake the unsettling feeling that had been gnawing at him since they entered the Death Hills. He cast a wary glance at the surrounding landscape.


    The thick fog had settled heavily over the area, wrapping the camp in an almost tangible shroud of mist that seemed to absorb the light. His fire sputtered and hissed, the flames dancing erratically.


    The shadows cast by the flickering flames twisted into grotesque shapes, playing tricks on his mind. The chill in the air grew more pronounced, making the fire''s warmth feel like a thin, unreliable shield. Your next chapter is on mvl


    Atlas yawned before standing up and stretching before glancing around the quiet area where a few adventurers patrolled the Rune circle, not stepping outside so the Dark Ones couldn''t get them.


    He crawled inside the tent and sleeping bag while wrapping a blanket around himself for extra warmth, only to fall asleep minutes later as the weather got worse. The caravan was trapped in the Death Hills until it calmed down.


    The following day, Atlas woke up and rubbed his eyes while sitting up just as the cold air hit his body, stiffening it. He reached for his cloak, wrapping it tightly around himself before crawling out of his sleeping bag.


    He noticed the air in the tent was colder than before, an unnatural chill that seemed to cling to his skin. Atlas hesitated momentarily, then unzipped the tent flap and climbed outside, blinking against the brightness.


    Snow was falling. Thick, silent flakes drifted down from the sky, coating the Death Hills in a thin blanket of white. The entire landscape had changed overnight¡ªa bleak and foggy expanse was now a hauntingly quiet winter scene.


    The fog was still there, but it mingled with the snow, making everything feel otherworldly, almost like stepping into a dream. Atlas quickly noticed the adventurer approached him with an annoyed expression before informing him, ''''Robert ordered us to stay put as the road to Starfallen City is blocked due to the weather.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding before starting another fire, but the wind and snow rebutted his efforts. Following that, he crawled back into his tent to go back to completing the Void Realm while they were stuck there.


    He activated the skill and appeared on the plateau just as the swarm of Golems headed in his direction. Following that, Atlas spent hours butchering the stone monsters, and he felt some of his attributes increase thanks to all the fighting.


    Once Atlas killed enough Void Golems, the Warriors started appearing, and he hacked and slashed at them while dodging the stronger monsters'' attacks. He slaughtered them quickly, thanks to the speed and experience he had gathered since being on Valoria.


    It wasn''t until a Golem Commander cast an earth spell at him. Atlas raised Void Guard but was still knocked into the water below, ending his run in the Void Realm. He woke up only to hear the hiss of wind lashing against his tent.


    Atlas shook his head to clear his thoughts and checked the monster tally. He was impressed by the total, a number higher than he had expected.


    [Void Golem ¨C 921114/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 496871/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99930/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, he pulled out a Griffin Meat Box and started eating, causing him to smile as his stomach grumbled. Atlas began to eat while the wind picked up outside, but he was warm, thanks to the tent.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 160: Ready To Fight Master

    The storm continued to lash the campsite for two days, but by the third day, it had calmed down before the caravan leader, Robert, called out to everyone, informing them that they were ready to leave for Starfallen City.''Thank the gods that the storm has stopped,'' he thought with a smile. ''I was getting bored hanging out in the tent.''


    Atlas was fast asleep in the tent, but the adventurer Joel introduced himself the night before. He climbed out of his sleeping bag while equipping all his gear and stepped out into the cold air.


    While doing that, he checked the Void Realm Total and his status to see how many monsters he had to kill.


    [Void Golem ¨C 900014/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 495734/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99910/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''I''ve taken out a lot of Void Golems, but its dragging on now,'' Atlas mused while checking on his armor.


    After that, he pulled up his status to see what he had gained from fighting all the stone monsters.


    [Health: 1340¡ú1380(200)]


    [Mana: 6134¡ú6474(1000)]


    [Strength: 1502¡ú1590(100)]


    [Stamina: 1858¡ú1982]


    [Charisma: 642¡ú660]


    [Intelligence: 1234¡ú1280]


    ''At least my attributes are increasing when I fight in the Void Realm, which is worth all the trouble,'' Atlas thought before packing away his tent as Joel and one of his wives, Aeloria, approached.


    The human male smiled as he spoke, ''''Azhar''Zul, I love your armor. It suits you well.''''


    Atlas glanced at the older man, ''''Thanks, Joel. It has been advantageous since I bought it from Volantis City a while back.''''


    ''''The Argonian sea city?'''''' Aeloria questioned with a friendly smile.


    He nodded before answering, ''''Yes. I constantly got hurt during battles, so my girls asked me to buy armor.''''


    When Joel heard this, his smile grew wider, ''''Girls? Where are they?''''


    ''''Traveling north while I''m traveling to the Nubian Capital on Aridonia to heal a friend from soul damage before meeting them,'''' Atlas told the couple about part of his journey.


    Joel and Aeloria exchanged smiles with him before returning to their tasks. Atlas, however, paused and asked, ''''Where''s the nearest dungeon?''''


    The older elf woman, Aeloria, rubbed her chin thoughtfully before replying, ''''There''s a Level One dungeon about a mile north of Starfallen City. It''s a tough one, though, filled with Dark Element Monsters that make it more challenging than most Level One dungeons.''''


    Atlas nodded and thanked the older couple as Theo spoke in his mind, ''Master. Dark monsters are tough to fight with the light element.''


    He chuckled before raising his hand and activating the skill Light in response, which lit up his surroundings, causing the Blood Bat King to chuckle as it replied, ''Good Master. This should deal with the annoying creatures.''


    Following that, Atlas and the caravan continued through the Death Hills. While traveling, he felt the monsters following them in the shadows, causing him to approach the older man and inform him of their stalkers, "Joel. There are a few dozen creatures stalking up from the shadows. I think they''re waiting to ambush us."


    When Aeloria and the other two women looked worried, Atlas returned to his position after Joel thanked him. While standing there, something told him to be ready to fight before he started dodging large spears that landed around him.


    Atlas started deflecting the attacks while rushing after the monsters as Theo pleaded, which caught his attention, ''Summon me Master! We must fight together.''


    ''''Fuck it, I''ll just say Im a tamer,'''' he muttered while activating the Dungeon Conquerer Skill and summoned the Blood Bat King, who let out a terrifying roar as the monsters attacked the caravan.


    As chaos erupted along the narrow path through the Death Hills, the caravan guards and adventurers formed a defensive circle around the carriages. Amidst the battle, Theo swooped down from above, grabbing Atlas by the shoulders and dropping him right into the heart of the fray.


    Landing gracefully, Atlas sprang into action, moving with the speed and agility of a jackrabbit, leaping, dodging, and cutting down monsters with swift slash across their legs, allowing him to thrust the Nightblade through their skull.


    Thanks to Void Infusion, his blades are carved through flesh and bone, strengthening his attacks. While Atlas fought, Theo guarded his back and tore apart any creepy, Warewolf-looking creatures.


    Atlas cut down three before using Void Sight as the battle raged around him, and the other adventurers and guards fought back.


    [Nighthowler]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Cursed monsters who ambush travelers]


    ''Not to hard to deal with,'' Atlas thought while waving his hand to summon a dozen Savage Void Bears that started fighting alongside him.


    He dodged the razor-sharp claws and jagged teeth that tried to tear him apart. Atlas quickly turned around when he felt a large Nighthowler lunge at him, but suddenly, Theo crashed into its body and crushed it before tearing its head off.


    This made Atlas grin before stabbing another monster through its head just as a group of Void Bears washed over the remaining creatures while they used their spears to stab into the giant monsters.


    Atlas watched most of his bears die, but they still managed to take out dozens of Nighthowlers. He saw the caravan guards using fire to drive the monsters back as the adventurers cut them down.


    The battle soon died down, allowing him to dismiss his monsters. Joel appeared in front of him with an amazed expression as he spoke, ''''You''re a Monster Summoner, Azhar''Zul?''''


    He nodded while cleaning off his blades, covered in monster blood, ''''Yes. Father taught me when I was younger.''''


    Joel smiled as a horn echoed through the hills, signaling the attackers'' retreat. The caravan leader, Robert, quickly called out, ''''Everyone, get ready to move! We need to be on the road before those monsters strike again!''''


    The guards and adventurers scrambled to their positions, preparing for another possible wave as the caravan began to mobilize. Atlas watched the healers go around and help the injured warriors, and this fascinated him.


    ''Estelle does the same thing but her healing is much better,'' he pondered as an hour passed and they got back on the road.


    Atlas followed behind after grabbing twenty green Monster Cores from the Nighthowlers he killed during the battle.


    [Level Up: 163¡ú164]


    [Experience: 4940/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 6000] sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Core Points: 37620/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 5000]


    Following that, the caravan was lucky not to encounter any more monsters, but it would still take another day to travel through the Death Hills. They reached a clearing between the hills, their last stop before reaching Starfallen City.


    Find exclusive stories on §Þ??


    Robert told them to set up security before the sunset, but Atlas noticed the other adventurers and guards avoided him, ''Why are they acting like I''m a demon?''


    Joel and Aeloria approached him with concerned expressions, causing the older elf woman to warn him, ''''Some of them believe you''re the Koschei because the stories speak of the last one able to control dungeon monsters.''''


    Atlas rolled his eyes before chuckling as he answered the worried elf, ''''I''m used to it and don''t care what they think about me. I''m here to do my rank-up test, or I would have flown the Starfallen City.''''


    Aeloria nodded in agreement as Joel flashed a broad smile and said, "Even if you are the Koschei, you''ve shown yourself to be a decent adventurer by helping out the others."


    Afterward, the guards began setting up the Runes while Atlas prepared his camp at a distance from the adventurers. Once his tent was pitched, he started a fire and cooked meat while dismissing his helmet.


    "Even on a distant continent far from Asotria, I still find myself collecting new names," Atlas muttered with a quiet laugh.


    As the mouthwatering aroma reached Atlas''s nose, his stomach rumbled. He began eating while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Though he remained vigilant, noting the absence of monsters in the encroaching darkness, he allowed himself to relax.


    After finishing his meal, Atlas let out a hearty yawn, the fatigue of the day beginning to settle over him as he climbed into his tent and got comfortable before falling asleep as the camp settled down.


    The night passed without any problems, and Joel''s voice woke him up the following day, ''''Azhar''Zul! Wake up, boy. We''re about to leave for the city.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he climbed out of his tent, put it back into storage, and followed the caravan while waking up properly. As they left the Death Hills behind, he spotted several riders heading in their direction.


    ''What''s going on now?'' he pondered while summoning his armor.


    As they arrived at the front of the caravan, Joel rushed up, but Atlas stayed behind and ignored them while glancing around the quiet grasslands. He squinted his eyes only to spot black smoke in the distance.


    ''Somethings been destroyed,'' he pondered as the caravan started panicking.


    Atlas noticed the fear etched on the faces of the guards and adventurers around him. Tension hung in the air like a storm about to break. When Joel reappeared, his expression was grim as he delivered the news.


    A monster wave was approaching fast. "We need to move¡ªnow! Head for the city before it''s too late," he urged, his voice filled with urgency.


    But when Atlas heard this, a smile appeared as Theo''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Ready to fight Master?''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 161: Surrounded By Corpses

    Atlas summoned the Blood Bat King and a dozen Savage Void Bears, which shocked Joel, but he waved him off with a smile, ''''I want to fight them for the experience. My tames will get me away if it gets too dicey.''''While watching the caravan vanish, Atlas downed a few high mana potions that topped up his reserves. He cast Void Infusion on his blades, strengthening them just as the first monsters appeared on the horizon.


    ''I wonder how many monsters will be in this wave,'' Atlas mused with a smile. ''The books say they can number in the hundreds or even thousands depending on what caused the wave.''


    He quickly used Void Sight on all the creatures he could see to check out what he would be fighting.


    [Forest Boar]


    [Frenzied]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    [Fast and strong but stupid monsters]


    "It looks like these monsters came from the nearby forest," Atlas muttered while preparing his blades, his excitement growing.


    Yet a nagging voice in his mind urged caution, reminding him not to get too reckless. That''s when Theo''s voice sounded, ''I will pick you up if things get too bad, Master.''


    [Forest Panther]


    [Enraged]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Fast and cunning but weak to your magic]


    ''A Titan was involved in riling up these monsters as most belong in forests and shouldn''t be in open grasslands.''


    [Wildridge Gorilla]


    [Enraged]


    [Rank: C+ - 550 Exp]


    [Use speed against this horrible creature]


    Seeing this, Atlas thought while confused, ''Why are they so angry?''


    Following that thought, he sent three Void Lances in their direction, and the azure projectiles tore through the monster''s rank. It decimated many of the creatures and sent them crashing to the ground.


    Atlas continued to cast spells and used Void Barrage, which wiped out over half the group, just as the Savage Void Bears charged forward and let out angry roars as they clashed with the Wildridge Gorillas and Forest Panthers.


    Theo took to the sky while grabbing monsters before taking them high in the sky and taking chunks of flesh from their bodies with sharp teeth. Atlas got excited when he saw this and noticed a Forest Boar charging at him.


    He braced his stance and stabbed forward as the monster impaled itself on the Deepforge blade while firing a Void Blast at a Panther that lunged at him. Atlas panicked but soon calmed down as the bears battled the Wildridge Gorillas as Theo picked off the Forest Boars.


    This left him to fight the faster Forest Panthers as he deflected their claws with Void Guard before countering with quick stands and slashes. Blood covered the grass below as the battle started to die down.


    After ten minutes, Atlas and the Blood Bat King put down the remaining monsters. As Theo landed with a crash, his voice rang out in his mind, ''A massive horde of creatures is heading in your direction, Master.''


    When Atlas heard this, he grew nervous and reconsidered fighting the Monster Wave. He dismissed the Savage Void Bears before jumping on Theo''s back as the bat took off and flew toward the incoming creatures.


    As the monsters appeared on the horizon, Atlas smiled before spamming Void Lances and Void Bombs until he dropped to one knee due to mana depletion. The azure projectiles sliced through the air.


    The spells connected with the Monster Wave, causing explosions across the grassland. Atlas watched as the blue flames washed over the creatures, and the weaker ones were killed outright while the stronger ones survived.


    That''s when Theo chirped, causing Atlas to look up, only to spot flying monsters charged in their direction. He waved his hand and summoned even more Blood Bats that started fighting the wave creatures.


    Atlas felt all the experience pouring into him, causing excitement to well up while casting Void Bombs on top of the Monster Wave. Following this, he ordered Theo to head toward the city as there were too many to fight.


    The flying monsters pursued relentlessly, but Theo''s newly enhanced strength propelled them forward with impressive speed. The wind rushed past as they soared, outpacing their pursuers until, at last, the distant city walls came into view.


    Glancing back, Atlas saw the monsters finally giving up the chase, fading into the horizon. As he breathed a sigh of relief, his sharp eyes caught sight of the caravan far below, still a mile away but steadily approaching safety.


    Atlas commanded Theo to descend, knowing the city defenses would consider the Dungeon Monster a threat if they approached together. Once they landed, he dismissed Theo, the massive bat vanishing into the void.


    Standing alone, Atlas waited patiently as the caravan drew closer. When he quietly joined at the rear, Joel and his wives looked back, their eyes wide with surprise, clearly stunned to see him return unscathed and on foot.


    ''''Azhar''Zul! What happened back there? We heard explosions and thought you would have fled,'''' Joel said as he approached.


    Atlas waved him off while explaining, ''''I retreated when there were too many. The Monster Wave includes flying creatures.''''


    ''''Husband, we need to reach Starfallen before they get to us,'''' an auburn-haired elf named Sylvara commented.


    Joel agreed with a nod and caught up with the caravan while Atlas followed behind as they checked his status.


    [Level Up: 164¡ú170]


    [Experience: 440/5000]


    [Experience Gained:25500]


    [Health: 1380¡ú1390(200)] Your next chapter is on §Þ??


    [Mana: 6474¡ú6534(1000)]


    [Strength: 1590¡ú1604(100)]


    [Stamina: 1982¡ú1990(250)]


    [Intelligence: 1280¡ú1290]


    [Core Points: 49720/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 12100]


    ''Minor gains for my attributes but at least I leveled up six times,'' Atlas pondered while following the caravan.


    Starfallen City appeared in the distance, and the carriages at the front of the column rushed forward while the adventurers tried to stop them. Atlas watched the merchants rush toward the gate just as a large eagle-like monster the size of a small van grabbed the first before taking off.


    ''What the fuck!'' he thought as everyone watched it fly away.


    Following that, Robert ordered everyone to dash toward the city as the Monster Wave appeared a mile behind them. Atlas started sprinting past the carriages but only to stop when he heard panicking women and children inside.


    "Dammit. At this rate, the people will die," Atlas muttered, his frustration clear as he halted and turned to face the pursuing threat. He focused on the flying monsters and launched Void Bullets with precision.


    The projectiles streaked through the air, homing in on their targets before slamming into the monsters, causing them to burst into brilliant explosions. He maintained his relentless assault, slowing the wave down.


    As the caravan neared the city gates slowly creaking open, Atlas relentlessly unleashed spell after spell to fend off the pursuing monsters. He focused on the caravan, ensuring the fleeing people were safe as they streamed through the gates.


    Spotting the narrow safety window closing fast, Atlas sprinted toward the city, narrowly evading a barrage of cannon fire that arced overhead and briefly cleared his path. As the monsters closed in, he reached the gate just in time.


    A soldier swiftly opened a small side door, allowing Atlas to slip through just before he slammed it shut behind him. Atlas collapsed to the ground, catching his breath as he glanced up to see more warriors rushing toward the wall, preparing for the next wave of the onslaught.


    Atlas heard the panic in their voices as the soldier let him speak in a concerned voice while trying to push him down the street, ''''Get to the harbor, boy! The city will fall due to the Monster Wave.'''' S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hearing the soldier''s urgent plea, Atlas brushed him aside with a determined wave, his eyes blazing with resolve. He downed several mana potions quickly, his energy surging as he declared, "Don''t concern yourself with me; fate has greater designs for my path."


    With that, Atlas charged up the stairs, his stride unyielding. Bursting onto the ramparts, he was met with a breathtaking sight: a vast sea of monstrous adversaries surging toward them, their sheer numbers creating a dark, rolling tide on the horizon.


    Leaping onto the wall as soldiers scrambled to prepare the city''s defenses, Atlas was a whirlwind of focused intensity. ''You were brought here to face the darkness, and that''s precisely what I''ll do,'' he resolved.


    Following that thought, Atlas cast Void Infusion into his blades to empower them with otherworldly strength. With a determined shout, Atlas launched himself off the wall, leaving the soldiers stunned.


    As he descended, he unleashed a torrent of Void Bombs and Void Barrages, the azure projectiles tearing through the monstrous horde with devastation. Explosions erupted in dazzling bursts of light and force, painting the battlefield in flashes of blue.


    Landing with the grace of a predator, he wasted no time. His movements were a blur of speed as he carved a bloody path through the monstrous swarm, each strike proof of his growing powers.


    As Atlas continued his relentless assault, he summoned a cadre of monstrous allies to bolster his efforts. A pack of imposing Death Gorillas materialized around him, their roars echoing through the chaos as they charged into the fray.


    They killed numerous monsters, using their bodies as stepping stones for him, who launched himself into the fray. Atlas wielded his Void Lance, piercing through the thick hides of the giant wave creatures.


    Thanks to his timely intervention, Starfallen City significantly reduced the monster wave, allowing the reinforcements to finish them off. However, they found Atlas standing still while surrounded by corpses.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 162: The Order Of Shadows

    Atlas was soaking in the overwhelming feeling of experience pouring into his body, making him feel high as his head spun, ''It feels so good when leveling up and getting stronger,'' he thought.Once it calmed down, he could feel the soldiers approaching, but it took a few more minutes before a loud screech rang out. Theo crashed down behind Atlas to ensure the people wouldn''t harm him.


    He stroked the giant bat with a smile before speaking in an exhausted voice, ''''They won''t hurt me, boy. We saved their city after all.''''


    ''Yes, Master. Make sure to get rest; I''m exhausted,'' the monster''s voice echoed in his mind.


    Following that, Atlas dismissed Theo, causing the surrounding soldiers to relax as a commander approached with a friendly expression, ''''Young adventurer, thank you for aiding Starfallen City.''''


    As the man''s voice reached his ears, a bad feeling overwhelmed his senses, causing him to move forward, "Move!" Atlas roared, shoving the commander aside with a powerful thrust as his twin blades came alive and started slicing through the air.


    Each swing cleaved through the oncoming barrage of projectiles, shattering the spells that rained down like a relentless storm. But Atlas didn''t falter while casting Void Infusion on his blades to help.


    He stepped forward, his feet pounding the ground with unstoppable force as more and more projectiles streaked toward him and the commander. Atlas weaved between the deadly onslaught, dodging with lightning reflexes, his blades carving through the rest.


    Without breaking stride, he charged toward the attackers, his eyes locked on his target. He leaped onto one of the projectiles in a daring move, riding its momentum before launching himself like a missile at the enemy.


    As he hurtled closer, the truth struck him¡ªit was an elite squad of powerful mages. But Atlas was undeterred. Spinning mid-air, he unleashed a devastating kick that slammed into one mage''s face, sending them crashing.


    In the same breath, his hand shot out, casting a Void Blast that tore through another enemy just as he landed with a thunderous impact. His presence radiated power and defiance; the soldiers on the walls could only stare in awe as Atlas started battling with the mages.


    He was so fast that they couldn''t see him, which spooked them and caused the attackers to flee into the night. Atlas killed another one by throwing Deepforge at the man''s back and summoning the blade back to him.


    After that, he felt exhaustion take over his body while returning to the city. He dismissed his armor, and the guards cheered. The commander slapped him on the back when he stepped into the city, ''''Thanks for saving me, young man. The Order of Shadow has been attacking the Dawnstar and Shadowrealm Empires, looking for the Koschei, which is rumored to be on Nivaria.''''


    Atlas nodded with a smile while ignoring the new name he had earned from Joel before questioning the man, ''''The Order of Shadow? What''s that?''''


    The commander found out Atlas was heading to the Adventurers Guild; he walked him there while explaining in a quiet and concerned voice, ''''They are a group of shady individuals who are searching for the Koschei, who they believe will unite Nivaria under their banner.''''


    ''Oh god,'' Atlas chuckled when hearing the commander. ''Better not let these people know I''m the Voidwalker, or they will start chasing me along with the empire.''


    With that, the two walked through the city until reaching the guild, where the man commented, ''''Once you''re done here, come to the barracks for a reward. I will talk to the mayor to see what we can give you.''''


    Atlas nodded before entering the building, only to spot Joel and his three wives. The older man rushed over to him and said in shock, ''''Azhar''Zul! You''re alive. How did you survive those many monsters? We heard from the soldiers that there were thousands of them.''''


    He laughed before answering, ''''The city guard helped me along with my tamed creatures, but it''s good because I earned a lot of experience during the fight.''''


    The man smiled as one of the receptionists called them over to register the escort quests. She took all their cards and scanned Atlas''s before glancing at him with a friendly smile, ''''Your Rank Up test is scheduled for tomorrow morning; report here at the first bell.''''


    Atlas agreed with a nod as she turned to Joel and his wives, ''''The mayor wants you guys for a job. She asked me to tell you to report to her manor straight away.''''


    Joel and the three women exchanged farewells before departing from the guild. As they turned to leave, the older man extended his hand, "I truly hope our paths cross again, Azhar''Zul. Be cautious on Nivaria¡ªthe Order of Shadows is relentless, and they''re hunting for you."


    Atlas shook Joel''s hand and said warmly, ''''I''m always careful when exploring, and I''m sure we''ll meet again one day.''''


    After that, he left the guild to visit the Level One Dungeon Moonshade Grotto to conquer it so he could use the Darklings in the future, as he felt they would be helpful. It took him twenty minutes to reach the northern gate.


    ''Hopefully, they let me out. I want to continue west so I can conquer the other dungeons while heading for the Greenskin Confederation to get an airship across the dangerous sea in between Nivaria and Aridonia,'' Atlas mused while approaching the gate.


    The city guard opened the smaller gate and let him pass. As Atlas stepped out, the commander greeted him with a warm smile. "So the rumors are true¡ªa snow elf saved our city."


    Atlas nodded in response, his eyes catching the signposts pointing toward the Moonshade Grotto Dungeon a mile north. Setting off in that direction, he found himself among a steady flow of merchants and travelers, all moving along the busy road.


    While walking through the city, he checked his status to see how long it would take him to rank up and grow stronger.


    [Level Up: 170¡ú173]


    [Experience: 4810/5000] S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Experience Gained: 15250]


    [Health: 1390¡ú1602(200)]


    [Mana: 6534¡ú7350(1000)]


    [Strength: 1604¡ú1822(100)]


    [Stamina: 1990¡ú2214(250)]


    [Charisma: 660¡ú700]


    [Intelligence: 1290¡ú1500]


    [Core Rank Up: Apprentice High¡úAdept Low]


    [Core Points: 8720/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 9000]


    [Void Infusion: 0¡ú1]


    [Health Regeneration: 3¡ú4]


    Atlas got excited when he saw all the gains and felt a buzz, which made him want to fight even more. Towering trees flanked the path ahead, their branches weaving together to form a canopy that cast deep shadows over the ground.


    As Atlas walked, he summoned his armor and weapons, preparing himself for lurking monsters waiting in the darkness, ''It''s better to be ready than caught off guard,'' he mused while watching his surroundings.


    Five minutes later, Atlas reached a small fortress that guarded the dungeon entrance. When the Dawnstar soldiers spotted him, the leader asked for his Adventurers Card, which he showed and allowed into the dungeon.


    ''Now its time to get more monsters for my Void and Dungeon armies before this mysterious order finds me.''


    When the gate opened, Atlas saw a small cave entrance with a translucent portal that led into the dungeon. He smiled before stepping through it and readying himself to fight any monsters he encountered.


    ''This should be easy if nothing has gone wrong with this place,'' he pondered.


    As Atlas stepped into the clearing, he was surrounded by a dense forest. The sound of running water reached his ears, drawing his attention deeper. Moving cautiously, he approached the source of the noise¡ªa small stream cutting through the landscape.


    Along its banks, a group of slimes aimlessly wandered, their gelatinous bodies shimmering under the dappled sunlight. Atlas''s eyes narrowed as he studied them, preparing for his next move.


    ''Slimes! I forgot this is a Level One Dungeon,'' Atlas thought while getting close to the Slimes and scanning them using Void Sight.


    [Forest Slimes]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    [Is there anything to say about this monster?]


    Atlas chuckled softly, raising the Nightblade and aiming at the creatures. With a flick of his wrist, he cast Void Bullets, sending azure projectiles streaking through the air before striking the slimes dead-on.


    ''Easy kills!'' he internally celebrated.


    One by one, they exploded into a spray of ooze, vanishing with a hiss as the magic killed them. Atlas noticed ten black Monster Cores lying on the ground and a few copper coins as a reward.


    He collected everything while thinking, ''Rank G monsters are easy to kill.''


    Atlas continued along the river bank while killing fifty more Forest Slimes until he came across a new monster that made him jump when it lunged from the nearby water. He quickly cut it down using Deepforge.


    ''Leeches! I hate these things!''


    They were the size of his arm and black so that they could hide at the bottom of the river. More tried attacking while Atlas took in the monsters, allowing him to scan them.


    [Giant Leeches]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    [Don''t let them bite you] Explore stories on §Þ??


    As the creepy creatures lunged at Atlas, he quickly cut them down before moving on and slaughtering even more slimes as he came to the second-floor entrance. While standing there, he remembered Level One Dungeons have three to five floors.


    Atlas rushed through the floors, killing low-level monsters, including Howling Ghouls, Horned Rabbits, and Shadow Widows. None of them stood a chance against his speed as he moved like a thunderbolt while cutting down any monsters he encountered.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 163: Giant Cave Spider

    Atlas soon reached the fourth floor and encountered a dark forest with shadows covering everything he spotted. Creepy sounds rang out everywhere, throwing him off as he didn''t know where to look.Before stepping into the abyss, he activated his skill Light and created an orb that lit up a circle of ten feet around him, ''This should keep the monsters back for a while,'' he thought while readying his swords.


    While trekking through the eery forest, Atlas was cautious and ensured the monsters couldn''t ambush him from the underbrush by being ready to cast Void Wave at any second. Ten minutes later, he spotted the creature he was after and thought while dismissing Light, ''There you are, but they look freaky!''


    The Darkling was about three feet tall and looked like a little devil with bat wings, red eyes, and claws, which spooked him as they had creepy grins etched on their faces. ''These monsters are already mine. I need to beat the boss before moving on,'' he entertained while watching them.


    Atlas watched it fly through the trees before hiding in the shadows whenever another monster got closer. While observing it, he relaxed until he spotted the other Dungeon Monsters, who were called Moonshade Grotto''s home.


    One was a Terror Bird chasing the Darklings through the trees while snapping their sharp beaks at the mischievous creatures, but it couldn''t capture the little devil. Atlas watched as the tall birds stopped pursuing before going after the other monsters, causing him to scan them to find their rank while thinking, ''These creatures will be easy to kill at my level. This will be easy experience.''


    [Darkling]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    [Sneaky little bastards! Be careful, boy]


    ''Can use this to rob the empire''s banks and noble houses while I travel north to meet the girls,'' Atlas thought with a greedy smile.


    [Thunderclaw]


    [Rank: E+ - 250 Exp]


    [Be careful of their claws, teeth, or magic]


    ''Damn Terror Birds, they seem more annoying than anything.''


    [Horned Rabbit]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    [Easy kills]


    [Razorwings]


    [Rank: E+ - 350 Exp]


    [These monsters swoop down and try to claw you]


    ''They might be sneaky, but I''m faster,'' Atlas thought before he dashed through the dungeon floor like a whirlwind, killing many of the monsters he saw.


    Following that, he made it to the fifth floor, where he killed more Thunderclaws that tried to fling lightning at him from the darkness, but thanks to his skill Light and Void Guard, he deflected the attacks before killing the monsters.


    Atlas was shocked and annoyed that they could use magic, but he quickly cut through the projectiles thanks to Void Infusion, which allowed the Nightblade to deflect magic before he threw Deepforge at the Terror Bird as the excitement surged through his veins.


    He lunged forward while driving his sword through the monster''s skull, causing it to drop dead. Once it stopped moving, Atlas watched it get sucked into the dungeon while leaving behind several yellow feathers and a glowing orange core.


    ''Loot! Always worth killing monsters for this stuff,'' he thought with a smile.


    Atlas stored them all in his Dimensional Storage before he was suddenly sliced in between his armor by an ambushing Darkling, causing him to yelp in pain as he felt his skin open and blood poured down his leg.


    ''Little shits!'' he grew frustrated due to the sneak attack.


    After the attack, Atlas started checking on himself just as he spotted the Darkling vanishing into the shadows. The monsters lunged from the darkness while letting out a hiss, but he quickly cut them down.


    The attacks continued as he tried to deflect the monster''s claws. ''These things are stronger than I expected,'' he thought with an excited smile as adrenaline surged through his veins.


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    While he was fighting, darkness enveloped the forest; sparks flew, heightening his anxiety as he fought to defend himself. The relentless force of the creature''s claws wore him down, making him grit his teeth in exhaustion.


    ''I''ll drink a stamina potion to make myself feel better once the battle ends.''


    Atlas cut down several Darklings that attacked from the shadows just before he heard a whooshing noise, causing him to cross his blades as a Razorwing slammed into his body as the creature tried to pick him up.


    The bird-like monster looked like a vulture but more vicious and had black feathers that helped them blend into the darkness around them. He skidded backward but managed to counter with a slash at the monster''s wing.


    ''Oh no, you don''t,'' Atlas thought as he cast Void Wave.


    An azure wave washed out of his body and took out two Thunderclaws lunging at him, but they were burnt and sucked back into the dungeon. With experience and skill, Atlas managed to kill the monsters before collecting the orange and black cores littering the ground.


    Following that, he went to the staircase to the fifth floor to finish the dungeon, ''I wonder what the boss monster is,'' he mused while entering the next and last level, only to see another forest with a massive arena in the distance.


    ''I can''t wait to find out what boss I''ll be fighting,'' Atlas thought while entering the forest, not knowing it would be a nightmare.


    Many of the same monsters tried ambushing him, but thanks to his senses, he cut down dozens of creatures while using Light to expose them in the bushes. Atlas cast Void Bullets that exploded on contact, causing everything to run away.


    Once the coast was clear, Atlas approached the arena and became a large, creepy-looking cave. He heard the chittering around him, but they stayed out of his Light when he used Void Sight and picked them up.


    [Giant Cave Spider]


    [Rank: D - 500 Exp]


    [Don''t get bitten, boy!]


    Atlas winced at the sight, but his instincts kicked in. He swiftly hurled Void Bombs at the creature, each detonating with a thunderous roar that shook the entire arena. A cloud of dust enveloped the area, causing it to block his vision.


    Reacting quickly, he activated Void Guard just in time to deflect the spider''s venomous fangs, which clattered harmlessly off the shimmering azure shield. Atlas countered by slicing off the monster''s spindly legs before casting Void Blast into its face.


    He quickly backed off while casting Void Veil, which covered the arena in a dark blue shadow that revealed hundreds of spiders skittering around the place. Atlas then saw the boss and started attacking by spamming Void Bullets.


    The projectiles sliced through the air before connecting with the swarm of monsters, causing explosions to erupt. Atlas dashed in and started slashing at the Cave Spiders, which brought them down to the ground with a crash,


    Atlas finished the creatures by thrusting his swords into their faces before casting Void Wave to knock back the others. He used Void Barrage to pepper the remaining monsters before attacking the confused boss.


    It was moving quickly, but thanks to being blind, Atlas struck at several spots that slowed it down, allowing him to stab into its large body before casting Void Bullet, causing it to explode from within.


    The Giant Cave Spider went mad and tried attacking, but he dodged every attempt while striking at the monster''s weakening body. They traded more blows, but thanks to Atlas''s armor, its legs couldn''t penetrate it.


    ''This armor is brilliant,'' he thought. ''I''m glad I bought it now.''


    Following that, he cast three Void Bombs at the boss, and it couldn''t dodge as a massive explosion rang out. Atlas quickly cast Void Guard while driving his swords into the ground so he could hold on as the impact hit.


    When the dust settled, and the chaos subsided, Atlas observed that the Giant Cave Spider had disappeared into the dungeon''s depths. In its wake, it left behind a Copper Boss Token, which immediately caught his attention.


    Alongside the token were four gold coins and a handful of potions, glistening amidst the debris. While collecting them, a child''s excited voice echoed in his mind, ''Dungeon Conquerer! You''re here. Come to my core, and let''s join forces!''


    Atlas chuckled as a portal opened, causing him to step through only to see the Dungeon Core. He instantly touched it and felt a connection grow between them as the Moonshade Grotto was added to the Dungeon Realm.


    ''Nice. I can now use the Darklings to find all the empires riches,'' he chuckled.


    That''s when the Dungeon Master spoke again, ''I''ve been so lonely since dying many years ago, but a goddess said I could run a dungeon while waiting for the Chosen Messiah to come to free me.''


    ''Well, you can talk to the other two dungeons I conquered a while back but there will be more joining as I travel,'' Atlas replied to the core.


    Following that, the two of them continued to speak about the outside world before Atlas left the dungeon after promising that they would chat again. The Dungeon Master opened an exit portal, which he stepped through and appeared at the entrance.


    Atlas shook his head and returned to Starfallen City after saying hello to the guards stationed in the fortress. On the road back, he noticed several groups of young adventurers heading to the Moonshade Dungeon. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''They will hate the damn spiders,'' he thought before summoning a Darkling who appeared from an azure portal.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 164: Valorias Beauty

    Atlas ordered the Darkling to find any rare powerful monsters on the way west so he could avoid them if he weren''t strong enough. The Dungeon Creature agreed before soaring into the sky.Following that, he wanted to find an inn to stay in for the night as the Rank Up test was tomorrow morning, which excited him, ''I should head west to reach the Confederation, but that can wait while I conquer the Dawnstars Dungeons,'' he thought with a smile.


    It took him twenty minutes to reach the city gate, where a messenger awaited him. Atlas looked at the man who started speaking respectfully, "Azhar''Zul. Commander Morris wants you to come to the barracks for your reward. The mayor has just left the city for a meeting in the capital once she visits him." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment and followed the man. Dismissing his gear to the Dimensional Storage just as the cool breeze caressed his skin, bringing a wave of comfort as he trailed behind the messenger through the bustling city.


    ''There''s so many people here,'' he mused while glancing around.


    All kinds of aromas hit his nose from the many food stalls lining the street, and the constant conversations overwhelmed his senses until he shook his head. Atlas glanced around and soon realized that, like Emberglade Town, the city walls were crafted from pristine white stone, their surface gleaming in the sunlight.


    Towers punctuated the wall at intervals, standing as silent sentinels. Atlas noticed that the same radiant stone was utilized throughout the city, from the protective barrier to the elegant buildings beyond.


    Walking through the streets, he couldn''t help but admire the craftsmanship beneath his feet. The roads were flawlessly maintained, prompting him to think, ''The Dawnstar Empire takes great care in keeping their streets in perfect condition.''


    Ten minutes later, Atlas stood outside the barracks, a miniature fortress built next to Starfallen Harbor. The messenger turned to him before speaking, ''''Go inside and ask for the commander. I''m sure one of the soldiers will take you to him.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he said before the man vanished down the street.


    Atlas stepped into the barracks, and the soldiers on guard let him pass without any issues. When inside, he glanced around and realized he was in a large foyer with a staircase leading up to the second and third floors.


    ''This looks like a typical barracks,'' he thought while spotting the Dawnstar Banners decorating the walls.


    It was a white sun on a shield surrounded by six flowers. Atlas shook his head and noticed a counter with several people sitting behind it working on paperwork. Atlas approached and spoke to the closest woman, ''''Hello. Where can I find Commander Morris> I was told he wanted to see me.''''


    The woman looked up, and her eyes widened as she responded, ''''You must be Azhar''Zul?''''


    Atlas smiled and nodded, prompting the woman to rise with a smile, ''''He asked us to keep an eye out for you and said we should bring you to his office.''''


    After that, he followed the woman as she walked through the fortress, leading him to the man he had saved from the Order of Darkness. Ten minutes later, they stood outside a door she had just knocked on.


    A familiar voice rang out, ''''Come in!''''


    The receptionist opened the door, revealing the man Atlas had saved sitting behind a desk, a pouch in front of him. The man looked up, smiling as he spoke, "Azhar''Zul, I''m glad you''re here. I heard you completed the Moonshade Grotto from a message bird. The guards were surprised when they spotted you marching out."


    Atlas nodded while taking out the Copper Boss Token and showing it to the adults, ''''Yeah, it was fun but annoying at times. As for the Giant Spider, who was the boss, she was the toughest monster I faced down there.''''


    When the two adults heard him, their expressions changed to shock and amazement as their eyes widened, causing Atlas to chuckle at their reactions. Following that, Morris started laughing. The older man handed him the pouch as he spoke, ''''This is your reward for saving me and the city. It''s three hundred gold coins.''''


    ''''Thank you, Commander,'''' Atlas answered while storing the newfound wealth away. ''''I will be looking for an inn for the night before heading for the Blackthorne Hills Dungeon before traveling west and completing any I come across.''''


    Morris nodded, clearly impressed. "Most young adventurers tend to stick close to their cities, but you''re different. Dawnstar is home to numerous Level Two and Three Dungeons, and I''m confident you''ll find exploring them both challenging and rewarding," he said, pulling out a book.


    ''''Take this Azhar''Zul. It''s a Dungeon Manual, a list of well-known dungeons and areas of the Nivaria Continent,'''' Morris revealed. ''''I think it will help you more than gathering dust on my shelf.''''


    Atlas took the book with a thankful smile, ''''This will be extremely useful during my time here. I got one off the guild, but this is much better and more detailed.''''


    Morris''s face softened into a warm smile as he stood and extended his hand. "It''s the least I can do for the young man who saved me. Because of you, my four children still have their father."


    Atlas grasped Morris''s hand firmly, nodding in acknowledgment. "It was my pleasure, Morris. I''m going to find an inn for the night¡ªI''m starting to feel the weariness setting in."


    The commander nodded before standing up and approaching the office door. "Head for the Flying Fish Inn, which is down the road from here. Tell them I sent you, and they''ll give you a discount.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' Atlas said while leaving the barracks, reading the Dungeon Manual and about the Blackthorne Hills, which was a Level Three and would be challenging, but the risk wouldn''t stop him.


    Reaching the Flying Fish Inn took ten minutes, and when Atlas spotted the building, which looked busy with adventurers coming and going. He entered the establishment so everyone could grow quiet but ignored them while walking to the counter where the owners were.


    The woman smiled at him, ''''Hello, young adventurer. I''m Shelley; how can the Flying Fish help you?''''


    ''''Morris sent me here to get a room for the night,'''' Atlas responded. ''''I''m only in Starfallen for my Guild Rank Up test in the morning.''''


    When the owners heard this, their eyes widened. The woman spoke with a welcoming tone, ''''One night will be twenty silver coins. Do you want dinner?''''


    Atlas shook his head while paying for the room, ''''No, thank you. I have food already.''''


    Shelley nodded before leading him up some stairs while talking, ''''It''s rare for Old Morris to send anyone our way. You must have got on his good side.''''


    ''''You could say that,'''' he answered while the two walked down a corridor until reaching a corner room.


    She opened the door with a smile and gestured to the spacious room. "Welcome. I kindly ask that you leave it as you found it when you check out."


    "I got it, and thanks for the room," he replied in a friendly tone.


    Atlas stepped inside and settled comfortably onto the soft bed. Once lying down and relaxed, he activated the Void Realm Skill and wanted to lower the Golem''s numbers. His consciousness was sucked into the strange world only to reappear on the plateau.


    While standing there, he checked the monster''s total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 900014/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 495734/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99910/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Seconds later, the army of Void Golems started swarming him. With a grin, Atlas cast Void Infusion on his blades before dashing forward and cutting down any monster that got through his magic.


    ''I love infusion; it''s the perfect spell to use on my blades,'' he mused with a smile.


    Void Barrages was peppering the horde of stone constructs, throwing many into the sea below. As Atlas did this, he started fighting a Warrior Golem, causing sparks to fly as the stronger monster used a sword.


    Atlas managed to deflect attacks thanks to stronger blades, but his arms felt the strain as they started buckling. He quickly cast Void Wave, which wiped out the Warrior and the surrounding Golems.


    The battle raged on for hours until Atlas was finally too exhausted to lift his weapons. A powerful punch from one of the Void Golems sent him skidding across the plateau, and he tumbled into the rough waves below.


    ''Ouch, that hurt. I wasn''t expecting that attack but it was my thought for not paying attention.''


    When Atlas woke, he found himself lying comfortably in bed, smiling as he checked the monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 897967/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 495506/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99910/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''It''s good that I''m killing many of the golems during each go of the Void Realm,'' Atlas thought with a smile.


    Atlas sat up, stretching as he rose from the bed. He retrieved an Orc''s Delight Meat Box and settled at the nearby table, admiring the beautiful night sky. He ate the delicious meal and thought, ''I could never get over Valoria''s beauty.'' Continue reading at M V L


    Once finishing his meal, he dove back into the Void Realm, battling tirelessly through hordes of Golems and Warriors until exhaustion set in. Returning to the real world, Atlas climbed into bed and quickly fell asleep.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 165: You Will Be One Of The Greats

    Atlas woke up the following morning and noticed the inn''s ceiling, which caused him to remember what had happened the day before. After lying there for another ten minutes, he got out of bed and cringed when feeling the dirt all over him.''I need to clean up before doing anything,'' he concluded while stretching his arms.


    Following this decision, he started walking toward the inn''s counter, where Shelley was sitting. The older woman was reading a newspaper but stopped when she saw him as she put it down.


    ''''Morning, young man. What can I do for you?'''' the older woman questioned with a smile.


    He wanted to wash and excitedly asked, ''''Do you know where the bathhouse is? I want to be clean before taking my test and not smell like a dead monster lying out in the sun.''''


    Shelley nodded with a laugh and gave him directions before Atlas left the inn. Walking down the street, he spotted the bathhouse and smiled happily. Thanks to all the fighting, he felt dirty. ''It reminds me of a Roman bath from Earth,'' he said.


    The building was large, featuring a green-tiled roof and an archway leading to a front counter where patrons paid for bath access. Atlas entered the bathhouse, only to smell all kinds of lovely fragrances that hit his nose.


    He shook his head and approached the counter where a man sat. The attendant looked up with a professional smile while speaking, ''''Do you want the basic bath or want something more fancy?''''


    For a second, Atlas thought before he asked, growing more curious, ''''What is the fancy option?''''


    ''''We supply you with all the cleaning materials you need, which clean the body much more than a soak in the water,'''' the attendant informed him. ''''That would cost forty silver while the first option is twenty.''''


    He gave the man forty silver, earning him several bottles of body and hair wash alongside a spray he smelled when first entering. Following that, Atlas took all the stuff and towel the attendant gave him and walked into the baths that were pointed out.


    As Atlas entered the baths, he noticed half a dozen men and women loitering around, but he paid them no mind. He stepped into the hot water, settling down and relaxing as the soothing warmth enveloped his body.


    Once relaxed, Atlas started cleaning himself with the stuff the attendant gave him. After twenty minutes, he felt clean. Afterward, he sank back into the water to check his status and see if he had made any progress.


    [Level Up: 173¡ú177]


    [Experience: 2810/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 18000]


    [Health: 1602¡ú1612(200)]


    [Mana: 7350¡ú7366(1000)]


    [Strength: 1822¡ú1838(100)]


    [Stamina: 2214¡ú2228(250)]


    [Charisma: 700¡ú706]


    [Intelligence: 1500¡ú1512]


    [Core Points: 17720/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 9000]


    After finishing his bath, Atlas dressed, only to realize he was running low on clothes. ''''Once I complete the test, I''ll buy more,'' he thought as he left the bathhouse.


    He made his way toward the Adventurer''s Guild, which wasn''t far, and it took him ten minutes to reach. Atlas entered to see a large group of people talking about tests, ''Is this the day people advance?'' he thought.


    "Adventuers who are taking the rank-up test, please follow me to the training fields so we can start!" a bald man standing seven feet tall shouted to everyone.


    Atlas started following the crowd down some stairs, only to enter a massive underground arena that looked too big to be there. He looked around and wondered what was happening until people explained that it had been created by a space mage of the Dawnstar Empire.


    While everyone was piling onto the seats, Atlas summoned his armor and weapons, which shocked the surrounding adventurers as the fights began. Several battles passed by, and he was growing bored¡ªthat was until he was summoned to the field.


    Atlas jumped up as adrenaline surged through his veins as he unsheathed his blades. The bald man smiled, his eyes gleaming with recognition. "So you''re Azhar''Zul, the savior of Starfallen City. I am Garret Silverbane, a Rank C adventurer who helps the guild with their tests."


    He nodded, and the man''s excitement grew. Wielding a massive greatsword, he exclaimed, "I saw your fight with the Order of Darkness. Show me that same warrior, and if you do, I''ll make sure you earn a Rank E instead of G!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crowd erupted with excitement, many of them city natives who had heard tales of the white-haired boy who had saved their homes. Their cheers grew louder, fueling the anticipation for the upcoming fight.


    Atlas grinned at the challenge, his heart racing with anticipation. As the bell rang, Garret surged forward before hurling a barrage of Earth Lances at him. The air crackled with mana as the sharp stones streaked through the arena.


    ''Here we go! The road to becoming the strongest begins!''


    When Atlas saw this, he cast Void Infusion without hesitation, his blades glowing with void mana as he skillfully sliced through the oncoming spells, shocking everyone in the arena. After, his body became a blur as he dodged more lances, each movement quicker than the last.


    Then, with a sudden burst of speed, Atlas shot forward, creating a sonic boom that echoed throughout the arena as he became almost invisible to the naked eye. Just as Atlas closed in, Garret responded with a powerful Earth Wave, sending a shockwave of rock and dirt that pushed Atlas back.


    But Atlas wasn''t done. He leaped onto one of the remaining Earth Lances with lightning reflexes, using it as a foothold to springboard onto the others while heading straight for Garret, who was wide-eyed.


    As Atlas soared over the Earth Wall, he activated Void Step, vanishing from sight and reappearing beneath Garret in a flash. He swiped at the man''s legs, aiming to take him by surprise.


    But Garret was quick, leaping over the attack and countering with a mighty swing of his greatsword. Atlas crossed his blades just in time to block the strike, but the impact was fierce.


    The force drove him to one knee, his arms trembling under the weight of Garret''s assault. Gritting his teeth, Atlas refused to yield. In an instant, he unleashed a Void Wave that blasted Garret backward, forcing him to retreat as Atlas rose to his feet.


    The crowd erupted into a thunderous celebration, their cheers filling the arena. Atlas couldn''t help but smile as he heard the roar of approval from the onlookers. Garret, steadying himself, chuckled and called out, "Enjoying yourself, boy? You''re raw, untrained¡ªbut deadly. It''s as if you''ve crafted your own fighting style."


    He merely shrugged in response before vanishing in a blur, using Void Step to disappear. Atlas reappeared behind Garret instantly, striking with a Void Blast that sent the older warrior stumbling forward.


    Wasting no time, he unleashed a relentless storm of strikes, his blades moving like lightning. Each blow shocked Garret, who struggled to keep up with the ferocity of the attack, realizing just how unpredictable and dangerous he was.


    He pressed the attack, using everything he had learned since arriving in Valoria. Atlas kept striking and moving, not allowing Garret to get the upper hand as his legs were consistently stuck.


    The older warrior tried to counter, but Atlas was too fast¡ªdodging, deflecting, and weaving through every strike with almost effortless precision. He moved like a whirlwind, striking Garret with pinpoint accuracy, each hit targeting weak spots ruthlessly.


    Atlas watched as Garret staggered under the barrage, struggling to keep up until he finally landed a decisive blow. The older warrior dropped to one knee, breathless and defeated, as he pointed Nightblade at the man''s neck, which meant his victory.


    When the surrounding adventurers saw that a Rank C warrior had been defeated by a mere Rank H, they erupted into a frenzy. It was an unprecedented event in Starfallen City, and the air buzzed with disbelief and excitement, the cheers echoing across the arena.


    ''''You''re the next Silverblade Azhar''Zul,'''' Garret said while standing up. ''''You will be one of the greats in the future.''''


    Atlas beamed excitedly while answering, ''''That''s the plan, old man. Give it a month, and I will conquer all the strongest dungeons in the Dawnstar and Shadowrealm Empires.''''


    Garret laughed before slapping him on the shoulder, ''''I will be listening, young one. Now, let''s make you a Rank E Adventurer. The lower ranks are not in your league.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he celebrated, ''I jumped three ranks with one fight! Wait until the girls hear about me in the north.''


    Little did he know how true his impact would be. After leaving Starfallen City, word spread rapidly about the emerging adventurer who had effortlessly defeated a seasoned Rank C warrior despite being ranked three tiers lower.


    The tale of his remarkable rise and skill quickly captured the imagination of many, marking the beginning of his legend. Meanwhile, he remained blissfully unaware of how the name Azhar''Zul was gaining fame across Valoria. Enjoy new stories from M V L


    Standing just outside Starfallen City, Atlas summoned Theo and climbed on the Dungeon Monster''s back as it excitedly said, ''You''ve grown much stronger, Master.''


    ''Yes I love the feeling of gaining experience,'' he replied as they took off. ''We can fly to the dungeons while heading west.''


    The Blood Bat King nodded in agreement as he sped north. Atlas pulled out his White Adventurers Card, which Garrett had given him before leaving the city. The older man wanted to fight again in a few years and would travel north toward the Thalassia Empire if the war ended anytime soon.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 166: Blackthorne Hill Dungeon

    It took Atlas and Theo an hour to finally spot the Blackthorne Hill Dungeon, situated at the base of a prominent ridge west of a city named Stardust Wharf. The beautiful, lush green hills stretched out in all directions and were covered in a thin layer of snow.''Frostwinter isn''t as bad as the girls made out,'' he thought, but Atlas would soon learn how wrong he would be.


    The surroundings kept the cold air at bay; he would experience that shortly. Atlas noticed several forests covering some hills while villages were built outside. He ordered the Blood Bat King to land away from the people.


    The monster chirped in agreement and swooped toward the ground, landing gracefully on the far side of the hill. Atlas slid off Theo''s back and gave the creature a gentle pat. ''Thanks for that,'' he thought with a grateful smile.


    ''Anytime, Master,'' the Bat King answered.


    After sending the Blood Bat King back to the Dungeon Realm, Atlas descended the hill, his ears catching the distant hum of conversation. As he reached the bottom, a bustling road stretched far north and south, swarming with caravans and adventurers.


    With an excited smile, he thought, ''This dungeon should be challenging¡ªafter all, it''s my first Level Three.''


    Spotting an opportunity to blend in, Atlas headed toward the road, falling in step with the travelers as he made his way toward the entrance. While walking, he felt the cold air brush against his face. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas started shivering as the cold seeped into his bones, which caused him to summon his helmet and Enchanted Winter cloak that he wrapped around his body, which kept him warm. ''I spoke to soon earlier; it''s getting colder,'' he thought.


    He noticed the road was covered in mud, churned up by the heavy traffic of caravans and adventurers. The distant fortress of the dungeon loomed ahead, its silhouette dark against the snow-covered hills.


    Then, Atlas continued walking down the road while swerving around the carriages and groups of travelers. This one was much bigger and looked sturdy than the others he had seen.


    As Atlas approached the entrance, he reflected, ''It''s been a decade since the last wave. No wonder they''re building these fortresses over a Level Three Dungeon now.''


    One of the guards stopped him and asked to see his adventurer''s card. Atlas nodded before taking it out and showing the woman who asked, ''''Here you go.''''


    The fortress commander was happy with that and let him pass as she signaled for the gate to be open. A small man-sized door opened before stepping through it and seeing a portal in the courtyard''s center.


    Atlas spotted several cannons and metal gates blocking the way out of the fortress, ''Are they worried about a Monster Wave?'' he thought while studying the portal.


    ''''The higher-ups believe a Monster Wave will occur soon,'''' the woman commented as she appeared beside him. ''''But the Duke dismissed the concerns, so be careful when in there, and if there are too many creatures, retreat to the entrance.''''


    ''''I will; I''m not about to die in a Level Three Dungeon, miss,'''' Atlas responded. ''''But if I can level up during my run, I''ll be closer to ranking up and growing stronger.''''


    The woman offered a knowing smile as she spoke. "Just a word of caution: be careful when you encounter Bugbears. They have a nasty habit of ambushing adventurers right as they make their entrance."


    He nodded with a smile, his excitement barely contained, before drawing his weapons and stepping through the portal. On the other side, he emerged at the edge of a vast expanse of rolling hills blanketed in a shadowy forest.


    Atlas''s initial surge of confidence wavered as a shiver of nervousness crept over him, but he quickly steeled himself, ''What''s the worst that could happen? I''ll summon some of my monsters to help me.''


    He ventured into the forest, which resembled a horror movie scene¡ªdark, twisted vines coiled around gnarled trees. The moment he entered, the oppressive heat enveloped him, making his skin prickle and sweat bead on his forehead.


    Atlas drew his weapons as his senses alerted him to danger, just as a distant roar shattered the silence. As a monstrous figure emerged from the underbrush, the trees seemed to stir and shift in the distance.


    With an excited smile, he braced himself for the upcoming fight while thinking, ''Another nightmare is closing in.''


    Atlas stopped walking when he spotted a creature appear in the dark forest. This caused him to become wary as the new monster towered above him; it was an eight-foot-tall humanoid, a nightmarish mix of goblin and bear, its body covered in coarse, matted fur.


    ''A messed up Bigfoot, but these will be fun to fight.''


    Its long limbs ended in razor-sharp claws, and its face was a ghastly fusion of a goblin and a bear with glowing yellow eyes that stared at him with malice. The beast''s pointy ears and fearsome snout, lined with jagged teeth, only heightened its menacing presence.


    Built like a bodybuilder, it radiated raw power. Atlas instinctively stepped back while bracing himself for the fight; he readied his blades and focused his enhanced vision on the creature, searching for any advantage.


    Atlas felt his heart racing as he activated Void Sight to determine the monster''s rank.


    [Bugbear]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp] Enjoy exclusive chapters from M V L


    [These will be tough, but I know you can do it!]


    ''Not that strong, but where is the advice!'' Atlas thought, excitement surging through him as he dashed forward.


    The Bugbear barely had time to react before several Void Bullets cut through the air, striking its body and erupting in a series of azure explosions. When Atlas came close, he dropped low and sliced at its ankles, bringing the monster down.


    ''Stay low and use your speed to take these beasts down.''


    Atlas then pounced on its back and drove Deepforge through the creature''s skull until it vanished into the dungeon as the experience poured into him, ''''That sensation is always good,'''' he said with a smile.


    That''s when he spotted the loot that the Bugbear left behind; Atlas crouched down and picked up the red Monster Core, ten silver coins, and a mana potion, which he instantly drank to top up his mana.


    ''This will be useful and keep me in the fight,'' he believed, feeling a surge of determination.


    While doing that, he quickly jumped forward and rolled as if a wooden club had smashed into the ground. Atlas spun around and shot several Void Blasts at the Bugbear that attacked him from the nearby bush.


    Atlas noticed three of them circling him, chittering at each other. His grip tightened on his swords as the first monster lunged, claws slashing through the air. He deflected the attack with a quick parry, then cast Void Wave, sending the other two creatures tumbling back.


    He quickly cast Void Infusion on his blades, the dark energy coursing through the metal. He slashed the first Bugbear across the wrist, forcing it to drop its club. Atlas followed up with a low sweep, cutting deep into its ankles and bringing the creature crashing to the ground.


    Using the same strategy, he disabled the remaining Bugbears, each collapsing as their ankles severed. They struggled to rise, but with their legs crippled, they were helpless against him.


    ''You won''t be getting up after those attacks,'' Atlas mused with a smirk.


    Atlas finished the three monsters, causing them to vanish into the dungeon, leaving behind three red cores, thirty silver, and some potions. He gathered them all before continuing to travel through the first floor.


    As Atlas navigated the dark forest, he had to tread carefully. The ground was riddled with treacherous holes and uneven terrain, and shadows obscured his path, making each step uncertain.


    To cut through the inky blackness, he cast a spell of Light, its glow pushing back the encroaching darkness and revealing the hazards ahead. The deeper Atlas traveled, the more eerie the place became as the feeling of being watched intensified the dreadful feeling that washed over him.


    ''This place is creepy,'' he mused while glancing around. ''It feels like something is going to jump out.''


    Just as Atlas thought he was safe, manic giggling erupted from the darkness, making his skin crawl. He instinctively raised his blades as a cold dread creeping over him. ''What the hell was that?'' he thought.


    He searched the shadows surrounding him but saw nothing. The cackling grew louder, accompanied by incoherent babbling that seemed to close in from every direction, sending a wave of unease through him.


    That''s when something flew out of the darkness, forcing Atlas to cut through it only to realize it was a shabby-looking arrow. When figuring this out, he quickly cast Void Guard, which deflected more attacks.


    Atlas used Void Sigh and finally found out what the new monster was.


    [Gibberling]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Your surrounded boy]


    ''Oh fuck,'' he thought while spotting the Gibberlings.


    The creatures were unsettling, hunched figures that seemed to be a bizarre fusion of man and wolf. Their fur ranged from dark brown to black, and they bore sharp teeth and claws akin to Bugbears.


    However, their crimson eyes, filled with an unsettling madness, truly unnerved him. Without warning, the forest erupted into chaos as these eerie, fur-covered beings launched a fierce attack.


    Atlas fought desperately, his weapons and armor deflecting many of their blows, but the relentless onslaught began to wear him down.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 167: That Hurt

    ''I may have bitten off more than I can chew,'' he pondered while deflecting several sharp knives that the Gibberlings were using, which confused him, ''Are they smart enough to use them? But it doesn''t feel like it, as they''re wildly swinging like children.''When spotting this, Atlas was shocked as he had never heard of monsters using weapons against dungeon divers. But chose to ignore it for now as the creatures surrounded him while cackling and babbling, only to be hit with a Void Wave that sent them flying.


    ''That will give me some breathing room to kill even more,'' he mused while casting his spell.


    Following that thought, Atlas wiped out a small group with Void Lance, a devastating mix of the Void Bullet and Arrow spells. The projectiles pierced through the monsters before detonating on impact with the ground, tearing through their ranks.


    Your next journey awaits at M V L


    As a thick dust cloud billowed around him and covered their area, Atlas shielded his visor from the debris. Seizing the moment, he cast Void Veil, cloaking the area in darkness and disorienting the remaining Gibberlings.


    The whole clearing was covered in a dark bluish color, which would help him in his fight with the Deathclaws. With the monsters blinded and their senses thrown into disarray, Atlas struck ruthlessly, eliminating them swiftly.


    Atlas watched the monsters stumble around as if they were lost, which made him laugh before he put them down. When the battle subsided, he scanned the aftermath and counted forty-seven red cores, potions, and silver coins across the ground.


    ''Annoying monsters,'' he internally complained while cleaning his blade of the blood. ''Why are they using weapons? Maybe they took them off dead adventurers? I''ll look at the Monster Compendium when I conquer this place.''


    Exhausted, Atlas sank to the base of a tree, resting against it while catching his breath after collecting all the loot and checking his status.


    [Level Up: 177¡ú178]


    [Experience: 3910/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 6100]


    [Health: 1612¡ú1616(200)]


    [Mana: 7366¡ú7388(1000)]


    [Strength: 1838¡ú1844(100)]


    [Stamina: 2228¡ú2232(250)]


    [Intelligence: 1512¡ú1514]


    [Core Points: 30470/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 12750]


    [Void Lance: 0¡ú1]


    [Void Veil: 0¡ú1]


    ''Not long until I rank up again and then I will be as strong as the girls,'' Atlas thought with a tired smile as he remembered to send Amethyst a message using the Lover''s band.


    ''I do miss that pigeon,'' he mused with a smile while waiting for her reply. ''I can''t wait to see her again.''


    Seconds later, his girlfriend Amethyst mentioned that they were hunting monsters in the Shadowfang Kingdom to the north. Estelle said the Achaemenidians wouldn''t follow due to the biting cold and the current war in Astoria.


    She added that the group had been leveling up by completing quests and dungeons. Their excitement grew when they learned that Atlas was dungeon diving. They wanted him to hurry up and heal Lilith before meeting them, which he agreed to.


    Following that, he told the phoenix that he missed her. It took some time to get a reply, but when he read it, he smiled, [I miss you so much more, Azhar''Zul. Please hurry up and meet us so we can explore together]


    After this run, Atlas would head toward the Greenskin Confederation to get an airship across the sea. Once he finally felt better, he stood up while downing a stamina and mana potion before continuing through the first floor of the dungeon.


    ''From now on, the monsters are going to be even stronger,'' Atlas thought with excitement.


    During his journey, he had to fight small groups of Bugbears and Gibberlings until he met the next monster. Chittering sounds heralded their arrival as Atlas stepped into a vast clearing only to realize he had walked straight into a nest.


    There were monster carcasses littering the ground that looked sucked dry, which creeped him out while thinking while studying the long-dead creatures, ''Spiders? It''s some form of insect, but I''m not sure which.''


    ''I''m an idiot,'' he thought, preparing his magic and readying his blades. ''Why do I always end up in these situations?''


    The monsters finally showed themselves from the surrounding treeline and underbrush. They were horse-sized dark green scorpions with beady yellow eyes that locked onto him with hunger.


    Atlas immediately spotted the menacing stinger and the pincers that snapped threateningly toward him. He quickly stepped back and activated Void Sight to assess the creature and see how much experience he had earned from killing it.


    [Deathclaw Scorpions]


    [Rank: C+ - 550 Exp]


    [Don''t let them sting you]


    ''Well, that''s bloody obvious,'' Atlas thought while waiting for the Deathclaw to rush at him.


    Seconds later, the monster did as predicted, only to end up blind as he cast Void Veil that covered the clearing. The scorpions wandered lost as they tried attacking him with their pincers and stingers.


    Atlas chuckled as he unleashed Void Arrow and Void Lance, piercing the creature''s exoskeleton and delivering a fatal blow. He pressed the attack while avoiding the few lucky strikes that came dangerously close to his torso.


    ''That was close,'' he thought, ducking beneath a snapping pair of pincers. With a swift slash, he severed them using his Nightblade.


    The battle raged on for some time as more monsters emerged, but Void Veil effectively blinded them, turning the tide in his favor. Eventually, the Deathclaws stopped appearing, allowing him to catch his breath.


    Once Atlas was prepared, he scoured the clearing for the remaining spoils, gathering nineteen red Monster Cores, silver coins, and potions dropped by the Rank C monsters. After walking for a while, he spotted the second-floor entrance and hurried toward it.


    When stepping onto the new floor, which was a forest, the same as the first, Atlas encountered additional Bugbears, Gibberlings, and Deathclaw Scorpions. Drawing on his recent battles for experience, he managed to kill them quickly.


    The Bugbears attempted to overpower him with brute strength, but Atlas''s agility allowed him to evade their strikes. Meanwhile, the Gibberlings tried to use their overwhelming numbers, but he countered their swarming tactics with a decisive Void Wave.


    Finally, the Deathclaw Scorpions joined forces with the other creatures, but Atlas responded with Void Bomb, obliterating them in a single, devastating blast. He continued traveling across floors two to seventeen while fighting dozens of Rank C creatures until he discovered a new monster.


    They were shadow beings that attacked him from the darkness, making him yell in fright. The attack was sudden, but he managed to scan them while flying through the dark forest. Atlas crashed through trees before slamming into the side of a hill. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Shadow Stalkers]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Use Light!]


    ''''Ahhhh, that hurt,'''' Atlas let out a moan as the pain shot through his body.


    He sat up and noticed the Shadow Stalkers encircling him, but he raised his hand before activating Light, which drove the creatures back. Atlas struggled to his feet and quickly cast Void Bullets at them.


    ''I think the force will deal with the monsters where physical ones can''t.''


    The projectiles soared through their shadowy bodies and hit the ground around them, causing explosions. Atlas watched the stalkers fade into the dungeon, dropping behind eight red cores and some silver coins.


    He let Regeneration heal his damaged body as bones popped back into place. Slices stitched themselves together while he stored away the loot before downing a health potion that helped the healing process.


    Once Atlas could walk again, he continued using Light and Void Bullets to fight against the Shadow Stalkers until he reached the twentieth floor of the dungeon, where the landscape changed to a large cavern with only one way forward.


    The ground was made from sand, and deep holes littered the landscape, causing Atlas to tread carefully until the cavern lit up with mana torches, allowing him to see his next opponent, which he scanned.


    [Deathclaw Scorpion King]


    [Sub-Boss One - Floor twenty]


    [Rank: B - 1000 Exp]


    [Use speed and your brains to fight this monster]


    [Sub-Boss: 4/4]


    Atlas was staring at a massive scorpion at least ten times the ones he had already fought on the previous floors. It rose from the sand, exposing its pitch-black exoskeleton as its massive pincers snapped.


    The noise echoed off the cavern walls, a harsh, grating sound that Atlas tried to ignore. However, it grew too loud, forcing him to cringe as it reverberated through his ears. That''s when the Deathclaw King charged forward, but he quickly used Void Step to avoid it.


    He appeared silently behind the Sub-Boss, a plan forming in his mind. He decided to test something new, activating Dungeon Conqueror. Two Giant Cave Spiders materialized with a flash of dark energy and immediately pounced on the stunned monster.


    The scene made Atlas chuckle as the Sub-Boss struggled against the onslaught of the Giant Cave Spiders. But he didn''t linger on the sidelines for long. He jumped into the fray, launching a barrage of Void Arrows at the giant scorpion.


    Each strike detonated, sending shockwaves through its armored body and eliciting a roar of pain. Atlas quickly dashed forward while casting Void Infusion on his swords before using them to cut right through one of the monster''s legs.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 168: He Needs To Grow Stronger

    Atlas continued fighting the Deathclaw King by dodging its car-sized pincers, which tried snapping at him. He ducked under most attacks or used Void Step to avoid them while striking the monster with several Void Arrows and Void Lances.''If I use the armor, piercing spells will weaken the Sub-Boss.''


    The spells shattered the creature''s exoskeleton, and Atlas skillfully dodged its attacks, waiting for the right moment. As the Sub-Boss began to slow, its strikes grew sluggish, creating an opening. Find adventures on M V L


    Seizing the chance, Atlas targeted its vulnerable joints, slicing through the exposed soft flesh. The Deathclaw King roared in pain as he used Void Step to appear on the monster''s back, only for the stinger to thrust itself toward his torso.


    ''Too slow!'' he thought with a breath of relief.


    Atlas moved to dodge, but the Deathclaw King''s massive pincer closed in too fast. It snapped shut with murderous force, severing his left arm in a single, sickening slice. When he saw this, his face paled as the shock kept the pain at bay.


    ''Oh fuck, this is bad,'' he thought as the stump flapped around, causing blood to splatter everything.


    Seconds later, the excruciating pain surged through him, but Atlas forced himself to stay upright as blood poured from the stump. With a defiant roar, he drove his blade into a crack in the monster''s exoskeleton just as its deadly stinger impaled him.


    It pierced his armor and struck his shoulder. Atlas gasped as venom surged through his veins, burning like molten lava. His vision blurred, the edges of his vision dimmed, but he refused to give up.


    ''I will kill it before it gets me,'' Atlas steeled himself as Regeneration tried to fight the Deathclaw venom.


    Using the last of his strength, he unleashed a Void Bomb deep within the monster''s body, then vanished using Void Step. Reappearing far enough away so he couldn''t get hurt, he collapsed to one knee, barely holding on to life.


    ''The antidote potion! Lucky I looted it that day,'' he thought while remembering what was in his Dimensional Storage.


    Atlas felt his body failing, the venom ravaging him from the inside out as it gnawed away at his organs while blood poured out of the stump that used to be his left arm. Blood and flesh spilled from his mouth as the toxin tore through him.


    Through the fog of pain and trembling hands. With desperate hope, he swallowed it, holding on to the faint chance of survival as darkness closed in. His vision went black as the pain overwhelmed him, and he collapsed.


    ***


    Amethyst froze in her tracks as a sharp pain pierced her heart. Anxiety surged through her as she scanned her surroundings, a troubling thought creeping in. ''Did something happen to Azhar''Zul?''


    ''''Little bird! Why did you stop walking?'''' Grishna commented from a few feet away.


    She shook her head, anxiety rising in her voice. "I have a bad feeling¡ªAzhar''Zul might have been hurt during his dungeon dive."


    The orc woman''s face crossed with concern as she replied, frowning, ''''Try to send him a message using the Lover''s Band.''''


    ''''I will once we complete this quest,'''' Amethyst said with a strained smile. ''''We only have to deal with the goblin tribes infesting Darkwood Forst before returning to Nightfall City.''''


    ''''What''s holding you ladies up?'''' Estelle''s French accent rang out across the clearing they needed to cross.


    Following the two, women caught up with the blonde defender as Artemis appeared from the underbrush, looking baffled as she spoke, ''''I found the Goblin camp, but it''s empty with no signs apart from a few blood patches here and there.''''


    ''Did something attack them?'' was everyone''s thought when hearing the brunette''s words.


    Amethyst was confused before asking, ''''Didn''t your Eaglevision show a full camp of monsters an hour ago? What happened in that time?''''


    ''''Well, Little Bird, it did, but something has happened,'''' Artemis answered with a shrug. ''''I''m as clueless as you.''''


    The phoenix girl sighed before scanning the surrounding forest only to see an eerie patch of mana that shone like a star at night. She shook her head before pointing in its direction, ''''There''s something over there. It seems off, like poisoned mana, and it''s making my feathers crawl,'''' she informed the group.


    Estelle, Grishna, and Artemis turned to Amethyst, who became shy as they started following her. Ten minutes later, they arrived at a hole the size of a well, which confused the four. The orc woman stepped forward before peering over the edge.


    ''''Pure darkness,'''' Grishna commented in a wary voice. ''''It gives me the creeps just looking at it.''''


    When Amethyst sensed the mana emanating from the hole, an icy dread crept into her bones. Her body stiffened, and her ears drooped instinctively. This dark energy felt all too familiar¡ªjust like the ominous presence she and Atlas had faced during their encounter with the Lost Prince. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Chaos! What are they doing here?'' she thought, tension rising. Then, as the pieces clicked together, she revealed what she knew. "This is the same sinister aura that clung to the creature following Azhar''Zul. It''s the darkness that threatens to swallow our world."


    The three women turned to her, and Estelle asked, in a concerned tone, as her blue eyes gleamed, ''''Is this the evil the Path speaks of?''''


    Amethyst slowly nodded. ''''Before my family left the Blue Dune Desert, rumors appeared with the Nubian merchants speaking of dungeons being affected by an unknown magic that strengthens the monsters inside,'''' she explained while looking at the hole.


    ''''My homeland experienced a similar issue, but that happened two decades ago,'''' Artemis spoke while scanning their surroundings. ''''Powerful Adventurer Parties and Nova Core Mages used to go clear them out, but even they lost people.''''


    The three women looked at the brunette as she continued, ''''The Olympaeans call it the Day Of Tears due to losing over fifty powerful warriors when the dungeons poured out trying to destroy the kingdom.''''


    Grishna nodded as if she remembered something before speaking, ''''Something similar happened in the Thalassia and Aethyrian Empires ten years ago, but recently, the dungeons have been quiet.''''


    ''''What if Azhar''Zul comes across one?'''' Amethyst asked, her voice edged with worry at the orc woman''s words.


    Estelle responded as the group readied themselves to move. ''''He needs to grow stronger, and staying with us wasn''t helping him do that. Now that he''s on his own, I''m sure he''s becoming even more powerful.''''


    Following that, the women continued through the Darkwood Forest while looking for the Goblins, only to find nothing before returning to Nightfall City, where they would report their findings to the guild.


    ***


    In the meantime, Atlas lay unconscious on the twentieth floor after defeating the Deathclaw King, who was a few feet from there. It died while dragging itself toward its damaged form, but thanks to its injuries, the monster dropped dead.


    It dissipated back into the dungeon, leaving behind a gleaming blue core, a scattering of gold coins, and a rusted metal key. While lying there, explosions and the sounds of battle emanated from the floor above.


    An hour later, Atlas jolted awake with a strangled gasp, pain crashing into him like a tidal wave, ''What is this horrible sensation,'' he thought as his mind was groggy and his body ached.


    Every nerve screamed in agony as his body fought to endure the aftermath of the brutal battle. He went to scratch his head only to notice it was still being healed and noticed it didn''t even go to his elbow.


    ''Did the venom do that much damage to me?'' Atlas pondered while the memories flowed back into his mind.


    After ten agonizing minutes, he finally pushed himself to his feet. His joints cracked and popped, each sound echoing in his ears, oddly leaving him feeling somewhat refreshed despite the lingering pain.


    Atlas winced, taking a deep breath to steady himself, and glanced around. His gaze fell on the loot scattered a few feet away.


    ''The Sub-Boss reward,'' he thought, a tiny flicker of satisfaction breaking through the haze of exhaustion.


    He stumbled over to it and noticed the glowing monster core alongside the gold coins. That''s when Atlas spotted the key and grew curious while leaning over and picking it up before scanning it.


    [Secret Dungeon Key: Opens a room with rewards if you can find it]


    ''Great! Hopefully, I''ll become rich when I find it,'' Atlas internally celebrated until he remembered the Goggles of True Sight.


    After that, he reached into his Dimensional Storage before pulling out the gear and putting them on, only to see nothing, ''It won''t be here. Maybe deeper in,'' he thought.


    Atlas slid the goggles up before sitting against the cavern wall while his arm slowly healed. Ten minutes later, explosions rang close by until a group of four adventures reached the twentieth floor.


    ''Who are these?'' he thought as they spotted him.


    A blonde woman yelped when seeing Atlas''s injury, ''''By the gods! What is a young boy doing down here!''''


    After speaking, she rushed over before trying to comfort him as the stranger checked his wounds, but Atlas said while waving her away, ''''I''m fine. Regeneration is slowly healing me. I need some time to rest.''''


    ''''Shut up, child! I''m from the Church of Healing, so let me do my job,'''' the woman snapped before casting a healing spell that washed over him.


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 Chapter 169: Look At Them Burn

    Atlas watched as his left arm returned to normal after the blonde healer finished her spell. The woman crouched and spoke concernedly, ''''What are you doing down here, boy?''''''''Isn''t it obvious? I''m here to complete the dungeon,'''' he answered, rubbing his head. ''I''m guessing you''re here to do the same thing?''''


    She nodded before holding her hand while introducing herself, ''''I''m Sheva Mooncrest, the Healer of the Rank C Sundawn Adventurers Party.''''


    ''So they''re not weak, especially if they made it to the twentieth floor,'' he pondered, the pain lingering but not as bad as before.


    Atlas shook his head before taking her hand as she lifted him to his feet. He replied cheerfully, ''''I''m Azhar''Zul, an E Rank Adventurer, and I''m currently going solo because my girls are up north.''''


    Sheva smiled warmly as the other three members of her party joined her. Atlas observed them: a green-haired elf woman, an elf man, and a human man. She gestured to the human man first, registering his brown hair, yellow eyes, and gleaming knight armor.


    ''''This is Reed Mooncrest, our defender and my husband,'''' Sheva introduced. She then indicated the elven couple, ''''And these are Elion and Nymeria Brightwood¡ªElion is our scout, and Nymeria is our mage.''''


    Following that, Atlas nodded at them, but Reed spoke in a concerned voice, ''''Sheva, you shouldn''t go rushing off like that. The Deathclaw King may be lurking around.''''


    ''''It''s dead; I defeated before falling unconscious because of all the damage I received during the fight,'''' he revealed with a smile while flexing his new arm.


    ''''That makes strange sense as the Sub-Boss doesn''t spawn if someone''s in the chamber, but normally the dungeon kicks them out,'''' Nymeria commented with a suspicious voice.


    He shrugged while answering, ''''I don''t know; all I know is that I nearly died before Sheva healed me.''''


    ''''Are you continuing diving?'''' Reed asked with a curious glint in his yellow eyes.


    Atlas had to look up at the man before replying, ''''Yes. I feel better now and will drink a stamina potion to boost me during my travels through the next floors.''''


    Sheva looked concerned as she spoke up, ''''Why don''t we let him join us?''''


    ''''That''s a bad idea. I work better solo in dungeons,'''' Atlas retorted.


    The elf couple laughed before Reed spoke, ''''It''s our responsibility to look after our fellow adventurers,'''' he said to the group before glancing at him, ''''Join us for now. We plan to fight the next Sub-Boss and could use your help.''''


    ''''Are you stupid, husband? He''s a young boy in a Level Three Dungeon. We should escort him to the entrance,'''' Sheva said while Nymeria and Elion nodded in agreement.


    Atlas looked offended as he declared while looking at the blonde woman, ''''Who are you to tell me where I can go? I got to here alone without any help until you appeared.''''


    The healer stepped forward and retorted, ''''Do you want to die Azhar''Zul? I can see you''re a battle junkie, but there will come a day when that won''t save you.''''


    ''''I won''t let fear stop me from completing this place,'''' Atlas declared with determination.


    Following that, he checked on his gear and realized his blades were missing, causing him to summon them with a thought before he sheathed them. Sheva looked torn, but Reed rallied the group to continue.


    While stepping onto the twenty-second floor, a bad feeling hit him as he felt the Chaos mana lingering. This time, it was a sparse woodland stretching in all directions with an eerie fog settling over the landscape, causing him to raise his hand and warn the four adults, ''''I would go back, or there''s a chance that you will die on one of the lower floors.''''


    ''''What do you mean! Explain?'''' the brown-haired Reed demanded.


    ''''An outside force infects the dungeon and makes the monsters inside stronger than their regular selves,'''' Atlas answered as he sensed some enemies nearby.


    Following that, he spotted several spells flying in their direction before cutting them down while casting Void Infusion on his blades, which sliced through the magic. Atlas retaliated by casting Void Barrage at the monsters.


    Explosions rang out as some Bugbears rushed in, but the Sundawn Party jumped into the fray. Reed used a giant shield to block a monster swing as their scout and mage started to attack while Sheva kept an eye on the battle.


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    Atlas quickly killed many Bugbears while deflecting their attacks before blasting them with his void magic that wiped the creatures out in a wave of azure flames. The older adventurers were shocked at his speed and skill.


    Soon, the fight ended, and Atlas collected ten red cores and the loot while leaving the rest for the adults. While waiting for them to collect it, Sheva approached with an apologetic expression as she spoke, ''''I''m sorry for doubting you. My father used to say don''t just scroll by the outside but what''s inside, and I failed.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about it. I would react the same if I found a crazy boy on the twentieth floor of a Level Three Dungeon,'''' Atlas said before noticing more monsters rushing toward them.


    But this time, it was something new, and Atlas felt excitement. With a grin, he turned to his comrades. "Tell the others¡ªwe''ve got more company."


    Without waiting for a response, Atlas sprinted toward the approaching horde as his swords gleamed due to the magic flying all over the sudden battlefield. As the shapes became more apparent, his pulse quickened while thinking with a big smile. ''Wild Orcs.''


    His blade flashed, cleaving through the first, its body collapsing with a heavy thud as he pressed forward, eyes already locking on his next target.


    With a flick of his wrist, Atlas hurled a Void Bomb into the thick of the orcs. It detonated in a burst of fiery energy, consuming the creatures in an inferno that scorched everything in its path.


    ''Look at them burn!'' he internally celebrated.


    The Sundawn party surged forward. Reed led the charge, his massive sword cleaving through the ranks of Wild Orcs with raw, unstoppable power. Beside him, Sheva unleashed radiant bursts of light magic, each spell searing the enemy with divine energy.


    Nymeria, standing slightly behind, began weaving intricate incantations, her hands glowing with mana. From a distance, Elion moved with precision, losing arrows that found their marks with deadly accuracy, every shot killing an orc before they could get too close.


    Then, Atlas spotted something that caused his jaw to drop as a massive lion appeared. When he saw this monster, he looked at the adventurers, who were unaware of the newcomer.


    ''Dammit, why do I always find myself in these situations,'' he thought before summoning Kara and another Death Gorilla.


    "Take the four adults to the dungeon entrance and return," he ordered, and the monsters obeyed without hesitation.


    He watched as the two towering gorillas effortlessly scooped up the adventurers. Turning to them, Atlas reassured, "It''s too dangerous for you now. These are my tames¡ªthey''ll guide you to safety."


    As Atlas stepped forward, his gaze locked on the approaching lion, the adventurers stared in disbelief. With a final glance at them, he added, "Tell the guards to seal the fortress. Chaos has arrived in the Dawnstar Empire."


    ''''Don''t be stupid, Azhar''Zul,'''' Sheva struggled as Kara held her. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without a word, Atlas surged forward, meeting the lunging lion head-on. He cast Void Guard, a shimmering barrier that forced the beast to crash into it with force. That''s when the monster staggered, dazed by the impact.


    Seizing the opportunity, Atlas drove Nightblade deep into the creature''s skull, ending the fight in one swift, lethal strike. More lions pounced from the underbrush, and now he could get a good look at them.


    They were double the size of ones on Earth and had black fur that hid them in the dark woodlands. Atlas locked eyes with one before it could strike and noticed the intelligence behind them.


    ''Are these monsters smart?'' he thought before dodging a swipe but had to cast Void Blast to defend himself against another.


    The monster crashed into the azure shield just as Atlas cast a Void Lance at its head, causing it to explode into bits. Following that, he quickly scanned one of the monsters circling him.


    [Dreadmaw Lion]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Pack hunters! Take out the group leader, and the rest will flee]


    After reading the advice, Atlas scanned his surroundings, searching for the lion that might be leading the pack. But there was no sign of it. Instead, what he did notice sent a chill down his spine¡ªthe two dozen massive monsters now encircling him.


    The hair on the back of his neck bristled as he realized the gravity of the situation, causing him to think with a growing smile, ''This is going to be annoying.''


    As the first lion lunged, Atlas sidestepped while casting Void Blast into its body. The explosion illuminated the woodlands like fireworks, signaling the eruption of chaos. Monsters swarmed him from all sides, their attacks relentless.


    Atlas evaded the onslaught of strikes, but a towering beast''s iron grip closed around him, threatening to crush him whole. Panic flared instantly, and he steeled himself before driving his blade deep into the creature''s eye.


    He quickly cast Void Step, vanishing in a blur of darkness just before the monstrous corpse thudded to the ground.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 170: I Feel Much Better

    Atlas continued fighting the Dreadmaw Lions and used his superior speed against them. The enraged monsters became sloppy in their attacks, allowing him to use Void Blast to hurt them with its volatile magic, but it wasn''t stopping all of them.''This isn''t working; let''s try something else,'' Atlas thought confidently while killing a monster as he felt the blade into its skull.


    Afterward, he dodged several swipes before attacking the monster''s face by thrusting Nightblade and Deepforge through their skulls, killing the lions in one attack. Once the battle was over, five blue cores lay on the ground next to a few gold coins as smoke from his spells billowed everywhere.


    ''''There we go, all dead to my swords,'''' he muttered while preparing himself for more by drinking a stamina and mana potion.


    Atlas continued along the twenty-second floor while fighting Wild Orcs and more Dreadmaw Lions. The woodlands stretched in all different directions, and he noticed a large lake in the distance.


    He sat on a fallen tree, scanning the landscape and catching his breath, not seeing any monsters roaming around. As his gaze fell on the dark lake, Atlas started thinking, ''I bet there''s some sort of nightmarish monster hiding there.''


    Everything looked creepy as a faint light came from above, casting shadows across the ground covered in a brush. As Atlas walked, he felt the atmosphere change as something evil washed through the dungeon.


    ''I know that feeling,'' he thought while glancing around.


    But halfway through, Atlas sensed the presence of Chaos, which put him on edge, and he summoned his helmet. Soon enough, he came across a group of strange wolf-cross hyena-looking monsters that were hunting some Wild Orcs.


    He shook his head before using Void Sight on them to find out what they were.


    [Savage Wargs]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Don''t let them bite you, or the Chaos Taint will affect you]


    Atlas nodded at the advice. Just as the Wargs spotted him, their creepy yellow eyes glowed with malice. The monsters started rushing toward him while letting out cackles and weird laughs that spooked him.


    ''What the fuck is it with these creepy monsters!'' he internally complained before casting Void Bomb that sliced through the air and connected with the closest creature.


    A massive explosion sent the monsters flying, allowing Atlas to rush around the battlefield like a jackrabbit, casting Void Bullets and Void Arrows into the Warg''s heads as they tried to get up.


    Ten minutes later, seven blue cores lay on the ground, which he quickly collected as more Savage Wargs appeared, causing Atlas to cast Void Guard to defend himself from the sudden attack.


    The monster slammed into the azure shield as he cast Void Lance through its body, taking out many behind it before the projectiles exploded. After that, Atlas continued slashing and stabbing the creatures after using Void Infusion on the blades.


    Thirty minutes later, all the Savage Wargs were dead, and he had earned a lot of cores, gold coins, and potions that littered the woodland ground. Atlas collected everything before traveling through the dungeon until reaching floor twenty-eight, where he met his new enemy.


    ''Dammit, they are chaos touched as well,'' he thought while studying the creatures.


    Atlas was looking at a Hobgoblin camp with at least one hundred monsters roaming around. He crouched down while coming up with a plan and remembered the Landsharks from the Shattered Chasm Dungeon.


    ''I will use them to surprise attack the Hobgoblins before launching my magic at them while they''re confused,'' he planned his next attack with a grin.


    While resting in the bush, Atlas used Void Sight on the monsters to see what advice the system would offer.


    [Hobgoblins]


    [Chaos Worshippers]


    [Rank: B - 500 Exp]


    [Be very careful with these monsters; they are bright, and some of them are much stronger than you]


    ''Interesting,'' Atlas mused before adding another phase to his plan. ''Ten Landshark then bring out Big Momma to deal with the survivors alongside me.''


    With a focused breath, Atlas activated Dungeon Conqueror, summoning the Landsharks. The massive, hippo-sized beasts materialized around him, their odd, almost endearing chirps a strange contrast to their formidable appearance¡ªarmored bodies and rows of razor-sharp teeth.


    Despite their fearsome looks, there was something friendly about them, a bond that felt more profound than summons or battle tools. A warm smile tugged at Atlas'' lips as he stroked one of the Landsharks. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The creature leaned into his touch, letting out a contented rumble that made Atlas realize they were loyal companions. He looked at them, then pointed at the Hobgoblin camp, saying, ''''We will ambush them for below.''


    All the Landsharks nodded their big heads in agreement. Shortly after, the monsters dived into the ground while one waited for him to climb on its back.


    Atlas wasted no time. He cast Void Guard, encasing himself in a shimmering barrier as the ground quaked beneath him. The Landshark plunged violently into the earth, heading straight for the unsuspecting Hobgoblin camp.


    The monsters, oblivious to the impending doom, were caught off guard as the Landsharks erupted from the ground, their terrifying jaws slicing through the Hobgoblins with unrelenting fury.


    As chaos erupted, Atlas leaped into action. With a fierce battle cry, he activated Call of the Void. The air crackled with energy as a swirling portal tore open, and from its depths, the Void Bear Queen emerged with an earth-shattering roar that shook the very ground.


    She surged forward while radiating raw power. The massive black bear quickly tore through the monsters as Atlas joined the fray while riding a Landshark and casting dozens of Void Bullets, Lances, and Blasts.


    Explosions erupted across the camp, sending shockwaves of chaos as his monstrous legion clashed fiercely with the Hobgoblins. With a thunderous roar, Atlas soared from the back of a great shark, his descent a blur of fury and purpose.


    His blade found its mark as he landed on the monster''s chest, driving through the Shaman''s face with an excited smile. In the same breath, he unleashed the Void Wave, a dark tide of energy surging forth to obliterate all in its path.


    The azure wave rushed out of him and slammed into the surrounding monsters as the Queen battled with the leader, successfully tearing its armor apart. Atlas saw this and dashed toward the beast while sliding under a swipe and ducking to the side as a Hobgoblin swung a rusted axe at his head.


    Atlas ducked before casting Void Barrage, which peppered the monsters and others around it. He smiled when he saw this before joining the Void Queen Bear, who had just killed the Hobgoblin Leader by biting off its head.


    He watched as the bear popped the monster''s head like a watermelon, causing blood and brain to fly all over the place as a group killed the last Landshark. When Atlas saw this, he cast several Void Bombs into the remaining groups as the bear hugged him for protection.


    The twentieth-ninth floor erupted as the flames wiped out the Hobgoblins, leaving behind the cores, coins, and potions. Atlas was freed from the Void Bear hug once he dismissed her back to the Void Realm.


    After that, Atlas collected thirty Monster Cores before resting on the ground due to exhaustion taking over his body. He slumped down in a small cave under a tree as Dreadmaw Lions and Savage Wargs appeared.


    ''I''m exhausted and need to rest for a while.''


    From his hidden vantage point, Atlas watched as the dungeon creatures scoured the area in a frenzy, desperately trying to track him down. But his concealment was perfect, keeping him safe from their searching eyes.


    Taking a moment to recover, he quietly pulled out a Griffin Meat Box and began eating, savoring the meal as the chaotic beasts rampaged through the dungeon, unaware of his presence.


    ''Looks like the monsters are pissed off,'' he thought with a tired smile.


    Despite their frantic attempts, they couldn''t find him, leaving Atlas with a quiet moment of peace amid the chaos. While eating, he felt his energy slowly returning before wrapping the Enchanted Cloak around himself.


    Afterward, Atlas got comfortable and soon fell asleep as a dungeon storm started. This one was much worse due to the chaos infecting the palace. The following day, he woke up feeling refreshed.


    ''I feel much better now,'' he mused, stretching his arms.


    He shook his head and climbed out of his cave, determined to press on. As Atlas made his way through the dense woodlands of the following floors, the familiar sounds of battle filled the air while he killed many monsters on his journey.


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    The monsters were the same as before, allowing him to cut through them quickly. He noticed the endless woods but pushed forward, knowing a Sub-Boss was incoming. This excited him because he was leveling up and becoming stronger.


    Then, Atlas reached floor thirty and noticed a rolling grassland stretching in all directions until he saw a large arena resembling the coliseum, causing him to think, ''I wonder what monster will appear.''


    Once he stepped onto the dark stone, the arena trapped him inside as the gate opposite opened. Shortly after, Atlas heard loud footsteps approaching from the entrance, making him excitedly grin.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 171: Deathglade Gem

    While watching the entrance, Atlas saw a massive Hobgoblin appear with glowing red eyes and the same chaos mana roaming its body. It wore metal armor while using a giant greatsword, which looked rusty and put together with sellotape. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Atlas chuckled out his comparison before shaking his head and scanning the monster using Void Sight.


    [Hobgoblin Warrior King]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Use your speed boy]


    [Sub-Boss: 2/4]


    ''This is going to be fun,'' he thought while readying his blades as adrenaline surged through his veins.


    It stood at ten feet and was built like a tank, but that didn''t bother Atlas as he flung a few Void Lances at the monster. The Hobgoblin Warrior blocked the magic using his sword to cut through it before rushing toward him.


    ''Here we go, let''s use its size against it.''


    Atlas smiled before throwing a Void Bomb at it. The creature tried to sidestep it, but it was too late. The projectile slammed into the monster''s chest, causing it to erupt and stumble back.


    ''Now to strike while it''s confused,'' Atlas took this opportunity before dashing toward the Hobgoblin Warrior, using Void Step to appear on the monster''s back.


    He started striking at the exposed flesh, causing its blood to splash all over his body, ''Ewww, this stuff smells disgusting,'' he thought while cringing.


    Following that, he cast Void Bomb directly into the monster''s body before it exploded; Atlas cast Void Step to escape the shockwave that wiped out his opponent, leaving behind a purple core and a pile of gold coins.


    Atlas approached the pile, but a rumble deeper in the dungeon shook the ground, causing him to glance around. ''Maybe Chaos is making things harder, I bet I will start running into them soon.''


    He collected the spoils and descended to the lower floors. However, upon arriving, he found the area eerily empty¡ªno monsters, no activity. Slipping on his True Sight Goggles, Atlas began scanning the surroundings for any hidden rooms or secrets that might be concealed.


    ''Nothing, but I''ll keep them on for now,'' Atlas mused before making his way through floors thirty-one to forty, a series of tunnels leading to the entrance to the next level. However, it was pitch black, causing him to cast Light.


    This lit up the passage, allowing Atlas to see the path forward. Thanks to the goggles, he saw a glow in the distance and headed toward it. His eyes gleamed with greed when noticing it was a secret door.


    ''Treasure?'' Atlas thought, but that''s when a wave of arrows peppered him.


    The sudden attack made him yelp as he countered with Void Bullets that peppered the newcomers, causing explosions to rip through the tunnel. Atlas quickly used Void Sight through the dust cloud to find out who these attackers were.


    [Chaos Follower]


    [Race: Tainted Human]


    [Level: 259]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    ''People!'' Atlas thought as his eyes widened. ''Now this is a surprise.''


    He quickly moved toward the men and ducked lower before swiping with both blades. The blades tore through the enemy''s armor as he took the enemies down, and they let out a yelp of surprise.


    ''I will capture one to question,'' he pondered while thinking about why they are here.


    Then, Atlas cast Void Wave, which sent the others crashing into the walls.''Time to move,'' he thought before rushing around the tunnel and finishing off the enemy efficiently due to the sudden attack.


    Atlas left one Chaos Follower alive after dealing with them all. He slowly approached the dying man and crouched before him while taking off his helmet, which shocked him, ''''You''re the Voidwalker!'''' he muttered.


    ''''Yes you''re right,'''' Atlas replied with a grin. ''''Now, why are you in this dungeon? And I''d advise you to tell the truth.''''


    The man shook his head, his smile widening, though it never quite reached his eyes. "I was hoping you''d say that," he said with a cold edge to his voice. "Now I get to put my new monsters to the test."


    With that, Atlas waved his hand and activated Dungeon Conquerer to summon a dozen Giant Leeches that lunged at the Chaos Follower, which made him smile as he spoke, ''''They will inject poison into your body that will keep you alive.''''


    Following that, he summoned Cave Weavers, who also started eating the man while he struggled and soon wanted to talk. Atlas ordered the monsters to back off, which they did as he spoke, ''''Now what are you doing in this dungeon?'''' Stay connected via M V L


    ''''We''re looking for the Deathglade Gem,'''' the Choas Follower answered in a strained voice. ''''The General wanted to present it to the king.''''


    Atlas nodded understanding before motioning to the monsters who pounced on the man and started eating him alive. He smiled at this before looting the dead followers before he approached the secret door.


    He pushed open the door and stepped into a small room, his gaze immediately drawn to a pedestal against the far wall. ''Is this what they''re after?'' Atlas wondered, moving further inside.


    On the pedestal rested a small chest perched on a red cushion. Curious, he approached and carefully lifted the lid, revealing what lay inside. There was a small piece of black metal that glowed with mana.


    ''What is this thing? It seems like treasure to me,'' he thought.


    His curiosity soared, causing Atlas to pick it up, and he used Void Sight to find out any information.


    [Darkmoor Metal: Let it touch your armor, and it will boost its defense while also allowing you to blend into your surroundings]


    Atlas was excited, but that''s when he heard another group of Chaos Followers heading down the tunnel. Without a second thought, he pushed the door closed and listened to the voices that appeared.


    "We need to find the Deathglade Gem, as it''s a vanquisher that the king detests," a woman''s domineering voice echoed.


    He grew curious, but a man spoke in a submissive voice, ''''We know the boy has one piece of the puzzle. There''s nine more, and the King''s Map we can find before him.''''


    When hearing the enemy''s words, Atlas remembered the ingot he found a while ago and pulled it out of the dark blue metal, which felt right in his hand. He put it back as the Chaos Followers passed by, sighing in relief as he put the Darkmoor Metal against his armor.


    A brilliant light flared as the ingot melded into Atlas''s armor, sending a surge of power through it, making him grin with satisfaction. He watched in awe as the armor seamlessly shifted its color to blend perfectly with the wall he leaned against.


    ''This is amazing,'' he mused with an excited smile. ''I will be able to kill a lot of Chaos Followers while hidden in the shadows.''


    Then, Atlas left the hidden room and stepped back into the tunnel before walking deeper into the dungeon. Glancing around, he saw nothing as he entered the forty-second floor, which wasn''t any more tunnels.


    ''Strange, are the followers clearing the dungeon?'' he thought while scanning the horizon and seeing tall mountains covered in an eerie mist.


    That''s when cold air brushed against his skin, causing him to put his helmet back on while glancing at the dead landscape. Following that, Atlas continued to travel across the grassland only to hear a roar in the distance.


    His head snapped in that direction, and he realized a battle was going on, causing him to summon Theo before jumping on his back. The Blood Bat King soared in the air until explosions and screams could be heard.


    Atlas spotted two dozen Chaos Followers attacking a massive mammoth-looking monster with long, shaggy brown fur and two vicious-looking tusks protruding from his face. He quickly noticed the creature was protecting a smaller one.


    When Atlas saw this, he grew curious and scanned them.


    [Mistwalker]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [One of the rare neutral Dungeon Monsters]


    ''Interesting,'' he thought before deciding to help the monsters.


    Then, Atlas ordered Theo to target the Chaos Followers with a screech to get the jump on them. The Dungeon Monster agreed with a chirp as he swooped down, allowing him a perfect shot at the attackers.


    He unleashed a Void Barrage, sending a storm of azure explosions cascading over the eerie humanoids. With a deft leap off Theo''s back, he employed Void Step to materialize directly in front of their leader.


    In a seamless motion, he slit the leader''s throat before casting a volley of Void Bullets at the remaining foes. Their high-pitched screeches filled the air as they clutched their ears in pain, allowing Atlas to eliminate the rest of the enemies swiftly.


    Thanks to his speed, magic, and weapons, the Chaos Followers stood no chance against his growing skill. Ten minutes later, Atlas stood before the giant Mistwalker, staring at him with a curious gleam in its yellow eyes.


    Following that, Theo dropped behind him, causing the mammoth-looking monster to back off, but Atlas spoke with a friendly smile, ''''I''m not here to hurt you. Hide until I kill them all.''''


    The Mistwalker''s trunk slowly approached him and nudged his body while making a happy noise.


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 Chapter 172: The Voidwalker Is Here

    Atlas watched as the Mistwalker nodded in gratitude before disappearing into the shadows with the smaller one in tow. Theo chirped softly, vanishing back into the Dungeon Realm. he pressed on until he emerged onto the next floor¡ªa vast arena.''Another Sub-Boss?'' he pondered.


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    Atlas pressed forward, his boots echoing on the cold stone floor, when suddenly, the familiar hum of Chaos Mana surged to life, sealing off the arena around him. His instincts flared with unease. Something''s wrong here, he thought, scanning the space warily.


    Without warning, the gate on the opposite side groaned open, releasing a swarm of humanoid creatures. They were grotesque¡ªgaunt, grey-skinned, with unnaturally elongated limbs.


    ''Another damn nightmare,'' he thought.


    Their movements were unsettling, jittery, and erratic as they scuttled forward on all fours. The sight of them sent a shiver down his spine; something about their unnatural, twitching motions made his skin crawl.


    ''The fuck are these horrible things!'' Atlas thought while readying his blades and deflecting the first swipe of the closest creatures.


    Sparks flew as the claws connected with his swords, but he was able to use Void Sight on the monster.


    [Chaos Nightbane]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Fight with all you''ve got, boy!]


    When Atlas saw this, he quickly cast Void Wave that sent the Nightbanes scrambling backward as the azure flames slammed against them¡ªfollowing that, he rushed forward before slashing through two creatures and blasting another with Void Blast.


    ''No matter how many of them I kill they keep returning,'' he pondered while casting Void Infusion on his weapons.


    More monsters surged forward, teeth bared and claws slashing wildly. Atlas deftly dodged their frenzied attacks, but a few managed to strike his armor, sending him stumbling backward.


    ''This isn''t working,'' Atlas thought while deflecting the Nightbanes claws aiming for his head.


    Gritting his teeth, he quickly gathered his focus and cast Void Bomb into the heart of the swarm. The explosion rippled through the arena, tearing apart the twisted creatures in a flash of dark energy.


    The brief pause in the onslaught gave Atlas the moment he needed. With a deep breath, he summoned Kara and a group of Death Gorillas. The beasts materialized beside him from the azure portal, their forms bristling with power as they prepared to charge.


    Atlas ordered them to attack, and they instantly did so as their giant fists quickly crushed the Nightbanes. He summoned some Void Raptors and Bears that helped the Death Gorillas thin out the numbers.


    ''This should help,'' Atlas thought while cutting down several Nightbanes that got close to him.


    While the monsters fought, he cast as many Void Bullets and Void Blasts as possible into the swarm of creatures, which caused dozens of them to be wiped out in a flurry of explosions that erupted across the battlefield.


    He was becoming high on the amount of experience he was getting, which shocked him. The battle continued for a few hours, causing Atlas to grow tired. His mana was low, and exhaustion quickly set in, thanks to the constant use of his magic.


    Kara let out a roar, and the gorillas circled as she scooped him into her arms. When Atlas was secured, she started running while the other monsters kept the horde of Chaos Nightbanes at bay.


    The Death Gorilla ran onto the next floors only to be met with more creatures tainted by the evil mana. Half an hour later, Atlas woke up after recovering enough mana to function. He quickly ordered her to stop and find a place for them to rest, which she did by climbing up a nearby mountain.


    His head spun, but it soon calmed down as Kara let him down on a ledge she climbed onto, ''Is chaos ruining this dungeon? There weren''t any regular monsters or the Sub-Boss,'' he thought.


    Atlas shrugged when he could not think of an answer before turning around and spotting a secret entrance on the side of the mount, which surprised him. He approached it and opened it only to see a small pedestal with an odd-looking gem.


    ''Is that what Chaos is after?'' he thought as he stepped into the room and saw two chests beside it.


    Without wasting more time, Atlas scanned the gem using Void Sight to determine if it was what he was looking for.


    [Deathglade Gem]


    [Rank: Artifact]


    [Level: 2]


    ''This is it,'' Atlas thought with an excited smile. ''That means I''ve got two pieces and need eight more. But I also have to go to Babylon City to get the map.''


    Following that, Kara spoke in his mind, ''I will stay outside, master, and keep watch while you rest.''


    ''Thanks, girl,'' he replied with a smile as he picked up the Deathglade Gem and stored it away so Chaos couldn''t find it.


    Once that was secured, Atlas looked at the chests and opened them to see a pile of gold coins and silver in the other. When he saw this, he got excited and started counting. Half an hour later, he counted four hundred gold coins and six hundred silver.


    ''I''m quickly becoming wealthy but I wonder how many dungeons have been affected by Chaos,'' he pondered. ''Hopefully not too many because I need the experience and monsters.''


    He got out his sleeping bag before placing it on the floor, got comfortable while pulling out a Griffin Meat Box, and started eating the hot meal that made him feel better.


    Once Atlas finished the food, he lay down and started falling asleep as a battle erupted outside. This caused him to worry, but Kara''s voice sounded, ''I''m leading them away, Master. The Chaos Monsters was hunting us.''


    ''Be careful, Kara,'' he replied in a worried tone.


    The Death Gorilla never answered, but Atlas still fell asleep due to the exhaustion that overwhelmed him. When he woke up the following day, he sensed Kara was back in the Dungeon Realm.


    ''Maybe a monster got her?'' he mused while sitting up.


    Atlas felt refreshed and was about to rise when his stomach growled in protest. Realizing he was still hungry, he reached for a Forest Boar Meat Box and devoured its contents quickly, satisfying his immediate hunger but still craving more.


    Determined to recharge fully, Atlas pulled out a Dragon Meat Feast. He consumed it with gusto, and the hearty meal left him feeling better; following that, he left the hidden room and noticed the battle scars littering the mountain ledge.


    ''Who was Kara fighting?'' Atlas thought while making his way down to the ground below.


    When reaching the quiet dungeon floor, he wondered where the Chaos Followers were but readied himself. Atlas continued traveling but encountered no monsters apart from a pack of Dreadmaw Lions.


    They tried to attack him only to end up dead, thanks to his skill and magic, which blew them away. After that, Atlas continued until reaching the stairs down, and when stepping onto the next floor, he encountered the same.


    By the time Atlas reached the seventy-first floor, no monsters annoyed him. Soon enough, he found Chaos Followers creeping through the forests in large groups, causing him to smile before he started hunting them.


    He rushed through the underbrush and approached the first group of five followers. Atlas readied his blades before casting Void Step to appear in the center of the surprised men and women.


    Atlas chuckled as he started attacking them, which caught the enemy off guard. He plunged his blade through one man''s chest while blasting another with Void Blast, sending the follower crashing into the ones behind.


    ''Let''s take them out to annoy whoever is in charge,'' he thought excitedly, attacking more Chaos Followers.


    His blades sliced through their armor while his magic took out other enemies. The azure flames washed over them. It took Atlas ten minutes to deal with the five while ensuring no one heard his ambush.


    Atlas continued sneaking through the woods until coming across their camp, which was set up. Without meaning to, he found the person leading the Chaos Followers. He was walking toward a farm outside the fortifications.


    Without a second thought, Atlas began tracking the man, puzzled by the lack of visible guards. ''Why isn''t he being protected?'' he wondered.


    As the leader moved further away, Atlas seized the opportunity. He launched several Void Arrows, their deadly precision slicing through the air. The man''s shock was palpable as he barely had time to react.


    Seizing the opportunity, Atlas used Void Step to close the distance instantly, his blade driving through the man''s head. Blood splattered the ground behind him before he cast a Void barrage at the other followers.


    ''''The Voidwalker is here!'''' a voice shouted, causing Atlas to smile. He knew there would be more to kill.


    He started killing the injured followers as hundreds encircled him while looking at him like they had found a long-lost prize. Atlas removed his helmet, allowing them to see his white hair and azure eyes, confirming their suspicions. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That''s when a tall humanoid stepped forward with a limp, causing Atlas''s eyes to narrow while he prepared to fight it. The creature spoke harshly, ''''The king will award me for this unexpected prize.''''


    Atlas chuckled while he watched even more Chaos Followers surround him. This only caused his excitement to grow.


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 Chapter 173: Enough

    "The predicament you''re in, Voidwalker, is no laughing matter," the Chaos Being said, its voice dripping with menace. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Atlas looked closer and realized the creature resembled a wendigo but with a more unsettling vitality. Its skin was a ghostly white, marred by dark veins that snaked up its arms, culminating in claws that seemed sharp enough to tear him to shreds.


    The creature''s grotesque features sent a shiver down Atlas''s spine, but he forced himself to stay resolute. As he braced for the impending clash, a single thought cut through his resolve: ''This thing looks dangerous.''


    With a casual shrug that belied his inner tension, he activated Void Sight to gauge the creature''s strength.


    [Chaos Commander]


    [Level: 445] Experience tales at M V L


    [Rank: Master]


    [Run, foolish boy]


    ''No,'' Atlas declared. ''I will kill this fucker and grow stronger.''


    Without thinking, he slung three Void Bombs, followed by Void Lances, as the creature sliced the air, leaving behind trails of mana. The Chaos Commander dodged the spells, but the followers encircling him were torn apart in roaring azure flames.


    ''If I can''t hit you, I will kill the others,'' he thought with a smirk while sensing something. ''Here we go.''


    Atlas quickly raised his blades to defend himself as the being attacked him so fast despite the fact he was quicker. It turned into a contest of speed versus power as he dodged many strikes; the rank difference was noticeable, but he wasn''t bothered by it.


    The Chaos Commander was surprised that Atlas was proactively attacking without giving him a chance to counter. He ducked to one side before using Void Step to vanish and strike at the being''s back, causing it to stumble forward.


    ''Let''s see you combat this fucker,'' Atlas thought before he quickly cast Void Barrage that peppered the creatures.


    Explosions roared with explosive fury, tearing through the seventy-first floor as it quaked under immense force. Amidst the chaos, he summoned Medusa, who emerged from a swirling portal with a thunderous crash.


    She obliterated the Chaos Followers with relentless fury, her serpentine maw devouring those who dared to stand in her path. Witnessing the destruction, Atlas let out a booming laugh, his eyes ablaze with battle fervor.


    He charged at the Chaos Commander, a menacing figure wielding twin blades. As the commander swung, Atlas met the assault head-on with Deepforge, the clash of their weapons reverberating through the air.


    The second blade struck, but Atlas deflected it effortlessly with Void Guard, then unleashed a blistering Void Wave that surged forward like a tidal force. The chaos being staggered, overwhelmed by the relentless onslaught.


    Atlas''s strikes came in a ruthless storm, and his movements blurred into a whirlwind of afterimages. Each blow landed with crushing strength, leaving the chaos commander reeling as it started bleeding.


    ''''Let''s see how you handle this,'''' Atlas muttered, his voice barely audible over the sounds of the battle around them.


    Atlas activated Void Step, vanishing from sight in a streak of azure. The Chaos Commander''s head snapped around, its eyes narrowing as it tried to track the sudden disappearance, but the creature couldn''t find him.


    Before it could react, Atlas reappeared behind the Commander, his blades arcing the air with deadly precision while infused with the power of the Void. The being roared in surprise as his swords sliced through the air, scoring deep, glowing gashes across its back.


    Each cut was accurate and aimed at weakening the creature''s formidable defenses. The beast staggered, dark tendrils of energy writhing from the wounds. ''''You''re too slow,'''' Atlas taunted, his voice echoing in the Chaos Commander''s ears.


    The creature whirled around with surprising speed, its claws slashing through the space where he had been just a moment before. But Atlas was already moving again; he darted in and out of its reach, his blades flashing in a relentless barrage of strikes.


    ''''Enough!'''' it roared while using some powerful magic that Atlas felt.


    It caused him to back off while casting ten Void Bombs at the Chaos Commander while Medusa picked him up to clear the area. Atlas wasn''t done, and it was peppered with Void Bullets and Arrows, just an explosion that ripped through the dungeon.


    The Death Serpent wrapped its elongated body around him to shield him from the shockwave heading their way. Atlas cast Void Guard over them, which didn''t help much but blunted some of the damage.


    They were hurled through the air, but Atlas landed gracefully on his feet. His senses, sharpened by the Void, warned him of incoming spells. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his Void Infusion allowing him to slice through the magic.


    ''I love this spell,'' he thought with a smile. ''It makes fighting stronger enemies a little bit easier.''


    Atlas blocked the spells so quickly that the Chaos Commander was momentarily disoriented. He seized the opportunity and hurled Deepforge at the creature''s head as a distraction. The being tried to evade, but he used Void Step and reappeared behind it to drive his blades through its back.


    ''''Got you fucker!'''' he said with a smirk.


    The creature''s surprise turned to shock as it realized that Atlas had summoned the blade he had thrown and used it to impale it. He leaned in and whispered in a voice full of malice, ''''One day, I will kill the Chaos King and vanquish all of you vile creatures to the void for me to eat for eternity.''''


    Then, Atlas cut the being''s head off with a mighty swing. The Chaos Commander''s body dropped to the ground with a thud while the experience poured into him. Medusa rushed after the fleeing followers and ate them without much effort.


    After the battle, Atlas and Medusa hunted the other Chaos Followers in the dungeon until they reached the boss. He was standing on the Death Serpent''s head as her voice sounded in his mind, ''Somethings wrong master. The mana feels strange.''


    ''''Yes, Chaos has defiled the dungeon, and I''m here to clean it up,'''' Atlas replied with a determined smile. ''''Once we defeat the boss, it will return to normal, and I will get more monsters to use in battle.''''


    Following that, the duo entered a massive arena, its towering walls sealing them in as the dungeon prevented any chance of escape. Atlas leaped off Medusa''s head, landing with a graceful thud as a sinister voice echoed through the chamber.


    "Little Voidwalker thinks he can fight me? Hilarious," the voice mocked, dripping with malice.


    Atlas''s head snapped toward the source of the booming voice. His eyes widened in shock as he saw a towering figure¡ª''a giant!'' he thought, his pulse quickening while scanning the incoming monster.


    [Hill Giant]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Are you fucking stupid! Don''t you dare!]


    ''Go away, this is my fight, and I won''t be backing away as I''ve grown stronger over the last couple weeks,'' Atlas replied to the advice while readying his blades as he watched the monster.


    It stood over twenty feet tall, resembling a grotesque version of a human. It had a single, enormous eye that glowed with Chaos Mana, and its body was built like a mountain, rippling with bulging muscles.


    A massive sword rested in its hand, and though it wore shabby, ill-fitting, and worn armor, its sheer size and power made him wary, but Atlas pushed that aside and pointed Nightblade at the monster before declaring, ''''You will die here and will become my minon, now shut up and fight!''''


    Following that, Atlas cast several Void Lances while sprinting toward the monster. Medusa joined him and roared before lunging at the Hill Giant and tangling its legs, which brought the brute crashing to the ground.


    ''Nice one Medusa! Keep it up girl!'' Atlas dodged this using Void Step to appear mid-air before falling toward the monster''s head, but it protected it with its hand as he stabbed down.


    The Giant flung him away so it could deal with the Death Serpent. When Atlas saw this, he activated Call of The Void and summoned Big Momma, who crashed into the Hill Giant''s face as she heard a fierce roar.


    While the monsters were fighting, he used Void Arrows and Bullets to weaken their legs. But that''s when smaller giants appeared, causing Atlas to turn his attention before summoning a pack of Savage Void Bears and Void Warrior Raptors that tore through the enemy.


    Atlas turned his attention back to the Hill Giant and used Void Step to appear above and cast Void Lance but pumped the rest of his mana into it, causing it to triple in size before he sent it flying toward the monster''s head.


    The azure projectile shot from Atlas''s hand with such force that it tore through the air, creating a loud sonic boom. As he descended from his leap, he summoned Theo, who appeared with a piercing screech, catching him mid-air.


    Hovering with powerful wingbeats, Theo held him steady just as the spell struck the giant''s shoulder. The impact was catastrophic as it exploded in a burst of azure light, and a torrent of dark blood splattered across the arena as the massive limb was blown clean off.


    The giant let out a thunderous roar of agony, staggering from the force of the blast. Theo descends as Atlas exclaims with amusement, ''''I did say you will die here and become my minion chaos scum. Now stay still and let me finish the job.''''


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 Chapter 174: This Is Beautiful

    Atlas watched the Hill Giant roar as it raised its remaining arm, which held its club. He quickly cast Void Lance, which slammed against the monster''s elbow, causing it to drop the weapon and crash to the ground.''Here we go,'' he thought with an excited smile. ''I can end this fight now,''


    After that, he ordered Medusa and Theo to attack the boss. He blew away the smaller giants with his azure flames that tried to get in his way and scanned a surviving monster using Void Sight to determine the rank.


    [Giant Warrior]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Use your speed and speed]


    Atlas took a deep breath, his senses sharpened as he processed the advice. Without hesitation, he dashed forward, his twin blades humming with the deadly energy of Void Infusion.


    Each step was a blur as he tore through the ranks of the Giant Warriors, slicing effortlessly through flesh and bone as if they were mere paper.


    The hulking boss roared in frustration, its massive foot crashing down toward Atlas. But with a flicker of movement, he vanished, using Void Step to reappear just out of reach. He landed gracefully, barely a heartbeat, before charging his swords with Void Bullet.


    ''Nearly ready now.''


    Without slowing down, Atlas sprinted toward the boss''s remaining arm as it swung in a desperate attempt to crush him. He darted between the strikes with a determined gleam in his eyes as he closed in for the final blow.


    As the Hill Giant attacked again, Atlas moved with calculated precision. He hurled both swords at the beast''s head, each blade slicing through thick flesh before detonating in an explosion.


    The massive creature stumbled back, dazed but still standing. Atlas''s eyes narrowed as he whispered, "You''re dead now."


    Without wasting a second, he sprinted toward the injured giant, summoning his swords back into his hands with a flicker of energy. His focus was unwavering as he launched toward the creature''s eyes, narrowly avoiding a massive fist as it tried to swat him out of the air.


    He shifted mid-flight with a Void Blast, altering his trajectory to land on the giant''s arm. Atlas sprinted up the arm''s length, his feet barely touching the creature''s rough skin as he prepared for the final blow.


    ''Now lets show Chaos why they should fear me,'' he thought with an excited smile.


    Void energy crackled through his Nightblade, the power building with every step. With a fierce cry, he leaped toward the giant''s head, driving his blade deep into its skull. The Void Bomb detonated with a thunderous boom.


    The force sent Atlas flying through the air, but a screech rang out as Theo swooped down and caught him in his claws. Medusa burrowed underground, and the explosion wiped out all the Chaos Monsters.


    Once the explosion settled, Atlas retrieved 127 glowing purple cores, gold coins, and potions alongside a gold boss token, which caught his attention. He then scanned the token for any helpful information.


    [Blackthorne Hills Gold Boss Token ¨C Level Three Dungeon]


    ''My first gold token. At least I have proof I completed it,'' Atlas thought with a smile.


    While doing that, a man''s voice sounded in his mind,'' Dungeon Conquerer! You freed me from that vile Chaos, they nearly achieved in converting me to their side but thanks to your assistance I survived.''


    A portal opened, causing Atlas to step through it after dismissing his monsters. He appeared in front of the Dungeon Core, which he touched as the voice spoke again, ''It will be good to work with you. I hope I''m able to help you.''


    Atlas nodded as he connected with it and felt the Blackthorne Hills join the other in the Dungeon Ream. When that happened, the voice revealed, ''I will send you a list of the monsters available to you now, Master.''


    Confused, he shrugged while replying in a grateful tone, ''Thanks for the help.''


    Once he spoke, a portal opened nearby, leading to the dungeon entrance. Atlas stretched his arms before checking his status.


    [Level Up: 178¡ú179]


    [Experience: 1760/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 28950]


    [Health: 1616¡ú1728(200)]


    [Mana: 7388¡ú7576(1000)]


    [Strength: 1844¡ú2018(100)]


    [Stamina: 2232¡ú2480(250)]


    [Charisma: 706¡ú760]


    [Intelligence: 1514¡ú1594]


    [Core Points: 53420/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 22950]


    ''Its slowing down but I got a big boost to my attributes,'' he thought before stepping through the portal.


    Atlas reappeared at the entrance and entered the fort, only to see it destroyed. Corpses littered the ground, causing him to wonder, ''What happened here?''


    He glanced around, only to notice that claws made the wounds on the bodies while the footprints were humanoids. Then, Atlas left the fortress behind and saw black smoke billowing across the landscape.


    ''War maybe?'' he thought while glancing around.


    When Atlas saw that, he summoned Theo and climbed onto the monster''s back before it took off and started flying west. He looked below and noticed villages burning as a battle was going on.


    Soldiers in white armor were battling ones in black in a blood-filled field. When Atlas saw this, he wondered what had happened but soon ignored it as he saw a few more battlefields.


    Theo flew for a full day and still hadn''t crossed the Nivaria Continent engulfed in a brutal war. During their flight, Atlas noticed that the Dawnstar army was pushing the Shadowrealm invaders back.


    This made him laugh as it was a back-and-forth. Soon enough, the Blood Bat King said, ''I need to eat, Master. There is a mountain nearby that I will leave you before going to find food.''


    Atlas watched as the monster landed on a ledge isolated from the chaos below. He jumped off Theo''s back as the creature took off once again to hunt while he started setting up his tent and making a fire.


    ''This is peaceful. I do love times like this.''


    Once he finished setting everything up, which took ten minutes, Atlas shot a Void Blast, creating a roaring fire that lit up his ledge¡ªfollowing that, he pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Boc before eating while watching the landscape.


    He quickly noticed raging fires miles away, which caused him to think, ''Must be a city under siege. It''s shame I''m not close, I could of got a lot of experience.''


    Atlas shook his head and finished his meal. Theo crashed down while holding a dinosaur-looking monster that the bat started eating while resting. Once he was done eating, he crawled into the tent and sleeping bag.


    While lying there, Atlas summoned the Void Realm, his consciousness instantly shifting to the Level Three Plateau. The ground trembled as an army of Golems marched toward him, their heavy footsteps echoing.


    But this time, he was ready. With countless hours of practice behind him, Atlas effortlessly unleashed a barrage of Void Bombs and Void Bullets. The deadly energy tore through the advancing stone creatures, shattering them into dust.


    Atlas continued attacking before getting into a fight with several Void Warrior Golems that appeared from the swarm of monsters. He continued spamming magic that wiped away dozens of creatures in a tsunami of azure flames.


    After an hour of continuous fighting, the Void Golems appeared to slow down, allowing him to check on the monster''s total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 862637/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 491506/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99510/100000]


    Your next chapter is on M V L S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''It''s going down, but I wish the girls were here,'' Atlas mused. ''It would go down even faster with their help.''


    A dozen Warrior Golems and their Commanders charged toward him, their hulking forms closing on him fast. Atlas moved quickly, dodging the slow but crushing blows they aimed at him.


    With a sharp focus, he cast Void Infusion, his blades now crackling with dark energy as they sliced through solid stone like it was paper. One strike against a Golem Commander''s leg was all it took¡ªhis blade made contact, and the creature exploded into rubble.


    He followed up with a devastating Void Bomb, reducing the remnants to dust. Atlas kept up the relentless assault, combining swordplay with magic until his mana reserves were finally drained.


    Just as he was catching his breath, a stronger Golem caught him off guard, its massive fist slamming into him with bone-crushing force. Atlas was sent back to the real world with a yelp as he woke up in the tent.


    Once his head stopped spinning, he brought up the monster total to see how many he killed this time.


    [Void Golem ¨C 860013/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 491306/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99456/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    After the battle, Atlas reclined on his sleeping bag, gazing through the window in the tent''s wall. Despite the distant roar reverberating through the mountain, he remained unfazed, his exhaustion overtaking him.


    Soon, the rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing indicated that he had slipped into a deep, restful sleep. Theo''s cheerful chirp pierced his dreams the following morning, rousing Atlas from his slumber.


    Atlas stretched with a hearty yawn before crawling out of the tent, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He was greeted by a stunning blue sky stretching endlessly above. As he took in the serene morning, he spotted Theo perched by the edge, patiently waiting for him.


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 Chapter 175: Half Way There

    ''''We will go soon, boy,'''' Atlas spoke to the Blood Bat King. ''''I want to kill more Void Golems before moving on, as it''s a nice day.'''' S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Theo screeched as he dived off the mountain ledge and soared through the air, his voice echoing in Atlas''s head: '' I''m Going to get us breakfast, Master.''


    He nodded before sitting down and activating the Void Realm. After a few seconds, he reappeared on the same plateau he''d seen many times already, causing him to shake his head and complain, ''''Can''t wait to move on from this level.''''


    Just as Atlas muttered, the rumbling started, which prompted him to run while using a few Thunderclap Bombs that caused thunder to boom over the plateau and take out hundreds of golems.


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    Smiling at the results, he started flinging several Gravity Bombs at the monsters, which brought them crashing to the ground as Atlas finished them off using his Void Infusion-covered blades that sliced through the stone like butter.


    Atlas enjoyed this fight as the bombs were helping him out a lot, and he couldn''t believe he had forgotten about them. With a chuckle, he threw some of the Inferno ones into the crowd, exploded, and took out many Golems.


    While he was doing this, some Golem Warriors dashed toward him before throwing boulders in his direction. Atlas smiled when he saw this and cast Void Guard, which blocked the rubble as he cast Void Bomb into the stronger monsters.


    The explosion tore through Golem''s ranks, but Atlas still had to rush in and finish them off using Nightblade. His battle with the monsters continued to unfold as explosions erupted over the plateau.


    Atlas managed to kill enough that he noticed the Warrior Golems appearing even more, causing him to focus on them. He had to use Void Wave to get the rest of the monsters off him while fighting.


    He used Void Blast to propel himself into the air just as he cast a Void Bomb at the swarm, causing a mini nuclear blast that sent him tumbling into the sea below, ending his run in the strange world, and waking up on the ledge.


    ''Charging Void Bomb like that was crazy,'' he mused with a smile.


    Theo was there eating what looked like a water buffalo, which made Atlas chuckle as he pulled out a Griffin Meat Box before eating and checking the monster total, which interested him.


    [Void Golem ¨C 814576/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 481306/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99426/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Oh the Void Golems are dropping,'' Atlas thought. ''I''ll try lower it before moving on tomorrow. That should take out a big chunk of monsters.''


    Following that, he started eating while planning to use his bombs to aid him in the Void Realm. By the time he finished his food, he had spent the rest of the day fighting the army of Golems.


    Atlas was wiping out so many that he would only be beaten when running out of mana, and a Warrior Golem caught him off guard. When returning to reality, he kept fighting the monsters to bring down the numbers while growing stronger.


    After two days of relentless combat, Atlas grew weary of the unending battles and longed for a respite. Bored with the monotonous skirmishes, he took a break while checking the tally of monsters he still needed to defeat.


    [Void Golem ¨C 678976/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 450101/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99226/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Nearly half way there,'' Atlas internally celebrated before looking at Theo, ''''Ready to head west, boy?''''


    The giant bat chirped in response, causing him to pack up the tent and climb onto the monster''s back before it jumped off the ledge, opened its enormous wings and soared across the sky.


    Atlas held on while looking over as the chaotic landscape was getting worse. They flew over several battlefields as the Shadowrealm soldiers were winning the war. Still, he only got involved when he spotted a family being preyed upon by them.


    He used Void Bullets to take them out while Theos started eating them, which shocked the family, but when Atlas put down the other soldiers before looting their corpses and handing a pouch of coins to the father.


    The older man and woman thanked him for helping before he got back to flying, and the closer they got to the border, he noticed the chaos was less prominent as the Greenskin Confederations warcraft patrolled the skies while bombarding the Shadowrealm soldiers.


    Atlas noticed they were avoiding the Dawnstar people, which confused him. Soon enough, as they crossed a mountain range, one of the warcraft targeted them, causing Theo to fly even faster.


    ''Oh shit,'' he thought. ''Theo, go faster.''


    The monster created a sonic boom as it dived into the peaks, and the federation craft started firing its mana cannons at them. He glanced back and cast Void Guard around them just as one of the shells slammed into it.


    ''''Hang on, Theo!'''' Atlas roared. He conjured Void Bullets, sending a stream of glowing projectiles back toward their pursuer. The shots exploded against the warcraft''s armor, leaving smoldering scars but failing to slow its relentless pursuit.


    Theo twisted and turned, banking sharply to dodge the incoming shells. The warcraft adjusted its trajectory, its engines roaring as it followed in a relentless chase. Atlas spotted a narrow canyon ahead¡ªa potential escape route.


    "Through the canyon, Theo! We can lose them in there!" Atlas pointed toward the narrow, jagged opening between two towering rock formations.


    Theo veered sharply, diving into the canyon''s mouth. The cramped space forced them to slow down, weaving through the tight turns and rocky outcrops. Atlas could hear the thunderous roar of the warcraft as it pursued them.


    Atlas pointed his Nightblade at the craft and was about to cast, but Theo chirped as he dived lower and was a few feet above the ground, allowing him to spot a cave the bat was heading for.


    ''A place to avoid the greenskins!'' he internally celebrated.


    When they got close, the warcraft pulled up after firing another wave of missiles. They entered the tunnel as explosions rang out and sent them tumbling out of the sky, but Theo wrapped its wings around him as they crashed into the muddy ground with a crash.


    He felt the jarring impact as the Bat King vanished back to the Dungeon Realm, leaving him in a dark swamp. Atlas shook his head and scanned the surroundings but saw nothing lurking around.


    ''Thank fuck for that,'' he thought before standing up.


    He could see the tunnel stretched far into the distance, thanks to his helmet. He looked behind and noticed the cave entrance collapsed due to the explosions, causing him to sigh before summoning the Dreadmaw Lion Queen, who let out an earthshaking roar.


    Atlas covered his ears before complaining, ''Don''t do that here! That hurts.''


    ''Oh, sorry, Master,'' A mature woman''s voice sounded in his mind. ''I wanted to show you how great I am.''


    He deadpanned at the monster before bonking it on the head and replying, ''Now any monster knows we''re here and can ambush us.''


    The lion angrily exclaimed, ''No one will ambush the great me!''


    ''''Oh shut up, will you,'''' Atlas said to the overdramatic monster. ''''Just let me ride you out of this place.''''


    Following that, he climbed onto the lion''s back before it started sprinting through the tunnel, and while doing that, Atlas noticed hundreds of monsters just under the water, which creeped him out.


    After the duo traveled for a while, the water became deeper, causing the lion to be more careful, but that wasn''t enough. An explosion erupted from below, and a monster started fighting with his creature.


    The Dreadmaw Lion went mad, but Atlas was thrown into the water only to be swamped by crab monsters. He quickly cast Void Wave and Step to get away from them before he spammed Void Blast into the horde.


    Atlas shook his head and scanned the newcomers as he readied to fight.


    [Swamp Crab]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Explosive magic!]


    ''I''ll just use Void Bullets and Bombs,'' he mused before casting the spells into the incoming creatures.


    Azure explosions erupted as the Dreadmaw Lion dispatched the monstrous, lobster-like creature. With a satisfied snarl, the lion turned to face its master. Atlas, ever vigilant, leaped onto the lion''s back with practiced ease.


    As he settled, the Dreadmaw Lion surged forward, its powerful limbs propelling them into a booming run. They traveled through the tunnel until reaching a dead end, which was an underground lake.


    ''Oh shit. There''s going to be something down there,'' Atlas thought while dismissing the lion and activating Aqua Lung.


    He stepped into the cold water while summoning Medusa, who crashed into the water while speaking, ''Good to see you, Master. I hope its peaceful from now on.''


    Atlas grabbed the giant serpent as she swam through the surprisingly clear water. He glanced around in case any monsters ambushed them, but Medusa quickly reassured him, ''Nothing resides here. They were killed a long time ago.''


    ''I wonder what did it,'' he replied while taking in the underwater world.


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 Chapter 176: The Butcher Of Bloodhaven

    Atlas and Medusa swam through the quiet underwater river that intrigued him. Ten minutes into their journey, they came across a massive skeleton stretching as far as his eyes could see.''What are these things?'' he mused while glancing at it.


    The bones were ancient-looking and massive, which surprised him because of their size. He thought, ''Was this place bigger in the past? No way this thing would fit down here.''


    Lights from the surrounding plants lit up the skeleton, which was covered in moss and home to many small creatures, ''This place is beautiful, but there''s a strange feeling lingering in the water,'' he thought while glancing around. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas stared at the colossal bones, unable to shake the feeling of insignificance, ''These are known to most races as the Underwater Gods, Master,'' the Death Serpent informed him. ''I believe they used to roam the Valoria when the previous master was alive.''


    ''Were they gods though? What made them so dangerous?'' Atlas asked, his gaze still fixed on the ancient bones.


    ''No but my parents said that most races see them as one due to their power and to answer your second question, yes, they were angry beings. Their descendants live in the seas between Zarandar and Aridonia. Much like their ancestors they are angry and attack the surface dwellers ships all the time,'' she answered.


    Atlas grew even more interested before asking, ''Have you met any of them?''


    Medusa replied while gazing at the dead monster, ''Yes but that was before I found myself in the dungeon. I was young and still with my parents when my father was killed by one causing us to flee.''


    Stay updated via M-V-L


    He felt bad for the monster, but it caused him to think, ''Fighting these sea gods will make me stronger. Though I do have to wait until I''m older.''


    Following that, the duo stopped speaking while Atlas cast Aqua Lung so he could breathe again, for which he was thankful. It took them about an hour to spot a light in the distance, which meant a way out.


    ''The exit!''


    Medusa continued swimming until stopping before leaving the water, but she warned, ''Monsters are up there, Master? Be careful when leaving.''


    Atlas gazed at the surface and wondered what was lurking above, causing him to think, ''What creatures will I be fighting once up there?''


    Before swimming up, he checked his status after fighting the Swamp Crabs back in the tunnel.


    [Level Up: 179¡ú181]


    [Experience: 760/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 9300]


    [Health: 1728¡ú1736(200)]


    [Mana: 7576¡ú7608(1000)]


    [Strength: 2018¡ú2022(100)]


    [Stamina: 2480¡ú2486(250)]


    [Charisma: 760¡ú764]


    [Intelligence: 1594¡ú1602]


    [Core Points: 59420/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 6200]


    [Void Infusion: 1¡ú2]


    ''Good, at least Void Infusion leveled up,'' Atlas commented before looking at Medusa, who was using her tail as a spring on the bottom of the river.


    He used Void Step to appear next to her and raised an eyebrow, asking, ''What are you doing?''


    Medusa''s head turned in his direction, and she answered, ''Climb on my back, and I will propel us out of the water so the ambushers won''t be able to hit us.''


    Atlas nodded before climbing on her back as he held on while sensing the monsters above setting up their attack. The Death Serpent shot out of the water just as a wave of spears and arrows tried hitting them.


    The duo moved too quickly, causing him to jump off while summoning Big Momma with an excited smile. Atlas, Medusa, and the Void Bear Queen would overwhelm the attacking monsters, tearing them apart.


    ''Take this surprise. She will deal with you,'' he thought with a growing smile.


    The giant bear fell out of an azure portal while roaring before crashing into a group of Wild Orcs and Goblins. Her vicious attacks turned many of the monsters into bloodmist. Atlas cast Void Veil, plunging the chamber into a dark blue shadow that swallowed the light.


    ''I''m starting to love this spell,'' he mused excitedly.


    The veil blinded all the monsters, leaving them disoriented, while Medusa and Big Momma, unaffected, continued their relentless assaults. As darkness enveloped the room, Atlas gracefully landed on the ground, drawing his twin blades in a fluid motion before charging forward, ready to strike.


    He slashed through several Wild Orcs and Goblins that covered the ground in blood, which made him smile, ''The weaker monsters are getting easier,'' Atlas thought, cutting down an enraged Wild Orc.


    When seeing this, Atlas quickly cast several Void Bullets into the swarm of monsters, causing them to go flying. Medusa crushed the remaining ones as he stopped after the last creature dropped dead.


    The ground was littered with fifty orange and one hundred black cores, which caused Atlas''s greed to soar. He went around collecting them while watching his surroundings. The Death Serpent closed in on him as he dismissed the Void Bear Queen back to the Void Realm.


    She stopped while watching him loot everything and asked curiously, ''Why are you collecting low-rank cores? They''re worthless, Master.''


    Atlas turned to her with a smile as he explained, ''Yes, but I can sell them whenever I need the coin, and my Dimensional Storage can hold millions of the things.''


    Medusa nodded her giant head before Atlas climbed on her back. She started traveling through the cave and eating any Wild Orcs or Goblins they encountered. An hour passed by, and he spotted a light in the distance.


    Atlas pointed at it and spoke to the Death Serpent, ''Head for that light, and it may be a way out of this horrible place.''''


    She agreed, and within five minutes, he was looking at a well as there was a large pool of fresh water below it. Atlas was about to use Void Step to get up there, but Medusa raised her body until he reached the bottom.


    He drove Nightblade into the stone wall before dismissing the monster and hanging there. Atlas drove Deepforge into it by climbing up using his blades. Soon enough, human bodies were dropping down the well.


    When they hit the tunnel ground, the monsters below snatched them up, ''What the fuck is this? Is there a battle happening?'' Atlas thought while glancing up.


    Without wasting any more time, he used the walls to spring back and forth, using Void Step to climb the well until hearing the sound of fighting. Atlas reached the top and soon noticed he was in a small village.


    ''Are the Shadowrealm Empire attacking?'' he thought.


    Atlas quickly surveyed the chaotic scene. The village was under siege by ruthless bandits while the desperate villagers struggled to defend themselves. Without hesitation, he darted into action, his twin blades flashing with deadly precision.


    Each strike was swift and decisive, sending the attackers tumbling to the ground, lifeless. His sudden intervention caught the bandits off guard, creating confusion among them. Sensing the shift in momentum, the remaining orcs and goblins seized the opportunity to attack.


    Within minutes, the tide had turned, and the bandits were being ruthlessly cut down. Just as the battle seemed to calm, a massive shadow loomed overhead. Atlas looked up to see an airship descending from the clouds, its cannons roaring to life.


    Explosions rocked the outskirts of the village as the airship bombarded the remaining bandits, obliterating any chance of their escape. Once the enemies were dealt with, the town turned on him.


    Atlas spotted a spear flying in his direction, causing him to cut it down while exclaiming angrily, ''''I was the one who helped you!''''


    The villagers didn''t listen as a large orc that was seven feet tall and was enraged, ''''A dirty elf! Kill him!''''


    He readied his blades before pleading with them, ''''Please don''t make me kill you all; I was only helping against the bandits.''''


    Following that, the orc and goblin warriors charged at him, forcing Atlas to fight back even if he didn''t want to. He deflected several slashes of a man''s sword before he spun around the opponent and sliced at his ankles.


    ''I''m sorry, but you gave me no choice.''


    The orc warrior dropped to the ground before Atlas stabbed into his skull, casting Void Guard to block the other attacks. He felt regret but wouldn''t let his life end to the villagers who kept charging at him.


    Atlas deflected a sword swing while casting a Void Bullet that slammed into the orc''s chest and sent him backward. With that, he lost his temper and started killing everyone that attacked.


    By the time the Confederation forces reached the village, Atlas had killed every living being as they all had tried to attack. He was covered in blood as the armored Hobgoblins surrounded him while they were ready to strike.


    ''Why force me to kill you people! Are they stupid?'' Atlas thought while enraged and noticed a large Hobgoblin approaching him.


    The man stopped and spoke in a tone full of malice, ''''Butcher of Brookhaven. You shall answer for your crimes in Goblintown.''''


    Atlas''s grin widened upon hearing the name they had given him. He swiftly drew his blades and invoked Void Step, reappearing directly before the Hobgoblin Commander. With a fierce punch to the man''s stomach, he sent the massive Hobgoblin crashing into his soldiers.


    Without missing a beat, Atlas lunged forward, driving Nightblade through the Commander''s skull. He then unleashed a Void Blast, sending another opponent flying and causing the soldier to crash into the others.


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 Chapter 177: Silvermoon City

    Chaos erupted as Atlas started fighting. The Confederation soldiers launched their assault, but he was faster than the Hobgoblin Warriors. At the same time, he was deflecting several attacks and using Void Wave to clear some space.''I need to get out of here before reinforcements appear.''


    As he did that, the Warcraft above started firing its cannons, causing explosions all over the village as more warriors appeared. Atlas looked at the flying craft before aiming Nightblade at it and casting Void Bomb, followed by several more that sliced through the air.


    The first projectiles whizzed past the Warcraft as it evaded them. However, one missile found its mark, detonating and shearing off one of the craft''s wings. The damage sent it spiraling uncontrollably, plummeting toward the ground below.


    While this happened, Atlas summoned the Dreadmaw Lion because it would be better due to the incoming enemy. The giant monster appeared and tried to speak but was shut up as he jumped on her back. ''''Run, or I will die!'''' he said.


    ''''Run? I will glide through the air!'''' the lion declared.


    Atlas shook his head as they started sprinting west toward the city where he was getting an aircraft to Aridonia. While running, he turned around and noticed the incoming Warcraft as they began to fire their cannons.


    The Dreadmaw Queen started sprinting away from the burning village as the Warcraft gave chase. She managed to dodge most of the attacks, but Atlas had to use Void Guard to deflect several strikes that would have taken them out.


    Following that, he spotted mountains in the distance and ordered the lion, concerned as more Warcraft joined the chase, ''''Head for the mountains! We will lose them in there.''''


    ''Yes Master,'' the monster replied.


    Atlas turned around and started casting Void Lances and Void Bombs at the pursuers; some were hit, but most managed to evade the spells. This gave them some leeway, but he didn''t stop spamming magic.


    The evening sky was lit in an azure glow that matched his eyes. Atlas noticed monsters closing in from the west, and these were giant wolves ridden by Hobgoblin Warriors, causing him to bring forth a pack of Dreadmaw Lions and Void Raptors.


    He pointed at the incoming enemies before ordering, ''''Take them all out! Make sure none live my monsters.''''


    When the creatures heard his command, the lions roared while the raptors chirped as they started charging. Atlas watched the two sides clash in an epic battle display as his monsters battled with their persuaders.


    ''That should hold them back,'' he thought with a smile.


    The Void Raptors danced around the battlefield while taking out the Hobgoblins as the Dreadmaw Lions ganged up on the wolves and tore them apart until an explosion wiped them out.


    Atlas''s eyes blazed with fury as more enemy airships darkened the sky. He clenched his fist, then called forth Theo, who emerged from a swirling portal with wings unfurled. As Atlas dismissed the Lion Queen with a brief command, Theo swooped down, effortlessly lifting him into the air.


    The bat''s voice rumbled with resolve as it asked, ''Shall we fight, Master?''


    ''Let''s wipe the Confederations ships out for attacking me, boy!'' Atlas exclaimed.


    Following that, Theo skillfully evaded every wave of cannon fire as he approached the first Warcraft. Atlas peppered the airship with a dozen Void Bullets that exploded on contact before casting Void Bomb at another.


    ''They will have to retreat or lose loads of airships due to chasing me,'' he mused excitedly.


    When the azure projectile connected with the craft, it exploded. Theo dived and landed on top of another before tearing the jet-fighter-looking airship apart as Atlas cast Void Lance at a bigger version.


    His magic tore through the metal, sending the craft plummeting toward the ground before crashing into a ball of flames. Afterward, the two continued attaching the Green Confederation until the Warcraft stopped appearing.


    ''Finally,'' Atlas let out a breath of relief. ''Now let''s get to Aridonia.''


    He quickly glanced down and noticed dozens of destroyed airships littering the landscape as torches headed toward the downed craft, causing him to think, ''Help has arrived.''


    Once Atlas saw that, he ordered Theo to soar toward a city named Silvermoon Port, where he would get an airship across the Drowned Maw Sea, which made him shiver when hearing the name.


    It took them twenty minutes to reach the hills outside the city, and their flight was peaceful, causing Atlas to recover the spent mana he used in the air battle. Theo quickly landed as Atlas noticed hundreds of Hobgoblin Warriors patrolling the walls and road.


    This scene caused him to smile and think as an idea came to mind, ''I can use Maskweaving to hide until I reach Aridonia.''


    Following that, Atlas dismissed Theo back to the Dungeon Realm before he activated his disguise spell to look like a goblin, which made him chuckle. Once that was done, he made his way to the road.


    ''They shouldn''t be able to find me unless someone very powerful appears,'' Atlas mused while climbing down the side of the hill. Explore more stories at M-V-L


    When he arrived, the surrounding orcs, hobgoblins, and goblins looked at him but couldn''t see through his spell. Afterward, Atlas started walking toward the city, where he had to pay one silver to enter.


    ''Wow this place is unique,'' he mused while looking at Silvermoon City.


    Towering walls of stone and iron encircled a vast network of buildings, each a mix of crude craftsmanship and surprising elegance. Fortresses rose high, their edges catching the moonlight, while Goblin workshops hummed with activity, steam rising from chimneys.


    Narrow, winding streets bustled with life, filled with Hobgoblins in armor, Goblins trading strange wares, and Orcs moving purposefully. What caught his eye most was the way everything blended.


    Despite the roughness, the city had a strange beauty¡ªvibrant and alive, proof that their unity was working. Tall spires jutted into the sky, decorated with different banners and totems, while bridges connected the city''s various sections.


    Atlas noticed the city was split into several sections by rivers that ran through the place, ''Let''s explore this place while looking for the airship hanger.''


    He started walking through the city and admired the stores and houses lined the street. Ten minutes later, a delicious aroma hit him, causing him to stop walking and glance around, only to see a stall with an old goblin woman serving people.


    ''Maybe I should stock up on food,'' Atlas pondered. ''I''ve got more then enough coins to buy anything I want.''


    Afterward, he approached the queue and waited until it was his turn. The older goblin woman smiled and commented, ''''Little one. What can I get for you?''''


    Atlas looked at the menu and noticed Horned Rabbit Kebabs, Wild Orc Tortillas, and Forest Chicken Wraps. He thought, ''Oh god, these sound good.''


    ''''Can I have fifty of the Kebabs, Tortillas, and Wraps?'''' he requested with an innocent smile.


    The old goblin woman laughed, ''''A greedy one, I see? That will be one gold and fifty silver,'''' she revealed the price.


    Atlas took out the coins and put them on the counter while answering, ''''I will wait for you to be done.''''


    Afterward, Atlas settled onto a nearby bench and pulled out the Body Tempering Guide. As he flipped through the worn pages, the instructions became clear: he needed to meditate, drawing mana into his core.


    From there, he would guide the energy through his body¡ªhis skin, bones, veins, mind, soul, and finally, his very essence. The process was complex, demanding intense focus and precise control over every bit of mana.


    Atlas discovered that he had to do it for every element, thanks to his being a Voidborn, which allowed him access to all of them. After that, he put the book away and waited for another half hour to watch the people go about their day.


    As he did that, the older goblin woman called him over and said, ''''Your order is ready, boy!''''


    He walked over and saw piles of food, the delicious smell of which made his stomach rumble. The stall owner commented in a chirpy voice when he saw him, ''''A few more orders, and I''ll be about to go home.''''


    ''''Thank you for everything,'''' Atlas said while storing the food away before continuing through Silvermoon City.


    After searching for a while, he couldn''t find the airport, so he had to ask a large Hobgoblin who was gossiping with his underlings, ''''It''s rumored the Butcher of Brookhaven is heading here. The council has dispatched the Mage Hunters to catch him.''''


    One of the smaller orcs replied, ''''Did he really butcher the village? My cousin was from the next town over.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he stopped to listen, which interested him. One of the goblins spoke, ''''Is it true he battled with the Warcraft Legion? A merchant told me at least twenty craft were destroyed.''''


    ''Seems word of my arrival has spread,'' Atlas internally chuckled as he approached the guards and spoke innocently, ''''Excuse me, sir. Could you tell me where the airport is, please? It''s my first time in Silvermoon City.''''


    The Hobgoblin commander turned around with a friendly smile while ruffling his hair. ''''Head south and look for the giant goblin statue. You won''t miss the airport; it''s easy to spot,'''' he said gruffly.


    Atlas nodded and thanked the man before heading south with a smile.


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 Chapter 178: This Is Impressive

    Atlas walked for a while until he spotted the massive airport in the distance. It surprised him because it looked like a small island in the middle of the city with dozens of blimp-like crafts lining the runways with a terminal on the side connected to the mainland by a large stone bridge.''That''s so cool,'' he thought.


    Orcs, goblins, and hobgoblins patrolled the area while mana cannons dot the island''s edge. Atlas was fascinated by the Confederation''s construction methods, which combined various styles to create the airport and surrounding buildings.


    ''It smells weird,'' Atlas thought while glancing around as something in the air caught his attention. ''Maybe some kind of fuel?''


    He approached the entrance only to spot a booth guarded by two hobgoblins, but that didn''t bother him as he approached it. When Atlas arrived, the goblin man behind the counter spoke in a fed-up voice, ''''How can I help you?''''


    ''''Are there any tickets for Aridonia?'''' Atlas inquired while taking out some gold coins.


    The clerk looked up with a curious expression before asking as he started hitting buttons, ''''Standard or First Class?''''


    ''''First Class please,'''' he replied.


    After a few taps, the goblin gave him a ticket, saying in a professional tone, ''''That would be five gold coins, please, young one, and it takes off first thing tomorrow morning.''''


    After paying and offering his thanks, Atlas swiftly decided to rent a room for the day while finishing Level Three. After a brief search, he wandered down a narrow side street and stumbled upon a place called The Gobbo''s Hole.


    The name made him chuckle, and with a grin, he stepped inside. Atlas saw a few humans alongside goblin women, but he ignored their odd looks while approaching the counter to book a room.


    He saw an orc standing behind it while cleaning a glass, ''''I''m Malakai; how can I help you, little goblin?'''' the man questioned with a friendly smile.


    Atlas nodded before speaking, ''''Can I get a room for the night?''''


    ''''Of course, twenty silver for one with dinner and breakfast included, but fourteen without,'''' Malakai revealed the prices.


    He handed off the fourteen silver while replying, ''''I''ve got food; I only need the room until my airship is ready.''''


    Malakai retrieved a key from beneath the counter and handed it to him. "Here you go," he said. "Room twenty-three is yours until tomorrow, little one."


    Atlas thanked the man while taking the room key and making his way there, but he quickly noticed the other patrons were talking about the Butcher of Bloodhaven, which made him cringe.


    ''I hate that damn name already,'' he internally complained.


    ''''Did you boys hear? The council has sent the Headhunter and the Mages Hunters after the boy,'''' one old orc woman commented in an amused voice. ''''They will catch that demon. Some believe the Shadowrealm Empire sent him this way.''''


    He paused mid-step, straining to listen as a goblin''s voice echoed in reply, "She''ll be able to sniff him out."


    A knot of unease tightened in his chest at the words, but Atlas pushed that aside and continued up the stairs, slipping into his room. He sat down and sighed, thinking, ''I hope the Confederation doesn''t find me.''


    Following that, he got comfortable before activating Void Realm and was sucked into the strange world. He woke up on the plateau where the army of Golems greeting welcomed him.


    Atlas chuckled when he heard the rumbling of their approach and prepared to fight the incoming monsters.


    [Void Golem ¨C 678976/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 450101/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99226/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Let''s go and try to complete this damn level already,'' he thought while taking out his blades and spamming Void Bullets and Void Bombs at the incoming monsters.


    Explosions shook the plateau before Atlas dashed in with an excited smile, casting Void Infusion on his weapons and carving through several Warrior Golems, who crumbled due to the force of his attacks.


    ''This should lower the total down even more.''


    After that, Atlas was like a jackrabbit rushing around the battlefield while killing hundreds of Golems as he passed them. Once he killed enough, he ended up battling the stronger monsters, and thanks to his previous gains, he could fight for longer.


    A few hours passed, and Atlas was resting. "So many Golems," he muttered, exhaustion washing over his body. "I can feel my mana running low."


    That''s when the ground started rumbling as the commanders rushed at him. Atlas aimed Nightblade at them before casting a fully charged Void Bomb, causing an almighty explosion that rocked the plateau.


    Dust clouds swirled around him, blinding his vision and masking the emergence of the Golem Warriors rising from the ground beneath him. Atlas struck out in desperation, but a mighty hand gripped his ankle, sending a jolt of shock through him. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The stronger Golem hurled him into the churning sea below, and with a loud clap of thunder overhead, he was ripped from the world and thrown back into reality. Atlas shook his head and muttered, ''''Sneaky warriors, I will be careful next time.''''


    After that, he pulled out a Forest Chicken Wrap and ate while watching the rain hit the window. Once Atlas ate, he checked the total number of Level Three monsters before activating Void Realm again.


    [Void Golem ¨C 527623/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 438251/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99126/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Atlas continued fighting until the Void Golems numbers quickly decreased, which made him happy. Void Veil and his other spells gave him the upper hand on the warriors who tried ambushing him.


    He spent hours fighting in the Void Realm, and by the time they lit up the world, causing him to let out a big yawn as fatigue crept into his body. Atlas shook his head and stood up before going to the airport.


    While walking, he quickly noticed all the Confederation soldiers swarming the streets and searching buildings, ''I got to keep it moving, or they''ll find me.''


    Following that, Atlas continued walking through Silvermoon City in his goblin disguise, but he started growing worried about being caught by any powerful Nova Core Mages, as they would be able to see right through his disguise.


    It took him twenty minutes to reach the airport''s entrance. Atlas showed the guards his ticket before entering the terminal, as a swarm of goblin soldiers riding wolf-looking monsters appeared.


    Atlas quickly noticed the prominent figure sitting on a creature that radiated chaos mana, which made his eyes narrow, ''Is this the Mage Hunter? If they find me then I''ll show them what I can do,'' he thought.


    At the terminal, Atlas located the gate for his departing airship and noticed dozens of travelers waiting. He approached the desk to get his ticket stamped and found a seat nearby.


    He pulled out a Wild Orc Tortila, savoring each bite. But as the minutes passed, exhaustion settled over him, forcing Atlas to shake his head to stay alert. The wait took about an hour until everyone was ushered toward the waiting craft.


    When Atlas woke up, the cold air allowed him to admire the airship resembling a blimp. The balloon was much smaller, and the cabin below was three times as big as the ones he had seen before.


    ''Wow this is impressive,'' he thought in amazement.


    It was painted light blue, and the cabin for the travelers looked durable, but something told him to be prepared during the flight. Atlas shrugged and stepped on board, only to notice a large foyer welcomed them.


    He looked at his ticket only to realize he was on the top floor, which caused him to walk up ten flights of stairs before reaching his room. Atlas sat on the bed and decided to go to the Void Realm again.


    ''I won''t grow stronger sitting around. I need to push myself to the limits and even further so I can live life how I wish,'' he internally hyped himself up.


    Atlas activated the skill and appeared on the plateau with a burning desire to become the strongest warrior on Valoria. With that thought, he dashed toward the incoming Golems and cast Void Infusion.


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    A memory of his father from Earth appeared in his mind, speaking in the kind voice he had missed so much: ''Remember, son, the hardest battles often lead to the most rewarding victories. Embrace the struggle, and keep pushing forward.''


    When he heard that, something inside Atlas woke up, and he pushed his body to the limit. He went so fast that the Golems couldn''t see him, and the warriors couldn''t catch him. His blades sliced through stone with ease while his magic blew hundreds.


    Monsters closed in on Atlas from every direction, but each time, they were driven back by a Void Wave that crackled with newfound ferocity. Fueled by an unyielding drive to surpass his limits, he felt his strength surge, his body hardening with newfound power.


    During his battle frenzy, he spotted a massive swarm of Golem Commanders running towards him. Instead of fear, a fierce grin spread across his face. With a defiant roar, he charged straight into their ranks.


    ''Take this you fuckers!''


    Skidding to a halt, Atlas summoned every ounce of his mana into a Void Bomb, its energy pulsing with raw force. He hurled it into the heart of the swarm, watching as it detonated in a cataclysmic explosion, lighting up the battlefield with its explosive power.


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 Chapter 179: This Is Too Much

    Atlas wasn''t done with Level Three and downed a few mana potions before he charged forward while dodging the Golem''s attacks. He countered with his magic, which blew them away in a wave of azure fire.''I''m getting bored of this now, hopefully it ends soon.''


    His blades carved through them with such ease that it shocked him. But this didn''t slow him down while he rushed around the plateau while keeping out of the clutches of the Golem Warriors.


    When getting some space, Atlas quickly checked the monster total to see how many he had taken out during this run.


    [Void Golem ¨C 412416/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 411743/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 97007/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Perfect, this won''t take long,'' Atlas thought with a satisfied grin just before realizing the Void Golems had encircled him.


    Without hesitation, he drew a handful of Gravity Bombs and hurled them at the stone constructs. The bombs exploded with a resonant thud, slamming the Golems into the ground.


    ''This should help for now but my magic is better, to be honest,'' he thought.


    Seizing the opportunity, Atlas sprinted forward, his blade flashing in the dim light as he drove it through the head of one of the immobilized monsters before using Void Barrage to wipe out many more.


    Another hour passed, and he eventually ran out of mana, forcing him back into the real world, where the airship tannoy sounded, "Passengers, we will be taking off shortly, but we have to fly further west over the Blackwater Sea to avoid the storm plaguing the Drowned Maw, as it''s too dangerous."


    ''At least I''m not being chased,'' Atlas thought, standing up and straightening his clothes before leaving.


    He wanted to explore the airship and wondered what amenities would be on board. While strolling through the large hallways, Atlas noticed many races traveling while the goblins served them, which intrigued him.


    ''Makes sense as the greenskins


    That''s when he remembered some information. Estelle told him that the Greenskin Confederation was a hub for transport, and many people used its airships and airports all across Valoria.


    Atlas continued exploring the hallways until he came to the entertainment section, where a play was being held. The restaurants were busy with the wealthier people, but all that bored him.


    ''So many people here. They looked like their having fun though.''


    He returned to his room to try the Void Realm, and when reaching the top floor, orc warriors were walking in the opposite direction. Atlas was concerned but rushed to his room before they could see him.


    When inside, he asked Medusa, ''Can you shrink in size, girl?''


    ''Yes. Do you want me to guard you Master?'' she replied.


    Atlas nodded before activating Dungeon Conquerer while summoning the Death Serpent, who shrank in size as she engulfed his body. Soon after that, he activated the spell before appearing on the Plateau. Enjoy new chapters from M-V-L


    The battle erupted as Golen Warriors rushed for as a mist descended on them, causing Atlas to cast Void Bullets at the incoming monster, which sent them flying before using Void Barrage to pepper the swarm of creatures.


    Explosions erupted everywhere as Atlas started slaying any Golems that came close while using his blades to deflect the direction of their stone fists before using Void Wave to blow them away.


    Atlas continued fighting with the Golems and managed to take out thousands using a combination of speed, magic, and his blades. He tore through the swarm of void creatures, allowing him to bring down their numbers quickly.


    While fighting, he quickly checked the total to see how good he was doing.


    [Void Golem ¨C 365201/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 410743/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 96457/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''It''s going down faster than I expected,'' Atlas mused with a smile.


    A group of Warrior Golems charged and started casting earth magic at him while running. He witnessed the spells flying in his direction, but Atlas used Void Guard to defend himself from the attack.


    The stone hit the azure barrier before he used Void Blast to cause chaos within the warrior''s ranks. Atlas readied his blades while casting Void Step to appear behind the charging stone monster.


    ''Now lets end them, a Void Bomb will deal with them.''


    Atlas quickly cast the spell, which exploded on contact, turning the stone constructs to dust or flinging them into the water below. The battle on the plateau continued for several hours, and thanks to his mana potion stock, he could fight longer.


    His magic wiped away thousands of Golems; Atlas used his blades to deal with the stronger monsters he carved in two. Following that, he was running out of mana, and drinking any more potions made him feel sick.


    ''This is too much now,'' he thought. ''I need to sleep.''


    Once Atlas decided, he left the Void Realm and woke up in his room with Medusa protecting him. He flopped on the bed as the Death Serpent curled beside him before sleeping. The two continued to rest while the Confederation soldiers searched the airship.


    The following day, Atlas awoke with a yawn as the airship shook due to the storm outside. He sat up while stretching before looking out the window to see dark grey clouds and lightning up the sky.


    He stood up and approached the balcony, only to hear Medusa''s voice in his head, ''The enemy is closing in, master. They will be here in a few hours.''


    Atlas became curious before asking, ''''How do you know this?''''


    ''I can sense their mana and blood,'' Medusa revealed with a hiss. ''It''s delicious.''


    Hearing this, he chuckled as he said, ''''Do you want some of my blood?''''


    Atlas watched her yellow eyes glow, causing him to smile as he used Deepforge to slice his palm before offering it to the monster. Medusa hesitated but slithered over and started drinking his blood.


    While doing this, he noticed a faint glow radiating from her body, ''Is she getting stronger?'' he asked himself.


    As he thought that, the airship suddenly buckled, causing him to fly straight into the wall with a thud. Chaos erupted as a roar echoed from outside. Medusa''s head shot up with wide eyes as she declared, ''A sky Titan is targeting the craft Master.''''


    Atlas rushed over to the window only to see a massive shadow engulfing the airship before dozens of cannons roared to life. He witnessed the monster vanish into the dark clouds while a swarm rushed toward the craft,


    ''Oh shit, I can''t fight that Titan but the smaller creatures will be easy to deal with,'' he thought while rushing outside.


    When outside, Atlas felt the cold air on his face before summoning his armor and weapons. Medusa spoke again, ''We need to get out of here. This craft won''t handle a Titan''s fury.''


    He agreed with a nod before dismissing the Death Serpent, jumping over the edge and free-falling through the dark clouds. Atlas quickly summoned Theo, who let out a loud screech as the monster grabbed him.


    Following that, he climbed onto the monster''s back as it rushed away from the attacking monsters, which looked like Pterosaur; this shocked him, but he knew they had to escape this new threat.


    Atlas gripped Theo''s fur tightly as they soared through the turbulent skies, lightning crackling in the distance. The storm ahead loomed like a living wall, a monstrous barrier of dark clouds and roaring winds.


    Behind them, the shrieks of the Pterosaur grew louder, their wingbeats slicing through the air as they closed in on their prey. ''''We need to lose them in the storm!'''' Atlas yelled over the howling wind, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a break in the clouds ahead.


    Theo screeched in response, banking sharply to the left and diving into the swirling storm. Rain pelted them from all sides, and the wind threatened to tear Atlas from his mount. He tightened his grip, feeling Theo''s muscles strain as the beast fought to stay on course.


    The monsters weren''t far behind, and their massive forms pierced through the storm, their talons outstretched and the creature''s eyes glowing with hunger. One of them dove, its sharp beak just missing Atlas by inches as Theo twisted mid-air to avoid the strike.


    ''''Faster!'''' he urged, glancing back to see the creatures tossed about by the violent winds. But they were relentless, their screeches cutting through the thunder as they pursued with unyielding ferocity.


    Theo flapped his wings harder, diving into the heart of the storm. The world around them became a chaotic swirl of lightning and shadow, and Atlas couldn''t tell up from down for a moment.


    ''This is bad, but we can get through,'' he thought as his adrenaline spiked.


    But the Blood Bat King pressed on as hundreds of creatures continued the chase, wings slicing through the storm. Suddenly, a blinding flash of lightning illuminated the sky, revealing a narrow passage through the storm clouds. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas spotted it and leaned forward, guiding Theo toward the opening. With a mighty thrust, the monster surged forward, breaking through the storm just as a sudden gust swept away the Pterosaur''s, their screams fading into the distance.


    ''Master it''s getting harder to fly,'' Theo informed him.


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 Chapter 180: Rush To The Surface

    When Atlas heard Theo''s concern, he smiled and reassured the monster, ''Go, rest, boy. I will deal with this now.''Following that, he jumped off the Blood Bat King''s back before falling toward the surface while summoning Medusa. The giant Death Serpent let out a roar as they crashed into the water below.


    Atlas held onto the giant snake as she darted through the dangerous sea, and her voice sounded in his mind, ''Master, this ocean is dangerous. We must move quickly.''


    He nodded while they traveled through the rough sea. Atlas was on watch, and something told him to cast Void Guard around the two of them as something crashed into them from below. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Oh no! What kind of monster is this? '' When he thought this, he saw the culprit: a giant dark blue shark hiding among the deep sea''s darkness.


    Its black eyes made his blood run cold, but that''s when Medusa tried to counterattack. The monster was too strong, causing Atlas to cast a Void Bomb to clear some space. He watched the explosion force the giant shark back and quickly scanned it to find its rank.


    [Stormmaw Shark]


    [Rank A: 1000 Exp]


    [Wolf of the Deadmaw Sea. Use your magic to fend them off]


    When reading this, Atlas pointed his hand at the monster and cast a dozen Void Arrows at it, forcing the Stormmaw Shark to flee into the distance. Medusa dashed away but soon dived as a Kraken appeared from an underwater mountain.


    ''This is hell underwater; powerful monsters everywhere,'' he thought, glancing around only to spot a massive vessel lying on the ocean floor. ''I will return here when I get stronger.''


    Medusa headed straight for it as the Kraken chased them while trying to grab the Death Serpent. Atlas turned to look at the monster and noticed it was dark in color and was the size of a building.


    He quickly used Void Sight on the newcomer as they raced through the chaotic ocean.


    [Deepmaw Kraken]


    [Rank: S - 10000]


    [Use explosive magic, then run]


    ''Oh god, this thing is strong,'' Atlas thought when reading it.


    Its evil red eyes locked onto him like a homing missile as it continued chasing them. Atlas recast Aqua Lung so he could breathe, but he pointed his Nightblade at the monster before casting Void Lance at it.


    ''This should do some damage and drive it off,'' Atlas thought with a worried smile.


    The massive creature attempted to dodge, but the azure projectile tore through the water with lethal precision, piercing its body and burrowing deep. Wounded but relentless, it continued its pursuit, forcing Medusa to dive into a nearby canyon, desperate to shake the Kraken off their trail.


    ''Why am I always getting chased by stronger creatures.''


    Atlas continued spamming Void Lances and Void Arrows at the pursuing monster. The spells hit the beast and everything else around it. Explosions ripped through the water, causing it to crash into the side of the canyon.


    ''Speed up, Medusa,'' he quickly commanded while sensing the Kraken was recovering. ''Head for the ship! We will hide there!''


    The Death Serpent slithered up the canyon walls as Atlas watched the Deepmaw Kraken thrash in a frenzy below. Moments later, the two found an opening in the ship''s hull, just large enough to slip inside.


    Atlas noticed they entered the vessel''s cargo hold, where he saw several skeletons trapped by crates. ''I wonder what happened here?'' he thought.


    He glanced around and noticed there was a way up far above them. Medusa swam toward it while slithering through the cold water. Atlas made sure there weren''t any monsters hiding in the shadows.


    ''I can''t feel anything but something is giving off a creepy vibe that he couldn''t put his finger on it,'' he mused while they approached the surface.


    Medusa and Atlas surfaced in a vast, shadowy chamber, where the air was thick with the stench of decay. The oppressive darkness made it hard to see, but the unmistakable scent of death lingered in the stagnant air.


    As they floated there, Atlas could feel Medusa''s weariness and, with a silent command, sent the Death Serpent back to the Dungeon Realm to recover.


    ''Thank you, Master,'' Medusa''s voice echoed in his mind, her tone soft with exhaustion. ''Be careful¡­ and please, don''t die.''


    With that, she disappeared, leaving him alone in the cold, foreboding chamber. Atlas smiled before swimming back down to check the crates of rotten material, ''Seems like this ship has been here for years.''


    He continued searching only to hear a roar echoing through the water, which spooked him into swimming back up to search the air pocket. Atlas climbed out and stepped into the stale air and smell of death, causing him to cast Light so that he could see.


    Even the Night Eyes Rune couldn''t penetrate the darkness, but his skill was able to. When his surroundings were lit up, he spotted patches of dried blood, which caught his attention. ''Did a battle happen here?''


    While thinking, a clang rang out throughout the creepy ship, which made him jump in fright as it was sudden, ''Maybe it was a monster on the outside?''


    Atlas tried to reassure himself as he scanned the chamber, which looked like an elevator room, and went down to the cargo hold, ''It''s a huge transport ship; it isn''t like one I got to Nivaria.''


    He shook his head and approached the nearest door while holding Deepforge in his left hand, and the ball of light followed him. Atlas noticed no skeletons were lying around like the cargo hold.


    ''Maybe they used the lifeboats to escape?'' he thought as another clang rang out, and thanks to being dead quiet, he could hear it even louder.


    This made his skin prickle with unease, but Atlas pressed on, slowly pushing open the door. Beyond it lay an unsettlingly pristine, unnaturally long corridor that sent a shiver down his spine.


    ''Have I walked into a horror movie?''


    The sterile quiet only deepened his dread as his eyes darted around. He noticed the rows of identical doors lining each side, their presence oppressive and wrong. Some lay open, while others were shut, but he noticed marks all over the walls further down.


    ''What did this? Did monsters invade the ship?'' Atlas thought while slowly walking down the corridor.


    As Atlas continued, he felt his mana returning exceptionally slowly due to something in the deep sea. ''Why is it returning so slow?'' he wondered.


    [Mana: 2160/7608 (1000)]


    ''I can''t summon any monsters or use too many spells,'' he pondered while gripping his blades tighter as his nerves were already on edge. ''Looks like I''ll have to use my speed and swords to fight, well, if there is anything here.''


    Atlas fumbled with the Lover''s Band, desperately trying to reach Amethyst. Just as he began to send her a message, a loud bang echoed through the corridor, so close it jolted him upright.


    He scanned the hallway, heart racing, but it was as empty as before, the silence pressing in with an almost tangible weight. Atlas started getting the feeling that the monsters were waiting for him to leave the ship.


    ''How am I going to get out? I could use Medusa and rush to the surface,'' he thought while shaking his head and continuing walking down the corridor.


    Atlas cautiously opened the doors, one by one, but each room revealed nothing but emptiness. The orb of light cast eerie shadows across the rooms, illuminating a thick layer of undisturbed dust that seemed to have settled over everything like a shroud.


    His search revealed more of the same¡ªa haunting stillness that clung to every surface untouched. Atlas didn''t know what to make of it all and decided to continue searching as a monster roar echoed outside, shaking the ship.


    ''Where is everything? There aren''t people here, or there would be signs,'' he thought while reaching the engine room.


    Atlas stepped inside, only to have something lunge at him. He rolled to the side and slashed at the monster that had dropped dead. He brought the light over it and saw a dog-sized spider, causing him to shiver, ''What is it with giant insects?''


    He directed the orb of light toward the wall, and his stomach churned as he saw a swarm of spiders emerging from the shadows. Their black bodies were nearly invisible in the darkness, and their yellow eyes glowed with a predatory hunger that made his skin crawl.


    "These things are horrifying!" Atlas thought, a shudder running down his spine.


    Without wasting a second, he activated Void Sight, revealing the grotesque forms of the spider. With a grim determination, he launched his attack, hoping to drive away the creeping terror that threatened to overwhelm him.


    [Deepsea Crawlers]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Keep out of its webs, or you''ll get stuck]


    ''I swear, Luxia, you''ve sent me to a damn nightmare world,'' he internally complained. Explore more adventures at M-V-L


    Following that thought, he threw two Gravity Bombs that slammed into the closest monsters, sending the crawlers slamming into the floor. When Atlas saw this, he dashed forward and started attacking the creatures.


    Atlas thrust Nightblade and Deepforge into the spider''s heads, causing them to drop dead as the experience poured into his body. He continued slaughtering the monsters that tried to attack, but thanks to his armor, their legs and fangs could penetrate it.


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 Chapter 181: What Could Be In Here

    Atlas continued fighting the Deepsea Crawlers until they all lay dead while thirty red cores littered the floor. He started collecting them all while bringing up his mana stat to see how much it recovered.[Mana: 2398/7608 (1000)]


    ''Its only increased by two hundred?'' Atlas thought with a curious expression.


    After that, he pulled out four high mana potions and downed them before checking again as each one would give him two hundred and fifty mana.


    [Mana: 3398/7608 (1000)]


    ''That topped up my mana pool, but they make me feel sick if I drink anymore,'' he pondered before searching the room.


    Atlas quickly noticed everything was covered in sticky webs, but the clutter was scarcely worth investigating. In a grim outcome, a dozen skeletons lay scattered, their bones twisted and tangled as if they had been left to rot in a nightmarish breeding pit. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The scene was a morbid reminder of a long-forgotten horror where a relentless darkness had consumed the once-living. Atlas discovered a rusted toolbox on a nearby table, which caught his interest.


    Carefully, he used his sword to slice through the tangled webs harder than he thought, revealing a leather-bound book nestled within a metal container, ''What this, A diary maybe?'' he thought with a curious expression.


    Atlas checked the door leading beyond the room and noticed it was closed, which caused him to wonder how the Crawlers were leaving. He scanned every inch of the place, only to spot a dozen vents scattered on the walls.


    ''Oh, for fuck sake, this is just getting worse,'' he thought while watching them.


    He searched for a place to sit and read the diary. As he opened the first page, the date left him puzzled, ''Today is the 8th Dark Day of Snowdrift, the season of Winterfrost, year 127 of Dawn''s Chronicle.''


    Recalling what he knew of Winterfrost, Atlas pondered, ''The season is divided into four periods: Frostfall, Snowdrift, Everglaze, and Frostwane. The other seasons follow the same pattern: Springbloom, Solaris, Goldenfall, and the current one blanketing the world: Winterfrost.''


    He read the date in the diary, ''1st Water Day of Everbloom, Springbloom, year 20 of Dawn''s Beginning.''


    Atlas was stunned, his mind racing as he took in his surroundings. "This place is two thousand years old! How is that even possible?" he wondered in amazement.


    He recalled from the memories he had absorbed upon arriving in Valoria that the calendar was known as the Dawn. The Dawn''s Chronicle began after a world-ending disaster had ravaged the land, marking a new era in the world''s history.


    Following that, he started reading the diary, which belonged to a young noblewoman named Amara Silverstar, who escaped her homeland, the Valkoria Federation, along with most of her city on this mega-ship.


    ***


    Amara''s eyes shot open as an alarm blared throughout Silverstar City, which meant something that threatened the whole city was approaching. She exited the bed and started getting ready as her maid Ebba rushed into the room.


    ''''Lady Amara, we need to leave. The Starforge Voyager is ready to set sail, and your father has ordered the whole family to board,'''' Ebba informed her in a panicked voice.


    ''What''s going on! I know disasters have destroyed several cities, but Silverstar City was out of the way,'' she pondered while she put on a silver necklace that her fiance gave her during the Winterfrost Ball.


    Following that, Amara grabbed her diary and followed Ebba until she spotted her three younger brothers and parents ready to leave. Her father was named Samuel Silverstar, the Duke of the western province of the Federation.


    The grey-haired man turned to her with kind eyes and spoke concernedly, "Amara! We must get going and board the Voyager before the Monster Wave hits us." Explore more adventures at M-V-L


    When Amara heard this, she grew confused and questioned, ''''Can''t the defenses deal with them? What about the Federations Nova Mages?''''


    Samuel frowned before approaching her and placing a caring hand on her shoulder while explaining, ''''Titans are leading the charge, and they have already destroyed the southern and eastern provinces, but luckily, the council and capital escaped on Voyager''s sister ship.''''


    Amara nodded while answering in a determined voice, ''''Okay, Father. When are we leaving?''''


    ''''Right now. Follow your mother to the carriage,'''' Samuel responded. ''''I must head to the Starlight Facility to escort the scientists and civilians to the ship.''''


    Following that, the Silverstar Family left the mansion and got into a carriage before traveling through the chaotic city. Amara looked out the window only to see the citizens panicking as they headed for the harbor.


    Federation soldiers guided them through the bustling streets as the carriage approached the harbor. There, a colossal ship loomed on the water, capturing her awe. ''It''s incredible that the council managed to build something like this,'' she thought. ''It''s a floating city in all but name.''


    If Atlas had seen the vessel, he would have called it a monster cruise ship, as it was massive. As the carriage closed in on the boat, it stopped before a heavy guard gangway leading up to the deck.


    Amara knew this was the nobles'' entrance while the ordinary people boarded through another way she didn''t know. She nodded before stepping outside as her mother spoke to the commander, ''''How many have boarded Theo?''''


    The man scratched his bushy beard while answering, ''''Four million so far, another two or three before the monsters arrive, my lady. Thanks to the dwarf engineering and elf space magic used on the ship, we can now save Silverstar City, but the council isn''t happy with the cost of the upgrades.''''


    ''They''re never happy, but father always gets his way when it comes to them,'' she thought while hearing the man.


    Amara watched her mother Melanie shrug before replying, ''''It''s worth it if our citizens can survive the End Times, as the scholars call it. Samuel says we''re sailing north to Astoria to seek refuge with the Eldoria Empire.''''


    Theo nodded, ''''Yes, my lady, but the empire has demanded a price, and they want the Arcane Ember, which is stored safely in the captain''s vault.''''


    When Amara heard that, she remembered the stories of the stone with mysterious powers that scientists believe come from the long-rumored Dark Realm, ''If the scholars are right, we can harness the energy from it to power the Federation,'' she mused while waiting to board the ship.


    ''''Has Samuel reported in yet? He said he was going to the Starlight Facility to retrieve the people there?'''' Melanie asked worriedly as the family maids ushered the children on board.


    Amara decided to stay and wait for her other family members, which included three older brothers and two sisters. They worked across the city but knew they were heading here due to their father''s orders.


    Theo, allowing the other nobles to pass through the blockade, replied after ordering more soldiers to guard the entrance, "They''re gathering all the samples, notes, and subjects from the experiments as the Federations deem them valuable; the report said they will be departing soon."


    ''Why are they bringing those vile creatures on board!'' she thought while cringing. ''Hopefully, there is enough security to keep us safe.''


    As Amara listened to that, Ebba spoke quietly, ''''My Lady. We should board the ship and take cover before it rains.''''


    She nodded and walked toward the gangway, boarding the massive vessel. Maids and servants guided them through the ship''s corridors to the quarters where the nobles would stay.


    ***


    Atlas stopped reading as more banging sounded from above, which creeped him out. He put the diary in his storage before listening, but nothing else was heard. Now reading the ship description, he soon realized he was at the bottom of the vessel.


    ''This Arcane Ember sounds interesting,'' he thought, which led to a notification to appear.


    [The Arcane Ember Flames is an essential component of the Vanquishers Blade. Retrieve it, boy - Nyx]


    Atlas was confused but glanced up and thought, ''Thanks for the information, Nyx.''


    He sighed because he now had to find the captain''s vault, which he had no idea where it was. Atlas decided to leave the engine room and found himself in another corridor, but this time, there were only three doors, two on either side and one at the end of the passageway.


    ''I wonder what vile creatures she was talking about? Maybe the Deepsea Crawlers?'' Atlas wondered while walking down the eerie corridor.


    While approaching the first door, he readied his blades before pushing the door open, and when it let out a jarring noise that echoed out, causing him to cringe, ''What the fuck!'' he internally panicked.


    Atlas peered into the room and realized it was a storage room with metal boxes on several shelves, ''What could be in here?'' he thought while entering.


    He inched closer to the nearest shelf but froze as a sudden scuttling sound echoed through the silence. His heart pounded as he bolted toward the noise, only to find a trail of dust spilling from a nearby vent like something had just crawled away.


    ''What the hell was that?'' Atlas thought, his eyes darting around the dimly lit room, scanning every shadow.


    He shook his head, forcing himself to focus. With a deep breath, he turned back to the shelf and cautiously opened the nearest metal box. The sight of its contents made his blood run cold.


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 Chapter 182: Fight To Live Boy

    Atlas stared at the piles of bones, the sight hitting him harder than he expected. ''What sort of sick shit went on in this place?'' a wave of unease washed over him.His hand instinctively reached out to pick up one of the bones¡ªa small arm bone. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he realized it once belonged to a child. Atlas quickly placed it back, feeling a deep chill in his chest.


    ''This place is a graveyard, it seems.''


    Following that, he checked the other metal boxes only to see more of the same before moving on. The other room was empty except for a group of skeletons in one corner that looked like they had died a brutal death.


    ''It must have been horrible for them.''


    Atlas left the unsettling room behind and cautiously approached the third door. As it creaked open, he found a staircase leading to the next floor. His grip tightened on his blades as he ascended, ready for any Deepsea Crawlers that might lunge from the shadows.


    He was met with nothing but a thick layer of dust when he reached the top. The eerie silence was unnerving, but then he spotted something¡ªa faint trail cutting across the dusty floor. Something had passed through recently, leaving its mark.


    ''Deepsea Crawlers, maybe?'' Atlas pondered as he studied the markings.


    Following that, he continued walking down the corridor, only to hear a door slam from nearby, making him yelp while spinning in its direction. He saw a dust cloud come from one of the doors.


    ''What was that?'' Atlas glanced around.


    His skill Light lit up the corridor, only to see the marks leading toward a door, which creeped him out. Atlas approached it as he readied to strike at whatever it was. He opened the metal door only to receive a bunk room.


    While stepping inside, something suddenly lunged at him from the shadows, causing him to yelp in fright as he crossed his blades, causing sparks to fly as one of the Crawlers tried to bite down, but the metal blocked it.


    ''Ahhh damn spiders!'' he mused with annoyance while hearing the more skittering that was heading in his direction.


    Atlas skidded backward before casting Void Infusion as he struck the creature, causing it to explode into chunks of chitin as more monsters appeared. He bobbed and weaved around the spider attacks while stabbing them.


    As the battle erupted, the room was small, and everything was covered in blood, but soon enough, they stopped appearing from a nearby vent that Atlas blasted with Void Bullets, blocking their way in.


    The remaining monsters were confined in the room with him, allowing him to defeat them all before taking a break. Atlas pulled out one of the Horned Rabbit Kebabs and took a bite, wincing as the spices set his mouth ablaze.


    ''Hot, hot, hot,'' he internally complained as his tongue was burning.


    After grabbing a water bottle, he sipped to soothe the heat. He settled in and enjoyed his meal once he could taste the kebab''s full flavor. While eating, another bang rang out, but this time, it sounded close.


    ''I swear this ship will make me shit myself before long,'' he thought while glancing around.


    More banging rang out, making Atlas''s skin crawl, but He ignored it while eating. Once done, he left the room and went down the dark corridor. He quickly activated the skill Light, which lit up the quiet hallway.


    Atlas continued his search, moving through the remaining rooms, only to find them empty. This discovery puzzled him. ''Has someone been here before me?''


    He wondered as he closed the door behind him. Suddenly, a shuffling noise echoed through the hallway. Startled, he spun around, raising Nightblade in a defensive stance, but saw nothing.


    The eerie silence deepened his unease. When he finally reached the deck where the survivors should have been, he was met with a grim scene: scattered broken furniture and disturbing bloodstains smeared across the walls.


    ''It seems like the people were attacked while the ship was sailing, but what could have done it?'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    He guessed it was the Deepsea Crawlers invading the ship and shrugged. Atlas continued walking, only to find nothing.


    Atlas''s footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridor, each step intensifying the unsettling silence around him. The ship creaked and groaned as if protesting his intrusion. Shadows danced menacingly along the wall thanks to his skill Light.


    A low, guttural sound drifted through the air, causing him to freeze. He tightened his grip on his blades, his breath quickening. The noise came from behind a rusted metal door to his right, causing his nerves to soar.


    ''What is lurking around? That was not a spider.''


    He approached cautiously, the faint squeak of the hinges making him flinch as he slowly pushed it open. The room beyond was shrouded in darkness, the only light coming from the narrow beam of his skill.


    The floor was littered with debris and what looked like fragments of old, tattered uniforms. Atlas scanned the room, his heart pounding. A sudden skittering noise from above made him jerk his head up.


    ''I should get out of here but I need that Arcane Ember for the blade,''


    His flashlight beam swept across the ceiling, revealing only the room''s emptiness and the remnants of what once might have been a ventilation system. But the noise grew louder, like the scratching of numerous tiny claws. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a shiver running down his spine, Atlas moved further into the room. He stumbled over something soft and squishy hidden beneath the rubble, and a sickening squelch echoed in the stillness.


    As he turned to steady himself, a series of sharp, scraping noises erupted from the shadows, accompanied by an eerie, high-pitched whine that seemed to pierce the air. The sound grew louder, now a cacophony of scuttling and faint whispers.


    Atlas''s pulse quickened as a sharp clang echoed through the room. His breath hitched as his blood ran cold. ''''What the fuck,'''' he muttered under his breath.


    The ship''s eerie silence seemed to close in on him, each sound growing louder, more menacing. He whipped his head around just in time to see something fall from the shadows, hitting the metal floor with a sickening thud.


    ''There''s something in here with me; I can feel their eyes on me.''


    When Atlas heard the harsh noise, it sent a jolt of terror through him, making the hairs on his neck bristle. He backed away slowly and couldn''t shake the feeling of unseen eyes lingering on his every move.


    Just then, Medusa''s panicked voice shattered the quiet in his mind, causing him to jump out of his skin, ''Master! You''re not alone, and it''s not spiders! Get to the captain''s quarters now!''


    As Medusa''s voice echoed in his mind, an instinct flared inside Atlas. He had no time to think¡ªonly react. He crossed his blades with lightning reflexes just as a massive creature lunged from the shadows, its claws slashing toward him.


    The force of the impact sent his swords clattering across the floor as the beast gripped his throat, lifting him off the ground. Atlas gasped for breath, heart pounding in his chest like a war drum.


    ''What monster is this?'' He was looking into the creature''s malice-filled eyes.


    Its skin was a ghastly shade of grey, exuding an aura of death that sent a shiver down his spine. The creature''s horrifying teeth glinted menacingly in the dim light, poised to strike. A surge of fear gripped him, but just as panic threatened to overwhelm him, a powerful voice echoed in his mind¡ªhis father''s, resolute and commanding.


    Read latest chapters on M-V-L


    ''Fight, Atlas! Fight to live, boy!''


    A wave of determination surged through him as he unleashed Void Infusion, his fist crackling with ominous dark energy before he launched a thunderous punch straight into the creature''s chest, and the impact exploded with an explosive roar that shook the air around them.


    The impact sent the monster staggering back, its massive form crashing into the walls. But there was no time to rest. More creatures lunged at him from all sides. Atlas''s azure eyes blazed with fury, and his fists lit up with the same glowing power.


    He moved like a storm, delivering a flurry of brutal combos that shattered bones and decimated his attackers. Every strike was deadly and filled with raw power, ''Master!'' Medusa''s voice rang out in his mind, tinged with panic. ''Don''t fight too much! This power is too much for you right now!''


    Atlas faced the looming threat with unwavering resolve, unleashing a primal roar that resonated with fierce defiance. His voice reverberated through the air as he locked his gaze on the largest of the beasts.


    He charged forward in a blaze of speed, Void mana crackling around his fist as he hurled himself at the monstrous foe. His punch collided with the creature''s jaw in a thunderous explosion reverberating through the chamber, sending the beast crashing into the wall with a bone-shaking impact.


    After that, Atlas started punching the other creatures while scanning the bigger one to check out its rank, only to have his heart drop.


    [Fleshfiends]


    [Leader]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: S - 10000 Exp]


    [Strong, fast, and sneaky. You have to be better than them]


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 Chapter 183: Previous Passengers

    ''Tainted? What does that mean?'' Atlas pondered as he quickly recalled his swords while blocking the monster''s swipe.Sparks were sent flying, and he skidded backward before slamming against the wall. That''s when dozens of more Fleshfiends appeared and started rushing toward him, which made him yelp, as there were too many.


    ''Run, you foolish boy!'' Theo''s voice rang out in his mind as he felt his body weaken.


    Atlas sprinted through the door, slamming it shut behind him as the creatures collided with it. He then ran down the corridor, his heart pounding, but the relentless monsters pursued him, their snarls growing louder.


    ''They''re going to get me if I don''t do something!''


    He quickly whirled around and unleashed a powerful punch. The sudden attack turned the creatures into meat chunks. This cleared his path forward, which he took advantage of and fled from the horrifying monsters.


    Atlas sprinted through the dark ship until he arrived at a large auditorium and felt the Fleshfiends only a few minutes behind him. He looked around only to hear Theo''s voice, ''Bring me out, I can help Master.''


    When hearing the Blood Bat King, he activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned the monster, who quickly picked him up before flying up to a ledge above the stage where Theo dropped him.


    The bat landed beside him before curling up as he spoke again, ''Rest, Master. Using that spell has exhausted you, I can sense it.''


    He nodded before stroking the monster''s soft fur while responding with a tired smile, ''''Thanks, Theo. You saved me once again.''''


    After that, Atlas collapsed and fell into a deep sleep as he was comfortable. As Thro covered his body, the Fleshfiends went crazy below as they howled in rage as they searched for him, but he was safe.


    Hours passed as he recovered, only to wake up with a banging headache, which caused him to groan. ''''Ah, that hurts so bad,'''' he muttered.


    Atlas sat up as Theo moved to the side and warned him, ''Don''t make noise, Master. Those creatures are below and very angry.''


    He agreed before peeking over the edge, only to see hundreds of Fleshfiends rushing through doors while searching the auditorium. Atlas gulped as he started scanning the normal creatures.


    [Fleshfiend]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Fleshfiend Beserker]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Fleshfiend Tracker]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    ''Are these the previous passengers? What could have corrupted them?'' Atlas wondered aloud, his mind racing with questions.


    He reluctantly unfurled his sleeping bag with no other option, preparing to settle in until the creatures cleared out. Then, Atlas pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box before eating as his stomach rumbled.


    ''I''ll stay up here for a while,'' he thought while stuffing his face. Thanks to being inside his Dimensional Storage, it was still hot and enjoyable.


    Atlas started eating while checking his status to see if he had leveled up during all that chaos.


    [Level Up: 181¡ú187]


    [Experience: 4260/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 33500]


    [Health: 1736¡ú1760(200)]


    [Mana: 7608¡ú7718(1000)]


    [Strength: 2022¡ú2042(100)]


    [Stamina: 2486¡ú2518(250)]


    [Intelligence: 1602¡ú1614]


    [Core Points: 71170/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 17750]


    [Aqua Lung: 1¡ú2]


    ''Not long now before I rank up again,'' Atlas mused as he settled into his hideaway, the eerie howls of the Fleshfiends echoing around him.


    After finishing his meal, Theo''s voice cut through the unsettling sounds with a note of concern. ''They''re going wild out there, but you can use the Darklings to locate the captain''s quarters.''


    ''Good idea,'' he agreed with a nod.


    Atlas activated the Dungeon Conqueror Skill, summoning the small, winged humanoids. As they appeared, they emitted soft, curious noises and began to tug at his hair playfully, bringing a genuine smile to his face.


    "Can you find the captain''s quarters for me?" he requested of the little creatures. "There''s something in there I need.''''


    The Darklings nodded in unison before darting into the shadows, vanishing from sight as they evaded the Fleshfiends'' notice. Atlas watched them disappear into the darkness, then crawled into his sleeping bag, settling in for a well-deserved rest.


    Hours passed, and the creatures below finally left the auditorium just before the Darklings appeared holding a map, which Atlas took before studying, only to find out the captain''s quarters were at the top of the ship.


    ''Damn, that''s a long journey, but the Vanquisher Blade should be worth it,'' Atlas thought while looking around.


    He quickly spotted a vent blocked by a thick metal grate, which caused him to think, ''I can use Void Step, and it''s about time I use that camouflage upgrade I got.''


    Atlas put on his helmet before storing his bag away and dismissing Theo with a grateful stroke. He quietly approached the vent while summoning his swords, which appeared in his hands, causing him to smile.


    ''That''s better,'' he internally smiles before using Void Step to appear on the other side of the grate.


    When Atlas glanced around, he noticed a few skeletons huddled in one corner, which made him frown. Before moving forward, he decided to find out what had happened to the passengers and returned to his hiding place.


    He pulled out Amara''s Diary and continued reading it, only to be shocked, confused, and mystified by the following entry a week after she boarded the ship.


    ***


    Amara sat in her room, having just finished helping her mother with her younger siblings. An unsettling sense of unease hung in the air as disturbing rumors began circulating¡ªword spread that some of the experiments had escaped into the ship''s bowels.


    While resting in their compartment, her father, Samuel, rushed into the room with his guards with a panicked expression. Melanie jumped up and quickly questioned, ''''What''s going on, husband?''''


    The older man was just about to reply, but an explosion ripped through the lower end of the ship, causing the vessel to tremble. Samuel quickly explained, ''''The Blightborns have been capturing people and doing something to them. They soon reappear as grey-skinned humanoids with deep red eyes and claws like monsters.''''


    When Amara heard the rumors, her mind flashed back a year to the story of a whistleblower from the Starlight Facility who had exposed the creation of the Blightborn¡ªmonstrous entities forged through a dark amalgamation of magic, alchemy, and technology, designed as soldiers for the Federation.


    The council had swiftly moved to suppress the news, their involvement undeniable. They had funded, approved, and nearly perfected the project, with noble families fully aware of the details.


    To her shock, Amara had recently discovered that her father was the head of the Antioch League, an organization specializing in developing war machines and hybrids to use on the Valkoria Federation enemies.


    She shook her head as another man rushed in and spoke nervously, ''''My Lord. The Lurkers, Blightborn, and every creature held on the sixtieth floor have escaped.''''


    Amara watched her father''s eyes widen in fear as her mother demanded, ''''What''s going on, Samuel? I thought there were only Blightborns, and now there''s more.'''' Discover exclusive tales at M-V-L


    The man rushed in and explained, ''''There are seven in total, My Lady. They were a company secret but now are causing havoc on the lower floors.''''


    Following this, she watched as the Federation soldiers locked down the upper floors, thinking they would be safe because they stayed next to the captain''s quarters. However, she and the family never realized danger was just around the corner, and the horrifying monsters were heading straight up the ship.


    Amara decided to write everything down as an account of The Starforge Voyager. Following that, chaos engulfed the ship as battles took place. She witnessed people trying to get through the security fences set up by the soldiers.


    ''This is becoming a nightmare,'' she thought. ''We are trapped on board with close to six million people thanks to the space magic which means there will be an uncountable number of monsters.''


    Following that thought, Amara readied her weapons, which consisted of a mana rifle and sidearm. The bridge and noble quarters were locked down as the ship descended into horror, and people were abducted, killed, and taken into the darkness.


    One day, while eating dinner, the commander rushed in and exclaimed, ''''They''ve broken through the barriers, my lord! We must leave here as the Blightborns and their Fleshfiend offspring are overwhelming the Starlight Defense Robots.


    Everyone started panicking, but Samuel announced, ''''There are vaults on the bottom floors. We can take the elevator down there. Only the captain and I have keys, and Berrick is on the bridge trying to control the remaining soldiers.''''


    Following the unsettling discovery, the Silverstar Family was hurriedly escorted to the private elevators by their remaining guards. Amara braced herself for a fight, but her blood froze when her eyes fell upon the Blightborn.


    ''What is this horrible monster! This isn''t something that belongs in our world.''


    The creature stood six feet tall, skin a sickly pale white, and its eyes gleamed a menacing red, brimming with malice. Its body was a grotesque mockery of human form, twisted and deformed, with scythe-like appendages protruding from its back like a macabre crown.


    The sight of it sent waves of terror through the group, paralyzing many in place. But one brave soldier refused to be overwhelmed¡ªhe activated a mana bomb, determination in his eyes. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He charged headlong at the monstrous creatures, willing to sacrifice himself to protect the others. Amara watched the explosion tear through the nightmare, but another horror appeared as the smoke settled.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 184: Great Advice

    Sitting in the hideaway, Atlas finished that part of the diary and wondered, ''Don''t tell me they took the Arcane Ember to the vault on the lower flood? If so, the Silverstar Family is down there while the captain is elsewhere.''He shook his head before turning to the vent he was going to. Void Step through, but Atlas yelped in fright when he spotted a creepy-looking humanoid staring at him with lifeless black eyes.


    ''Dammit! That scared the shit out of me,'' he thought as his heart raced.


    The creature was small but nightmarishly terrifying. Its sickly yellow skin stretched tight over a grotesque skeletal frame, seemed to shimmer with an unsettling sheen. Sharp, blood-caked claws and jagged teeth marked it unmistakably as a predator.


    From its nearly bald head, bizarre strands of black hair sprouted, seeming to writhe with an eerie life of their own. Atlas felt a chill race down his spine as he took in the dreadful sight, which made his skin crawl.


    Standing around four feet tall, the creature exuded a sinister aura, as if it lurked in the shadows, lying in wait to ambush its next unsuspecting victim. Atlas shook his head and used Void Sight on it.


    [Lurker]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [These are fast little fuckers, boy. You must be quicker!]


    ''Great advice,'' he internally complained.


    He quickly cast Void Veil, which blinded the Lurker and sent it into a wild frenzy, but Atlas quickly used Void Step to appear next to it, allowing him to drive his blades into the creature''s skull.


    ''Now die, you creepy fucker!'' he internally raged at being made jump by it.


    The Lurker dropped dead before he cut out the purple core that he knew was worth something. Following that, Atlas continued down the small tunnel and soon noticed another grate that led to a corridor. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a powerful kick, Atlas sent the grate flying from the opposite wall, where it slammed into a door with a crash. He climbed down into the horrible-smelling hallway, his heart pounding.


    Pulling out a map after getting over the blood smell, he quickly assessed his location and realized he was on the third passenger floor¡ªeighteen floors below the captain''s quarters, where he had to get the vault key.


    ''I swear this blade better be worth it,'' Atlas thought while glancing around. ''This place is giving me the creeps.''


    Atlas crouched low, blending into the darkness of the narrow service corridor. The dim, flickering lights overhead cast long, twitching shadows that seemed to dance with malevolence.


    He pressed his back against the cold metal wall, listening intently to the guttural growls and scraping sounds echoing from the adjacent passage. Atlas glanced in the sound direction only to see a group of Fleshfiends approaching him.


    ''''This is ridiculous,'''' Atlas muttered, urgency edging his voice as he sprinted away from the approaching threat.


    But as he rounded the corner, a Lurker lunged at him with startling speed. Atlas''s eyes widened in shock as the creature''s claws slashed at him. He flailed desperately, trying to shake off the nightmarish attacker that clawed and bit with savage intensity.


    ''I swear I need a spell to warn me of ambushes,'' he internally complained.


    Atlas let out a scream when its teeth pierced through the gaps in the armor. When the blood hit the floor, the group of Fleshfiends turned around and rushed in his direction due to the smell, which made him panic.


    He quickly cast Void Wave, which managed to dislodge the Lurker as it crashed into the nearby wall, allowing Atlas to thrust Nightblade into the creature''s skull. The first Fleshfriend rounded the corner, letting out a horrifying growl.


    ''Oh god. This will be annoying,'' he thought while leaning back to dodge a swipe of its claws.


    It hit the wall behind Atlas before he struck out and sliced off one of its arms, which allowed him to get the upper hand on the creature. He managed to pierce the heart of the beast and used Void Blast to send the corpse into the others. Continue your story on M-V-L


    Following that attack, he rushed down the corridor as there were too many Fleshfiends to fight in a confined space. While running, a Lurker lunged from above, which Atlas sidestepped as it got swarmed by his pursuers.


    Atlas sprinted down the corridor, relief washing over him as he spotted a staircase leading upward. He dashed up the metal steps, only to burst into a dining hall with a disturbing sight off to the side.


    ''What is that?'' he wondered, edging closer.


    As he approached, he saw a haphazard camp¡ªthe monster''s work. The unsettling part was the collection of bodies strewn around. There were over a dozen, their lifeless forms a grim testament to violence.


    Atlas''s mind raced. ''Was there a battle here? Or something worse?''


    There were Lurkers, Fleshfiends, and a taller, dark-skinned monster that looked worse than the previous two. He started searching the camp and realized it had happened hours ago, forcing him to continue through the nearest tunnel.


    Afterward, he traveled for an hour and fought more creatures using his magic and swords before reaching a large storage area stacked high with rotten crates and a horrible smell that hurt his nose.


    ''What is this place? A monster nest?'' Atlas wondered, casting a wary glance around the grim scene.


    He checked the nearest crate but found nothing inside, deepening his confusion about the smell. Atlas''s attention suddenly snapped back as several creatures dropped silently from a nearby wall, their sudden appearance heightening his dread.


    They were seven feet tall, pale white, and had red eyes full of malice as they focused on him. Atlas gulped when he saw these horrifying creatures encircling him with intent. He quickly scanned it to find out what rank it was.


    [Blightborn]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Use your monsters, boy!]


    Without thinking, Atlas activated Call Of The Void and summoned the Brute Void Bears, who charged out of the azure portal and crashed into the shocked Blightborns. They quickly tore the creatures apart with ease.


    Following that, he rushed past the battling monsters and made his way up the ship while avoiding the Fleshfiends and Lurker, thanks to his camouflage that stopped him constantly fighting as he was growing tired.


    ''I need to rest,'' Atlas thought. ''Maybe the captain room will be safe enough.''


    It took several hours to reach the noble quarters behind the fences Amara wrote about. When Atlas spotted them, he was shocked. They looked like mithril defensive gates that were torn apart.


    ''What could have done this?''


    Skeletons littered the floor, and when Atlas accidentally touched them, they crumbled into dust thanks to the time passed. He continued and passed through the destroyed gate before seeing even more corpses.


    When he reached the floor where the nobles were staying, he noticed that the floors had collapsed because of something big. Atlas scanned the area and saw it was on the second floor of the ship.


    ''Too quiet,'' he mused. ''It seems like a giant monster attacked.''


    Looking out the dirty windows, he saw schools of sea monsters swimming around while living life.


    His breath caught as he stepped closer, and his eyes widened in awe. Before him stretched a breathtaking sight of the ocean''s depths, illuminated by bioluminescent creatures dancing in the water.


    The sea was alive with a vibrant array of colors. A Giant jellyfish drifted by, its tentacles trailing like ethereal ribbons of light. Schools of glowing fish flitted past, their scales shimmering in hues of blue and green.


    In the distance, the silhouette of a colossal sea serpent undulated through the dark water, its scales sparkling with a mesmerizing iridescence. As it glided effortlessly, its long, curved body created waves of light that rippled across the sea floor.


    ''''Beautiful but deadly,'''' he mumbled to himself.


    Then, Atlas started looking for the captain''s quarters and soon encountered even more Lurkers he had to kill before moving forward. He continued to fight and guessed there were the descendants of the original survivors.


    ''They''ve evolved backward,'' he mused, the grim realization settling in. ''Maybe it''s because they were trapped at the bottom of the sea.''


    Pushing forward, Atlas finally reached the room he had been searching for. The door was stubbornly blocked; he used all his strength to open it. The captain had barricaded himself inside, a last-ditch effort to keep the terror at bay.


    When Atlas stepped into the apartment-sized living space, he was met with darkness, mold, and an eerie silence. He swiftly activated his Light, illuminating the expansive room cloaked in a thick layer of dust.


    He moved cautiously through the space until he spotted an office tucked away. As he approached, the beam of Light revealed a lifeless body slumped in a chair behind a massive wooden desk.


    Atlas entered the room, the light casting eerie shadows across the space, and his heart sank as he recognized the body¡ªit was the captain. He approached the corpse, his eyes drawn to a note lying on the desk.


    Without hesitation, he picked up the note, realizing it was a final message from the captain before his death.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 185: Whats Your Point

    Atlas read the note, which annoyed him beyond belief.[To the soldiers of Astoria. I have given all the valuables to Duke Silverstar, who resides in a bunker at the bottom of the ship. Please rescue them, as they are a good and kind family who can help rebuild the Federation]


    ''So everything is back at the bottom,'' he pondered while glancing around for the vault key and spotted it around the neck of the skeleton.


    Without a second thought, Atlas snatched the note and allowed himself a fleeting smile, imagining escape from this nightmare. He grabbed the key from the desk and turned to leave, only to be jolted by a deafening roar.


    ''What was that? Don''t tell me there are giant monsters down here!'' he thought, a wave of panic threatening to overwhelm him. He fought to keep his composure, deciding to rest before continuing.


    He located the captain''s room, cleared a spot on the dusty floor, and set up his tent. Crawling inside, he sought refuge from the dust and got comfortable before activating the Void Realm to battle with the Golems.


    Atlas spent hours fighting with the stone monsters to reduce their numbers so he could move on to the next floor, which he started enjoying due to the excitement of battling numerous foes.


    Once he got some space from the Void Golem, Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Golem ¨C 312134/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 391790/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 94201/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Slowly going down,'' he mused with a smile before casting Void Bomb into the swarm of Void Golems and Warriors, causing an azure to erupt.


    Atlas watched the monsters get sent flying into the waves below. Following that, he continued fighting with them, allowing him to wipe out hundreds of them, which caused the total to drop.


    Soon enough, Atlas grew tired and slumped down before returning to the real world. A loud thump could be heard all over the ship as he awoke. He poked his head out of the tent while looking around and felt the vessel shake, causing him to guess, ''Maybe a giant sea monster hit it?''


    Following that, Atlas curled up in his sleeping bag and fell asleep. Hours passed by, only for him to wake up refreshed. He climbed out of the tent and stored everything away while sensing something in the next room.


    ''There''s a Lurker outside,'' he thought with a smile.


    Atlas drew his weapons but first took a moment to search the room. He only found an iron key, which immediately caught his attention. Activating Void Sight, he examined the key and was pleased to read the description:


    [Safety Vault Key: Grants access to the vault at the bottom of the ship]


    ''I can get the blade part now,'' Atlas pondered. ''But I have to travel all the way down and run into packs of Fleshfiends.''


    Once, thinking that he had readied himself to leave the room, he stepped outside as if a bad feeling washed over him. Atlas looked to the right as the floor started to rumble at the entrance to the noble quarters, which erupted into chaos as a massive Blightborn charged at him.


    Atlas yelped when he saw the muscular creature swipe at him, but he quickly rolled to the side while casting Void Bullets at the monster''s feet, causing explosions to ring out and allowing him to rush forward.


    Everything fell into chaos as he bounced around the corridors while avoiding the monster''s attacks as he countered by Void Infusion on his swords and tearing through its skin. He dodged the Blightborn attacks while striking at the creature''s legs, causing it to stumble.


    At that point, Atlas had to cast Void Guard to defend himself from another creature that appeared from a side room. ''There''s no way I''m going to win this fight,'' he thought while backing away from them. Find adventures at M-V-L


    Atlas used Void Sight on the creatures while he caught his breath.


    [Blightborn Berserker]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: S - 10000 Exp]


    [Fucking run, you stupid child!]


    "You''re right," Atlas roared internally, "but I''m bringing them down!"


    With a fierce resolve, he sheathed his blades and unleashed Void Infusion on his fists. He charged headlong at the Berserkers, their savage attacks slicing through the air as he expertly dodged each one.


    His fists hammered down on their knees, sending them to the ground with a thunderous impact. The force of his punches was undeniable, but he could feel his strength waning.


    Exhaustion gnawed at him, even as a glimmer of triumph sparkled in his eyes. More Berserkers emerged, and a wave of panic threatened to overwhelm him. But then he remembered¡ªthe ship was weak.


    With a roar of sheer determination, Atlas began to pound the floor relentlessly, bending the metal. The ship''s structure gave way beneath them, and with a mighty crash, he and the creatures plummeted through the crumbling floors, plunging into the abyss below.


    As Atlas plummeted through the darkness, he was entangled with a Blightborn. Desperation drove him to cast Void Bomb, a blinding explosion erupting around him. The blast freed him from the creature''s grasp but left him severely wounded.


    The pain was overwhelming, and as his vision blurred and his strength waned, he felt himself crashing through the ship''s metal hull. Everything around him spiraled into darkness, and then¡ªsilence.


    ***


    "Amethyst! Kill that damn soldier before he alerts the others!" Grishna barked.


    Without hesitation, she dove toward the airborne horseman, her hands crackling with cosmic mana. She unleashed a Cosmic Blast, a surge of chaotic mana ripping through the man''s back and piercing his body.


    As the soldier fell, Amethyst was suddenly gripped by a sharp pain in her heart. The searing agony forced her to plummet to the ground, her body crashing heavily. The other women, witnessing her fall, rushed toward her with alarmed expressions, their focus shifting from the battle to their fallen comrade.


    Estelle arrived first and cast Healing Light on her, but the phoenix girl let out a pain-filled scream as Artemis arrived and quickly comforted her, ''''You okay, Little Bird? That stupid boy nearly died again!'''' S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How do you know that?" Grishna asked in a doubtful voice. They are bonded. Well, she had a one-sided connection to Azhar''Zul."


    The other two women were confused, but the blonde knight questioned, ''''How? They haven''t had sex.''''


    Grishna''s green eyes widened, ''''The two little shits must have kissed before he was kidnapped!''''


    Artemis nodded and revealed all she knew about Amethyst''s race, ''''That''s all that is needed for a Cosmic Phoenix to bond with someone. She cares for him deeply if she can feel a fraction of his pain.''''


    "So Azhar''Zul is enduring even more pain than she is?" Estelle asked, her voice tinged with concern.


    The brunette nodded, her expression grave. "Yes. From what I understand, he was crossing the Dreaded Maw Sea, which is deeply unsettling because most aircraft or ships get attacked by the Titans."


    Amethyst, now having calmed down, rose shakily and, with a breathless tone, revealed, "Atlas has plunged into deep darkness below the Dreaded Maw Sea. He''s trapped on a massive ship that sunk before our time.''''


    When the three women heard this, their expressions changed until Grishna exclaimed, ''''He''s always in trouble. Didn''t you hear the traders? The white-haired devil has been terrorizing the Achaemandians.''''


    ''''What''s your point?'''' Artemis said as they prepared to continue traveling.


    The orc woman explained, ''''Azhar''Zul will always get into trouble and get himself out of it, but at least now we know he''s heading to the Nubian Capital to heal Lilith.''''


    Everyone agreed to wait for Atlas before heading to the northern frontier. The invasion of Astoria has stalled at the Thalassia Empire''s borders, but that never stopped the assassins coming after them.


    ***


    As Atlas slowly regained consciousness, the relentless drip of water and the ominous groan of metal reverberated through the darkness. His entire body was ablaze with pain, and though he attempted to move, something held him in place.


    His Regeneration worked tirelessly, struggling to repair the extensive damage he had sustained, ''Ahhh, what happened?'' he wondered, the strain making his head throb mercilessly. ''Right¡ªthe Blightborn bodybuilders.''


    Straining to lift his head, Atlas winced as the agony in his neck forced him to remain still. In his vulnerable state, he activated his Dungeon Conqueror skill and summoned a Rock Wyrm to protect himself.


    The Rock Wyrm coiled around Atlas''s battered form, its massive, serpentine body forming a protective barrier against lurking threats. Atlas felt relief as the Wyrm gently nudged him with its colossal head.


    Without warning, it lunged forward, its jaws snapping shut on a horde of Fleshfiends creeping closer. In response to the mounting danger, Atlas swiftly summoned a few Bugbears.


    The towering creatures encircled him, their formidable presence pushing back the nightmarish intruders. The clash of battle erupted around them, but the Rock Wyrm soon returned, resuming its vigilant guard and ensuring no monsters breached their defenses.


    Atlas felt his Regeneration kicking in and started repairing all the damage, which took longer than usual. Soon enough, the headache died down, allowing him to think before his muscles stitched them back together.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 186: Nightmare

    It took Atlas another hour to recover as he could finally sit up, but his head spun before settling down. He glanced around and noticed he was in a restaurant, which caused him to think, ''Looks like I''m on the forty-second floor.''Without wasting any more time, Atlas stood up as his body cracked and his surviving monsters turned to him. He dismissed them all while scanning his surroundings with Void Sight, but he couldn''t see anything.


    ''No monsters, it seems. Hopefully, I can get to the vault without any trouble.''


    There were two dozen red Monster Cores, which he had collected before moving on, while the Rock Wyrm followed him through the corridors. Soon enough, he came to a staircase blocked by the same fences.


    "Is this how the nobles made their way to the bottom?" Atlas mused with a tired smile as he surveyed his surroundings.


    He stepped inside and immediately spotted a staircase spiraling downward. Without hesitation, he descended, each step echoing in the quiet. However, his progress came to an abrupt halt as he reached a dead end.


    ''Damn, always something stopping me from moving forward.''


    The path ahead was blocked by jagged, torn metal, twisted into an impassable barrier, preventing him from moving forward. He dismissed the Rock Wyrm and entered the next floor, which seemed residential.


    When Atlas stepped inside, a foul stench assaulted his nose, causing him to gag. ''Eww, what is that?'' he thought, glancing around in disgust.


    He found himself in a large, dark foyer where a lone desk stood, abandoned. Four corridors stretched out before him, two on each side, and his curiosity was piqued. Thanks to the Night Eyes Runes, he was able to see.


    As Atlas moved toward the nearest corridor, the horrid stench intensified, becoming nearly unbearable. He grimaced, forcing himself to push forward despite the nausea. "The smells even worse here," he muttered.


    Every step felt heavier as he braced for what was lurking in the darkness. As Atlas ventured deeper into the ship, the metallic groans of the vessel seemed to grow louder, echoing through the hollow corridors.


    The atmosphere became creepier, causing a shiver to run down Atlas''s spine as a horrid stench clung to his nostrils, but something about the atmosphere gnawed at his instincts, warning him that he was not alone.


    Each step reverberated with an eerie, hollow clang. Once sleek and metallic, the walls around him were now covered in a thin, greasy film that shimmered in the dim light. Every breath tasted foul, and the ship''s usual scent of rust and decay was overwhelmed by something far worse.


    An acrid smell filled the air, like rotting meat left to decay in dampness. Atlas slowly and carefully rounded a corner and found himself in a long, narrow passage. Its walls were no longer metal but something else entirely¡ªflesh, which horrified him as his face went pale and the hair on his neck stood up.


    ''What nightmare have I walked into?'' Continue your journey at M-V-L


    Pale, pulsing flesh stretched over jagged beams and pipes. Veins throbbed beneath the surface, sickeningly organic. As he stepped forward, a shudder ran down his spine. The sensation beneath his boots was warm, like walking on a living thing.


    ''What... in the Void is this place?'' Atlas thought, swallowing the bile that threatened to rise.


    The deeper he ventured, the more the surroundings changed. The once-structured layout of the ship twisted into a labyrinth. Rags of flesh hung from the ceiling like cobwebs, glistening with a foul, oily secretion.


    ''This shit is making me want to throw up,'' Atlas mused while trying to control himself.


    There were no more corridors of steel and rivets¡ªonly tunnels of flesh and bone, twisting and warping as he passed what once might have been a control panel, now absorbed into the walls, its buttons and dials half-sunken into the pulsing tissue.


    His hand reflexively went to the hilt of his blade. The shadows seemed to shift at the edges of his vision, and a soft, wet, slithering sound whispered through the air. Then came the noise, soft at first but unmistakable.


    There was a distant, wet, churning sound of something feeding. Atlas froze, his heartbeat thundering in his ears. Slowly, his vision extended into the darkness, revealing what lay ahead, and what he saw made his blood run cold.


    There were dozens of them huddled around piles of decaying flesh. Their clawed hands dug into the flesh, ripping chunks free and eating it. Atlas noticed the creature''s bodies twitched and shuddered with each bite, and the sickening squelch of torn flesh filled the air. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Fleshfiends,'' he thought while watching the scene.


    Atlas''s pulse quickened as he soon realized he was in the heart of their feeding grounds. He stepped back, his breath shallow, trying to move quietly. But as he did, his boot pressed on something soft, wet.


    A faint squelch echoed in the narrow corridor. The nearest Fleshfiend paused, its head snapping, nose twitching as it sniffed the air. A hiss escaped its throat as it turned its hollow gaze toward Atlas.


    His heart raced as more of them stirred, rising from their grotesque feast. Their bodies moved unnaturally fast, spindly limbs contorting at disturbing angles. A chorus of clicking and guttural growls filled the place.


    Atlas backed off before casting a Void Bomb that exploded in the middle of the horde, allowing him to use Void Step to get across the chamber as the creatures were killed with azure flames that washed over them.


    As Atlas advanced, the monster howled in agony, his eyes burning with determination. He channeled Void Infusion into his blades, the dark energy crackling as he sliced through the creatures that had managed to evade his initial spells.


    The chamber echoed with the shrieks of the wounded beasts. Without hesitation, Atlas sprinted toward a metal door, slamming it shut with a resounding bang. The sound reverberated through the corridor, momentarily silencing the monstrous roars behind him.


    While leaning against the door, the Fleshfiends pounded relentlessly, causing it to shake. Atlas pulled out his map, his hands steady despite the mounting tension. He quickly located a staircase leading downward to the north.


    His instincts told him that more creatures were likely waiting in that direction, but Atlas knew there was no other choice. Following that, he made his way toward the staircase while fighting off the odd group of creatures that tried to ambush him.


    A few hours later, Atlas arrived at another hall, which he guessed was a nest, but this time, it was empty, which creeped him out. He stepped inside while gripping his blade just as a Fleshfiend lunged from the darkness.


    Atlas avoided the monster and carved through its body in one swipe as the blades were covered with Void Infusion. A battle erupted in the hall, causing him to bring in the Shadowstalkers, who tore into the creatures with their sword-like claws.


    Blood covered everything, including Atlas, as the last Fleshfiend died, but a sudden howl alerted him to the creatures rushing in his direction. He smiled before summoning more monsters to help in the fight while activating Dungeon Conquerer.


    A portal opened, allowing the Werewolves and Dreadmaw Lions to appear on the battlefield. Atlas then jumped into the fray as his monsters tore through the Fleshfiend nest while his summons kept up with him.


    Not long after, they reached the next staircase, where a Blightborn met Atlas. He killed several Werewolves before he reached the monster and sliced through its ankles, bringing it crashing to the floor.


    He cast a Void Arrow at its skull just as a Dreadmaw Lion lunged over him and hit another Blightborn before tearing it apart. When Atlas saw this, he started rushing to find the way to the lower floor.


    His Dungeon Monsters followed behind while others stayed to hold the Fleshfiends back. It took a few more hours to reach the floor where the vaults were, and thanks to the help, the creatures weren''t a problem.


    Atlas arrived at the end of a long corridor that looked like it could fit a Mistwalker, which he quickly summoned. The giant mammoth monster could move while he followed behind it while readying his weapons.


    The further they got, the Mistwalker let out a roar as it started to fight something that was beating the giant monster. Atlas stepped back as it faded back into the Dungeon Realm and sent the remaining creatures charging forward.


    That''s when the culprit appeared, a Blightborn unlike any he''d seen. It looked more human-like yet still radiated a creepy aure. Atlas tensed, wary but ready to fight. The creature spoke, its voice dripping with malice, "Stupid Voidwalker. Always meddling in our plans. We took everything from you, and still, that wasn''t enough to deter you."


    Atlas''s entire body tensed at the taunting words, a deep hatred coursing through him. His eyes flared as a memory surfaced¡ªof a white-haired woman battling similar creatures while holding him in her arms.


    He barely remembered her, the white-haired woman leading a group of guards in a desperate stand while a mage traced mysterious Runes on the ground and chanted in an unknown language.


    The monster''s taunt sliced through the memory with cold cruelty. It sneered, ''''Your mother was a delightful meal. Now, I get the pleasure of devouring her son. How fortunate for me.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 187: Chaos Being

    When Atlas heard the creature''s cruel words, something within him snapped. The memory of the woman flooded back¡ªher face etched with sorrow as she placed him on the Runes and said, "I hope you live, my son. Chaos will seek you out, but you must fight and never give up."He realized with a pang that this was why he had been adopted; Chaos and its minions had taken his real parents. As he grappled with the weight of this revelation, two notifications appeared before him.


    [Void Punch Unlocked]


    [Void Form Unlocked]


    Atlas quickly pulled up the information to see what he had unlocked, but he was shocked by it. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Punch: Uses your fist to channel the raw power of the Void to use against an opponent]


    [Void Form: Transform yourself into a shadowy form but is heavy on mana]


    ''These will help me in this fight, I hope,'' Atlas thought while using Void Sight on the creatures that seemed to know him.


    [Chaos Captain]


    [Race: Chaos Being]


    [Level: 423]


    [Rank: Master]


    ''I can run, but it will find me thanks to being a higher rank than me,'' he thought while readying his weapons.


    The Chaos Captain moved forward so fast that it forced him to cross his swords as a bone blade clashed against them. Atlas was sent skidding backward, and the impact shook his arms, causing him to become rattled.


    ''Fuck that hurt,'' he internally complained. ''This is much stronger than me.''


    While thinking, Medusa''s voice rang out in his mind, ''Move through the ship! Get that evil creature to the hallway that keeps the seawater out.''


    Following that, Atlas managed to deflect or dodge most attacks, but when the Chaos Being landed a punch, it shattered his armor, forcing him back while using Void Guard to try to get a break from the constant attacks.


    It pushed him back to a large hall where he could use speed, but the creature managed to keep up, forcing Atlas on the back foot. While it was chasing him, he quickly summoned Kara and the Death Gorillas, who crashed into the Chaos Being.


    The monsters started pummeling it as Atlas used the rest of his mana to summon an Orge King, who barreled through the portal and swung its massive sword at the enemy, who just threw Kara across the hall.


    Atlas watched with excitement as the giant Dungeon Creature''s blade nearly reached the Chaos Being, who caught it with one hand. When he saw this, his heart dropped, forcing him to go down four mana potions.


    Once he had enough mana, he summoned the Hill Giant Boss from Blackthorne Hills. The massive monster roared, joined the Orge, and started attacking the Chaos Creature, and this time, it paid more attention to them.


    When Atlas noticed it wasn''t paying attention to him, he cast Void Punch, and his fists distorted with mystical energy before he sprinted forward so fast that he caused a sonic boom while dodging around his monsters and started punching the Chaos Being.


    The creature was caught off guard but couldn''t do anything as Atlas''s fists slammed into its body dozens of times. Azure light radiated off it, causing him to jump back as small explosions erupted.


    Atlas deflected the stray mana using Void Guard before casting Void Lance at the Chaos Being, trying to deal with his punches. He watched as the creature slammed its foot on the ground, dispelling the spell as it gazed at him with hatred.


    He chuckled at the enemy''s expression before teasing it, ''''You''re still weak even though you''re a Master Rank. Pathetic.''''


    When Atlas said that, the Chaos Being twitched in anger, causing him to continue while he recovered mana; shortly after, the Orge rushed forward and tried punching the being who had dodged all the attacks.


    ''I need to get to the side of the ship,'' he thought while glancing around. ''Medusa well tell me the plan when it''s time.''


    Read new adventures at M-V-L


    Atlas turned back to the Ogre and Chaos Being, who were fighting, but it was a one-sided struggle as his Dungeon Monster soon dropped to the ground after the enemy injected it with its horrible mana.


    It went to rise, but the Hill Giant stomped on its head and sent it back to the Dungeon Realm as it challenged the enemy. The massive monster swung its club, but the Chaos Being deflected the attacks.


    ''The giant will lose soon,'' Atlas thought before rushing in to help his monster, but it was too late.


    He watched as the Chaos Being cast a spell that decimated the Hill Giant, causing it to collapse into nothingness, which shocked Atlas. That didn''t deter him as he charged forward and dodged several attacks.


    ''Hopefully, I can use my speed against this creature,'' he thought while dodging a blast of Chaos magic.


    Explosions rang out as Atlas cast Void Punch. He swung at the creature''s head, but it moved. He already planned for this as his other fist struck the Chaos Being''s chest, sending it stumbling backward.


    ''Now''s my chance! If I can land a few good attacks I can retreat to give myself time to find the side of the ship.''


    Atlas took advantage of the moment by rushing into the fray and got close to the enemy before landing dozens of punches, which surprised the creature. He wasn''t done and took out his blades while casting Void Infusion on them.


    Without wasting another second, he stabbed them into the Chaos Being''s chest before casting Void Bullet, which instantly exploded inside the creature and sent Atlas flying across the hall they were in.


    He landed on his feet as the creature let out an enraged roar as its red eyes landed on him, and Atlas quickly noticed that it was losing control. The Chaos Being charged forward, causing him to turn on his heels as Medusa''s voice sounded in his mind.


    ''You''re not far from the trap Master. When I tell you too cast Void Bomb at the wall, then summon me,'' she said in a panicked voice.


    Atlas agreed before passing through a dining hall and then an entertainment section with the Chaos Being hot on his heels. The creature was angry and wanted to kill him, but he was faster and continued running.


    Soon enough, the gap between him and the enemy was close, but Medusa''s voice rang out, ''Turn right up here; as soon as you do cast your spell before using Void Step to get away from the creature.''


    Atlas nodded faintly before readying himself. He pointed his blade at the wall and cast a Void Bomb. The azure spells sliced through the corridor and erupted into a vicious explosion that tore the metal apart.


    They were sucked into the deep, and Atlas quickly summoned the Death Serpent, who promptly grabbed him in her jaws as a horrifying aura descended upon them. She rushed back into the ship.


    He still saw the Chaos Being looking at him with rage, but soon, a gigantic monster shot out of the darkness and quickly swallowed the creature. Atlas let out a breath of relief as Medusa hid in the flooded hallway.


    While hiding in the darkness, her voice rang out in his mind, ''We shall stay here until the Sea God finishes with that horrifying creature.''


    Atlas agreed with a nod before curling up and falling asleep due to the mana exhaustion as he pushed himself into the fight. Hours passed by, and he woke up only to sense something nearby.


    ''What''s out there Medusa?'' he questioned.


    The Death Seprent quickly answered, ''Blood Sharks. I had to kill some Blightborns and Fleshfiends that appeared. They smell the results and are investigating.''


    After speaking, Medusa opened her mouth a little as he cast Aqua Lung so he could breathe. His eyes widened in shock when he saw the giant red sharks patrolling the inside of the ship but staying away from them.


    ''Lucky I have her otherwise, I''d be screwed down here,'' Atlas mused while watching the sharks tearing into the corpse of a Fleshfiend.


    He quickly used Void Sight to determine the monsters'' rank and Medusa''s.


    [Blood Sharks]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Deadly hunters, but let the Death Seprent hide you]


    ''Interesting,'' he thought. ''Maybe I can use Void Bullets to scare them away.''


    Next was his Death, Serpent, and Atlas was shocked when he saw how strong she had become.


    [Medusa]


    [Death Serpent]


    [Rank: S - 10000]


    [She''s growing stronger just like you, boy!]


    Following that, he pointed Nightblade toward the hole in the ship before casting a Void Bullet that sliced through the water and hit the seafloor. The Blood Sharks scattered when the explosion erupted, making him laugh.


    ''Smart Master. Get to the vault to retrieve whatever you were searching for,'' Medusa suggested while swimming toward the air pocket, which would lead him there.


    The Death Serpent let him out as her giant head breached the water, allowing him to step onto the ship''s cold metal. Atlas dismissed her before continuing the corridor while readying himself for a fight.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 188: Cliffhanger

    Atlas continued walking down the dark, damp corridor, heading for the vault where the nobles hid from the prowling monsters. He quickly cast Void Infusion on his blades just as a group of Fleshfiends rushed out of the darkness.''Here we go.''


    Without missing a beat, he dodged several attacks while countering with his swords that carved through the creature''s flesh. As Atlas realized he was surrounded, he cast Void Wave, which wiped out a dozen.


    This gave him enough time to use Void Arrow to kill many more. Five minutes later, the creatures ceased their attack and scattered into the darkness. Atlas was about to chase after them but stopped as he remembered why he was there.


    ''Let''s get the Arcane Ember and leave this horrifying place,'' he thought while traveling through the shadows.


    Atlas continued and passed through storage rooms and other mechanical halls that ran the ship. He traveled for an hour until finding the first signs of the noble district. When he got inside, he felt exhaustion wash over him.


    ''I need to rest before continuing; otherwise, they may get the jump on me,'' he wondered while looking for a safe place.


    He searched until he discovered a cleaning cupboard with a cubby above it. Once Atlas slipped inside and closed the door behind him, he noticed the space was stocked with spare uniforms and other supplies.


    ''At least there aren''t any monster eggs in here.''


    Once inside, Atlas tried to touch the clothes, but they crumbled into dust as if they were old. He internally chuckled before taking out a dozen blankets and piling them up after using Void Blast to burn the dirt from the confined space.


    "Well, it''s as clean as possible," he muttered.


    Following that, he pulled out a Dragon''s Meat Feast Box and started eating while checking his status due to leveling up due to all the fighting.


    [Level Up: 187¡ú194]


    [Experience: 2720/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 33460]


    [Health: 1760¡ú1768(200)]


    [Mana: 7718¡ú7740(1000)]


    [Strength: 2042¡ú2046(100)]


    [Stamina: 2518¡ú2524(250)]


    [Charisma: 764¡ú768]


    [Intelligence: 1614¡ú1622]


    [Core Points: 89970/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 18800]


    [Lvl 2: Void Punch Unlocked]


    [Lvl 3: Void Form Unlocked]


    ''At least I leveled up a few times,'' Atlas thought while chewing on some juicy meat covered in spices.


    He continued eating before pulling out Amara''s Diary to discover what had happened to the Silverstar Family as he ate some Forest Chicken Wraps.


    ***


    Amara and the surviving nobles reached the bottom decks, and the elevator doors opened in a dark corridor. A bad feeling washed over her, but the Federation Soldiers rushed forward with large shields to clear the way for them.


    Her Father, Samuel, ushered the family and others forward as the Blightborns slammed against the soldier''s shields. Ebba grabbed her arm while casting Wind Missiles that carved through the horde of creatures.


    ''''My lady, let''s get to the store room while the Master opens the vault,'''' the older woman said as they moved down the corridor.


    Screams and howls around them just as the ship jolted to the side. An alarm blared out, and a robotic voice started speaking in a monotone voice, ''''The Starforge has been struck by a Sea God! Get to a lifeboat as soon as possible.''''


    When Amara heard that, she panicked, but soon enough, the soldiers were stopped in their tracks as the mutated creatures swamped the hallway. As she stood there, she spotted a figure in the distance.


    ''Who is that? And why are the monsters avoiding him?''


    The soldiers killed the monsters as the group reached a storage room. Her father ushered them inside while some troops stayed behind to hold the angry creatures back, ''There are vents all over the walls,'' she thought while glancing around the large, dimly lit room.


    She breathed heavily as she got out her diary and jotted down everything to calm down. While writing, Ebba commented, "My Lady." The others will be moving in ten minutes. The Master and some guards have gone to open the vault.


    Amara nodded in understanding as she continued writing, thinking, ''If the empire comes down here, they will try to cover up what happens. This will be the truth that exposes the Asotrians.''


    After finishing her recordings, Amara scanned the room and quickly spotted a sturdy toolbox perfect for keeping her diary safe. She hurried over, casting a protection spell on the book before securing it inside.


    ***


    ''What happened next? Why leave it on a cliffhanger?'' Atlas thought while putting the old book away.


    He ate until fatigue crept in, prompting him to curl under his blankets. Soon, Atlas drifted into a comfortable sleep, unaware that Fleshfiends were prowling the ship, hunting for him, knowing he was still on board.


    The following morning, Atlas woke up feeling refreshed. He stored away his blankets and ate some chocolate. Once done, he climbed out of his hideaway and continued walking through the corridors.


    After an hour, Atlas arrived at the storage room where he had first entered the ship. ''It feels like forever since I was here last,'' he said.


    He passed through the area and soon found the door to the vault, which held the Arcane Ember. Once reaching the entrance, Atlas pulled out the key from the captain''s quarters and opened the door.


    The thick metal door clicked open, only for it to open with a loud screech that echoed throughout the ship. This made him cringe while thinking, ''Well done Atlas. You just rang the dinner bell.''


    Just after that, howls started bouncing off the walls, causing him to force the door open before rushing inside. Atlas slammed it shut with a thud as bodies slammed against the opposite side.


    ''That was close,'' he mused with a smile.


    Atlas turned around and noticed he had entered a large apartment-like place covered in dust. Seeing this, he activated Light, which illuminated everything around him. He spotted several corpses sitting on the sofas with glasses in their hands.


    This scene caused him to approach them while thinking as he took in the scene, ''Did they kill themselves? Most likely because they were trapped down here.'' Read exclusive chapters at M-V-L


    As Atlas observed the scene, he noticed that some figures were couples while others stood alone. His search of the vault continued until he discovered the reason behind their desperation¡ªtwo lifeboat pods.


    One was crushed beyond use, and the other was missing. ''Did some people escape?'' he wondered, glancing around for clues.


    Soon enough, Atlas found the Silverstar Family huddled in one room as a horde of bodies outside the door. He pushed through them and entered only to see several skeletons littering the room.


    His gaze landed on a figure he guessed was Amara, sitting on a chair slumped backward. ''It''s a shame you died but you''re still alive in a way as I remember who you''re,'' he thought.


    Atlas turned his attention to a nearby skeleton, a key at its feet. He picked it up and scanned the room using his True Sight Goggles until he spotted the vault on the far side. Excitement surged through him as he approached.


    He tore down the painting covering a metal door. His heart raced as he unlocked it, revealing a stunning red gem nestled inside. Its allure seemed almost irresistible as it seemed to call out to him.


    ''This is definitely part of the Vanquisher Blade and will be useful,'' Atlas mused while taking the gem and storing it away.


    There was a chest full to the brim with strange-looking gold coins. He shrugged before taking it all and leaving the vault empty. Following that, Atlas looked around and searched for any more valuables but found nothing.


    ''I don''t think there''s anything else here,'' he pondered while looking around. ''I can use Void Bomb to get out before summoning Medusa to get me to dry land.'' Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With his plan set, he went to the ship''s side. Upon reaching his destination, he cast the spell, enveloping himself in a Void Guard to shield against the impact. The shield absorbed the force as the water surged, ensuring he remained unharmed.


    ''Now let''s get out of here and reach Aridonia.''


    Atlas quickly summoned the Death Serpent, which he grabbed before she shot out of the hole and into the dark ocean. The Dungeon Monster rushed along the seafloor, avoiding the Sea Gods and other creatures.


    He quickly cast Aqua Lung so he could breathe as they passed through the shadows. After traveling for hours, Medusa''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Land is nearby, Master. We shouldn''t encounter any powerful monsters.''


    After speaking, they ascended until he noticed the sun beaming down, causing him to smile while thinking, ''It''s been a while since I saw the light. Hopefully, the journey to Carthage is peaceful.''


    Following that, the Death Serpent burst out of the water as Atlas went flying before landing with a thud. He quickly shook his head while admiring the landscape, a snow-covered savannah stretching out in all directions.


    Atlas spotted a road in the distance and began approaching it when Theo''s voice echoed in his mind, ''You cannot fly here, Master. A Sky God protects this place and will sense us if we try.''


    Nodding in understanding, he pulled out some chocolate and marveled at the towering stones that jutted into the sky. ''Wow, that''s beautiful,'' he thought, admiring the majestic landscape.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 189: Can You Shrink Down

    Atlas pulled out the map and found he was a few miles away from Bugeta, a city on the coast of the Sirens Sea. He made his way toward it while scanning the landscape for monsters. All he saw were snow-covered hills and giant karsts that stretched into the sky and pierced the clouds.Some of them had small forests decorating the stone, which confused him even more. ''Hopefully, I get some peace and no more attacks,'' he thought with a smile.


    While traveling, he found road merchants and people who used to travel to the city. Atlas followed it after dismissing his helmet and feeling the refreshing breeze against his face while sighing.


    People looked at him like he was a rare creature, quickly causing him to realize that most of the people were dark-skinned. ''Seems like my pale self is the odd one in the Nubian Empire,'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    ''''Look at the lost Mzungu; what brings a snow elf to Nubia?'''' A deep, gruff voice sounded from behind him.


    He spun around and saw two towering black men clad in barbarian-like armor. The one standing behind gripped a massive stone club, while the other, who had spoken, held a spear as large and imposing as a lamppost.


    Atlas was confused but shook his head before answering, ''''I must go to Carthage to find a Spirit Mage. A close friend of mine was injured protecting me, so I''m trying to help her.''''


    The man spoke with a big smile, ''''An elf on a mission, I see. I''m Jabari Mwanza, and this is my husband, Tariq. We were heading to Bugeta to rearm after a mission went wrong.''''


    ''''Okay. I''m Azhar''Zul,'''' Atlas returned the gesture.


    He was about to walk off, but Jabari quickly warned, ''''Young elf. You must be careful in Nubia. Most of the empire is Wildlands with hundreds of Wild Tribes who eat travelers or slavers that would love to capture you.''''


    Atlas faltered before turning to the mountain of a man with narrowed eyes while questioning, ''''Why are you helping a random young boy?''''


    Jabari''s expression softened, but Tariq spoke in an even deeper voice that reminded him of a particular villain from a space film back on Earth, ''''We were traveling with a young human who came to experience Nubian culture. He was hot-headed and strong in his own right, but he would never listen.''''


    A frown appeared on his face, causing Atlas to relax as he continued, ''''Little Dean always wanted to explore and see the world, but unfortunately, he wandered too far, and the Southern Valley Cannibals caught him.''''


    Atlas watched Jabari''s anger flare, his voice finally breaking the silence. ''''They tortured the poor boy, devouring him alive after... having their way with him. I can''t bear to see something like that happen again.''''


    "Why is the empire not doing anything?'''' he questioned the two men.


    Tariq gestured for the three to keep moving and replied, "They''ve tried thousands of times, but the tribes retreat deep into the jungles, woods, and swamps of Aridonia. It doesn''t help that the Achaemenidians send bandits to attack us¡ªthey''ve infested the entire Northeast of the empire."


    ''''So it''s a land full of dangerous monsters, tribes, and bandits?'''' Atlas asked as his eyes gleamed with excitement.


    The two men looked at him like he was crazy, but he smiled and continued, ''''I have plenty of help in case anything goes wrong, and I''m sure you will start hearing about my mischief in the following weeks.''''


    They looked at him with horrified looks, but Atlas activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned the Dreadmaw Lion Queen. When the giant lion monster appeared, she let out a roar as he jumped on her back.


    ''Your name shall be Nala from now on. Can you shrink down?'' Atlas questioned while stroking the creature''s dark fur. ''We need to make you look like a tame.''


    ''Yes, Master! I will make myself look like an elegant celestial beast to impress the travelers,'' her voice echoed in his mind. Enjoy exclusive content from M-V-L


    Nala nodded, and an azure glow enveloped her body. As the light shimmered around her, she gradually shrank, reducing in size until she was no larger than an ordinary lion. The two men watched this in shock as Jabari and Tariq stepped back.


    Atlas chuckled before speaking, ''''No need to worry. She is my tame and loyal companion.''''


    ''''Looks like you will be having some fun on Aridonia,'''' Jabari said with a smile. ''''Good luck on your journey, Mzungu. We will be listening for the stories.''''


    He nodded as Nala launched forward like a bullet, tearing across the endless landscape with relentless speed toward Bugeta. The wind roared in Atlas''s ears, his hair whipping wildly as they charged toward the coastal city.


    They plunged into the woodlands, where arrows suddenly rained down on them. Instantly, Atlas cast Void Guard, effortlessly deflecting the incoming barrage. With lightning speed, he launched himself at the ambushing bandits, his blade flashing as he sliced them apart with just a few slashes.


    Nala pounced on a group of bandits, shredding them into chunks of flesh. Together, they butchered every foe in their path, leaving the forest floor drenched in blood. Once Atlas was done, he jumped back on her back as they approached Bugeta.


    Upon reaching the city, Atlas dismissed Nala and paid twenty coppers for entry. As he stepped through the gate, he was greeted by a sprawling view of wooden buildings stretching endlessly in every direction with the occasional stone structure. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas started looking for the guild to see if he could take any quests while heading southwest. It took him about half an hour to find his destination, which was already busy as it was still early morning.


    Walking inside was like any other guild, with a counter, bar, and standard room where other people relaxed while waiting to go on quests. Atlas approached the board and looked for anything he could take.


    He picked out twenty random surrounding Bugeta and walked over to the counter when a young man was waiting to serve someone. The receptionist looked up with a professional smile as he spoke, ''''I am Jackson. How can I help you today?''''


    Atlas gave the man all the quests, which shocked him as he flicked through before speaking with a raised eyebrow, ''''Are you sure you can deal with so many young men? Also, can I please see your guild card?''''


    ''Why is he acting weird?'' he thought while staring at the receptionist.


    He shrugged before taking out the white card and handing it over, which shocked Jackson; the young man muttered, ''''You''re a Rank E at your age?''''


    Atlas watched him put the card in a machine before typing away and looked at him while speaking, ''''I''ve registered the quests to your account; if you need any more, be happy to take them off the board.''''


    ''''Oh, thank you,'''' he said while retrieving his card.


    Jackson smiled before informing him, ''''After those quests, you must complete another two hundred eighty to take your next Rank Up Test.''''


    Atlas nodded and thanked the man as he left the guild while reading the first three quests to see where he had to go.


    [Deal with the bandits hassling a small fishing village to the north - Reward: 7 Gold - Proof: Any identification of the bandits]


    [Kill the Ironhold Lord in Bandit Cove to the south - Reward: 12 Gold - Proof: Ironhold''s metal eye]


    [Deal with the Slavers plaguing the southern villages - Reward: 6 Gold - Proof: Any Identification of the Slavers]


    ''These seem fun and will earn me a lot of gold and experience,'' Atlas chuckled. ''Hopefully, I can rank up with these three.''


    Following that, he walked toward the northern gate, where he showed the guards he had a quest. They all wished him luck, and when stepping outside, he summoned Nala, who appeared and started nudging against his body.


    ''Let''s head north to kill the bandits lurking there, girl,'' Atlas said while stroking the giant lion, shocking the guards watching the scene.


    He jumped up on her back before dashing across the snowy landscape as he informed the Dreadmaw Lion, ''Try to smell any odd human tracks, Nala. We need to find these bandits.''


    ''Yes, Master! My nose can smell a Horned Rabbits fart from several miles away,'' Nala boasted.


    Atlas looked at the silly lion and bonked her on the head, ''Why the hell are you sniffing that stuff for?''


    Nala acted offended before she tried to defend herself, ''I did not! It was just a funny example, Master.''


    He chuckled as the lion returned to running while searching for bandit camps. Shortly afterward, Atlas spotted the village that the outlaws were terrorizing. Nala suddenly stopped as she told him excitedly, ''I can smell dirty humans! Can I eat some, please?''


    ''Of course, girl,'' Atlas responded while stroking her ear, causing the monster to tremble. ''Let''s sneak up on them before launching a surprise attack.''


    The lion agreed as she ran in the scent''s direction until the duo came across a small lake with a mid-sized bandit camp hidden by the surrounding hills. When Atlas saw this, his smile grew as he said, ''''I''m going to earn so much for these quests.''''


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 Chapter 190: Youre Welcome

    Atlas and Nala were hidden above the bandit camp. He summoned his helmet while speaking, ''You go around and launch an attack when you see an explosion. Do you want more lions?''He quickly checked the Dungeon Monster costs before summoning anything due to not having unlimited mana.


    [Rank G: 125 Mana per summon]


    [Rank E: 250 Mana per summon]


    [Rank D: 500 Mana per summon]


    [Rank C: 1000 Mana per summon]


    [Rank B: 2000 Mana per summon]


    [Rank A: 3000 Mana per summon]


    [Sub-Bosses: 4000 Mana per summon]


    [Bosses: 5000 Mana per summon]


    ''I can summon four Dreadmaw Lions to help us in the ambush,'' he thought excitedly.


    Following that, he summoned them only to feel weak, but Nala quickly ordered the lions to surround the bandit camp. The lions dispersed before downing a few mana potions and felt it returning to him.


    ''I can''t wait to get a Mana Regeneration Skill,'' he pondered while recovering.


    Atlas let out a sigh of relief before summoning even more monsters to use in the ambush, which were four Savage Wargs that had appeared. The fearsome-looking creatures were happy to him and let out adorable noises.


    He quickly stroked all of them while speaking to the monsters, ''''We are ambushing some humans. After I launch my attack, you can eat once they''re dead.''''


    The Savage Wargs watched as Atlas unsheathed his swords. He dashed toward the camp wall with speed and leaped effortlessly over it. In mid-air, he cast Void Infusion on his blades before using Void Step to appear in the center, which shocked the bandits.


    Atlas quickly cast Void Bomb at one group, causing an explosion, which was the signal for the monsters. Loud, vicious roars echoed alongside creepy snickers from the Savage Wargs who rushed into the camp.


    They charged the confused bandits just as Atlas started killing the men and women who couldn''t react quickly enough. He saw the enemy getting pounced on or dragged into the nearby bushed while screaming.


    His monsters ensured he was okay while slaughtering dozens of bandits before reaching their leader. Atlas smiled when seeing the man and quickly activated Call of the Void to summon Drax.


    The portal opened behind the bandit leader as the Void Raptor King rushed out and attacked the man who managed to block it. When Atlas saw this, he dashed in before ramming Nightblade and Deepforge into the enemy''s ribs.


    He roared before cutting the man into two as the monsters finished the other bandits off, causing him to shout, ''''Bring me their bodies!''''


    Then, Atlas took all their Adventurers Cards and all coins before his summons started eating. He sat down on a nearby stone and noticed nothing personal while going through their belongings.


    He found several hundred silver coins, fifty gold coins, and a bunch of gems, which he threw into storage. It took the monsters an hour to eat before Atlas gathered them like confused sheep.


    Following that, he spoke to the creatures with a stern voice, ''''You guys will stay behind me and do not attack anyone on the road! I will never summon you or your kind again if you do.''''


    All the monsters agreed with a howl or roar before they took off to find the Slavers in the south. Atlas wanted to hit the bandit leader last so he could do it at night and sneak around their camp like an assassin.


    Riding atop Nala, they sped across the Nubian landscape, leaving travelers stunned. At first, the sight of the powerful monsters startled onlookers, but when they realized the creatures were tamed, their shock turned to awe.


    After searching for an hour, Atlas and the monsters couldn''t find any Slavers, causing him to grow annoyed. He started counting the remaining creatures: Nala, two Dreadmaw Lions, and three Savage Wargs.


    Atlas then got an idea and summoned four Razorwing monsters from the Moonshade Grotto Dungeons. They looked like angry eagles with dark feathers that landed around him, staring into his eyes with their red ones.


    He pointed up and ordered the flying creatures, ''''Find any groups that have captured people and report back to me.''''


    When the Razorwings heard this, they let out several screeches before soaring into the sky as Atlas relaxed against Nala, whose voice sounded in his mind, ''''Master. Thank you for allowing me to aid you.''''


    Atlas turned to the lion with a smile while stroking her soft black fur, ''''You''re welcome, Nala. You have been good company since I summoned you.''''


    The lion got visibly happy as she jumped up, causing Atlas to fall back as she jumped on him. He was laughing, but the lion pinned him down before licking his face while purring, causing him to accept his fate.


    He noticed the Razorwings returned one by one and informed him of several Slaver caravans nearby. Atlas smiled when hearing this. He quickly jumped on Nala''s back before the lion started sprinting.


    While this happened, the other monsters followed behind as the flying creatures led them to the first caravan, which they washed over like a lethal tidal wave of teeth and claws. He used his blades to deal with the remaining guards.


    Once they were all dead, Atlas ordered the monster to guard him while he freed all the captured people who were grateful before rushing toward the nearest village. When he saw this, he sent the Razorwings with them.


    Following that, Atlas went after the remaining Slavers, and thanks to his monsters, they were quickly wiped out without much hassle. He realized that he only had Nala, and she even needed rest.


    He went to send her back to the Dungeon Realm, but the lioness resisted and took him south to deal with the last one before resting. After another hour, they appeared on a cliff overlooking a hidden cove that looked like a city full of pirates and outlaws.


    ''Wow. That will be full of treasure,'' Atlas thought with a greedy smile as he dismissed Nala to rest. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once the monster was gone, he scanned the surroundings and noticed he could sneak down the side of the cliff. Without wasting any more time, he climbed down the rockface while looking out for any guards.


    Soon enough, Atlas made it to the edge of the city, where a cave led deeper into the cliff. He readied his blades before approaching the closest building, only to hear a group of men cheering and celebrating.


    Atlas peeked in and saw four men sitting around a table playing cards as a woman lay battered and beaten to the side. He kept low and readied a Flashbang Bomb before throwing it into the room, catching one of the outlaw''s attention.


    The man jumped up as it quietly exploded and blinded everyone. Without any mercy, he rushed into the place and started stabbing them like an evil gremlin. Minutes later, the four men lay dead, and Atlas was standing in front of the woman.


    She gazed up at him with dead eyes as she spoke in a weak voice, ''''Kill me, please. Help me join my husband in the next life.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding, his heart heavy. With a whispered apology, he ended her suffering. "I''m sorry you endured this, but go now, be with your loved one. I hope your next life brings you peace."


    Steeling his resolve, he vowed to hunt down as many of the scum as he could. Moving silently, he crouched low and ascended the stairs, bristling with rage as the sound of more women in captivity reached his ears.


    He showed no mercy, cutting down everyone in the house¡ªoutlaws and broken souls alike, each kill weighing on his conscience. Once the grim task was done, Atlas slipped back downstairs and unleashed an Inferno Bomb, setting the building ablaze.


    With the fire roaring behind him, he vanished into the shadows and continued killing the scum he found on the outskirts of the city before moving on.


    ***


    ''''Put that damn fire out!'''' a large man shouted in anger as they rushed toward the whorehouse where the captured women were trained.


    The Ironhold Lord named Danton was a renowned bandit and pirate who raided Nubian and Graecorian Merchants at the behest of the Achaemenidians, who paid him well. Their gold allowed him to build the strongest Outlaw Faction, which consisted of thousands of scum that he united.


    Danton stood watching the flames consume the infamous Ironhold brothel, his expression unreadable. His second-in-command appeared at his side, speaking in a nervous tone. "My Lord, dozens of men and women are turning up dead. We can''t trace the culprit, but the lone survivor... called it a Shadow Demon."


    His eyes narrowed as the firelight flickered across his face, casting long, ominous shadows. Without replying, he turned and headed back to his stronghold while muttering, ''''I shouldn''t have fucked that Necromancer bitch. I knew she would have cursed me.''''


    The city was locked down, and Ironhold Castle was secured with extra soldiers and weaponry. Danton continued to receive reports that the outposts and scouts were being silenced.


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 Chapter 191: I Love This Feeling

    Atlas continued killing bandits that littered the hidden city and were perched on the top of the castle where the leader hid. While there, he decided to use the Shadow Stalkers from the Blackthorne Hill Dungeon.He activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned eight creepy shadow monsters to appear around him. The creatures bowed in his direction, but Atlas spoke in a commanding voice, ''''Kill any reinforcements that come. I will butcher the ones in the city.''''


    The monsters agreed before they all vanished, and he cast Void Infusion on his blades while leaping from the roof. Atlas cast Void Step to appear in the middle of a group of large men who reminded him of Berserkers.


    ''Here we go! Let''s hit them with a Void Wave.''


    Without mercy, he started jumping around like a hyperactive rabbit while slicing through the men''s flesh. Atlas brought them to the ground like falling trees thanks to his sudden attacks, giving him the advantage in the current fight.


    Atlas quickly lunged forward. He thrust his blade through the bandit''s skulls, causing the experience to flow into his body, which made him smile. Following that, screams echoed throughout the hidden city.


    ''Looks like the Shadow Stalkers are attacking.''


    Following this, he continued hunting the bandits before casting several Void Bullets and Void Arrows that sliced through the air, piercing their bodies. They all dropped dead, allowing Atlas to level up as he heard the internal click.


    ''I love this feeling!''


    The battle continued until Atlas fled into the shadows when dozens of bandits tried swarming him. He vanished into the city while the outlaws started searching for him, but thanks to a Landshark, he was underground.


    Atlas was relaxing in a cavern the monster dug out so he could recover mana to continue his fight. Thanks to a Darkling, he could watch the bandits panicking as they secured the city while searching for him.


    ''They''ll never find me down here,'' he mused.


    He started getting out of blankets and making a cubby for himself; while doing that, Medusa''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Why are you hiding underground? You can just use the monsters to kill them.''


    Atlas settled into a comfortable position and responded, ''Why waste my mana when they''ll be scared all night? I''ll deploy the Shadow Stalkers to strike before the sun rises.''


    The Death Serpent laughed as she replied, ''You''re evil Master. If you were to attack, the bandits will be thrown off.''


    He agreed with a nod before pulling out a Horned Rabbit Kebab and started eating. At the same time, the world''s mana rushed into his body, causing him to feel better as he pondered, ''When I get to a city, I need to find a Mana Regeneration Skill that would be useful to me.''


    Atlas was enjoying the hot meat that filled him up, allowing him to sink into the blankets while activating Void Realm and reappearing on the Void Golem Plateau. While standing there, he pulled up the monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 312134/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 391790/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 94201/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Hopefully I can get it down much more this go,'' Atlas mused while casting Void Infusion on his swords.


    Following that, he cast a Void Bomb that sliced through the air and hit the swarm of Golems that decimated them. Atlas dashed forward, carving through the stone bodies, causing them to crumble back into the realm.


    ''That was easy, but the warriors or commanders will appear soon,'' he mused while casting Void Bullets at more monsters.


    As Atlas prepared to deploy the Shadow Stalkers, he felt the ground tremble beneath him. Looking up, he saw three Void Golem Commanders charging in his direction. Reacting swiftly, he sheathed his blades and readied Void Punch.


    When the stronger Golems got close, Atlas quickly cast Void Step and vanished before reappearing behind the commanders and launching himself at it while punching. When his fist touched the giant stone monster, an explosion erupted.


    The force sent him flying through the air, but thanks to Void Step, he landed on his feet while killing more Golems. As his blades sliced through them, they crumbled to dust as he cast Void Bullets.


    Explosions rang out all over the plateau as the commanders or warriors couldn''t keep up with him. While clearing some space, Atlas pulled up the monster total and was happy with what he saw.


    [Void Golem ¨C 300019/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 391790/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 92171/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    After that, Atlas continued fighting until he ran out of mana and returned to the real world. Once he woke up, the Darkling he summoned informed him that a hundred more bandits had appeared while they had locked down the hidden city.


    He chuckled when he heard this and curled up before falling asleep to get some rest. He didn''t know that outlaws and pirates only got more paranoid, which would make his job much more manageable.


    Atlas woke up a few hours later, and it was still dark out; he used Void Step to escape his hiding place after asking the Landshark to attack the bandits. He summoned eight Shadow Stalkers and ordered them to scare the enemies before killing them.


    After that, Atlas rushed into the city, cloaked in darkness, its alleys and rooftops bathed in eerie moonlight. He moved silently through the darkness, a wraith among the shadows. His presence was nearly undetectable, blending with the night.


    Perched atop a crumbling wall, he surveyed the scene below. Bandits roamed the streets, their torches casting flickering shadows that danced like restless specters. They were on high alert, their eyes darting nervously as they scoured the city for their unseen foe.


    His lips curled into a predatory smile as he activated his Void Step. He vanished instantly from his perch, reappearing behind a group of unsuspicious bandits clustered around a flickering fire.


    The sudden appearance of a dark figure silenced their laughter. With a quick motion, Atlas drew his blade, its edge shimmering with azure mana. He struck each movement that only got faster, thanks to his excitement.


    ''I may rank up after this fight.''


    Atlas watched as the first bandit fell with a muffled gasp, his throat sliced cleanly. Before the others could react, he was already in motion, his blade a blur of shadow and steel. The scum scrambled, their cries of alarm echoing through the streets.


    He remained a phantom, appearing and disappearing with the ease of smoke, his strikes both efficient and ruthless. He cut down one after another, leaving only the dead and the terrified in his wake.


    As the last bandits fell, Atlas slipped back into the darkness, his figure swallowed by the night. He watched from a hidden vantage point as the remaining bandits, now panicking, frantically tried to regroup.


    Following that, Atlas started killing them by ambushing the group from alleyways or dark corners. While he was doing this, his Shadow Stalkers were scaring the other bandits, which caused chaos in the city.


    The battle went on for hours, and Atlas only got caught out in the open a few times, but thanks to Nala, who slaughtered them without mercy, the survivors rushed toward the castle in the city center.


    Atlas was happy with the outcome and followed the fleeing pirates as he ran along the rooftops, using Void Step to keep up with them. When he arrived in front of the castle, he grinned before spamming Void Bombs that arched through the air.


    When the spells hit the castle, explosions erupted, shaking the defensive shield, Atlas smiled when he saw this and continued casting his magic, cracking the barrier, which excited the Shadow Stalkers.


    Once that was done, Atlas downed a few mana potions before summoning a dozen Landsharks that dug under the castle walls and appeared in the courtyard, catching the humans off guard.


    He jumped on a freshly summoned shark before it dived underground and swam through the earth, and when passing the wall, it burst from the ground while biting a pirate in half as Atlas cast several Void Bullets that peppered another four bandits.


    His blade, infused with Void Energy, slashed through the air with a deadly grace. The first enemy fell without a sound; his throat cut cleanly. Before the remaining three could react, Atlas was already among them, his strikes a blur of shadow and steel.


    Their screams were muffled, quickly swallowed by the darkness. As the last group collapsed, he leaped back into the shadows, blending seamlessly with the night. Below, chaos reigned as the survivors scrambled to regroup.


    Atlas smirked, savoring the terror he''d sown. He watched the remaining desperate and disorganized bandits run toward the castle from his spot. His lips curled into a grin as he thought, ''This is fun. When I fight the boss, he will be tired and worn out, allowing me to kill him easily.'' S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, Atlas backed off and watched as the castle fell into chaos, and the remaining Landsharks killed some of them before falling to the cannon fire that erupted for the walls.


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 Chapter 192: Fight Me Like A Man

    Atlas continued watching the bandits rushing around the castle, trying to secure the keep as they killed the last Landshark. While doing this, he quickly spotted the leader walking through the courtyard, shouting orders.''This is going to be a experience heaven. Maybe I can assassinate him like that game back on Earth.''


    When seeing this, he grinned before throwing several Inferno Bombs into the castle, causing explosions to ring out all over the place. He watched the bandits go flying as the shockwave caught them off guard.


    Atlas readied his blades before using Void Step to appear below while finishing off several downed enemies who didn''t see him coming. Thanks to moving quickly, he killed many bandits that would help out in the end.


    Following that, he started throwing Thunderclap Bombs while rushing around the fortress. The explosives caused booming explosions that confused and killed many as Atlas began hiding in the shadows while recovering his mana.


    ''That was fun but I need to start killing more bandits,'' he thought before drinking a mana and stamina potion.


    While recovering, Atlas noticed several groups entering the castle, which caused him to think with excitement, growing, ''More experience, but how many groups are out there?''


    After thinking that, he summoned two Darklings and asked them to scout the area to find any more bandits. Once the creatures were gone, Atlas climbed up one of the buildings higher than most in the city.


    ''Now to wait for my spies to return,'' he mused, glancing up at the star-covered sky.


    He only had to wait until the little Dungeon Monsters returned and informed him about several more bandit groups heading toward the city. The Darklings pointed out that there was a bigger one with one hundred members. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Atlas heard the news, a surge of excitement coursed through him. His mind raced with possibilities, "We can use the Landsharks for an ambush. That''ll clear the way for the rest to reach the city."


    Without hesitation, he dashed across the rooftops, leaping off the edge and casting Void Step to appear on the ground below. He summoned fifteen Landsharks, which began burrowing into the earth with impressive speed.


    One of the monsters waited for Atlas as he jumped on its back before it dived under the ground and headed toward the larger bandit group as they traveled through the earth like water.


    ''Maybe I should travel like this from now on?'' he pondered but shook his head. ''No then I''ll miss out on any fun.''


    Then, Atlas had to cast Void Guard to protect him from the debris that bounced off the shield. It took them ten minutes to reach the area where the enemy would be traveling through, and he ordered them to halt.


    The monster circled the area and waited for the group to pass over them. Just as they did, causing all the Landsharks to attack. Chaos erupted as Atlas leaped off its back before thrusting his blades through the strongest warrior''s face.


    It was too late when the bandits realized they were under attack, as Atlas cut them down without mercy. Blood and guts flew all over the place as the Landsharks ate the men like an all-you-can-eat restaurant.


    Atlas darted around the battlefield while slashing, stabbing, and slicing through the enemy ranks. He was crashing dozens of the bandits down to the ground before the monsters dragged them underground.


    He ordered all but one of them to hunt down the other bandits. The Dungeon Monsters agreed with a roar before diving under and dashing off into the distance as he drank more mana potions.


    Following that, they headed back toward the city. While doing that, he relaxed to recover some mana until they rushed under the defensive wall, and the monster burst out of the ground while swallowing a bandit whole.


    When seeing this, he summoned three Warrior Giants who went crazy after he ordered them to kill everything they saw. They let out an enraged bellow before crashing through the buildings while crushing dozens of enemies.


    Atlas chuckled when he saw this before Void stepped onto a nearby roof and started sprinting toward the castle while throwing several Frostfall Bombs, which exploded on contact and turned a group of men and women into ice statues.


    It took him ten minutes to reach the fortress, where he saw a dozen cannons set up, and they started firing. Atlas yelped as the volatile projectiles sliced through the air while heading in his direction.


    He quickly cast Void Guard to block them, but thanks to the force pushing him back, Atlas deflected the rest using his blades that Void Infusion powered before casting Void Bombs at the walls.


    The spells hit the defenses, causing explosions to throw the bandits off the walls just as Atlas cast a dozen Void Arrows into the remaining enemies, preparing to fight him. When his feet hit the stone, he looked at the Warrior Giants.


    They ran wild through the hidden city and flattened it while the Landsharks preyed on the surviving outlaws. After that, Atlas used his armor to vanish into the shadows while slaughtering any enemies he encountered.


    He made sure to clear the outside of the castle as the cannons on the city walls targeted the Warrior Giants and Landsharks. In the meantime, Atlas descended on the bandits and hacked at the survivors.


    Ten minutes later, Atlas was sitting on the bench as he caught his breath while being surrounded by the bandit''s corpses. This caused him to think, ''This was easier then I expected. Maybe I should kill the boss?''


    Following that, Atlas started flinging half a dozen Void Bombs onto the castle, causing it to shake due to the explosions. When he saw this, he used Void Step to appear on the wall before breaking into the keep.


    Atlas materialized in a private room where two men were sleeping. Startled, they immediately sprang into action, trying to defend themselves. He chuckled at their frantic attempts and unleashed Void Barrage.


    The confined space intensified the spell''s effects, and even he felt the backlash, a ringing echoing in his ears, but he managed to kill both men just as more bandits rushed into the room.


    When sensing the number of enemies there, Atlas casts a Void Wave that sends them crashing everywhere. After that, he rushed forward while slicing and slashing into the bandit''s flesh.


    They couldn''t even react to the sudden attack, as their world went black. Atlas rushed out of the room. He continued running throughout the fortress, quickly killing any bandits he encountered.


    Atlas enjoyed himself but soon summoned a dozen Howling Ghouls before sending them after the enemies. He started searching for the Ironhold Lord while his creatures screeched and howled with hunger.


    He chuckled as the screams of horror rang out, and he brought forth even more, which drained him of mana. Atlas was tired and needed to rest, but they knew the leader wouldn''t wait for him.


    While walking through the corridors guarded by two Ghouls waiting for someone to attack, whenever a bandit appeared, they lunged forward before tearing into the man. Once they stopped biting, the enemy would turn into one of them, which gave him extra soldiers.


    Following that, the Ghouls caused chaos and horror across the castle as their numbers tripled. When Atlas finally met the Ironhold Leader, he was cutting down his monster but growing tired.


    Atlas quickly summoned every creature in the castle while smiling at the man. The bandit boss turned to him with burning blue eyes as he spoke defiantly, ''''You summoned these devils! Why don''t you fight me like a man!''''


    He started laughing before answering, ''''Because I want you slow and tired before I take your life. Now try to survive this.''''


    Once Atlas finished speaking, he ordered the three dozen Ghouls to get the man. The creatures rushed forward while howling as they lunged at him. He watched as the leader started cutting them down but was overwhelmed.


    Seeing the leader struggling to catch his breath, Atlas ordered the creatures to back off, giving his enemy a moment to recover. He began clapping slowly, his voice dripping with amusement. "Wonderful. You''re putting on quite the show, but how about we make this interesting and fight for real?"


    The leader''s eyes flared with rage as he charged at him. With a smirk, Atlas effortlessly sidestepped the attack and delivered a solid punch, sending the man stumbling backward, but he didn''t give up.


    Atlas continued striking the leader while void mana wrapped around his fists, causing claps to ring out when every strike landed. He watched the man spit out blood, which made him smile before decapitating him with one swift slice.


    The man collapsed to the floor, lifeless, and without a second thought, Atlas stored the corpse in his Dimensional Storage. He then turned to his remaining creatures, issuing a calm command. "Gather anything of value, including the Adventurer Cards. Bring it all to me."


    Howls and screeches echoed in agreement as the Ghouls scattered, raiding nearby houses. Unbothered by the chaos, Atlas found a bench, sat down, and pulled out a piece of chocolate. He began to eat, casually waiting as his minions completed their task.


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 Chapter 193: Horrible Weather

    Atlas continued to relax while waiting for the Howling Ghouls to finish looting the hidden city. When the creatures were done, a building-sized mountain of wealth towered over the surrounding buildings.When seeing this, his azure eyes glowed with greed before he sucked all of it into his Dimensional Storage. By the time he was done, he had no more room left, which surprised him, but he was happy.


    Following that, Atlas dismissed all the Ghouls and summoned Nala, who appeared while letting out a deep and mighty roar. Once she was done, he climbed onto the lion''s back and pulled out five more quests.


    ''Their all the same, I could do this with ease,'' Atlas thought.


    It consisted of wiping out five bandit groups terrorizing the surrounding area, which was easy for him. On top of Nala, Atlas rushed away from the bandit city after ensuring he had the cards to prove his quest was complete.


    While rushing across the landscape, he saw dozens of shooting stars passing across the star-filled sky. Atlas smiled just as the Dreadmaw Queen''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Why don''t you rest for the night, Master? I could keep you company.''


    He looked at the majestic monster and ran his hands through her soft black fur while speaking, ''Only if you keep me warm for the night Nala.''


    The monster made happy noises as she nodded her giant head, ''''It would be my pleasure, Master. I will find a safe place for us to rest.''''


    Nala quickly climbed up the side of one of the giant karsts and found a small cave that allowed him to create a fire. The Dreadmaw Lion Queen crawled in, allowing Atlas to jump off her back before setting up a fire.


    Once the flames flickered to life, Atlas gazed at the dark landscape as Nala got comfortable behind him. She said in a relaxed tone, ''Set up the Dark One Runes Master. They can climb up here.''


    Atlas smiled in agreement as he carefully crafted the Runes Grishna had taught him. Once finished, he pulled out the last Dragon Meat Feast box and began eating, savoring each bite.


    Mid-meal, a faint shuffling noise came from the entrance. He glanced up, only to be met with the unsettling sight of a group of humanoid creatures crawling on all fours. The eerie, bizarre movement sent a shiver down his spine, but he remained calm.


    ''Damn monsters scared me,'' Atlas thought before casting a Void Arrow at them, but they managed to dodge it by scuttling out of the way.


    He ignored the creatures until strange noises began to rise from them, catching him off guard. Startled, Atlas woke to find the creatures gathered outside the protective Runes, trying to lure him out.


    ''When I get stronger I will butcher them,'' he mused before a growl rang out.


    Enraged, Nala lunged at them without hesitation as she let out a roar. Her sudden attack surprised them, and Atlas couldn''t help but laugh. The giant lion drove the Dark Ones back with her sharp claws and teeth, sending them scrambling into the shadows below.


    He chuckled as they vanished into the darkness. Once they were gone, Nala spoke in his mind, ''Lay against me, Master. I will keep you comfortable throughout the night.''


    Atlas smiled and nodded, then leaned against the lion, sinking into her soft fur just as the rain began to fall outside. While relaxing, he started watching the peaceful weather. Nala wrapped a paw around him as the wind picked up and started making the air cold, causing him to shiver.


    ''So cold. Reminds me of the nights without heating in the orphanage.''


    He pulled out a blanket before tightly wrapping it around himself, sinking into its warmth as he drifted asleep. The night sped by while the storm outside raged on, trapping Atlas in the cave until the weather finally settled.


    The following morning, he woke up to the boom of thunder, which caused his eyes to open as the rain blocked the view from the small cave. When seeing this, Atlas muttered, ''''What is it with this horrible weather?''''


    He put his hand outside and felt the sting of the rain, which surprised him. ''Aridonia is a strange place. Will it be like this all the time?''


    Atlas shook his head before relighting the fire, which roared to life and woke up Nala, whose red eyes opened as she spoke in a curious tone, ''Master. What are you doing?''


    ''We''re trapped in here,'' he answered. ''The weather is concealing a Monster Wave below.''


    The Deathmaw Lion stood up only to look out and sniff the air, causing her to reel backward as she warned him, ''That is a Rank S horde. Do not go out there Master.''


    Atlas nodded in agreement, then sat down as his stomach rumbled, echoing the thunder outside. He pulled out several Forest Chick Wraps, the smell of the cooked meat filling the air, and began waiting.


    Noticing Nala staring at him, he chuckled and asked, ''Do you want one, girl?''


    The giant lion''s red eyes gleamed with hunger, causing him to chuckle as he gave her enough to be whole. He sat back down and started eating while trying to see through the rain curtain blocking his view.


    ''This is a nightmare, but at least I know the Dark Ones are out there.''


    Shortly after, a roar echoed, and a large crash was heard as one of the karsts crashed down. Atlas jumped up and wondered what was going on, ''What horror is out there?''


    Another roar sounded off, and this time, it sounded close, causing him to use Void Sight only to see the culprit finally.


    [Tyranodon]


    [Rank: Monarch - 60000 Exp]


    [Do not let this monster see you boy]


    Atlas saw a massive Tyrannosaurus with dark green skin and sharp ridges running down its back. The monster''s deep black eyes scanned the surrounding landscape, looking for something to eat.


    He quickly ducked down as Nala''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Hide Master! That beast is too strong and would knock this rock over.''


    Atlas ventured deeper into the cave, his steps cautious and deliberate. A Pteranodon circled briefly overhead before diving to snatch its prey from the ground. With a swift motion, Atlas summoned a Darkling, its shadowy form swirling into existence.


    "Scout a few miles around the cave and report back to me," he commanded, sending the creature to ensure their hiding place remained undiscovered.


    He turned to Nala after feeding more wood into the crackling fire. "Do you want to return to the Dungeon Realm?" he asked, his gaze steady as the flames danced in the growing darkness.


    ''No Master. I want to make sure you''re okay,'' she replied while lying at the back of the cave.


    Following that, Atlas pulled out the sleeping bag and set it up. The roaring outside intensified, and it sounded like more monsters were passing by, which caused him to grow paranoid.


    He then sat down and checked his status to see his gains from killing all the bandits during the three quests.


    [Level Up: 194¡ú204]


    [Experience: 2560/10000]


    [Experience Gained: 49840]


    [Rank Up: Adept¡úJourneyman] S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Health: 1768¡ú2254(200)]


    [Mana: 7740¡ú8666(1000)]


    [Strength:2046¡ú2584(100)]


    [Stamina: 2518¡ú3166(250)]


    [Charisma: 768¡ú860]


    [Intelligence: 1622¡ú1964]


    [Core Rank Up: Adept Low¡úMid]


    [Core Points: 22220/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 32250]


    ''Oh, I ranked up and got a big boost,'' Atlas thought excitedly. ''That''s the reason I feel stronger.''


    Following that, the Darkling reappeared, looking breathless. It told him that a swarm of monsters was below and not moving because of the storm. It also informed him that the Monarch-ranked monster was nearby eating a Titan.


    ''There was two giant creatures out there!'' he internally panicked.


    Atlas shook his head and jumped into the Void Realm to clear some Golems. When he appears on the plane, he quickly checks the monster''s total to see how many must be defeated.


    [Void Golem ¨C 300019/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 391790/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 92171/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Still a lot,'' Atlas mused with annoyance. ''But now I''m stronger, it shouldn''t take too long.''


    Once that thought crossed his mind, the rumbling was felt, and he started casting dozens of Void Bullets and Void Lances into the swarm of stone monsters. Explosions rang out all over the place.


    ''I can use my swords and magic against them,'' he mused with a smile. ''I can save the bombs for the real world.''


    Void Golems were sent flying just as the warriors appeared. The larger foes charged at Atlas, casting Void Infusion on his blades before dashing in their direction and cutting through their legs.


    Atlas easily carved through the stone, his blade slicing cleanly, but he wasn''t finished. He unleashed a Void Lance in the same breath, hurling dark energy towards his enemies. The projectiles ripped through their torsos, exterminating them while he dispatched the regular Golems.


    The battle continued for hours as Atlas wiped out thousands of Void Golems and Warriors, who attacked him even more than in the previous turns.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 194: Protective Of Me

    Atlas continued fighting with the Void Golems and blasted them away using Void Lance and Barrage, which decimated the swarm. As that happened, he had enough room to check the monster''s total.[Void Golem ¨C 231706/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 370071/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91301/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Almost done with the first Golems,'' Atlas thought before returning to fighting.


    Azure projectiles streaked through the air, striking several Warrior Golems with powerful force. The impact sent the stone monsters tumbling backward, and explosions erupted, hurling them off the plateau''s edge.


    He continued fighting until running low on mana and was caught off guard by a Golem Commander punching him in the chest. Atlas flew into the waves below before waking up in the real world.


    Thunder boomed overhead as Nala''s head turned to him. She said, ''The wave has passed, but some monsters remain behind because they smell us.''


    Atlas nodded in understanding before shaking his head and rechecking the total, only to be happy with the results.


    [Void Golem ¨C 218012/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 298602/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000] S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now. If I continue fighting Void Golems, the total will drop within a few days, '' he mused with a smile before pulling out a Forest Boar Meat Box and eating.


    Raining lashed the cave entrance as he chewed at the tasty meal, noticing the two moons above shining down and lighting up the hills below. Atlas finished the food and threw the rubbish into his storage.


    ''That was delicious.''


    He got comfortable leaning up against the Dreadmaw Lion, who happily let him use her as a cushion. A couple of hours later, Nala got up and told him she was going hunting, which Atlas agreed to as he watched the monster leave the cave.


    ''Hopefully she will be okay.''


    Once she was gone, Atlas noticed the Dark Ones had moved in and were lingering by the entrance, which annoyed him. He quickly pointed Nightblade at them and cast Void Arrow at one of the creatures.


    The azure arrow shot through the air like a bullet until burrowing through the monster''s skull, causing it to drop dead and fall off the side of the karst. When he saw this, he watched the other creatures rush into the darkness to escape him.


    Atlas was annoyed before dragging his sleep bag further into the cave as the rain worsened. While doing that, he heard a roar echo, causing him to think, ''Was that Nala? I wonder what she''s fighting.''


    Following that, he entered the Void Realm and continued fighting the Golems until spending all his mana and becoming drained, but he kept doing it. Atlas was frustrated at being stuck on Level Three and the stone monsters.


    ''I need to get the total down.''


    Hours passed, and he was defeated by a Void Golem Commander, who caught him from behind and sent him flying. Once Atlas was back in the real world, he spotted Nala eating a deer creature.


    He chuckled, which caught the lion''s attention as her face was covered in blood. She excitedly said, ''We can continue completing your quests in the morning.''


    Atlas nodded before falling asleep. The constant spell use had exhausted him. As he slipped into his sleeping bag, he drifted off to sleep. Outside, the storm began to subside; the rain suddenly stopped as the thunder faded away, bringing welcome relief from the biting cold.


    The following morning, he woke up with a yawn as the early morning sun shone down and lit up the world. Atlas stood up while stretching, his bones clicking, and he started putting away his sleeping bag and speaking to Nala, ''You ready to move, girl?''


    "Yes, Master," she replied, her voice tinged with fatigue. "But I need to return to the domain to rest. I expended too much energy during my hunt last night."


    When Atlas heard this, he stroked the lion before sending her back to the Dungeon Realm. Once she was gone, he jumped down the karst while making sure no monsters could attack as he reached the bottom.


    He hit the ground with a thud, only to find the landscape shrouded in a thick mist. Atlas scanned his surroundings, but the fog obscured everything, leaving him unable to see anything.


    ''Let''s complete these quests,'' Atlas thought while summoning a Void Raptor Warrior and rushing around Bugeta City, slaughtering bandits and ambushing groups of monsters plaguing the area.


    This went on for days until he reached Palmyra City, which Atlas found out was a trade hub that led deeper into the Nubian Empire. He was now standing in the line to enter and felt his arms aching as Nala spoke in his mind, ''I told you to take a break, Master. You hunted too much and are now suffering because of it.''


    Atlas chuckled as he replied to the lion queen, ''Shut up, woman! I overextended myself and took thirty bandit-hunting quests. I won''t be doing that again.''


    After entering the city, Atlas headed straight for the Guild to report. Approaching the counter, he informed the receptionist of the quest''s completion. Looking unconvinced, the man behind the desk asked for the proof.


    His eyes widened in disbelief when he saw the number, ''''Did you really take down all those groups?'''' the receptionist asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.


    In response, Atlas casually dumped a large pile of cards onto the counter. "These belong to the outlaws I killed. A few dozen are missing¡ªtheir bodies sank into the water, and sharks were waiting below, which is a big no from me."


    The receptionist chuckled, shaking his head in admiration as he slotted Atlas''s card into the machine, processing the completed quests. A moment later, he returned the card and the reward, smiling. "Impressive work. Are you looking to take on more quests?''''


    He shook his head before replying, ''''Not just yet. I have to head toward the capital.''''


    ''''Okay. Be careful while traveling through Nubia; there are many dangers between here and Carthage,'''' the man said in a concerned voice.


    Then, Atlas left the guild behind and headed toward the southern gate, which led to the Great Southern Road, which cut through the Nubian Empire. He learned from the locals that it led to the border with the Achaemendians.


    While walking, he thought, ''I still need to go for the map that will show me where the last seven Vanquisher pieces are.''


    Following that, he summoned Nala and climbed on her back as they took off down the side of the road to avoid the merchants traveling down it. Atlas ignored all their curious glances and the odd offer to purchase the Dreadmaw Lion Queen, which made him laugh in the man''s face.


    By sunset, they had reached a hill used to rest by traveling caravans as torches lighted up the top. Atlas could see guards patrolling the area; when the men and women saw him, they panicked.


    ''''Who are you? And where did you come from?'''' A tall woman with a deep voice demanded while approaching, and she aimed a bow at him.


    Atlas chuckled before revealing, ''''I came from Bugeta City and heading south to explore Aridonia.''''


    Once he was done speaking, the woman and surrounding guards looked at him with strange expressions as a bigger man stepped forward, ''''We don''t plan on accepting a tamer into our group, but you''re welcome to spend the night within the Runes to avoid the Shadow People.''''


    ''Is he talking about the Dark Ones?'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    Nala shifted under him as she let out a throaty growl that rumbled across the landscape before she spoke worriedly, ''We have to get inside the Runes now! They are closing in.''


    Then, Atlas warned the guards before the lion dashed up the hill, ''''Get to safety; the creatures are coming!''''


    Just as they reached halfway up, the evil laughter and howls sounded behind them, causing the adults to sprint to safety. Once Atlas passed across the Runes, he turned around and cast Void Arrows into the creatures.


    ''This will slow them down,'' he thought while targeting the closest ones.


    The azure projectiles whistled through the air, striking the Dark Ones squarely in the chest, clearing a path for the guards to charge into the camp. The older woman, spotting him amidst the chaos, gave a tired but grateful smile.


    "Appreciate the heads-up, kid," she said. "Those Shadow People give me the creeps, though it''s rare to see them around here."


    Atlas nodded in understanding as he replied, ''''No problem. The creatures annoy me, and I''ve made it a habit to kill as many of them as possible.''''


    The woman started laughing before speaking while looking at Nala, who was lying at his feet while licking her paw. ''''I''m Lisa. Set up anywhere, but stay away from the merchants. They are a weird bunch, and will you tame be fine?''''


    "Yeah, she''s fine as long as you don''t try anything," Atlas replied, running his hand through Nala''s sleek black fur. "She''s gotten pretty protective of me."


    With that, he set up his tent and kindled a fire. After settling in, he ate a box of Griffin meat. Meanwhile, he tossed a monster carcass to Nala. The Lion Queen''s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she devoured it, her voice rumbling in his mind, "Thank you, Master."


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 195: Stormtalon

    Atlas was eating the Griffon meat while gazing into the night sky, lit by the stars shining down. He quickly noticed that the surrounding landscape was pure darkness, and the camp was lit up.It reminded him of a beacon in a dark world, ''We are ringing the dinner bell for the night monsters.''


    He shook his head before finishing the food as an eerie howl rang out, scaring some guards behind him. Atlas glanced in their direction only to spot the merchants had circled their carriages as a last line of defense.


    ''Rich people are all the same regardless. What happens if all their soldiers fall to the monsters?''


    Tents littered the hilltop with guards and adventurers going about their business. While looking around, he could sense the Runes working their magic and keeping the creatures of the night from entering the camp.


    Once Atlas finished eating, he climbed into the tent to rest while Nala guarded it from the surrounding people. When getting comfortable in his sleeping bag, he activated the Void realm.


    He appeared on the plateau and readied his blades while casting Void Infusion on them. Atlas smiled when he saw his swords glow, and the rumbling was felt just as the Golems came into view.


    ''Here we go; hopefully, I can kill enough so I wont be stuck on this damn level for this long.''


    Before Atlas started fighting, he checked the monster count. A grin spread across his face as excitement coursed through him.


    [Void Golem ¨C 218012/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 298602/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, he burst forward like a rocket while swinging both blades and carving through the Golem''s body before casting Void Bomb at the bigger monster charged at him, but when the spell connected with its body, it exploded.


    ''If I continue at this rate, I will complete Level Three,'' he mused, giving himself some space.


    The force sent a dozen Golems into the waters below. Atlas started his slaughter using magic and blades, causing chaos throughout the plateau. He dodged all but a few attacks that bounced off his armor but still felt the pain of the stone fist.


    Atlas continued fighting with the Golems until running out of mana, but thanks to potions, he could take out thousands of the monsters to bring the total down even more, and by the time he woke up in the real world, he was tired.


    ''I need to rest,'' he thought, feeling the weight of mana depletion overwhelming him.


    He looked at the tent roof and sighed before downing a stamina potion while sitting up and scratching his head. Atlas quickly checked the total to see how many he could kill during the fight.


    [Void Golem ¨C 200012/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 291223/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Its crawling along like a snail,'' Atlas mused before activating the skill again and reappearing on the plateau.


    The Void Golems came in waves but were washed away by azure flames and explosions that rocked the stone structure. Atlas was enjoying himself despite exhaustion, causing him to think, ''I''ll just sleep through tomorrow. Nala will keep me safe.''


    His head spun as he cast spell after spell, forcing himself to summon Void Guard to block the barrage of attacks. Still, a few managed to slip through. When a stone fist struck his helmet, the impact resonated like the toll of a bell.


    Dizzy and disoriented, Atlas was jolted back to the real world. As he regained consciousness, Nala''s voice echoed, ''Master, the Dark Ones have somehow broken through the Runes. They''re slaughtering the people and the guards.''


    He crawled out of the tent before throwing everything into his storage. After doing that, Atlas saw a few Dark Ones attacking a group of adventurers and cast a dozen Void Bullets that peppered them from behind.


    ''We need to get out of here before a stronger enemy appears,'' he thought while readying his weapons.


    The projectiles quickly killed the monsters, allowing the people to flee from the attackers. Then, Atlas looked at Nala before ordering her to attack as many creatures as possible so he could earn the experience.


    She nodded before dashing toward the Dark Ones and slowly slaughtering them. Ten minutes later, a roar rang out over the landscape. When Atlas heard this, his heart sank as he knew a Titan was heading their way.


    The survivors panicked as the attacking creatures fled into the darkness. Nala rushed over to him, looking at him panickedly, and exclaimed, ''Get on me now! The Titan is close, Master.''


    When hearing this, Atlas was shocked and rushed to the Dreadmaw Lion Queen before climbing on her back just as a massive stone annihilated a carriage trying to flee down the hill.


    ''We need to get out of here, but this exhaustion is killing me,'' he thought while downing a stamina potion, which made him feel a little better.


    Atlas''s eyes widened as a massive giant stepped out of the darkness, making his skin crawl. The monster saw them running and went to grab, but he cast a Void Bomb at its limb, and when it connected, the explosion knocked it off course.


    It let out an angry roar before chasing them. Nala looked back and yelped as she tried to speed up, but the giant was close. Atlas quickly summoned Theo, who burst out of a portal and soared into the air.


    When he saw the Blood Bat King, he called out to the monster, ''Pick me up, Theo! This giant will get us otherwise.''


    ''Yes master,'' the bat answered while swooping down.


    His claws grabbed Atlas before quickly ascending. Nala was sent back to the Dungeon Reakm, and the Titan''s foot crashed down where they were. Theo promptly darted through the air and fled from the angry giant.


    The monster started throwing stones at them, but the bat was agile and dodged all the projectiles before vanishing into the night. While flying, Atlas ordered Theo to land on a nearby karst as he needed to sleep.


    ''Yes, we have escaped the Titan, but I will go scout out the area while you sleep Master,'' Theo revealed.


    Atlas agreed, and when the bat landed on top of the karst, it checked everything out to ensure it was safe. He climbed off Theo''s back before the monster took off, leaving him alone and causing him to take out his tent and sleeping bag.


    Thanks to all the gear he bought, he could start a fire while glancing at the dark and ominous landscape, ''Aridonia is a nightmare. Hopefully it gets better and that Titan doesn''t follow,'' he thought while stoking the fire.


    His eyelids grew heavy, and he barely managed to crawl into the tent when a giant''s roar echoed in the distance. A sudden piercing screech followed. Curiosity stirred despite his exhaustion, and Atlas stuck his head out of the tent¡ªonly to freeze in shock.


    A massive eagle-like monster was staring right at him. Before he could react, the creature''s voice thundered in his mind, ''You dare fly in my domain, child?''


    Atlas swallowed hard, pulling himself out of the tent, his thoughts racing. ''Oh, goddess... What trouble am I in now?''


    He shook his head and used Void Sigh on the newcomer.


    [Stormtalon]


    [Rank: Primordial - 100000 Exp]


    [You''re meeting one of the sky gods, boy! Don''t offend it]


    Atlas was amazed and shook his head before replying, ''''Well, I had no choice as an angry Titan was about to kill me.''''


    The Stormtalon shrank even smaller as it got closer while speaking, ''Was it the Titan Giant?''


    ''''Yes, that''s the one,'''' Atlas answered as he sat in front of the fire. ''''Between that and the Dark Ones, traveling across Aridonia is a headache.''''


    ''So you casually go against the Sky Gods?'' It questioned.


    ''''Well, it''s not going against you guys; I was fleeing from something that nearly killed me,'''' he said while stoking the fire.


    Atlas pulled out a Horned Rabbit Kebab and started eating before offering the Stormtalon one, ''''Want some? It''s delicious.'''' S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Primordial stared at him in bewilderment before answering, ''Yes, but don''t think that gets you off the hook.''


    Atlas gazed at the bird, its white feathers gleaming and its blue eyes piercing. Curiosity overtook him, and he dared to ask, "How did you become a Primordial?"


    He noticed the monster paused its eating, fixing its gaze on him before speaking. ''What are you fighting for, boy?''


    The question struck Atlas deeply, forcing him to reflect. After a moment, the answer surfaced. "To live life on my own terms... and find a family who won''t abandon me like my mother did."


    ''Is that all? Don''t you want to be the strongest warrior?''


    ''''Yes, but that happens along the way; I''m already at Journeyman Rank at fourteen,'''' Atlas revealed.


    The Primordial nodded, ''Continue your path, boy, and soon enough, we Titan and Monarch Monsters will be wary of you.''


    Atlas chuckled and got back to eating the Horned Rabbit Kebab. Once the monster ate, it spoke, ''''You can fly using your bat friend, but you must stop before reaching the Golden Magna River. Others of my kind won''t be happy.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 196: Slow The Monster Down

    Atlas and Theo flew above the landscape, allowing him to avoid all the monsters roaming the land below. While flying over towns and villages, he quickly noticed the tall defensive walls that encircled the buildings and farmland.Train tracks dotted the land, and speeding machines rushed along as monsters chased them. Thanks to the weapons on board, they were killed. ''Master, a swarm of flying monsters is heading in our direction; you should hide in the settlements below,'' the Blood Bat King''s voice echoed in his mind.


    Hours Atlas ordered the monster to drop him off outside the closest town, Philae. He jumped off Theo''s back before dismissing the creature to the Dungeon Realm. He approached the city gates and quickly noticed all the corpses littering the outside.


    When he got close, a loud voice rang out, ''''Halt! What are you doing out there, boy!''''


    Atlas looked up and spotted the town commander standing above the gate with several men surrounding him. He took off his helmet and replied in a calm voice, ''''Traveling to Carthage, but the Monster Waves have diverted me to Philae for safety.'''' S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Silence was his only answer until a small door opened as a woman screamed, ''''Move now! The Shadow Creatures are coming!''''


    He turned around only to see a group of Dark Ones charging directly at him. Atlas yelped before running while he cast several Void Bombs that exploded on contact. The azure eruption wiped out dozens and caused the wall to shake.


    Atlas entered the town just as the woman slammed the door shut and activated the protective runes against the monsters outside. Without hesitation, he used Void Step to appear atop the wall.


    In the shadows, he spotted dozens of Dark Ones lurking from his vantage point. He immediately began casting Void Arrows, targeting the approaching threat. Amidst the chaos, the commander on the wall shouted, "The runes need charging! Get to the stations now!"


    The urgency of the command was apparent as Atlas continued his assault, but soon enough, the Dark Ones were driven back into the darkness as the sun set, causing darkness to descend on the town.


    Afterward, the commander approached with a friendly smile, holding his hand, ''''Thank you for your help, young man. Those Shadow Creatures are deadly when breaching the town.''''


    Atlas nodded before taking his hand, asking, ''''Where is the closest inn? I need a place to sleep until the morning.''''


    The commander, rubbing his beard, pointed down the main street. "Macy''s is on the right side of the town square. She offers great food and a comfortable bed."


    Atlas thanked him and followed the directions, soon arriving at the inn, which was surprisingly large for a town of this size. He shrugged and stepped inside, only to find the place bustling with a dozen people.


    ''Let''s just get a room so I can clear the Void Realm,'' Atlas smiled before approaching the counter where an older man was waiting to serve someone.


    The owner looked up with a grouchy expression as he spoke professionally, ''''I''m Merrick. How can the Bumbling Bell help you?''''


    ''''Can I have a room until the morning, please?'''' he answered the man.


    ''''Yes, boy. That will be fifteen silver,'''' Merrick revealed while handing out an iron key and handing it to him.


    Atlas handed over the coins and received the key from the owner, who directed him to his room. A few minutes later, he entered the room, dropped onto the bed, and activated Void Realm.


    He reappeared on the plateau and drew his blades, applying Void Infusion as the ground beneath him rumbled. Atlas glanced up to see three Warrior Golems charging toward him as the others slowly encircled him.


    ''Here we go; let''s get rid of the first batch of creatures before clearing most of this level.''


    Without hesitation, he cast Void Bomb. It sliced through the air before colliding with the monsters. Explosions erupted, sending them crashing to the ground, allowing Atlas to rush forward and cut through their stone bodies.


    Following that attack, Atlas jumped back to clear some space while pulling up the monster total, which made him smile as it lowered.


    [Void Golem ¨C 200012/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 291220/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Once he checked that he got to work, he cast Void Veil, which covered the plateau in a shadow that covered him from the Golems. Atlas cut down hundreds while spamming his spells into the stronger monsters.


    ''This is getting easier,'' he thought with an excited smile. ''I wonder what the next Void monster will be.''


    Azure explosions erupted everywhere, sending loads of the Golems into the water below while he rushed around, slashing and slicing. Afterward, he started butchering the monsters easily as they fell to his powered-up swords.


    Thanks to his previous experience, fighting even the Warrior Golems became easy for him. Atlas continued to fight until he was tired, but he pushed forward and killed so many monsters that he lost track of the number after the first hour.


    ''I''ll check the total tomorrow,'' he thought with a yawn.


    When Atlas finished fighting, he returned to the real world and collapsed into bed. He removed his helmet and curled under the sheets before falling asleep as the battle took its toll on him.


    The following morning, he woke up as the townspeople''s voices sounded from outside. Shortly after that, loud booms rang out as the wall defenses fired upon a Monster Wave trying to attack.


    Atlas shook his head and decided to stay in the inn for a few days as he felt rough. He exited the bed before going to the counter, where a young woman was waiting to help someone. She smiled when she saw him and spoke cheerfully, ''''How can I help you?''''


    ''''I want to extend my stay for three more days,'''' Atlas replied while taking out the coins, which surprised the woman.


    She smiled, took the payment, and asked curiously, "Could I see your room key, please?"


    Atlas handed over the key, and the woman nodded as she wrote something down. "All done. Would you like breakfast?"


    He shook his head and returned to his room. Once inside, he sat at the table, pulled out a Griffin Meat Box, and began eating. The food quickly revitalized him, boosting his energy to fight in the Void Realm again.


    While eating, Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how well he did.


    [Void Golem ¨C 130321/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 291108/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, he activated the skill and appeared on the plateau before he started fighting the monsters. Atlas spent the next few days bringing down the numbers and cleared a lot by the time he had to leave the inn.


    Thanks to having food in his storage, he didn''t have to go out to get anything. While cleaning up the room, he checked out the number of Void Golems he needed to kill.


    [Void Golem ¨C 91345/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 242309/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now, I managed to kill enough,'' he thought while leaving the room.


    As Atlas left the inn, he immediately noticed the town''s panic and heard an enraged roar from the north. Reacting swiftly, he used Void Step to ascend to the roof and then rushed toward the noise source.


    His blood ran cold as he approached when he spotted the cause of the commotion: the Giant Titan he and Theo had previously encountered. Atlas was about to run until the creature''s malice-filled eyes locked onto him.


    "Oh shit, it saw me," Atlas thought, immediately turning and running south.


    The Giant Titan roared and began sprinting toward the town, its massive form threatening to obliterate everything in its path. Atlas dashed across the rooftops, quickly summoning Nala to get away faster.


    Atlas leaped onto Nala''s back as she materialized, and the Dreadmaw Lion surged into motion, racing. Atlas glanced back to see the Titan barreling through the town, its force shattering the shield and flattening buildings into rubble as it pursued them.


    ''This Titan is annoying. Is it going to be chasing me across Aridonia?'' he wondered while fleeing.


    Nala accelerated, reaching the wall surrounding the town. With a mighty leap, she soared over it, landing heavily on the other side as the ground shook beneath them. The Titan appeared behind them, causing the lion to run again.


    ''Master! We need to slow the monster down,'' the lioness''s voice rang out in his head.


    Atlas nodded and sent his mana into her body, which boosted Nala. She pushed herself to her limits as the Giant kept up with them, shocking the duo. This caused Atlas to cast Void Bombs at the creature''s feet.


    When the azure projectiles hit the ground below the Titan, they were sent tumbling. Atlas celebrated, but several other monsters appeared and started chasing them. They reminded him of Hyean''s but more menacing-looking.


    ''This is getting harder,'' Atlas thought before blasting the monsters with Void Blasts.


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 Chapter 197: They Seem Hostile

    Atlas continued to pepper the Hyenas with Void Blasts and Bullets that only managed to damage them, ''Damn, they must be high ranked monsters,'' he internally panicked.Without hesitation, he scanned them with a Void Sight and found out what they were.


    [Dreadjaw]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Savage monsters who hunt alongside the Titan Giant]


    ''This isn''t good,'' Atlas thought before casting Void Barrage, which peppered the creatures and made them stumble.


    While doing that, Nala quickly warned, ''Master, we are coming to the river! What do I do?''


    His head snapped in the water''s direction as he replied, just as a rumbling started, ''Jump in the water! I''ll summon Medusa to get me away from here.''


    The lion queen agreed and darted toward the fast-moving river as the Titan Giant continued the chase. Atlas noticed the monster was hot on his heels this time, causing his heart to beat like crazy.


    ''Oh crap, this thing is fast!''


    But it was too late. Nala flung Atlas off her back, spinning around with a ferocious snarl. She let out a roar that echoed as she lunged at the nearest Dreadjaw, sinking her teeth into its throat and snapping its neck.


    However, the other monsters swarmed her like wolves before she could recover. Atlas sprang to his feet, eyes blazing with fury as he rushed toward the lioness. Seeing her overwhelmed, he called upon his magic, summoning more Dreadmaw Lions to help.


    With a roar of his own, he plunged his blade into the skull of a nearby creature, blood spraying as he fought, but soon enough, the Titan reached them as Nala''s voice rang out, ''Run, you foolish boy!''


    Atlas noticed the Giant closing in and immediately cast several Void Lances at it, but he knew it wouldn''t be enough. Without hesitation, he activated a spell he had yet to unleash. The air around him crackled as he shifted into his Voidwalker form.


    ''I can feel this form is burning through my mana quickly.''


    His body transformed¡ªgrowing taller and more monstrous, with his bulk resembling an eldritch bodybuilder. His arms ended in two massive claws pulsing with dark energy. As the transformation was completed, something inside him snapped.


    A wild, uncontrollable fury surged through him, and he launched himself at the Giant Titan with terrifying speed. His claws slashed across the Titan''s massive body, its attempt to block futile as he tore through flesh, ripping skin echoing through the battlefield.


    The Titan bellowed in pain as Atlas, now a force of primal rage, attacked with relentless ferocity. He let out another eerie roar that scared the surrounding monsters, but the Giant saw it as a challenge.


    Consumed by raw power, Atlas tore through the Titan''s ankle with blinding speed and strength, forcing the colossal beast to collapse onto one knee. Seeing the giant falter, he unleashed a wild, primal roar, his right fist glowing as mana wrapped around them.


    Wasting no time, Atlas pulled it back as he leaped forward with explosive force. Casting Void Punch, he drove his fist into the Titan''s chin with a deafening clap that echoed across the landscape.


    The impact reverberated through the air, causing the massive monster to shift under the sheer force of the blow. Seizing the moment, he pounced again, but as he closed in, the beast swung its arm, catching him off guard.


    The force of the hit sent him flying, his body flying across the landscape. ''I should have escaped like Nala said,'' he thought as his head spun.


    Pain exploded through him as his bones snapped, blood spurting from his wounds. His vision blurred, his body shattered, but his fury still burned beneath the pain. This allowed him to aim his hand toward the Giant.


    ''I will make sure to hurt you before I go down,'' Atlas thought while pouring the remaining mana into a Void Bomb that hurt his arm because of how unstable it was.


    He let it fly toward the Titan, who tried to avoid it, but the chaotic projectile followed it like a homing missile. It crashed into the Giant, causing a massive explosion to ring out, which sent it stumbling back as its skin was burned.


    The shockwave rushed out and crashed into Atlas''s body, which sent him crashing into the nearby river as his world faded to black. Thanks to the current, he was washed away from the Titan, who was trying to scoop him out of the water.


    Atlas drifted for hours as his body repaired itself, and the river monsters avoided him due to the Giant''s blood that stained his armor. While unconscious, he dreamed about the four women waiting for him.


    ***


    ''He has hurt himself yet again,'' Amethyst sighed as she stood on a fortress''s wall.


    While traveling north, they encountered the Golden Lion Legion searching for them. When the four women heard they were followers of the Path and swore loyalty to Azhar''Zul, they took them back to the large castle.


    A man named Rollo and Jorik treated them with the utmost respect when learning they were Atlas''s party members. Each one was given a room, and the two older men assigned them all females as guards.


    When Estelle heard this, she questioned their motives. Still, Rollo swore to Luxia and Nyx that he had no ulterior motives and just wanted to see the end of the Achaemenid Empire, as they had killed millions in their conquest.


    While standing on the wall, Amethyst sensed Artemis approaching, wrapped in a furry cloak as she was cold. She chuckled before speaking, ''''Cold Little Fish? Not used to this weather, eh.''''


    ''''Shut up, girl!'''' the brunette retorted while shivering. ''''I always heard of the cold, but this is something else.''''


    Amethyst giggled as she spoke, ''''The Achaemenids have stopped chasing us, and Azhar''Zul knows where we are. A train goes to the nearest city, but he can fly to the Northern Reach when he gets close.''''


    ''''I still don''t like it,'''' Artemis commented. ''''Estelle is training in the yard while Grish has hunted in the wilds.''''


    When hearing her friend''s words, Amethyst nodded before revealing some news that she had learned this morning, ''''Well, they have been getting bored. Rollo said many Astoria kingdoms had fallen in the invasion and submitted to the empire. Estelle thinks it''s best to keep growing like we have been.''''


    ''''What about the elves? Did they hold out for long?'''' Artemis questioned.


    ''''They are still holding on by using the mountain passes to hold off the superior numbers of the empire,'''' Amethyst replied while looking at the snow-covered forest that led south. ''''Rumors say that they aren''t coming any further north than the Wolf Kingdoms.''''


    The brunette sighed before looking south and speaking out loud, ''''I wonder how long it will take Azhar''Zul to meet up with us.''''


    "Hopefully not much longer, Fish," Amethyst replied, and the two returned to their quarters.


    As they walked, a sudden vision flashed before Amethyst''s eyes¡ªAtlas, drifting along a river, battered and broken, recovering from a vicious battle. Her heart skipped a beat, but she exhaled in quiet relief when she saw that he was still breathing.


    ''Grow stronger, my Amore; we will see you soon,'' she thought while gazing south one last time.


    ***


    ''Ahh, my head hurts,'' Atlas thought as something tugged at his body.


    He opened his eyes only to notice he was in a fishing net getting dragged to the surface, ''What the fuck! This is all I need.''


    Soon enough, Atlas was dragged out of the water and dumped onto a metal deck with shocked gasps, and a scream rang out. He shook his head while glancing up and noticed a dozen people surrounding him holding swords.


    ''They seem hostile. I better get out of here.''


    Atlas quickly noticed they looked like Nubians with dark skin and eyes, but these looked hostile. When realizing this, he summoned Theo, who quickly plucked him from the deck and soared into the sky.


    Spells and arrows whizzed through the air, aimed at them, but the Blood Bat King effortlessly dodged each one. As they neared land, he directed the creature to land atop a karst formation for safety.


    Once Atlas dismounted, he collapsed onto the rocky surface. Dizziness clouded his mind, and a sharp tingling spread through his fingertips. Quickly, he curled up, seeking shelter beneath the bat''s leathery wings, which shielded him from the harsh elements.


    Following that, Atlas slept for a whole day before waking up confused, as all he could remember was fighting the Titan Giant. He shook his head while standing up and taking off his helmet.


    ''Where am I?'' he thought while glancing around while taking in the sights.


    More rolling hills covered in snow and forests dot the landscapes, with settlements here and there. Atlas pulled out his map and soon found out he was by a place called Death Shark Lake, which caused him to gulp.


    ''Im not going in there,'' he thought while stretching his body before getting his tent out as it was still nighttime.


    The beautiful stars shone high above and lit up the world below, causing Atlas to love the view from the karst.


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 Chapter 198: What Is Behind Me Now

    Atlas set up a tent and threw in a bunch of blankets. Theo spoke worriedly, ''Are you okay, Master?''''Tired, using all my mana and fighting that Titan drained everything from me. I honestly feel exhausted,'' he answered before climbing into the tent.


    Once he settled in, Atlas felt Theo''s quiet presence standing guard nearby, and a sense of calm washed over him. Relaxed, he pulled out a piece of chocolate, nibbling on it as his eyelids grew heavy, drifting into a half-asleep state.


    ''I have to stop pushing myself before something bad happens.''


    Atlas soon fell asleep as the weather outside worsened, and Frostwinter started to bite. He was curled under the thick covers while his body recovered from the strain of the constant fighting.


    The following morning, he woke up to the whistling of wind, which was jarring. Atlas shook his head before sitting up and peeking out of the tent, only to see rain lashing poor Theo, causing him to dismiss the monster back to the Dungeon Realm.


    ''Damn, weather is horrible,'' he mused while watching the rain.


    Afterward, he entered the Void Realm to clear the Golem. By the time the rain stopped, Atlas had wiped out thousands of monsters, bringing the total down quickly, which made him happy.


    When Atlas woke back in the tent, it was shaking everywhere. He glanced outside and noticed an eerie fog settled over the land, ''This is some Silent Hill shit, I can''t wait to get back to Astoria,'' he mused.


    Following that, he checked the monster''s total, only to be surprised at how many he had killed.


    [Void Golem ¨C 85118/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 234127/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 90701/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Won''t take long now,'' he thought with a big smile. ''Should I keep at it until the Void Golems are cleared?''


    Atlas decided to do just that and pulled out a Forest Boat Meat Boc before he started eating while resting. Once he was done with breakfast, he jumped back into the Void Realm and started fighting the Golems.


    Following that, he spammed hundreds of spells while drinking mana potions. Atlas''s blade carved through the stone monsters, causing them to crumble into nothing, which excited him as the counter lowered.


    ''If I keep using Void Barrage and Void Bullets I can wipe out hundreds of them,'' he pondered while cutting down two Warrior Golems.


    The battle continued for hours until a Golem Commander sent him flying over the plateau''s edge. Atlas plummeted into the sea below before waking up in the tent, which caused him to smile as he pulled up the total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 61856/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 221963/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 90281/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, Atlas climbed out of the tent before putting it away, which didn''t take long. He looked over the edge and saw a sea of mist blocking his view of the ground. He quickly climbed down the side of the karst.


    His eyes scanned the surroundings for any signs of monsters, causing him to think, ''Hopefully, there isn''t anything ready to ambush me.''


    As his feet neared the ground, an unexpected calm settled over the area¡ªeerily quiet, almost peaceful. Sensing no danger, he adjusted his course and began heading southeast. In the distance, a river snaked through the landscape.


    ''That must be where the fishing boat pulled me out of the water.''


    With a shrug, Atlas turned toward a dirt road that wound through the terrain, hoping it would lead him to a nearby town or city where he could catch a train to Carthage. Soon enough, he spotted a farming town in the distance, which caught his attention.


    As he drew closer, a towering wall loomed, encircling the city like a fortress. Its sheer size was imposing, with stone battlements stretching high into the sky. Guards patrolled along the top, their eyes sweeping the landscape, ever-watchful for threats.


    The air was thick with vigilance and purpose, indicating that this village took its defenses seriously. He furrowed his brow, puzzled by the sight. ''Why does a town have a wall like this?'' he wondered, his expression shifting to confusion.


    Atlas shrugged off his unease and approached the gate, only to be startled by the sudden blare of a horn just as a barrage of spells and arrows shot toward him. Instinctively, he prepared to cast Void Guard, but a sharp hissing sound behind him sent a shiver down his spine.


    ''Oh god, what is behind me now?''


    Without waiting, he spun around just in time to see a massive snake-like monster lunging at him. His body reacted faster than his mind, and he cast Void Punch, his fist connecting with the creature in a violent collision.


    The air cracked with a loud boom, sending the serpent flying backward from the sheer force of the blow. He stood still momentarily, catching his breath as more monsters rushed toward him.


    ''Now it''s time to teach the creatures a lesson.''


    Atlas quickly started casting Void Bombs and Void Lances that burrowed through the bodies of the serpents. Explosions rang out across the battlefield, causing many of them to run away as he made his way to the town gate.


    Cannons and mages cast spells that slice through the air, killing the surviving monsters and turning them into meat chunks, but something told Atlas to defend himself, which he did by casting Void Guard.


    When the azure shield appeared, something crashed into it, sending him slamming into the town walls. Atlas hit the ground with a thud but soon recovered, only to notice a group of robed figures giving off an eerie aura.


    They were all black and humanoid, causing him to think in confusion, ''Who are these people? Seems like some devil cult.''


    Atlas landed on his feet while readying his blades with Void Infusion. He smiled before speaking in an amused voice, ''''Who would you fine people be, and why are you attacking me?''''


    The strangers didn''t answer, forcing him to use Void Sight on the people.


    [----]


    [Order of Shadows Assassin]


    [Level: 412]


    [Rank: Master]


    [They''ve been hunting you, boy. Now put what you''ve learned to use]


    ''Oh its them,'' Atlas thought with a smile. ''Looks like they finally found me.''


    Following that, he spammed Void Barrage, which sent dozens of azure projectiles through the air as they slammed into the assassins. Explosions rang out, allowing Atlas to dash forward.


    Thanks to his powered-up swords, he carved through the blade of one enemy before slicing through his flesh. When Atlas saw this, he cast Void Blasts into the woman''s chest, which sent her flying across the landscape.


    Atlas quickly raised his swords to block a swing that caused sparks to fly everywhere. He was just about to counter when the attackers exploded into blood mist, which covered him in blood.


    "What just happened?" he muttered, eyes scanning the area in confusion.


    His gaze quickly locked onto a figure nearby¡ªa tall, imposing woman clad in adventurer''s armor yet decorated with a crest. She stood over six feet tall, her muscular frame exuding power.


    As he studied her, Atlas felt her presence more deeply. Her aura radiated strength, almost overwhelming in its intensity, and at that moment, he recognized her as a Nova Core Mage¡ªthe raw magical energy pulsed from her.


    The woman stepped forward with a friendly smile and, with a curious glint in her pink eyes, asked, "Little Nova Mage. You were lucky I was here. The shadows would have killed you."


    Atlas was confused but shook his head while replying, ''''I guess so, but I could have beaten them if I had used my tames.''''


    She laughed at his response before introducing herself, ''''I am Kiko Hammerfist. A Nubian Adventurer and Nova Mage of the Imperial Court.''''


    ''I wonder what she wants?'' Atlas asked himself. ''She doesn''t seem hostile like the Achaemenidians.''


    ''''I''m Azhar''Zul. Adventurer from Astoria and heading for Carthage to heal a friend,'''' he replied, causing Kiko to smile.


    She approached before slapping on the back with her giant hand, ''''It''s so good to meet a fresh Nova Mage. I''m surprised you''re not in a magic academy, but I think they''re useless.''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement, ''''You''re right. I don''t need to go to school to learn magic when I already know how to use it and higher ranked than most my age,'''' he said while taking in the burning battlefield.


    Town soldiers rushed out and cleaned the area, using tamed monsters to eat the corpses. While watching, Kiko spoke cheerfully, ''''Let''s get inside. The Monster Waves haven''t stopped.''''


    Then, Atlas and the big woman entered Meroe Town, a farming community near the Flowing Blood River. Kiko told him it earned the name due to a war a decade ago during a brutal battle a mile away.


    "Millions died further up the river when the Nubians pushed back the Achaemenidians," she informed him, her voice steady yet filled with the weight of the devastation. "They had the Graecoria Empire''s support from the south, which turned the tide in our favor."


    Atlas absorbed the grim news, but she wasn''t finished. "If you''re aiming to reach the capital," she continued, her eyes narrowing, "you''ll have to pass through dangerous territory. A war is still raging between us and rebels hiding in those lands.''''


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 Chapter 199: That Worked

    Atlas and Kiko entered the local tavern. While the two sat at an empty table, she told him, ''''Give it an hour so the guards can clean up the monster bodies.''''The older woman ordered some ale while she spoke to a group of adventurers who kept staring at him with greedy eyes. Atlas was going to confront them, but Nala''s voice rang out, ''The woman is trying to trick you, Master. I believe she is a slaver.''


    When hearing this, he scanned her using Void Sight.


    [Grunhilda]


    [Slaver]


    [Level: 360]


    [Rank: Master]


    [She''s deceiving you, boy! You''ve been led into a den of Slavers]


    ''I swear, even the stones beneath my feet are conspiring against me. Why can''t I get a moment''s peace,'' he internally raged.


    When Atlas realized what had happened, he noticed the wary glances everyone was casting his way. Grunhilda approached the table, and from her expression, it was clear she had tampered with his drink.


    Instead of reacting, an idea formed in his mind as he carefully masked his suspicion, preparing to turn the situation to his advantage. The older woman sat down and gave him an off feeling as she spoke, ''''Would you like to travel together? It''s dangerous out there for elves.''''


    Atlas''s eyes narrowed as he unsheathed Nightblade and replied with suspicion, ''''Nice try, Slaver. You think I wouldn''t find out what you''re trying to do?'''' S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Grunhilda''s eyes widened in shock, but a wicked smile appeared while speaking, ''''The empire was right about you, Dahaka. You''re smart, but now you''ve fallen into our trap. You will come with us peacefully, or I''ll hurt you.''''


    When Atlas heard her threat, he laughed before summoning his helmet while his azure eyes glowed. He shook his head, speaking smugly, ''''I''m not trapped in here with you. You''re trapped in here with me.''''


    Following that, he cast Void Wave, which sent the woman flying as the other men attacked. Atlas deflected and blocked many strikes before he summoned Nala alongside a group of Deathmaw Lions.


    Chaos erupted in the tavern as the monsters tore into the Slavers. Atlas jumped on Nala''s back before she pounced through the window and landed with a thud as the town guard surrounded them.


    Atlas looked at the Nubians before spamming Void Bullets and Void Barrage, peppering the shocked soldiers. His sudden attack sounded explosions, sending the enemies flying, allowing them to sprint through the street.


    Screeches rang out, causing Atlas to look up and notice giant flying monsters resembling vultures. They were about to swoop down on them as Nala climbed to the roofs of the surrounding buildings.


    His eyes narrowed before casting Void Arrows that streaked through the air. The attackers dodged most of the spells, but some were struck, and the azure projectiles burrowed through the monster''s body.


    Half a dozen creatures plummeted to the town below and crashed into the buildings, causing Nala to speed up. Atlas sent mana into the Dungeon Monster''s body, which allowed her to speed up.


    As the enemies closed in, Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Blasts, the powerful explosions sending them scattering in panic. The force of the blast nearly eradicated them, and he continued casting, keeping them at bay as his magic tore through their ranks.


    ''This should keep those fuckers off my back,'' he thought with an excited grin, feeling the thrill of the fight course through him.


    Soon enough, they reached the wall just as cannons pointed at them and fired. Atlas quickly cast Void Guard that blocked the sudden attack. The azure barrier shook but allowed them to pass by as more flying monsters swooped down.


    This gave Atlas the perfect moment to scan the creatures pursuing him.


    [Blood Vultures]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Use Void Arrow to kill them]


    A smirk crossed his face. ''This is going to be easy,'' he thought as he began casting Void Arrows.


    The projectiles ripped through the vultures'' bodies, tearing them apart. Explosions erupted around him as the town''s defenses started firing at him, but with Nala''s speed, they managed to escape, leaving his pursuers in the dust.


    Nala ran for hours until the sun started to set and the Dark Ones appeared, but the lioness tore them apart. Soon enough, she reached the fortress''s clear valley but warned, ''Bandits may be around here, Master. I will find a safe place to rest.''


    Following that, she found a hill that overlooked the surrounding landscape, which allowed Atlas to set up the protection Runes around his camp before putting up his tent as thunder boomed overhead.


    ''Thankfully I have this to hide from the weather,'' he thought as Nala patrolled the area.


    She disappeared into the shadows below, leaving Atlas alone. He pulled out the last box of Griffin meat and began eating, his mind half on the meal. Suddenly, distant howling echoed through the air.


    Instantly alert, Atlas scanned his surroundings, but the thick darkness revealed nothing. His senses sharpened as unease crept in. Then, he activated the Void Realm, and his consciousness appeared on the Golem Plateau.


    He started battling the monsters after casting Void Infusion on his swords before carving through them. Hours later, he was woken up by Nala licking his face while curled around him. Atlas smiled before stroking the lioness, who started purring in happiness as she spoke, ''I killed many monsters that prowled in the darkness.''


    When Atlas heard this, he thanked her and got comfortable against the monster, who was happy to be his cushion. Shortly after, he pulled up the monster total for Level Three to see how many Void Golems he needed to kill.


    [Void Golem ¨C 43231/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 210359/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 90204/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Then, Atlas fell asleep after being pleased with the result. Once he was out cold, Nala protected him from the roaming monsters, as they wouldn''t go anywhere near her. He slept peacefully but was soon woke up to the ground trembling.


    He opened his eyes and spotted a massive Titan passing, making his blood run cold. Atlas saw a giant Tyrannosaurus monster glancing at the landscape below before taking a bite every so often.


    ''What is this nightmare?''


    While Atlas watched this, Nala said, ''It''s a Grassland Hunter. They are the top predators in this part of the continent.''


    ''How do you know that?'' he replied before sinking into her fur.


    She looked at him and replied, ''We monsters can sense the strength of others, especially if they''re Titans or above.''


    Atlas nodded in understanding before looking up and admiring the two moons that lit up the world as a mist descended. He sighed as the landscape below was covered, causing a creepy atmosphere to overtake everything.


    Without thinking, he summoned three Werewolves and ordered them to guard the camp before sleeping. The following morning, Atlas woke up feeling refreshed, but the mist blocked everything around him.


    ''Damn Silent Hill-looking place. This world will be the death of me.''


    He stood up while stretching, and Nala stood up and spoke while glancing around, ''Master. There are monsters in the mist. They''ve killed hundreds of local creatures.''


    Atlas nodded before putting everything away. Once everything was packed away, he jumped on the Lionesses back. The monster started sprinting Southeast while he checked his map and discovered he was a few months away from Carthage.


    ''We need to reach a city to get a train there,'' he pondered while watching the river they were running alongside.


    While doing this, Atlas quickly shouted, ''''Nala! Move away from the water now!''''


    But it was too late, as an enormous crocodile lunged out and chomped down on the lioness''s back. This brought her to a stop, causing him to fly off and crash into the water. He was dragged away as more monsters attacked him.


    ''Not this shit again! I swear Fate hates me or is enjoying the chaos of my life.''


    Atlas was forced to cast Void Guard to defend against the bite, which allowed him to cast Void Lance. The azure projectile pierced through the crocodile''s torso, causing it to explode into meat chunks.


    Following that, he scanned the nearest monster fighting Nala. The lioness was going crazy and tore into the creature''s body.


    [River Drake]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Use explosive magic]


    When seeing the advice, Atlas started casting magic into the incoming monsters. As the Void Bullets connected with the River Drakes, they exploded and tore through its thick hide, causing it to spasm before sinking to the bottom.


    ''That worked,'' he thought with a smile while killing more monsters that got close.


    Once the closest creatures were dead, he summoned Medusa, who appeared from the portal. Atlas grabbed her long body before she took off down the river as he dismissed Nala to rest.


    The Death Serpent traveled miles to escape the monster horde bearing down on them. Once they were safe, she leaped out of the water, causing Atlas to land with a thud as he sent her back to the Dungeon Realm.


    ''Thank Luxia that I escaped from that horrifying place,'' he thought before approaching a nearby road.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 200: Best Time To Level Up

    Soon enough, Atlas saw a sign that pointed to a city named Kayacke, from which he could get a train, but something else caught his attention, ''A Level Three Dungeon? This could be fun.''With that thought, he headed in its direction and traveled for an hour until he saw a fortress built into the side of a karst bordering a lake. Atlas was stopped at the entrance by a group of Nubian guards.


    An older man approached with a stern expression as he spoke gruffly, ''''Are you here to dive into the dungeon, young one?''''


    Atlas nodded before taking out his Adventurer''s Card, which surprised the commander as he continued, ''''You can go through, but be careful past floor twenty; the monsters get twice as strong.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied while stepping through the gate only to see the dungeons named Siren''s Abyss, which gave him a bad feeling.


    ''Water monsters it seems?'' Atlas mused while stepping through the portal that appeared.


    Once, it appeared on the other side, on a beach. He glanced around to see an ocean surrounded by deadly-looking mountains, but that''s when Atlas noticed the flag in the distance, causing him to think, ''That must be the direction I need to go.''


    Following that, he activated Aqua Lung and stepped into the water, only to drop to the sea floor with a crash. When that happened, Atlas was surprised when he saw his surroundings. It was like an underwater forest with colorful foilage and trees that swayed with the current.


    He was baffled, but a bad feeling suddenly appeared as the first monster lunged from the brush, catching him off guard. Atlas saw a dog-sized piranha that started snapping at him with its knife-sized teeth, but it didn''t hurt, thanks to Void Guard.


    Atlas cast Void Blast and Void Arrow at it, which burrowed through the giant fish''s body. Afterward, he unsheathed his swords and cast Void Infusion before cutting through another monster while scanning the third.


    [Quipper]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Be quick]


    ''Here we go, let''s start leveling up,'' Atlas thought before casting several Void Bullets at another Quipper.


    Explosions rang out underwater as another monster rushed out of the shadows and attacked him from behind. A Giant Octopus wrapped its tentacles around his torso, but he started slashing at the creature.


    ''Now these Octopus! What creepy creature is this.'' he pondered before scanning the monster.


    [Giant Dark Octopus]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Keep attacking!]


    Realizing it wasn''t letting go, he quickly cast Void Wave, severely burning the newcomer and Quippers, but this allowed him to stab the slippery monster as Nightblade pierced through its eye.


    Then, Atlas battled across the first floor and was attacked by more Quippers, who Void Barrage blew away. The explosion rang out as he continued and finally reached the flag, where he saw a staircase leading to the next floor.


    ''I wonder what nightmares are lurking down there,'' he thought while readying his spells.


    Before Atlas could get close, something erupted from the sand below, blocking his sight as a pair of pincers flew out and closed around his torso. When he saw this, he quickly cut them down.


    The giant claw dropped to the seafloor, allowing Atlas to back off while casting Void Wave that knocked a few crabs backward, allowing him to scan them to find out their rank and name.


    [Giant Deep Sea Crab]


    [Rank: D - 500 Exp]


    [Move quick]


    When Atlas saw these new monsters, he used Void Veil to confuse them before attacking them with blades carved through their shells. Following this, he summoned Medusa. The Death Serpent rushed out of the portal and slammed into an enormous Giant Crab, sending it flying into the distance.


    The battle erupted as Atlas darted around using Void Step to cut down dozens of monsters who couldn''t stand up to his blades. Medusa was destroying any Giant Crab she came across.


    ''Im glad I managed to get the Death Serpent on my side,'' he thought, attacking even more.


    Thanks to his Void Arrow and Lance, Atlas could kill many thanks to their piercing power. Half an hour later, the crabs vanished into the dungeon, allowing him to collect all the Monster Cores and gold coins that littered the sea floor.


    Once everything was stored away, he walked down the second floor only to have more Quippers charging at him. Atlas quickly cast Void Veil, which confused the monsters, allowing him to kill them quickly.


    Medusa helped out by eating loads of the annoying fishes, but what came next shocked him as a giant shark rushed out of the nearby bushed of the underwater forest. Atlas quickly cast Void Guard, which sent him skidding backward.


    ''Damn. These are stronger monsters,'' he thought as his arms strained before he cast Void Blast into the shark''s face. ''What are these?''


    Atlas used Void Sight on it.


    [Hunter Shark]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Evil creatures that love to ambush]


    Seeing this, he cast Void Blast into the nearest shark and tore it in half just as Medusa rushed out of the shadows and bit down on another. The force of the attack ripped the monster in two.


    ''She''s getting stronger like Theo and Nala,'' he pondered.


    Atlas and the Death Serpent fought off the sharks until the floor was covered in glowing blue cores. He went around collecting them all, along with the silver coins. The two continued through the second level while fighting more sharks and other giant monsters.


    While walking, he activated Aqua Lung again as Medusa spoke concernedly, ''Master. Many creatures surround us. It may be the best time to level up.''


    ''I agree, girl,'' Atlas replied while readying his blades with Void Infusion.


    The two pressed forward through the underwater forest, which gradually gave way to a sprawling valley strewn with massive boulders. Unease crept into his mind as his eyes darted to the shadows between the rocks.


    ''There must be monsters hiding there... ready to pounce on me.''


    A chill coursed down his spine. He glanced at Medusa and muttered, "Stay alert. I''ve got a bad feeling. We might be walking into an ambush."


    She gave a silent nod, and they continued their journey. Suddenly, the faint sound of singing drifted through the water, freezing him in place. His heart raced as a single word echoed in his mind. ''Sirens!''


    The singing intensified and started to affect Atlas, but Medusa nudged his body with her tail, bringing him back to reality. He shook his head to clear the confusion, and that''s when he heard the beautiful singing.


    ''I''m surprised I haven''t met these monsters sooner.''


    They continued through the boulder field, only to have a spear fly out of the darkness. Atlas quickly cut the weapons down the middle as a wave of spells flew in his direction. He cast a Void Guard, which blocked the attack just as Medusa dashed off and blended into the surrounding darkness.


    ''Where is she going? Maybe to attack the enemy from behind?''


    Confusion flickered in his mind as Atlas caught a glimpse of her strange actions. ''What is she doing?'' he wondered, but his thoughts were cut short by the sudden rush of a Siren. The creature lunged at him, swinging its sword in a vicious arc.


    He barely managed to block the strike, steel clashing against steel. The impact gave him a moment to take in his surroundings and get a closer look at his new adversaries¡ªfierce and savage, far more dangerous than the Sirens he had faced before.


    ''These things are creepy.''


    They were humanoids with fishtails, but they looked horrifying, with twisted faces, black eyes, and a row of sharp teeth. Atlas quickly moved the monster''s weapon before stabbing it through its skull.


    After killing the first one, he scanned the closest monster.


    [Siren]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Use your magic to pierce their armor and ignore the singing, or you will be screwed]


    Then, Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets and Arrows into the swarm of furious Sirens charging toward him. The glowing azure projectiles tore through the water, killing dozens of the creatures before they could get close.


    ''They are moving fast,'' he thought while firing more spells at the incoming monsters.


    As they got closer, Atlas dodged the flurry of flying weapons at him. One spear grazed the surface of his helmet, leaving a sharp scratch across his faceplate, causing sparks to fly all over the place.


    ''That was close!''


    Atlas fought his way through the relentless swarm of Sirens, pushing forward until he reached the next floor. But something felt wrong. He scanned the area¡ªthe third floor was eerily still, lifeless.


    ''Chaos again?'' he thought, his nerves on edge.


    As if in response, the ground trembled violently. Dozens of grotesque humanoids and hulking trolls surged out from the shadows. Atlas quickly began casting spells, his hands crackling with magic.


    The ground gave way beneath Atlas just as he was about to unleash his magic, collapsing into a dark abyss. Medusa lunged for him, her hand outstretched, but he was already falling, swallowed by the inky blackness below.


    For a fleeting moment, Atlas looked up and dismissed her before crashing violently into a jagged stone. The impact sent a searing pain through his skull, and the world went black as unconsciousness claimed him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]


    S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 201 I Need To Sleep

    Atlas fell for a long time before crashing into an underground lake but was still unconscious due to the head injury he suffered. He was floating at the top of the water as his Regeneration tried to mend all the cuts and slashes all over his body.Hours passed, and he finally woke up in a panic, only to see black. Once Atlas calmed down, he cast Light and realized he was in a small chamber. He climbed out of the lake and soon realized that the place was soaked in chaos mana.


    ''Oh no, this is bad,'' Atlas thought while glancing around and gulping. ''Did I fall into their realm?''


    He could see everything around him thanks to his skill, Light, which wasn''t much as it was a small piece of land. Atlas noticed a tunnel a few meters away, but the chaos mana radiated for it.


    Following that, he started walking down it while holding his blades. The deeper Atlas got, the creepier the atmosphere became. The unnatural feeling caused goosebumps to run all over his body, which didn''t make him feel better.


    Atlas tried to summon Nala, but no portal appeared, sparking a surge of worry. His brow furrowed as he attempted to tap into the Void Realm next, but nothing happened. Panic started to creep in as the realization hit him.


    ''Looks like I''m on my own down here,'' he thought grimly.


    Minutes later, Atlas heard a scuttling noise heading his way, which sent his nerves spiraling as he used Void Sight to scan the newcomers.


    [Chaos Mawling]


    [Rank: B - 800]


    [Don''t let them bite you!]


    Reacting quickly, Atlas cast Void Guard just as one of the creatures lunged at him. The monster slammed into the shimmering azure shield, bouncing off with a dull thud. But the impact gave Atlas his first clear look at the thing¡ªand the sight sent a chill down his spine.


    ''What sort of dark god created these horrible monsters?''


    The creature stood about three feet tall, and its sickly grey skin stretched tight over a bony frame. Its dead, pitch-black eyes locked onto him, sending a wave of unease through his entire body as he backed off.


    Atlas took in the creature''s twisted form¡ªits elongated limbs ending in razor-sharp claws¡ªbut the rows of dagger-like teeth gleaming unsettled him when he noticed another attack by swinging his gnarly hands.


    Moving quickly, he sidestepped the attack, his blade slicing through the creature''s sickly flesh with a hiss. But before he could steady himself, another monster crashed into him, knocking him off balance.


    Desperate to shake it off, Atlas cast Void Wave, sending a surge of mana through the air that blasted the creature away, giving him a moment to catch his breath and, at the same time, doing more scuttling in his direction, ''There''s more coming!''


    He started casting Void Bullets that wiped away many creatures, allowing him to sprint past them while casting dozens of Void Blasts and Void Waves that decimated dozens of monsters.


    ''At least my magic can deal with loads of them.''


    Explosions sent them crashing into the tunnel walls, while others were cut down by his blades, which Void Infusion powered. Atlas continued until he reached a large chamber with several tunnels leading in different directions.


    As Atlas stood there, something from above caught his attention, causing him to gaze up as a Mawling attacked. He quickly hit out with Deepforge, but the creature bit down on his arm, causing something to flow into his body.


    When feeling the poison entering, Atlas panicked and stabbed the monster in the head before looking at his injury, which was turning black. This made things worse, but he saw the venom rushing up his forearm, ''Oh no, it''s flowing toward the rest of my body.''


    Without thinking, he raised Nightblade and sliced the affected part off before it could spread further, causing him to let out a pain-filled howl as his eyesight went fuzzy. Atlas noticed the stump close as it sealed, but it didn''t heal.


    This confused him as the agony started to die down, and he soon realized it wasn''t mending. ''What''s going on! Why isn''t it healing?'' he thought.


    Atlas was concerned and used Void Sight on the rotten limb lying on the floor to see if he could get a name for the poison.


    [Necrotizing Venom]


    [Poison that comes from a powerful Chaos Monster]


    [Can only be healed by a powerful Grandmaster Healer]


    "Damn it! I''m stuck with one arm for now?" Atlas growled, his azure eyes blazing with fury.


    The pain had finally eased enough for him to stand, but the lack of his limb left him feeling off-balance, incomplete. With a frustrated sigh, he sheathed Nightblade and picked up Deepforge, storing it away before pressing down the tunnel.


    ''I better not run into any bosses or strong chaos monsters.''


    Atlas made sure to watch out for any Chaos Mawlings, and when he came across the creatures, he blasted them with Void Barrage and killed dozens of them with azure flames that washed over the horde of monsters.


    With one arm, he battled through the horror-filled tunnels as more Mawlings tried to attack, but Atls used his speed to avoid their jaws while stabbing them as he moved past them, trying to escape the nightmare he found himself in.


    Following that, he traveled for hours and was growing weaker; even mana or stamina potion couldn''t entirely refresh him due to the constant fighting. After hours of walking, he started looking for a place to rest.


    ''I need to sleep,'' he thought while yawning. ''I can feel the heavy feeling taking over his body.''


    Atlas soon spotted a narrow ledge above one of the tunnel entrances. Without hesitation, he used Void Step to teleport up, his form briefly flickering before solidifying on the ledge. Once there, he spread some blankets and lay down, settling in to rest. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While getting comfortable, he pulled out some chocolates and started eating before yelping due to the sudden pain that hit him. Shortly after, he heard the scuttling coming from below, which caused him to look over.


    ''What monsters are coming now?'' he thought while scanning his surroundings.


    He could see hundreds of Chaos Mawlings rushing around his chamber thanks to the Night Eyes Runes on his helmet. When he saw this, Atlas became concerned but stayed quiet as the monsters rushed off.


    ''Seems like they can''t find me but I will stay up here until they move on.''


    Following that, Atlas curled up in his blankets, feeling warm and at peace before falling asleep. Hours later, he was woken up by a resounding roar laced with anger, causing the walls to shake.


    He sat up as Medusa''s voice rang in his head, ''You''re trapped in the Netherrealm Master! This is a bridge between our world and the Chaos realm.'' Your next journey awaits at empire


    Atlas''s heart dropped when he heard this, but his eyes narrowed. ''How do you know this? You were in a dungeon.''


    That''s when he listened to her laugh before she explained, ''Do you think we were always in there? My parents came from the Netherrealm and was trapped in the dungeons when the Voidwalker banished the Chaos King.''


    ''Makes sense as that''s why monsters infest Valoria,'' Atlas replied. ''But how do I get out of here with one arm?''


    ''I don''t know. Like you said I was in a dungeon, I only heard stories from my parents,'' Medusa answered.


    Atlas let out a weary sigh, his frustration bubbling as he instinctively flapped his arm stump. The motion churned his stomach, making him feel sick, though he was relieved he''d had the foresight to store away his armor.


    ''Can''t afford to lose anything at the moment,'' he pondered. ''I''ve got some food but not much.''


    Shaking his head to clear the thoughts, he packed the blankets and crept to the edge of the ledge, peering below. No creepy child-like monsters were roaming, so he jumped down and landed with a thud that echoed off the stone walls.


    Atlas descended into one of the tunnels, his eyes scanning for any sign of an exit from the hellish labyrinth he was trapped in. The silence only annoyed the search as he pushed forward, step after step.


    Eventually, the tunnel opened into a massive chamber, but what lay before him was nothing short of nightmarish¡ªa vast, twisted jungle, its foliage dark and gnarled, pulsing with an eerie, hellish glow.


    ''Save her world, she says. Find a family, she claims. All I''ve found is horror and nightmares!'' Atlas seethed inwardly, his gaze drifting upward in frustration. ''I regret ever agreeing to her bullshit request. Trouble''s all I seem to find and now I''ve lost my arm.''


    He was annoyed and frustrated, but he started walking toward the jungle when a creepy howl rang out. Atlas stopped walking and waited for whatever was coming. He readied his sword and magic while steeling himself for the fight.


    The trees swayed unnaturally as if something massive was moving through the jungle. The howling grew louder and more feral, signaling the approach of monsters. Suddenly, something leaped from the treetops, crashing down with enough force to shake the ground.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 202 Voidbound

    Atlas instinctively stepped back, gulping as his heart raced when he saw the newcomer, several man-sized monkeys with black fur and glowing malice-filled red eyes. This new creature put him on edge as he scanned it.[Chaos Apes]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Make sure to use Void Veil on them, boy!]


    They were circling him while letting out creepy laughs and hungry growls. Atlas looked around and tried to summon some of his monsters, but nothing happened, causing him to think in frustration, ''Why can''t I use my skills? Is chaos blocking me from using them?''


    A few minutes later, he was trapped by the Chaos Apes, but Atlas smiled before casting Void Veil, which drowned their surroundings in a dark blue color. The monsters went wild when they realized he had vanished.


    He laughed before thinking, ''They cannot see me; now its time to take advantage of it.''


    Shortly after, Atlas lunged out of the dark and cut down two creatures before casting Void Lance at another. The surviving monsters tried to attack him, but he vanished thanks to Void Veil.


    Atlas unleashed a Void Barrage, obliterating the remaining creatures and leaving him alone on the nightmarish jungle''s outskirts. With no other choice, he stepped inside, the oppressive heat immediately clinging to his skin.


    ''This is a horrible place,'' he internally complained while glancing at the trees above. ''Hopefully, there aren''t any big monster spiders wandering around.''


    Giant insects buzzed overhead, their size enough to shiver down his spine. Determined to find a way out, Atlas pressed forward, eyes darting around for any sign of an escape, just as he heard a rustle to his right.


    Suddenly, something lunged from a nearby bush, startling him. Instinct kicked in as he threw a Void Punch, his fist crashing into the skull of a Stegosaurus-like creature, sending it reeling, but that''s when more of the monsters rushed out.


    They protectively circled the creature he punched as Atlas scanned them to find their rank and names, which caught his interest.


    [Scalebreaker]


    [Rank: A - 1000]


    [Don''t bother with these things; they are generally harmless]


    Atlas sized up the massive Scalebreaker as it squared off against him. He raised his hand. "Your friend attacked me first," he said, his voice steady. "I could have killed it, but I chose not to. If you want to fight, I''m ready. But if you''d rather go our separate ways, I''m fine with that too."


    The monster looked at him before huffing before it returned to the injured Scalebreaker. When Atlas saw this, he thought in confusion, ''I assumed all monsters down here would be hostile.''


    After that, he continued walking through the jungle, fighting only more Chaos Apes that tried to ambush him from the surrounding foliage. Atlas blocked most attacks, but a few slipped past his defense.


    The ape''s fist slammed into Atlas, shattering ribs and denting his helmet. He coughed up blood, pain radiating through his body. Gritting his teeth, he lunged forward and stabbed the monster through its skull, watching as it collapsed to the ground, lifeless.


    ''Finally! It''s dead,'' he thought while standing there catching his breath.


    Once the battle ended, Atlas removed his helmet and stored it away before taking a deep breath. The armor made him sweat, causing him to compromise, and he left the rest off as his azure eyes scanned his surroundings.


    ''There has to be something in this damned jungle,'' he thought as he heard more rustling coming from behind him.


    Atlas spun around and readied to cast Void Wave but instantly stopped when he saw the group of Scalebreakers. He watched as the herd leader stepped forward and nudged his body with its giant head.


    Continue your journey on empire


    When the monster did this, Atlas smiled before stroking the dinosaur before a smaller one approached and let out a low noise, causing the leader to lower its body to let him on top of it, which confused him.


    ''''Is it asking me to ride it?'''' he muttered.


    Then Atlas climbed onto the Scalebreaker''s back and sat between its sails as an old woman''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Stay there young one. The Chaos Army won''t find you, as we''ve been here since the last Voidwalker died.''


    A notification popped up when he heard the monster''s words, making his eyes widen in shock.


    [Skill: Voidbound - Reclaim your predecessor''s monsters that were lost over history - They have to agree to it and accept you as their new Master]


    [Otherworld: Allows you to house the Voidbound Monsters. It''s a separate space that will allow them to grow stronger. You must send five hundred mana into it once daily, and your army will thrive.''


    ''What are these, and why have I unlocked them now? Maybe these Scalebreakers are the first monsters?'' Atlas thought before looking at the herd leader and questioning, ''Is there any more Void Monsters in this hellish place?''


    The massive creature halted, letting out a bellow that echoed through the jungle. In response, the surrounding beasts began feeding while others took defensive positions, guarding the herd.


    Atlas quickly realized there were hundreds of them scattered all around, ''Where did all these monsters come from?'' he thought.


    Shortly after, the Scalebreaker leader replied, ''There is one more, but he is angry. He thinks the old master abandoned us.''


    ''I understand, but I''m not the old Voidwalker,'' Atlas commented as he offered his new friend something. ''Do you want to return to the Otherworld once we finish the journey?''


    The monster turned to him and nodded, ''''Yes, Master. I haven''t heard that name in many years.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he grew confused and asked, ''''How long have you been down here, and why haven''t you died of old age, as the old Voidwalker has been gone for countless years?''''


    The Scalebreaker quickly answered before she started eating, ''Thanks to the Old Master''s mana and the chaos energy all around us, it has prolonged our lives. We only return to the Great Beyond once slain.''


    "What if I use Voidbound?" Atlas mused aloud, his voice laced with curiosity. "Will you become like the other void monster?"


    She nodded while explaining, ''Yes, but only if we accept that you will be our new Master.''


    ''''Okay. Where are we going now? At this point, you''ve been walking for ages,'''' Atlas said while looking at the jungle around them.


    ''There is something deep that you need to see, and it may help you escape the Netherrealm,'' she replied as the herd chowed down on the grass and brushes.


    Atlas watched the creatures eat, the eerie calm settling over the jungle. But soon, a deep rumble shook the ground beneath, instantly putting him on edge. He leaped down from his vantage point, quickly readying his spells.


    The Scalebreaker, noticing his unease, tilted her head. "What''s wrong, Voidwalker?"


    Atlas shot her a tense glance, his eyes narrowing. "Something''s coming," he muttered. "And it''s big."


    Seconds later, a Tyrannosaurus appeared and let out a roar when seeing the Scalebreakers. Atlas quickly scanned it before attacking using his strongest spell.


    [Grimjaw Rex]


    [Rank: A+ 1500 Exp]


    [You can''t fight this monster]


    Atlas shook his head as he turned to the Scalebreaker leader as the other monsters hid behind her. "I''ll distract it. You wait for the right moment to strike. I''m not strong enough to take it down without your help."


    She nodded in agreement, and Atlas smiled grimly. Without wasting another second, he cast Void Bomb at the approaching Grimjaw Rex. The spell shot through the air and collided with the beast''s head, exploding on impact.


    The force sent the massive creature stumbling back as a boom rang out, which Atlas took advantage of before rushing forward and casting Void Infusion on his sword. He tried to slice through its ankle, but it bounced through the creature''s thick hide.


    Atlas was concerned before peppering its giant body with Void Arrows and Lances. Even those couldn''t pierce it. He was growing concerned as he ducked under a tail swipe and used Void Step to avoid getting swallowed whole by its massive jaws.


    Just as he dodged the last attack, the Scalebreakers joined the fray and used their deadly tail to stab the Grimjaw Rex in its flank, causing the monster to roar in agony before more tails hit it.


    He scrambled back as the herd of friendly monsters tore the bigger one apart. Atlas was amazed at the scene, but soon the Scalebreaker Leader approached. Her tail swung side to side as she spoke, ''Let''s keep moving before more come Master.'' Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas climbed onto the monster''s back, settling in as the herd continued its trek through the dense, nightmarish jungle. The howls and roars of other creatures echoed through the vast underground world, a constant reminder of the dangers lurking all around.


    Hours slipped as the jungle grew thicker, forcing the Scalebreakers to smash through the dense brush with brute strength. Finally, after an eternity, they emerged into a clearing. Before them stood a massive building, ancient and overgrown with vines and foliage, its structure barely visible beneath the layers of nature.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 203 Damn Things Keep Jumping Me

    Atlas stared at the large building in the middle of the jungle, which confused him. He looked at the Scalebreaker and asked, ''''What is this place?''''She let out a bellow, which caused the herd to rest in the clearing where they would be safe before she explained, ''This has been here as long as we have. I believe it was a library of some sort.''


    ''''A library?'''' Atlas muttered before approaching the entrance.


    The large stone doorway was covered in vines and other brush, but something told him to go inside. Once Atlas was close, he returned to the Scalebreaker leader and said, ''''Wait here. I shouldn''t be too long.''''


    She nodded and ordered her herd to keep an eye out while he stepped inside the library. Atlas looked around as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, but he saw a large foyer covered in dust.


    ''What people built this, and how long ago was it?'' he thought while scanning his surroundings.


    A dark counter was off to the right, while benches lined a wall to the left. Atlas noticed an old fountain built in the center of the foyer. Shortly after that, he spotted a staircase that descended into the darkness.


    ''I''m guessing I need to go down there,'' he thought.


    Then, Atlas descended while readying Nightblade but groaned when he saw his stump. He shook his head and entered the darkness, only to see a set of doors torn off the hinges, causing him to think, ''What kind of monster did this?''


    When stepping through, he noticed several hallways leading in different directions, which annoyed him. Atlas didn''t know which way to go while standing there until a surprising notification popped up.


    [Voidwalker. Welcome the Path''s first temple lost in great catalysis that destroyed the old world] Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas was about to reply, but the writing popped up once again.


    [You will find something that will aid you on your journey to fight the Chaos King, but the library is full of danger, and if you survive, you will grow stronger]


    After reading that, Atlas deadpanned before raging to himself, ''What do you think I''m doing!''


    He started walking down the tunnel directly in front of him while readying himself for an attack that never came. Ten minutes later, he reached a dead end, but something was off about the scene.


    Several skeletons lay huddled in a corner, surrounded by rubble scattered across the ground. Atlas paused, briefly wondering what had happened to them. But with a shake of his head, he pushed the thought aside, turned around, and began walking back the way he came.


    Following that, he continued searching all the tunnels and found nothing until checking the last one, which led to a basement-looking place with a pedestal in the middle. Atlas''s eyebrow raised as he thought, ''That is a trap, but it looks important.''


    Atlas approached and noticed an ingot of metal that looked like the last piece he found that added camouflage to his armor. He reached out and took hold of the material, but it vanished into his body.


    [Anti-Chaos Rune added to the Nightfall Armor - Will protect you against the taint and corruption of the enemy]


    As he read that, a boom was heard, and the way out was blocked. Monsters poured into the room like a flood. Atlas spotted a key on the pedestal and grabbed it while casting Void Veil, which confused the goblin-looking monsters.


    When Atlas saw them, he backed off and scanned the newcomers using Void Sight.


    [Chaos Goblin]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Use explosive magic on these rats! If they hurt you, then you''re a fool]


    Atlas chuckled when hearing that before dashing around the battlefield and killing the Chaos Goblins, who were confused because Void Veil was hiding him in its shadows. He started killing them while making his way toward the exit,


    It was lit up by torches like a beacon in the night. Atlas cast Void Barrage, which took out hundreds of monsters. A battle erupted as he dodged the crude weapons and strange spells that flew in his direction.


    With only one arm, Atlas struggled to kill as many creatures, but he noticed a faint wisp of smoke dissipating each time the enemy weapons hit him. The strange phenomenon confused him.


    ''Why did it need an ingot to turn into this?'' he pondered, unleashing Void Barrage to blast away the swarming monsters. ''Maybe the Rune was embedded in the ingot and transferred to the armor?''


    Atlas shrugged off his thoughts; they didn''t matter now. He needed to escape the chamber, which was suddenly shaking around him. As rubble crashed to the ground, he turned toward the open entrance.


    He fought off several Chaos Goblins, dispatching them before dashing for the exit, the remaining monsters hot on his heels. Arrows and spells whizzed past him, and though pain flared from where they struck, he pushed through, determined to escape this hellhole.


    ''Hopefully, I will find some peace in the coming days. This is getting stupid now,'' he mused with a fed-up expression.


    By the time Atlas reached the tunnels, the library collapsed behind him. Just then, an arrow struck his shoulder, but he pressed on, adrenaline fueling his escape. He let out a yelp of pain as he continued running.


    Atlas sprinted toward the distant light, hope surging within him. But to his horror, the floor beneath him suddenly crumbled, giving way and sending him plummeting into the darkness below.


    ''Not this shit again!''


    As Atlas fell, he got an idea and quickly cast Void Step to reach the edge, but as he did, something tackled him while cackling. The sound sent shivers through his body before he cast Void Wave, which sent the creature flying.


    He glanced back and noticed a more human-looking creature, but its black eyes and grey skin spoke of something different. Atlas didn''t bother scanning the thing before blowing it away with Void Blasts.


    ''I need to get out of here now I have the new Rune.''


    The spell sent the monster back to whatever realm it came from as Atlas exited the library just as it fell into a dark cavern that opened up. When the Scalebreakers saw this, they backed away.


    Atlas thought he was safe for a moment, but suddenly, one of the creatures lunged out of the darkness, biting down on his shoulder. The shock of the attack caught him off guard, but he quickly drove his weapon through its head, killing it.


    ''Damn, things keep jumping me!''


    As he pushed the creature off him, a wave of pain surged through his body. Stars danced before his eyes as the familiar poison coursed through his veins. But this time, the Rune activated, attempting to heal him.


    The sensations sent him into a scream of agony as it fought against the venom''s grip. Soon enough, Atlas threw up some black stuff but soon felt better before standing up. However, he felt the weakness take him out.


    ''This is bad. What is more monsters appear?'' he thought with a foggy mind.


    His vision was dark, but he was gently picked up and placed on something as the Scalebreaker leader''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Rest, Master. We will protect you.''


    Atlas blacked out as his body underwent a tumultuous transformation. The Anti-Chaos Rune fought against the taint while improving him, breaking down and rebuilding his muscles to grow stronger and thickening his bones to withstand damage better.


    In a twisted way, Chaos was aiding him, which would anger the Dark Gods, but the Rune''s regeneration couldn''t restore his missing arm¡ªonly a powerful healer could accomplish that, and he hoped one would be in Carthage.


    The night passed as the Scalebreakers circled their leader, guarding Atlas while he recovered. The immense stress of the previous day had taken its toll, and he fell into a deep sleep.


    When Atlas finally woke up the following day, he felt refreshed, but his gaze fell on the stump, and he sighed, "I miss my arm. It feels so strange not having it anymore," he mused, confusion swirling within him.


    Following that, he pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box and started eating while recovering his energy as birds chirped and a light fog settled over the area. Atlas soon finished the food before standing up on the monster''s back.


    She soon woke up and spoke in a groggy voice, ''What are you doing Master?''


    ''''Stretching,'''' Atlas answered while putting away the rubbish before jumping off the monster''s back. ''''We can move toward the other libraries. I found a key, and I''m guessing it''s to open the exit.''''


    ''Yes, Master. There is one more, and then we can go find the other Void Monster so you can claim him,'' she revealed.


    The Scalebreaker herd prepared to travel through the jungle, warding off larger monsters. After hours of navigating the dense foliage, Atlas finally caught sight of another library, excitement bubbling within him at the prospect of discovery.


    ''I wonder what horrors await inside this place,'' he chuckled, a mix of anticipation and curiosity coursing through him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 204 The Otherworld

    Atlas stepped into the second library, which went the same as the first one as more Chaos Goblins attacked when he first entered. Thanks to Void Guard, he blocked the sudden ambush before blasting them away with Void Barrage.His void magic obliterated hundreds of creatures, clearing a path toward the pedestal where a strange, floating orb hovered at its center. As Atlas approached, a warning flashed through his mind, urging him to step back¡ªjust as something slammed into the spot he had been standing moments before.


    "What the fuck is it now!" Atlas growled.


    As the dust settled, a figure emerged¡ªa human or at least something that resembled one. Chaos mana radiated off him in thick waves, making Atlas tighten his grip on Nightblade, preparing for a fight.


    ''A Wendigo mixed with Slenderman?'' he mused before readying himself to fight.


    Without warning, the being lunged, forcing Atlas on the defensive. He blocked most of the rapid strikes but struggled to keep up with only one arm. The assailant seized him by the collar, effortlessly hurling him across the chamber.


    He used the moment to reach for the floating orb on the pedestal, which activated when it made contact with him. Atlas, landing on his feet after being thrown, suddenly screamed in agony as something foreign invaded his body.


    ''More poison!''


    A searing pain shot through his stump, and he watched in shock as an azure-blue limb began to grow, replacing the arm he had lost. The new limb pulsed with the same brilliant glow as his eyes.


    Atlas flexed his fingers and could feel the raw power coursing through him. In an instant, the Chaos Being lunged again, but Atlas effortlessly caught its fist this time. A grin spread across his face as he met the creature''s stunned gaze.


    "Not so fast," he growled.


    With a twist, he threw the creature off balance, sending it stumbling backward. Before it could recover, Atlas clenched his new fist, the blue light intensifying as void energy surged through him.


    In one quick motion, he unleashed a devastating Void Punch, the force rippling through the air as it connected with the creature''s chest, causing a loud clap that sent it hurtling across the chamber.


    Atlas was shocked, but a notification popped.


    [Artifact - Void Orb - Created by an ancient mage to replace the Voidwalker''s lost limb - Made to be the nemesis of Chaos]


    ''What the fuck! Did whoever made this knew I would lose my left arm?'' he thought in confusion.


    Following that, Atlas started fighting the monsters and managed to use Void Sight on it to find out what rank it was.


    [Chaos Mutant]


    [Rank: C - 500Exp]


    [Use your new arm to take it out]


    After absorbing the advice, he sprinted toward the Mutant, narrowly dodging its clawed swipe before landing another solid punch. The creature tried to defend itself, but the force sent it skidding across the ground.


    They clashed fiercely, but Atlas gained the upper hand. His new arm left scorching marks seared into the Mutant''s torso. Minutes later, the monster became enraged and started trying to attack wildly, which turned the fight in his favor.


    ''I can see the damage building up,'' he thought excitedly. ''Now If I can stab the damn thing and blow it up.''


    Then, he deflected the sharp claws before stabbing the creature in the leg and casting Void Bullets inside. The explosion sent him flying but blew its leg off, bringing it crashing to the ground.


    Atlas landed with a thud but burst forward and closed in on the Chaos Mutant before stabbing it through the head, ending its life. Following that, he collapsed and groaned as his new arm started hurting, and the Void Orb melded to his skin.


    ''This hurts so much. It''s like torture,'' he thought while cradling his arm.


    Now Atlas wasn''t fighting; he could feel every second of it, the burning that made him clench his teeth. Ten minutes later, the pain faded, and now he owned a glowing blue arm that looked like it belonged in a sci-fi show.


    He shrugged and decided to use the Goggles of True Sight to see if there were any hidden rooms but found nothing. Atlas sighed before leaving the library behind, where he saw the Scalebreakers relaxing around the cleaning.


    ''Seems like nothing has attacked them,'' he thought while approaching the leader.


    When Atlas approached, she raised her head and happily said, ''I saw you found the older master''s gift for you.''


    ''Yes it seems he knew I was going to lose an arm,'' he replied while climbing on her back as he scanned their surroundings.


    Thanks to the goggles, Atlas couldn''t see anything, but that''s when he said something that excited the dinosaur, ''Your name will be Cera. Do you want to rejoin the Otherworld? Your herd will be safe there.''


    Cera looked back with her dark eyes before nodding. Excitedly, she revealed, ''Yes, Master. Everyone here knows you''re the true Voidwalker.''


    Atlas smiled while placing his hand on his head and activated the skill Voidbound, which covered the monster in a beautiful azure glow. Soon enough, a notification popped up, surprising him.


    [Otherworld: The Scalebreakers have returned to the Otherworld - Make sure to use your mana to creature somewhere for them to live and grow - Only you and your women can enter, and if anyone else tries, the void will kill them]


    ''That''s good, as no one can sneak inside,'' he thought before jumping off Cera''s back.


    As Atlas hit the ground, he activated Otherworld, summoning a vast azure portal that shimmered before him. Without hesitation, he stepped through, emerging into an endless expanse of flatland stretching toward every horizon.


    The barren, featureless landscape stirred his curiosity, drawing him deeper into the mystery of this strange new realm, ''The notification said I have to use mana to create something for the Scalebreakers,'' he thought. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas turned around as Cera entered the portal and spoke while glancing around, ''It gives me the same feeling as the old master''s realm, but your mana is much stronger than his.''


    He was just about to reply, but a screen popped up, giving him several options to add things to the landscape.


    [Stage 1]


    [Lush Jungle - Grows over time and spreads out when you inject more mana into it - Cost: 1000 Mana]


    [Rivers - Gently alters the terrain, enhances the fertility of nearby land, and provides water for creatures - Cost: 500 Mana]


    [Floating Islands - Suspended above the ground, these islands provide new realms for your monsters to explore/Can make yourself a home - Cost: 3000 Mana]


    [Grasslands - A fertile expanse of open plains/Food for certain members of your army - Cost: 500 Mana]


    [Hills - Gently rolling terrain that adds texture to the landscape - Cost: 750 Mana]


    [Mountains - Majestic peaks rise from the earth, providing shelter for rare species - Cost: 2000 Mana]


    [Scalebreaker Nest- Home for the first of the Void Army - Cost: 2000 Mana]


    [Seasons - Manipulate the climate to reflect the cycles of nature or shift into new seasons - Cost: 1500 Mana]


    When Atlas saw this, he became excited but thought, ''Can I force other monsters to join my army? The meat eaters will need prey to hunt.''


    [Yes, Voidwalker, but they have to submit to you before you use Voidbound on them]


    ''How big is the Chaos Army?'' he shivered. ''I will only recruit the strongest monsters.''


    Then, Atlas turned to Cera and smiled, ''''Get the herd inside while I create a home for you guys.''''


    The monster nodded before stepping through the portal, and seconds later, a swarm of baby and young Scalebreakers followed in a chaotic rush, trailed by the towering adults. Atlas quickly realized there were over a hundred of them.


    Seeing the number made him think, ''''Wow. Hopefully, I can get more of these things in the future.''''


    Following that, Atlas pulled up his mana amount and was pleasantly surprised to see it.


    [Mana: 8666/8666 (1000)]


    ''Oh nice, I can create a lot right now and maybe make some mountains for the second monster down here,'' he thought excitedly.


    Atlas considered creating the Scalebreaker Nest, causing the ground to tremble as ancient-looking trees popped out all around them. Ferns that looked like they came from Earth popped up as the nests were built last.


    They were between the trees and bushes, but their area was circled by massive trees that acted like a wall to stop more giant monsters from getting to them. Once Atlas was finished, he felt all the mana being sucked from him while doing it.


    "Their nest is complete; now for the jungle, rivers, and mountains," he pondered.


    With that thought, Atlas began to shape the surrounding jungle, watching it stretch for miles in every direction. As he worked, he floated gracefully into the air, and a metallic platform emerged beneath him, granting him a breathtaking view of the vast landscape.


    ''So beautiful but it seems never ending,'' Atlas mused. ''Is the power of the Void?''


    He shrugged and focused on shaping the rivers, watching as they snaked gracefully through the landscape, disappearing into the distance. In the north, majestic mountains began to rise, their peaks piercing the sky.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 205 Slowly Getting Stronger

    Once Atlas completed the scenery, a sense of pride washed over him; the land finally became vibrant and lively. With a final thought, he added the changing seasons to Otherworld as the Scalebreakers entered the realm.They looked around in shock and awe as Cera approached. ''This place is amazing, Master. We can raise our young here in safety,'' she said. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas smiled as he jumped off the rock he was on and replied in a curious voice, ''''Who is this other monster? And you''ll be safe in the nest if you keep your guard up.''''


    Cera nodded thoughtfully and said, ''He''s a massive Stormeagle, but be careful because his hostile to everyone. I''ve tried talking to him, but it''s no use. You might have better luck if you confront him directly. That could work. Just look for the tallest mountains, and that''s his home.''


    Following that, she got back to organizing the Scalebreaker herd; Atlas left the Otherworld and appeared in the jungle, causing the hot air to brush against his skin, ''I hate this place. Hopefully, I can get out of here soon.''


    Atlas started walking while readying his blades. A group of raptor-like monsters tried to ambush him from the surrounding bushes. He quickly cut several down while jumping all over the place like a jackrabbit.


    ''I''m getting faster but I need to start being careful from now on.''


    Once they were all dead, Atlas collected all thirty-three red Monster Cores. After that, he continued through the jungle until spotting a mountain in the distance, which confused him even more.


    ''Why is it underground? What sort of realm am I in?'' he thought while approaching his destination.


    Atlas shrugged before reaching the foot of the mountain, and thanks to the eerie aura radiating from its peaks, the other monsters were kept away. He started using Void Step to climb up but soon ran out halfway and had to stop to rest.


    Once up there, he sat down to catch his breath and recover some mana he expanded. While relaxing, Atlas noticed the trees below moving, which caused him to grow worried as he used Void Sight.


    [Jungle Titan]


    [Rank: Titan - 80000 Exp]


    [Run or hide!]


    When Atlas spotted the massive creature, resembling King Kong but with a far more menacing appearance, he froze. The beast lumbered past without noticing him, and he let out a quiet sigh of relief once it was safely out of sight.


    ''I should check my status; it''s been a while since I''ve done it,'' he thought while pulling it up.


    [Level Up: 204¡ú233]


    [Experience: 100/10000]


    [Experience Gained: 282380]


    [Health: 2254¡ú2626(200)]


    [Mana: 8666¡ú10086(1000)]


    [Strength: 2584¡ú2896(100)] Discover hidden tales at empire


    [Stamina: 3166¡ú3544(250)]


    [Charisma: 860¡ú900]


    [Intelligence: 1964¡ú2504]


    [Core Rank Up: Mid Adept¡úHigh Adept]


    [Core Points: 33090/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 110870]


    [Void Realm: 1¡ú3]


    ''Slowly getting stronger,'' Atlas thought with a smile, but that dropped as a storm started, causing chaos around him.


    It threw debris around as boulders and torn-out trees flew everywhere; they crashed around the side of the mountain with a loud boom that shook the ledge. The jungle below swayed, causing him to grow concerned, but Cera''s voice sounded in his mind, ''A storm has his the Otherworld Master. It is the exact same as the Chaos Realms weather.''


    Hearing this, he grew curious and wondered, ''Are the seasons connected to the outside?''


    Atlas shrugged off the thought, realizing he was safe on the ledge. Wrapping his cloak tightly around himself, he settled in comfortably, content with his secure vantage point. While resting, he activated the Void Realm skill.


    Following that, he reappeared on the plateau and felt the rumbling start as the Void Golems started to swarm him. When seeing this, Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how many he had to kill.


    [Void Golem ¨C 43231/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 210359/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 90204/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Seeing his opportunity, Atlas burst forward, quickly carving through the stone monsters. The battle erupted in full force, and he dispatched hundreds of them. However, the appearance of the Warrior Golems changed the tide, forcing him to take the fight more seriously.


    ''I got to start thinking smarter,'' he thought while blocking several punches.


    Atlas unleashed his magic, sending groups of monsters flying while his blades sliced through the tougher Golems. Chunks of stone were cleaved from their bodies, but when the challenge grew, he cast Void Infusion.


    He cut the Golems in half, their massive forms crumbling at his feet. Atlas continued battling the relentless waves of monsters, but as his mana dwindled, exhaustion set in, causing him to return to the real world.


    With a shake of his head, Atlas pulled up the Void Golem total and was surprised to see it.


    [Void Golem ¨C 19009/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 200123/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 89774/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    After that, Atlas opened his eyes and noticed the Chaos Realm storm had subsided, clearing the way for him to leave the ledge. With determination, he continued his climb up the mountain.


    Ten minutes later, Atlas finally reached a plateau where a large, ominous cave loomed at the far end. ''I bet that''s the eagle''s home,'' he thought as he cautiously approached.


    Suddenly, a loud screech echoed across the mountainside. The unexpected noise made him jump. Spinning around, he spotted a giant flying creature crashing onto the plateau. When seeing this, Atlas''s eyes widened in shock¡ªthe beast was the size of an elephant.


    Its massive wings stretch far across the rocky landscape. Atlas gulped when seeing it and quickly scanned it.


    [Stormeagle]


    [Rank: Monarch - 60000 Exp]


    [Try talking to it, boy! Don''t just stand there looking at it]


    ''I''m not stupid!'' Atlas replied to the advice.


    Then, he shook his head before speaking to the Stormeagle, ''''Do you understand me?''''


    The monster stopped moving and stared at him with its bright yellow eyes. Atlas could sense the intelligence behind them. While looking at each other, a deep voice appeared in his mind: ''You''re not the old master; I guess he died?''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''I don''t know; I woke up when I was injured and became the Voidwalker. I heard you were my predecessor''s monster,'''' he answered.


    ''I was but he left us here to rot when fighting the Chaos King,'' the Stormeagle replied. ''Why shouldn''t I eat you?''


    ''''Firstly, I''m skin and bones. I wouldn''t be worth the effort to eat, plus I''m the new Voidwalker; you can''t judge me by the previous one''s actions,'''' Atlas revealed while putting away his blades and sitting down on a nearby rock.


    The massive creature tilted its head, then plopped down opposite Atlas, its voice deep and rumbling as it asked, ''Do you plan to rule the world?''


    Atlas shook his head. ''''I want to enjoy life and explore the world. Maybe settle down with a family one day. But right now, I''m just... exploring.''''


    The monster''s yellow eyes narrowed as it scrutinized him. ''Is the Scalebreaker woman with you?'' it asked.


    Atlas nodded and summoned Cera. An azure portal shimmered into existence, and moments later, the Scalebreaker leader stepped through, her eyes scanning the scene as she spoke, ''Looks like you''re not as angry anymore, Raymond.''


    ''I''m still furious with the old master,'' the Stormeagle rumbled, its voice tinged with regret. ''But when I saw this boy, I realized... he''s gone. He''s dead. And now I understand¡ªI didn''t just hate him for leaving. I miss him.''


    Cera looked down before turning to Atlas. ''It''s a shame he''s gone, but I''m sure we''ll find out why if you join the new master,'' she said.


    He smiled at the monster as Raymond exclaimed, ''You already accepted him! How do we know he isn''t a deviant!''


    Atlas was shocked as he retorted, ''''I treat all my monsters fine! I don''t see them as weapons but companions.''''


    Cera agreed with a nod while adding, ''You should see the Otherworld. It''s so much better than the last one. The mountains are beautiful, and the mana is thick and plentiful, thanks to the master.''


    Raymond turned to him and spoke hopefully, ''Take an oath not to abandon us when you no longer need to fight.''


    Atlas felt confused at the request but shrugged it off before speaking. ''''I promise not to get rid of my monsters. They will only be free once I pass from this world.''''


    Suddenly, the Stormeagle lunged at him, shrinking in size as it pounced. It collided with Atlas''s chest, knocking him to the ground with a thud. The air whooshed out of his lungs, and he laughed as the bird nipped at him.


    Cera burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement. ''It seems like you have a new friend, Master! Stormeagles are extremely loyal, and once they choose someone, there''s nothing you can do to shake them off.''


    Shortly after that, Atlas pushed Raymond off him while he was speaking, ''''Do you know the way out of her boy?''''


    The Stormeagle looked at him and nodded, ''Yes yes. I can fly us there, but a metal door blocks the path forward.''


    When Atlas heard this, the key he found came to mind, and he sent Cera back to the Otherworld before speaking to Raymond, ''Go back to your normal size. I want to get out of this horror-filled place.''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 206 Hold On Tight

    Raymond turned into his average size, allowing Atlas to jump on the Stormeagle''s back. He settled in as it took off with a massive flap of its wings and started soaring through the sky as it spoke, ''Master. You won''t be able to summon me to the real world for a while as I''ll use up too much of your mana.''He was confused, but the monster explained, ''You have to be Master or above but that doesn''t matter because you''re growing strong, I can feel it.''


    Atlas nodded as the two traveled through the Chaos Realm, where Atlas saw Titans and Monarch-ranked monsters fighting below. Large booms rang out as the creatures, causing Raymond to fly higher as he ranted, ''Always fighting. It gets boring after a while.''


    Hours passed, and another mountain came into view. The monster landed with a crash, causing Atlas to gaze up where the peak pierced the clouds, ''What is this? The way out of this place?'' he thought.


    He jumped off Raymond''s back before activating the Otherworld portal the Stormeagle stepped through while speaking, ''Be careful on your climb, Master. It''s dangerous, but I know you can do it.''


    After the monster entered the portal, Atlas started climbing up the mountain, and thunder boomed around him as he reached the peak. A little while later, he reached the top and saw a metal door in the middle of the area.


    ''What the hell? That''s random,'' he thought before approaching it.


    When Atlas got close, the metal key appeared from his storage and flew into the lock. A click was heard, and the door opened, causing him to get excited. However, as he went to rush forward, a sharp pain shot through him.


    He dropped to the ground as a notification popped up. [The Void Orb is deactivated until you attain the rank of Arch Master. Its mana consumption and overwhelming power exceed your current body''s capacity, especially outside the Chaos Realm]


    Moments later, the Void Orb deactivated and vanished into his Dimensional Storage, surprising him. It wasn''t long before the weight of the situation sank in¡ªhe''d have to fight with only one arm once more.


    ''Oh fuck! Now I''ll be useless again,'' he thought as depression started to take over, but he shook his head. ''I''ll just train myself. I must learn to fight without magic or my Regeneration if anything happens.


    With his mindset, Atlas rose to his feet, only to be caught off guard by a sharp jolt of pain. The phantom sensations radiating from his stump irritated him, a constant reminder of his loss.


    He shook his head and stepped through the door only to appear on the Tenth Floor of the Siren''s Abyss Dungeon. Atlas was taken by surprise but quickly activated Aqua Lung and summoned Medusa.


    When the azure portal opened, a monster lunged at him from behind a nearby boulder that Atlas dodged and sliced down its side with Nightblade. Blood poured into the water as the Death Serpent tore into the new foe.


    Atlas cleared some space and scanned the monster using Void Sight.


    [Giant Sea Snake]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Use magic against it]


    ''Stronge,'' he thought with a growing smile before looking at the creature''s tail. ''I''ll attack it from the rear while Medusa does her thing.''


    Atlas dashed forward and stabbed into the Sea Snake''s tail before ripping at the flesh. The monster released a pain-filled roar, allowing the Death Serpent to trap it even more. Once the battle ended, Medusa looked at him with red eyes and spoke concernedly, ''Why have you only got one arm now? What happened down there?'' Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He chuckled while waving his stump and explaining, ''Oh something called a Chaos Mawling bit me and injected something into me causing me to lose my arm.''


    Medusa looked shocked but nudged his body while letting out a love-filled hiss, making Atlas smile. He stroked the caring monsters before they started traveling through the dungeon while he made more of an effort to use his speed and blades,


    While doing this, the Death Serpent asked in a baffled tone, ''Why ain''t you using magic Master?''


    Atlas cut down several Sirens while bobbing and weaving around the creature''s claws. He felt himself growing tired compared to when he used Void Step. After fighting, he turned to Medusa and answered, ''I can''t keep relying on spells to fight; what happens if I get stuck in a realm that blocks my magic?''


    The monster nodded her head before the two continued until reaching Floor Fifteen, where the first Sub-Boss was. Atlas stepped into the underwater colosseum and glanced around, only to see that the sea had claimed the arena.


    ''I wonder what monster I''ll be fighting now,'' he mused as the excitement boiled up inside him.


    Soon enough, a massive shadow loomed over Atlas and Medusa. He glanced up and startled a giant shark, immediately scanning it.


    [Queen Hunter Shark]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    Your adventure continues at empire


    [Use speed, boy! She''s like a gold digger chasing a rich guy¡ªwon''t stop until she''s got her teeth in your bony behind!]


    Atlas chuckled at the advice as the shark spun around to face them. Medusa shot forward like a rocket, aiming for the massive creature. The shark lunged to bite her, but the Death Serpent expertly dodged and retaliated by sinking her fangs into the monster''s flesh.


    ''Death by a thousand cuts!'' he thought while the monster''s blood poured out like a waterfall.


    Seizing the moment, Atlas activated Void Step, appearing on the queen shark''s head like a crazy acrobat. He began striking it wildly, but the shark quickly shook him off, swinging its tail with a ferocious swipe that sent him crashing down to the arena floor.


    ''That hurt,'' Atlas thought as his head spun, but his Regeneration soon kicked in, helping him regain his footing.


    Once he was upright, he cast Void Blast beneath himself. The surge propelled him through the water, crashing into the Queen Shark and slicing across her side. The creature let out a furious roar of pain, echoing through the arena.


    With Atlas''s relentless strikes and Medusa''s constant biting, the massive shark began to slow down. Seizing the opportunity, Atlas leaped onto its back once more, driving his blade deep into its skull.


    The creature went berserk due to the sudden pain, ''I better hold on tight!''


    It shook off the Death Serpent in its frenzy, whipping her with its tail while Atlas clung on for dear life. After that, he used one spell because he could not damage it enough with Nightblade.


    ''I need to use magic with this monster.''


    Atlas quickly cast Void Bomb into the Queen Shark''s body and, when it exploded, caused it to turn into meat chunks. He was sent flying, but Medusa quickly caught him before he flew into the darkness below.


    ''That was close. I would have found myself in another chasm with creepy bugs,'' he thought while holding onto the Death Serpent as she swam back to the arena.


    When he arrived, Atlas cast Aqua Lung as he collected the glowing purple Monster Core that lit up the surrounding area. He also found a pile of gold coins and a silver key that caught his attention.


    ''Another boss room key?''


    After that, Atlas jumped on Medusa''s back and continued through the dungeon, killing any monsters they encountered. Thanks to the Death Serpent growing in strength along with him, she could deal with most creatures.


    While traveling through the twenty-second floor, they encountered a new monster that ambushed them from above. Thanks to Nightblade being strong, he deflected a bite before using Void Blast on the newcomer.


    As this happens, Atlas uses Void Sight on the monster to see its name as they look like creatures from Earth''s past.


    [Tempestfin Plesiosaurus]


    [Rank: B+ - 1000]


    [Be careful, boy, or they will bite your little worm]


    When Atlas read the advice, his face went red as he raged, ''What the fuck is that! Don''t you dare any devious plans, Nyx!''


    He activated Void Guard just as another Tempestfin slammed into him. The azure barrier shimmered, absorbing the impact. Without wasting time, he drove Nightblade into the creature''s skull, causing it to go lifeless as more enemies swarmed in.


    ''Here we go again,'' Atlas thought while casting a Void Lance through a bigger one and tore it apart.


    Medusa let out a furious roar and went wild, tearing into another opponent with savage ferocity. Atlas hovered in place, bracing himself for the next attack. Suddenly, a Tempestfin crashed into him from behind.


    The monster sank its teeth into him, but his armor absorbed most of the bite, sparing him from severe damage. Atlas stabbed behind him and managed to pierce its skull just as he cast Void Wave to clear some space.


    The two of them battled the Tempestfins as more appeared from the darkness around them. Medusa quickly tore through them as Atlas cut their fins off, leaving them flopping around in the water.


    Soon enough, all the monsters were dead. Atlas grabbed hold of the Death Serpent after collecting all the cores before they continued through the dungeon and avoided any more ambushes from the creatures lurking in the darkness.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 207 A Secret Room

    Atlas and Medusa continued through the dungeon. They only came across Sirens, Giant Crabs, and other monsters that were easy to deal with. Soon enough, the duo reached the next Sub-Boss.''I wonder what monster will appear now?'' he pondered.


    When they arrived at the arena, more singing was heard, but Atlas stopped that by rushing around and killing the Sirens until a large one appeared, causing him to scan it to see if it was of the same rank as the Queen Shark.


    [Queen Siren]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Sub-Boss: 2/3]


    [Used speed and Nightblade to deal with these creatures]


    ''Distract the others while I deal with the Sub-Boss Medusa!'' Atlas ordered as he dashed toward the enemy.


    She tried to swing her sharp claws at his torso, but he quickly dodged it before slashing down the side of the Queen''s tail. The monster let out a pain-filled screech, causing his ears to hurt as he was battered away.


    Atlas hit the ground with a thunderous crash as the Siren lunged at him. He raised his sword just in time to block its attack, sparks flying from the clash. Despite his efforts, he struggled against the beast, which slashed at him with its claws, raking across his torso.


    ''Damn, that hurt!'' he thought as the claws of the creature tore open the exposed parts of the armor.


    While the armor absorbed much damage, it wasn''t enough to protect him completely. Atlas let out a roar of pain before casting Void Wave. The powerful mana surge sent the Siren staggering backward, giving him a brief moment to plan his next move.


    ''I need to defeat this fucker; she is annoying me.''


    Atlas glanced around and noticed Medusa was eating the other monsters, taking the pressure off him. Following that, he got to his feet as the queen dashed toward him and went to swipe, but he blocked the attack before head-butting the surprised creature.


    A boom rang out, and the Sub-Boss was sent stumbling backward, allowing him to cast Void Bomb at her. The azure projectile sliced through the water and connected with the creature, causing an explosion.


    The Siren Queen was momentarily sent flying into the distance, but she quickly recovered and charged back in, attacking with renewed ferocity. He managed to block most of her strikes, but a few got past his defenses, leaving painful slices across his body.


    Each hit chipped away at his strength, and Atlas could feel his energy waning as fatigue set in. Just as he began to falter, the Siren Queen seized the opportunity, sinking her teeth into his shoulder and tearing at his flesh.


    The sharp pain surged through him, igniting a desperate instinct to fight back even harder. Atlas let out a roar of agony while casting Void Blast to get the creature off him as he cast Void Punch.


    When his fist connected with the queen, she was sent flying into the air as the battle around them died. While that happened, the Death Serpent rushed in and finished off the queen thanks to her rank, which relieved Atlas.


    He slumped down as exhaustion overtook his body, but Medusa spoke concernedly, ''Master. There''s an air pocket you can rest in, I think it''s a Safe Zone.''


    ''Take me there,'' he replied in a strained voice.


    The monster nodded before swiftly scooping up the bright red core. Atlas clung tightly to the serpent as it surged forward, bursting into the small Safe Zone. He dropped to the ground as they landed, crawling toward a nearby bench.


    Exhausted, Atlas collapsed onto the bench and drifted into a deep sleep. Medusa instinctively curled around him, providing warmth and a protective barrier against threats.


    By the time he woke up, most of the wounds were healed, and Atlas could think straight, but when seeing his stump, he sighed, ''I need to rank up even more, but I''m tired of fighting so much. Maybe I can give it a rest for a little when I finish this dungeon.''


    Following that, Atlas stood up and noticed Medusa was protecting him. Her gesture made him smile as he stroked the giant serpent. The Death Serpent soon woke up and let out a happy hiss when she saw him.


    ''You''re okay, Master; I''m relieved you''re awake so soon. The damage you took was bad,'' she expressed in a cheery voice, which caught him off guard.


    Atlas chuckled before gazing around the cave while taking off his helmet to replace it with the Goggles of True Sight. Once they were on, he scanned the cave and found a small door on the other side.


    ''I should keep these on all the time,'' he thought.


    With that, he made his way over to it while pulling out a Forest Chicken Wrap and eating to recover the rest of his energy. Atlas soon arrived at the secret entrance and wondered how to open it before kicking it, causing the stone to crumble.


    After this, he was surprised when Medusa slithered up to him and said, ''What have you found?''


    ''A secret room. It seems to be created by a trapped adventurer, and the dungeon liked the idea of people searching for it,'' Atlas replied.


    Just as Atlas was about to enter the room, a thunderous roar echoed from the water, freezing him in place. He spun around, scanning the area for the source of the sound. Medusa, her eyes narrowing in caution, spoke in a wary tone, ''I''ll check it out. You search the room.''


    He nodded and stepped inside the room, his eyes immediately drawn to two skeletons dressed in ancient, rusted armor long forgotten to time. But it wasn''t the skeletons that held his attention¡ªit was the object lying between them.


    Curious, Atlas cautiously approached and picked it up when he realized it was a necklace, which caused him to use Void Sight.


    [The Lost Princesses Necklace]


    [Rank: Artifact] Enjoy new adventures from empire


    [Level: 5]


    [Keep this object safe - Suitable for a defender as it increases the user''s Health and Strength by 300]


    When Atlas read the notification, he smiled, ''This will be perfect for Estelle.''


    Following that, he checked the bodies but found nothing except dusty gold and silver coins, which he had stored away before leaving the secret room. When he stepped outside, he couldn''t see Medusa.


    ''Where has that serpent wandered off to?'' sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas jumped into the water while activating Aqua Lung as he looked for his companion. He spotted her fighting Giant Crab and Snake monsters. When he saw this, he used Void Step to get closer before slicing through one of the crabs'' large pincers.


    The monster was stunned, but Atlas pressed his advantage, relentlessly attacking the massive crab as Medusa battled the snake nearby. Chaos erupted around them, with Atlas dodging a flurry of attacks while his blade sliced through the crab''s thick carapace.


    He cast Void Infusion on Nightblade in a decisive move, causing the sword to hum with dark energy. With newfound power, he slashed through the monster''s limbs, severing them individually.


    The creature''s movements slowed as it struggled, weakened and vulnerable from the crippling blows. Atlas continued striking, which overwhelmed the Giant Crab as its limbs were cut off.


    As Medusa finished devouring the snake, she swiftly turned her attention to the crab, launching a rear attack. A loud crack echoed through the air as her fangs pierced through the creature''s shell.


    ''Her bite is powerful!'' he thought as excitement surged. ''She''s getting stronger.''


    Seizing the moment, Atlas channeled mana into his fist, delivering a powerful punch to the weakened monster. The impact shattered the crab''s shell with a loud crack, but the force snapped the bones in his hand.


    Pain shot through him, yet the sight of the crumbling beast confirmed the fight was over. Atlas''s hand started slowly repairing as he stored away the gold coins and Monster Cores before climbing on Medusa''s back.


    ''Hold on, Master,'' she said before dashing forward. ''I will kill most of the monsters we came across.''


    Following that, the duo traveled through the dungeon. While doing that, Atlas knew there was a sixty-floor dungeon, and the next Sub-Boss would be on fifty. Medusa was eating Hunter Sharks and Merfolk on the way to the staircase down.


    ''Thankfully


    Most couldn''t stand up to her because she was an S-ranked monster, which allowed Atlas to recover his strength. The surrounding landscape turned from an underwater forest to grasslands.


    While traveling, Medusa informed him that there are more Safe Zones above. After hours of traveling, they reached the thirty-third floor, where they encountered a new monster that looked like a giant evil-looking fish.


    Atlas quickly scanned it while the two stopped swimming and watched the creature patrolling the staircase.


    [Blackscale]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Magic! This is like an angry wife trying to take all your life savings; you must fight to get to the next floor]


    ''What is it with this advice?'' he thought while floating there.


    The monster, the size of a small bus, was covered in jet-black scales, allowing it to vanish into the shadows effortlessly. Its presence was menacing, blending into the darkness like a predator waiting to strike.


    Atlas stood there, trying to figure out how to take on such a beast, when the creature suddenly turned, its glowing red eyes locking onto them with an eerie intensity. A chill ran down his spine as he realized the fight was inevitable.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 208 Whats This Things Problem

    Atlas watched as the Blackscale lunged at him and Medusa, its massive body cutting through the air like a dark shadow. In an instant, they split apart to avoid the creature''s assault.''That was close! This thing was fast.''


    He cast a Void Lance, aiming it directly at the beast. When the azure projectile struck its tough hide, it shattered one of its scales with a resonating crack, but that was all. The monster barely flinched, its eyes narrowing as it prepared to retaliate.


    It lunged in his direction, causing Atlas to use Void Step to get out of the way as Medusa slammed into the monster''s body. He took the opportunity to use his Voidwalker Form, and when the skill was activated, his body changed.


    Atlas transformed into a terrifying monster, limbs elongating and body bulking up, taking on the grotesque shape of an eldritch horror. Tendrils of dark energy pulsed from his form, and the ground seemed to tremble beneath him.


    The Blackscale suddenly halted mid-attack. Its predatory instincts kicked in as it sensed the overwhelming shift in Atlas''s aura¡ªa presence far more dangerous than before. The beast hesitated, unnerved by him.


    As the change finished, Atlas lunged at the monster so quickly that it or Medusa couldn''t see him. His claws tore through the black scales, causing them to shatter under the force, sending the beast crashing into the dungeon wall.


    Following that, Atlas dashed at the dazed giant snake before plunging his clawed hands into its body just as Medusa bit down on its neck. He tore right through its torso and covered the floor with blood.


    ''Now it''s dead! Thank god,'' Soon enough, the Blackscale vanished into the dungeon, but that''s when Sirens, Giant Crabs, and Snakes attacked. Atlas went crazy before savagely slaughtering them as they appeared.


    Half an hour later, all the monsters lay slain, their bodies dissolving as they returned to the dungeon from which they came. Atlas reverted to normal, feeling exhaustion wash over him like a tidal wave.


    ''Maybe I should rest?'' he thought. ''No, I need to keep moving forward.''


    His limbs ached, and his breath came in ragged gasps. Without hesitation, Atlas pulled out a stamina potion and quickly downed it, feeling the green liquid giving him some missing energy and making him feel refreshed.


    Once Atlas felt better, he stepped down the stairs and reached the thirty-fourth floor, where they encountered more of the same monsters. With Medusa''s help, he killed all the attackers and finally reached the last Sub-Bosses arena.


    ''At least I''m close to completing this horrible dungeon.''


    Unlike the others, Atlas had to descend into a dark valley that led to the Dungeon Boss. When he and Medusa stepped onto the sandy ground, a shield blocked them in, but that''s when something rose from a large dune.


    His eyes widened when he spotted a Giant Crab, but this one was at least ten times the size of the previous monsters. It was dark red and had giant pincers that made him nervous. The beast stared at him with its black eyes, and Atlas could tell it hated him passionately.


    ''What''s this things problem?'' he thought.


    Atlas gulped as he gripped Nightblade tighter. Medusa''s voice rang in his mind, ''We can do this, Master. You''re becoming strong and is quick enough to dodge any of its attacks.''


    When Atlas heard this, he nodded before using Void Sight on the Sub-Boss to determine its name and rank.


    [Reefclaw]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Sub-Boss: 3/3]


    [Keep out of the way of its pincers and watch out for its magic] S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following the explosion, Medusa vanished into the shadows, disappearing as the Reefclaw lumbered forward, its massive form shifting the sand beneath its feet with each step. Atlas wasted no time, unleashing a Void Barrage at the advancing beast.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the water with deadly precision, striking the creature head-on. Each impact sent ripples through the water, but the Reefclaw pressed on, undeterred by the barrage, as it bore down on him.


    ''What is this thing!'' he internally panicked.


    A massive explosion erupted, sending shockwaves through the water and causing the Sub-Boss to stumble backward. Despite the blast, it remained undeterred, regaining its footing and continuing its relentless advance.


    Its sheer size made it an unstoppable force. Atlas didn''t know what to do, just as Medusa rushed out of the shadows and tried to bite one of the monster''s legs. However, the Giant Crab quickly sliced the Death Serpent in half.


    ''Oh shit! This is bad,'' Atlas thought before dashing in the creature''s direction.


    When the Reefclaw noticed Atlas attacking and sent a wave of chaotic water in his direction, he used Void Step to vanish as its pincers crashed into the ground. He reappeared not far away, only to notice its massive, dark red body cast a shadow over the arena.


    The ground trembled under its colossal weight as its eight tree-sized legs carried it toward him, ''This is going to be a hard battle,'' Atlas mused excitedly. ''But I can use my speed, magic, and sword.''


    The creature''s black, soulless eyes locked onto him with hatred as it raised its enormous pincers. With a loud crack, the Reefclaw''s left pincer came down in a blur, aiming to crush him into the sand as the claw obliterated the ground where he stood moments before.


    Sand exploded into the air, and the sheer force of the blow sent shockwaves through the battlefield. Atlas managed to jump out of the way before using Void Step to get behind the Giant Crab.


    "Too slow!" he growled, his voice carrying a surge of adrenaline as he reappeared a few feet away.


    Without hesitation, the Reefclaw swung again with its right pincer. But once again, Atlas dodged to predict the trajectory of the beast''s attack. He rolled to the side, feeling the rush of wind as the claw grazed past him.


    ''So lucky that I''m fast otherwise, I''d be crushed into pulp.''


    Atlas knew he couldn''t keep dodging forever. His body was already aching from previous battles, and the monster''s size gave it an almost advantage. But his eyes narrowed as he gripped Nightblade, its edge gleaming with azure energy thanks to Void Infusion.


    ''I need to slow this thing down,'' he pondered while glancing around. ''I wish I had my left arm; why did that artifact deactivate!''


    He shook his head and threw three Inferno Bombs at the Reefclaw, who raised its pincer. When the explosives hit, they erupted, causing the monster to roar in pain as the red flames burned its carapace.


    Atlas charged forward, deftly dodging the snapping jaws of the Reefclaw as he focused on its left front leg. With a swift strike, he sliced through the creature''s thick carapace, eliciting the beast''s sharp hiss of pain.


    Seizing the moment, he quickly cast Void Blast, aiming directly at its face. The azure projectile shot forward, and when it connected, a small explosion erupted, forcing the Reefclaw to reel back, disoriented by the sudden blast.


    Atlas continued to attack, using his speed to avoid any attacks, unleashing a hail of Void Bullets that peppered the monster''s body, each impact weakening the creature. Seizing the opening, he moved in and sliced through several more of its legs thanks to Void Infusion.


    The Reefclaw let out a guttural hiss as its body crashed to the ground, its remaining legs unable to support its weight. Despite its fall, the creature remained dangerous, its massive pincers snapping violently at him.


    Atlas pressed the assault, casting spell after spell while darting in close to slash through the Reefclaw''s tough carapace. Blood gushed from the wounds, staining the sand and water around them.


    In a desperate bid for survival, the beast thrashed wildly, its flailing limbs sending debris flying, ''Now I''ve got it. It''s time to die, beast,'' Atlas thought, excitement surging through him as he saw the creature weakening. Sensing victory was near, he readied himself for the final strike.


    He summoned a charged Void Lance, gathering his energy and focusing intently. With a swift motion, he hurled the projectile directly at the Reefclaw''s face. The extra mana infused within it amplified its power, allowing it to pierce through the creature''s tough flesh.


    The moment it exploded inside, the Reefclaw shuddered violently, its body convulsing in a final, desperate attempt to resist. But it was futile; with one last hiss, the massive creature fell, defeated at last.


    Atlas was happy and approached the corpse to collect the loot, but he noticed it didn''t vanish just as its claw flew out and tore through his legs. Feeling his leg cut off, he dropped to the ground and cast Void Bomb at the half-dead monster.


    He let out a scream of pain, but Regeneration kicked in and slowly started healing it, but the agony of it all knocked him out. Atlas sunk into the comfortable sand as an older man''s voice rang out in surprise.


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    [I''m surprised you beat that boss, Dungeon Conquerer. One more to go, then we shall meet]


    The new stump started regrowing as the Reefclaw sank into the dungeon, leaving behind the shining Monster Core and pile of loot.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 209 Deep Sea Golem

    Atlas woke up with his body fully healed and his helmet keeping the water at bay, but he felt his breath getting shallow. He quickly activated Aqua Lung again, which allowed him to breathe while standing up.''Now, onto the boss,'' he thought with a tired smile. ''After this, I will have a break in the Otherworld.''


    Then, Atlas walked toward the staircase leading to the Bosses Arena. When he got close, he summoned Medusa, who appeared before letting out a roar that echoed throughout the dungeon.


    She swiftly swam to him, playfully rubbing her head against his body. Atlas smiled, his hand gently stroking the sleek scales of the Death Serpent. With a surge of energy, he wrapped his arms around her as they took off.


    Medusa effortlessly glided through the water until they reached the staircase leading down, ''Here we go,'' Atlas thought, excitedly lighting up his face.


    Soon enough, they entered the arena, which blocked their escape with the usual shield that circled the area. Atlas wondered what had happened until torches lit up the battlefield as something rose from the ground.


    When he saw this, his eyes widened in shock. The ground started to shake, and a massive Golem appeared. It was the size of a house made from dark stone, and its list eyes glowed red as it looked ancient.


    The stone monster moved slowly like an old person, but its aura radiated strength, making him gulp, ''This is going to be hard. My sword won''t be able to pierce it,'' he thought while gazing at the Dungeon Boss.


    Atlas quickly used Void Sight to determine the creature''s rank to see if he could beat it.


    [Deep Sea Golem]


    [Rank: S - 10000 Exp]


    [Siren''s Abyss Dungeon Boss]


    [Don''t go near it and use the Death Serpent to help]


    ''Rank S,'' Atlas thought with wide eyes as he gulped. ''I''m going to need Medusa''s help.''


    Following this, he cast several Void Bombs at the stone behemoth, and when the magic connected, explosions rang out. Medusa shot into the shadows as Atlas summoned the Hill Giant on top of the Golem.


    ''This should slow it down.''


    The Dungeon Monster moved slowly but managed to damage the boss, allowing Medusa to coil around its legs. Atlas seized the opportunity, casting six Void Lances streaking through the water like lightning bolts.


    ''I need to bring it down; that''s my only chance at winning.''


    As the azure projectiles struck the Golem, explosions erupted, sending shockwaves through the water as the spells burrowed deep into the stone. The sudden assault sent the monster reeling, forcing it to stumble backward before it crashed to the ground.


    This allowed Atlas to get some space from the boss as he continued casting spells that knocked off some of its attacks aimed at Medusa. Sand flew all over the place as the arena shook due to the impact; the monster lost its temper and became enraged.


    In a rage, it swung its massive arm, sending the Hill Giant flying away from the fray. Atlas sent the monster back to the Dungeon Realm before he attacked the Sea Golem with several Void Bombs that chipped chunks of stone off.


    He looked at Medusa and shouted, ''''Keep it down, and don''t let the thing grab you!''


    The Death Serpent nodded in agreement as Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Lances at the monster. The azure projectiles struck, burrowing deep into its body and eliciting a deafening roar as it swung at Medusa.


    With speed, she dodged the sudden attack, and Atlas quickly followed up by hurling several Inferno Bombs at the creature''s head, igniting a fiery explosion that lit up the arena. Seizing the moment, Atlas unleashed a series of Gravity Bombs, anchoring the beast firmly to the ground.


    Following that, he appeared next to Golem''s head and cast a Void Bomb at it, which he fully charged. When the explosive spell connected, an explosion erupted, which sent him flying across the arena,


    Medusa quickly caught him as she spoke, ''You''ve weakened it; I may be able to take out one of its limbs.''


    Atlas nodded before throwing some Smoke Bombs as the Golem tried to get up. A white mist appeared and blocked the boss''s vision, allowing Medusa to sneak attack while he started casting Void Blasts at its knees. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Every time a spell connected, chunks of stone blasted off, which weakened the Golem. As this happened, the Death Serpent moved in and wrapped around its head, which caused the monster to try to get her out of it.


    With the Golem pinned down by the Gravity Bombs, Atlas seized the opportunity, moving in to blast off one of its legs with a powerful spell. The boss staggered, growing weaker as its movements became more sluggish.


    ''If I continue like this Medusa can get the upper-hand.''


    He kept targeting its remaining limbs, unleashing a relentless barrage of spells. Still, his mana reserves ran dry after casting hundreds, ''Damn, I need to rest,'' Atlas thought, retreating to catch his breath as Medusa tore into the wounded boss.


    Once his mana was replenished, he summoned a Hill Giant that crashed into the Golem, further intensifying the chaotic battle. Sand erupted into the air, obscuring his vision as the violent clash raged on, leaving him momentarily blind to the ongoing destruction.


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    Atlas narrowed his eyes, sweat mixing with the cold water around him as the towering Deep Sea Golem managed to stand up after battering away the Giant and throwing off Medusa. Its red eyes glowed with ancient fury, but he didn''t flinch, "Let''s see how you handle this," he muttered, summoning dark energy into his palms.


    He hurled a series of Void Bombs at the Golem''s massive arm. The explosions erupted on impact, sending cracks spidering through the stone. Chunks flew off, exposing the brittle rock beneath.


    ''The magic is weakening the monster,'' he thought with a smile.


    The Golem roared in pain, lifting its arm for a retaliatory strike, but Atlas was faster. He summoned more Void Bombs, this time targeting its legs. The blasts echoed through the water, shattering one of the creature''s knees and causing the behemoth to stumble.


    "You''re not getting back up." he dashed forward, hurling another Void Bomb at its remaining leg. The impact sent shards of stone spiraling in all directions, and the Golem crashed to the ground with a loud thud.


    Its arm lashed out in desperation, but Atlas dodged easily, launching one last, fully charged Void Bomb at the creature''s head. The explosion shattered its skull, and the Golem collapsed in defeat as he dismissed the Hill Giant, who started drowning.


    Breathing heavily, Atlas looked down at the stone corpse that started to fade away as he dismissed Medusa before speaking, "Not so tough without your limbs, are you?"


    After the intense battle, he watched the Deep Sea Golem slowly sink back into the dungeon. An old man''s voice echoed through the chamber, [Collect your loot and step through the portal, Conqueror].


    Obeying the Dungeon Master''s command, Atlas gathered the spoils of victory and stepped through the shimmering translucent portal. He was in a small, dimly lit room on the other side.


    The dungeon''s core at its center gleamed as he replied to the voice. [Do you want to join my Dungeon Realm? I already have a few of your siblings]


    After speaking, the core flashed, and the old man answered cheerfully. [Yes, young man. I would like that; I''ve been alone for so long, some company would be welcome]


    Atlas nodded in understanding and placed his hand on the Dungeon Core, feeling its energy pulse as it merged into his growing collection. As soon as the connection was made, a detailed representation of the Siren''s Abyss Dungeon appeared in his mind.


    [Thank you for freeing me, Dungeon Conqueror. Chaos was close to breaching my defenses, but with your power, they cannot touch me anymore] The older man said, his voice filled with relief and appreciation.


    Then, Atlas got to know the Dungeon Master even more before returning to the surface. When he stepped through the portal and exited the place, the guards looked at him wide-eyed.


    The commander halted in front of him, his face etched with concern. "What happened to you, boy? You''ve been inside Siren''s Abyss for days, and now you reappear¡ªmissing an arm?"


    Atlas chuckled, waving the man''s worry aside. "The dungeon had a few creatures that didn''t belong there. One of them bit me, injected a nasty poison. I had no choice but to cut the arm off," he said, his tone light despite the gravity of his words.


    ''''Doesn''t potions heal it?'''' the commander said while handing one over.


    ''''It doesn''t work. I need a high-ranked Healer to do it, but I don''t know where to find one,'''' Atlas replied while glancing around.


    The man nodded in understanding. ''''Interesting. We''ll send out an order for a high-ranked group of adventurers to check the dungeon out.''''


    Following that, Atlas left the fortress behind and walked off the road until he reached a safe place to summon Theo. The Blood Bat King appeared, allowing him to jump on the monster''s back as he spoke, ''Let''s head to Carthage. I need to heal my arm.''


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 Chapter 210 Dodge Now

    Atlas was resting on Theo''s back as they raced across Aridonia, and the sun beamed down; thanks to growing stronger, the Blood Bat King could deal with most monsters that tried attacking them on their journey.He watched as the dungeon creature tore apart a group of ulcer-looking monsters. A few hours later, the sun started to set as they passed by a giant karst; Atlas pointed at it and spoke to Theo, ''Land there boy; I need to rest.''


    The summoned monster agreed and landed on the stone pillar with a thud. When he jumped off its back, a notification popped up.


    [Dungeon Conqueror, the Otherworld and Call of The Void unlocked the Monster Realm to organize your creatures even better]


    Atlas''s eye widened in shock, but when he saw this, he activated it, and an azure portal appeared, causing Theo to be wary as the monster spoke, ''Why does it feel like the Void Realm but different?''


    ''''It combined with another useful skill of mine,'''' he answered the Blood Bat King.


    Following that, Atlas entered the portal only to see the land he built for the Scalebreakers and Stormeagle, but what caught his attention was the five portals hanging in the air representing the dungeons he conquered.


    Theo soon entered the Voidwalker Realm while glancing around in fascination before speaking in an amazed voice, ''Can you summon a few more of my kind Master? I believe we can live here as we would be outside the sungeon.''


    Atlas looked at the Blood Bat King and agreed with a nod while pulling up the Stage One list for the Monster Realm.


    ***


    [Stage 1]


    [Rivers - Gently alters the terrain, enhances the fertility of nearby land, and provides water for creatures - Cost: 500 Mana]


    [Floating Islands - Suspended above the ground, these islands provide new realms for your monsters to explore/Can make yourself a home - Cost: 3000 Mana]


    [Grasslands - A fertile expanse of open plains/Food for certain members of your army - Cost: 500 Mana]


    [Hills - Gently rolling terrain that adds texture to the landscape - Cost: 750 Mana]


    [Mountains - Majestic peaks rise from the earth, providing shelter for rare species - Cost: 2000 Mana]


    [Increase realm size - More space for the monsters - Cost: 5000 Mana]


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    [Underground Tunnels - Tunnels under the earth - Cost: 4000 Mana]


    [Large lake - Cost: 3000 Mana]


    [Mansion - Build a home for yourself wherever you want, including everything needed to live inside the Monster Realm - Cost: 50000 Mana]


    ***


    Upon noticing this, Atlas expanded the realm, creating a vast lake for Medusa. He then introduced floating isles and extended the grasslands, giving Nala and her pack space to roam freely.


    After that, he summoned the Death Serpent, Death Gorillas, Dreadmaw Lions, and more Blood Bats. The creatures expressed their gratitude before setting up their new homes throughout the realm.


    ''I can feel them at peace,'' he mused. ''I need to get more monsters, but I won''t add just any; they must be strong and smart.''


    Atlas sensed that Raymond and Cera were busy with their lives. He smiled when he saw all his monsters growing stronger thanks to basking in his void mana, which would be helpful in the future.


    Once done, he summoned Drax, the Void Raptor King, and a dozen smaller ones. The giant monster looked at him as his voice rang in his mind, ''Make yourself at home. When I call upon you, it will cost the same, but I can summon you to the Voidwalker Realm at no cost.''


    The colossal dinosaur nodded in acknowledgment before unleashing a mighty roar to command its horde of Void Raptors. The monsters charged into the dense jungle to set up their new homes.


    Afterward, Atlas set up his tent and built a fire, admiring the Monster Realm and the starry sky above. "I''ll gather more creatures for my growing army," he muttered, "but they must be strong."


    He added more wood to the firepit before lying down, gazing up as shooting stars streaked across the night sky. Once it was roared to life, Atlas pulled out his sleeping bag and lay down.


    Feeling comfortable, Atlas drifted off to sleep as the roars and chirps of the surrounding creatures echoed through the night, yet none dared approach his camp. The following day, he awoke with a yawn, only to see a fierce storm raging across the Voidwalker Realm.


    Atlas stood up, packed away his gear, and called for Nala. The lioness appeared within seconds, licking him affectionately, bringing a smile to his face. He stroked her sleek fur before climbing onto her back, and together, they charged through the portal.


    They appeared atop the karst, and Nala started jumping down as Atlas spoke, ''We''re heading Southeast. We need to reach Carthage to heal my arm and Lilith.''


    Following that, the duo traveled across Aridonia and dodged army patrols. It took them a few days to reach the area the capital was in, but as they got close, chaos erupted. Nala barrelled straight into a battle.


    Thousands of soldiers clashed in a brutal battle, and the moment both sides spotted Atlas and Nala, they attacked. ''What''s going on here?'' he wondered, his eyes narrowing. ''Looks like we''ll have to fight our way through.''


    Nala tore through dozens of enemies with lethal precision while Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets, cutting through the swarm of attackers. Explosions rang out and sent the soldiers flying.


    The lioness bounded across the battlefield as arrows flew toward them, causing him to cast Void Guard. As the shield appeared, the projectiles pinged off it, allowing them to pass through unharmed.


    Hours later, Nala stopped running when the duo arrived on top of a hill a mile away from the Nubian capital. Atlas spotted the massive city stretching out in all directions, with three walls guarding different sections.


    ''This place is giant,'' he mused. ''How am I going to find a spirit mage?''


    Atlas shrugged before speaking to Nala, ''''Don''t go near the city, girl; they will target us.''''


    ''Yes, Master. There are some woods nearby; I will stop there,'' she replied as she dashed down the hill.


    A sudden, ominous feeling washed over Atlas as they neared the city, and he shouted, "Dodge now!"


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than explosions erupted around them, hurling him through the air. Nala let out a pained roar, but Atlas swiftly sent her to safety before crashing down himself, with his Void Guard absorbing most of the impact.


    Fueled by a rising fury, Atlas sprang to his feet, eyes locked on the horde of Nightowls and Immortal soldiers charging toward him. A momentary pang of uncertainty flickered in his mind, but he quickly crushed it.


    ''I can''t back down. Only the strongest survive,'' he thought, his heart pounding with resolve.


    The first Nightowl assassin darted in, blade flashing in the dim light. Atlas knocked aside the attack, then drove his blade through the killer''s throat in a single, lethal thrust. He spun on his heel without hesitation, narrowly avoiding another attacker''s strike.


    With a slash, he severed the soldier''s ankles, sending the foe crashing to the ground in agony. Atlas unleashed his fury with a primal roar, moving like an azure storm through the battlefield.


    These were the hunters who had chased him across Aridonia, and now they had finally caught up. But they would regret it. His body surged with energy as he faced them head-on, Void Guard shimmering around him like a shield of darkness, deflecting incoming strikes from every direction.


    Sparks flew as swords clashed against the shield, but none could break through. Atlas lunged at an Immortal soldier and slammed his palm into the soldier''s chest while unleashing a devastating Void Blast right in their face.


    The explosion sent the Immortal flying back, his armor shattered, leaving nothing but a crater where he once stood. More enemies swarmed him, but he was a blur of motion, dodging and countering brutally.


    Atlas ducked beneath a Nightowl''s sweeping attack, but it knocked his sword out of his hand. He still managed to retaliate with a bone-shattering punch, Void energy rippling from his fist as the attacker''s body crumpled.


    Another Immortal came at him with a spear. Atlas spun out of the way and delivered a devastating upward strike, slicing the weapon in half before driving his blade through the warrior''s chest. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With every enemy that fell, his fury only intensified. Each strike, block, and dodge became sharper, driven by an unyielding rage that carved a path through the relentless horde trying to capture or kill him.


    Twenty minutes later, even more Immortals and Nightowls surrounded him, their faces filled with shock as they took in the battlefield littered with hundreds of lifeless bodies. His remaining arm hung limp by his side as an enemy managed to slash it.


    ''I need to get out of here,'' Atlas thought, glancing around the chaos as an idea came to him, causing a smile to appear.


    In a flash, he began hurling Thunderclap, Frostfall, and Inferno Bombs at the enemy, creating utter mayhem. As smoke enveloped the area, he summoned Theo, who swooped in to lift him high into the sky.


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 Chapter 211 Little Gremlins

    As they climbed into the sky, a wave of spells surged toward them. The Bat King instinctively wrapped its wings around Atlas, bracing for impact. They were struck, the monster roaring in pain as they plummeted to the ground, crashing down with a thunderous boom.''Ouch,'' he thought while his head spun.


    Atlas wasn''t inured that bad, but Theo returned to the Voidwalker Realm just as he summoned Medusa. He grabbed the Death Serpent before the monster dashed for the nearby river.


    The Nightowls and Immortals pursued relentlessly, but Atlas unleashed a relentless barrage of Void Bombs and Bullets in their direction. Explosions erupted around them, sending several warriors tumbling through the air.


    Meanwhile, Medusa zipped through the water with astonishing speed, slicing through the waves like a rocket. He glanced over his shoulder, but their pursuers had vanished into the distance.


    Atlas became excited as the serpent became invisible underwater. He relaxed, but Medusa''s voice sounded in his mind, ''What''s the plan, Master?''


    ''It seems like the Nubians are in league with the empire,'' Atlas answered. ''We can head north to meet the others while looking for a Spirit Mage.''


    ''Yes, master,'' she responded before diving deeper into the river. Hours later, they arrived at the ocean, and Medusa lunged out of the water.


    Atlas dismissed Medusa with a nod before summoning Theo. The creature materialized and greeted him with a happy chirp, nudging him affectionately. Smiling, Atlas stroked Theo''s rough hide before climbing onto its back.


    They took off into the sky with a leap, soaring northward. While flying, he sent Amethyst a message but didn''t receive a reply. He summoned a Darkling and ordered it to fly ahead to find the girls.


    After that, Atlas and Theo continued north but had to fly lower as the storm could throw the Blood Bat King everywhere. He held on as the wind increased while thunder rumbled overhead.


    The monster flew for hours, and they didn''t see any land. Atlas glanced around and noticed a silhouette in the distance. He tapped Theo and pointed at it, "Go there!"


    When Theo heard that, he dived and tried to escape the wind while heading for the growing island. Atlas spotted a dozen ships, causing him to worry as he spoke, ''''Land on the mountain peak; other people are hiding from the storm.''''


    Following Atlas''s command, Theo swiftly reached the mountain''s base and began a rapid ascent. The Blood Bat King abruptly halted as they scaled the rugged cliffs, spotting a cave on the mountainside.


    ''Perfect,'' Atlas thought, eyeing the hidden entrance. ''A place where no one can reach me.''


    He jumped off Theo''s back once inside, landing lightly on the rocky ground, already plotting his next move in the secluded shelter. Atlas noticed enough room for them to rest and start a fire.


    Once everything was set up, Atlas leaned against Theo, who was drying off using the flickering flame. While doing that, the storm picked up outside, causing him to question, ''''Is the winter normally like this?''''


    Theo nodded while replying, ''Mana affects everything in this world, master. From people to weather, it interacts with everything but this year seems worse compared to my time outside.''


    He nodded understanding before pulling out a rabbit kebab and eating while watching the thunder light up the sky. Atlas could see a herd of elephant-like monsters walking out of the ocean, which surprised him.


    ''What the hell are they?'' he internally asked himself.


    Atlas brushed off the discovery, finishing his meal and settling into his sleeping bag. Once comfortable, he activated the Void Realm and reappeared on the plateau. A rush of excitement surged when he realized his arms were intact.


    ''At least I''m not weaker here,'' he thought with relief.


    His thoughts were interrupted by a distant rumbling drawing closer. Without hesitation, Atlas unleashed a volley of Void Bombs toward the approaching threat, following it up with a rapid barrage of Void Bullets.


    The oncoming Golems, crashing into the sea below with thunderous splashes, stood no chance. Atlas continued fighting and bringing down the number of monsters he had to kill, thanks to being strong.


    A few hours later, he checked the monster total to see how many he had gotten rid of.


    [Void Golem ¨C 65811/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 221912/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91011/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Oh nice, not long until I clear the Void Golem section,'' Atlas thought before casting Void Blast at a group of Warrior Golems.


    Following that, he continued battling the stone monsters before running out of steam and had to retreat to the real world. Once back in his body, he opened his eyes to see a wall of rain blocking his view.


    ''It hasn''t stopped yet? Let''s go in the realm to stay out of it,'' Atlas thought while jumping up.


    He grabbed the sleeping bag and ushered Theo through the portal, which pleased the Blood Bat King. When he entered the Voidwalker Realm, it was peaceful but cold. Theo took off and flew towards his nest while Atlas found a tree to camp under.


    Once he was done with everything, he noticed a group of baby Scalebreakers staring at him. Their tails wagged like over-excited puppies, and their glowing red eyes sparkled with mischief.


    Atlas grinned and pointed at them. ''''What are you little gremlins up to? Shouldn''t your moms be freaking out by now?''''


    Before he could blink, the mini-monsters charged at him like a stampede of toddlers after cake. They tackled him to the ground, nibbling and licking him all over. Atlas burst into laughter, half-heartedly swatting at them, careful not to use his full strength.


    The little creatures were making excited and adorable noises until a bellow scared them. He watched as they hid behind him, making Cera laugh as she spoke, ''It seems like the young ones like you, Master. The old master didn''t like interacting with us.''


    Atlas frowned when he heard this before grabbing one of the babies and pampering it with strokes, causing it to go wild. He laughed as the baby struggled out of his arms and escaped before the group ran to Cera.


    He smiled while standing up and approaching the matriarch of the Scalebreakers. He stroked her while replying, ''''I''m not like him, Cera. I appreciate everything my monsters do for me and feel heartbroken when you get hurt.''''


    The monster let out a happy bellow before nudging him with her head, ''You treat us too good Master. We have never been this happy, even old Raymond has been checking in on the young ones.''


    Afterward, Atlas exchanged a few words with the creature before she returned to her nest. Turning his focus back to the realm, he shaped new landscapes, crafting the terrain with careful precision.


    Once satisfied, he leaned against a tree, considering which creatures to introduce next. After a brief pause, he summoned ten Thunderclaws and Razorwings from the Moonshade Grotto, which would live here.


    The monsters briefly regarded him, then scattered across the realm, each eager to find their territory and thrive in their new environment. He summoned a herd of Mistwalkers from the Blackthrone Hills Dungeon.


    Atlas watched in awe as the mammoth-like creatures entered the Voidwalker Realm, their deep bellows echoing around him. They roamed the grasslands, playfully mingling with a few younger Mistwalkers, their curiosity evident in every step.


    A smile spread across Atlas''s face at the sight, but he knew he had to pause his summoning. His mana reserves were running low, and fatigue was beginning to weigh on him. Crawling into his tent, he surrendered to the exhaustion that enveloped him and drifted off to sleep.


    As Atlas slept, he was transported to a cold tundra surrounded by towering mountains that pierced the sky. In the distance, a fortress loomed, its imposing structure drawing his gaze. Intrigued, he shrugged off the chill and began to approach it. Continue your adventure at empire


    ''Is this a dream or a vision?'' he wondered, glancing around the stark landscape. The biting wind whipped around him as he tried to make sense of his surroundings.


    Just as Atlas began to close the distance, a massive horde of monsters surged toward the fortress, their ferocity evident in every charging step. His attention was immediately drawn to the violet magic streaking through the sky, bursting like fireworks amidst the chaos.


    Explosions echoed through the air as more spells soared into the fray, lighting up the tundra with power flashes and illuminating the fierce battle before him. Atlas watched as earth and light magic hit the monsters.


    Atlas recognized the magic and thought, ''The girls are here?''


    An unsettling chill ran down his spine as he watched the unfolding chaos. He sensed the presence of Chaos Monsters lurking within the horde. Before Atlas could do anything, he was woke up to something licking his face.


    ''''What the fuck?'''' he opened his eyes while mumbling, only to spot a baby Scalebreaker standing on his chest while letting an adorable chirp.


    Atlas smiled when seeing this and stroked the creature before dragging it into a hug, which shocked it, but it didn''t complain while getting comfortable.


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 Chapter 212 Poor Family

    Atlas woke up the following day to find the little Scalebreaker cuddled up to him, letting out adorable snores that made him smile. He shook his head before climbing out of the tent, only to run into Cera, eating in a nearby bush.Her head poked up as she spoke, ''Did the little one join you, Master?''


    ''Yes, it appeared in the middle of the night and took me by surprise,'' Atlas replied while freshening himself up in the nearby lake.


    While doing that, he spotted Medusa swimming at the bottom while digging around. Atlas didn''t linger long. He said his goodbyes to Cera before leaving the Realm. Seconds later, he was standing on the karst.


    Atlas gazed out to the calm landscape and summoned Theo, who appeared with an excited chirp as he spoke, ''We can get far today, master. The weather is good.''


    He nodded before climbing on the monster''s back before it took off and started soaring across Aridonia. Atlas had to find the shortest place to cross the dangerous monster-infested sea.


    Days passed as they followed the coast, looking for a crossing, but the duo had no luck. Theo looked back at him and warned, ''''Hold on tight. The storm will force us to go lower.''''


    The wind roared as Theo soared above the crashing waves, his powerful wings slicing through the salty air. Atlas tightened his grip on the monster''s fur, feeling the immense strength of the beast beneath him.


    Below, the sea churned like a boiling cauldron, its dark waters teeming with shadowy shapes that surfaced before vanishing beneath the foam. Theo let out a screech as he dove lower, skimming just above the water''s surface.


    ''Too close! I hate storms and the sea,'' he thought while panicking.


    Massive tentacles thrashed, and serpentine figures coiled through the depths. Sea monsters, some larger than ships, lurked just beneath the waves, their eyes glowing with malevolent hunger as they sensed the two intruders above their domain.


    Atlas gulped when sensing some of the monsters, but as something jumped out of the water, Theo ascended sharply and dodged the sudden attack. The Blood Bat King dodged the giant fish monster leaping out of the water.


    ''Master! The storm is clearing up, but we need to wait a few more minutes,'' Theo said in a concerned tone.


    ''No problem, just don''t let the sea creatures catch us,'' he replied, looking over the edge.


    A massive shark was fighting with an even more enormous whale, which amazed Atlas as he mused excitedly, ''Titans of the sea, one day I will fight them when I''m strong enough.''


    ''Zaranadar!'' he internally cheered.


    Following that, Theo quickly headed toward the nearby beach and crashed down, as the monster was tired and needed to rest. Atlas fell to the soft sand with a smile, and the warm sand caused him to sigh.


    ''Dryland,'' he mused with a relieved smile.


    While lying there, a splash was heard, causing him to look up. Only to see a sizeable mosasaur-looking monster lunge out of the water and grab Theo. Atlas quickly dismissed the Dungeon Creature as the beast crashed on the beach.


    He quickly cast Void Lance at the side of the monster''s head and watched it burrow through, but it didn''t kill it. Atlas soon realized it was much stronger than anything he''d encountered, making him wary.


    Without wasting more time, he cast Void Step to escape the monster that went for him again. Atlas started walking until spotting a fortress in the distance. '' At least I can level up again, but I''ll be more careful heading north,'' he thought before activating his disguise.


    Following that, he made his way to the fortress, and when spotting the guard, he approached with a fake smile before asking, ''''Excuse me, can you point me to the nearest train station, please?''''


    The soldier looked down at him with narrowed eyes as he pointed west, ''''Three days walk that way young man. Be careful, though; sea monsters have been reported in the local area.''''


    Atlas nodded before continuing west while keeping an eye out on his surroundings. The road was about a mile from the chaotic shore where waves crashed against the sand. While walking, he noticed a carriage not far ahead.


    ''I wonder who these people are?'' he thought as his curiosity was piqued.


    As Atlas approached the bridge up ahead, a swarm of monsters suddenly surged from the sea, attacking before the carriage could cross. Three guards rushed to fend them off, but the sheer number of creatures overwhelmed their defenses.


    He noticed they looked like humans mixed with fish, using weapons made from monster teeth. Atlas noticed they would throw themselves at the defenders and overwhelm them with numbers.


    Without thinking, he summoned ten Savage Void Bears and their Queen before ordering them to destroy the fish people. While this happened, Atlas used Void Sight on the


    [Aquarids]


    [Rank: D - 500 Exp]


    [Weak to explosive magic]


    When Atlas saw this, he started casting Void Blasts into the swarm, which exploded on contact just as the Savage Bears crashed into them. He quickly jumped on the Void Bear Queen while thinking, ''They will be easy to deal with thanks to the Void Monsters.''


    Following that thought, Atlas used his magic and the Void Bears to decimate the Aquarids, but the carriage''s occupants were butchered. He avoided looking at the torn-up bodies of the family inside while carrying on after dismissing his monsters.


    ''Poor family but they should have more guards.''


    After a few more hours, he arrived at the Morozov station. Atlas noticed it was quiet, which creeped him out. While walking toward the entrance, his instincts kicked in and told him to run, but it was too late.


    An explosion ripped through the building and caused Atlas to cast Void Guard to try to block the shock, but it was sent crashing into a guard shack nearby. Seconds passed, and he was dazed as his head spun.


    ''What was that?'' he thought while shaking his head.


    People were screaming while Morozov soldiers rushed around talking about an attack, but the ringing in his ears was too much. Atlas stood up while summoning Nala, who scooped him up before running north.


    Hours later, the lioness stopped at the top of a hill, allowing Atlas to climb off and sit down as the ringing stopped not long ago. While traveling here he saw hundreds of soldiers rushing all over.


    ''I wonder who attacked the station? It''s normally neutral in conflicts between realms,'' he thought while setting up his tent.


    Atlas shrugged before getting out of the tent and sleeping bag. Nala said, ''Summon some of my kind, Master. We will protect you while sleeping.''


    He nodded before bringing out more lions who circled his camp while the queen lay nearby. Atlas smiled when seeing this and climbed inside after eating and getting comfortable before activating the Void Realm.


    When he appeared on the plateau, the Void Golems approached, but Atlas quickly wiped them out. Void Barrages and Bombs wiped out thousands of them. As the warriors appeared, he started using his speed against them.


    Atlas darted across the battlefield like a rabbit, effortlessly dodging punches, and Earth Bullets hurled in his direction. Hours passed, and fatigue set in as his mana reserves dwindled, forcing him to rely on his trusted Nightblade.


    Despite his weariness, a smile crept across his face when he noticed the Void Golems had stopped coming, ''Finally cleared those, now for the warriors and commanders,'' he thought as his excitement skyrocketed.


    He quickly pulled up the monster total to see how many he had left to deal with.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 216235/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 89511/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Without hesitation, Atlas rushed forward, carving through a dozen more Warrior Golems with swift strikes thanks to Void Infusion. Just as he gained ground, a commander delivered a powerful kick, sending him flying.


    ''Oh god, I was growing sloppy,'' he thought while falling into the sea below.


    The next moment, Atlas jolted awake in his tent, the sounds of growls echoing ominously around him in the real world. He shook his head before pulling out some chocolate and eating before sleeping.


    The following day, Nala carried him further north and noticed all the destruction thanks to the ongoing war. Atlas saw refugees walking everywhere, looking scared; Achaemenids patrolled what was left.


    Stay tuned to empire


    Atlas continued his journey, facing constant threats along the way. Bandits, monsters, and even Nightowls who tracked him down attacked relentlessly. The sight of the Nightowls left him confused, but they dealt with the attacker''s thanks to Nala and the other monsters by his side.


    Thanks to the speed of the Dreadmaw Lion, Atlas managed to escape most of the ambushes along the way. A fierce battle was underway when they finally reached the Allied lines; spells and mana shells flew everywhere as explosions rang out.


    ''What is going on here?'' Atlas thought with a smile. ''More experience.''


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 Chapter 213 Desolate Landscape

    Atlas watched as the Thalassians, Aethyrians, and orc battled against the Achaemenidians who were beating them. Without wasting any more time, he cast several Void Bombs and started sending mana into the spells.''This will send them reeling before I launch my attack,'' he mused excitedly.


    They grew powerful and unstable, but Atlas sent them slicing through the air before crashing into the horde of enemies. Explosions rang out, causing chaos among their ranks. He downed a few mana potions to top up his pool.


    ''I feel much better. Let''s bring some friends out for the fun.''


    After that, Atlas summoned as many Dreadfiends as possible, totaling forty creepy-looking humanoids. He ordered them to attack the Achaemendians, who were taken by surprise as the creatures lunged at them.


    The Dreadfiends crashed into the enemy lines and tore apart the shocked soldiers. Then, Atlas rushed down while summoning Nala, who stuck close as he used Void Step to crash into a large knight-looking man.


    He thrust his blade through the soldier''s neck before he jumped to the side while casting Void Arrows that punctured the Achaemenidian armor. Dozens of soldiers dropped, which boosted the defender''s morale.


    Following that, the Dreadfiends tore a hole through the enemy army, allowing Atlas to rush through while cutting down so many Achaemendians who tried to stop him. Nala followed behind and used her claws to kill.


    When Atlas closed in on the defender lines, a large man blocked his path, causing him to skid to a stop. He looked at the man before narrowing his eyes while using Void Sight to figure out his rank.


    [Marcus Hammerheart]


    [Level: 450]


    [Rank: Master]


    ''Special forces, maybe? It doesn''t matter. They will die anyway,'' he thought before shrugging. Atlas swiftly dashed toward the man wielding a massive hammer, narrowly dodging the incoming swing.


    He ducked low, aiming a slash at the man''s ankles. In response, the Achaemenid leaped over the strike, forcing him to retreat just in time as the giant slammed his weapon into the ground.


    Atlas started paying more attention and struck the man around his legs, causing them to shake just as Nala lunged at him. The knight was taken by surprise and crashed to the ground.


    The Dreadmaw Lioness lunged, attempting to bite the man''s throat, but he struggled to hold her back. In his distraction, he failed to notice Atlas closing in. With a swift motion, Atlas stabbed through the man''s helmet, blood exploding from the back of his head.


    Without hesitation, Atlas leaped onto Nala''s back just as she surged forward, her powerful muscles propelling them away from the chaos. Meanwhile, the Dreadfiends held the enemy army at bay, buying them time.


    ''These creatures are useful,'' he mused. ''Maybe they''ll grow stronger over time?''


    As they fled across the battlefield, the defenders regrouped and charged at the Achaemenidians, determination lighting their eyes. They ignored Atlas as the lioness leaped over the river and landed with a thud.


    He turned around to see the battle erupt again; Atlas smiled before summoning more Dreadfiends and ordered them to kill as many Achaemenids as possible. Following that, Nala continued running across the desolate landscape.


    Farms burned in the distance, casting an eerie glow over the landscape as more bodies littered the road. Empire troops lay alongside Alliance soldiers, their lifeless forms piled up to one side.


    The scene made Atlas think while glancing around, ''Did the defenders retake this part?''


    Atlas scanned his surroundings, noting the bodies strewn about in various states of decay. ''Some look months old while others have been dead for a few days,'' he pondered while glancing around.


    Shaking his head, he pressed on, confronted by scenes of death and destruction at every turn. They navigated through burning villages and battlefields littered with the fallen, where scavengers picked at the remains of dead soldiers.


    ''The empire is causing so much chaos,'' Atlas wondered. ''It looks like the Alliance will lose this war which means the Achaemenidians will surge north.''


    Nala continued their journey until the sunset, prompting Atlas to instruct her to find a place to rest for the night. Hours later, they settled on a mountain ledge that offered a stunning view of the vast forest below.


    ''Valoria is beautiful,'' Atlas thought with a smile. ''I can''t wait to see the north.''


    As darkness descended, the air was filled with the echoes of monster roars and howls that reverberated through the trees. In response, Nala let out a fierce roar of her own, a powerful sound that echoed across the forest.


    ''I wonder what creatures are lurking in the darkness below,'' he mused while eating chocolate.


    Atlas set up his tent before settling down for the night. Much of his journey north had been like this¡ªtraveling with Theo or Nala, then resting amid the chaos surrounding him. Weeks had passed since he set out, and now he was nearing the wolf kingdoms.


    He attempted to contact Amethyst throughout his travels, but the Lover''s Band remained unresponsive, leaving him frustrated. Atlas continued until he found himself in a mountain town, the last settlement, before reaching the city, where the girls awaited him.


    ''It feels like somethings blocking them from contacting me.''


    The town was called Mountainholm, and explorers used it as a home base for exploring the Northern Wastes. Atlas was looking for some food to restock his Dimensional Storage before leaving this place.


    ''Why do people look so angry here?'' he pondered while walking down Main Street looking for a decent food stall.


    Soon enough, Atlas came across a stall selling meat skewers, the mouthwatering aroma drawing him in. He approached the stall and saw an old man standing behind the counter, patiently waiting for customers.


    As Atlas neared, he removed his helmet and smiled, "Can I please get two hundred meat skewers?"


    Surprised, the old man raised an eyebrow but got to work, preparing the large order. As Atlas watched the skewers cooking, another irresistible aroma caught his attention. He followed it to a nearby stall selling meat buns and dumplings.


    ''These smell delicious; I''m glad I bought enough of them.''


    His stomach grumbled loudly at the sight, and he ordered two hundred of each without hesitation. The owners, clearly taken aback by the massive order, exchanged surprised glances but quickly agreed, eager to fulfill his request.


    Following that, Atlas grabbed the meat skewers when they were finished and paid a few gold coins before returning to the last two orders. Once all the food was collected, he left Mountainholm as the guards would lock the town down due to an incoming winter storm.


    ''This place is gloomy and the people look angry,'' he thought while glancing at the dark building that led to the northern gate.


    Smoke came from the chimneys as children played on the streets, only to scatter when Atlas closed in on the gate. People watched him pass by as he had all his armor on, causing them to grow curious.


    A few minutes later, he appeared at the northern gate and tried to walk out but was stopped by the guard, ''''Where are you going, little adventurer? It''s dangerous in the White Waster,'''' one of them revealed.


    Atlas stared at them before responding, ''''It''s fine. I''m heading to Northreach City, where my party is waiting.''''


    The guards looked conflicted but nodded while opening a man-sized door that would let him leave Mountainholm. Atlas continued traveling while eating meat buns before coming across a crossroads.


    Hours later, Atlas was walking through a tight mountain pass when he came across a trade caravan camped off the side of the road. As he got close, he noticed it was ransacked, and blood covered the ground.


    ''What happened here?'' he pondered while glancing around.


    Large man-like footprints littered the ground, along with the patches of blood staining everything around him. He was confused but knew monsters were attacking the people; shortly after that, he started looting everything. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas pocketed the coins and continued down the mountain road. He summoned Nala, who immediately warned him, "There''s a powerful monster lurking, Master. We need to get out of here now."


    Before he could react, a sudden woosh filled the air. In the blink of an eye, a massive bird swooped down and snatched him up, lifting him high into the sky. Panic surged through him as the creature soared over the mountains, far from any chance of escape.


    The ground beneath Atlas fell away as his mind raced, desperately searching for a plan. With no time to spare, he thrust his blade into the monster''s foot, but the steel merely glanced off, unable to pierce its hide.


    He pointed his hand at the creature''s underbelly before casting Void Bomb. An explosion erupted, causing the monster to let out a pain-filled roar before dropping him, but the rough wind swept him along.


    Atlas plummeted through the air, his heart pounding, but he held off, waiting to cast Void Step and break his fall. As he fell, the bird-like monster swooped down. Without hesitation, he began casting Void Barrage, aiming directly at the creature.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air before peppering its torso, causing it to veer off course, but it managed to clip him with its beak.


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 Chapter 214 The Chosen One

    Atlas plummeted through the sky, the wind howling in his ears as the clouds whipped past him. Below, the snowy mountains rose like a hostile army, their jagged peaks cutting through the sky.He twisted in midair, trying to slow his fall, but the peaks rushed toward him at breakneck speed. Icy ridges and cliffs jutted out, waiting to tear him apart. Atlas braced himself as he crashed into the stone, the impact sending shockwaves through his body.


    Thanks to the impact, Atlas was hurled off course; he kept slamming into the rock, desperately plunging his blade into any surface he could find, only for it to glance off uselessly, ''Oh fuck! I swear, Luxia, I will burn this world if you keep putting me through this shit,'' he internally raged.


    Plunging downward, he tumbled into the snowy abyss below, battered by the unforgiving terrain. Each brutal impact against the rocks dented his armor, sending pain shooting through his entire body.


    He used his magic, hoping to control his descent. Still, it only unleashed a roaring avalanche that dragged him mercilessly down the mountainside until his head cracked violently against the stone, and darkness consumed him.


    Hours later, Atlas awoke at the bottom of a ravine buried beneath a thick layer of snow. Groaning, he forced himself to climb out, but exhaustion, pain, and the biting cold gnawed at him relentlessly.


    His surroundings were bleak, offering no sign of life or shelter¡ªjust an endless expanse of ice and stone. A trembling rippled through the ground as he sat there, ''Oh goddess. What''s coming now?''


    Atlas tried to push himself upright, but agony surged through his head and body, forcing him to collapse back onto the frozen ground. He sat there, breath ragged, waiting for his regeneration to kick in.


    While resting, something told him to move, so he rolled out of the way just in time, but a searing pain shot through his side, causing him to yelp in agony. Atlas let out a furious roar, only to discover a massive white snake sinking its fangs into him.


    Panic surged as he instinctively drew his weapon, slashing at the serpent. At that moment, he realized his mana was being drained, and the creature injected him with poison that paralyzed his body.


    Desperation clawed at him as he struggled against the encroaching darkness. Unconscious, he was seized by a massive serpent that dragged him into its icy lair, navigating through tunnels filled with frost and shadow.


    Eventually, the creature tossed him beside a nest brimming with eggs. The monster then settled nearby, patiently waiting for them to hatch.


    ***


    [One day prior]


    After finishing her daily chores, Nuliajuk sat on her ledge, eating some Giant Mammoth meat. Soon, she climbed into bed and quickly fell asleep, but this time, instead of dreaming of her family, the Goddess Sedna appeared.


    They stood in a snow-covered clearing as the woman spoke, "The Voidwalker will arrive soon, and you must go to his aid; otherwise, the Frost Serpents will claim him."


    Upon hearing Sedna''s words, Nuliajuk''s eyes widened in shock. ''''He''s in Death Valley? That''s nowhere near the south!''''


    The goddess chuckled softly, her voice tinged with amusement. "A Snow Eagle snatched him up and carried him across the wasteland," she revealed.


    Nuliajuk sighed before questioning, ''''How long until he arrives?''''


    ''''He will be here in one day; you need to travel to Death Valley and bring him back to your home before the moons collide,'''' Sedna revealed. ''''A mana storm is approaching the north and will plunge the wasteland into chaos.''''


    She nodded as the goddess continued, ''''Leave as soon as possible and get Atek to hunt as many monsters as he can. Your cave has the spring, and you will need even more food to last the storm.''''


    After that, Nuliajuk awoke to find Atek standing by her bedside, his yellow eyes glowing in the dim light, which made her smile. She sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and said, ''''Boy, you need to go out and hunt as many small monsters as you can.''''


    Atek tilted his head in confusion, prompting a soft giggle from Nuliajuk. She continued, ''''A mana storm is on its way, and we''ll be stuck here for a while. So we need loads of food; we can''t survive off the plants that grow here.''''


    The big cat nodded its head before growing in size, and Nuliajuk concluded, ''''I have to rescue the Chosen One; he is stuck in Death Valley to the north.''''


    Following that, Atek rushed out of the cave to hunt for the storm while she stood up and walked outside. When Nuliajuk felt the cold air brush against her brown skin, causing her to smile.


    ''Now I get to meet the Chosen One; I wonder what he''s like,'' she thought.


    Soon, she transformed into her Frostbear form by jumping off her ledge. Nuliajuk crashed into the ground below, causing a massive snow cloud to billow up. Without waiting, she started running north.


    Nuliajuk continued to speed up as she saw monsters fleeing to find shelter before the mana storm hit. Large Snow Deers rushed into a nearby forest to hunker down while Snow Eagles fled to their nests.


    She sprinted across the unforgiving landscape for hours, fending off countless monsters that lurked in the shadows, waiting to attack her. Finally, Nuliajuk found peace in a snow-covered clearing, where she began to feast on an Ice Boar that had attacked her.


    The creature charged from behind as she caught her breath, striking Nuliajuk''s hind legs, causing her to whirl around. She clamped down on its neck and snapped it with a powerful bite.


    ''I love boar meat,'' she thought while eating. ''Maybe I can get some on the way back?''


    Nuliajuk shrugged off the encounter as she finished her meal. Then, using her earth magic, she created a sturdy shelter for the night. Once inside, she curled up in a cozy nook and drifted into a deep sleep. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The following morning, she awoke to a roar and the footsteps of a herd of monsters, causing her to open a little hole in her shelter. A herd of Plains Elephants rushed by as a Terrorclaw chased behind.


    ''Seems like everyone is hunting for the storm,'' Nuliajuk thought before destroying the shelter and continuing her journey.


    Hours later, the clouds went dark, casting a shadow over the landscape, but something caught her attention. A blue glow lit the sky high above; she gazed up, thinking, ''Is that a star?''


    Just as that thought crossed his mind, an explosion rang out, which shocked her to the core as she muttered, ''''It''s the Chosen One.''''


    After that, Nuliajuk raced toward Death Valley, chasing the flickering lights until they disappeared into the snow-capped peaks. Reaching the entrance, she wasted no time and plunged into the ravine.


    Before long, she spotted a figure lying in a crater, and her eyes widened in shock as an Ice Serpent coiled around him, dragging him into a tunnel. Nuliajuk stopped running and transformed into her humanoid form.


    ''Damn, I hate these monsters, but I''ll be able to kill them with ease,'' she thought while entering the tunnel and taking out her knife.


    Nuliajuk slowly entered the darkness as she tried to remember everything she knew about the Ice Serpent, ''It burrows deep into the earth to raise its young and eat in peace. They aren''t strong monsters, so this should be easy.''


    After that, she reached the first chamber, where thousands of bones littered the ground. Nuliajuk jumped down and landed with a thud, but she instantly transformed into her Frostbear form and swiped at a lunging snake.


    Her claws sliced through the creature''s body, severing it in half before it crashed to the ground. Without hesitation, she dashed through the tunnel, drawn by the scent of blood that piqued her curiosity.


    Nuliajuk burst into a nesting chamber, her heart sinking as she saw the armored figure gnawed on by a pack of baby Ice Serpents. As she entered the scene, the mother serpent lunged at her, sinking its fangs into her flank.


    She let out a roar of pain, then retaliated fiercely against the swarm of Ice Serpents. The battle was brutal; they were slashing and biting at one another. Nuliajuk gained the upper hand, tearing into the mother serpent''s body before ripping it in two.


    When the creature stopped moving, she flung the lifeless body aside before walking up to the figure. She swiped at the baby serpents while looking at the figure with black armor and blue trimming.


    Nuliajuk noticed the armor was damaged but slowly knitted itself back together. Curiosity piqued, she leaned forward and carefully removed the helmet. Her breath caught in her throat as she gazed at the boy beneath it.


    His snow-white, scruffy hair stood out sharply against his pale skin, and his pointed elf ears framed his youthful face, leaving Nuliajuk momentarily stunned. She quickly shook off her surprise, slipping the helmet back on before carefully lifting him into her arms.


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 Chapter 215 What Kind Of Monster Is He

    [Nuliajuk''s POV]When Nuliajuk left the cave, she left the ravine, where explosions suddenly erupted, causing her to cast an Ice Shield around them quickly. The shockwaves hit her from all sides, shaking the ground.


    As the blasts finally faded, she cautiously opened a hole in the barrier, her heart racing. A massive airship loomed high above, circling the skies like a predator. Her light blue eyes narrowed as she stared at it.


    ''What does this thing want?'' she wondered, her gaze sharpening.


    Moments later, she noticed several small black dots descending from the craft, growing larger as they neared. As that happened, Nuliajuk heard a massive screech, causing her to glance up.


    Her eyes widened when she realized what appeared, ''The Snow Eagles are here. It looks like they will attack that thing.''


    As the dark figures closed in, Nuliajuk braced herself for battle. Spotting the danger, she cast an Ice Shield over the young man, enveloping him in a barrier before unleashing a barrage of Water Bullets toward the approaching foes.


    ''This should hold them back,'' she thought while glancing around. ''This is going to be harder than I expected.''


    Without hesitation, Nuliajuk charged forward, fists clenched, as the clash erupted. Each of her punches landed with explosive force, echoing through the air with thunderous booms, driving them back with every strike.


    She lunged forward as her fist connected with the nearest figure with a thunderous sound. The force sent the enemy flying back, but more rushed in. She pivoted, slamming her elbow into another attacker.


    Nuliajuk followed up with a deadly punch that shattered the black-clad figure''s defense. A third enemy tried to attach her from behind, but she spun, driving her fist into their chest, sending them sprawling.


    There was silence as the figures fell at her feet for a moment. She straightened, breathing heavily, but before she could catch her breath, more shadows emerged from the mist, surrounding her again.


    ''This isn''t working; I need to transform to escape with the Chosen One,'' Nuliajuk thought while assessing the situation.


    Without hesitation, Nuliajuk shifted into her Frostbear form, her body growing massive and covered in thick, icy fur. With a deep growl, she slammed her powerful front paws onto the ground.


    The earth trembled beneath her, and a ferocious Ice Storm erupted in response. Snow and ice swirled violently, whipping through the air and engulfing the battlefield in a blinding blizzard.


    As the storm raged behind her, Nuliajuk dashed toward the young man, scooping him gently into her massive jaws. Without wasting a second, she bolted from the chaos, her powerful legs tearing across the snow-covered ground.


    The enemies gave chase, forcing her to lash out with her sharp claws. Each swipe tore through the attackers, reducing them to a blood mist that stained the snow red. Following that, she sped through a narrow mountain pass, her breath heavy.


    Suddenly, several spells struck her from behind, hitting with enough force to send her sprawling across the ground. Nuliajuk let out a deep growl, shaking off the pain. But something in the air froze her in place¡ªa dark, oppressive energy.


    She turned to the young man, his legs trembling beneath him. Gripping a blade in one hand, a blue aura pulsed around him. His body began to shift, morphing into a terrifying creature of shadow and flesh.


    His limbs stretched unnaturally, ending in claws sharper than hers, while his armor fused into his skin, becoming part of him. Only then did she truly see the face of the Chosen One¡ªeyes glowing an intense azure, teeth like razors gleaming under the eerie blue light.


    ''What kind of monster is he? I know this is the Void Element as the stories described this feeling,'' she pondered while backing off.


    Nuliajuk''s eyes widened in disbelief as the boy began slaughtering the attackers. With a guttural snarl, he lunged. The first attacker didn''t even have time to scream. A flash of claws and blood splattered the ground.


    The Chosen One moved faster than her eyes could follow, tearing through his enemies with savage precision. His limbs, now grotesquely elongated, whipped and slashed through the air, cutting down men like they were nothing but wheat to the scythe.


    The flesh was ripped apart, bones shattered with sickening crunches, and the sharp scent of blood filled the air. Nuliajuk had seen death before and dealt with it herself, but this was different.


    ''Why isn''t he targeting me? It would be easy for him to fight me with this kind of strength,'' she thought in confusion.


    This was chaos incarnate. The beast fought with no hesitation and no mercy, tearing apart anyone who dared challenge it. One attacker charged, spear raised, but he was thwarted mid-stride, his body split open in a spray of crimson.


    Another tried to flee, but the monster''s claws caught him by the throat, lifting him effortlessly before crushing the life from the man in a single squeeze. Afterward, the boy killed the remaining attackers.


    As the impromptu battlefield fell silent, Nuliajuk caught his gaze. The Chosen One''s eerie azure eyes locked onto hers before he suddenly collapsed into the snow, returning to his standard form.


    The unexpected turn of events left her even more bewildered. ''''Should I still help? He might harm Atek if I take him home,'''' she muttered as a thunderous boom echoed overhead.


    With a sigh, Nuliajuk scooped the boy up in her maw and sprinted south, determined to escape the approaching mana storm. She ran through the Northern Wastes, ignoring all the fleeing monsters that avoided her.


    By the time she reached the valley where her home was, the wind was picking up. Nuliajuk leaped onto the cliff face and started climbing using her claws as Atek appeared carrying a baby mammoth.


    Once she reached the top, she rushed into the cave, transforming into her humanoid form and placing the Chosen One on the spare bed. After that, she let out a breath of relief before Atek entered and growled. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nuliajuk turned to the Frostfang, scolding him firmly. ''''You will not eat him! I''ll find us more food; if we''re lucky, the storm won''t hit for another day.''''


    The tiger let out a low growl, but she swiftly bonked him on the head. ''''Atek! You both need to get along¡ªhe''s a part of our lives now.''''


    Huffing in response, the Frostfang left the cave, prompting Nuliajuk to mutter under her breath, ''''Stubborn child.''''


    After that, Nuliajuk went hunting and picked off a dozen Giant Mammoths. The next day, they dragged them back to the cave and stored them in the ice room, which kept the corpses fresh.


    Once they were done hunting, Nuliajuk walked onto the ledge where Atek sat while looking over the valley. She watched as flying monsters fled further south to avoid the storm that would stop at the mountains blocking the way to Astoria.


    Nuliajuk couldn''t see anything; she turned to the Frostfang and spoke, ''''Have there been many monsters below? They should have hidden already.''''


    He let out a deep growl, causing her eyes to widen, ''''Herds of Snow Deer are trapped in the valley? Are they stupid?''''


    The Frostfang nodded as the storm picked up, and Nuliajuk saw the cold crossing over the mountains opposite. She turned to Atek and spoke concernedly, ''''Let''s get inside before it hits. We don''t want to be frozen out here.''''


    After that, the two entered the cave, where Nuliajuk moved a large boulder to block the entrance, shielding them from the biting cold outside. Once secure, she lit torches throughout their cave home, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Stay connected through empire


    Finally, she went to the room where the Chosen One lay. He was still unconscious, which caused her to think, ''Did he burn through his mana? Must be the case.''''


    After checking on him, Nuliajuk set out to complete her chores, the howling wind echoing outside the cave. Curiosity tugged at her as she approached the boulder, noticing it was frozen solid.


    ''''What''s going on here?'''' she wondered aloud. ''''It can''t be that cold outside. This mana storm must be different.''''


    Then, Nuliajuk sorted out some food for the coming week and entered their cold room. She gutted the monsters before cutting off all the good meat and storing it in her ice box. ''At least me and the Chosen One will have meals in case we''re stuck here,'' she said.


    The young woman continued to do this for a while, butchering several Giant Mammoth bodies and giving the leftovers to Atek, who happily ate everything, including the monster bones.


    Once she finished in the cold room, Nuliajuk went to the bathroom. As she stepped inside, she activated a few runes, and the water began to bubble as the warmth enveloped it. A smile spread across her face.


    Nuliajuk stripped off her clothes and slipped into the water before sinking deeper until only her nose was out. She relaxed in the hot water for hours until climbing out when her stomach rumbled.


    ''He''ll still be asleep, I''ll make something to eat before he gets up,'' she mused while drying herself off.


    After that, she got ready and left the room, only to stop when she saw the Chosen One sitting up, rubbing his head while groaning.


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 Chapter 216 Seeing You Surprised Me

    Atlas came to and was confused as he saw a cave ceiling illuminated by torches on the walls. ''Where am I? Didn''t that snake poison me?'' he thought.That''s when a horrid stench hit his nose, causing him to dismiss his armor, only to see the clothes covered in a foul-smelling liquid underneath. He shook his head before scanning the room he found himself in.


    He was sat on a comfortable bed, surrounded by monster hides that covered the ground like a makeshift carpet. Atlas noticed a sturdy table in the middle of the room, flanked by three chairs.


    A few bookcases and shelves adorned the walls, filled with various items and trinkets. ''Am I in a hermit''s home?'' he wondered, his gaze drifting to the nearby door.


    There were several all over the room that he guessed led to other parts of the cave. While sitting there, Atlas shook his head before checking his status to see how much he had leveled up during all the fighting.


    [Level Up: 233¡ú258]


    [Experience: 1300/10000]


    [Experience Gained: 251200]


    [Health: 2626¡ú2786]


    [Mana: 10086¡ú10334]


    [Strength: 2896¡ú3078]


    [Stamina: 3544¡ú3758]


    [Charisma: 900¡ú984]


    [Intelligence: 2504¡ú2616]


    [Core Points: 72490/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 39400]


    [Void Lance: ¡ú2]


    [Void Punch: 0¡ú1]


    [Void Infusion: 2¡ú3]


    [Aqua Lung: 2¡ú3]


    [Light: 0¡ú1]


    ''Oh, I leveled up twenty-five times!'' he thought, a surge of excitement filling him.


    The sudden headache made him grimace, but a soft click quickly pulled his attention away. Absentmindedly scratching his head, Atlas looked up¡ªand his breath hitched at the sight before him.


    A woman in her twenties stood there, watching him with wide eyes. Her flawless, smooth, dark brown skin highlighted her bright blue eyes, which seemed to shine with anger and confusion.


    Dark brown hair was pulled into a high ponytail, revealing her slender neck. The young woman wore nothing but a thick towel, which clung to her hourglass figure, showcasing her well-endowed chest, toned arms, and tight stomach. Explore stories on empire


    Atlas''s eyes briefly lingered on her long, slender legs before he quickly snapped out of it, realizing the wave of irritation radiating from her. Her voice sliced through the tension, icy and sharp.


    "Stop staring; it''s rude," she said, her bear-like ears twitching with annoyance.


    He turned away from the young woman before replying, ''''I''m Sorry. Seeing you surprised me. Thank you for saving me from that serpent; it knocked me out.''''


    After speaking, Atlas got no reply as he heard rustling, but something told him to move; he quickly cast Void Step as a giant cat crashed into the spot he was just in, causing his eyes to widen as he summoned Nightblade.


    An angry voice rang out as he moved toward the monster, ''''Atek! Don''t you dare attack our guest; what have I told you?''''


    The woman scolded the large cat, her voice sharp, causing the creature to shrink back at the sound of her words. Then, turning her intense gaze toward Atlas, she warned, "You may be the Chosen One, but I will kill you if you hurt him."


    ''''He tried to attack me! Don''t threaten me over his actions,'''' he responded with narrowed eyes.


    She scoffed and walked off, leaving the cat to glare at Atlas with a dirty look. He scowled back and muttered, "You''re lucky she saved you. I would''ve turned you into a cloak¡ªone for me and my girls."


    The cat narrowed its eyes as if offended by the statement. It lunged at him, which caught Atlas off guard. However, he was able to cast Void Guard, causing the monster to crash into it. The impact sent him crashing into the nearby wall.


    Atlas went to get up, but the cat pounced. It landed on top of him while growling. He didn''t break eye contact while casting Void Punch into the creature''s side, which sent it flying across the room, causing a stir.


    As the monster hit the ground, the woman rushed back angrily and declared, ''''Atek! What did I tell you? Go to the boulder and don''t show your face anymore.''''


    He watched the cat slink off with its tail between his legs, causing Atlas to laugh, but the woman spun on him, ''''And you! Why are you tormenting my companion?''''


    Atlas met her gaze before sighing, ''''It''s clear he doesn''t like me; I will stay away from the cat if he returns the favor.''''


    The woman looked at him briefly until she nodded, ''''I''m Nuliajuk Sivuraq. What''s your name?''''


    ''''Atlas,'''' he replied with a friendly smile. ''''Why does it feel cold? I''ve felt Frostwinter, but this is something different.''''


    Nuliajuk giggled before revealing, ''''That would be a mana storm. It happens once a year, but this time, it seems even colder.''''


    Atlas nodded while wrapping his cloak tighter around himself, but the biting cold still seeped through. As he shivered slightly, Nuliajuk''s voice broke the silence as she left the room, "Rest. I''ll bring us some food."


    Once she was gone, Atlas sat back down and wanted to clear Level Three of the Void Realm. He activated the skill and appeared on the plateau, which was eerily quiet as there was no more normal Void Golems. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''I nearly forgot I cleared them the last time,'' he mused excitedly.


    That''s when the ground started trembling as the Warrior Golems rushed out of the mist that surrounded him. Atlas yelped at their speed but dodged the first set of strikes before retaliating with Void Barrage, which peppered the stone monsters.


    Atlas continued battling the larger creatures, noting they were slower than the first but far stronger. Each time he blocked one of their punches, the sheer force behind it reverberated through his body, leaving him stunned.


    He shook his head before continuing to fight, using his blades and magic to beat the bigger Golems. Atlas was redirecting their giant fists that passed too close to his face as he leaned back.


    Following that, the battle went on for another hour until one of the warriors managed to sneak up on him and hit him with a sucker punch. Atlas was sent crashing along the ground before falling straight off the edge and waking up in the room.


    Atlas was confused but pulled up the monster tally to see how many he had killed during the fight in the Void Realm.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 203111/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 89123/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Gone down a little,'' he mused as Nuliajuk returned holding two plates full of meat.


    When smelling the delicious food, Atlas''s stomach grumbled, causing the woman to giggle as she spoke, ''''You will like this; the Giant Mammoth meat is delicious.


    ''''Thank you, Nulia,'''' Atlas smiled as she handed him the plate.


    After hearing him, Nuliajuk remained still for a moment, then shook her head and quietly began eating. He followed her lead, enjoying the warmth of the meat and mushrooms. A low rumble echoed through the cave as they settled into the meal.


    ''An earthquake?'' he thought while looking at the cave''s ceiling.


    Atlas glanced over at Nuliajuk, noticing how her bear ears twitched in response to the noise, ''''The storm is getting worse; maybe the cave entrance may be blocked,'''' she said to his silent question.


    Following that, the young woman went quiet, leaving Atlas confused. He shrugged before eating even more as the cave tumbled. The beast Atek rushed into the room and let out a low growl.


    When Nuliajuk heard this, she spoke to them in a concerned voice, ''''Don''t wander around the cave; a few corridors could collapse due to the storm.''''


    Atlas smiled as he pulled out some meat buns and started eating, which surprised Nuliajuk and Atek when they smelled the food. Her head snapped to him as she spoke, ''''Where did you get that from?''''


    ''''My storage,'''' he answered before offering one to her and the cat. ''''Here, taste one; it''s a mean bun from the last town I visited.''''


    As they continued eating, the cave suddenly shook violently, far more intense than before. A roar echoed from deep outside, reverberating through the stone walls. Atek, who had been quietly curled up near the fire, jumped up in terror.


    His fur bristled as he scrambled to hide behind Nuliajuk. His wide eyes darted around, trembling at the sound. Nuliajuk stood up, her expression tense but calm. Atlas could tell she was worried.


    ''What kind of monster is inside to worry her?'' he thought.


    "Stay here," she muttered, her hand resting briefly on Atek''s head to calm him before moving toward the entrance.


    Atlas followed behind as he questioned, ''''What''s going on, Nulia? I can tell there''s something outside.''''


    The brown-skinned woman stopped walking and looked at him worriedly before answering, ''''The Dark Ones roam the land outside trying to hunt anyone trapped in a storm.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his eyes widened before she started walking again and made it to the boulder. The giant stone moved slights as he saw it, causing him to think, ''Are they trying to get into the cave?''


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 Chapter 217 Now Lets End This

    Atlas was sitting in front of a fireplace as the cold seeped into his bone, and the stump of his left arm stung. He cradled it, causing Nuliajuk to question with curious blue eyes, ''''How did you lose your arm? It must be hard at your age.''''He looked at the young woman and sighed before speaking, ''''A Chaos monster bit down and managed to tear it off; it won''t heal due to something it injected into the wound.''''


    Nuliajuk nodded as she responded, ''''Will you try to heal it?''''


    Atlas shook his head and took out the Void Orbs that let out a beautiful azure glow, ''''I have to become an Arch Master before I can use it again. When I can, it will give me a new limb, which I''ve used but deactivated because I wasn''t the correct rank.''''


    ''''It does make sense; some artifacts are like that,'''' Nuliajuk said while stoking the fire.


    As she did that, Atlas watched her and noticed her toned figure, but she was still womanly with a thin waist and thick thighs and large boobs. He shook his head before she caught him looking at her again.


    Following that, the two of them continued to shelter from the storm; while doing that, Atlas created the Dark One Runes because they were lurking outside, making strange noises. This caused him to grow frustrated.


    ''''Sit down, boy, the creatures won''t be able to get in, and the storms are only getting worse,'''' Nuliajuk said while cooking some soup.


    Atlas agreed with a nod and sat down before activating the Void Realm. Seconds later, he reappeared on the plateau. While standing there, he took out his blade and cast Void Infusion on them.


    Afterward, he quickly pilled up the monster total for the Void Golems to see how many he had to take down.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000] sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 203111/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 89123/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    When Atlas heard a Warrior Golem charging him, he smiled before casting Void Blasts on the ground. As that happened, the stone monster tripped into the small crater. As that happened, he dashed forward and cut through its body while casting Void Bomb at an incoming group.


    ''This should wipe out dozens of the bastards!''


    Atlas used Void Step to escape the shockwave, only to cut down another dozen Golems without much effort, ''This is getting easier,'' he thought excitedly while killing even more monsters.


    He barely managed to block the surprise attack from the Golem Commander, but the sheer force sent him flying back. Determined, Atlas quickly activated his Voidwalker form, transforming into his monster form.


    ''I can''t maintain this for long, but it''ll be enough,'' he thought as he dashed forward with incredible speed.


    His claws gleamed with dark energy as he tore through hundreds of Golems, shredding them apart with unstoppable force. Atlas let out an earth-shattering roar that stunned the surrounding monsters before he pounced and destroyed hundreds more.


    Atlas pushed himself beyond his limits, feeling his muscles strain and tear with every powerful strike. His claws ripped through the ranks of Warrior Golems like a whirlwind of destruction.


    ''''If I want to survive in this world,'''' he growled to himself, ''''I''ll need to get stronger¡ªbut I can''t lose control.''''


    Each swing of his claws sent waves of energy crashing into the enemy, but even as his strength faltered, his resolve burned brighter. Atlas continued taking out the Warrior and Commander Golems.


    An hour passed, and exhaustion gripped him like iron chains. Sensing weakness, the monsters surged forward, unleashing a relentless, ferocious onslaught. Their strikes fell like thunder, each blow driving him deeper into despair.


    Following that, Atlas felt the injuries building up as the largest Commander, Golem, towered over him, its azure eyes glowing in excitement, ready to crush him into the dust. He gritted his teeth, summoning the last of his mana.


    It flowed through him like a waterfall, igniting a storm within. He could feel the weight of his fatigue and the near-absence of mana, but he refused to give up. ''''Keep going until they send me back to the real world,'''' he muttered while gritting his teeth.


    With a deep breath, Atlas straightened his spine as he looked up at the Golem, a fierce determination burned in his eyes. The world around him blurred, narrowing to the colossal monster before him.


    ''Use one hundred percent!'' With a roar reverberating through the air, he focused all his remaining strength and mana into a powerful Void Punch.


    Atlas stepped forward, the ground trembling beneath his feet as he gathered the void mana swirled around him, ''''Now let''s end this!'''' he declared.


    Shadows twisted and coiled at his fists, forming a dark sphere that pulsed with power. He could feel the Golem''s mocking gaze, but he ignored it. In one explosive motion, Atlas unleashed a Void Punch, the air shuddering with raw force.


    The charged-up mana shot forth, a comet of azure light, colliding with the Golem with a bone-rattling impact. The shockwave rippled outward, sending debris flying and echoes of the blast roaring across the plateau.


    Atlas watched hundreds of Warrior Golems hurled into the sea below before he was abruptly pulled back to the real world due to the exhaustion kicking in. As he opened his eyes, a wave of exhaustion washed over him.


    Before doing anything else, he pulled up the monster tally to see how many Void Golems he killed in his rampage.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 161981/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 87011/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Nice, not long until I finished level three,'' he smiled.


    Atlas quickly removed a stamina potion from his pack and gulped it down, hoping to regain strength. While doing that, he didn''t realize Nuliajuk and Atek were watching him with concerned expressions.


    Nuliajuk''s eyes narrowed as she fixed her gaze on him, "Where did you just go?" she asked. "You weren''t here."


    Atlas sighed before explaining most of what he knew about the Void Realm, feeling that Nuliajuk deserved to know after saving his life. Half an hour later, her blue eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked, "Can I join you one day?"


    He chuckled at the question but nodded in agreement, realizing it would be beneficial to have some help. The two continued their conversation, with Atlas sharing tales of the monsters he had unlocked so far, each story captivating Nuliajuk even more.


    As the days passed, Atlas and Nuliajuk did their best to keep warm. One morning, Atek roused him with a deep, menacing growl. Startled, Atlas sprang up and drew Nightblade just as the boulder blocking their entrance exploded.


    Reacting quickly, Atlas cast Void Guard around himself and Nuliajuk as the large chunks of stone struck the azure shield. As the dust settled, a sense of foreboding washed over him, prompting him to mutter, ''''Chaos is here; we need to go.''''


    The atmosphere shifted dramatically as several armored knights charged from the tunnel. As Atlas took in the scene, he realized these were not ordinary knights; they appeared mutated, their living armor writhing and shifting across their bodies like a hideous second skin.


    When Nuliajuk saw them, she growled, ''''Devils of the north!'''' she said before turning to Atlas, ''''Get out of here; I will hold them off. They are hunting for you, Chosen One.''''


    He ignored her before stepping forward and casting a dozen Void Lances that tore through the creepy-looking knights. After that, Atlas used Void Sight on the creature and Atek to figure out their rank.


    [Chaos Knight]


    [Rank: C+ - 1000 Exp]


    [Use magic and the Nightblade; that blade will do damage to them]


    [Frostfang Tiger]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Don''t mess with it; the creature is friendly]


    Realizing the gravity of their situation, Atlas readied his blade. But before he could make a move, Atek let out a fierce roar and lunged at the Chaos Knight charging toward Nuliajuk. The Frostfang swiftly took the creature down, ripping through its armor ferociously.


    Atlas was about to help the tiger, but a bigger Chaos Knight punched it. Atek flew across the chamber before crashing into the wash with a sickening thud, seeing that he quickly cast Void Infusion over his blade and charged at the remaining knights.


    With a surge of power, he tore through their living armor, and each strike burned the Chaos Knight with void mana. In the meantime, Nuliajuk panicked when she saw her companion get attacked.


    She lost her temper and transformed, stunning Atlas with the sudden display of her true power. Nuliajuk let out a vicious roar and charged at the creatures, ruthlessly tearing them apart.


    ''She''s a massive polar bear!'' he thought in shock and awe


    Atlas watched in awe as she unleashed her strength; the enemies didn''t stand a chance against her ferocity. With the young woman''s help, they pushed the Chaos Knights back to the entrance, thanks to the tight spaces of the corridors.


    Just as Nuliajuk swatted away the last three knights, her big blue eyes widened in alarm. Without warning, she grabbed Atlas by the scruff of the neck and dashed back into the cave.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 218 You Shouldnt Pry

    Confused, Atlas turned to look at the entrance just in time to see a dozen charged mana missiles zooming toward them. He watched as the missiles slammed into the stone, causing the mountain they were on to shudder.''Where the fuck did they come from?'' he thought as Nuliajuk barrelled through the cave.


    They arrived in the chamber; she let Atlas down before returning to her humanoid form. Confusion washed over him, but the sound of more explosions echoed through the cave, causing it to tremble around them.


    Nuliajuk quickly tapped a series of runes, and a hidden door swung open. Turning to him, she said urgently, ''''Take Atek and go. I''ll be right behind you; I must close the door before they enter.''''


    Atlas nodded as the Frostfang limped into the shadows, and he followed closely behind. Nuliajuk pushed him through the door, quickly closing it just seconds before the mountain cracked.


    ''Oh, fuck, not this again,'' he thought, annoyance flooding through him as he realized what was about to happen. ''I swear, Luxia, I will burn this damn world for this madness.''


    The ground beneath them began to crumble, prompting the young woman to leap forward and scoop up Atek just as the staircase vanished beneath their feet. The three of them plummeted into the darkness as the mountain collapsed.


    Following that, the two of them passed through something and slammed into a lake, causing a massive explosion. Atlas was confused as his instincts told him to run, but he panicked when something clamped down on his torse.


    ''''Get off me!'''' he raged before casting Void Wave and destroying the monster that had grabbed him, allowing him to Void Step out of the water only to see Nuliajuk fighting a massive crocodile covered in blood.


    Atlas rushed toward her while casting Void Lances and Bullets at the monster. The azure projectiles peppered the beast''s body, causing it to back off just before he scanned it to find out what they were.


    [Dark Swamp Drakes]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Physical attacks are better than magic]


    Without wasting a moment, Nuliajuk rushed toward Atek, and Atlas dashed toward the Swamp Drake. He sliced into its flank, feeling the resistance of its tough hide before swiftly running down the creature''s side.


    ''This should kill you! I''ve had enough of fighting monsters now.''


    Then, Atlas cast Void Bomb into the monster''s insides, the dark energy surging through its body. Turning his attention to the second creature, he noticed Nuliajuk charging across the swamp.


    He could sense the young woman''s fury as she barreled into the creature, sinking her teeth deep into its neck. A loud crack echoed through the swamp as she effortlessly snapped the monster''s neck, her raw power on full display.


    Atlas was taken aback, momentarily stunned, but quickly shook his head to regain focus. He scanned her, but something blocked his perception. Confusion washed over him as Nuliajuk approached, blood covering her head to toe.


    ''Does she have an artifact that blocks Void Sight?'' he thought. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a shimmer of energy, she transformed back into her humanoid form while speaking angrily, ''''You shouldn''t pry into people''s secrets, but if you must know, I''m Master Rank, and that''s all you need to know.''''


    Following that, she approached the struggling Atek. Atlas took out some health potions and handed them to the young woman, who accepted them. That''s when he sensed a familiar feeling causing him to mutter, ''''We''re in the Chaos Realm, for fuck sake.''''


    When Nuliajuk heard that, her blue eyes widened in shock, but she still gave Atek the health potion as she spoke, ''''This is the Underworld; my people speak of entrances in the Lost Forest in the far west.''''


    Atlas was confused but shook his head and summoned Nightblade before sheathing it. He replied in a tired voice, ''''Let''s find a place to rest for now; this place will be hectic once the Chaos monsters realize we''re here.''''


    Nuliajuk nodded while scooping up the injured cat as Atlas scanned their surroundings. They found themselves in a lush swamp bordering a jungle, causing him to sigh, ''''Damn, I''m starting to hate jungles and forests.''''


    ''''Let''s just get going; we need to find a safe place,'''' the young woman replied, unsheathing a machete and cutting through the underbrush.


    They then traveled through the jungle until they found a ledge high on a mountain. Atlas pointed toward it before speaking, ''''I can use Void Step to get us up there if you can''t climb.''''


    Nuliajuk glanced at him as she answered with a grin, ''''I''ll have no issues carrying Atek. Just watch Chosen One.''''


    Atlas chuckled, stepping back as the young woman shifted into her polar bear form. With a burst of energy, she dashed toward the steep mountainside, using her powerful claws to climb the rocky surface.


    He watched her shuffle up the mountain, unable to contain his laughter at the sight. Atlas followed behind, casting Void Step to appear on the ledge as Nuliajuk reached before growling at him.


    ''''Now make sure Atek''s comfortable, and I''ll set up the tent,'''' Atlas said with a smile as he got to work.


    In less than ten minutes, Atlas had everything set up while Nuliajuk worked to start a fire using a piece of wood and metal. She struck them with a forceful smash, creating sparks that ignited a small flame.


    A smile spread across her face as she exclaimed, ''''There we go! The fire will keep the cold at bay.''''


    Atlas approached and handed her a Horned Rabbit Kebab, which she happily accepted and eagerly started eating. He sat beside her while looking at the landscape below and noticing it was dark.


    Without thinking, he jumped up and started drawing the Dark One''s Runes, which surprised Nuliatuk, causing her to question, ''''What are you doing? Are those creatures down here?''''


    ''''Yes. They are everywhere,'''' he replied just before finishing the Runes. ''''And the things keep finding me.''''


    Afterward, Atlas sat back down and noticed a mountain range encircling their area. Trees stretched high into the dark clouds, but he ignored them while pulling out a handful of dumplings before eating.


    Nuliajuk was checking on Atek, who was sleeping, but she woke him up, saying, ''''Shrink boy, and I''ll carry you.''''


    Following that, Atlas watched as the Frostfang glowed before turning into the size of a kitten, which shocked him. Nuliajuk picked him up and stuffed him into her coat as she snuggled up to her while recovering.


    ''''You treat him so good; it reminds me of Lilith,'''' Atlas revealed, causing him to frown as he took out the Monster Vault she was resting on.


    He saw the Honey Badger sleeping, but he knew she was injured. Nuliajuk noticed this, which caused her to question, ''''Whose Lilith? A lover?''''


    Atlas chuckled before replying, ''''She is an Arzuros. I met in a cave where she attacked me, but then we ended up bonding.''''


    Nuliajuk giggled as she spoke, ''''It makes sense that you''d bond with that creature; they are solitary monsters that attack anything that comes near.''''


    ''''Yes, I''ve experienced that, which was funny,'''' Atlas said with a chuckle.


    The two of them continued to speak until he grew tired and stood up before getting into the tent. He said, ''''You''re welcome to share the tent with me; I only have one that can fit us both.''''


    The woman looked at him with narrowed eyes and warned him, ''''You better not try anything, boy.''''


    Atlas just looked at her with a deadpan expression before snapping, ''''What do you think I am? Of course, I won''t touch you.''''


    After speaking, he crawled into his sleeping bag while activating the Void Realm and appeared on the plateau. He quickly pulled up the monster tally to see how many he had to deal with.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 161981/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 87011/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    After that, he heard the Warrior Golems before casting Void Infusion on the blades as the monster made its first appearance. It dashed toward him and swung its massive fist. ''Too slow,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    He leaned back to dodge the attack, casting Void Bomb into the creature''s chest. An explosion erupted, sending a dozen Golems flying off the plateau. As a result, the monsters were thrown into chaos.


    ''They can''t keep up with me,'' he thought with an amused grin.


    Atlas started bouncing around the battlefield, dodging most monster attacks, but he blocked them with Void Guard. The azure shield deflected the punches before he continued attacking using his blades.


    Thanks to Void Infusion, Atlas carved through the stone bodies, causing them to crash to the ground around him. He continued casting dozens of spells that caused explosions to ring all over the plateau.


    The battle went on for hours until Atlas was growing tired and sluggish. The Golems gave him some space as they regrouped, and while doing that, he pulled up the monster total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 133529/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 85659/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not so many left, this is going quicker then I expected,'' Atlas thought while catching his breath.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 219 You Seem Happy Now

    Atlas continued battling the Void Golems, wiping out thousands of monsters as they became stone chunks. Following this, the stone creatures appeared, charging at him before throwing a few punches.He dodged many attacks with a smile while casting a dozen spells that peppered the Warrior Golems. Soon enough, Atlas grew tired as he ran out of mana and dropped to one knee as the exhaustion set in.


    ''That''s enough; I need some rest,'' Without wasting time, he returned to the real world, where he noticed Nuliajuk crawling into the tent. Atlas smiled before facing away from the young woman as he checked the monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 101313/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 85412/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, Atlas lay there as his mana was recovering; thunder boomed overhead just as a roar echoed across the Chaos Realm. He turned over to see Nuliajuk staring at him with gleaming blue eyes.


    The young woman smiled as she spoke, ''''You need to be more careful in your future fights, or you''ll be losing more than an arm.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding as Nulia stroked Atek, whose head poked out of her jacket while he enjoyed the pampering. This made him smile before asking, ''''How long have you had him?''''


    ''''Many years now, I found him as a kitten when a Windwalker killed his parents,'''' she revealed while stroking the little cat''s chin.


    Then, something unexpected happened, startling both of them. Atek crawled out from her jacket, limping toward him. Concerned, Atlas sat up and gently scooped the little being into his lap, his fingers instinctively stroking its soft fur.


    ''What is this creature doing?'' he thought with confusion. ''I thought he hated me?''


    As he did, he channeled mana to his fingertips, sending it into the cat''s body. The little Frostfang began to purr, the soothing energy easing its pain as it nestled closer into his embrace.


    Nulia was shocked before shaking her head and speaking with a small smile, ''''It seems like he likes you, and whatever you''re doing is helping him. The mana is repairing the injuries and strengthening his body.'''' sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After that, Atlas pulled out a pile of blankets and offered some to Nulia, who smiled warmly at the gesture. With a contented sigh, he cuddled up with the fluffy cat as exhaustion quickly knocked him out.


    Sleep overtook him; the gentle flow of mana he''d sent into Atek worked its magic, healing the small creature throughout the night. By morning, he was woken by something licking his face.


    ''What the hell is that?'' Atlas thought while opening his eyes.


    He saw the Frostfang Atek, who was fully recovered and full of energy, bouncing over him and making playful, adorable noises. Groggy but amused, he couldn''t help but smile at the sight.


    "You seem happy now. Feeling better, I hope?" he said with a grin, gently stroking the cat''s head.


    In response, Atek playfully nibbled at his fingers. With a chuckle, Atlas grabbed the little furball, launching into a playful attack of strokes and pets. The creature went wild, making adorable growls while nipping at his hand, clearly enjoying the game.


    Atek was in full mischief mode, scrambling up Atlas''s body and plopping down on his shoulder before sinking his tiny teeth into one of his pointy ears. He shivered at the sudden sensation, a sharp tingle running through him.


    Laughing and trying to push the cat away, he muttered, "You little shit, don''t bite those¡ªthey''re sensitive!"


    But Atek kept at it, clearly enjoying the reaction, his playful spirit refusing to let up. The playful chaos woke Nulia up, causing her to blink when she saw the two of them play fighting, which made her smile.


    She stretched before speaking, ''''What are you doing? Why are you pining him to the ground?''''


    Atlas paused his playful attack on the little creature when he heard Nulia''s voice. The little furball immediately seized the opportunity, wriggling free from his grasp and darting toward her.


    Nulia scooped him up, cradling him gently as she began to baby him. The cat nuzzled into her affectionately, soaking in the attention, while Atlas watched with an amused smirk while brushing himself off.


    ''Let''s go check outside,'' he thought while drinking water.


    Following that, he crawled outside the tent but was shocked to see a thick wall of mist blocking his view of the jungle below. While standing there, he summoned a few Darklings and ordered them to scout the area.


    The dark creatures nodded before vanishing into the mist. Atlas brought out three Werewolves, who started nudging up against him. He smiled when this happened and stroked the giant monsters.


    Shortly after that, Nulia exited the tent and went on the defensive, but Atlas quickly spoke in amusement, ''''These are mine; I''m getting them to scout the ground below while other monsters are already scouting.''''


    She narrowed her eyes before exclaiming, ''''Their Rank A Monsters, how are you controlling them?''''


    When Atlas heard this, he went quiet, which Nulia took as a signal that he didn''t want to discuss. The Werewolves jumped off the ledge as he suggested, ''''We should wait for the monsters before moving out. The Chaos creatures love to lay ambushes, and I don''t want to deal with the Mawlings anymore.''''


    After speaking, she agreed with his plan and crawled back into the tent to rest. Atlas chose to sit outside to wait for the Darklings, and while doing that, he checked his status to see if he leveled up.


    [Experience: 5860/10000]


    [Experience Gained: 4560]


    [Health: 2786¡ú2798(200)]


    [Mana: 10334¡ú10358(1000)]


    [Strength: 3078¡ú3092(100)]


    [Stamina: 3758¡ú3772(250)]


    [Charisma: 984¡ú988]


    [Intelligence: 2616¡ú2620]


    [Core Points: 75610/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 3120]


    ''No level up but my stats went up a little,'' Atlas smiled before activating Void Realm.


    He reappeared on the plateau and started fighting the Warrior Golems by wiping them out with Void Barrages and Blasts. Explosions rang out everywhere as the stone monsters were sent into the water below.


    Atlas continued casting spells that tore through the enemies, causing them to fade back into the Void Realm. The battle continued until he ran out of mana, but he fought until a Golem Commander hit him with a sneak attack.


    He was jolted back to the real world, where werewolves surrounded the tent, their eyes gleaming with intensity. The leader stepped forward and informed him that monsters were roaming in the mist below.


    ''Interesting,'' Atlas mused with a curious expression. ''Are they waiting for us? It really doesn''t matter as we''re safe for now.'' Experience more tales on empire


    He shrugged before checking the monster total of Level Three and was surprised to see the number of Void Warrior Golems he had dealt with.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 86189/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 853104/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''''I might as well tire myself while trapped up here,'''' he muttered before activating Void Realm again.


    When he entered, Atlas felt tiredness messing with his body, but he ignored that and started casting Void Bombs and Lances, which took out dozens of stone monsters and brought them crashing to the ground.


    After casting Void Infusion on his swords, he rushed into them and cut them to pieces. Atlas continued fighting the Warrior Golems and deflected many of their attacks. This caused him to smile while thinking, ''This is getting so much easier, I can''t wait to see what the next monster is.''


    Following that, Atlas rushed forward and continued to cut down more monsters that vanished into the realm, but that''s when the Golem Commanders appeared. He gulped when he saw they looked stronger than the ones he had fought before.


    ''Why are they getting stronger?'' Atlas wondered, bracing himself behind the Void Guard shield.


    A thunderous crack split the air as the stone fist slammed into the azure barrier, sending Atlas skidding backward from the sheer force. He gritted his teeth, shaking off the impact, and quickly retaliated, launching a Void Lance into the golem''s chest.


    The dark projectile pierced through its target, continuing its deadly path and taking out a dozen more in a single, swift strike. Atlas cleared some space before returning to real life, which caused him to check the total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 84617/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 853064/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Afterward, he pulled out his second-to-last Forest Boar Meat Box, savoring the meal''s warmth as he ate. Suddenly, Atek burst out of the tent, eyes fixed on him. The little cat puffed up and attempted a menacing roar but only managed a cute, high-pitched squeak.


    He smirked at the tiny creature''s effort before patting his leg and saying, "Do you want some? It''s hot, though."


    Without hesitation, the little cat leaped onto his lap and eagerly shoved its small head into the box, eating alongside him. He chuckled at the sight, amused by the cat sharing his meal, causing him to stroke its soft white fur.


    ''''You confuse me. First, you want to attack me, but now you''re all over me?'''' Atlas asked the monster before eating some boar meat.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 220 Not Fast Enough

    Atek paused mid-bite and glanced up at him, letting out a tiny growl. The attempt at being fierce only made him laugh harder. Atlas finished eating and gave the rest to the Frostfang, still sitting on his lap and covered in sauce.While doing that, Nulia''s teasing voice reached his ears, ''''Are you trying to steal my companion, Chosen One?''''


    He glanced back and saw the brown-haired young woman poking her head out of the tent, causing him to smile. Atlas shook his head, ''''No, he just wanted something to eat and decided that my dinner would be the right choice.''''


    Nulia beamed at him before disappearing into the tent, leaving Atlas puzzled. He shrugged off the confusion and looked down at Atek, who had already finished eating and was sitting contentedly on his lap.


    ''Let''s relax while we wait,'' Atlas thought, getting comfortable and staring into the mist while stroking the fluffy cat.


    He remained seated for a while but eventually retreated as the weather took a turn for the worse. Once inside the tent, the cat hopped down from his lap and curled up at the base of their feet, eliciting a smile from Nulia.


    She glanced at Atlas before speaking softly, ''''Come here, Chosen One.''''


    The young woman quickly wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a hug. ''''The cold has come,'''' she said, her voice soft. ''''We need to keep warm.''''


    Atlas didn''t fight Nulia and got comfortable as the tent started shaking due to the wind outside. But despite that, the warmth caused him to drift off to sleep as the storm caused chaos outside.


    The following morning, Atlas awoke to the fragrant scent of flowers, only to realize that Nulia was still hugging him. He shook his head and carefully crawled out of her embrace before sitting up, ''That was a comfortable sleep,'' he mused.


    Once fully awake, he exited the tent, greeted by a thick mist in the air, evidence that the storm had passed. Standing there, he saw footprints scattered all over the ledge where they had been resting, leaving him baffled.


    ''What kind of creature climbed up here?'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    As he stood there, a gut instinct warned him not to turn around¡ªbut he ignored it. Instantly, Atlas cast Void Guard as a monster lunged at him from above. The impact sent him hurtling off the ledge, plummeting toward the ground below.


    ''Not this shit again!'' he internally raged.


    Without wasting a moment, he began to grapple with the creature mid-fall. It was a strange, twisted Dark One, gnashing its teeth as it tried to bite him. Reacting swiftly, Atlas unleashed Void Punch, delivering a powerful uppercut.


    A resounding boom echoed as both crashed into the ground. Atlas had the wind knocked out of him, but he managed to scramble to his feet as more monsters attacked him from the jungle.


    Stay tuned with empire


    ''Oh god, there''s more of them!''


    He quickly used Void Infusion on Nightblade before carving through the creature''s skinny torsos while casting Void Bullets at another group. Atlas had to battle as more of them joined the fray.


    It was overwhelming, but a sudden roar echoed throughout the jungle as Nulia crashed down in her bear form while Atek followed. The duo slaughtered the Dark Ones before the younger woman grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and retreated to the ledge.


    The Frostfrong Tiger made sure no creatures could get to Atlas, which made him smile as he was carried up the side of the mountain like a bad child. When Nulia reached the top, she let him go as she returned to her humanoid form.


    After that, the young woman checked on him and sighed in relief before speaking worriedly, ''''What happened? How did you get down there?''''


    Atlas chuckled as he explained that a Dark One had ambushed him from behind, shocking Nulia, but she quickly said, ''''Set up more Runes, and we should be able to look for an escape from this place.''''


    He nodded in agreement as the large cat returned and pounced on him. With a playful swipe, the big feline pinned him down, its tail swaying from side to side. Atlas struggled to free himself, but it was no use.


    Atek began licking him relentlessly, leaving him both amused and helpless. Nulia watched this with a big smile before speaking, ''''Come on boys, get in the tent. It''s going to get cold soon.''''


    The big cat licked Atlas several times as he shrank and joined Nulia in the tent. He stood up while wiping himself before walking inside and getting comfortable. While lying on a blanket pile, he tried to reach the Golem King.


    ''I need to clear this level, it''s repetitive now,'' he mused while closing his eyes.


    Atlas activated the Void Realm and appeared on the plateau. Seconds later, he had to jump to the side as a boulder flew at him. He quickly countered by casting Void Lance as the Golem Commander.


    When the azure projectile tore through the stone monster, it hit a dozen more that were behind it. This pleased Atlas as he continued casting spells into the horde of never-ending Golems.


    ''I should continue using my magic until I run out of mana.''


    An hour passed, and he was breathing heavily due to the repeated use of magic, but that didn''t stop him from checking the monster total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 81002/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 852721/100000] S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Slowly going down but not fast enough,'' Atlas thought before bursting forward and carving through the monsters.


    He brought down hundreds at a time while blasting them with most of his spells. Atlas watched as the Golem flew into the water below. This continued for hours until he ran out of mana and had to return to the real world.


    Atlas opened his eyes, realizing just how exhausted he was. He rolled over and quickly drifted back to sleep without a second thought. After what felt like only moments, he was shaken awake by Nulia''s voice.


    "Wake up," she said softly, "we can move on."


    He sat up while stretching and letting out a loud yawn before replying, ''''Thank you. Let''s have some breakfast before we head out.''''


    Atlas pulled out some Orc Meat Boxes and handed one to Nulia, who smiled while eating the hot food. The duo started to eat as she gave Atek some meat, which the little cat enjoyed and began to harass him.


    ''I swear to god, this things hates me!'' he internally complained as the cat climbed into his lap.


    Before the monster could snatch Atlas''s food, he quickly pulled out some Forest Chicken Wraps and offered them to the Frostfang. Atek sniffed the wraps, then accepted the gift, eagerly munching on it while making adorable growling noises of delight.


    The trio continued eating until they were satisfied, and Nulia gestured to the north, where a range of mountains loomed. ''''We should head that way. Once we climb higher, we''ll get a better view of our surroundings.''''


    Afterward, Atlas stored away the tent and prepared to move. They jumped down, and as Nulia and Atek transformed, he summoned Theo. The Blood Bat King surprised them by dropping him to the ground below before soaring into the sky to follow.


    ''''Where did that monster come from?'''' Nulia questioned as she appeared beside him.


    Atlas chuckled before answering as he climbed onto her back, ''''I can summon creatures to help me during a battle or for travel.''''


    The bear woman nodded, but he continued, ''''What are you?''''


    Nulia giggled, which was strange in her bear form. She shook her head while answering, ''''I''m a Frostbear. There are tribes of us living in the western part of the Northern Wastes.''''


    Atlas nodded as the trio traveled through the jungle just as the Darklings and Werewolves returned. When he spotted them, he learned there was a way out in the far south, causing him to think, ''What''s going on? There''s an exit, but it will take ages to get there.''


    They continued traveling through the jungle while fighting off Chaos Wolves that tried to ambush them. Atlas was ready to cast Void Barrage on any groups of monsters that came too close.


    Nulia and Atek were perfect deterrents for the hordes of creatures that lurked in the shadows surrounding them. It took them hours to reach the base of the hill, causing him to comment, ''''This place is giving me a bad feeling.''''


    The other two agreed with a nod as Nulia responded, ''''We can deal with them, just be on watch.''''


    ''''Okay, let''s go,'''' Atlas said while glancing around and readying his magic. ''''Can you smell any monsters?''''


    ''''No, I haven''t smelt anything since those monkeys ambushed us a few hours ago,'''' Nulia replied as they climbed the hill.


    As the trio reached the summit, they saw a dense, vibrant jungle stretching out in all directions. At that moment, the Werewolves and Darklings emerged from the shadows behind them.


    With a wave, Atlas dismissed them, sending the creatures back to the Otherworld, where they could rest.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 221 Void Smash

    Atlas stood atop the hill, his gaze fixed on the southern horizon. An ominous mountain range loomed in the distance, its jagged peaks stretching endlessly into the sky. The sight filled him with foreboding as he thought, "It will take us weeks to reach that."While staring into the distance, Nulia spoke as she appeared beside him, ''''We will get going soon. Atek needs to rest, and you need to recover your mana.''''


    He nodded in agreement before responding, ''''I need about ten minutes, but I think we may have visitors.''''


    ''''What do you mean?'''' Nulia questioned as she scanned their surroundings.


    Atlas pointed toward the path ahead, his voice unbothered. "A group of Chaos Mutants and other creatures are lying in wait. They plan to attack once we begin our journey."


    He glanced at her, noticing how her blue eyes widened in surprise, only for a confident smile to follow. A spark of excitement lit up her face. "Let them try," she said. "Atek and your monsters can ambush them from behind while they focus on us.


    ''''Sounds good to me,'''' Atlas replied with an excited grin. ''''We can beat them, but we must be careful when fighting these creatures.''''


    The young woman nodded, ''''Yes, you''re right, and it seems like you''re learning during our trek.''''


    Then, Atlas decided to use some monsters he hadn''t done so far. With a wave of his hand, he summoned a dozen Dark Termites from the Shattered Chasm Dungeon; the giant insects appeared and greeted him with a nod.


    ''''Burrow under the ground and circle the enemies below,'''' he ordered with a glint in his azure eyes. ''''Wait for my command to attack.'''' S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After that, he quickly downed three mana potions before waiting for its mana to recover some more before summoning dozens of Howling Ghouls, which shocked Nulia and Atek, but they said nothing while watching the creatures.


    Once all the monsters appeared, he ordered them to charge at the hiding creatures. The horrifying Ghouls rushed down the hill while letting out creepy howls. As the humanoid creatures got close, a battle soon erupted as Chaos Knights and Mutated Humans charged against his monsters.


    As the two sides crashed together, Nulia transformed into her Frostbear form and charged into the fray, followed by Atek, who let out a roar before pouncing on a Chaos Knight and crushing its helmet with his jaws.


    While this happened, Atlas started casting Void Arrows and Bullets into the creatures. The azure projectiles sliced through the air before burrowing into the Chaos Monsters'' chests, causing them to explode.


    ''Looks like they''re weak against my void magic,'' he thought with a big smile.


    That''s when he spotted Nulia savagely fighting a group of knights. Her large claws tore them in two as Atek stayed close by. While this happened, the Dark Termites emerged and slammed into the enemy''s rear.


    Atlas wove through the chaos, casting spells as he evaded the lunges of the Mutated Humans. As one of the hideous creatures lunged at him, he sidestepped and severed its head.


    Black blood erupted like a fountain, but he paid it no mind, his focus unwavering. Then, Atlas summoned Nala and the Dreadmaw Lions, who jumped out of a portal and flew over him, ''This should turn the tide in our favor,'' he thought.


    Nala let out a fierce roar before biting a Chaos Knight in half. Just after that, Atlas spotted more monsters joining the fight against them. He looked toward Nulia and Atek before ordering all his summoned creatures to protect them.


    This left him alone, but he quickly sprinted toward them while skidding under a sword swing. Atlas felt the wind against his face, causing him to cast Void Blast at the knights. The spell sent it crashing through the creatures behind it.


    As Atlas drew closer to Nulia, a colossal Chaos Troll suddenly loomed between them, forcing him to halt. A surge of determination ignited within him. He pointed his hand to the ground and unleashed a powerful Void Blast, launching himself high.


    "Here we go," he muttered while excitement fueled him.


    When high enough, Atlas cast another Void Blast that propelled him directly toward the towering troll. Spinning like a whirlwind, he readied his fist, channeling his energy into a new spell.


    "Void Smash!" when his punch connected, a thunderous clap reverberated, sending the troll hurtling backward as if struck by a storm.


    But the force was too much; Atlas felt a sharp pain as his arm snapped under the strain. Half unconscious as he soared toward Nulia, she opened her maw wide and caught him mid-flight, her powerful legs carrying them away from danger.


    [Void Smash Unlocked]


    While fleeing through the dark jungle, Nulia heard the howls of Chaos Monsters echo, their twisted shapes clawing through the chaos with a terrifying speed. She let out a guttural growl before she created a path of frost, slowing the monsters behind them.


    ''''I can hold them off for a moment!'''' she roared, facing their pursuers.


    As the nearest monster lunged, Nulia reared back on her powerful hind legs, swinging her massive paw and sending a wave of ice crashing toward the creatures. The ice spread like a tidal wave, freezing several monsters in their tracks.


    Seeing the situation, he lifted his broken arm and spammed Void Bomb and Barrage at the pursuing monsters. Explosions quickly tore through their ranks, allowing them to escape as she climbed up the side of a mountain using her claws.


    Halfway up, the pain took Atlas and knocked him out while his body repaired itself. When Nulia noticed this, she laughed, ''Stupid boy, you always push yourself, but thank you for helping us escape.''


    Following that, they reached a cave, where Atek guarded the entrance alongside Nala, whom the cat was interested in. The lioness growled at the Frostfang. Nulia giggled at their interaction before starting a fire after placing him down.


    A few hours later, he woke up with a bad headache, causing him to pull out a health potion and down it. Atlas felt better as his arm was stitched together, bones snapped, and flesh mended.


    ''That was stupid, but at least I unlocked another spell,'' he mused before sitting up and rubbing his head.


    Atlas glanced to the right and noticed Nulia sitting in front of the fire while meditating while Nala and Atek were sitting at the cave''s entrance, ''So the lioness is here? That''s good.''


    Following that, he stood up and stretched his body before stretching. Once done, Atlas approached the entrance and started creating the Dark One Runes, and Nala nudged her head against him.


    ''''Hello girl,'''' he said while stroking through the lioness''s soft fur, causing the big cat to purr in happiness. ''''Thank you for helping me back there.''''


    Once Atlas pampered the Dreadmaw Queen, he returned to the fire where Nulia was sitting as she spoke, ''''We have to give it some time for the horde to move on; it''s the same in the Northern Wastes.''''


    He nodded in understanding before pulling out a Fores Boar Meat Box and handing it to the young woman who smiled at him, ''''Thank you, Atlas; once I get a chance, I''ll cook for you.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me,'''' he replied while eating the last Orc Meat Box just as he realized there wasn''t any left.


    The two began digging into the hot meal as Nala and Atek curled up near the entrance, keeping watch to ensure their safety. After finishing their food, Atlas unpacked the tent and sleeping bag, preparing their camp for the night.


    While doing that, Nulia started meditating, giving him enough time to try the Void Realm again. Atlas got comfortable, activated the skill, and appeared on the plateau, where the Warrior Golems appeared.


    They charged at him with wild abandon, swinging their massive stone fists, forcing Atlas to dodge their heavy blows. In response, he quickly cast Void Infusion on his blades, then sliced through the stone creatures'' bodies.


    Atlas watched as the monster crashed to the ground, then swiftly turned his focus to the next Warrior Golem. Without hesitation, he unleashed a Void Barrage, blasting the creature away with a powerful surge of energy.


    He continued fighting for hours and managed to clear some space. Atlas backed off while checking on the monster total to see how many he got rid of during this battle, causing him to think, ''Shouldn''t be too much.''


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 78516/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 852317/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    When Atlas heard this, he grew annoyed and started attacking the Warrior Golems. He started butchering them with ease, and the creatures were sent back into the Void Realm just as he started running on fumes. Enjoy more content from empire


    He killed a few Golem Commanders and was sent flying into the water below, only to wake up with a yelp. This caused Nulia to open her beautiful blue eyes as she spoke, ''''Were you in that place again?''''


    Atlas nodded before answering in a fed-up voice, ''''Yes, been trying to get the total down, but it''s getting extremely boring now.''''


    The young woman giggled, ''''How about I come with you next time? With the two of us, we can clear loads of monsters.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 222 I Love The Name

    Atlas looked at Nulia before nodding, ''''Once I recover, we can try, but be warned, the Golem''s attacks hurt,'''' he said with a chuckle.The young woman waved him away as she replied, ''''That doesn''t matter because I can help you.''''


    Following that, the two of them spent the night in the cave as the Dark Ones lurked outside, and these were different. Atlas instantly felt the pure Chaos emanating from them, causing him to shiver while speaking, ''''They are stronger than the ones in the outside world.''''


    Nulia nodded. ''''They are by a rank or two. Fighting them was easy, but there''s something about the creatures I can''t put my finger on,'''' she said in a curious voice.


    "They''re powered by Chaos," he explained, his voice serious. "That awful energy seeps into their bodies, making them stronger."


    Atlas casually pulled out some dumplings as he spoke and began eating, surprising Nulia. She giggled while asking, ''''Are you hungry again? Wasn''t that meat box enough?''''


    He shook his head while replying, ''''When I fight in the Void Realm, it burns through my energy.''''


    After that, the two of them continued eating. Atek suddenly appeared and let out a growl, causing Nulia''s eyes to widen. She quickly jumped up and used her ice magic to create a wall blocking the outside as something smashed against it.


    Atlas grew curious and followed behind the young woman as she spoke annoyedly, ''''The Dark Ones broke the Runes. They may have had help, but we got to it in time.''''


    He went further into the cave as some large punched the ice wall, causing Nulia to grunt. Atlas turned back and saw her struggling; he quickly approached and sent his mana into her body.


    ''This should help,'' he thought as an azure glow washed over her.


    Thanks to the boost, Nulia strengthened the ice wall and stopped the attacks from damaging it. Once that was done, she turned to him with a tired smile, ''''Thanks for that; I was caught off guard.''''


    Atlas nodded with a smile before sitting by the fire; while Nulia fell asleep while being kept warm by the flames, he activated the Void Realm Skill and appeared on the plateau just as the Warrior Golems charged toward him.


    Without wasting time, he started casting Void Blast at the stone monsters. The explosions rang out, causing them to fly off the side of the plateau as Atlas continued cutting through the Golems using Void Infusion on his blade.


    Hours slipped as Atlas continued his work, pouring every ounce of mana into his task. Finally, when his energy was depleted, he was jolted back to reality, awakening before a crackling fire.


    Atlas shook his head while checking the monster total, only to be shocked by the amount he had killed on his last run.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 51329/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 848719/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Slowly going down,'' he thought with a tired smile.


    Atlas swiftly activated Void Realm again, diving back into the battle against the Golems. He methodically tore through their ranks, casting every spell he could muster. However, he soon reached his limit.


    After a grueling fight, he settled by the fire, but exhaustion overwhelmed him, and he collapsed. As the weather outside grew increasingly fierce, Atlas slipped into a deep sleep, oblivious to the storm raging beyond.


    The following morning, Nulia nudged him awake as she spoke, ''''Get up, Chosen One; we need to keep moving while the storm has calmed down.''''


    Atlas brushed her aside, muttering, ''''I''m coming, woman.''''


    Just then, he felt a light tap on his head, followed by Nulia''s giggle. ''''Shut up, elf boy. Let''s get going.''''


    He stood up, stretching his stiff muscles as his joints cracked from the uncomfortable ground. As he rose, he pulled out some dumplings and began munching, offering one to Nulia with a grin.


    Atlas jumped on Nala''s back as Nulia transformed into her Frostbear form, dismissing her ice wall and dashing out. The Dreadmaw Lion Queen followed behind, with him on her back. The group traveled through the Chaos Realm for weeks.


    They had to fight many monsters on the way, but they always came out on top, thanks to Atlas''s creatures. Sometimes, he was injured, and Nulia helped him recover just as he did for her.


    The trio continued south only to stumble across a scorching hot desert, which caused Atlas to comment, ''''Everything ends with this place, Nulia. We''ve been traveling for weeks now.''''


    ''''I know, I should have listened to you back then,'''' she replied in a fed-up voice. ''''I swear to God, if we get lost, it''s on you, Atlas!''''


    The trio finally stepped into the desert, Atek protested loudly, and Atlas laughed. Nulia quickly scolded him, which only made him laugh harder. The Frostfang Tiger growled at him, but he cheekily shot the cat a middle finger.


    As fate would have it, they soon found themselves lost in the vast Chaos Realm, battling chaos monsters. Four long, grueling years later, they finally reached the mountain that marked their escape. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nulia appeared beside him, looking up with a teasing smile. ''''It''s not fair that you''re taller than me now, Alt.''''


    ''''Do you intend to keep calling me that? Ever since I was cut off when I fell into that horrible swamp, and you''ve never let me live it down,'''' Atlas responded.


    ''''No, I love the name, and it''s yours,'''' she replied with a smile. ''''Now let''s get out of here; I''m sure the others have missed you.''''


    The duo started climbing up the mountainside until reaching a ledge where a metal gate was built into the stone. Atlas was confused and muttered out loud, ''''I hope it doesn''t take us another four years.''''


    ''''That was partly your fault because you got us lost in the snowy tundra, then that horrible underground labyrinth, and finally that hot desert,'''' Nulia giggled.


    Atlas turned to the beautiful Frostbear, ''''Shut it, you; how was I supposed to know a Djinn messed me with that one time, I wasn''t expecting it.''''


    Nulia''s smile widened as she added, "Atek did warn us, but you just had to wander into its lair. Lucky for you that you wield the Void, or you''d be screwed."


    Atlas nodded in agreement, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he approached the ancient door. He pulled out the key they had taken from a Chaos Troll and slid it into the lock. The gate began to glow, a soft hum filling the air, and to their shock, it creaked open before them, revealing the outside world.


    When he felt the fresh air brush against his skin, Atlas sighed in relief, but that soon vanished when a message from the Lover''s Band appeared minutes later. [Azhar''Zul! Help; the monster waves and Achaemendians are besieging the fortress we''re sheltered in, but weird magic had encompassed the Northern Waste that''s distorting time and trying to transform the landscape until a second ago]


    ''What the fuck is going on?'' he thought before replying. [How long have we been out of contact, Amethyst?]


    The phoenix girl quickly replied. [I''m so happy that you''re alive, my love. It has been close to two years since we lost contact and the Chaos Monsters appeared, and this time, they were more vital than ever before]


    When Atlas heard this, he quickly checked his status because he had been leveling non-stop and had a few opportunities to nearly complete Level Three due to it being blocked most of the time in the Chaos Realm.


    [Age: 14¡ú18]


    [Level Up: 258¡ú388]


    [Experience: 860/20000]


    [Experience Gained: ????]


    [Rank Up: Journeyman¡úExpert]


    [Health: 2798¡ú3568(200)]


    [Mana: 10358¡ú25898]


    [Strength: 3086¡ú4280]


    [Stamina: 3772¡ú5380]


    [Charisma: 988¡ú1248]


    [Intelligence: 2620¡ú3444]


    [Core Rank Up: Adept High¡úJourneyman Mid]


    [Core Points: 12120/300000]


    [Core Points Gained: ??????]


    [Spell: Void Bullet: 4¡ú8]


    [Spell: Void Arrow: 3¡ú7]


    [Spell: Void Blast: 3¡ú7]


    [Spell: Void Wave: 3¡ú6]


    [Spell: Void Lance: 2¡ú6]


    [Spell: Void Punch: 1¡ú5]


    [Spell: Void Guard: 3¡ú8]


    [Spell: Void Step: 4¡ú8]


    [Spell: Void Veil: 4¡ú7]


    [Void Infusion: 3¡ú6]


    [Void Smash: 0¡ú2]


    [Skill - Void Realm: 3¡ú5]


    [Skill ¨C Void Sight: 3¡ú5]


    [Skill ¨C Duel Wielding: 6¡ú8]


    [Skill ¨C Health Regeneration: 4¡ú6]


    [Skill ¨C Dimensional Storage: 3¡ú5]


    [Skill ¨C Light: 1¡ú3]


    [Skill ¨C Dungeon Conqueror: 1¡ú2]


    [Skill ¨C Voidwalker Form: 0¡ú2]


    [Skill ¨C Voidbound: 0¡ú1]


    [Skill ¨C Otherworld: 0¡ú1]


    *** Enjoy new chapters from empire


    [Atlas''s Status before the timeskip]


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 14


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: Voidwalker/Dungeon Conqueror


    Level: 258


    Rank: Journeyman


    Experience: 5860/10000>3000000


    Affinity: Void


    ***


    Attributes:


    Health: 2798 (200)


    Mana: 10358 (1000)


    Strength: 3086 (100)


    Stamina: 3772 (250)


    Charisma: 988


    Intelligence: 2620


    ***


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Adept High


    Core Points: 75610/100000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ***


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (4) Lv-1: Void Arrow (3) Lv-2: Void Blast (3) Lv-2: Void Wave (3) Lv-3: Void Lance (2) Lvl 2- Void Punch (1) Void Smash (0)


    Defence: Lv-1: Void Guard (3)


    Support: Lvl-1: Void Step (4) Lvl-2: Void Veil (1) Lvl-2: Void Infusion (3)


    Utility:


    ***


    Skills: Void Realm (3) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (3) Dual Wielding (6) Health Regeneration (4) Dimensional Storage (3) Aqua Lung (3) Light (1) Dungeon Conqueror (1) Maskweaving (3) Voidwalker Form (0) Voidbound (0) Otherworld (0)


    ***


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 223 Its A Golem Army

    ''Oh wow, I''ve improved so much,'' Atlas thought as excitement and worry rose inside him.He looked at Nulia and spoke worriedly, ''''The girls are in trouble; Monster Waves are attacking the fortress they''re in.''''


    The Frostbear woman narrowed her eyes before excitedly saying, ''''They stand no chance against us, Alt; we''ve been fighting monsters for years.''''


    Atlas nodded with a growing smile as he spoke, ''''Do you want to wait in the Monster Realm or travel with me? I''ll summon Raymond, as he can fly faster than Theo.''''


    Nulia beamed as she stepped closer and traced his jawline with a loving smile, ''''Why would I let the man who will be my future husband fight alone?''''


    "One day, you''ll be mine, Mama Bear," Atlas said with a sly grin.


    She nodded, her warm brown skin glowing in the soft light of the setting sone. "I won''t come between you two," she replied gently. "It''s not right, and I wouldn''t want that done to me."


    "I get that, but we need to talk to her about us when we reunite," Atlas said. "If I''m being honest, I don''t think she''ll mind. Amethyst has a kind heart."


    Following that, he opened a portal to the Otherworld and summoned Raymond the Stormeagle, who stepped out of the azure portal and let out a loud screech as he spoke, ''''Master and Mistress. You need to speak to that criminal, Atek; he was trying to attack me while I washed my wings.''''


    Atlas started laughing, and Nulia followed suit, causing Raymond to be offended. He declared, ''''You two shall not laugh at me! I am a Royal Stormeagle and protector of the Otherworld; I demand respect.'''' Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Oh shut up,'''' Atlas waved the dramatic monster away. ''''We need to find a fortress in the middle of the tundra; I believe they are in the North East.''''


    ''''Get on my back, master. We shall find this fortress you seek,'''' Raymond said, lowering his giant body. ''''Hold on tight because I will fly faster than anything you''ve ever seen.''''


    Atlas chuckled before grabbing Nulia''s hand and using Void Step to get on the Monarch Monster''s back. While getting comfortable, he felt the drain of summoning the mighty creature, causing him to down a few mana potions.


    ''Shit, these are the last ones,'' he internally complained. ''I''ve got more than enough gold to buy even more, so it doesn''t matter.''


    Raymond spread his massive wings and soared into the sky, leaving Nulia glancing around nervously. She quickly spoke up, "We''re in the far west. My mother always said this place is dangerous, full of Titans roaming around, hunting for food."


    Atlas looked over the side as the Stormeagle confirmed Nulia''s words, ''''She''s speaking the truth, master. I can sense many monsters at my rank or above, which is spooky.''''


    ''''Just don''t land on the ground then; I don''t want to punch another troll again,'''' he replied to the Monarch Monster.


    Nulia giggled, ''''At least you stopped breaking your arm when you use Void Smash; that''s one good thing.''''


    Atlas looked at the Frostbear woman with a deadpan expression as he retorted, ''''But it fractures every bone instead, and that shit hurts for days.''''


    Raymond and Nulia started laughing, which caused Atlas to smile. He activated the Void Realm and grabbed the woman''s arm. The two of them reappeared on the plateau, which made her yelp in surprise.


    Her blue eyes turned to him while she warned, ''''Next time, tell me when you''re going to do that, idiot.''''


    Atlas chuckled and waved her off, channeling Void Infusion into his blades. Meanwhile, Nulia shifted into her Frostbear form, charging straight at the Commander Golems. As she rushed forward, he quickly glanced at the monster count.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 329/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 62134/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now,'' Atlas thought, a broad smile spreading across his face. ''Especially with Nulia''s help.''


    He watched as she barreled into the group of Warrior Golems, her massive claws ripping through them. Without waiting, Atlas began firing Void Bullets at the Commander''s legs, sending the towering creature crashing to the ground.


    Without hesitation, he charged forward, his blades infused with Void energy, and began slicing through the stone monsters, cutting them down in a ruthless onslaught while dodging the many stone fists.


    ''Hopefully, there aren''t any more ridiculous amounts of monsters,'' Atlas mused with a grin. ''But I guess it makes sense¡ªafter all, it''s a Golem army.''


    Atlas leaped over a Golem''s massive arm, his movements swift and precise. Mid-air, he cast a Void Bomb, launching it directly at the Commander. The explosive impact slammed into the Commander''s torso, sending it flying like a boulder.


    After an explosion rang out, the massive creature crashed into the approaching Warrior Golems, mowing down dozens of them like bowling pins. Atlas went wild and started cutting down any monsters that got close while using his magic to defend himself.


    ''This is getting better with Nulia,'' he mused while turning to the Frostbear woman barreling through a group of twenty Warriors.


    The battle continued until only Golem Commanders continued to charge forward, which Nulia held at bay, but Atlas could see the blood splattering the ground every time one of the stone monsters landed a hit.


    Without a second thought, Atlas sent Nulia back to the real world to recover and then focused on helping the girls. His pace quickened as he charged into the fray and unleashed a barrage of Void Bombs. Explore more at empire


    Each blast tore through the horde of Golems, decimating them one after another as Atlas sprinted forward, relentless in his assault. Soon, however, his mana ran out due to all the fighting, and he returned to the real world.


    Opening his eyes, Atlas was greeted by a starry sky. Two moons glowing brightly overhead cast a silvery light on the world below. When he looked over the side of Raymond, he noticed a Monster Wave stretching into the distance.


    ''Oh shit,'' he thought in shock. ''So many monsters. Glad I got Raymond to fly us to the girls.''


    Following that thought, Atlas sent Amethyst a message that they were on the way, which made the phoenix girl happy.


    ***


    Amethyst read Atlas''s message, making her smile as explosions rang out everywhere. The Golden Lion Legion barely held onto the fortress with the small army''s mana cannons and mages.


    ''We won''t last much longer, but at least he''s back now.''


    She was standing on a balcony watching a wave of monsters rushing toward the wall, only to be torn apart by the cannon fire. Amethyst was amazed at the sheer power the weapons of war rained down.


    The older woman constantly fought on the frontlines while she bombarded the horde from above when there weren''t any flying monsters to intercept her. Estelle told her that the legion had thousands of soldiers, and despite the cold weather, more ships arrived.


    People wanted to fight for the Mahdi, ''Why do they always come up with different names for Azhar''Zul?'' she giggled.


    Following that, Amethyst summoned her wings before taking off and flying toward the walls, where Artemis and Grishna were flinging spells into the horde. When she hit the stone, the brunette turned to her and said, ''''What are you doing here Little Bird? We''ve got this covered.''''


    The orc woman greeted her, ''''Amethyst, Estelle was looking for you. Something about scouting the surrounding area when we push the monster wave back.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' she replied with a cheerful smile before looking at Artemis with narrowed eyes. ''''Shut up, fish; I will cook you if you continue.''''


    Grishna started laughing, causing the brunette to scoff, ''''Well, I heard the cooks are specialists in cooking birds. Should I have a word with them?''''


    Amethyst giggled before taking off as she retorted with a grin, ''''Catch me if you can bitch.''''


    Afterward, she flew toward the north gate while swooping down and dodging the fortress towers. Ten minutes later, she spotted the blonde knight directing soldiers on the wall while cannons fired into the monster horde.


    Estelle turned around with a warm smile as she descended and landed quietly behind the party''s defender, who greeted her. ''''Hello, Amethyst! What are you up to tonight?''''


    The phoenix girl shrugged, glancing toward the horizon. ''''Not sure. I was thinking about peppering the horde with my cosmic spells, but that would waste my mana.''''


    ''''I have a job for you,'''' Estelle responded before screaming at a crew of soldiers working on the cannon. ''''Clean that damn gun, or I''ll make you run around the keep again.''''


    Amethyst watched the men speed up, causing her to giggle as she questioned, ''''What is this job, blondie?''''


    Estelle giggled, playfully ruffling Amethyst''s hair. The phoenix girl swatted her hand away, clearly annoyed. ''''Stop that! I''m not a kid anymore. I''m seventeen nearly eighteen now, and Azhar''Zul and I can make things official in a few months.''''


    ''''No rushing into things, Little Bird,'''' the blonde replied. ''''Remember, when your kind has sex, it means you want the other person as a lifelong mate, and that choice is a very important one.''''


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 Chapter 224 Magic And Blades

    As the girls fought back against the Monster Waves, Atlas, and Nulia soared over the Northern Wastes, their eyes widening at the sight of even more hordes. He turned to the bear woman, furrowing his brow. ''''Why are they all heading east?''''''''It''s clear they are heading for the fortress where the other girls are fighting,'''' she replied, concern evident in her voice. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas nodded with a worried expression but activated the Void Realm because he wanted to fight the Golem King so he could use him in the upcoming battle. His consciousness faded, and the two of them appeared on the plateau.


    He was taken aback to see Nulia standing there smiling at him. She said excitedly, ''''I touched you so I can join and help.''''


    ''''Thank you, Nulia,'''' Atlas replied with a grin as the Warrior Golems rushed at them.


    The young woman transformed into her Frostbear form and slaughtered the stone monsters. Atlas started flinging spells at the Golem, which brought them crashing to the ground just before he dashed forward.


    While sprinting forward, he infused his blades with Void magic, slicing through the Warrior Golems'' bodies. Together, they relentlessly cut down everything in their path. The battle raged on for hours, and by the end, both were left panting, exhaustion finally catching up.


    Atlas was catching his breath while checking his monster total, and he quickly noticed that the Warrior Golems had stopped appearing.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 000/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 61751/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Only the Golem Commanders left, which is good,'' he thought excitedly.


    Afterward, the duo pressed on, cutting down wave after wave of stone monsters, slaying hundreds. When they finally returned to the real world, Atlas realized Raymond hadn''t ventured far, leaving him puzzled.


    She giggled at his confusion and explained, "The Northern Wastes are vast, Alt. It''ll take us a couple of days to reach the area where the girls are."


    Atlas nodded in understanding before downing one of his last stamina potions, feeling his strength return as the fatigue faded. Refreshed, he entered the Void Realm again, determined to cut down more Golems and reduce their numbers so he could try Level Four.


    Nulia joined him again, and the two attacked the Golem Commanders, who were bigger than the Warriors and regular ones. Thanks to his speed, Atlas used magic and blades to take them down.


    The Frostbear woman barreled through the horde of stone monsters and used her sharp claws to tear through their bodies. While this was happening, Atlas was killing hundreds of monsters and bringing the total down.


    Hours later, Nulia was forced back into the real world when a commander landed a powerful, unexpected punch. Frustrated, Atlas unleashed his Void Barrage, sending a relentless volley of blasts into the horde, tearing through their ranks.


    Atlas fought fiercely, but as exhaustion set in, he was forced to retreat from the Void Realm. He was met with the howl of a raging storm when he reappeared in the real world. Wind and snow swirled violently around him, disorienting him for a moment.


    Suddenly, Raymond''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Master! Hold on tight.''


    The Stormeagle dived sharply as a deafening boom erupted. Atlas caught sight of Atek, now in his tiny form, peeking out from inside Nulia''s coat just as she lunged toward him. She wrapped her arms tightly around him and spoke in a panicked voice, "Don''t let me fall, Alt."


    Atlas smiled at her words, wrapping one strong arm around her waist. Leaning in, he whispered into her ear, "I''ve got you, don''t worry."


    Shortly after, Raymond let out a screech before dive-bombing some giants traveling toward the fortress. When Atlas saw this, he asked the bird, ''What are you doing?''


    ''Taking out some of the foul Chaos Monsters, Master,'' the Stormeagle replied. ''I hate these with a passion after their kind slaughtered my mate many years ago,''


    When Atlas heard this, his eyes narrowed before he started flinging Void Bombs at the Chaos Wave. As the azure projectiles slammed into the monsters, an explosion tore them asunder as the ground shook.


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    Raymond released another piercing screech, unleashing a torrent of lightning as he streaked past the creatures below. His attacks rippled through the storm. When the chaos finally settled, and the winds died, Atlas prepared to activate the Void Realm again.


    But before he could, Nulia stepped in, grabbing his arm. "A third time?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with worry. "You''ll harm yourself! I won''t let that happen."


    Atlas''s eyes narrowed, ''''We need the Golem King to have a chance in this fight! I cannot fight all the strong monsters or Chaos Beings Nulia. We need the help.''''


    Nulia hesitated momentarily, but then her blue eyes ignited with determination. ''''We''ll do it together!'''' she exclaimed, her voice unwavering. ''''We''re a team, and nothing can stop us.''''


    Atlas smiled at her spirit before activating the Void Realm. Together, they plunged back into battle, taking on the remaining Void Commander Golems. After a fierce fight filled with intense clashes, they emerged victorious.


    After the battle, the ground trembled beneath them, and Atlas and Nulia turned to see the colossal form of the Void Golem King emerging from the shadows. Its massive frame loomed over them, and its glowing blue eyes locked onto them.


    Nulia stepped back, swallowing hard as fear crept into her voice. ''''We can''t fight this monster, Alt! It''s too strong,'''' she said, her tone betraying her nervousness.


    ''''We just need to make it fall into the water below to defeat it,'''' Atlas revealed with a smile. ''''There isn''t much time before the girls are overrun.''''


    Without hesitation, Atlas charged forward, his fists crackling with potent Void mana, causing them to shake due to the power. Sensing the threat, the Golem King roared in fury and swung a massive fist toward him, but he was quicker.


    ''Too slow motherfucker!''


    He dodged the building-sized limb, feeling the rush of air as it narrowly missed him. With a surge of determination, Atlas landed on the Golem''s arm and sprinted toward its head. The ground shook beneath him as he closed the distance, adrenaline fueling his speed.


    Atlas unleashed a fully charged Void Punch, a devastating blast that resonated through the air like thunder. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the creature, knocking it back and staggering the colossal monster.


    That''s when Nulia appeared in her human form and started casting ice on the plateau''s ground, causing it to turn slippery, which caught the Golem King off guard. Once she did that, the young woman looked at him with bright blue eyes and said, ''''Finish it, Atlas!''''''


    He nodded before sprinting toward the Golem King, who retaliated by hurling massive boulders in his direction. But thanks to Void Step, Atlas dodged each one, weaving through the debris.


    When getting close, he channeled the remainder of his mana into his right fist, the energy swirling around him as he prepared for his ultimate attack. With an amused rumble, the Golem King finally spoke, ''Seems like you''re in a rush, Voidwalker. Allow me to slow you down.''


    Atlas watched as the giant stone monster began casting something; that''s when mana crackled around it, causing him to think while gritting his teeth, ''I need to deal with it before that spell is ready.''


    Panic surged through him as he started sprinting toward the Golem King. When Atlas got close enough, he used Void step to get into the air, swinging his fist down and unleashing a devastating attack.


    ''''Void Smash!''''


    His fist connected with the Golem King in a mana explosion, sending the colossal creature staggering back, teetering on the plateau''s edge. Victory felt within reach for a moment, but Atlas''s heart sank when the monster didn''t fall.


    ''It weren''t enough! Fuck,'' he thought while backing off.


    But just as the Golem King struggled to regain its balance, a dozen shimmering Ice Lances shot through the air, piercing the icy wind with deadly precision.


    The lances struck the Golem''s torso, each exploding on impact and driving it further off balance. With a final roar, the Golem King was sent tumbling into the sea below, crashing into the dark depths.


    ''It''s done thanks to Nulia and her ice magic,'' Atlas thought with a tired smile.


    He could hear the roar of the waves crashing against the stone below, echoing around Atlas, signaling the end of their titanic clash. As they stood victorious, Nulia stumbled over to him, and he instinctively wrapped his arm around her.


    ''''Thank you, Nulia. Without you, I would have lost,'''' he said earnestly.


    Her eyes sparkled with delight, and she giggled softly. ''''I told you we''re a team and help each other. Now, let''s return to Raymond and rest up for the next fight.''''


    Following that, the duo returned to the real world, where Raymond was perched on a covered ledge as the wind was causing chaos. When Atlas saw this, he questioned the Stormeagle, asking, ''Everything okay?''


    ''Yes, Master, just resting as you two nearly fell off a little while ago,'' the Monarch Monster replied.


    Following that, Raymond took off again, and the two managed to rest for hours until they caught up to the Chaos Wave heading for the fortress. When they got close, explosions rang out, and Atlas quickly noticed the violet glow through the dust.


    ''''They''re nearby, Nulia!'''' Atlas exclaimed with excitement. ''''Get ready to fight everyone!''''


    Without waiting for a response, he leaped off the Stormeagle''s back, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he fell toward a towering Chaos Giant looming in the distance.


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 Chapter 225 Chaos Captain

    Amethyst nodded in agreement as she changed the subject, ''''And I''ve chosen Atlas as my mate, but don''t avoid my question. What is this job?''''Estelle giggled before answering, ''''I need you to scout the surrounding areas once the defenders push back the Monster Wave.''''


    ''''What if there are flying creatures like last time?'''' Amethyst answered while gazing at the dwindling horde.


    ''''Use them to level up; we''ve all been getting stronger due to the constant fighting,'''' the blonde answered.


    Amethyst nodded with a smile before spreading her wings and taking off. She soared gracefully through the sky as she watched the landscape unfold beneath her. The wind whipped around her as she soared over the snowy landscape.


    The world beneath seemed silent and still, but she kept her sharp eyes trained on the ground, scanning for any signs of movement. Snow-covered trees stretched endlessly, broken only by the occasional jagged cliff or frozen stream.


    She continued flying around the Northeast. Forests stretched in all directions, but the tundra caught her attention. Giant Mammoths roamed the land looking for food, which caused her to smile.


    ''So many different monsters here,'' Amethyst thought while glancing around. ''If not for all the attacks, it would be peaceful.''


    Then, Amethyst spotted it in the distance¡ªa dark ripple in the snow, a massive Monster Wave stirring beneath the surface, ready to rise. She narrowed her gaze and angled her wings, preparing to dive.


    She swooped down and started peppering the horde with Cosmic Blasts that burned to ash with violet fire. After that, Amethyst heard several horrifying screeches echoing across the sky.


    Her head snapped toward the monsters as she spotted several wyverns soaring straight for her. Panic surged through Amethyst, and she quickly turned to flee. Her heart raced as the creatures closed in, their screeches echoing.


    ''''Where did they come from!'''' she muttered to herself.


    She flapped her wings harder to gain speed as the newcomers pursued her, but that''s when a wave of mana shells flew across the sky, peppering the wyverns and causing them to plummet to the ground below.


    ''Thank the goddess for the cannons, or they would have caught me.''


    Following that, Amethyst flew back to the fortress and, when getting close, was hit by a powerful blast that caused her to yelp in pain as she crashed onto the wall. While lying there, she felt a comforting feeling wash over her.


    She looked up and noticed Estelle standing there with a worried expression. The blonde spoke in an anxious tone while checking her over, ''''What happened? The last time I saw you was when you were close to the walls.''''


    Amethyst got up once the damage was mended, thanks to Healing Light; she shook her head before answering, ''''I was scouting the mountain pass to the east and saw a massive horde heading in this direction. I fled, of course, but Wyverns chased me until the Mana Cannons opened fire at them.''''


    Estelle nodded in understanding as she spoke, ''''The scouts reported another wave, but this one looks like it will overrun us. Did you send Azhar''Zul a message?''''


    ''''Yes, he''s on his way but is on the other side of the Northern Wastes,'''' Amethyst answered as Grishna and Artemis appeared.


    The orc woman started checking on Amethyst, ''''Are you okay, Little Bird? We see you crash when that spell hit you.''''


    "I''m fine, Grish. The spell burned, but Estelle''s healing magic did wonders to help," she replied with a smile.


    Artemis was about to talk, but a roar echoed across the land, causing them to turn to the source. That''s when a massive giant slowly approached the fortress, but something was wrong.


    Amethyst''s eyes widened as she revealed, ''''That''s a Chaos Monster! I''ve felt this aura before.''''


    The three women were surprised when the brunette asked, without taking her eyes off the incoming threat, ''''Why would it be here? We''re in the middle of nowhere.''''


    ''''It''s coming for us,'''' Grishna answered everyone''s question.


    Everyone turned to her, waiting for an explanation. The orc woman sighed as she explained, ''''We''re connected to Azhar''Zul, and somehow these Chaos Beings know this; that''s why they''re attacking the fortress to get at us.''''


    When the other three heard this, they agreed with concerned nods as Rollo appeared, ''''My Ladies! The monsters are getting close to the walls; we will start firing.''''


    Estelle looked at the older man and agreed, ''''Do that; we will start casting spells into the Monster Wave.''''


    Following that, the four women unleashed a barrage of spells at the horde of monsters closing in on the fortress. Amethyst took the lead, channeling her energy into a Cosmic Blast that erupted from her fingertips, unleashing a storm of chaos.


    The energy cascaded down like raining stars, tearing through the Blightborn''s bodies with explosive force. Next was Grishna, who focused on the metal orbs in her hands. With a chant, she hurled them into the crowd of creatures.


    A piercing shriek erupted from the orbs as they detonated, sending the frontline of monsters crashing into their ranks. Seizing the moment, she cast Razorwind Blades, which sliced through the air, cutting through the crowd of enemies.


    Estelle raised her sword high, her voice steady as she invoked, ''''Dawn''s Wrath!'''' S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A blinding white light erupted in the sky, swirling before swooping down to engulf the Chaos Monsters¡ªthe burning wave washed over them, incinerating the creatures, which shocked everyone.


    It consumed them from the inside out, leaving only ash in its wake, much to the delight of the soldiers who rallied behind her, their spirits lifted. With the battlefield momentarily illuminated, Artemis sprang onto the wall as a big smile appeared on her pretty face.


    She unleashed Arc Lightning, crackling through the clouds overhead. A lightning bolt struck the horde relentlessly in a stunning display of power, decimating them even more. The air buzzed with energy.


    Amethyst gazed at the three women, her eyes wide with disbelief. Suddenly, the Chaos Giant let out another thunderous roar, drawing closer to the fortress. An azure glow illuminated the dark sky, catching everyone''s attention.


    A loud boom echoed across the tundra as the giant crashed to the ground, sending shockwaves through the air. Amethyst''s excitement erupted, "Azhar''Zul is back! And he just punched that massive monster!"


    ***


    As Atlas dove toward the towering giant, he gathered every ounce of his strength, preparing to unleash one of his most devastating attacks. The moment his fist collided with the Chaos Monster, he released the full force of his power in a single blow.


    "Void Smash!" he shouted.


    A dark ripple spread across the monster, momentarily distorting its shape before an explosive shockwave resonated outward. The ground shook violently as the Chaos Giant staggered backward before crashing to the earth with a thunderous crash.


    Then Atlas summoned the Void Golem King, who flew out of the portal and landed on the Chaos Giant. The two behemoths started fighting, but he continued summoning Golem Warriors and Commanders until he was low on mana.


    ''I need to take a break with the magic.''


    His minions surged through the Chaos Horde, obliterating the enemy with their colossal stone fists, reducing them to a bloody paste. Just then, Nulia and Atek plunged into the fray, towering in their massive forms.


    The Frostbear woman unleashed her formidable claws, slicing through the smaller Chaos Monsters with lethal precision, turning them into a crimson mist. Atlas smiled before spamming Void Barrages into the approaching Blightborns.


    ''This should take out enough and earn me a lot of experience,'' he mused.


    As the creepy humanoids charged forward, the azure projectile wave cut them down and turned their bodies into Swiss cheese. The fortress then started attacking even more, and explosions erupted everywhere.


    Atlas turned to his blades to save some mana and cut down dozens of horrifying monsters. They came crashing down as a notification popped up, shocking him to the core but making him smile.


    [Mana Regeneration Unlocked]


    ''Oh nice,'' he thought with an excited grin,


    Following that, Atlas summoned more beasts to crush the Chaos creatures. Warrior Giants appeared at his command, their enormous blades cutting through the horde. Each swing cleaved through countless monsters, drenching the battlefield in blood.


    Nulia and Atek were ripping through a group of Blightborns, their powerful forms leaving a trail of destruction. As Atlas watched them, a sudden sense of danger gripped him¡ªsomething was rushing toward the duo.


    Without hesitation, he activated Void Step, vanishing instantly and reappearing between them and the approaching threat. Atlas used Void Blast to throw the charging enemy off course.


    In front of him stood a tall, gangly humanoid with an unsettling presence. Its long, blood-soaked claws glistened as it slowly licked the crimson liquid from its fingers, its eerie eyes locked onto him.


    He shook his head, unfazed, and activated Void Sight, scanning the creature to uncover its level and rank to see if he could win.


    [Chaos Captain]


    [Level: 423]


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    [Rank: Master]


    ''A rank above me; I should be careful,'' Atlas thought while gripping Nightblade and readying his magic.


    Following that, the creature dashed forward and tried punching him, but Atlas leaned back before retaliating with a slash across its chest. Blood splattered over everything as he cast Void Wave.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 226 Otherworld Treehouse

    Atlas engaged the Chaos Captain in a fierce battle, trading blows with determination, but he quickly realized he was at a disadvantage with only one arm. Sensing the tide turning against him, he decided to use magic.''Time to use Void Lance to pierce its hide!''


    Without thinking, he spammed Void Bullets at the creature, causing an explosion to ring out, which sent it stumbling back. The monster horde was being decimated by all the monsters and the Golem King.


    ''This is going better than I expected,'' Atlas thought as he narrowly dodged a swipe from the Chaos Being''s razor-sharp claws.


    He felt the rush of wind against his armor. Seizing the moment, he unleashed a Void Blast; the projectile flew toward the creature''s chest. With a resounding impact, the Chaos Being crashed backward.


    Atlas followed behind while casting Void Punch and landing a blow on the monster''s face, which caused it to crash into the ground and cause a crater. As that happened, more Chaos Captains appeared and surrounded him.


    ''Oh shit, this just got worse,'' he thought.


    As the leader lunged, its claws slashing through the air, Atlas found himself unable to react¡ªits speed was overwhelming. An unexpected force intervened just a few feet away, deflecting the attack and sending sparks flying everywhere.


    ''''Get it together, Azhar''Zul! The others are fighting too!'''' Estelle shouted, her voice ringing as she unleashed a powerful Solar Slash, illuminating the battlefield.


    The blade, shining with radiant energy, sliced through the creature''s form, leaving a trail of brilliance in its wake as she let out a fierce battle cry. Atlas watched the Chaos Captain collapse to the ground before she started fighting more.


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    He joined in and started casting Void Lances that tore through the creature''s body. Atlas quickly summoned the Dreadmaw Lion and Death Gorillas, who had poured out of an azure portal only to destroy the remaining monster horde.


    Atlas needed to sit down as he burned through his mana. He sat on a fallen tree as Nulia and Atek appeared. He noticed they were covered in blood, but the Frostbear woman transformed into her humanoid form as she smiled.


    She hugged him before asking, ''''Can Atek rest in the Otherworld? I think he took some hits during the fight.''''


    ''''Of course,'''' Atlas opened the portal as the Frostfang meowed thanks.


    A violet glow illuminated the sky as he continued, causing a smile to break across his face. He raised his arm as Amethyst barreled into him, the impact sending them both tumbling from the tree and crashing into the ground.


    Atlas removed his helmet, gazing up at the phoenix girl, who looked down at him with unrestrained excitement, her eyes sparkling with energy. Without hesitation, she grabbed his collar, leaned down, and shared a passionate kiss while straddling him.


    He held her tightly, feeling the warmth of her wings wrapping around him protectively as their kiss deepened. But Amethyst suddenly pulled back, her eyes flickering with concern as they fell on his missing left arm.


    "What happened to you, Azhar''Zul?" she asked softly, her voice laced with worry. Where''s your arm?"


    Atlas smiled faintly, lifting his stump as he spoke. "I got bit by something called a Chaos Mawling in the Chaos Realm," he explained, his tone almost casual. "But I found an artifact that''ll give me a new arm. The catch is, I need to become an Arch Master to use it."


    Amethyst''s violet eyes glowed before a smile appeared. The other three women materialized as the two got up. Estelle, Artemis, and Grishna stared at Nulia, ignored them, and approached him, ''''We should go back to the Otherworld to rest? You should have enough mana to build the treehouse now.''''


    ''''Yes, let''s take the others and head there,'''' Atlas replied, opening a portal before turning to his party. ''''Come with me, ladies; I will explain everything that happened. More Chaos Monsters are coming, and the fortress can fight them.''''


    Just as he spoke, the Void Golem King charged forward and started crushing the approaching horde, and the mana cannons began firing at them. Following that, everyone entered the portal.


    The four women were shocked when they witnessed a prehistoric jungle with a creepy aura. Estelle spoke while gripping her sword, ''''What is this place, Azhar''Zul?''''


    Atlas turned to the blonde woman, who looked exactly as he remembered¡ªunchanged by time. She wore gleaming knight''s armor that did little to conceal her well-endowed chest and hourglass figure.


    Her bright blue eyes sparkled with curiosity and concern as she gazed at him. Atlas smiled before closing his eyes and creating the treehouse he planned to build for a few weeks. He started to imagine a massive Sequoia tree sprouting from the ground.


    Seconds later, a dark red tree erupted from the ground and shot into the sky, shocking the five women who jumped back. Atlas smiled when sensing them but started to create a treehouse at the bottom.


    It looked like a fantasy version of the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse from Earth, which made Atlas smile but exhausted. He stumbled, but Amethyst grabbed him with a smile as she spoke, ''''It seems like you''ve got a lot to tell us.''''


    ''''There is so much, but let''s get inside,'''' he replied while the group approached the staircase.


    Five minutes later, they stood in a foyer made from beautiful light redwood with basic furniture decorating the place. Grishna stepped forward and exclaimed, ''''This reminds me of the Forest Orc Tribes; they would love this place.''''


    Atlas watched as the orc woman approached the bathroom, unable to resist admiring her powerful physique. Her thick, well-defined muscles still maintained a distinctly feminine grace.


    As she paused, Artemis turned toward him, her brown eyes narrowing in suspicion, "Why are you older?" she asked, her tone laced with confusion. "It doesn''t make sense¡ªyou were the bird''s age."


    "Well, that''s a long story, so everyone should sit down," Atlas replied, prompting the others to follow his lead.


    Once everyone was settled, he sat in front of the women and began recounting his tale, starting from the day he was kidnapped. Nulia had heard parts of it before, but her shock grew as he told his story.


    A few hours later, Atlas finished speaking and was nodding off but forced himself to stay awake as Artemis was the first to say, ''''So you''ve explored the depths of the sea and been to another realm all while conquering dungeons with your new power?''''


    ''''Yes, and if you don''t believe me, look outside,'''' Atlas said while pointing at the treehouse''s balcony.


    The women did as he said and rushed outside only to see a massive herd of Scalebreakers and Thundoraptors hunting the Stegosarus-like monsters. Atlas motioned to them as he explained, ''''I''ve been gathering creatures on my journey to add them to the Otherworld; they will aid me whenever I call.''''


    Estelle turned to him with an expression of horror as she questioned, ''''You can control monsters?'''' S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas nodded with an innocent smile, ''''Yes, and most of them are lovely, even the ones that look vicious.''''


    After speaking, he shouted, ''''Tyson! Come here, boy.''''


    The five women stared at him, their expressions a mix of disbelief and skepticism, until an earth-shaking roar echoed through the air, making them jump in fright. Atlas laughed at their reactions; the sound caused the ground to tremble.


    Atlas couldn''t help but smile, ''''Now watch my power, ladies,'''' he said with a teasing glint in his eye. ''''And try not to let your panties get too wet.''''


    Grishna laughed alongside Artemis while the others turned red at Atlas''s teasing remark. When Atlas caught sight of Estelle acting like a giddy teenager, it made him smile. Without hesitation, he cast Void Step and appeared outside.


    He was just in time to witness a massive monster crashing out of the jungle. It was an evil-looking Allosaurus with jet-black skin and sharp teeth that would render metal into scrap. Its eyes narrowed as it sniffed the air.


    Atlas watched as it locked onto the woman and let out an angry roar reverberating through the clearing. In defiance, Grishna shot the creature the middle finger, her bravado unshaken despite the danger.


    ''''Don''t threaten them, Tyson, or I''ll punch you again,'''' he warned the dinosaur, who growled at him in defiance.


    When Atlas saw this, he charged up his fist before dashing at the monster''s head and using Void Punch to teach it a lesson. The Allosaurus crashed into the ground with a boom when his attack hit.


    He knew it was dead, so he scolded it, ''''Never growl at me! You seem to forget I''m your master!''''


    Ten smaller ones appeared and circled him as that happened, but Atlas chuckled before rushing around, beating them up until the dinosaurs were squirming on the ground after being taught a lesson.


    By the time he was done, the five women had appeared and stared at him like monsters. Amethyst stepped forward and spoke in shock, ''''Azhar''Zul, you do know these Terrorjaws are menaces to most races in Aridonia.''''


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 Chapter 227 Like Tears In The Rain

    ''''No, they are annoying pests who like to make me jump when I''m not expecting it,'''' Atlas replied, kicking one who tried to nibble him.He pointed at the creature, ''''See? They''ve just been beaten and still want more.''''


    The women laughed as Estelle commented, ''''It seems like you''ve grown into a fine young man, but now it seems like we need to test your strength.''''


    Atlas grinned, holding up his stump. ''''You''re challenging a cripple, blondie? But sure, let''s fight; I''ve been looking forward to this.''''


    With that, he created a battlefield outside the treehouse, the thrill of the impending clash sending his excitement soaring. Once everything was set, he and Estelle stood opposite the makeshift arena.


    Estelle stood poised with her sword while Atlas gripped Nightblade, his focus unwavering. Grishna swaggered into the center, raising her arms in a playful gesture as she looked at him with a knowing smile. "If you beat blondie, I''ll give you a special treat tonight, handsome."


    Atlas felt his cheeks flush at her words, but Amethyst retorted before he could respond, ''''Two more years! We all agreed to wait until I come of age!''''


    Grishna''s green eyes sparkled with mischief as she nodded. ''''That''s right¡ªno sex until the Little Bird gets her night as the first wife; there are other things I can do to satisfy him,'''' she mumbled, her tone light yet serious.


    Following that, the orc woman raised her hand to signal the start of the fight. When it came down, Estelle raised her blade and cast Solar Slash, which flew in his direction, causing Atlas to smile.


    He cast Void Infusion over Nightblade. In an instant, he vanished, leaving Estelle shocked to her core. She had barely a heartbeat to brace before Atlas reappeared directly in front of her, unleashing a powerful strike aimed at her.


    She quickly raised her sword to block the attack, and sparks flew as their blades collided, illuminating the battlefield with light flashes. Estelle danced around him, her footwork elegant as she parried his strikes, her blue eyes focused.


    Each movement was a blend of skill and technique, neither willing to give an inch. Atlas pushed his speed to the limit, darting in and out like a shadow, while Estelle relied on her training and instinct to keep pace.


    ''She can keep up!'' he thought in shock as they continued to clash.


    Atlas started using his speed before creating sonic booms as he moved too quickly, and when he struck at the blonde, she quickly raised her sword. When she did that, he ducked down and dropped his blade.


    He cast Void Punch, preparing to strike, but just before his fist could make contact, a brilliant white barrier materialized in front of him. The impact sent shockwaves through his hand, causing his fingers to break and forcing him to grit his teeth against the pain.


    ''Fuck!'' Atlas raged as he tried to jump back, but it was too late.


    Seizing the moment, Estelle countered with a kick to his chest, knocking the wind out of him. Before he could recover, she unleashed a Light Blast, the energy surging toward him and sending Atlas hurtling across the battlefield.


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    He crashed to the ground, his head ringing from the force of the impact, but as his Regeneration kicked in, he pushed through the pain and stood up as the bones repaired themselves.


    ''The pain is still there, but it''s not as bad as it used to be,'' Atlas thought while staring at his hand.


    Estelle darted toward him so quickly that it caught him off guard, causing him to cast Void Wave, which sent her skidding back as Atlas flexed his hand and darted toward the blonde while casting Void Lances, and Bullets peppered her defenses.


    An explosion erupted, sending her backward, but Atlas was already there, smiling as he unleashed Void Punch. She quickly raised a shield, and his fist connected with a resounding clap, the force propelling her through the trees.


    Estelle cast Healing Light on herself as she tumbled through the underbrush, mending her injuries instantly. Regaining composure, she retaliated with a Light Blast aimed directly at him. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas sidestepped the spell, but before he could react, the blonde appeared beside him, her blade pressing firmly against his neck. She slid behind him, whispering, "You''re impressive, Azhar''Zul; I see you took my advice to heart; at least you won''t die now."


    "I had to," he replied, his voice steady as he held her soft hand gently. "I''ve seen things that would shatter people''s belief, I''ve seen monsters that could bring empires to their knees and if I were to die, all those moments would vanish¡ªlike tears in the rain."


    Estelle wrapped her arms around him, leaning her head against his back as she spoke softly, ''''You''ve matured so much. I don''t see that rash boy anymore; I see a man who has faced hardships on his journey back to us.''''


    ''''You can''t sit around and wait for someone to come to your rescue. You have to make your own way,'''' Atlas replied as all the memories of everything he had been through.


    While that happened, Grishna approached and commented with a warm smile, ''''We''re heading back inside. You two lovebirds can stay here.''''


    As the other women entered the treehouse, leaving them alone, Atlas took Estelle''s hand and led her into the jungle''s depths. The blonde glanced at him, confusion flickering, but she remained silent.


    ''''There were many times I nearly died,'''' he began, his tone serious as they walked. ''''When we were trapped in the Chaos Realm, I finally realized how reckless I had been. I needed to be smarter before acting, to think things through rather than rushing headlong into danger.''''


    ''''I understand that, and it''s a good thing, Atlas,'''' Estelle said, stopping him as her blue eyes shimmered with understanding.


    Atlas smiled at her, but she leaned in and pressed her lips against his before he could respond. A jolt of electricity surged through both their bodies at the contact, and the blonde jumped back, her fingers instinctively grazing her lips.


    ''''Seems like there''s a spark between us, blondie,'''' Atlas said with a smile while pulling out some monster meat to eat.


    Estelle stood there before shaking her head and speaking sternly, ''''This didn''t happen. Don''t mention it to the others.''''


    ''''No problem,'''' he answered as confusion washed over him.


    Atlas shrugged and continued walking, leaving Estelle behind with an expression he couldn''t read. He walked deeper into the jungle until stumbling across a wolf monster''s den, which caught him off guard.


    ''I can''t remember getting these creatures but we did capture thousands of monsters in the Chaos Realm,'' he pondered as the pack leader appeared at the entrance.


    The giant wolf nodded before returning inside as adorable yips and howls came from the monster''s home. Atlas continued walking as he pushed through the dense underbrush of the jungle, the vibrant sounds of wildlife filling the air around him.


    Moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the ground as he moved. As he navigated the winding path, anticipation tingled in the air. After a few minutes, he stepped into a massive clearing, and his breath caught in his throat.


    Before him lay the Scalebreaker nest, an impressive sight surrounded by towering trees. The nest was a chaotic blend of large, jagged scales and twisted branches, radiating a primal energy.


    While standing there, Atlas suddenly heard a chorus of chirps around him. A grin spread across his face as he said with an amused voice, ''''I know you little ones are lurking around.''''


    As he spoke, the baby Scalebreakers launched their ambush, led by the now fully grown Sera, ''''Don''t you get involved! We''ve already talked about this girl!'''' he exclaimed.


    But the cheeky monsters barreled into him, using her weight to knock him off balance. Before he could regain his footing, the others swarmed him, their tiny tongues licking every inch of exposed skin.


    Atlas started laughing while trying to push the little creatures off, but when he got one away, another three jumped him. As this happened, Cera''s amused voice sounded in his mind, ''This is your fault, master. You''ve been spoiling every batch of younglings we''ve had, and they love you like a big brother.''''


    When the babies realized the matriarch was there, they scattered like hooligans. Atlas pretended to scold them, but the surrounding Scalebreakers knew he enjoyed the silly creatures.


    After that he turned to Cera and answered, ''''They are cute, I can''t help but visit them as much as I can.''''


    The older monster giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ''''Oh, you know we cherish you, master? The one barely paid us any mind, and here you are, bothering us daily. We''re starting to get a little bored with your company,'''' she teased, playfully scooping him up with her massive tail.


    He laughed before stroking the massive Scalebreaker, and she asked in a curious tone, ''''Who is that beautiful young woman watching you?''''


    Atlas turned around only to smile when he saw who it was.


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 Chapter 228 What Nightmare Have I Walked Into

    Atlas noticed Artemis standing there watching with her beautiful brown eyes, which made him smile. He jumped off Cera and approached the brunette, saying, ''''What brings you out here, Arty?''''''''Estelle was acting weird, and I guessed it had something to do with you,'''' she answered while watching the Scalebreakers discuss their business.


    He shrugged as he led her to a nearby log, casually explaining, "We had a disagreement and decided to give each other some space."


    As the duo sat down, a pack of giant Shadow Cats suddenly rushed past them, their powerful strides shaking the ground. Artemis''s eyes widened in shock. "Where did you get all these creatures from?" she asked, astonished by the sight.


    Atlas chuckled at her reaction before explaining, ''''We were stuck in the Chaos Realm for four years, and over that time, I collected thousands of monsters with Nulia and Atek''s help. They don''t come near me, but some have started to.''''


    Once he finished speaking, a group of giant fox-looking monsters known as Firetails wandered nearby. With a grin, Atlas turned to the brunette and said, ''''Watch this.''''


    After that, he stood up and approached the family, calling them, ''''Do you want some food?''''


    He pulled out some cooked monster meat and tossed it to the ground. The Firetail family hesitated, creeping forward. But a deep bellow from Cera, echoing from behind them, seemed to reassure the creatures.


    With newfound confidence, they approached him as if sensing they were safe in his presence. Artemis watched, her eyes wide with fascination. Atlas stroked them gently as the creatures neared, their fur soft beneath his hands.


    ''''I''m creating a secret army,'''' he explained calmly, glancing at her. ''''I''ll let the creatures here grow strong; when the time comes, they''ll be ready.''''


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    The brunette was shocked but giggled before responding, ''''Well, you have certainly changed since the first time we met.''''


    Atlas chuckled while raising his stump, ''''Yes, I''ve changed,'''' he said with a smirk.


    Artemis looked guilty, but soon enough, Cera appeared and spoke amusedly, ''''She is pretty, Master. Is she your lover?''''


    ''''No,'''' he answered. ''''She''s in my adventurer party. Her name is Artemis, and I''m sure you''ll see her throughout the jungle.


    The Scalebreaker Matriarch nodded, ''We will make sure she''s safe.''


    Cera turned to Artemis, who was shocked, but the creature nudged the brunette. This caused her to smile as she stroked the Scalebreaker, ''''Is this the leader, Azhar''Zul?''''


    ''''Yes, she was one of the first creatures that moved to the Otherworld,'''' Atlas answered. ''''Do you want to see more?'''' Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Artemis smiled as she asked in a curious tone, ''''Do you have any water? I fancy a swim.''''


    He nodded, taking her soft hand and leading her through the jungle until they arrived at the serene lake Atlas had created some time ago. The clear water sparkled in the sunlight, and when Artemis saw it, a broad smile spread across her face before she quickly dived in.


    ''''Join me Azhar''Zul!'''' she exclaimed while vanishing.


    Atlas chuckled, activating Aqua Lung with a grin before following her into the lake. He sank effortlessly to the bottom, marveling as he watched the brunette gracefully slicing through the water, her movements smooth.


    The underwater world around them was breathtaking¡ªa vast, submerged forest of tall, swaying plants reaching up like trees. Rays of moonlight pierced through the water''s surface, casting shimmering beams across the vibrant marine life.


    Schools of colorful fish darted between the branches, which amazed Atlas. He started walking toward the brunette, but she darted away and vanished into the underbrush before she appeared behind him.


    Artemis wrapped her arms around his shoulders, a smile lighting up her face. "I''m glad you could join me down here," she said softly.


    The brunette grabbed his hand and shot off, catching Atlas off guard as she zoomed around the lake before leaping out of the water. She landed on two feet as he flopped like a fish before lying there looking at the starry sky.


    ''''Next time, let me know when you do that,'''' he said, sitting up and dismissing his helmet.


    His hair was wet and all over the place, causing Artemis to giggle. ''''I will, but that lake is amazing. There are some monsters under there, but they''re hiding.''''


    Then, Atlas climbed to his feet, and the two headed back to the treehouse. As the duo trekked through the jungle, the brunette commented, ''''Those Scalebreaker babies loved you. Do they always try to ambush you?''''


    ''''Yes, every batch of younglings have messed with me,'''' Atlas answered with a smile. ''''Thanks to their older siblings encouraging the silliness.''''


    Artemis giggled as they made it back to the treehouse. When they entered, Grishna teased Estelle, ''''Blonde Princess! When will the food be ready?''''


    ''''Shut up bitch! You could help me if you''re that hungry,'''' Estelle quickly retorted while cooking some meat.


    As the enticing aroma wafted through the air, Atlas''s stomach grumbled in response, but he knew the food wasn''t ready yet. He slumped into a nearby chair, contemplating whether to try Level Four of the Void Realm.


    Just as he was about to activate it, Amethyst chimed in with a cheerful voice, ''''Azhar''Zul, when we get back to Astoria, can I tame some birds to bring into the Otherworld?''''


    ''''Of course, you can; there''s more than enough room here,'''' he answered with a smile.


    The phoenix girl and Nulia started speaking while Artemis was resting in front of the fire with her eyes closed. Atlas got comfortable and activated Void Realm, only to appear in a ruined temple.


    He glanced around the hall and noticed everything was in disarray¡ªfurniture was smashed, and bloodstains marred the once-pristine floors. The chaotic scene sent a chill down his spine.


    ''What nightmare have I walked into now?'' Atlas pondered while taking out his blades.


    Following that, he walked toward the entrance only to smell smoke and blood that hung in the air. When Atlas appeared outside, he saw a destroyed city that stretched out in all directions.


    As he entered the city, the atmosphere felt heavy and charged, an unsettling silence enveloping the streets. Atlas''s senses heightened when seeing the eerie surroundings, noticing the flickering lights that cast long shadows.


    Suddenly, a horrifying howl pierced the air, echoing off the walls. The sound sent shivers down his spine, and instinctively, he tightened his grip on his weapon, readying himself for whatever nightmare lurked just out of sight.


    Atlas gulped before cautiously advancing through the dark street; a flicker of movement caught his eye. He turned to see a group of humanoids shuffling toward him, their forms shadowy and indistinct in the twilight.


    At first, he was confused and didn''t know what or who they were until he used Void Sight on the newcomers.


    [Void Ghoul]


    [Rank: D]


    ''Oh shit,'' Atlas thought. ''This shouldn''t be too hard.''


    That''s when he took a closer look at their gaunt faces, which were twisted in grotesque expressions. Their skin had a sickly pallor that gleamed under the dim light. He quickly noticed the creatures'' sharp claws and shark-like teeth.


    Atlas''s heart raced as he stepped back, assessing their menacing approach. The Ghouls'' hollow eyes locked onto him with ravenous hunger, and a guttural growl escaped their lips. He could feel the weight of dread settling over him as he prepared to fight against the nightmarish creatures.


    ''I should be able to clear this level quickly,'' Atlas thought before sending several Void Lances at the Ghouls.


    The azure projectiles streaked through the air, illuminating the surroundings with a brilliant glow as they sliced through the night. The spells struck their targets in a heartbeat, exploding with violent force.


    Atlas watched as the magic tore the creatures apart, scattering limbs and body parts in all directions and splattering the ground with blood. The sheer power of the attack left the air charged and filled with the aftermath of destruction.


    Following that attack, he dashed forward and cast Void Infusion on his blades. When reaching the first Void Ghoul, he cut straight through its torso before ducking under a swipe of another.


    ''That was close,'' he thought while casting Void Wave.


    The sudden attack sent the Ghouls flying, allowing him to kill the remaining creatures. Once Atlas was done, he pulled up the monster total for the fourth level.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 21/20000]


    [----]


    [----]


    [----]


    After checking, Atlas continued through the city, trying to find any clues as to where the boss was. During his journey, the Void Ghouls continued ambushing him, but thanks to the constant fighting, he grew used to them.


    Void Infusion and his speed allowed him to cut through the first wave of creatures. But the tide shifted as more poured in, surrounding him from every angle. Their sheer numbers became overwhelming, and danger crept closer with each second.


    Atlas pressed on, his body growing weary with each swing, but his resolve remained firm. He knew this was when things would get complicated. The once relentless monsters had fallen silent, leaving only the eerie quiet of the empty streets.


    As he made his way through the city, no more creatures dared attack, but the ominous atmosphere lingered. After ten tense minutes, he arrived at an open square.


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 Chapter 229 Do You Like These Ladies

    Atlas stopped walking as a bad feeling washed over him, ''There''s something watching me,'' he thought while scanning his surroundings.Seconds later, he couldn''t see anything and stepped into the square only to have something thrown at him. Atlas jumped to the side as something exploded and peppered him with splinters.


    He yelped as a few projectiles embedded themselves in his backside, prompting him to leap to the side. His heart raced as a larger Ghoul emerged from the shadows, its presence making the hairs on his neck stand on end.


    Atlas quickly activated Void Sight, scanning the menacing newcomer, ''I wonder what this creature was.''


    [Void Savage Ghoul]


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    [Rank: C]


    ''Here we go, this is going to be a hard fight,'' he thought while gripping his blades tighter.


    The Savage Ghoul charged forward while letting out a horrifying howl as Void Ghouls poured out of the surrounding shadows. Atlas quickly deflected several swipes before stabbing them through the face.


    Creatures fell one by one as Archer moved like the wind, quickly cutting through them. But when he faced the larger Ghoul, he promptly threw up a Void Guard just as its claws came slashing down.


    The moment its claws collided with the glowing azure shield, the force sent him skidding backward, his feet digging into the ground as he fought to regain balance, ''Oh shit, it''s strong,'' Atlas thought before flinging several Void Lances at the Savage Ghoul after cutting down a few smaller ones.


    His azure projectiles sliced through the air until they connected with the stronger monster and sent it crashing into the ground. Atlas dashed forward while readying his blade and piercing through its skull.


    Then, Atlas darted through the battlefield like a blur, his movements fluid and precise. His blade sliced through the Void Ghouls with each strike, leaving darkened bodies crumpling behind him.


    He easily dodged their claws, anticipating their every move, his speed making him untouchable. As a Ghoul lunged, Atlas spun, his blade flashing in the dim light, severing the creature mid-air before landing softly, already moving on to the next target.


    His eyes burned with focus, each kill as swift as the last, his skill turning the chaotic fight into a deadly dance. An hour later, all the creatures lay dead, and Atlas was covered in sweat and felt his limbs were heavy.


    ''What the hell! They were hard to fight,'' he thought while dismissing his helmet.


    Following that, Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how many he had killed during his first run through Void Realm Four.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 237/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 8/10000]


    [----]


    [----]


    ''This will take some time but not as long as the Void Golems,'' he thought before getting ready to fight.


    Atlas fought relentlessly through the horde of Void Ghouls, dispatching any Savages that tried to ambush him with swift, lethal strikes. The battle stretched for hours, each swing of his weapon carving through enemies as exhaustion slowly crept in.


    Due to all this, he ran out of mana and eventually depleted, and his arms ached from the constant combat. Only when he was utterly drained did he finally return to the real world, breathless and weary, the battlefield fading around him.


    His eyes fluttered open, and he saw Grishna smiling over him. "What were you fighting? It looked fun," she teased.


    Atlas grinned at the sight of the beautiful orc woman and, without a second thought, pulled her into his lap. Grishna''s eyes widened in surprise, but before she could react, Artemis, watching nearby, giggled at the scene.


    Grishna remained frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do, until his hands accidentally brushed against her big boobs. She gave him a knowing grin, her surprise quickly fading into amusement.


    ''''Oh, do you like these ladies?'''' the green-skin beauty said while grabbing her chest.


    Atlas nodded with a grin, his hands slowly cupping Grishna''s breasts. They spilled out over his fingers, too large to hold completely. ''''I do, Grish,'''' he replied playfully, his voice low.


    Grishna''s grin widened, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she watched him, amused by his boldness. She leaned in and whispered in a low tone, ''''Does that mean you want me to be your lover? Like the Little Bird?''''


    ''''That would be nice,'''' Atlas said with a soft smile, his tone sincere, ''''but let''s not rush into anything, Grish." He paused momentarily, his gaze shifting between her and the others. ''''I do like you girls a lot, but I''d rather let things grow naturally instead of letting lust take the lead.''''


    Grishna''s expression softened, her playful demeanor giving way to understanding, while Artemis nodded approvingly from her spot nearby. Estelle called everyone for dinner, and the atmosphere shifted from playful banter.


    One by one, they all made their way to the table, laughter and chatter filling the air as they settled down to share a meal. When Atlas got close, he smelled something delicious and noticed a bowl of stew.


    Atlas settled into his seat next to Amethyst and Artemis, who were already diving into their meal. He eagerly tried the stew and tore off a piece of the warm bread, instantly loving the comforting flavors.


    A grin spread across his face as the group began to ask him about his dungeon runs. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out two silver boss tokens, gold and bronze. The sight of them drew gasps from the five women around the table.


    Their eyes widened in shock and excitement as they leaned in closer; Nulia quickly commented curiously, ''''How come you never told me during our time in the Chaos Realm?''''


    ''''You never asked,'''' he answered, finishing a mouthful of bread dipped in the stew. ''''We will be doing even more dungeons; I need more.''''


    The five women exchanged determined nods, their expressions steeling as Artemis spoke up. "There''s a dungeon near the fortress. Remember, Rollo reported that his scouts found them."


    As the name Rollo echoed in Atlas''s mind, an irrational wave of jealousy surged, tightening his chest. The way the women spoke about him, filled with familiarity, ignited a fierce protectiveness within him.


    He leaned forward, the edges of his vision blurring with a haze of anger. The atmosphere in the room shifted, thickening with tension as if a predator had entered their midst. A powerful aura pressed down on them all, except for the Frostbear woman, who remained untouched.


    Everyone''s gaze snapped to Atlas, whose eyes glowed with an unsettling intensity as he spoke in a cold, measured tone, ''''Who is Rollo?''''


    A heavy and charged silence enveloped the room until Nulia broke it with a knowing smile. ''''I knew you had a jealous streak, but I didn''t realize it was this bad.''''


    The words lingered in the air, a mix of challenge and invitation, as tension crackled like a storm about to unleash. Atlas locked eyes with Artemis, who swallowed hard, while Estelle added, ''''He''s the leader of the Golden Lion Legion and has been looking for you since you arrived.''''


    He turned his attention to the blonde, and the other three nodded in agreement, helping to lighten the atmosphere. Grishna chuckled and said, ''''Well, it seems Atlas is a jealous lover. That''s a good thing. Some men don''t care about their women, but he does.''''


    After that, Atlas stood up, his voice laced with confusion, and said apologetically, ''''Sorry about that, ladies,'''' before exiting the room and stepping outside.


    ''What was that about?'' he thought while entering the surrounding jungle. ''I''ve never been jealous until hearing them speak about another man.''


    Atlas climbed into a tree that offered a clear view of the Scalebreaker nest, settling in as he sought distraction by diving into the Void Realm to face more Void Ghouls. Upon appearing in the ruined city, haunting howls echoed around him as the creatures surged forward.


    Without hesitation, Atlas cast Void Infusion on his weapons, then lunged into the fray, slicing through their torsos and sending the creatures crashing to the ground. He ducked and weaved, narrowly avoiding their vicious attacks.


    ''They are slower compared to me,'' he thought as the excitement ignited.


    His movements were sharp, and anticipated each strike with ease. Sparks erupted as his blades clashed with their claws. Atlas gritted his teeth while deflecting all the attacks before casting Void Wave.


    An azure wave of energy surged from Atlas, slamming into the Void Ghouls and sending them crashing into nearby buildings. As the dust settled, he moved through the city, finishing off the ghouls that had stopped ambushing him.


    Their once-relentless attacks were reduced to desperate flails under his blade. Following that, Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how many creatures he had killed during this session.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 561/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 8/10000]


    [----]


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    Atlas continued until running out of mana and reappeared in the real world, where a battle below occurred. He looked over the edge and watched a pack of Forest Tigers fighting a few Bloodtalons as blood flew everywhere.


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 Chapter 230 This Level Wont Take Long

    Atlas continued watching the monsters fighting below the treehouse, but seconds later, he heard Amethyst''s voice, ''''Azhar''Zul, are you okay?''''He turned around and froze for a moment, his eyes landing on the young phoenix woman standing there, her radiant smile lighting up the room. The sight of her stirred something deep inside him, and without hesitation, he stood up.


    Atlas approached the surprised beauty, his heart racing as he embraced her tightly. He leaned in as her warmth surrounded him and whispered, ''''I''ve missed you so much, my pigeon girl.''''


    Amethyst giggled before returning the hug as she replied, ''''Me too; I can''t believe you went through all that and managed to make it back to us.''''


    ''''I know, it took years, but I''m here now and ain''t planning to go anywhere,'''' Atlas answered before lifting her chin and kissing her.


    Time seemed to slow as they continued, the world outside fading away. Each kiss was filled with longing and the quiet need that had built up between them during their time apart. The connection between them grew stronger.


    Their breath mingled as they lost themselves in the moment, neither wanting it to end. Soon enough, Amethyst backed away before speaking, ''''Can I help you in the Void Realm, please?''''


    A broad smile spread across Atlas''s face as he replied, "Of course, but be careful¡ªthe monsters are powerful Ghouls."


    The phoenix woman smiled back, her eyes glowing with confidence. Without hesitation, she reached for his hand, her touch warm and familiar. As Atlas sat down, she gracefully slid onto his lap and got comfortable.


    Soon after, he activated Void Realm, and the duo appeared in the creepy streets covered in darkness. When Amethyst saw this, she became wary and ensured the Ghouls weren''t nearby. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas was about to speak when a chilling howl echoed through the city, followed by several more, growing louder and closer. Amethyst immediately grabbed his arm, her eyes wide with concern.


    He gave her a reassuring smile, his expression calm despite the looming threat. "Take off," he instructed gently, his voice steady. "Stay in the air and cover me."


    The violet-haired beauty nodded as she unfurled a pair of stunning wings that matched the color of her hair, shimmering like the Void Realms sky. Instantly, she took off into the air, soaring above the chaos.


    ''She''s so much stronger than when we first met,'' Atlas smiled while watching his girlfriend sending her magic into the streets below.


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    Amethyst began casting her cosmic spells as the incoming creatures approached, radiant bursts of energy lighting up the darkened sky. Each spell crackled with power as they struck the approaching ghouls, illuminating the scene.


    Once that happened, Atlas noticed a horde of creatures rushing toward him while letting out an eerie snarl. The sounds bounced off the buildings, causing him to cast Void Barrage into the swarm.


    Explosions erupted as Amethyst''s spells connected with the Ghouls, sending them hurtling through the air. Seizing the moment, Atlas dashed forward as he closed the distance. He weaved in and out of their attacks, ducking and diving, his instincts sharp.


    As he got within range, he started stabbing the creatures fiercely, his blade finding its mark repeatedly. Each thrust was calculated, and he moved fluidly, countering their strikes with his own.


    Meanwhile, Amethyst continued to unleash her Void Blasts, azure projectiles piercing through the Ghouls'' torsos with deadly efficiency. While she did that, Atlas cut the creatures in two thanks to Void Infusion coating his blades.


    Ten minutes later, the battle ended as the Ghouls ceased their relentless assault, allowing Atlas and Amethyst a moment to catch their breath. The air was tense, but the silence was a welcome relief.


    Atlas pulled up the monster tally on his interface, eager to see how many they had taken down. When the results flashed before him, he was taken aback, his eyes widening in disbelief at the staggering number.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 1789/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 178/10000]


    [----]


    [----]


    When Atlas saw that, he got excited. Amethyst landed next to him with a pretty smile, and she spoke with a giggle, ''''That was fun, but the Ghouls started throwing stuff at me.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about it; you''re too fast for them to catch,'''' he replied as the duo continued through the ruined city.


    The battles they faced were getting more challenging as Savage Ghouls appeared. Atlas had to concentrate as he deflected most of the attacks, but a few made it through and bounced off his armor.


    ''That was close,'' he thought before swinging up with Nightblade and carving through the creature''s skull.


    After a fierce battle, Atlas successfully cleared the area, taking down every last of the Savage Ghouls. Though he had sustained some injuries, the pain was quickly overshadowed by the comforting sensation of his Health Regeneration kicking in.


    He felt the warmth of healing wash over him as the wounds closed, the bruises faded, and energy returned to his body. Once they recovered, the couple continued through the deserted city streets, their hearts racing from the battle.


    ''This level won''t take too long now that I have help for the girls,'' Atlas mused while scanning his surroundings.


    They navigated the shadows, keeping their eyes peeled for any signs of danger until they finally emerged into a large square. The expanse was eerily quiet, and the cobblestones were cracked and overgrown with weeds.


    Just as they began to relax, a low growl reverberated through the air, causing them to tense. A massive Ghoul emerged from the shadows, towering above them with a twisted, grotesque form that dwarfed the warriors.


    Its red eyes glowed with a menacing hunger, and a chilling grin stretched across its decayed face. Atlas studied the newcomer before using Void Sight to determine the monster''s rank and strength.


    [Void Brute Ghoul]


    [Rank: Rank B]


    [This is a rage-filled Karen that wants to talk to your manager]


    When Atlas saw the advice, he was stumped and didn''t know what to think but looked at Amethyst, ''''Take off and hit them from a distance; this big one will be a problem,'''' he said while readying his magic.


    He threw several Inferno Bombs that connected with the Brute''s chest. He exploded, causing it to roar in agony as Amethyst soared into the sky while bombarding the creatures with Cosmic Blast and Barrage.


    Explosions sent the smaller Ghouls flying back as Atlas dashed forward and dodged a wild swing from the monster''s fist. Once in the clear, he cast a dozen Void Lances at the leader, who blocked the attacks.


    But this is what Atlas wanted as he slid next to him while slicing through the man''s ankles, causing him to crumble to the ground. He rushed in and started hitting the Brute with a dozen slashes.


    ''Death by a thousand cuts! Now die.''


    Once Atlas was done attacking and calmed down, he quickly noticed the ground was soaked in blood as the massive Brute Ghoul fell, its lifeless body dissipating into the air and vanishing back into the Void Realm.


    The echoes of battle faded, leaving only the sound of their heavy breathing and the city''s silence. Archer and Amethyst pressed on once the immediate threat was eliminated, but exhaustion set in.


    ''We need to rest for a while,'' he thought while looking for the quiet street.


    They trudged through the streets, fatigue weighing heavily on them, their bodies smeared with blood. Atlas pulled out some ale and gave a bottle to the phoenix girl before taking a drink that refreshed him.


    He pulled up the total to see how much it went up.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 1789/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 178/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 1/5000]


    [----]


    ''It''s going up quick. Now I just need to unlock the boss, and then we''ll be good to go,'' Atlas chuckled.


    Following that, he grabbed Amethyst''s hand and returned to the real world, where his mana was getting low. When the two appeared on the balcony, a strong gust brushed against them.


    ''''Would you like something to eat, my love?'''' the phoenix woman questioned.


    Atlas smiled when he heard and leaned forward to kiss the surprised young woman. After that, she dragged him inside, where the others were relaxing. Estelle looked at him with a smile, ''''Do you want some tea, Azhar''Zul?'''' she asked.


    At the sound of the question, Atlas nodded and settled down, searching for a comfortable position. He kicked off his boots with a relieved sigh, feeling the weight of exhaustion wash over him.


    ''The battles in the Void Realm have taken its toll on me,'' he thought with a smile.


    Just then, Estelle appeared with a warm smile as she approached with a steaming cup of tea in hand. The rich aroma wafted up to him, instantly soothing him before he took a sip and loved the taste.


    When the tea hit his tongue, he felt slightly refreshed while watching the flames in the fireplace. Atlas was relaxed as the smell of meat hit his nose, causing him to turn around and notice Amethyst and Artemis cooking some food.


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 Chapter 231 I Am A Mighty Cosmic Phoenix

    As Estelle commented to the group, Atlas and the women ate breakfast at the table, ''''What''s the plan? The war in the south is in full swing, and the Achaemendians are moving fast.''''''''Do we travel further north?'''' Artemis answered. ''''They shouldn''t travel this far.''''


    ''''The Northern Wastes are dangerous and full of strong dungeons. Could we go there? I have a place for us to live while there,'''' Nulia suggested to the group.


    Everyone looked at the Frostbear woman as Grishna questioned, ''''Won''t it be cold there? I hate it.''''


    ''''It''s not that bad in my cave home; you can ask Atek, and he will back me up,'''' she answered as her blue eyes gleamed. ''''We''ll be safer there until the Achaemendian war stops?''''


    Atlas listened to them but got an idea; he looked at Nulia before inquiring, ''''How many dungeons are in the Northern Wastes?''''


    The brown-skinned woman thought briefly; seconds later, she answered, ''''A few dozen scattered across the tundra; they are different from each other and offer a perfect opportunity for us to level up.''''


    ''''That sounds good,'''' Atlas replied, outlining his plans. ''''We can remain in the Otherworld while I head north on Raymond. We can level up and grow stronger if you''re willing to help me catch more monsters for my army and tackle some dungeons. Once ready, we''ll head south to stir things up with the Achaemendians.''''


    After hearing his idea, which wasn''t bad, all five women gave thoughtful expressions, but Amethyst was the first to speak in a curious voice, "Can I still help you tame birds for this place?"


    ''''Why do you want to tame so many monsters, Little Bird?'''' Artemis quipped with a smile.


    The phoenix woman turned to the brunette with narrowed eyes as she retorted, ''''Because birds are powerful monsters and could benefit the Otherworld and Azhar''Zul, Fish.'''' Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before Artemis could reply, he interrupted with a smile, ''''Arte, can you tame sea monsters? I know you''re a Siren.''''


    Her brown eyes gleamed before she nodded, ''''I can, but you may have to come with me.''''


    When Amethyst heard this, she protested, ''''You want to spend alone time with him! We agreed to wait until I was eighteen, only half a year away.''''


    Artemis giggled while answering, ''''We all have to share Little Bird. Don''t complain, and let me spend time with him.''''


    ''These women are lionesses,'' he thought with a chuckle. ''They are always snapping at each other.''


    Then Estelle asked him curiously, ''''Can you travel with us inside the Otherworld? Won''t it put a strain on you?''''


    Atlas shook his head, ''''No, it''s a separate realm from the real world, which confuses me, but it''s something to do with me being a Voidwalker,'''' he answered.


    Following that, the group agreed to stay in the Otherworld while Atlas and one of them would travel with him so he didn''t get into trouble. Once everything was settled, Estelle and Grishna wanted to train, and Nulia joined them.


    This left Artemis and Amethyst, the Siren woman, wanting to swim. She kissed him on the cheek while leaving the treehouse with a beaming smile as the phoenix angrily threw a fork at her.


    Atlas chuckled at the sight, but Amethyst pulled him onto the balcony before he could react. She turned to him, flushed with a deep red, and spoke hopefully. ''''Will you wait for me, my love? I''m your first wife, and it''s only right that we share our first time.''''


    He was caught off guard but nodded with a smile. ''''I won''t sleep with the others; I''ll wait for you. After all, you''re my pigeon girl.''''


    Amethyst''s face flushed with irritation as she started hitting him playfully. ''''Stop calling me a pigeon!'''' she exclaimed. ''''I am a mighty Cosmic Phoenix, and I''ve chosen you as my life mate!''''


    Atlas was taken aback but nodded in agreement. ''''I''ve chosen you too, Amethyst, but you know there are also the other four. I''m growing close to them.''''


    Amethyst sighed at his words, a hint of frustration in her voice. ''''I know you like them, especially Blondie with her giant boobs. You''re always staring at those airbags!''''


    He chuckled, shaking his head. ''''Yeah, they''re pretty amazing, but yours? They''re perfect.''''


    When the purple-haired woman heard this, she went bright red, causing Atlas to continue with his sweet words as he embraced her, ''''Once you turn eighteen, we will go out on a date and have a special night.''''


    Amethyst beamed before nodding, ''''That would be nice. My mother told me a lifemate would ensure the first time was special. Did you know a Cosmic Phoenix was with the last Voidwalker?''''


    ''''Yes, and you, her descendant pigeon,'''' he teased, smiling as he leaned in to kiss her forehead. ''''But none of that matters because I like you, Amethyst Flameheart.''''


    Her delicate hand cupped his cheeks, pulling him closer. Then she kissed him, and the moment their lips touched, a surge of electricity shot through his body, sending a thrilling jolt that made his heart race.


    After the kiss, they parted, and Amethyst smiled softly, ''''I''m going to do some flying to clear my head.''''


    Atlas nodded before responding. ''''Enjoy yourself. I''ll be working on creating more for the Otherworld, so keep an eye out for any changes,'''' he replied with a grin, bidding farewell to the phoenix woman as she spread her wings and took off into the sky.


    Once she was gone, he sat down and decided to clear out more Ghouls, which would be helpful in the future. With that thought, he activated Void Realm and appeared in the destroyed city.


    He drew his swords, and the Void Ghouls'' eerie howls echoed from all sides as they darted out of the shadows. Bracing himself, he cast Void Guard, creating a shimmering barrier, and sent a few creatures flying.


    Without hesitation, he unleashed a volley of Void Arrows, the azure projectiles slicing through the air and searing holes into the creatures. Their twisted forms disintegrated back into the realm, but monsters surged forward, ready to overwhelm him.


    Then, Atlas sliced through the Ghouls'' bodies until he encountered a Brute Ghoul that sent a powerful punch in his direction. He crossed his blades to block the attack, and when it connected, his arms shook due to the force.


    With a surge of power, he cast Void Wave, unleashing a devastating shockwave that blasted the surrounding creatures, forcing them back and clearing some space. Seizing the opportunity, he channeled his energy into Void Smash.


    He pulled his fist back, dark energy swirling around it, before launching it forward with bone-crushing force. The moment his fist collided with the Brute''s chest, a loud clap echoed through the battlefield.


    The impact obliterated the Brute''s chest in a burst of energy, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. He dove back into the fray without missing a beat, clashing with the swarming Void Ghouls.


    ''This is easier than I expected,'' Atlas thought, a fierce grin.


    Void Punches and Smashes tore through the horde, each blow triggering explosive bursts of dark mana. With every strike, hundreds of enemies were wiped out. Once enough were dead, he pursued the fleeing Ghouls, thinning their numbers.


    After Atlas killed all the creatures, he needed to catch his breath while leaning against a nearby wall.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 4912/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 328/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 1/5000]


    [----]


    Following that, he continued fighting the Void Ghouls until he came across a group of Brutes who started attacking him. Atlas managed to deflect many strikes, but some caught him off guard and slammed into his stomach.


    He was catapulted through the city while crashing through buildings and causing some to collapse on top of him. Stay tuned for updates on empire


    Atlas tore through the Void Ghouls; his fists charged with mana as he unleashed Void Punch after Punch. Explosions erupted with every hit, disintegrating the creatures in waves. His breath came in heavy gasps, but he pressed on, his strikes accurate and devastating.


    Suddenly, he felt the energy within him wane. As he went to cast another spell, nothing happened. His mana was depleted. Atlas cursed under his breath, stumbling slightly as the weight of exhaustion hit him.


    Sensing his vulnerability, the Ghouls began to close in, but he returned to the real world and noticed the two moons hanging overhead. Following that, Atlas relaxed on the balcony while a storm started.


    A blizzard swept through the real world, and Atlas swiftly blocked its effects from reaching the Otherworld. He activated the Otherworld''s seasons with a quick adjustment, letting its unique weather patterns take over.


    Atlas gazed out over the vast expanse of the Otherworld. The landscape sprawled before him, a wave of colors shifting with the changing seasons. Towering trees, their leaves shimmering, swayed gently in the breeze while distant mountains loomed, their peaks kissed by clouds.


    ''This place is beautiful and its all mine,'' he thought with a greedy smile.


    While standing that, Grishna appeared beside him with a grin, ''''The Little Bird loves you Atlas, do not break her heart.''''


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 Chapter 232 Are They Intelligent

    Atlas glanced at the beautiful orc woman and nodded, ''''I won''t let any of you down,'''' he said with a charming smile.Grisha beamed as she excitedly asked, ''''Can we test out your Void Realm with the others? I want to see it.''''


    ''''Yes, gather the others and meet me in the living room,'''' Atlas replied while stretching his only arm before walking inside.


    He quickly noticed Estelle standing there, and when spotting him, she smiled, ''''Ah Azhar''Zul, I''ve been thinking, once I level up some more, I can try to heal your arm.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his eyes widened, but he nodded, responding, ''''That sounds good to me, thank you.''''


    The blonde flashed him a dazzling smile before stepping closer and kissing his cheek quickly. He was caught off guard, and her laughter bubbled as she said, ''''Grish mentioned that we''re helping you with the Void Realm?''''


    Atlas nodded as Artemis, Amethyst, and Grishna entered the living room, their faces excitedly lit. He gestured for them to come closer. ''''I need you all nearby to activate the skill, ladies.''''


    Once everyone was close, Atlas selected the skill, causing everyone to appear in the destroyed city as he spoke, ''''Be careful, ladies. The Void Ghouls are sneaky creatures and ambush you from the shadows.''''


    Upon hearing this, Estelle drew her shield and moved to the front, positioning herself protectively. Artemis and Grishna flanked her, standing slightly behind on either side, while Amethyst remained at the center of their formation.


    He observed the scene with fascination, Nulia standing quietly at his side. Seeing this, Atlas smiled before turning to the brown-skinned beauty, ''''You protect the rear while I move around the battlefield.''''


    Nulia nodded with a smile as she transformed into her Frostbear form and let out a heart-shaking roar, answered by hundreds of horrifying howls that echoed throughout the city, causing everyone to prepare for an attack.


    ''They always start off like this,''


    Atlas mused as the excitement ignited.


    With a deafening roar, the first wave of Ghouls charged forward, their shrieks splitting the air. Estelle, Artemis, and Grishna stood momentarily stunned by the sudden onslaught but quickly regained their composure.


    With fierce determination, the brunette unleashed her sling, launching searing mana bolts piercing the creatures'' skulls. Estelle slammed her shield into the ground with force, creating a wall of blinding white light that shimmered like an impenetrable fortress.


    In the meantime, Atlas marveled as Amethyst unfurled her shimmering wings, taking to the sky in a breathtaking display. From above, she rained down devastating bursts of cosmic magic, her attacks tearing through the Ghouls.


    Meanwhile, Grishna, spear in hand, dashed into the fight. Her movements were a blur as she effortlessly skewered dozens of Ghouls, her spear an extension of her body, keeping the hideous creatures at bay before dispatching them.


    ''She''s a warrior; maybe she can help me train one day,''


    Atlas thought while admiring the young woman.


    As Grishna carved her way through the horde, Estelle charged forward like an unstoppable force of nature. With her shield blazing and her power surging, she plowed through the masses, crushing hundreds of Ghouls beneath her and leaving a trail of devastation in her wake.


    The battlefield trembled beneath their might; Atlas was excited, but Nulia noticed some sneaky creatures trying to attack the women from the flank. The Frostbear woman charged forward and tore them apart with ease.


    ''Glad Nulia is a friend and not foe; her bear form is powerful.''


    After that, Atlas got involved and cast Void Infusion on his blades before carving through the monsters'' bodies, causing them to collapse. That''s when he spotted several Savage Ghould heading straight for Grishna.


    He noticed the orc beauty spotted them and grinned, a fierce glint in her eyes. Without hesitation, she hurled a metal ball toward them. The instant it struck the ground, it emitted a piercing shriek that disoriented the Ghouls, their grotesque forms stumbling in confusion.


    Wasting no time, Grishna surged forward, her spear a blur as she drove it through them with deadly precision, each thrust ending a life as she tore through their ranks. Amid the chaos, Atlas''s sharp gaze caught sight of mana bolts slicing through the horde, picking off Ghouls from a distance.


    He turned just in time to see Artemis, who had abandoned her sling for a gleaming sword. As the creatures closed in, she lunged forward with lethal speed, her blade cutting through the air, carving into the advancing Ghouls with the grace of a warrior born for battle.


    ''So I don''t have to worry about them all,''


    he thought with a smile.


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    ''They all can fight and are strong.''


    As the battle continued, Atlas wiped out a group using Void Barrage before pulling up the monster after an hour of fighting with the women.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 6999/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 1176/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 1/5000]


    [----]


    Atlas smiled when he saw this; he started spamming Void Arrows and Bullets that sliced through the air and connected with a group of Savaga Ghouls, causing them to fall to the ground as holes were burned through their foreheads.


    ''Looks like they''re weak to those spells,''


    he pondered while casting more.


    The battle raged on, a relentless storm of steel and magic until the first finally fell. A pack of Void Ghouls, moving with unnatural speed, managed to ambush Artemis. Their claws tore at her, but he reacted instantly and sent her back to the real world in a flash of light.


    As soon as she disappeared, Grishna became the next target. The others followed one by one due to the overwhelming number of creatures¡ªAmethyst, then Nulia¡ªvanishing from the battlefield as he sent them safely away.


    Now, only Atlas and Estelle remained, standing firm against the horde. Estelle, shield raised, was a bastion of light and unyielding power as the two defended against the Void Ghouls'' vicious sneak attacks.


    The odds were growing, but neither wavered; Estelle cut down a dozen creatures before a Ghoul Brute managed to land a punch on the blonde. She was sent crashing to the ground, forcing Atlas to send her back to the real world.


    Once alone, the Ghouls circled him as the Savages growled at him, but a Brute stepped forward with a knowing smile. Atlas was shocked,


    ''Are they intelligent? Maybe this type is?''


    he thought while glancing at the others.


    That''s when he noticed the intelligence in their eyes and gulped before the Brute chuckled as it charged forward. As the creature got close, it swung a powerful punch that Atlas dodged, narrowly avoiding a colossal fist that cratered the ground where he''d stood.


    He cast Void Blast at the Brute when he got enough space between them. The bolt slammed into the creature''s side, but instead of recoiling in pain, the Brute turned its head, eyes narrowing as if calculating its next move.


    ''Yeah, it''s smart! This is bad.''


    Atlas backed off when realizing this creature wouldn''t be easy to defeat. With that thought, he steeled himself before casting several Void Bombs at it; the azure projectiles sliced through the air and slammed into the stronger Ghoul.


    ''This is my chance; maybe I can end it,''


    he thought with a tired smile.


    Explosions rippled across the street they were fighting on, but Atlas dashed forward and sensed the fist. He sidestepped the attack before driving his blade into its flesh and sliced it open before casting Void Bullets inside, causing the creature''s arm to explode.


    Atlas could feel the Brute''s rage building as it was injured from his last attack. The beast snarled, swiping at him with its massive claw that appeared out of nowhere, but Atlas was already moving.


    His body blurred with speed, dodging the strike and weaving between the Brute''s lumbering swings. He unleashed a Void Barrage that pummeled the enemy''s thick hide, stunning the creature further.


    Following that, he sheathed his weapons before using Void Step and unleashing a Void Smash on the Brute''s face. When his fist connected, a loud clap was heard as the creature''s head exploded.


    Atlas dropped to the ground, exhausted and out of mana, as the other Ghouls jumped on him, ending his go at Level Four. Opening his eyes, he noticed the five women gossiping around the kitchen table.


    Before getting up, he checked the monster''s total, as they killed many creatures during their fight.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 9231/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 3711/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 2/5000] Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [----]


    ''Nearly halfway done already,''


    Atlas thought before shaking his head and standing up.


    When the women noticed him, Amethyst jumped up and declared with a big smile, ''''We''ve decided to help you fight those horrible creatures, Atlas.''''


    The other four nodded in agreement as he answered, ''''We can try in a few hours; if I go back now, I will be tired and slower than the last time.''''


    ''''Why is that? Isn''t it your realm?'''' Artemis questioned with a curious expression on her pretty face.


    Atlas joined them at the table, explaining, ''''It doesn''t belong to me; that''s the Otherworld we''re in now. The Void Realm is a creation of something I don''t know, but sometimes I''ve felt eyes on me when fighting a few times.''''


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 Chapter 233 The Only Orc I want (R-18)

    Following their fight in the Void Realm, the women rested as they did their things, but Grishna grabbed his hand with a grin, ''''Come with me, Azhar''Zul. I got something for you,'''' she said.Atlas was curious and let the orc woman take him into another part of the treehouse as he questioned, ''''What are you up to, Grish?''''


    The woman didn''t turn back as she answered, ''''Now I''ve seen how strong you''re and know you will only grow. I want to become your woman, but my promise with the Little Bird forbade me from being claimed.''''


    His eyebrow raised in interest as she continued, ''''So to prove my words, I will become your woman, but once you bed Amethyst, I want it after.''''


    As Atlas heard this, he got excited, and they reached a bedroom resembling Grishna''s. She pushed him onto the bed and straddled him as her large soft boobs squashed against his chest, causing his lust to ignite.


    His cock went hard and rubbed against the orc woman''s pussy, causing her to hug him tight as she moaned, ''''Mmmghh~~ Bless the goddess for bringing you here, Atlas.''''


    Atlas felt his body shiver as she bit into his neck while gyrating her thick waist, causing pleasure to crash against both of their bodies. Soon enough, Grishna stopped biting him before unbuttoning his shirt after he dismissed his armor.


    When the orc woman noticed his toned physique and perfectly chiseled muscles, she bit her lip before exclaiming in a lust-filled voice, ''''Your body is something else, and it''s mine now; you will have no other orc lover? Only me.'''' sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Of course, my Grishna is the only orc I want,'''' Atlas replied, causing the woman''s body to tremble as she dropped to her knees.


    Her green eyes gazed at him as she tugged his pants down, allowing his cock to pop out, shocking the orc woman. Grishna grabbed hold of it and slowly started stroking it while speaking in a breathless voice, ''''You''re massive, and I can''t wait until this beast claims me.''''


    Atlas shivered when hearing her seductive voice, but the next moment, she leaned forward and ran the tip of her tongue along his tip, causing him to groan. Grishna was happy with his reaction and started to pump even faster.


    ''''Does this make you feel good, husband?'''' she asked in a sultry tone.


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    He nodded, leaning back on the bed and answering, ''''It feels so good, Grish. Please don''t stop.''''


    It was getting too much for him, but he felt a warm feeling envelop his cock as her slimy tongue licked every part of him as she bobbed her head up and down. Atlas grabbed her head and started thrusting into her mouth.


    Grishna accepted all over it as he started to fuck her mouth until he shoved it deeper and released his seed down the orc woman''s throat as she let out a seductive moan, ''''Mmmmmm~~.''''


    Soon, Atlas was breathing heavily as she stood up while licking her plump lips, ''''That was delicious, but do you want to continue this, my husband?''''


    He looked at her before nodding with a grin, ''''Sit on my face. We can''t have sex, but I can taste you at least.''''


    When Grishna heard this, she got excited as her pointy ears twitched while climbing on the bed while hiking up her dress. The orc woman climbed on Atlas''s face, and he noticed she wasn''t wearing any panties, and her perfect pussy was on show.


    It was neat with a tuff without any hair causing Atlas to lean up and run his tongue along her wet slit, causing Grishna to push his head into her pussy as she let out moans as the pleasure washed over her body, ''''Mmmghhh~~ Nmmmmhh~~.''''


    He grabbed her toned thighs that were clamped down on his head as his tongue slipped into her tight passage, which caused her to tremble with delight as her love juices poured into his mouth.


    ''''Looks like someone likes licking his orc,'''' she purred while grinding her waist on his face. ''''Mmmghhh~~ feels so good.''''


    Atlas started swallowing as much as he could as the sweet and tangy taste was something else, and he was worried about getting addicted to it. Following that, he continued licking Grishna until her body trembled and started squirting all over his face.


    The orc woman collapsed on the bed while she caught her breath, and Atlas noticed her boobs bouncing all over the place due to the motion. He sat up with a drenched face, causing Grishna to giggle.


    ''''That was amazing, my mate. I can''t wait to make love to you,'''' she said tiredly.


    The door opened, and Artemis appeared with a knowing smile, saying, ''''I see you two didn''t break the rule.''''


    Atlas laughed as the brunette turned to the orc woman. She continued in a knowing voice, ''''Moving fast?''''


    Grishna waved her away with a pleased smile, ''''Well, feeling that deadly tongue on my pussy was worth it, but you know us orcs, we live in the moment, and I like Atlas, so I made my move and to my surprise, he was up for it.''''


    ''''Because all of you are already mine, but it seems you ladies are accepting it now,'''' he questioned both women.


    Artemis laughed as she revealed, ''''Well, considering you''re eighteen, taller than all of us, and extremely handsome, why wouldn''t we accept it? It was difficult when you were a young boy to see you as anything but a little brother, but now it''s different.''''


    Atlas understood, which caused him to think. He remembered everything he had been through and was happy where he was, but something deep down told him to keep moving forward.


    ''I don''t set the pace; I race against it,'' he thought to himself before standing up, only to be confronted by Artemis.


    She scrunched her nose and said, ''''I can smell Grishna all over you.''''


    Atlas chuckled as he headed toward the bathroom, leaving Artemis and Grishna to share a laugh at his reaction, finding it endearing. He walked across the treehouse and heard Amethyst and Nulia talking in the living room.


    As he stepped into the bathroom, Atlas heard soft humming and wondered who it might be. ''


    It must be Estelle,''


    he thought.


    When he looked up, he was greeted by the sight of the blonde knight, her big blue eyes sparkling with delight. ''''Azhar''Zul! Join me; I''ll wash your back,'''' she said with a warm smile.


    Without waiting, Atlas stripped out of his clothes with a knowing smile, and Estelle''s eyes widened when she saw him naked. He stepped forward, got in the hot water, and saw the blonde in her birthday suit.


    Estelle was stunning. Her soft blonde hair was tied into a bun, different from her usual style, but what truly caught Atlas''s attention were her abundant breasts, perfectly perky and defying gravity.


    They ended in pink nipples, hard and enticing, tempting him to lean in and suck one of them. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he let his gaze drift down her toned hourglass figure, evidence of her dedication to fitness.


    She managed to maintain her feminine curves while showcasing her athletic physique, a combination that left him momentarily speechless, ''Wow she''s sexy,'' he thought with a grin.


    ''''What are you staring at, Azhar''Zul?'''' Estelle asked in an amused voice.


    ''''Don''t act stupid; you know I''m admiring my blonde knight,'''' Atlas answered in a heartbeat. ''''You''re gorgeous, Estelle.''''


    She beamed before speaking, ''''Thank you, Atlas, but turn around. I need to wash you.''''


    Atlas did as she asked and felt the soft hands rubbing soap on his back before rubbing his shoulders. He relaxed and slumped against the blonde, who put his head on her massive, soft pillows.


    His eyes closed as Estelle washed his chest. She commented in a hopeful voice, ''''Do you like me, Atlas?''''


    Without moving, he answered honestly, ''''Yes, I do.''''


    Hearing his answer, she smiled and asked, ''''Why would you want to be with a woman like me?''''


    Atlas opened one eye as he questioned, ''''What do you mean?''''


    Estelle sighed, a shadow of sadness crossing her beautiful features. ''''Back in the Argonia Kingdom, many people called me a tomboy, saying no man would want a woman who acts like a male,'''' she confessed.


    Hearing this, Atlas sat up and turned to face her, brushing aside her worries with a gentle kiss. Their lips connected, and he felt the warmth and softness of her juicy mouth against his.


    To his delight, Estelle quickly returned the kiss with a passion that ignited between them, erasing the weight of her insecurities in that shared moment. Soon enough, Atlas broke apart as he brushed a lock of hair out of her face.


    ''''I find you beautiful and would love to be with a loyal woman like yourself,'' he revealed, causing the blonde to hug him tightly.


    Estelle quickly shoved his head into her cleavage. Following that, she got back to washing him with a happy smile. Atlas relaxed as the hot water and soap washed over him, as he closed his eyes.


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 Chapter 234 Can You Spend The Night With Me

    Estelle continued to wash Atlas as she pushed her giant boobs against his back, which made him shiver, ''''Are you teasing me, blondie?'''' he asked with a chuckle.She stopped moving before leaning into his pointy ear and whispered, ''''Do you dislike it, Atlas?''''


    ''''No, I like it and want you to continue,'''' he replied, leaning against her chest and feeling its soft touch.


    The blonde giggled as she started to kiss his neck, sending a shock through his body as he reached back and squeezed her thick thighs. Estelle let out a moan, which turned him on even more, ''''Mmmmghhnn~~.''''


    ''''We should stop before it goes any further, Atlas,'''' she said, her voice breathless as his hand inched closer.


    Hearing her words, he immediately removed his hand, keeping things respectful. ''''I won''t rush you, Estelle. When the time is right, we''ll take that step.''''


    Her smile widened at his response, and she leaned in slightly, whispering, ''''Thank you, my husband.''''


    Following that, the two of them continued washing before Atlas stepped out because he couldn''t keep staring at her boobs as it was making her go red. Once the cold air hit his skin, he shivered.


    ''''Make sure to wrap up; it''s getting colder,'''' Estelle smiled while appearing beside him.


    Once the blonde finished speaking, they both began drying off, the air filled with a sense of calm. He grabbed some fresh clothes from storage and quickly put them on before leaving the bathroom.


    As Atlas stepped out, he couldn''t help but think, ''


    I hate Frostwinter; the air is too cold.''


    He shivered slightly, wishing for the warmth of a distant sun.


    Estelle followed, slipping into her armor with practiced ease. The metal clinking echoed softly as she fastened each piece. Atlas looked at her with a raised eyebrow, ''''Do you need to wear that while we''re relaxing?''''


    ''''We should start training for the dungeons,'''' Estelle replied while putting on her helmet. ''''Plus, the Fish and Little Bird want to fight me to see how strong they''ve become.''''


    Atlas nodded before saying farewell to her as he found a place to relax while jumping into the Void Realm. His consciousness was sucked into the destroyed city as howls started ringing out.


    He drew his swords, channeling Void Infusion into them as dark energy surged along the blades. Focusing his thoughts, he pulled up the monster total for this level.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 9231/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 3711/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 2/5000]


    [----]


    Following that, a dozen Savage Ghouls rushed out of a nearby street and tried to attack him, but Atlas dodged their attacks while countering with a few swipes that decapitated the creatures. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He noticed the Ghouls were trying to encircle him, but when Atlas used Void Wave, it sent the monsters flying into the surrounding buildings. This allowed him to dash toward the downed foes and thrust his blades into their skulls.


    Atlas''s twin swords humming with Void energy. With every swing, the blades cut through the decaying creatures like they were made of paper. His movements were a deadly dance as he slashed and spun, quickly severing limbs and heads.


    ''This is getting easier,''


    he thought with an excited smile.


    Hundreds of Ghouls fell beneath his ruthless assault, their shrieks of pain and death echoing through the city streets. Two more rushed him for every one that fell, but Atlas didn''t falter as he continued fighting the creatures.


    His void-charged strikes obliterated the groups of creatures, leaving nothing but ash in his wake. But just as the last wave of Ghouls collapsed, the ground trembled. The Brutes had arrived¡ªmassive, hulking beasts with thick, armored skin.


    ''Looks like things just got hard,''


    Atlas mused as he readied to attack the bigger monsters that would put up a good fight.


    Without waiting for the Ghoul Brutes to move, he cast Void Bomb at them. The azure projectile sliced through the air and slammed into the rage-filled creature, causing a massive explosion.


    It sent every Void Ghoul flying and slamming into the building, and a few Brutes were wiped out due to the blasts. When Atlas saw this, he quickly checked the monster''s total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 10919/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 3989/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 12/5000]


    [----]


    ''Nearly done with the first too but now to fight with the Brutes,''


    he mused while spinning his blades.


    The Brute Ghouls charged forward and started to punch out, but Atlas ducked and sank out of the way. He felt the wind past his face as he leaned out of the way of one strike, but he countered with a Void Blast into the creature''s chest.


    An azure explosion erupted, but Atlas used Void Step to escape the shockwave as the creature was burned to ashes. Following this, the battle erupted as more Brute Ghouls started charging in.


    They soon overwhelmed him with their numbers, causing Atlas to reappear in the treehouse. He was sweating and felt phantom pains as the Ghoul''s fists still left a mark even in the real world.


    While sitting there, Nulia appeared with a warm smile and spoke, ''''Atlas, you need to rest. Give the Void Realm a rest for a while.''''


    ''''I know, but I like getting the numbers down,'''' he replied while sitting up as the brown-skinned beauty sat on his lap.


    She put her forehead against his and questioned in a longing voice, ''''You do know how I feel about you?''''


    Atlas nodded with a smile before answering, ''''You like me, but you don''t want to rush things in case it ruins what we''ve got going.''''


    Nulia beamed as she continued, ''''Can you spend the night with me? I miss those cold nights we used to cuddle up.''''


    ''''Of course. I used to love cuddling you; for some reason, you were always warm,'''' Atlas responded as he grabbed her big boobs. ''''I especially loved these soft girls; when can I pamper them?''''


    The young woman giggled before swatting his hands away, saying, ''''We have to take the pledge, which means we would be connected for life. That''s a big change, Atlas. Can you give me some time to think?''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement as Nulia smiled, ''''Thank you for understanding; I will cook something to eat for us and Atek; he has been hibernating since healing from his injuries.''''


    ''''I hope he wakes up soon; I miss that fluff ball,'''' he replied while eating some dumplings.


    Nulia started laughing, ''''You two were truly best friends; I didn''t think he''d warm up to you like that,'''' she said with a cheerful voice.


    The young woman left the living room, causing Atlas to approach the balcony around the treehouse. Outside, he spotted Artemis, Amethyst, and Grishna fighting Estelle, who was defending herself from the trio''s attacks.


    Atlas watched as the blonde blocked a Cosmic Blast from the phoenix girl before raising her shield to block Grishna''s spear thrust. Estelle quickly activated a skill, and Shield Bashed the orc woman.


    She was sent flying, crashing hard into Amethyst, as Artemis charged in with her sword, launching a flurry of strikes at the knight. Atlas watched intently as Estelle skillfully deflected most of the attacks.


    But in a brief moment of vulnerability, a Lightning Slash slammed into her shield, crackling with power. The impact forced the blonde knight to skid backward, her footing faltering as the sudden attack caught her off guard.


    Before she could recover, Grishna unleashed a barrage of Earth Bolts, the dozen projectiles slicing through the air before hammering into Estelle''s defenses, straining her shield under their relentless assault.


    ''It seems like all of them have got stronger during our separation,''


    Atlas pondered with a smile.


    After that, he watched Estelle batter away Artemis and Amethyst before challenging Grishna to a fistfight. The orc woman waved the other two away with a big smile, ''''Now we get to fight properly, blondie; we may be with the same man, but that doesn''t mean we can be friends.''''


    Estelle scoffed, her tone sharp. "It''s only because of Azhar''Zul that I tolerate you," she said, but her expression softened slightly. "But I''ll admit, you''re a skilled warrior¡ªsomeone I''m glad to fight beside."


    Her words left everyone momentarily stunned, the rare compliment catching them off guard, especially considering the two women''s previous relationship. When Grishna heard this, she approached the blonde.


    Atlas stood uncertain, not knowing what to expect. But when Grishna extended her hand with a warm, friendly smile, she spoke softly, ''''Want to put the past behind us, sister? We can''t keep attacking each other when we care for the same man.''''


    Estelle glanced at Grishna''s outstretched hand before taking it with a genuine smile. ''''I''m sorry for insulting you,'''' she said. ''''I see now that you''re a kind woman and truly care for Atlas.''''


    ''Oh looks like they just become civil with each other,''


    he thought.


    ''''Don''t think being friends gets you out of our fight, blondie,'''' Grishna said excitedly.


    The blonde giggled and shook her head before replying, ''''How can I forget? I know you Orcs love a good fight.''''


    ''''No weapons or magic, just fists, and our husband can be the referee?'''' the Orc woman announced while her green eyes landed on Atlas.


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 Chapter 235 Chaos Is In Control

    ''''Okay, I will be your referee,'''' Atlas responded to Grishna.The Orc woman beamed with satisfaction, her tusked grin wide and genuine. Now at ease, Estelle set down her sword and shield, then squared her stance, preparing for the fight ahead.


    Grishna, with her robust Orc frame, moved first, throwing a heavy punch at Estelle''s torso. Quick and agile, the blonde sidestepped and countered with a sharp jab to the other woman''s shoulder.


    The two exchanged blows, each hit packed with skill and precision. Atlas couldn''t help but smirk as he watched them, their strength and competitive spirits on display. It was a battle of equals, and he admired how far they had come.


    Atlas watched the two beautiful women circle each other, eyes locked, the air crackling with intensity. Without warning, Grishna lunged forward, her Orc fist barreling toward Estelle like a sledgehammer.


    The blonde reacted instantly, dodging the attacks as she delivered a lightning-quick jab to Grishna''s side. The impact was fierce, but the orc merely grinned, her tusks gleaming in the dim light.


    She retaliated with a crushing hook aimed at Estelle''s jaw. Atlas saw the blonde duck just in time, spinning on her heel to deliver a sharp uppercut that sent Grishna stumbling back a step, her grin never fading.


    Fists flew in a blur of raw power and skill, each woman refusing to give an inch. The ground beneath them seemed to tremble as their blows collided, the sounds of fists meeting flesh echoing like thunder.


    The battle raged on; each punch flew without care. Atlas watched as the Orc woman finally ducked under one of Estelle''s swings, expertly sweeping the blonde''s legs from under her, shocking everyone.


    ''That was sneaky but good,''


    he thought with a smile.


    Estelle crashed toward the ground, but not before delivering a crushing, head-ringing punch to Grishna''s face. The impact echoed with a resounding clap, causing the Orc to stagger back, dazed but still grinning, as she hit the ground with a thud.


    Both women, blood pumping, seemed even more determined than before. Atlas continued to watch, and when it became clear that neither woman could get the upper hand, he joined in with a smirk.


    Thanks to Void Step, he appeared behind Grishna before charging a punch, but Estelle shouted, ''''Behind you, Grish!''''


    The Orc woman dived to the side before casting an Earth Bolt that the Void Guard blocked before his punch closed in Grishna, who crossed her arms. When his fist connected, a clap rang out, but she was sent flying into the forest.


    A sudden Light Blast slammed into Atlas, launching him through the air. He bounced painfully along the ground before crashing into a giant tree. "Ah, shit, that hurt," he groaned, sliding to the ground in a heap.


    Pushing himself up, Atlas quickly drew Nightblade just in time to deflect an attack from Artemis, her sword gleaming as she lunged with a wicked smile. He parried her strike to the right, skillfully redirecting the force.


    He quickly cast Void Wave, a dark surge of energy that blasted into the brunette, sending her hurtling into the depths of the forest. Atlas turned to Estelle and started casting Void Lances at the knight.


    The blonde raised her shield just in time to block the spells that slammed into the metal, forcing Atlas to use Void Step to reappear behind her. With a playful smirk, he smacked her bubble bum, eliciting a surprised yelp.


    ''''You''re mine in this life and the next, Estelle,'''' he said with a smile.


    But before she could react, a Void Blast struck her legs, spinning her through the air like a Ferris Wheel. She finally crashed to the ground with a heavy thud, the impact reverberating through the clearing as she lay momentarily dazed.


    ''''That leaves Amethyst. Now, where is that pigeon woman?'''' Atlas muttered with a smile as a whoosh sliced through the air and a foot connected hard with his face.


    A loud boom resonated as he crashed into the ground, the impact sending shockwaves through the earth. Amethyst had unleashed a mana-infused kick to his head, and his vision blurred as he felt the force of the blow. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Atlas came to, he found himself at the bottom of a crater, his body pressed into the earth by the sheer power of the attack, his head ringing from the impact, ''When did she get that strong,'' he thought while standing up.


    He shook his head, dusting himself off as he climbed out of the crater, and caught sight of Amethyst standing there with a proud smirk on her face. Just as Atlas regained his footing, she dashed confidently toward him.


    But he couldn''t help but smile, sidestepping the young woman easily and swiftly tripping her. Amethyst went headfirst into the crater he had created, landing with a soft thud. She lay there, dazed but still wearing a silly grin, her pretty features illuminated by the sunlight.


    It was a comical sight, and despite the intensity of their battle, Atlas couldn''t help but chuckle, ''''Are you okay, Amethyst?''''


    ''''I''m fine! Just laying here admiring the sky,'''' a muffled voice replied.


    Suddenly, a primal instinct urged Atlas to move, but he was too late. A massive white bear barreled into Atlas, sending him flying. Dazed, he hit the ground hard, only for Nulia to chase after him, pinning him down as his head spun from the impact.


    The Frostbear growled inches from his face, but Atlas managed to smile through the chaos. Drawing upon his power, he launched his strongest attack, ''''Void Smash.''''


    A brilliant blue light erupted from his strike, sending the bear crashing into a nearby tree with a resounding thud. But Nulia quickly recovered, springing back to her feet as if the attack was a scratch and lunging at him.


    She clamped her powerful jaws around his legs, and Atlas screamed in pain as she bit down. That''s when he heard Grishna''s voice, ''''She''s enraged! How the fuck did he manage to do that.''''


    Nulia was far from kind; she slammed Atlas into the ground, her teeth piercing his flesh as blood oozed from the wounds, fueling the bear''s rage even further. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he pulled back before delivering a powerful Void Punch.


    A loud boom echoed through the air as the attack landed, forcing Nulia to release her grip. Atlas was thrown to the ground with a jarring thud, but the Frostbear was on him again before he could catch his breath.


    Just then, Estelle appeared like a flash of light, charging in with a Shield Bash aimed squarely at Nulia. But the enraged bear barely flinched, her wild eyes locked onto Atlas, disregarding Estelle''s attack''s impact.


    The battle had escalated into chaos, and the heartbreaking reality set in: Nulia had utterly lost control. She swung her massive claw with a primal roar, swatting Estelle away like a mere distraction.


    Atlas barely had time to react before the woman turned her full fury on him. Her claws raked through the air with terrifying speed, tearing into his flesh and leaving deep, agonizing gashes.


    Pain shot through him, but it was Nulia''s unrecognizable eyes that shattered his heart. This was not the woman he once knew; she was a storm of rage, consumed by instinct. But that''s when he sensed something that caught him off guard,


    ''Chaos is in control of her!''


    Before Atlas could react, Nulia lunged at him with a ferocity that took his breath away. Her claws raked across his body, slicing through armor as if it were mere fabric, and he felt the searing pain as she tore into his flesh, muscle, and even bone.


    Each brutal strike felt like an eternity, the agony overwhelming as blood sprayed across the ground, soaking the earth and staining it a deep crimson. Atlas gasped, his vision blurring as he struggled to breathe.


    That''s when he realized he might die as his life ebbed away, and everything came crashing down around him. Desperation clawed at his heart. Nulia was relentless, her eyes wild with fury, entirely consumed by the beast within.


    With a primal snarl, she clamped her jaws around the back of Atlas''s neck, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. She slammed him down repeatedly, treating him like a rag doll, the sickening sound of impact echoing through the air.


    The sight was horrifying, and the other women who had rushed to the scene watched in shock and disbelief, their hearts pounding as they witnessed it. They could only stand frozen, torn between their desire to help and the terror of what Nulia had become.


    Grishna lost her mind and charged while casting dozens of Earth Bolts and Razorwind Blases that slammed into the enraged bear. Nulia swiped at the Orc woman, who ducked under it before unleashing a fully charged Iron Fist.


    When her fist connected with their friend, she was sent flying back, but not before a swipe opened up Grishna''s stomach. Estelle quickly rushed in, grabbed her, and dragged her away as she screamed, ''''I will heal her! Secure Atlas now, or he will die!''''


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 Chapter 236 You Shall Not Hurt Master

    Atlas felt himself fading, the world dimming around him. Through his remaining eye, he caught a glimpse of the blue sky above, starkly contrasting the chaos enveloping him. All he knew was that Nulia''s claws had brutally destroyed his left eye.''Am I going to die?''


    he thought as his mind started to turn foggy.


    A large slice ran down the side of his face, exposing his teeth and causing blood to flow out like a waterfall. His breaths were shallow and ragged; each inhaled a struggle against the darkness closing in.


    Thanks to his resilience, he was still alive, his Regeneration working tirelessly to keep him from slipping into the abyss. But even as the healing magic coursed through him, the relentless ache of his wounds threatened to drown him in despair.


    While lying there, he noticed Grisha go down due to Nulia''s claws, but Estelle quickly dragged her back as the others started attacking. Artemis used Gaia''s Glide to charge at the enraged Chaos control woman.


    ''''Come on, Little Bird! We need to get Atlas now!'''' she shouted as the phoenix woman took to the sky.


    The brunette skated across the ground and cast Arc Lightning several times as her sword was pointed at the Frostbear. The magic burst from her outstretched hand and slammed into Nulia, slowing her down.


    ''Damn, that didn''t stop her!''


    she thought in frustration while approaching the monster. Your journey continues on empire


    Artemis gritted her teeth before sliding under a sudden bite and hitting Nulia with three Earth Spikes. The stone objects slammed into the bear''s flanks and pierced her thick hide as she was hit with a dozen Cosmic Blasts.


    Amethyst soared through the air with a fierce battle cry, her body charged with rage as she used her Cosmic Punch against Nulia. A loud explosion resonated through the woods as her tiny fist connected with the bear''s flesh, shaking the ground beneath them.


    In an instant, the phoenix woman was propelled backward, crashing deeper into the forest and leaving a trail of chaos in her wake. Nulia was sent crashing along the ground as the force was too much.


    Atlas struggled to rise, but the Frostbear was upon him instantly. He could only watch as Nulia approached, poised to strike. Just then, Artemis stepped in front of him, a reassuring smile on her face.


    ''''Gaia''s Embrace!'''' she cast her defensive spell, summoning a thick stone wall that sprang up between them.


    However, Nulia seemed unfazed, crashing through the barrier with terrifying ease. Estelle emerged from the shadows as the bear pressed forward, launching herself at the Chaos-controlled woman''s flank with incredible force.


    The impact sent the beast stumbling, momentarily thwarting its advance and giving Atlas a fleeting glimmer of hope, but that was snatched away as Nulia turned to Estelle and cast Ice Blast from her maw.


    ''They won''t win, I can''t summon any monsters, my brain is hurting and I can''t concerntrate.''


    Atlas watched as the blonde raised her shield to block the incoming attack, the sheer force propelling her through a dozen trees before she finally landed with a sickening thud. Artemis tried to defend him, but she knocked the brunette unconscious with a swift swipe of her claw.


    Meanwhile, the enraged bear unleashed an Ice Blast, but Amethyst appeared out of nowhere and wrapped her wings around them, creating a protective barrier just as the spell sent them flying across the Otherworld.


    Nulia scanned the area, but the other women were nowhere to be found. Menacingly, she approached the dying Atlas as he raised his ruined hand and unleashed a Void Bomb at the monster.


    The azure projectile sliced through the air, striking her squarely in the face. However, all it did was stagger her backward, barely slowing her advance. This angered the Frostbear even more as she charged forward. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nulia spun Atlas around after grabbing one of his legs and tossing him while slashing at him with her other claw. By this time, his body felt completely numb, and the pain started to disappear as he crashed into the ground, feeling his bones snap.


    ''The pain is fading but the thumps are annoying now,''


    he thought with a foggy brain as the assault was too much for his body.


    She hurled him across the clearing, and he crashed into the trunk of a tree, blood spilling from his mouth. Atlas watched in horror as she advanced, her teeth stained with crimson, sending a chill through his battered body.


    Just as she prepared to deliver the death blow, something struck her side with a ferocious force. Nulia stumbled, momentarily disoriented, and in that instant, Atek, the Frostfang Tiger, stepped forward, his fur bristling and eyes glowing with a protective ferocity.


    He growled low, a primal warning resonating in the air as he positioned himself between the bear and the dying Atlas. The tension in the air thickened, and Atek stood firm, a fierce guardian ready to defend him.


    Atlas noticed the white tiger looked at him with pure sadness in its yellow eyes. It walked up to him and started licking his face, which brought a strained smile as he tried to stroke the big cat.


    ''''Thanks for helping me, but get out of here, boy,'''' he mumbled as his hands stained its white coat with blood, but Atek purred when he felt Atlas''s touch, following that, coughed up loads of blood just as a roar rang out.


    The Frostfang Tiger spun around as Nulia started charging again. His sharp fangs gleamed as frost curled from his breath. Atlas watched as the Frostbear roared and went to attack them, but the big cat was quicker as he lunged, sinking his teeth into her thick hide.


    She howled in fury, swiping her giant claw across his side, sending him skidding back. With a growl, Atek pounced again, claws glowing with frost as they slashed through the air. He met her blows in a fierce clash of strength and primal fury.


    Atlas started to fade as his life was slipping, but he was brought back to reality as something crashed down next to him. The big cat''s glowing yellow eyes dimmed due to the severe injuries he received.


    ''Oh no, he''s dying!''


    he thought in panic.


    His heart clenched at the sight, causing him to help the cat; with sheer determination, he ignored his agony and dragged himself toward the wounded Frostfang. Every movement sent waves of pain through him, but he refused to stop.


    Atek growled weakly in protest, his body trembling, but Atlas pressed on until he finally reached the creature''s side. He ignored Nulia''s ferocious charge and pressed his trembling hand on the neck of the beast.


    ''I''ll heal you with the last of my mana and get you back to Estelle so she can heal you,''


    Atlas thought as his head spun.


    Summoning every ounce of mana he had left, he funneled it into the tiger, his body shaking with the strain. With a final surge of power, he sent Atek toward the treehouse entrance just as Nulia, now wholly tainted by Chaos, reached him.


    Her claws tore into his back, slicing deep, and his flesh ripped open under the savage assault. Pain wracked his body, yet all that escaped him was a low whimper. In that agonizing moment, a distant memory surfaced¡ªhim and his father at the local park, the sun warm on his face, laughter in the air.


    The scene shimmered in his mind, pulling him away from the torment, even as Nulia''s claws dragged him deeper into darkness. The man looked worried, but Atlas had never noticed it that day.


    ''''Did you know I can''t wait to see you grow up, boy? Your mother and I love you so much, but you need to stay awake,'''' his father said warmly as they sat on a bench.


    ''''I can''t; my body is broken, and Nulia is on top of me,'''' he answered in a tired voice.


    His Father chuckled, ''''You still care for her even after this? You surprise me, son.''''


    Atlas shook his head before explaining, ''''It''s not the woman I know; Chaos has taken control of her, and I need to get rid of it.''''


    ''''Half dead?'''' the man asked.


    ''''It doesn''t matter; she needs to be freed from that nasty power,'''' Atlas said before his Father smiled.


    ''''That''s my boy; now save your woman. She''s wasting away due to that horrid stuff.''''


    Following that, Atlas woke up as his head was in Nulia''s mouth, but he raised his hand and placed it on her snout. He started sucking out the Chaos energy as it barreled toward his body, knowing it wanted him.


    Nulia stopped biting down and went still until she dropped him just as she got battered by a massive spiked tail. Dozens of rage-filled roars echoed as Atlas''s monsters finally arrived; a group of Scalebreakers circled him, and Cera''s glowing eyes landed on the Frostbear.


    ''You shall not hurt Master, woman!''


    she declared as Nulia stared at the newcomer angrily.


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 Chapter 237 Chaos Energy

    The Scalebreaker Matriarch reared up and slammed into the ground in a show of strength, but the Frostbear charged forward. As she got closer, another monster appeared, causing Atlas to order them,''Do not kill her! She''s under the control of my enemy. Lock her down, and I will help her.''


    When the creatures heard this, they agreed and started fighting Nulia. Cera and Tyson tied her down, and a loud screech echoed across the otherworld. Raymond dived down and clamped the Frostbear in his talon.


    Nulia couldn''t move as the Stormeagle was too strong for her. She raged but was forced to stay still. When Atlas saw this, he spoke to them,


    ''Bring me close to her; I need to get the Chaos out of her.''


    They agreed, and Tyson scooped his broken body in his mouth before taking him to the angry bear and placing him down so she wouldn''t bite him. Atlas coughed up even more blood as he put his hand on her giant body.


    He started sucking out all the Chaos energy that was destroyed as soon as his void mana touched it. Minutes later, Nulia stopped thrashing around before she collapsed, causing Atlas to sigh as if it were all gone.


    Following that, he collapsed as the pain was too much, and all he heard was the faint screaming of the women rushing toward him. That''s when Estelle and Artemis arrive at the scene and stop short when they see the monsters.


    The creatures hesitated, gazes fixed on the two women until the Scalebreaker Matriarch unleashed a thunderous bellow. The roar sent the monsters scattering, clearing a path for Estelle.


    She hurried to Atlas''s side, but when she reached him, a gasp of horror escaped her lips. His left eye was destroyed, and the flesh on that side of his face sliced open to the bone. The sight made her stomach twist in disgust.


    Though his armor was slowly mending itself, it revealed deep, brutal slashes across his body, blood seeping from the wounds. Estelle''s hands trembled as she took in the extent of his injuries, her heart pounding with fear and desperation.


    ''''This is bad, Estelle. Can you heal him?'''' Artemis asked as her brown eyes couldn''t stop staring at his broken body.


    Without saying a word, the blonde began praying, her voice soft but urgent, before casting ''


    Healing Light


    .''


    A warm glow enveloped Atlas, and though some of his wounds began to close, not all could be healed. Exhausted, she lowered her hands as the spell faded. Just then, Grishna and Amethyst appeared.


    The younger woman, panic written across her face, rushed to them. Her eyes widened in fear as she took in the sight of Atlas. ''''Is he still alive? Tell me, Estelle!'''' she demanded, her voice trembling with desperation.


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    ''''Barely, he''s holding on, but we need to get him back to the treehouse and find stronger health potions to try to beat the infection that''s taking hold of his body,'''' Estelle said as a bright glow emanated from Nulia.


    The Frostbear woman returned to her humanoid form, looking horrified, heartbroken, and desperate. She turned to the four women with tears in her blue eyes, ''''I didn''t mean it! Chaos infected me, but Atlas freed me from it.''''


    Grishna ignored the frantic voices around her, her fury blazing as she marched straight toward the Frostbear woman. Without hesitation, she threw a solid punch at Nulia''s jaw, the impact echoing as her head snapped to the side.


    ''''You nearly killed him! You brutalized our husband!'''' Grishna roared, her voice thick with rage.


    She raised her fist to strike again, and Nulia stood there, ready to take it. But before Grishna could land the next blow, a weak, strained voice broke through the tension. ''''Don''t hurt her...'''' Atlas managed, his voice barely above a whisper. ''''Chaos infected her body... it''s gone now.''''


    Though he was fading, he still lifted his head, his one remaining eye opened as he defended Nulia, who couldn''t bring herself to meet his gaze. ''''Come here,'''' he said softly, his voice filled with compassion and exhaustion.


    Grishna, still seething, grabbed the Frostbear woman''s arm and roughly dragged her toward Atlas, throwing her down at his side. Nulia stumbled but didn''t resist. With Estelle''s Healing Light, Atlas raised his hand weakly and gently cupped Nulia''s cheek.


    ''''It wasn''t your fault,'''' he whispered, his voice filled with kindness despite the unbearable pain. ''''Don''t hold it against yourself. Take the others and head north. Find me the Healing Frost Plant... it will help me recover.''''


    Nulia finally looked at him, her eyes filled with guilt and uncertainty, but she nodded, knowing his words were her only salvation from the weight of what had happened, ''''I''m sorry, Atlas. I will spend my life making it up to you.''''


    He gave her a weak smile and whispered, ''''Come close if my face doesn''t scare you.''''


    When Nulia heard this, she shook her head and rebutted his comment, ''''You don''t scare me; you never could.''''


    She moved close, and Atlas grabbed her before dragging her closer and kissing the shocked woman, but when she felt her mana rushing into him, she returned to kiss, which surprised the others.


    Grishna opened her mouth, rage still simmering, but Estelle gently touched the Orc''s shoulder before she could speak or move.


    ''''He''s forgiven her,'''' Estelle said softly, her voice calm yet firm. ''''You heard Atlas¡ªChaos did this, not her. They spent years together, and the two care about each other.''''


    Grishna''s fists loosened slightly, her anger slowly giving way. She glanced between Atlas and Nulia, seeing their unspoken bond, and let out a heavy sigh, her fiery temper cooling, though not fully extinguished.


    "I still don''t like it; she could have killed him!" the Orc woman said as Artemis and Amethyst nodded in agreement.


    Estelle sighed before explaining, ''''They had been trapped in the Chaos Realm for years. Some had hidden inside Nulia and waited for the perfect time to attack; those vile creatures hate Azhar''Zul as he is their weakness.'''' sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''There was that one being we met years ago; he wanted to wait until Atlas was stronger so he could eat him,'''' Amethyst said while staring at him.


    Following that, the phoenix woman approached the two as Nulia stood up and yelped when seeing Amethyst standing there. The Frostbear woman shook her head before speaking, ''''I''m sorry for what I did. When he managed to hit me with Void Smash, it activated the Chaos Energy inside, causing me to go into a wild frenzy.''''


    ''''It won''t happen again?'''' Amethyst asked Nulia with narrowed eyes as she noticed the woman''s mana was again normal.


    The brown-skinned woman nodded, ''''I unlocked a skill that helps shield me from Chaos Energy,'''' she explained.


    Amethyst kept staring at her before questioning, ''''Do you love him? And be honest.''''


    Nulia''s brown cheeks went dark, but she still answered, ''''I do. He is a good man and would make a brilliant husband, but I don''t think I deserve the title of wife after what I did to him. I disfigured him and ruined his handsomeness.''''


    ''''Stop being stupid; we will get him fully healed,'''' the phoenix replied with a smile. ''''I''m sure he doesn''t hold it against you.''''


    After that, the women rallied around Grishna, who scooped him into her arms as she spoke in a heartbroken voice, ''''Don''t worry, husband. We will make sure you''re fully healed and back to your handsome self.''''


    He let out a strained chuckle, but it quickly faded as darkness overtook him, and he fell unconscious. The women rushed to carry him back to the treehouse, where Atek rested in Atlas''s room.


    Grishna carefully placed him in bed, and as soon as he was settled, the Frostfang Tiger shrank in size and leaped onto the mattress. Atek nudged Atlas gently with his head before curling up and resting beside him.


    The Frostbear woman watched the scene unfold, her heart heavy with guilt. She stepped closer, her voice soft and apologetic as she stroked the little tiger, ''''I''m sorry for hurting you.''''


    Atek nudged against her hand, and a smile broke across her face. Artemis watched the moment and commented, ''''It seems he has forgiven you. You''re a lucky lady, Nuli.''''


    Nulia''s smile faded, replaced by a somber expression. ''''I know I don''t deserve them both,'''' she said, her voice laced with sadness. She shook her head. ''''But I will retrieve the plant he needs to heal. Amethyst can come with me; she can fly, making things easier.''''


    After that, the women entered the living room after ensuring Atlas was fine, but Grishna stayed behind while removing his armor and clothes. When the Orc woman managed it, she was beyond shocked.


    His body was covered in large slice wounds that clotted with blood. She lifted the covers and checked a particular part of him that she hoped, ''''Oh goddess, there''s not one spot not free from cuts, but at least the monster is fine.''''


    Once Grishna finished that, she leaned over and kissed him before leaving the room to speak with the others.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 238 This Doesnt Feel Right

    When the women left Atlas alone, his mind was still aware, but he couldn''t move his body due to exhaustion, causing him to activate Void Realm and appear in the destroyed city as howls rang out.''Looks like I''m not injured in this world,'' Read latest stories on empire


    he thought while taking out his swords.


    ''Now, let''s clear the level before the ladies heal me.''


    Following that, Atlas spotted the Void Ghouls rushing toward him while letting out a snarl, but he sidestepped the creature''s attack before decapitating with a quick swing of Nightblade as he cast Void Wave.


    The azure wave shot out and struck the surrounding monsters, sending them back to the realm. Atlas continued fighting without a break and kept pushing himself until he ran out of mana.


    He jolted awake in the real world, the sharp clarity of consciousness bringing a rush of memories¡ªhis left eye was gone. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he tried to sit up, but the searing pain from missing muscle and fresh scars surged through his body like fire.


    ''''Ahhh, damn it,'''' Atlas grimaced, forcing himself upright despite the agony. Panic swelled in his chest as he thought, ''


    Why isn''t Regeneration working?!''


    Once he was upright, the pain was worse, but he pushed it to the side while standing up to grit his teeth. Atlas shuffled toward the window and opened it only to feel the cold air hit his body.


    ''''That felt good,'''' he muttered while watching the trees sway in the distance due to the monsters.


    Atlas pulled up the Level Four monster total to see how many Void Ghouls he had killed during his run.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 12981/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 5313/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 48/5000]


    [----]


    ''Nearly done,''


    Atlas mused before walking onto the balcony and sitting in the comfortable chair.


    ''I can''t sense Nulia or Amethyst, anyone.''


    As he sat there, the door suddenly crashed open, and Grishna stormed out, her expression frantic until her eyes landed on him. Seeing him sitting upright brought an instant wave of relief to her face. She sighed heavily, her shoulders relaxing.


    "What are you doing out here?" she scolded gently, rushing over. "It''s cold, and you''re only going to make yourself worse." Her voice held a mix of concern and frustration as she knelt beside him, her eyes scanning his injuries.


    She started fussing over Atlas, which made him smile as he spoke in a strained voice, ''''I''m fine, Grish. It hurts sometimes, but I''ll get better.''''


    ''''Oh, shut up, will you?''''Grishna teased, her tone light but affectionate.


    ''''We''ve all agreed to help you, just like you''ve done for us. Come inside and let little ol'' me pamper you some more.'''' She gently took his arm, guiding him back toward the warmth of the house.


    Atlas chuckled despite the pain, wincing as they passed a mirror. His reflection caught his eye, and the grim reality hit him again. ''''My face is destroyed... one side is practically gone,'''' he muttered, his voice heavy with frustration.


    Grishna turned to him with a soft, reassuring smile. ''''You''re still handsome to me if that helps,'''' she said sincerely, her eyes locking with his. ''''And I doubt the others feel any differently. Now stop fussing and get in bed before your muscles give out.''''


    He nodded before collapsing into bed, saying, ''''Have Amethyst and Nulia gone already?''''


    ''''Yes, they left a couple of hours ago,'''' Grishna answered with a smile. ''''Now get some rest; I will make us some tea.''''


    Just as the Orc woman walked out of the room, a pain struck him, but this wasn''t any normal pain. It was one in his very core, ''Ahhh shit, what is happening now?'' he thought as his mind clouded.


    [Chaos Spirit Infection: Chaos has damaged more than your body - A spirit mage is needed to heal you]


    When Atlas read that, his body shut down, but before his mind could, he activated Void Realm and appeared in the city. He looked around as the howls rang out, causing him to mutter with a smile, ''''Well, at least I can train in here while waiting to be healed.''''


    Following that, he started battling the Void Ghouls, and he found it even easier to kill them. Nightblade and Stormforge tore through the monsters'' ranks thanks to Void Infusion. While fighting, a notification popped up, which took him by surprise.


    [Goddess Luxia has remade your Void Form so you can wield it, but once you do it will damage your spirit even more. "You better not die, boy! Consider this my apology for everything you''ve been through," she warned, her voice carrying power and a strange sense of care.]


    Once Atlas read that, he started killing even more Ghouls and Savages, causing them to vanish into the Void Realm. He fought for hours until returning to the real world, where Estelle was casting Healing Light on him.


    He smiled faintly before whispering, ''''We need to find a spirit mage to heal me, but I have something that can help.''''


    The three women exchanged glances, their expressions of concern and determination. He quickly sent a message to Amethyst, hoping for a prompt reply. When several moments passed in silence, he frowned and asked, ''''They went after the Frost Plant, right?''''


    ***


    While Atlas recovered in the Otherworld, Nulia and Amethyst rushed across the Northern Wastes. Whenever the two encountered any monsters, the Frostbear woman tore them apart in a wild frenzy, causing Amethyst to be wary of her.


    Nulia sensed this and stood on two feet, which brought her face to face with the phoenix woman whose purple eyes blazed with determination to help Atlas. She shook her head and spoke, ''''I didn''t mean to hurt him, Little Bird; I would die for him!''''


    ''''I know you would,'''' Amethyst replied, her voice soft yet resolute. ''''But it''ll take time for things to return to normal, even though Atlas doesn''t care about appearances.''''


    Nulia nodded in quiet agreement, her gaze thoughtful. As they pressed on, the air grew colder, and soon, they found themselves at the entrance to a narrow mountain pass. That was casting long shadows that made the pair uneasy.


    Amethyst exchanged a glance with Nulia, worry flickering in her eyes. ''''This doesn''t feel right,'''' she muttered, her hand instinctively moving toward her weapon. ''''We need to be careful from here on.''''


    ''''I agree,'''' the Frostbear woman replied. ''''I can feel a powerful monster resides in here.''''


    Amethyst and Nulia cautiously entered the mountain pass, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls. They walked silently for ten minutes, the cold air biting at their skin as the towering cliffs loomed above them.


    Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The familiar world behind them seemed to vanish, replaced by an oppressive darkness that clung to everything. A thick fog rolled in, and eerie growls reverberated off the walls, bouncing back and forth in a haunting symphony.


    The sound of unseen monsters lurked in every corner, making the hairs on their necks stand up. Something lunged out of the shadows as they took a corner, but Nulia swiped the monster and tore it in half.


    Amethyst saw a strange-looking monkey crash to the ground before she started casting Cosmic Blasts into the attackers. Her purple magic lit up the world as Nulia let out an earth-shaking roar and destroyed every creature that got close.


    The battle continued until the monsters stopped appearing, causing Amethyst to land while dismissing her wings. Nulia returned to her humanoid form as she spoke, ''''The Frost Plant should be at the end of this mountain pass.'''' S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Okay, let''s get going and find it so we can return to the Otherworld," the Phoenix woman commented.


    Following that, the women exited the mount pass after fighting more monsters, and when they reappeared, it was a long pathway that hugged the cliffside, causing Amethyst to look over the side only to see the rough see.


    Thanks to her eyes, she could see the creatures lurking in the deep water. There were octopus-looking monsters clinging to the side of the mountain, waiting for prey to pass by, which made her shiver.


    "We better not fall in there, Nulia. There are things below the waves waiting for something to eat," she informed the other woman.


    The Frostbear woman gulped before the two started carefully walking the pathway. Howls and screams rang out, causing Amethyst to spin around as a horde of monkey monsters appeared.


    As one of them lunged forward, it rushed toward them, and Amethyst quickly unleashed her Cosmic Blast. The bright sphere erupted from her hands, illuminating the dark pass as it soared through the air.


    With a roar, the blast collided with the nearest creature, sending it tumbling backward off the cliff''s edge. The monster screamed as it plummeted into the churning sea below, followed by another beast caught in the shockwave.


    After that, the two continued as Amethyst used her magic to hold the creatures back while Nulia created an Earth Wall that knocked more into the sea below.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 239 That Was Intense

    While Nulia and Amethyst journeyed north, Atlas needed to rest, his body gradually deteriorating under the strain of Chaos Energy. As he sat on the edge of the bed, a feeling urged him to head south in search of a spirit mage.The thought annoyed him, but when he shared it with the remaining girls, their eyes widened in surprise. Grishna, however, stepped forward confidently. ''''I''ll travel with you, Artemis,'''' she offered.


    When Atlas heard this, he nodded, ''''I will summon Nala and some Dreadmaw Lions to go with you.''''


    He attempted to get up, and Estelle tried to stop him, but he raised his hand, ''''I need to move, blonde; I''m starting to go crazy staying in bed.''''


    ''''Just be careful, my love; I don''t want you to hurt yourself,'''' the blonde knight commented as she hovered around him.


    Atlas narrowed his eyes at the sudden decision, but Grishna''s cheerful voice cut through the tension. ''''We''ll leave now. I''ll tell Rollo what''s happening before we set off,'''' she said brightly.


    Everyone nodded in agreement, and as Artemis stepped forward to gently kiss his cheek, a deep roar echoed from outside, causing the atmosphere to shift. Atlas glanced toward the balcony and shuffled over to it. Enjoy new tales from empire


    ''Let''s see if that''s Nala and the lions,''


    he thought while stepping out.


    Estelle was behind him, making the other two girls giggle as she fussed. He smiled when seeing the Dreadmaw Queen, and her voice sounded in his mind,


    ''Are you okay, master? What happened to you?''


    Atlas sighed when he heard this before explaining everything, which angered the monster, but he calmed her down, asking, ''''Can you take two of my women south to find a spirit mage?''''


    ''Of course, Master. I shall keep them safe,''


    Nala answered in a determination.


    Then, Atlas turned to Grishna and Artemis, ''''The lions are ready to leave and will protect you from other monsters,'''' he said.


    The duo smiled before saying farewells as they made their way to the creatures below; he collapsed into a nearby chair. Estelle approached him like a concerned mother, making him smile as he summoned his helmet to cover his face wound.


    It had started hurting him, causing it to bleed, which made him paranoid. When Estelle saw this, she frowned, ''''What are you doing, Atlas?''''


    ''''My face hurts due to the wind and its weeping,'''' he answered with a cringe. ''''It''s disgusting.''''


    Estelle got angry and retorted, ''''No, it''s not you, stupid man. You''re still handsome, and I would happily be with you as you are.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he smiled as she sat beside him and finished speaking, ''''Can you take it off, please?''''


    He nodded and dismissed the helmet, causing the blonde to smile as she leaned over and kissed him. Atlas felt her cup on the left side of his face as if it didn''t bother her, ''Does she not care?''


    Following that, Estelle stopped kissing him as her hand traced down his body while she whispered, ''''We can''t have sex but can do other stuff.''''


    Atlas grinned when hearing this and lowered his pants which made the blonde smile while taking his cock and stroking it. Her actions caused him to groan as she sped up as he undid her dress, revealing her alluring cleavage.


    Estelle stopped her stroking and removed her dress, revealing her sexy body, which turned Atlas on even more. His eyes widened in surprise, but she dropped to her knees while grabbing his cock with two hands and started to stroke once again.


    His head dropped down, and Atlas groaned as pleasure shot through his body, causing his pain to flare up, but he ignored it. Estelle gently stroked him before she spoke with a smile, ''''Will you take responsibility for me, Atlas?''''


    ''''Yes, we''re a party and sticking together,'''' he replied while relaxing in the chair as she started to kiss his shaft, which made him shiver passionately.


    When she did that, Atlas liked it, but the Chaos Energy flared and caused him to yelp in pain, causing Estelle to jump up while casting Healing Light on him, which only made it worse. He gritted his teeth as the pain faded away.


    The blonde calmed down as he commented, ''''We''ll have to wait until the others get back with the medicine to continue.''''


    Estelle nodded sweetly, responding, ''''Do you want to try the Void Realm together? Maybe we can move to the next level while waiting.''''


    ''''Yes, it will take my mind off the pain,'''' Atlas replied before grabbing her soft hand. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, he activated Void Realm, and the two appeared in the destroyed city, where he was fully healed. Atlas took out his swords while casting Void Infusion as howls rang out, signaling the start of the attack.


    Void Ghouls surged from the surrounding buildings, their horrifying howls echoing through the streets and shattering Estelle''s spine. Just as panic threatened to take hold, a sharp smack on her round behind snapped her back to reality.


    Atlas observed with pride as Estelle expertly swung her weapon, cutting a Ghoul in half before moving on to the next. A smile spread across his face at her fierce determination, and he joined the fray.


    He charged forward, slicing through the nearest Ghoul with a stroke. Dark ichor splattered across his armor as he dodged another attack, his movements fluid and precise. Beside him, Estelle stood her ground, raising her shield just in time to absorb a heavy blow from a ghoul lunging at her.


    The impact rattled her, but she quickly retaliated, swinging her sword that cleaved through the creature''s midsection. Atlas started using his magic, beginning with Void Wave, which sent a dozen ghouls crashing into the buildings.


    Following that, he dashed forward while casting Void Bullet, which peppered the horde of monsters and stopped them coming for a second, allowing him to check the monster total to see how many they killed.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 14519/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 6851/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 48/5000]


    [----]


    ''Not many left; we can clear most of them in this run,''


    Atlas thought as he swiftly cut down three Savage Ghouls that charged at him, his blade slicing through the air with precision.


    He unleashed Void Barrage, a powerful spell that erupted from his fingertips and decimated dozens of the creatures. Meanwhile, Estelle stood firm beside him; her shield raised defiantly as she fended off any remaining ghouls that dared to approach.


    The blonde warrior expertly deflected their attacks by creating a protective barrier around Atlas as his magic quickly finished off the remaining foes. Together, they formed a seamless partnership and worked well as a team.


    Twenty minutes later, the Void Ghouls stopped appearing as an enraged roar echoed across the city, causing Atlas to warn the blonde, ''''The Brutes are coming; be careful.''''


    Estelle nodded with a smile while readying for the incoming fight. Shortly after that, the couple noticed three Brute Ghouls rushing toward them. One of the creatures swung its massive arm toward her with deadly intent.


    The blonde sidestepped the swing, feeling the rush of air as the Brute''s fist narrowly missed her. Seizing the opportunity, she gathered her energy, her palms glowing with radiant light, ''''Light Blast!'''' she shouted, unleashing a brilliant energy beam that shot toward the creature.


    It struck the Brute square in the chest, illuminating the dark surroundings with a blinding brilliance. The force of the impact sent the creature staggering back, its roar of fury echoing through the chaos.


    Atlas followed up with a Void Bomb that sliced through the air and connected with the creature''s chest. The spell erupted and wiped out many creatures before he started casting Void Barrage.


    The azure projectiles peppered more Void Ghouls and Savages that continued coming. Estelle stood in front, holding most of them back. Atlas thinned out the horde thanks to his magic, but soon enough, the blonde was sent back to the real world.


    It was too late when he realized what was happening; he could do little more than defend himself. The creatures swarmed around him, and the Brute Ghouls caught him off guard with a powerful punch to the gut.


    Following that attack, he returned to the treehouse balcony, where Estelle waited for him, a radiant smile lighting up her face. ''''That was intense,'''' she said sweetly. ''''Those Brutes came out of nowhere and sent me back here!''''


    Atlas chuckled before responding, ''''Yes, that sent me back here. I can still feel the creature''s power after it landed the attack.''''


    Estelle smiled as she stood up and asked, ''''Would you like some Moonflower Tea? It may help with the pain.''''


    ''''Yes, please,'''' he answered while slumping in the chair while watching the two moons above.


    The blonde walked inside, leaving Atlas alone; that''s when he checked the monster tally to see how many the duo had killed.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 17921/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 7516/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 48/5000]


    [----]


    ''Nearly done with the first set of Ghouls, maybe a few more goes with the girls and we will reach the boss,''


    he thought with a smile.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 240 I Pushed Myself Too Far

    After checking the total, Atlas relaxed just as Estelle appeared. She was wearing a comfortable-looking nightgown that failed to hide her hourglass figure. He shook his head before taking the tea she offered with a smile.''''Thank you,'''' he said.


    The blonde woman beamed as she joined him on the seat, rested her head on his shoulder, and smiled as she drank some tea. Atlas felt warm and sunk into her as the two grew comfortable watching the night sky.


    As they rested, the couple started to fall asleep. Estelle gently ran her fingers up and down his only arm, which relaxed him; Nulia and Amethyst left Mount Pass behind, drawing closer to the plant that would help him.


    Meanwhile, Grishna and Artemis faced their trials on the journey south. Unbeknownst to them, the tides of war had finally reached the northern lands. The once-mighty Astorian Empire had fallen to the relentless Achaemenids, their forces sweeping the region like a storm.


    ***


    ''''Come on, Little Bird,'''' Nulia said as they entered a snowy forest.


    Amethyst glanced around and noticed the overwhelming amount of mana lingering in the air. She shook her head before replying to the Frostbear woman, ''''I''m coming! The snow is deep here.''''


    Nulia giggled before shifting into her massive bear form, her voice now a deep, rumbling growl. ''''Climb on. It shouldn''t be too far from here.''''


    The phoenix woman gracefully mounted her back, and with a powerful surge, the Frostbear woman charged through the forest, her heavy paws thudding against the earth as they sped beneath the canopy of trees.


    After running for an hour, Nulia felt something off coming from around them and quickly jumped to the side as an explosion rang out in the spot they were just in. Amethyst panicked and started casting Cosmic Blasts at the ambushing monsters.


    The Frostbear woman tore them apart with ease. Explosions, howls, and screams of pain echoed throughout the forest. Nulia started using magic to remove dozens of creatures that dropped to the ground.


    Amethyst quickly recognized the attackers as Chaos Monsters, fury igniting within her. With a wave of her hand, she unleashed her phoenix fire, incinerating them in a blaze of heat and light.


    Beside her, Nulia held off the larger creatures, launching Ice Blasts and Bolts into the horde. Purple and blue energy flared across the forest, lighting the trees and scattering nearby creatures in fear.


    After hours of trekking through the snowy forest, they finally reached a clearing. The air was crisp, their breath visible in the cold. Before them, a majestic waterfall cascaded down icy cliffs, its waters crashing into a half-frozen pool below. Mist rose from where the water met the ice, shimmering in the pale winter sunlight.


    Amethyst paused, her fiery aura dimming as she admired the scene. "It''s beautiful," she whispered, her breath warm in the cold air.


    Nulia, still in her bear form, nodded, the snow crunching beneath her heavy paws. "A brief moment of peace," she rumbled. "But we should keep moving."


    Before they could take another step, the atmosphere shifted ominously as a Chaos Aura enveloped them. From the shadows, Blightborns emerged¡ªcreepy, humanoid creatures twisted by dark magic, their eyes glinting with malice.


    As Amethyst drew closer, Nulia instinctively transformed into her human form, muscles tensed, ''''Little Bird, soar high and leave me,'''' she commanded, her voice steady and fierce as she summoned her razor-sharp claws. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No, I won''t!" Amethyst shouted defiantly, her hands radiating with vibrant purple mana. Her eyes flared with intensity as she unleashed a piercing screech that reverberated through the forest, echoing for miles.


    In response, a horrifying roar pierced the air, freezing the Chaos Beings in their tracks. The sky ignited in brilliant shades of blue as a mana storm erupted overhead, swirling with raw energy.


    The deafening roar continued, echoing like a fierce battle cry, like someone had been pushed to madness. Amethyst''s face showed a worried expression, but she let out several more screeches.


    ''''What are you doing!'''' Nulia demanded when hearing the new roar.


    She looked at the brown-skinned woman and spoke regretfully, ''''I''ve awoken a monster inside Atlas, and he is angry.''''


    Minutes dragged on as the Chaos Monsters launched their assault, forcing the two women into a fierce battle. They fought hard, but as time passed, the relentless tide of Blightborns and other horrifying monsters began to push them back.


    When all hope seemed lost, another roar echoed overhead, reverberating through the chaos. Suddenly, a brilliant blue comet streaked across the sky, hurtling toward them with breathtaking speed.


    It crashed into the ground with a thunderous impact, unleashing a wave of fire that engulfed the surrounding monsters and obliterated their foes in a breathtaking explosion.


    ***


    While resting, a panicked screech pierced through the air, igniting panic in Atlas''s eye. He jumped to his feet as the sound reverberated throughout the Otherworld. ''Amethyst!'' he thought.


    Without a moment''s hesitation, he activated his Voidwalker Form. A wave of excruciating pain washed over him, threatening to consume his entire being as his flesh was burned away, but he pushed it aside.


    The women were in danger. Shadows began to coil around him as he transformed into a living silhouette, his body stretching and twisting into an imposing figure. Long, sinewy limbs ended in razor-sharp claws, and his teeth glinted like knives, capable of tearing through steel.


    As he grew taller, an aura of darkness enveloped him, consuming all traces of light. Estelle, watching in panic, felt a chill run down her spine. ''''Atlas!'''' she called out, fear lacing her voice.


    With great effort, he turned to her, his voice strained, ''''Stay here and only come when I summon you and bring the monster Tyson.''''


    Atlas surged across the Northern Waste like a wild monster. The frozen landscape blurred around him as he raced forward, the biting cold unable to penetrate the primal energy radiating from his Voidwalker Form.


    His clawed hands tearing through the snow and ice. Shadows danced around him, swirling like smoke as he embraced the chaos within. The ground trembled beneath him with every powerful stride, echoing his raw fury.


    Ahead, he could sense the presence of Amethyst and Nulia. The air crackled with tension, the distant sounds of battle drawing nearer. With a fierce roar that echoed across the icy expanse, Atlas pushed himself harder, the darkness flowing through him like a raging river.


    ''Can''t let it take over,''


    he thought while something was trying to fight for control, but he beat it.


    Following that, Atlas pointed his hand at the ground and fired a Void Bomb; when the spell exploded, it sent him soaring high into the air, where he used other spells to zoom toward the phoenix screeches.


    Five minutes later, he spotted a battle in a snowy forest, and without thinking, he cast his strongest spell while falling toward the horde of Chaos Monsters, which he could sense from where he was.


    Atlas soared toward the ground like a missile, and when getting close, he let the fully charged spell go as he touched the earth,


    ''Void Smash.''


    A wave of azure fire washed out like a tidal wave and annihilated any monster caught in its wake, but to his surprise, it didn''t harm the girls as Amethyst cast a Cosmic Shield, but it was unneeded.


    Once the attack was over, Atlas appeared in the center of a crater, causing him to stumble as he returned to his humanoid form. He managed to drop to one knee while coughing up blood that stained the stone below.


    Your next chapter is on empire


    ''Ah shit, I pushed myself too far,''


    Atlas mused with a stupid smile as he opened a portal to the Otherworld and collapsed into it.


    Nulia and Amethyst stood at the top, clutching white and blue flowers. Without hesitation, they leaped into the crater, following closely behind Atlas. They quickly found themselves separated.


    Atlas crashed down into the center of the Scalebreaker nest, his arrival causing an immediate stir among the monstrous creatures, which erupted into a frenzy of panic and confusion.


    ''Calm down!''


    Cera''s voice rang out, cutting through the chaos like a blade.


    The Scalebreaker Matriarch rushed toward Atlas, her presence a beacon of authority amidst the turmoil. She started nudging him, but he was unconscious. The monster gently scooped him up using her tail while thinking,


    ''What have you done now, Master?''


    Following that, she told the other monsters that she was taking him back to the treehouse, where the three women panicked, but Nulia started creating the cream needed to heal Atlas with the help of Estelle.


    The Scalebreaker Matriarch traveled through the jungle as she hummed a gentle tune to him. As the jungle passed, other Scalebreakers followed behind to protect her in case any monsters attacked her.


    Cera''s gaze fell upon Atlas, and a warm smile graced her features,


    ''You''re like a rowdy son,''


    she said, her voice filled with a strange mix of affection and authority.


    ''But I still care about you, Master, even if you are the Voidwalker.''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 241 Were Perfect Strangers

    Atlas woke up feeling weaker than before, thanks to using his Voidwalker Form, which sapped his strength. While lying there, he decided to clear more of the Void Ghouls to grow stronger while Nulia cooked up the potion.Following that, he activated Void Realm and appeared in the destroyed city, where he pulled up the monster tally to see how many Ghouls were left to kill.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 17921/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 7516/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 48/5000]


    [----]


    ''Not many left now,''


    Atlas thought, taking out his blades and casting Void Infusion on them as the howling started.


    Hours passed as he slaughtered untold numbers of creatures. His mana was running low, but it was slowly returning thanks to Regeneration. This allowed him to fight for longer as the Brute Ghouls appeared.


    ''These are getting easier to kill,''


    he thought as adrenaline surged through his veins.


    ''Hopefully, I can clear this level soon.''


    Thanks to his speed, the bigger creatures couldn''t keep up with Atlas as he carved through their legs. Dozens of them died before they landed a hit on him; he crossed his swords, but when the claws hit him, he was sent flying.


    Atlas crashed through walls and stopped himself by using Void Step. He reappeared before the Brute and cast Void Punch, which connected with the creature''s chest and caused a loud clap.


    Atlas''s punch landed with crushing force, sending the Brute Ghoul hurtling backward, crashing through a cluster of monsters behind it. Without wasting a second, he surged forward, slicing through enemies in his path, each swing clearing a bloody arc.


    But as he pressed on, he was blindsided¡ªseveral ghouls leaped at him from the shadows, their claws tearing into his armor as they pinned him down. Atlas returned to the real world as the women entered the room. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He quickly checked the monster total to see how many he killed on that run.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 20000/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 8795/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 179/5000]


    [----]


    Atlas was pleased with the results just as he noticed Amethyst with a pretty smile on her face while speaking, ''''At least you''re not dead! I''m glad you came and helped, my love.''''


    ''''Why wouldn''t I have come?'''' he responded. ''''Have Grish and Artemis come back?''''


    Estelle shook her head, ''''Not yet, but they have Nala and the lions; I think they''ll be fine,'''' she commented.


    When Atlas heard this, he closed his eyes and sent a message to Raymond the Stormeagle,


    ''Can you do something for me, bird?''


    A boomed voice answered seconds later,


    Stay tuned with empire


    ''Yes, master, what is it?''


    ''I need you to fly south and find my two women,''


    he instructed.


    ''Once you find them, protect them at all costs and keep the Chaos Monsters from harming them.''


    Then, Atlas opened a portal for Raymond to fly through before turning to Nulia, ''''Did you get the potion?''''


    The brown-skinned beauty nodded with a smile as he handed over a bottle containing blue liquid. He started swallowing the potion, and when it touched him, he felt a burning sensation running across his body.


    Atlas let out a yelp as poisons were pushed out of his body. The women scrunched their noses up as Amethyst opened a window to let fresh air in, ''''It''s getting rid of the Chaos poison lingering in your system.''''


    When the phoenix woman spoke, Estelle questioned, ''''How do you know that Little Bird?''''


    ''''I can see the dirty mana inside the stuff, which makes my skin crawl,'''' she replied while holding her button nose as her ears twitched.


    Atlas was just about to speak, but a notification made him smile.


    [An unknown person has unlocked Void Orc - will replace your left eye and arm but deactivate if you run out of mana]


    ''Is this the goddesses doing? Wouldn''t she have said something?''


    he thought as his missing pieces returned in a beautiful, shiny blue color.


    The magic burned to his skin while sitting up, causing Nulia to comment, ''''What just happened? And why do you have a glowing arm?''''


    Atlas opened his mouth to respond, but Raymond''s panicked voice suddenly thundered through his mind,


    ''Master! They''re under attack by a small army¡ªonly three lions remain standing!''


    Hearing this, Atlas''s expression hardened, and his voice dropped with urgency. ''''The others are in danger¡ªthe Achaemenids have them. We have no time to waste.''''


    Estelle, Amethyst, and Nulia looked concerned, but he ignored them before transforming into his Voidwalker form and dashing out of the Otherworld. Atlas traveled like the wind as his anger reached new levels, and when he saw Grishna and Artemis in their state, something clicked.


    From the depths of the Void, a monstrous power surged into Atlas, filling his veins with raw, primal strength. Ahead, he saw an Immortal lifting a near-dead Orc woman, and nearby, Artemis barely stood, her body battered and drenched in blood.


    Rage blotted out every thought. Atlas unleashed a terrifying roar that echoed through the mountains, shaking the earth. In a blur, he launched himself forward, the force of his dash ripping the air in a thunderous sonic boom.


    He tore through the ranks of Achaemenidians, his claws slashing mercilessly, leaving arcs of blood splattered across the ground as he carved a path of vengeance toward Grishna and Artemis.


    Atlas''s sudden actions caught the Achaemenidians off guard as he reached the women and decimated the man who hurt them. He grabbed the two of them and ensured they were fine before turning to the attackers.


    The few remaining enemies turned to flee, terror radiating from them, but it was too late. He descended upon the dogs with inhuman speed, his claws slicing through armor and flesh as though they were nothing more than mist.


    He cut them down one by one, each strike of his claws exploding in bursts of void energy that disintegrated the soldiers where they stood. Dark tendrils lashed out from his form, trapping those who tried to escape and pulling them back as he cut their heads off.


    Atlas watched the Achaemenidians drop heads before he reappeared next to Grishna and Artemis, who were severely injured. Without thinking, he sent tons of his void mana into their body to stabilize them until Estelle appeared.


    ''''Let me heal them, darling, you''ve done enough,'''' she said in a caring voice.


    He nodded as the Blonde quickly healed the two women, allowing him to return to his humanoid form. Atlas dropped to one knee, and Artemis spoke in a strained voice, '''' There are spirit mages in the wolf kingdom, a traveling merchant told us, but they ambushed us.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about me,'''' he rasped, blood trickling from his lips. ''''Return to the Otherworld. I''ll head south¡ªI need time to heal fully.''''


    Amethyst rushed to his side, her face etched with concern. ''''Once Blondie reaches Grandmaster, she can heal you completely. But with the Chaos damage¡­ it''s nearly impossible to fix right now.''''


    ''''Yes, I''m stuck with a destroyed face for god knows how long,'''' Atlas responded while standing up.


    Estelle appeared, placing her hand on his back as she cast Healing Light. Atlas groaned, a wave of warmth washing over him as the pain eased slightly. Nulia emerged in her bear form, her deep voice rumbling, ''''Climb on my back. You need to rest.''''


    Before Atlas could respond, Raymond crashed beside them, making some women jump. Amethyst whirled around, eyes narrowed as she confronted the massive bird. ''''Ray Winston! What have I told you? Don''t land like that and scare everyone!''''


    Atlas couldn''t suppress a chuckle at the sight of the petite young woman reprimanding the towering Monarch-ranked monster. The absurdity brought warmth to his heart, and just then, Artemis joined him on Nulia''s back.


    The brunette leaned against him, her eyes soft and weary. ''''Can I cuddle you, please? I''m exhausted.''''


    He nodded, then reached for some blankets, wrapping them around both as he pulled the brunette into his embrace. Artemis smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with warmth, ''''We''re perfect strangers,'''' she said softly, ''''but it feels like fate wanted us to be together forever. And I''m happy with that.''''


    Atlas leaned over and lifted the Siren''s chin before kissing her, which she quickly returned as Estelle, Grishna, and Amethyst climbed on Nulia. As they headed to the wolf kingdoms, the Orc woman commented with a grin, ''''Look at Artemis getting an adorable smooch; I''m jealous.''''


    A dainty hand appeared, giving the green woman the middle finger, making everyone laugh as Nulia ran across the Northern Wastes. While that happened, Atlas summoned Atek, who let out a roar of happiness.


    The Frostfang Tiger sprinted alongside them, flanked by Nala and the Dreadmaw Lions. Any monster that dared cross their path met a swift end, dispatched without a second thought. As they traveled, Nulia cast a spell that wrapped them in warmth.


    Artemis climbed into Atlas''s lap, nestling against him. With his new arm, he wrapped it around her, pulling the beautiful Siren close as she snuggled into his embrace. Grishna appeared beside him, her expression lightening the mood.


    ''''All she worried about is you,'''' she said with a knowing smile. ''''The silly woman regretted not trying to get closer, and I guess she''s making up for lost time.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 242 Void Ghoul Queen

    Atlas and the women were still trekking across the Northern Wastes on the back of Nulia, who was enjoying the freedom. He made sure to send mana into the Frostbear so she felt comfortable.Soon enough, Nulia spoke in a rumbling voice, ''''We need to find a place to rest. A storm will hit, and if we''re outside, it will get bad.''''


    Following that, the group found a cave, which they quickly entered as the wind picked up and started lashing them. Atlas shivered before hugging Artemis even tighter; soon enough, they got comfortable.


    Nulia blocked the entrance as Amethyst started a fire while he got comfortable; as he laid back, Estelle spoke, ''''If we block the entrance, the monsters shouldn''t get in?''''


    ''''Yes. They will be looking for somewhere to hide,'''' the Frostbear woman said while standing up and approaching the entrance.


    Atlas watched her start casting her ice magic, creating a wall to keep them safe as the storm increased. After that, he activated Void Realm when Artemis asked, causing the group to appear in the destroyed city.


    ''This should be much easier now; with all the girls here, we will bring down the numbers,''


    he thought excitedly.


    A fierce determination ignited within him; Atlas unleashed his full power, the howls echoing around him like a war drum. Estelle shouted from the sidelines, her voice filled with concern. ''''Don''t push yourself! You''re still injured!''''


    ''It doesn''t matter; I won''t grow stronger by hiding away,''


    he thought while getting close to the creatures.


    But his resolve was unyielding. Ignoring her warning, he lunged into the crowd of Ghouls, his fists glowing with mana as he used Void Punches. With a flurry of devastating strikes, he carved his way through the horde, each blow resonating with raw power.


    Atlas tore through the swarm of Savage Ghouls without stopping. He changed tactics when he confronted the towering Brutes, delivering targeted punches that sent them staggering as booms rang out.


    With a primal roar that shook the very ground, he summoned the might of the Void and unleashed a devastating Void Smash on one of the monstrous foes, the impact rippling through the battlefield like a shockwave.


    ''''He''s giving it his all, even though he''s injured!'''' Amethyst exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.


    Grishna stepped forward, a broad smile lighting up her face. ''''Finally! The drive to grow stronger while being smart has awakened in him. Now, let''s rally behind him and help!'''' she said while readying her spear.


    Atlas surged forward, his fists crackling as he faced the Brutes. Each blow he delivered echoed like thunder, shattering bones and sending limbs flying across the battlefield. With every strike, his power grew.


    As he unleashed a strong uppercut on one of the Brutes, Grishna dashed in beside him, her spear a blur. With a lifetime of skill, she danced through the crowd of Ghouls, her weapon slicing effortlessly through their ranks.


    ''Wow, she has got stronger,''


    he mused with a smile. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''These women are something else.''


    The spear glinted in the dim light, each thrust and spin expertly choreographed as she dispatched foes left and right. That''s when a horrible aura descended on the battlefield as the other women joined in.


    Atlas stepped back as he saw a massive Brute, even larger and more menacing than the others, its red eyes burning with fury. The air crackled with tension as they locked gazes, but the sight of the beast did little to deter him.


    Without waiting, he charged forward. The ground trembled beneath his feet as he closed the distance, his fists glowing with mana, ''''Time to end this!'''' he shouted, drawing all his power into a devastating strike.


    He raised his fist high and unleashed a fully charged Void Smash, the mana surging like a comet. The impact struck the Brute square in the gut, a shockwave erupting from the collision.


    With an explosion of force, the creature was launched into the sky, soaring like a rocket, disappearing into the darkness as the battlefield fell silent briefly. Atlas stood there but shortly after started attacking more monsters.


    The women joined him, and thanks to their numbers, thousands of Ghouls fell to their teamwork. Atlas used Void Barrage to push the Brutes back as Amethyst and Nulia cast spells to wipe the creatures out.


    Artemis and Estelle attacked from range as Grishna flung metal balls into the horde, which rang out. Shrill noises sent the creatures stumbling around. Atlas started using his swords to cut through the monsters.


    An hour later, he backed off while checking the monster total and was shocked at what he saw.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 20000/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 10000/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 2799/5000]


    [----]


    Then, Atlas and the women continued fighting with the Brute Ghouls while working together. Sparks flew as Estelle blocked a fierce punch, but Amethyst burned the creature to ash.


    When he saw this, a smile appeared while he cast Void Lances at the enemies, which carved them in two. Atlas was happy with their result until Artemis, who was using her sling to kill more Brutes, was caught off guard and sent flying into an old shop.


    The building crumbled, sending the brunette back to the real world and causing the others to become angry. Nulia transformed into her Frostbear form and tore the Brutes apart with her deadly claws.


    ''They are swarming us,''


    Atlas thought as more creatures appeared. ''Maybe the boss knows we''re close?''


    He cleared many of the Brutes with Void Barrage before checking the total, which made him smile.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 20000/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 10000/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 4919/5000]


    [Void Queen Ghoul - 0/1]


    ''Oh, a queen, this is interesting,''


    Atlas thought as Grisha, Estelle, and Amethyst were sent back to the real world.


    Nulia appeared beside him, breathing heavily as she shifted back into her humanoid form. ''''This fight has been exhilarating, but there aren''t many left,'''' she remarked.


    ''''I know,'''' he replied, resting his hand gently on her flank and sending mana into her.


    Atlas then smiled, his eyes warm. ''''I''m happy we met, Nulia. You''re stunning, and I genuinely enjoy spending time with you.''''


    At his words, the brown-skinned woman felt a rush of warmth flood her dark cheeks, deepening their color as she smiled back. ''''You don''t hold what I did against me?''''


    He shook his head firmly. ''''No. Chaos had a grip on you. I know you wouldn''t hurt me¡ªnot with how you look at me.''''


    Following that, the couple continued fighting until the last Ghoul Brute vanished into the Void Realm, and Nulia smiled at him, ''''Ready to fight the boss?''''


    Atlas nodded before the two traveled through the city while following blue torches, who led the way. After fifteen minutes of walking, they spotted an arena in the distance; the bear woman pointed, ''''Look, the boss is in there, darling. I can feel her strength.''''


    That''s when he noticed the blue torches at the entrance flicker. Heavy darkness began to seep from the opposite side of the arena, causing him to draw his sword, its blade gleaming ominously in the dim light.


    ''Here we go, let''s see how strong she is,'' he thought while casting Void Infusion on his weapons.


    Nulia prepared to transform, but a raspy voice echoed through the air, sending a chill down his spine. ''''So, you''ve defeated my children, Voidwalker. Now it''s my turn to stop you here.''''


    Atlas''s heart raced as a formidable Ghoul emerged from the shadows. This creature radiated a dark energy that surpassed the rest, a palpable threat that made the air tense. The Ghoul Queen was taller than him and gave off an aura of strength.


    ''We may need to level up a bit more before fighting this thing,''


    he thought while readying his weapons.


    It didn''t speak while dashing toward the duo; when Atlas saw this, he started casting Void Bullets to try to slow the queen down, but he stepped in front of Nulia, who transformed into her Frostbear form.


    Nulia''s claws shot over Atlas''s head, colliding with the Ghoul. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the air, but he held his ground, channeling his energy to land a powerful Void Smash straight into the creature''s chest, forcing it to skid backward.


    ''It took the attack! How strong is this thing?''


    The Ghoul Queen lunged forward in a flash, shoving Atlas aside as she charged at Nulia. The two clashed with unrestrained ferocity, each blow making the ground tremble. But he recovered quickly, seizing his moment as he darted behind the creature.


    With a fierce cry, he plunged his blades deep, unleashing a surge of Void energy that sent shockwaves through the arena. Following that, the Ghoul Queen managed to land a slash across Nulia''s side.


    She let out a pain-filled roar, causing Atlas to send her back to the real world. He was left alone with the creature who stared at him as she spoke, ''''The old Master was much better than you. I''m surprised you received this gift.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 243 So Youre Claiming All Of Us

    Hearing her taunting laugh, Atlas quickly cast a Void Bomb at the Ghoul Queen. She dodged with lightning speed, retaliating with a punch that landed squarely against his chest, sending him flying back as his bones rattled from the impact.''Arghhh fuck that hurt!''


    he thought while spitting up blood.


    Atlas used Void Wave to get the queen away from him before spamming Void Barrage at it until he ran out of mana. Soon enough, Atlas returned to the real world. When he came to, he found himself wrapped in blankets, his body aching as he blinked away from the haze.


    Once back to normal, he tried opening a portal to the Otherworld, but nothing happened, causing Nulia to explain, ''''Storms in the Northern Waste disrupt mana; it best we jump in before it starts tomorrow or whenever we leave this place.''''


    He nodded as Artemis commented as she sat by the nearby fire, ''''What''s the plan after we find a spirit mage?''''


    ''''We start attacking the Achaemendians in Astoria,'''' Atlas responded, pulling out some dumplings and handing them to the five women. ''''They won''t stop hunting us until we do something about it.''''


    ''''That could work; there are dozens of rebel groups all across Astoria attacking the occupiers, which is fun,'''' Grishna said with an excited smile while wrapped in a Giant Mammoth hide that Nulia gave her.


    This scene made him smile, but Amethyst climbed into his blankets and snuggled up to him. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled the phoenix woman close as she spoke, ''''I''m sorry for making you wait to take the next step with the others.''''


    When Atlas heard the purple-haired woman speak, he replied with a warm smile, ''''It''s okay. There''s no need to rush things¡ªwe have years ahead of us to enjoy together.''''


    Amethyst beamed at this and put her head on his shoulder while he played with her purple hair, which caused the young woman to fall asleep, causing Estelle to comment from nearby, ''''That girl truly loves you, Atlas. Don''t take her for granted.''''


    ''''I''d never do that; before this, I was lonely and had no one who loved me until I met her,'''' he said while brushing a lock of hair from her face. ''''I would never let any of you go.''''


    After he spoke, silence took over the cave as Grisha teased, ''''So you''re claiming all of us? It looks like we have a greedy Voidwalker in our hands, ladies.''''


    Everyone giggled at the Orc woman''s words as Atlas spoke, ''''We shall see how things go, but I find you all beautiful.''''


    Just as he said, Atek popped up and growled, causing the group to laugh as the Frostfang Tiger approached Atlas. The cat climbed into the blankets and cuddled up to him alongside Amethyst.


    He smiled, gently stroking the creature beside him when Nulia interjected, saying, ''''We should get some rest. The weather is going to worsen.''''


    As Atlas settled in, he felt Amethyst and Atek cuddle against him, their warmth soothing. The other women found their spots around him, creating a cozy circle. With the weight of their presence and the soft patter of rain outside, a content smile spread across his face as he drifted off to sleep.


    After that, the mana storm outside worsened as thunder boomed overhead; the chaos froze over the entrance to their hideaway. Hours passed, and the following day, Atlas woke up to see his breath due to the cold air.


    ''So cold, let''s get up and start a fire to warm up the cave,''


    he mused.


    Atlas shook his head and lit the fire using a Void Bullet that burned bright. Atek woke up alongside him and meowed. He turned to the little creature and stroked it while giving it a Horned Rabbit Kebab to eat for breakfast.


    Following that, he sat down and started eating some dumplings while looking at the entrance, only to see chaos, which caused him to think, ''


    I can''t wait to go south; these storms will grow annoying soon.''


    While eating, none of the women woke up, causing him to give the Void Realm ago, and before he activated the skill, Atke jumped in his lap as he reappeared in the destroyed city. Atlas looked at the Frostfang Tiger and shook his head, ''''Looks like you''re helping me, boy.''''


    Atek let out a deep growl, growing bigger as the duo walked toward the Ghoul Queens arena. When Atlas stepped onto the stone ground, a barrier blocked them from leaving, but he pulled out his blades while casting Void Infusion.


    ''Now its time to fight and finally beat this level,''


    he mused excitedly.


    The creature chuckled before dashing forward, causing Atek to jump to the side as Atlas cast Void Lance at it. The azure projectile sliced through the air and slammed into the Ghoul Queen,


    It let out a hate-filled screech as she was sent skidding backward, but Atlas followed that up with Void Barrage as Atek lunged at her lower half. The tiger sliced through the queen''s flesh.


    Atlas managed to get close as the creature swiped at him with her sharp claws, allowing him to hit the Ghoul with a Void Blast. The azure flames struck and sent the boss flying across the arena. Stay connected with empire


    It crashed with a thud, sending a tremor through the ground, and Atek lunged at her. Atlas watched intently as the Ghoul Queen punched the Frostfang Tiger, but the beast deftly dodged, using the momentum to unleash a Void Bomb.


    The explosive force erupted on contact, lighting up the scene with a blinding flash as chaos unfolded around them. Once a dust cloud appeared, Atlas grinned before dashing forward and managed to carve through the queen''s flesh, which brought her down.


    Atlas spun around and used Void Step to appear above the creature before falling toward it, but the Ghoul Queen quickly slid to the side. He grew frustrated but couldn''t think much as her claws tore through his armor and flesh.


    ''Fuck that hurt!''


    he thought before blasting the creature with Void Wave, allowing Atek to pounce on her.


    The Frostfang Tiger lunged at the Ghoul, ripping into her with ferocity, leaving her bewildered by the unfolding chaos. Atlas rose to his feet, feeling regeneration activating and healing the injuries he sustained.


    ''Now let''s end this fight to move on!'' sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the creature hurled Atek aside, he sprang forward, drawing upon every ounce of his strength. Atlas slashed through the Ghoul''s arm, severing it cleanly and sending it tumbling to the ground.


    The queen let out a furious roar and lunged to slash at him before he could react. But Atek, wounded yet determined, sank his teeth into her leg, causing her to stumble and fall. At that moment, Atlas seized the opportunity and charged at the Ghoul, moving like a blur.


    He struck with lightning speed, his blade slicing through the air as he unleashed a flurry of blows¡ªdozens of strikes aimed at her torso, arms, and legs. Each strike landed, the sound of steel against flesh echoing through the chaos.


    The Ghoul, taken aback by the relentless assault, struggled to regain her footing, unable to counterattack. Atlas moved with fluid grace, weaving in and out; his strikes left no room for her to retaliate.


    Blood sprayed, and the ground beneath them became slick as he pressed his advantage, the creature''s defenses crumbling under the onslaught. Soon enough, the Ghoul Queen released a screech that summoned thousands of the weaker monsters.


    When Atlas saw this, he spammed Void Bullets into the crowd as Atek did his best to keep them off him. He turned back to the queen with a grin as he cast several Void Lances that sliced through the air.


    She dodged most of the attacks, but a few still connected, which sent the Ghoul Queen stumbling back. Atlas''s fist crackled with dark energy as he gathered every ounce of his mana, the power surging and swirling around his fist.


    ''This should be enough to kill this creature,''


    he thought with determination.


    With a fierce glare, he lunged forward, his fist glowing with the condensed might of Void Smash. The Ghoul Queen snarled and raised her claw to strike, but he was faster¡ªhis fist collided with her chest in an explosion of raw power.


    The impact unleashed a shockwave, tearing through the air and shaking the ground beneath them. Shadows rippled outward as the Void Smash punch sent the Ghoul Queen hurtling backward, her shriek echoing as mana cracked through her form.


    When the energy dissipated, she lay crumpled, her twisted figure defeated, as Atlas lowered his fist, the shadows slowly fading from his arm. Following that, the creature vanished into the Void Realm.


    Once the fight ended, Atlas returned to the real world, feeling extremely tired. Atek quickly supported him before licking his face, ''''At least we beat that bitch,'''' he said while stroking the Frostfang Tiger.


    Following that, he leaned against the fluffy monster and nodded off as Atek made sure he was comfortable.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 244 Bloodhawks

    Atlas awoke hours later to Artemis gently shaking him. ''''Wake up," she said softly. "Estelle is making breakfast.''''He sat up, stretching as Atek hopped up and began licking his face with a soft purr. Nulia watched with a smile. ''''Looks like he''s taken to you,'''' she remarked. ''''I don''t know what you''ve done, but he seems smitten.''''


    ''''He''s a ball of fluff who purrs,'''' Atlas answered before checking his status to see how many levels he went up.


    [Level Up: 388¡ú394]


    [Experience: 14980/20000]


    Experience Gained: 144560]


    [Health: 3568¡ú4036(200)]


    [Mana: 25898¡ú29458(1000)]


    [Strength: 4280¡ú4738(100)]


    [Stamina: 5380¡ú5706(250)]


    [Charisma: 1248¡ú1422]


    [Intelligence: 3444¡ú3676]


    [Core Points: 91020/300000]


    [Core Points Gained: 78900]


    [Mana Regeneration: 0¡ú2] Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Oh nice, I leveled up a lot,''


    Atlas thought with a pleased smile.


    He approached the fire where the five women were slumped around as the blonde cooked some monster meat with spices. She looked up with a smile, ''''It will be done soon; sit down and get comfortable, my love.''''


    Atlas nodded before getting comfortable but activated Void Realm, where he reappeared on a beautiful grassland that stretched in all directions. He glanced around and noticed a mountain range in the distance.


    ''I should head toward those,''


    he mused while walking.


    ''I wonder what monster is going to appear.''


    Atlas continued his trek, footsteps steady until a piercing screech shattered the quiet. His gaze shot upward, catching a dark speck circling high in the sky. The dot grew rapidly as it plummeted toward him, and only then did he realize it was a monstrous bird.


    ''Flying monsters! These will be useful in the future.''


    As it neared, he could make out its sleek black feathers and sharp talons, resembling a massive magpie. It swooped low, claws outstretched, ready to strike. When this happened, he sidestepped the attack and cast Void Lance into the monster''s body, causing it to crash nearby.


    The creature thrashed around, allowing Atlas to scan it using Void Sight.


    [Void Bloodhawk]


    [Rank D]


    [Use your speed against them]


    Atlas shrugged when he saw this as more screeches rang out and more Bloodhawks dive-bombed him. He started casting Void Bullets and Arrows into the horde of flying monsters that closed in.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air and slammed into the creatures, causing them to vanish back into the Void Realm as more appeared. Atlas kept fighting the Bloodhawks while dodging them.


    ''These things are fast but I''m quicker,''


    he mused with a smile while blasting a creature with Void Blast.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 021/10000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    Following that, Atlas continued killing the Bloodhawks as they dived down. The air hummed, and one by one, the birds faltered mid-flight. Dozens of Bloodhawks screeched, spiraling down in trails of smoke and feathers.


    ''Looks like I can increase my mana pool by targeting these fuckers.''


    Atlas''s magic was relentless until the cloud of birds thinned, leaving only silence and a few scattered feathers drifting to the ground. Once he was done with the first horde, a bigger swarm was heading in his direction.


    ''Fuck that drama; I need to eat before facing that many monsters,''


    he thought before returning to the real world.


    When he did that, he opened his eyes to see the cave ceiling; while lying there, a delicious aroma hit his nose.


    ''Smells nice,''


    he thought with a smile.


    Atlas opened his eyes to see Estelle holding a plate out to him. ''''Here you go. Eat up and get some rest. The storm outside is getting worse.''''


    Hearing the blonde''s words, Atlas accepted the food, casting a wary glance toward the entrance, where the ice wall trembled under pressure. He shook his head and focused on the meal¡ªa juicy cut of meat, juices glistening, and vibrant spices dusted generously.


    Atlas started eating and checked the monster total, only to grin when he saw how many Bloodhawks he killed on his first run.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 399/10000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    ''If the girls help me, we could clear this level quickly,''


    he thought before returning to his food.


    As they sat together, Nulia guided the others through her method of meditation, showing them how it helped ward off the biting cold. Atlas gave it a try, but the strange ache in his new arm broke his concentration, irritating him enough to abandon the attempt.


    ''Looks like this isn''t for me.''


    Frustrated, he stood and walked over to the ice wall, an uneasy feeling gnawing at him. Taking a steadying breath, he began etching the Dark One Runes into the surface, his fingers tracing each symbol with care and precision.


    Once he finished, he sat back against the wall, easing into a comfortable position. He pulled out a flask of ale, taking a long, calming sip as he watched the shimmering runes cover the entrance to their hideout.


    Following that, Atlas sat in the pile of blankets and activated the Void Realm again to fight with the Bloodhawks. The screeches rang out when he appeared in the grasslands, but he started casting Void Bullets at the incoming monsters.


    Explosions rang out all across the sky, causing the creatures to vanish, but that''s when a bigger creature dived toward him, making Atlas yelp as he jumped out of the way and its talons snapped shut.


    The creature looked like a bigger version of the Bloodhawks, causing him to scan the newcomer.


    [Haast''s Void Eagle]


    [Rank: C]


    [These things are bastards; keep moving like you''re running from the IRS]


    Atlas quickly cast Void Lance at the incoming eagle, and it tore through its wing; the sudden attack sent it crashing into the ground nearby. A large dust cloud shot into the air, allowing him to dash forward and slash along its body.


    The eagle vanished into the Void Realm as Bloodhawks swooped down and tried to attack, but Atlas used Void Wave that shot out of his body. His spell sent some of the monsters plummeting to the ground.


    ''Damn things,''


    he thought before casting a wave of Void Arrows that took out dozens of the creatures.


    Atlas continued fighting until his mana ran low. He returned to the cave, where the winds made a whooshing sound. He shook his head, pulled the blankets over him, and checked the monster total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 731/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 1/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    While lying there, Nulia informed the group, ''''The storm will pass, but we need to be careful while traveling south; hungry beats will attempt to attack us.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about them! We have a Frostbear on our side,'''' Grishna said excitedly as she nudged the brown-skinned woman.


    Nulia giggled as the five women started chatting. Atlas relaxed next to Atek, who turned into his smaller form while curling up in his lap. This made him smile before stroking the Frostfang Tiger.


    Atlas soon fell asleep as the cold took its toll on him. Several days passed like this as the women meditated, and he continued fighting through Level Five of the Void Realm. He took out so many monsters that he thought it was going quickly.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 2212/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 109/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    As the storm finally cleared, they made their way out of the cave. Atlas stepped into the open, squinting against the bright light bouncing off fresh snow¡ªonly to let out a startled yelp as something leaped onto him. Find adventures on empire


    Instinctively, he raised his hand to strike but paused when he caught a flash of white fur. A tiny, bright-eyed fox clung to him, its snowy coat blending seamlessly with the snow around them.


    The fox bounded to his shoulders, nibbling playfully at his ear, sending an unexpected shiver down his spine. Atlas burst into laughter, brushing the mischievous creature away. ''''Hey! What''s your deal?'''' he chuckled, trying to swat it gently. ''''Ambushing people out of nowhere, is this a thing now?''''


    The fox chirped excitedly, its small sounds echoing in the frosty air. Nulia''s amused voice drifted over. ''''Why do you attract every beast you come across? Now you''ve got a Frost Fox; those are rare this far south.''''


    Atlas chuckled, lifting the little creature in his hands to get a better look. It was soft as freshly fallen snow, with piercing blue eyes that sparkled with mischief. The fox met his gaze and chirped again, tilting its head as if curious about him.


    Smiling, he set the fox on his shoulder, where it nestled in, its bushy tail wrapping around him like a scarf. Amethyst looked at the fix before giggling, ''''You know Lilith will attack you? She will think you''re cheating.''''


    ''Fuck! That little demoness will be back soon,'' Atlas thought while sighing. ''Maybe she will be happy to see me?''


    With a shrug, he answered the phoenix girl with a chuckle, ''''I will beat her up if she tries it; I am stronger now.''''


    The women laughed as Estelle said, ''''No, you won''t; you care about that creature and wouldn''t hurt her.''''


    Atlas and the others prepared to continue their journey. Nulia shifted into her towering Frostbear form, her thick fur glistening under the pale sun. They climbed onto her back one by one, securing themselves as best they could among her powerful shoulders.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 245 Theres Too Many

    As Nulia broke into a steady run across the snowy tundra, her massive paws easily crushed through the snow, leaving deep prints in her wake. Now and then, she swiped at clusters of snow insects buzzing too close, her powerful claws sending them scattering.While sitting on her back, Atlas activated the Void Realm to fight the bird to bring their numbers down, but this time, Artemis and Amethyst were joining him. The three of them appeared on the grasslands.


    The brunette glanced around before asking, ''''Is this a new part of this realm? What happened to the Ghouls?''''


    ''''Me and Atek cleared them; now we have to fight big birds,'''' Atlas answered as the screeches started ringing.


    After that, Amethyst took to the sky and started battling with the creatures while Artemis used her sling to target the Bloodhawks. Her mana bolts sliced through the air and wiped out dozens of them.


    When Atlas saw this, he chuckled before using Void Barrage to take out even more. The Bloodhawks and Haast''s Eagles were sent back to wherever they came from. Following that, the three of them started battling with the monsters.


    Artemis continued her onslaught with her sling while Amethyst fought fiercely in the air, unleashing Cosmic Blasts and Bolts that painted the sky purple. Suddenly, larger eagles swooped down, targeting the phoenix-like woman.


    One massive eagle dove toward her, talons outstretched, but Amethyst met it with a powerful blast, sending it to the ground. Atlas watched as the eagle crashed below, disintegrating into nothingness.


    He started flinging Void Bombs into the horde of monsters; the projectiles exploded, wiping out hundreds of them and causing the counter to soar up, which excited him. Atlas continued fighting while the two women helped out.


    The Bloodhawks and Hasst''s Eagles stopped appearing for a few seconds, allowing Atlas to check the total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 3998/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 179/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    ''This is going good,''


    he thought while hitting a Haast Eagle with a Void Lance that pierced through its body.


    The monsters plummeted toward the ground as the two women continued fighting until Amethyst got hit by a swarm of Bloodhawks before being returned to the real world. This left him and Artemis dodging the bigger monster while hitting it with mana projectiles.


    Atlas unleashed a final Void Blast, banishing the creature back to the Void Realm. But before he could catch his breath, Artemis was overwhelmed by more enemies, leaving him to face the swarm alone.


    The sky darkened as flying monsters closed in, but he cast Void Wave. An intense azure wave erupted from him, striking down a dozen Bloodhawks in a single surge. Just then, a wagle collided with his torso, its powerful impact forcing him out of the realm.


    In a flash, Atlas jolted awake, finding himself back in the real world, clinging to Nulia''s back as they traveled across the Northern Wastes. He shook his head and asked the women, ''''Where are we?''''


    ''''We''re are coming up to the Golden Lions Fortress where we were staying before meeting you,'''' Estelle answered.


    Following the blonde words, he spotted a castle in the distance that looked chaotic as explosions rang out. When the group saw this, Grishna spoke, ''''It looks like the Achaemendians found the Golden Lion Legion. We need to help them.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he nodded before standing up and speaking, ''''Nulia, stop for a moment.''''


    The Frostbear woman stopped as he activated his Dungeon Conquerer Skill and summoned a swarm of Landsharks before their leader appeared and greeted Atlas when he jumped on its back.


    ''''Where are you going?'''' Amethyst asked.


    This caused Atlas to grin before explaining, ''''I will hit them once you''re fighting; it will throw the soldiers into chaos.''''


    They all nodded in agreement as the Landsharks dove underground, except for the one Atlas was riding. This allowed him to summon dozens more to aid them in the battle. Clinging tightly to the back of the leader, he felt the thrill of anticipation as they approached.


    While closing in on the soldiers, Atlas mused,


    ''Now its my turn to strike at these fuckers.''


    Just as they neared it, the leader suddenly vanished, diving deep into the earth. Following that, explosions rang out as the women attacked the Achaemenidians. Seconds passed as Atlas and the Landsharks passed under the enemy lines.


    ''It''s time,''


    he thought excitedly, ordering the creatures to strike.


    Without warning, a massive Landshark erupted from the earth, its jaws wide open, roaring with primal fury. The creature burst through the surface, sending debris flying in every direction.


    As the dust settled, the Achaemenidians stared in shock, their eyes widening in disbelief. The Landsharks lunged forward, snapping its jaws around a group of soldiers. They barely had time to react before the creature clamped down, scattering them like rag dolls.


    Atlas leaped off the monster''s back while ramming his blades through a commander''s head. He quickly noticed the enemy soldiers surrounded him, but he cast Void Wave that sent them flying everywhere.


    Following that, he started slicing through the shocked soldiers before meeting up with the women who killed hundreds of them. When they spotted him, Amethyst spoke worriedly, ''''There''s too many!''''


    He grinned before activating Call Of The Void and summoned dozens of Savage Void Ghouls that poured out of the Azure portals. They let out horrifying howls and shrieks while crashing into the Achaemenidians who tried to flee.


    Atlas felt the experience pouring into his body as he cut down hundreds of soldiers who tried to overwhelm him. That''s when Nulia and Atek tore through the enemy ranks, using their claws to clear a path to the fortress. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The combined might of the Landsharks and the Void Ghouls mercilessly slaughtered the attackers. Once the last of them fell, Atlas commanded his forces to dispose of the bodies into the Otherworld.


    As the fortress gates creaked open, a group of armored men emerged, rushing toward the women. But as they approached, all the monsters turned on them, snarling and ready to strike.


    The stunned soldiers halted in their tracks, their expressions a mix of confusion and alarm. Artemis stepped forward, her gaze steady as she approached, ''''They''re loyal to you, Atlas,'''' she assured him. ''''Just wait until Rollo sees you.''''


    Following that, the group of soldiers got close, and when the leading man noticed Atlas, his eyes widened in shock. The commander approached him and dropped to one knee as he spoke respectfully, ''''Azhar''Zul, you''re finally here.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his eyebrow raised before replying, ''''How do you know who I am? And why do you want to serve me?''''


    The old man stood up with a happy smile and answered, ''''The Golden Lion Legion''s patron is the Goddess of Darkness Nyx and told me about you.''''


    ''Those sisters! But wasn''t Nyx the moody one?''


    Atlas thought with a small smile.


    After that, he nodded. "Okay, how many soldiers do you have left?" he asked Rollo.


    ''''Two-thousand four hundred, My Lord,'''' Rollo answered. ''''We must recruit more men when we finally get to the wolf kingdoms.''''


    Atlas agreed with a nod before speaking as he dismissed the Landsharks and Void Ghouls, ''''Get them ready to move; we''re heading south to mess with the Achaemenidians.''''


    When Rollo heard this, his eyes widened, ''''We''re finally hitting back? We will get thousands of recruits after what the southern dogs have done to Astoria,'''' he revealed.


    This information excited Atlas, who decided to let the Golden Lion Legion into the Otherworld during their travels. Following that thought, he spoke up, ''''I will give your soldiers a place to rest, but they have to listen to everything I say, or death will come for them.''''


    Rollo looked concerned, but Atlas ignored it, entered the Otherworld, and appeared at the bottom of the treehouse. He walked into the forest while checking out the options for new additions.


    [Camp: Build a safe place for your soldiers to rest and recover - Cost: 5000 Mana]


    [Monster Hunters: Creatures that hunt down monsters to bring them into the Otherworld - 6000 Mana]


    When seeing these options, Atlas grinned before selecting both, but it drained him of mana, causing him to drop to one knee as Mana Regeneration kicked in,


    ''Need to increase my pool even more.''


    Following that, he returned to the real world, and when the women saw him, their eyes narrowed. Amethyst stepped forward while speaking in a concerned voice, ''''Did you use most of your mana again?''''


    Atlas nodded with a tired smile while explaining, ''''Yes, but there were some things the Otherworld needed that would help us in the long run.''''


    The phoenix woman agreed with a nod before he opened a portal, and hundreds of Stone Men rushed out. This shocked everyone, including Atlas, as the monster started running in all directions.


    Grishna and Artemis were about to attack, but he stopped them. ''''They are my Monster Hunters; I created them in the Otherworld.''''


    They all nodded in understanding as Atlas smiled, then turned to Rollo. ''''Rollo, gather the soldiers. You''re heading to the new camp I set up. But be careful¡ªdon''t cross its perimeter, or the monsters will start hunting you.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 246 Whats Your Decision

    The older man looked at Atlas intently and nodded before returning to the fortress to gather the legion. When the five women saw this, Estelle spoke seriously, ''''The Golden Lion Legion is a good start for an army for you.''''His eyebrow rose, but he shrugged as a stream of soldiers appeared from the fortress gates. Five minutes earlier, Rollo appeared. Atlas opened a portal to the Otherworld camp that he created for them.


    When the women and troops saw the rows of tents with firepits all over the place, what stood out was a glowing line encircling the camp, ''''Here we go. Remember what I said, and don''t go past the line, or you will be killed by the millions of monsters that roam this realm.''''


    The soldiers paled, tension evident in their faces, but Rollo stepped forward with a firm nod. ''''We won''t stray, my Lord,'''' he replied with conviction. ''''The Golden Lion Legion is here to support you, not to stand against you.''''


    Atlas nodded and left for the real world, where Nulia spoke in a worried voice, ''''Another storm is coming, but this time, the Whitewalkers will appear.''''


    When everyone heard the bear-woman speak, they turned to look at her as Atlas asked, "What are those?"


    ''''Giant humanoids who roam the Northern Wastes,'''' she explained. ''''They''re dangerous; even I struggle to fight them sometimes.''''


    ''Interesting, these monsters will earn me a lot of experience,''


    he thought before answering Nulia, ''''We will spend the storm in the Otherworld, but I want to fight these things.''''


    The five women''s eyes widened as Estelle spoke in a concerned voice, ''''Why would you want to do that? It''s too risky.''''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''I need to grow even stronger than I am now, and these monsters will be useful.''''


    Following that, the Stone Men returned holding all kinds of creatures, which shocked the women, but he sent the Monster Hunters into the Otherworld to dump the realm''s new residents.


    ''They will be useful; these monsters can feed my army,''


    Atlas mused amusedly.


    After that, the group continued south on the back of Nulia as they reached the mountain pass that led to the Southern Tundra, which led to the wolf kingdoms. The Frostbear woman stopped while staring into the darkness.


    ''''We will be fine, Nulia; I will scout ahead as I can sense the monsters roaming in the shadows,'''' he commented before jumping off her back.


    Atlas quickly reassured the women that everything would be fine as he took out his blades and stepped into the pass,


    ''What is this horrible aura? It''s strong but not as strong as the Ghoul Queen,''


    he thought.


    Wasting no time, Atlas cast Void Infusion on his weapons, illuminating the area around him in an eerie azure glow. The light revealed boulders and trees scattered across a mist-covered landscape, sending a chill down his spine.


    Tumbling rocks made him whirl around as he moved forward, but nothing was there. Cautiously, he summoned ten Shadow Stalkers from the Blackthorne Hills Dungeon. Once they materialized, he commanded them to scout the area.


    As the Shadow Stalkers disappeared into the mist, something unseen attacked, and Atlas tightened his grip on his blade. Suddenly, a creature lunged at him from the fog, its claws slicing through the air.


    He parried the strike, metal meeting talon in a clash that sent sparks flying in all directions, lighting up the mist around him. Atlas gritted his teeth when he saw a bat-like monster jump back before taking off.


    ''So you fly, let''s bring someone to help,''


    he mused with an excited smile before summoning Theo and a group of Blood Bats.


    The creatures flew out of an azure portal and quickly took off, and Theo''s voice sounded in his mind,


    ''Master, it''s good to see you, but let me deal with these brats.''


    Atlas shook his head and replied with a chuckle, ''''Capture them for me; I want to see what they are.''''


    When the Blood Bat King heard this, he nodded before letting out a loud screech as he descended into the fog. Atlas put his swords away and sat down on a nearby boulder as monsters crashed into the ground.


    He quickly scanned one of the newcomers, which interested him as he wanted to capture the creatures.


    [Mountain Bats]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Good flying soldiers]


    ''Interesting, let''s see if these things can talk,''


    Atlas thought before approaching the creature as it thrashed around while a Blood Bat pinned it down.


    He smacked it across the face and spoke in a commanding voice, ''''Stop acting like a bitch; you''ve already been captured.''''


    Following that, a giant Mountian Bat crashed nearby. Theo dropped on top of it and bit into its back. The monster let out a shriek of pain as Atlas spoke, ''''Stop attacking him; I need to talk to it.''''


    Atlas approached the downed creature who was screeching and slapped it; the smack echoed out, causing the other bats to look at them as he spoke, ''''Stop acting like a bitch, do you understand me?''


    The bigger Mountain Bat stopped struggling and looked at him as a gruff voice sounded in his mind, ''''How can you communicate with us?''''


    ''''So, you can understand me. Good,'''' Atlas said with a grin, his voice low and commanding. ''''Now, you have two choices: serve me, or die.''''


    The creature thrashed defiantly, but he struck it again, his blow landing with enough force to make even the leader of the pack pause, wide-eyed with shock. Atlas chuckled, leveling his gaze.


    ''''Well?'''' he asked, his tone both taunting and firm. ''''What''s your decision?'''' S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Mountain Bat snarled but spoke with defiance. ''''And what do we gain in return? I won''t let my flock become your slaves.''''


    Without hesitation, Theo stepped forward, slashing the creature and cutting off its protests.


    ''Master doesn''t treat us like slaves, you foolish creature,''


    he growled, his voice edged with warning.


    ''''You will get a safe place to live with an endless supply of food; all you have to do is answer my summons when I need your help,'''' Atlas revealed. ''''I don''t need slaves but strong monsters to fight for me when the time is right.''''


    After speaking, the Mountain Bat leader locked eyes with Atlas, its fierce gaze softening as it made its choice. After a tense silence, it gave a reluctant nod, lowering itself slowly until its wings folded in and its head bowed, dipping toward the ground.


    ''''We will serve you,'''' the creature said in a resigned voice. ''''Under the terms you set out.''''


    He gave a satisfied nod, his expression one of quiet triumph. ''''Wise choice, serve well, and you and your flock will find strength under my command.''''


    With a wave, Atlas opened a portal to the Otherworld. ''''Go and find a suitable spot in the mountains,'''' he commanded. ''''More food will soon be in the realm once I send out the Monster Hunters again.''''


    The Mountain Bat Leader nodded and let out a piercing screech before stepping through the portal, steadying itself as Theo released his hold. To Theo''s surprise, hundreds of smaller bats followed, swarming through the portal in a flurry of wings.


    Once they disappeared, the Blood Bats began to enter, flooding into the Otherworld in disciplined waves. After they were all gone, Atlas returned to the women who flocked to him as he stepped out of the fog.


    ''''What happened in there, Atlas?'''' Amethyst questioned as she checked him over with Estelle.


    He laughed at their reactions before answering, ''''I captured a swarm of Mountain Bats who are now living in the Otherworld alongside Theo.''''


    The five women exchanged amused smiles as Artemis let out a giggle. "Are you a monster collector now?" she teased.


    Atlas gave a wry nod. "Looks that way," he replied. "But let''s keep moving before the storm catches up with us."


    Nulia transformed into her Frostbear form, her massive paws crunching into the snow as the group climbed on her back. Atlas ran his hand through her soft white fur as they took off through the mountain pass and weren''t attacked by any monsters.


    The group made their way through the pass as the air grew colder as they climbed higher. Jagged cliffs loomed on either side, dusted with snow, and the wind howled, carrying flakes that bit at their skin.


    Nulia, in her Frostbear form, led the way, her broad paws breaking a path through the snow. After hours of careful travel, the pass widened, opening to a sprawling, icy swamp below. Mist curled over frozen pools, and skeletal trees twisted from the frost-crusted ground.


    Dark patches of water gleamed between chunks of broken ice, and a strange, haunting silence filled the air. Atlas took a cautious step forward, scanning the murky landscape. ''''Stay alert,'''' he warned. ''''Something about this place feels... off.''''


    Artemis shivered, drawing her cloak closer as she eyed their surroundings. ''''I think you''re right,'''' she said.


    ''''Don''t get off my back, guys,'''' Nulia spoke quietly. ''''I think monsters are lurking in the shadows.''''


    Atlas readied his weapons while Grishna, Estelle, and Amethyst got ready to act if anything attacked them.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 247 Nearly Halfway There

    Atlas and the women traveled through the swamp while watching their surroundings. He was ready to cast a spell, and just in time, a white crocodile monster lunged from the water. Nulia quickly dodged the beast''s snapping jaw before she sliced the creature in half with a swipe of her giant claws.They continued until Atlas spotted a group of men in the distance, causing him to speak, ''''I think Achaemenidians are approaching.''''


    Nulia ducked, letting them slip off her back while preparing to fight the enemy. Atlas quickly cast a dozen Viold Bullets and sent them flying at the unsuspecting soldiers. When the spells connected, they exploded.


    An azure explosion erupted, sending the other Achaemendians flying into the swamp and causing the monsters to go wild. When that happened, Grishna, Artemis, and Nulia dashed forward to finish off the survivors.


    Estelle giggled as she spoke in an amused voice, ''''Those three have been waiting to fight them; it''s like they''ve built up a never-ending grudge against the Achaemendians.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding as he watched the women easily take out the soldiers before dumping the bodies into the Otherworld when he opened a portal. The group continued as he summoned some Landsharks to keep guard over them.


    ''These should keep any monsters back for now,''


    he thought with a smile while scanning the swamp.


    At last, they left the swamp behind, only to be met by a storm that tore at their skin with icy gusts. Seeing this, Atlas turned to the others and said, ''''Let''s get to the treehouse now that we''re clear of the Northern Wastes.''''


    Everyone agreed as he opened a portal to the Otherworld, and they all stepped through only to feel the same cold. Atlas snapped his fingers, which cut the weather off from the outside world.


    Before closing the portal, he sent out more Monster Hunters to gather beasts for the realm. The group then entered the treehouse and relaxed as Estelle said, ''''Does anyone want some tea? It will warm you up.''''


    ''''Yes, please,'''' Atlas replied, followed by the other women.


    Amethyst started a fire using her Phoenix flames, which lit the living room in a beautiful purple glow. After that, they all started relaxing as he said, ''''Does anyone want to help me with the Void Realm? Those birds are annoying to kill.''''


    Grishna and Artemis offered, so they entered the realm and started fighting with the Bloodhawks. The orc woman used her Silver Shriek to bring the beasts crashing down, allowing the group to end them.


    Atlas was spamming Void Arrows and Bullets that chased after the monsters before exploding and wiping them out. While fighting, Artemis used her sling to target many of the creatures.


    The mana projectiles tore through the Bloodhawk''s bodies, returning them to the Void Realm. While this happened, Atlas checked the monster total to see how many they had killed so far, which surprised him.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 4011/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 179/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    ''Nearly halfway there,''


    he thought with an excited smile.


    The three continued killing the Bloodhawks until the Haast Eagles appeared, which was more challenging. Atlas had to use Void Blast and Lance, which tore through the air like missiles.


    They streaked through the air, crashing into the giant eagles with explosive force. Feathers and fragments spiraled as the creatures plummeted. Seizing the moment, the women intensified their attacks, unleashing a barrage that wiped out dozens of monsters.


    Then, Atlas added to their power and used his magic to take down dozens of Bloodhawks. The trio started fighting with them until running out of mana as it was taking its toll on the women.


    Artemis departed first, followed closely by Grisnha, leaving Atlas alone on the battlefield. Undeterred, he continued fighting, nimbly dodging as dozens of Haast Eagles dove down, their talons reaching for him.


    Each dodge revealed another opening, and Atlas struck with precision, slicing through their torsos in a storm of feathers and blood. But soon, his energy waned, and he withdrew to the real world, where Estelle stood nearby, holding a cup toward him.


    The blonde smiled brightly. ''''Here, take this; it''ll make you feel better,'''' she said, her voice light and cheerful.


    Atlas took it with a smile while replying, ''''Thank you, Blondie.''''


    Following that, he checked the monster total after their last run, which pleasantly surprised him.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 5835/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 417/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    ''This is going faster than I expected,''


    he thought before drinking the sweet tea as the women gossiped among each other.


    Atlas closed his eyes before resting on the comfortable chair and gazing out the window, only to see the mountain where the bat monsters lived. He could see tiny black dots fluttering around the peaks before swooping down.


    Following that, he yawned while standing up and stretching before heading toward the bedroom, but he wasn''t alone. When entering the room, Atlas was pushed toward the bed, and Grishna appeared behind him.


    ''What is she doing?''


    he thought with an excited grin.


    The Orc woman pressed herself against his back, her chest warm against him as she leaned close, her breath tickling his ear. In a low, seductive voice, she whispered, ''''May I stay with you tonight, my future husband?''''


    A shiver ran through Atlas, but he turned to face her, wrapping an arm around Grishna''s waist and pulling her close. He pressed his lips to her plump ones, and she met his kiss eagerly, returning it with a passion that made his pulse race.


    Atlas tightened his hold around Grishna, feeling the warmth of her body pressed against his. Their kiss deepened, each moment more intense, as her hands found their way to his shoulders, pulling him closer.


    The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the steady rhythm of their breaths and the fire building between them. Grishna''s fingers slid up to the back of his neck, her touch sending a thrill down his spine as they lost themselves.


    Following that, the Orc woman pushed him onto the bed before straddling his waist with a knowing smile, ''''I want to feel your tongue again; I''ve missed it.''''


    Atlas grinned when hearing this and replied, ''''Turn around while sitting on my face.''''


    Grishna beamed before spinning around until they were in the sixty-nine position, and he moved her panties to the side. His tongue shot out and started licking her delicate folds, causing her to tremble with pleasure.


    ''''Ahhh¡­ Mmmmghhnn¡­ I''ve missed this feeling so much,'''' she murmured, her voice breathless.


    Atlas then felt her hands entering his pants and grabbed his cock before she started stroking him. He groaned into her pussy which drove the Orc woman crazy as she quickly took him in her mouth and started bobbing up and down.


    Grishna''s tongue swirled around his shaft as he started diving into her wet pussy. The two of them began to grow even hornier as Atlas grabbed her toned behind while he tasted every part of her until slipping inside her tight hole. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Ahhmmmmm~~'''' she moaned as the pleasure washed over her body.


    Atlas noticed Grishna was trembling, and as he licked her clit she instantly started squirting directly into his mouth. The sweet liquid poured down his throat as he grabbed her black hair and pushed her head down.


    His cock slipped down her throat as he couldn''t handle it anymore and cummed in her mouth, which the Orc woman happily accepted with a moan, ''''Mmmmghh~~.''''


    Grishna slumped onto the bed, her body still trembling, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. Atlas sat up, chuckling as he wiped himself off, and she laughed along with him, catching her breath.


    ''''Your tongue is pure magic, husband,'''' she teased, her eyes gleaming. ''''I can''t wait until that monster takes my purity, and then I''ll be yours.''''


    He nodded in agreement, a playful grin on his face. He reached for the Orc woman and gently pulled her into bed beside him. She nestled against him, her warmth enveloping him as he reveled in the contrast of her firm muscles and her inviting softness.


    Their bodies fit perfectly, creating a sense of comfort and closeness that made him feel at ease. As the soft glow of the evening faded, they settled into a cozy rhythm, their bodies intertwined beneath the blankets.


    Grishna''s breathing gradually slowed. Her head rested on his chest while he absentmindedly stroked her hair. Just as they drifted off, Amethyst slipped into the room, her presence a gentle whisper in the dim light.


    With a soft smile, she climbed into bed on his side, her warmth radiating as she cuddled against him. Atlas shifted slightly, instinctively wrapping an arm around her as Grishna snuggled closer.


    Afterward, the three of them drifted into a deep, comfortable sleep. Outside, thunder rumbled ominously overhead, and rain began to lash against the treehouse, the rhythmic pattern creating a soothing backdrop.


    The following morning, he woke up with a yawn while using Void Step to get out of bed. Atlas glanced back and noticed the two women were fast asleep, which caused him to smile before leaving the room.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 248 Just A Little Training

    Atlas left the room where Amethyst and Grishna were sleeping. Thanks to his senses, he knew the others were sleeping except Nulia, sitting on one of the balconies, so he headed there.Five minutes later, he appeared next to the brown-skinned beauty who yelped; Atlas smiled before asking in a concerned voice, ''''What''s wrong with you?''''


    Her blue eyes avoided his as she looked out across the Otherworld, ''''I feel bad for hurting you and can''t forgive myself.''''


    Atlas shook his head while wrapping an arm around Nulia and pulling her closer. He reassured the young woman, ''''I''m fine now apart from the scars, but no one is bothered about them as I can be healed. I got a new arm that is even stronger than my original.''''


    Nulia nodded with a small smile and asked quietly, ''''Do you truly forgive me?''''


    Without warning, Atlas grabbed her soft cheeks and turned her head in his direction before kissing the Frostbear woman. She went stiff but quickly returned it before the two separated, and he asked, ''''Want to help me clear more of the Void Realm?''''


    The young woman nodded with a smile, ''''That would be good,'''' she said.


    They sat down as she held his hand while Atlas activated the skill, causing them to appear in the grasslands of level five. He smiled before speaking, ''''Use your magic; your other form will be useless here.''''


    ''''Okay, I will watch your back, husband,'''' she replied cheerfully before readying her ice magic.


    A piercing screech pierced the sky, prompting Atlas to react swiftly, summoning Void Arrows and Bullets into the air. Explosions erupted as the projectiles struck their targets, sending Bloodhawks spiraling down to the ground.


    Meanwhile, Nulia joined the fray, her hands weaving intricate patterns as she conjured a flurry of Ice Lances. The sharp shards shot through the air, piercing the ranks of monsters and scattering them.


    The two of them continued fighting with the Bloodhawks until the Haast Eagles appeared, but thanks to Void Lance, it destroyed the newcomers with ease. Nulia started using Earth Blasts whenever the creatures got close.


    Atlas was getting excited as hundreds of monsters fell to their combined attacks, allowing him to check the new total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 6211/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 456/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    The couple stood back to back, their eyes locked on the skies as waves of Bloodhawks and Haast Eagles surged toward them. That''s when Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Arrows, each exploding on impact and sending the birds crashing to the ground.


    At the same time, Nulia raised her hands, summoning a swirling vortex of frost. Ice Lances shot forth, piercing through the wings of the Haast Eagles and sending them spiraling downwards, their cries drowned out by the chaos.


    Together, they were casting spells in perfect timing. The air crackled with energy as their combined efforts created a deadly magic storm. He noticed the monster''s confidence grew with each wave that fell, fueling their assault against the relentless tide of creatures.


    Atlas continued spamming magic to use it up so it would expand while using Void Guard to deflect the swooping birds. They fought for a few more hours until Nulia was sent flying as a Haast Eagle hit her from behind.


    He managed to kill the monster with Void Blasts, but the Bloodhawks swarmed him like angry bees. Atlas returned to the real world, where the Frostbear woman awaited him as he slumped on the chair when feeling the mana drain.


    A bright smile appeared on her beautiful face as she spoke, ''''That was enjoyable; we should do it more as the storm will trap us here for a few days.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me,'''' he replied while hugging the young woman.


    After their fierce battle, Nulia headed off to enjoy a soothing bath while Atlas focused on improving the Otherworld. He summoned new monsters to inhabit the realm, each expressing gratitude as they appeared,


    Hours passed as he poured his mana into the task, meticulously crafting the landscape and residents. Eventually, exhaustion overtook him, and he collapsed, unconscious from the strain of his magic.


    Meanwhile, Estelle and Amethyst engaged in a spirited fight in the training grounds below against Grishna and Artemis. Nulia watched from the sidelines, her keen eyes tracking the movements of her friends as they honed their skills.


    Atlas came to with a banging headache, causing him to teleport to the ground below while speaking to the blonde, ''''Can you heal me, please? My head hurts like crazy.''''


    Estelle''s blue eyes narrowed as she halted her sparring with Artemis, concern etching her beautiful face. She approached Atlas, kneeling beside him, ''''What have you done now, my love?'''' she asked, her voice a mix of worry and tenderness. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He chuckled, shaking his head. ''''I''m fine, Estelle. Just a little training.''''


    But she wasn''t convinced. ''''No, you''re not! Look at you!'''' she said, pointing to the beads of sweat forming on his brow. ''''You need to take a break. Come on, let''s sit down for a moment.''''


    Before he could protest, she grabbed his hand and led him to a nearby bench, where she insisted he sit. ''''You can''t train if you''re exhausted,'''' she said, her tone both severe and affectionate.


    While Estelle was doing this, Artemis teased with a big smile, ''''Oh look at the mother hen; whenever Atlas is mentioned, she looks like a worried wife.''''


    Everyone laughed, including Atlas, but she turned to the brunette while pointing, ''''Shut it! I don''t see you complaining about my worrying when you''ve injured yourself, Fish.''''


    Artemis huffed, which made the other women laugh even more as the blonde cast Healing Light on Atlas. The exhaustion vanished, and he felt fresh, causing him to sigh. ''''Thank you, Estelle,'''' he said in a relieved voice.


    With an adorable smile, the blonde tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her cheeks softly flushed. In her gentle French accent, she replied, ''''It''s alright, Atlas. I''m here to care for you, and that''s exactly what I will do.''''


    Estelle''s gaze softened, and she added warmly, ''''After all, we''re a couple, aren''t we?''''


    Her words were so genuine and sweet that Atlas couldn''t help but smile back, feeling his heart melt a little more. After that, she leaned over and kissed his cheek softly, which surprised him.


    Atlas''s hand instinctively shot up to his scar, his fingers brushing over the rough skin as a flicker of discomfort crossed his face. Noticing his reaction, Estelle gently placed her hand over his, her touch warm and reassuring.


    ''''Don''t worry about it,'''' she murmured, her eyes filled with determination. ''''Either I''ll heal it myself, or I''ll find someone who can.''''


    Following that, she jumped up with a smile before getting back to fighting the others. Atlas stood up and walked into the surrounding jungle. He approached the Scalebreaker nest but stopped by Tyson''s cave first.


    When Atlas got close to the mountain, everything went quiet, causing him to grin as he knew what would happen. He stepped closer to the mouth of the cave as two baby Allosaruses ambushed him from a nearby bush.


    One of them darted in low, ramming its head into the back of his legs and knocking him clean off his feet. He hit the ground with a hard thud, momentarily dazed. Before he could recover, the second one leaped onto him.


    The monster playfully nibbled at any bit of exposed skin, its rough hide brushing against him as it squirmed in excitement. Atlas chuckled despite himself, swatting at the creature as he tried to push it away, but its relentless playfulness made it hard to regain his footing.


    He started laughing while pushing the babies off him, and Tyson appeared from the cave and let out a deep growl. Atlas glanced up and replied to the creature, ''''Oh, shut up. I''m just saying hello to the children. Why is your wife the reasonable one? Especially when I give you such a life.''''


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than the female Allosaurus bounded out of the cave, her massive form moving with surprising grace. She lowered her head and gave Atlas a gentle but insistent nudge, her warm, scaly snout pressing against his chest.


    He staggered back, laughing as he steadied himself, reaching up to pat the enormous creature affectionately. She let out a deep, rumbling sound that could almost be described as a purr, her golden eyes fixed on him with unmistakable fondness.


    ''''Hello Carla, has this barbarian been treating you well?'''' the female monster nudged him again before looking at Tyson with narrowed eyes.


    Atlas chuckled while speaking, ''''I see; well, let me show him how things are done.''''


    Following that, he approached the giant Allosaurus, who was already backing off, causing Atlas to grin, ''''Oh, where are you going, Tyson? Didn''t I see that you and your children will be the best?''''


    Before the monster could react, Atlas was already on top of it and smacked it while scolding Tyson, ''''Don''t bully your wives! I''m spending mana on strengthening them, and you''re here acting like a boss.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 249 Mountain Yeti

    Atlas scolded Tyson until the giant Allosaurus nodded like a scared dog, which made him smile. He stroked the monster calmly, saying, ''''I just want you to grow stronger and help me in the real world.''''When he heard this, the Allosaurus got happy and rushed off with his wife before entering the jungle. He continued walking through the Otherworld and noticed all the monsters roaming the realm.


    ''The Monster Hunters brought in a lot of creatures that will be useful for when I capture more,''


    Atlas mused.


    Leo started making his way back to the treehouse as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Otherworld. Shadows deepened, and with the onset of dusk, the night creatures began to stir, their distant calls echoing through the darkening forest.


    The air grew colder as the monsters awakened under the fading light. Atlas moved carefully through the thick jungle, leaves rustling underfoot. The air smelled of earth and wildflowers, and faint sounds of distant creatures echoed around him.


    ''This place is peaceful,''


    he mused with a smile.


    ''Need to get more mana so I can expand it.''


    Finally, he reached the base of the treehouse, nestled high in the ancient branches. Climbing up, Atlas stepped inside, where a series of glowing lights flickered to life, illuminating the space in a warm, ethereal glow.


    Shadows danced along the wooden walls, and the gentle hum of the lights filled the treehouse. Atlas closed his eyes and noticed all the women were asleep apart from Estelle, who appeared beside him.


    ''''Are you okay?'''' she asked in a caring tone.


    "I''m fine, Estelle. I just went for a walk to clear my head," Atlas replied with a smile as the blonde suddenly hugged him.


    With a big smile, she said, ''''Come to bed. I want to hug you, but it''s too cold tonight.''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement, ''''Lead the way knight princess.''''


    Estelle giggled before grabbing his hand and leading him through the treehouse, saying, ''''The Achaemendians conquered my homeland. They betrayed my father, forcing them to flee to an island fortress.''''


    ''''How do you know this?'''' Atlas questioned.


    The blonde showed him a necklace and explained, ''''This was given to all my siblings before we left the kingdom, and most of them have made it to Ironhold Island, where they are holding off the Achaemendian advance.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he spoke, ''''Don''t worry about them; once we attack them from the north, it will cause chaos across Astoria. But I''ve decided that I will start collecting monsters from tomorrow.''''


    Estelle nodded in understanding, then gently pulled him onto the soft bed, curling up beside him warmly. Soon after, Atlas drifted off to sleep, and the treehouse gradually dimmed into silence as everyone settled in, the stillness of night wrapping around them.


    The days passed as the mana storm outside worsened, forcing the group to stay inside the Otherworld. By the time it stopped, they had been brought back on the road until reaching the Shadowfang Kingdom.


    Atlas stood atop the hill, gazing down at the city of Shadowpaw, now under Achaemendian control. Fires flickered among the buildings, and the faint outline of army camps encircled the city''s perimeter.


    Narrowing his eyes, he thought, ''


    We''ll need to clear those camps before we can move on the soldiers inside.''


    ''''Looks like a lot of soldiers, darling,'''' Grishna said with a grin. ''''How do you want to do this?''''


    Atlas thought for a second, ''''I will capture those monsters the travelers told us about while you girls prepare for the dungeon.''''


    The Orc woman nodded before speaking excitedly, ''''I can''t wait; it''s a strong Level four, which means there''s going to be loads of experience.''''


    After bidding farewell to the group, Atlas summoned Theo, who soared into the sky. His powerful wings carried him toward a nearby mountain, where a pack of Griffins was reportedly causing havoc.


    As they flew, the landscape below blurred, but an hour later, Atlas spotted an ominous peak rising in the distance, its jagged silhouette cutting through the clouds,


    ''This place is creepy, I''ll be careful while traveling through it,''


    he thought.


    Following that, Theo dived toward the ground and landed with a thud, allowing him to jump off the creature''s back before sending the Blood Bat King back to the Otherworld. Atlas pulled out his swords while equipping his helmet and hit the scar covering his face''s left side.


    He started walking through the mountains while scanning his surroundings. Atlas had heard about a handful of monsters lurking in the Northern Shadow Mountains, and he was excited to capture them finally.


    Atlas carefully trekked through the rugged terrain; his armor blocked the sharp winds biting. Jagged rocks jutted from the ground, and patches of snow clung stubbornly to the shaded areas.


    As he rounded a bend, a hulking figure came into view. Standing amidst the snow-dusted boulders was a massive creature resembling a yeti, its white fur blending seamlessly with the environment.


    The creature''s icy blue eyes glimmered in the low light fixed on him. Atlas''s heart raced as he tightened his grip on his weapons while casing Void Infusion. That''s when the creature charged at him and let out a rage-filled roar.


    He quickly used Void Sight on the monster to determine its rank.


    [Mountain Yeti]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Use your speed against these neckbeards]


    As the Yeti closed in and started trying to swing its giant fists, missing his head by a few inches before Atlas cast Void Blast at the monster''s chest, sending it stumbling back while he sheathed his weapon.


    He started fighting with it using his fists and managed to bring it crashing to the ground as Atlas warned it, ''''Stop fighting motherfucker, can you understand me?''''


    The Mountain Yeti locked its deep blue eyes on Atlas, and suddenly, a man''s voice resonated in his mind, ''


    How can you communicate with us?''


    Atlas raised an eyebrow, intrigued, ''''I''m not sure how this works either, but I''m curious¡ªwhat''s it like living on this godforsaken mountain?''''


    He stepped back and let the Yeti stand up as it answered,


    ''Tough, food is scarce, and more monsters have appeared from the underworld.''


    When Atlas heard this, he nodded understanding before speaking, ''''What if I can offer you and your kind a safe place to grow? In return, I only ask that you fight for me whenever I call for you.''''


    The Mountain Yeti stared at him for a few seconds before it nodded, ''That is fine, Master, but the others may be wary of you.''


    It turned toward a nearby cave, gesturing for him to follow. Inside, a clan of Yetis gathered around a fire. A few of them growled at Atlas''s presence, but the creature he''d spoken to waved them off with a series of low grunts, calming the others.


    As Atlas watched their exchange, a prickling sense of unease washed over him. He sensed more creatures approaching. Turning toward the mouth of the cave, he stepped outside and scanned the landscape.


    Emerging from the swirling mist, new figures were rushing down the mountain in his direction. Atlas quickly noticed they were giant ants, which caught his attention, and he quickly scanned them.


    [Snowvein Ants]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp] sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Useful buggers, make sure to use defensive magic]


    Atlas quickly cast Void Lance, spotting the incoming threat and sending dark energy slicing through the air. The lance struck true, piercing through the insects'' bodies. But as each fell, more creatures emerged from the shadows, their numbers seeming endless.


    Frustration mounting, Atlas raised his hands and summoned a dozen Dreadmaw Lions, their dark forms prowling at his side, teeth bared. With a low whistle, he called Nala, who appeared beside him.


    A fierce battle broke out outside the Mountain Yeti''s cave as swarms of Snowvein Ants poured over the peak, their icy exoskeletons glinting in the fading light. Atlas unleashed a Void Barrage, cutting down the monstrous insects in waves.


    Amid the chaos, he told Nala, ''''Stay here and guard the cave. I''m going to find their nest.''''


    Following that, he vanished using Void Step to track the relentless stream of ants. For an hour, he moved through the rugged mountain terrain until he arrived at a vast, gaping hole, crawling with the creatures as they poured from the depths.


    ''I can''t fly, but how can I get down there?''


    Atlas mused before getting an idea.


    He leaped off the edge while transforming into his Voidwalker Form and used his claws to dig into its side before skidding down while blasting the surrounding monsters with Void Arrows, Bullets, and Lances.


    The hollow hole radiated a mesmerizing azure glow, illuminating the jagged walls as Atlas descended deeper into the darkness. Each time his magic struck, Snowvein Ants fell in bursts of shattered exoskeleton, their bodies scattering across the rocky ground.


    More ants lunged at him, their mandibles snapping, but Atlas tore through them until slamming into the ground below with a thud.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 250 Under The Mountain

    Atlas noticed several tunnels stretching in two directions, which caused him to grow annoyed. However, he also saw dozens of ants charging in his direction. He waved his hand without wasting time while casting dozens of Void Arrows.The azure projectiles sliced through the air before peppering dozens of monsters, causing them to collapse dead. Atlas chuckled at this, ''''Thanks for showing me the way,'''' he muttered.


    He started walking down the tunnel in his Voidwalker form, tearing apart more creatures until they stopped appearing. Soon, Atlas came across a large chamber where several bigger ants lunged at him.


    ''No you don''t,''


    Atlas thought with a chuckle as he cast Void Blast at one of them while dodging the other by leaning back as it passed him by inches.


    A battle erupted as the queen''s defenders launched their attack, forcing Atlas to use Void Guard to defend himself. Ants bounced off the azure shield before being hit with Void Blast, which sent some monsters crashing into the walls.


    Following that, he continued spamming magic until the ants stopped coming and the queen came into view. She was three times the size of the regular ones, which caused him to be ready for a fight.


    Atlas was about to dash forward, but a woman''s voice echoed in his mind,


    ''Why are you attacking us? Our fight is with the Yeti''s.'' Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He waved it away before replying, ''''They belong to me now; I''ve offered them a home to live in, and the only thing I ask for in return is to fight for me when the time comes.''''


    When the Snowvein Ant Queen heard this, her mandibles snapped closed as she replied,


    ''Is there food and safety?''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Yes, you may have to fight other monsters, but that helps you grow stronger.''''


    ''Okay, it''s becoming hell on this mountain since the food ran out,''


    the queen revealed.


    ''My children can barely eat.''


    He smiled before replying, ''''There are billions of monsters roaming the Otherworld. You''re free to fight any, but don''t attack the Scalebreaker babies.''''


    The monster agreed before she started letting out a loud chittering noise that bounced off the walls. She looked at him with her icy blue eyes; Atlas noticed she was a dark blue color and reminded him of a Bullet Ant back on Earth.


    ''These creatures will come in handy,''


    he mused with a greedy smile.


    ''Could attack the Acheamendians mountain fortresses.''


    Then, Atlas opened a portal to the Otherworld while speaking, ''''I need to use a skill on you before entering your new home.''''


    The queen''s eyes narrowed, but she nodded, allowing him to cast Voidbound on the Snowvein Ant Queen. An azure blue washed off her body before seeping in, causing the monster to make a strange noise.


    This caused the other ants to react, but the queen stopped them and exhaustedly said,


    ''What did you do? You''ve boosted my strength tenfold,


    and


    now my children will be much stronger.''


    Atlas smiled as he explained, ''''You''re now a Void Snowvein Ant. I''ve given you a gift to help your new colony thrive, but I want to see some new types.''''


    The queen made another chittering noise before stepping through, followed by her children, who formed one extensive line. Atlas chuckled when he heard this while sitting down and watching the possession of monsters march into his realm.


    It took the Snowveil Ants a few hours to empty their failing colony. Once inside, Atlas took out a few dumplings, entered the Otherworld, and quickly noticed the ants fighting with a group of mantis monsters.


    He rolled his eyes before scanning the newcomer.


    [Bloodtree Mantis]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [You''ve finally met the tweaker-like monsters who jump on their prey from the trees]


    Atlas chuckled when reading the advice. He let out a loud whistle, ''''Stop fucking fighting already, let the damn ants move in, then continue,'''' he said.


    The Bloodtree Mantis scuttled back into the trees, which made Atlas shiver at the way they moved. He thought,


    ''They''re freaky; I swear those Monster Hunters bring back some strange creatures.''


    Following that, the monster scattered as the Snowveil Ants started digging into the base of a mountain. The queen asked in a respectful tone,


    ''Can we claim under the mountain, Master?''


    ''''Go for it, but those pesky Bloodtree bastards will keep attacking,'''' he answered while looking at the trees.


    ''These things creepy me out, I swear I will go slap them in a minute.''


    The ants began burrowing into the mountainside, their sheer numbers allowing them to carve out a primary tunnel within half an hour. Atlas watched as waves of the creatures poured into the passage.


    ''Interesting; I will make sure they eat more and see how they grow,''


    he mused while looking at the larger ants standing guard at the entrance, their mandibles poised and ready.


    Atlas left the Otherworld while traveling across the mountaintops looking for the last monster he wanted to capture, a small Trex-looking thing that the traders called Cold Jaws due to their white hide.


    ''Now it''s time to find my new monsters,''


    he mused before trekking through the mountains.


    After a few hours of searching, he found them in a secluded valley with a river winding through it. The unexpected beauty of the scene took Atlas by surprise. He was crouched on an outcrop, his eyes narrowing as he spotted movement in the distance.


    A pack of Cold Jaws prowled along the snow-covered grassland. He quickly noticed the creature''s snow-white hides blended seamlessly with its surroundings. The jaws'' eyes glinted as they moved in unison, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth with each snarl and snap.


    ''They look strong; I''m sure I can use them against the empire,''


    he pondered with an excited glint in his eyes.


    One of them paused, its nostrils flaring as if it sensed something amiss, but Atlas took this time to attack. He used Void Step to travel across the grasslands before arriving under the monster and attacking with a Void Smash.


    His fist sent a shockwave ringing out as the Cold Jaw tumbled across the ground and took out even more. The rest let out rage-filled roars, but Atlas was ready and started beating them up using Void Smash and Punch, sending them flying everywhere.


    By the time they were all dazed, Atlas was standing on the leader''s body with glowing azure eyes as he spoke, ''''You will fight for me, or I will kill all of you here. I''ll make you stronger, but agree to it.''''


    The creature''s icy blue eyes met his and nodded its giant head, allowing Atlas to cast Voidbound on the Cold Jaw and claim all of them before opening a portal to another part of the Otherworld.


    An azure glow washed over them, causing all the monsters to let out growls, but it soon died down as they felt much better than usual. The place the portal took them lay far from the Scalebreakers and other deadly creatures.


    The dinosaur leader took in the unfamiliar landscape before gazing at him. Calmly, Atlas explained, ''''This is a realm where you can grow stronger and be free from hunger.''''


    When the monster heard this, an excited male voice echoed in his head,


    ''This place looks perfect for us, Master. Thank you for this gift.''


    Atlas stared at the Cold jaw leader before nodding and replied with a smile, ''''Find a place to call your own. I will visit in a few days.''''


    Following that, he stepped back into the real world and summoned Theo, who appeared with a screech as Atlas jumped on his back, saying, ''''Head south; the girls will be set up by now.''''


    Theo chirped in response before taking off and flying across the stormy mountains while ducking and diving out of the way of the dark clouds. Atlas was perched on Theo''s back, feeling the powerful beats of his wings as they cut through the cool night air.


    The dark mountains below stretched like giants, their jagged peaks barely visible in the starlight. The wind whipped past, carrying the scent of damp earth. After some time, the rugged terrain softened into rolling hills, where a soft glow marked the girls'' campsite.


    As they descended, Atlas could see the flicker of firelight and the faint, familiar shapes gathered around it, waiting. Soon enough, Theo landed in a crash, which caused Amethyst to yelp in fright.


    Grishna and Artemis started giggling while Nulia was sitting by the fire, brushing her hair. Estelle jumped up and exclaimed, ''''You little fucker! Stop making us jump like that.''''


    Atlas started laughing at the blonde and blew her a kiss, which made her cheeks go red. Then he announced, ''''I got the three monsters I set out for.''''


    ''''Was the Cold Jaws a problem?'''' Grishna questioned.


    He shook his head, ''''No, I beat them up for a bit, but then the leader submitted fast,''''


    The women laughed as he joined them once Theo returned to the Otherworld.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 251 Kill The Rest

    Atlas and the women traveled across the Shadowfang Kingdom while attacking Achaemendian patrols. They were resting on a hill overlooking a massive empire camp stretching for miles.''Maybe I should summon as many monsters to wash over them?''


    he pondered excitedly.


    ''That would catch them off guard.''


    While Atlas was plotting against the Achaemendians, Grishna''s voice reached his ears, ''''Darling, do you want some boar meat? I''ve got some southern sea salt to flavor it with?''''


    He turned around and spotted the Orc woman with a warm smile. Atlas replied, ''''Yes, please, Grish. Do you want to join me?''''


    The young woman nodded in agreement before grabbing their food and sitting on the hill''s edge. As the two sat there, Estelle set up the camps'' protection while Amethys and Artemis bickered with each other.


    While those three did that, Nulia hummed while cleaning everyone''s spare clothes with an adorable smile on her pretty face. As Atlas watched the brown-skinned beauty Grishna commented with a giggle, ''''You''re always looking at us five, don''t think I haven''t felt you staring at my ass.''''


    He grinned when he heard the Orcs'' words before nodding, ''''Yes, I do. You five belong to me, so it''s only right I admire my women.''''


    Grishna laughed even more but agreed with a nod as she chewed on some boar meat, allowing Atlas to spot her tucks, which he loved. The Orc woman noticed him staring at her, ''''Everything okay darling?''''


    ''''I love your tusks; I want to feel them biting me when we make love,'''' Atlas responded as he started eating.


    She was caught off guard and trembled at the thought before she snapped at him, ''''Don''t you dare tease me! Or I swear to the Orc Gods I will drain you dry.''''


    Atlas burst out laughing as Grishna spun around to the phoenix woman, pointing a playful finger at her. ''''Oi, Little Bird!'''' she called with a wicked grin. ''''When do I get to ride the beast? I''m ready to be ravaged by such a monster! Can''t you bend the rules just a little?''''


    When Amethyst heard this, she giggled while replying, ''''You only have a few months until your garden can be watered. Mama told me the wait makes it so much better.''''


    Grishna''s green eyes narrowed as she retorted, ''''I''ll ask him to blow your back out as revenge; I wouldn''t mind seeing you walk around like a Rainbow Duck.''''


    ''How lewd are these women?''


    Atlas thought with a chuckle as the two started bickering back and forth.


    ''Well, at least they get on.''


    After that, he pulled out some dumplings and handed them to the others, who thanked him with a peck on the cheek. While he gave Grishna, she grabbed his collar and pulled him toward her.


    Her tusks sank into his neck, causing Atlas to groan as a wave of pleasure shot through his body. Grishna felt his reaction, which pleased her as she whispered, ''''I''m going to sneak into your tent tonight; I want to sit on your face again.''''


    Atlas grinned before nodding as he responded, ''''I look forward to tasting you, my Orc.'''' S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Grishna jumped up while chewing some boar meat and shouted at Estelle, ''''Blondie! Let''s do some training, I want to whoop your jiggly ass.''''


    A stick flew at the green-skinned woman, who dodged it with a grin, ''''Come on, Blondie, our husband like that behind of yours, isn''t that right, Atlas?''''


    ''''She right, your ass does jiggle when you walk Estelle, which is sexy, by the way,'''' he answered while looking at the knight''s red face.


    Everyone laughed as she agreed to Grishna''s training to flee the scene, which made Atlas laugh even more. Then, he stood up as Artemis, Nulia, and Amethyst started playing a card game that the Frostbear woman was teaching them.


    Atlas descended the hill after telling the group to watch the Achaemendian camp. He snuck up to the edge of the light and began summoning hundreds of Howling Void Ghouls and their queen, who gave him a dirty look but listened to his commands.


    Ten minutes later, his mana nearly exhausted, Atlas collapsed into a bush, panting as an army of snarling Ghouls gathered behind him. After catching his breath, he straightened and pointed toward the distant camp, his voice firm and commanding. ''''Attack the soldiers. Bring me the commanders, but kill the rest.''''


    At his words, the Void Ghouls unleashed chilling, bone-rattling howls before surging forward, descending like a dark wave upon the patrolling Achaemendians. The blood-chilling howls of his creatures split the night as they descended upon the camp.


    Atlas watched as they poured over the walls like a dark flood, their twisted forms lurching forward with unnatural speed. The soldiers barely had a chance to shout a warning before the first wave hit, claws tearing through armor, their jagged teeth snapping with hunger.


    Screams rose from every corner of the camp, swallowed by the Void Ghouls'' ceaseless howling. One soldier tried to rally, but a ghoul lunged at him, dragging him away as his cries were silenced in seconds.


    ''Oh shit they are lethal at night, if the damn things were silent it would be better,''


    Atlas thought in amusement.


    He observed as his summoned monsters moved with horrifying unity, overwhelming every defense, every line, every blade that dared to rise against them. That''s when, in the brutal battle, Atlas spotted a commander trying to rally the soldiers.


    Atlas soon spotted the Void Ghoul Queen charging at the commander and stumbled back, his sword shaking as he watched the creatures swarm over his men, each fallen body dragged into the swarm, lifeless.


    He watched as the garrison of the northern part of the Shadowfang Kingdom was eaten alive by his Ghouls. While they did that, Atlas jumped into the other world and increased its size with most of its mana.


    Ten minutes later, he had enough to create an underground lair for the Void Ghouls. Atlas wanted to see if they could grow and evolve by soaking in his mana. Following that, he returned to the real world.


    Atlas noticed the battle was still underway, but he ignored that and strolled into the chaotic camp. Whenever a soldier charged at him, a Ghoul easily took them out, allowing him to open a portal next to the queen.


    She was busy eating the commander''s organs, but Atlas spoke anyway, ''''This place is your home. Live here and fight with other monsters to grow stronger. If you don''t, I''ll return you to the void.''''


    When the Ghoul Queen heard this, she let out a hiss, but he waved her away, ''''Don''t complain, woman. This is a good opportunity for you.''''


    Atlas ignored any further complaints and ordered the stubborn creature, ''''Tell your children to throw the bodies into that cave. It''s yours, and if you don''t take it, I''ll summon a less problematic monster.''''


    When the queen heard this, she slowly nodded and let out a loud howl that echoed across the battlefield. Following that, Ghouls drags the dead Achaemendians and throws them through the Azure portal.


    The battle continued for another couple of hours, but Atlas walked through the camp, guarded by a pack of Ghouls, looting everything of value. He also took the army''s food, which the women would like.


    Soldiers were still dying around him, but the creatures were kidnapping even more, which baffled Atlas. He chose to ignore the screaming and begging while storing away chests full of coins.


    After an hour, he was finished looting everything, and the Ghouls dragged their last victims through the portal before the queen entered. Atlas followed behind and closed it while looking at the creatures crowded around the now graveyard as bodies were piled up.


    He sighed before spending more mana to expand the place for them, finally allowing the Void Ghouls to make a nest. While doing this, they were dragging back monsters, kicking and screaming.


    ''These things are walking nightmares,''


    Atlas thought with wide eyes.


    ''I''m glad they''re on my side.''


    Atlas watched as they bashed the creatures over the head with a stone before tearing it apart with their claws. They moved methodically through the shadows, hollowing chambers along the stone walls.


    Their clawed hands carved nooks and pits to store their food. Bones and supplies salvaged from the raid were piled into these dark recesses, and the ghouls'' eyes glinted with a strange satisfaction as they labored, arranging the spoils of war.


    A low hum filled the air as the creatures chittered to one another, sharing strange, guttural whispers that echoed against the damp stone. Atlas couldn''t help but smirk; his army wasn''t just mindless, they were organized, preparing for the long campaign ahead.


    As they set aside their morbid provisions, he watched the chamber slowly taking on the feel of a twisted fortress beneath the earth, ''


    This army will cause many to shit themselves if they charged,''


    he thought with a chuckle.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 252 There Must Be Thousands

    Atlas continued looting the camp while the Ghouls dragged a group of twenty commanders to one side. He approached them with a knowing smile and said, ''''Now, who will tell me where the rest of your army is?''''Three of the Achaemendians protested when he finished speaking, but Atlas waved at the Ghouls, who jumped on the men and tore them apart, which scared everyone, but it didn''t bother him.


    Following that, more of the commanders protested only to be killed until a woman agreed to show him a map of the area. She quickly marked all the areas down before Atlas ordered, ''''Now eat her slowly and make sure she feels every bit of pain.''''


    She screamed, but the Ghouls finished her off with ease before they started eating the corpse. Atlas watched this without mercy as he heard the horror stories the Achaemendians put their conquered people through.


    Once that was done, he ordered the Ghouls to drag the rest of the bodies into the Otherworld before returning to the five women who were watching him with wide eyes and hanging jaws.


    Grishna shook her head with an excited smile as she questioned, ''''Were those horrible creatures from the Void Realm, darling? Their howls sent goosebumps across my body.''''


    Atlas chuckled when hearing this, but Estelle was the next to speak, ''''Those were a different type of Ghouls than the ones that roam the world? They are normally not that strong.''''


    ''''They are Void Ghouls; we fought them a couple of times,'''' he answered while sitting in front of the fire.


    Suddenly, a new wave of howling echoed through the night, sharper and more ominous. Amethyst jolted to her feet, her expression shifting to one of concern as she scanned the darkness.


    ''''The Dark Ones are here,'''' she said, her voice tense. ''''They''ve been absent for the last few nights¡­ but now they''re back.''''


    After that, Atlas jumped up and watched as the creepy humanoids appeared in the camp''s darkness. He summoned a large group of Ogres that charged into the creatures without waiting.


    They hammered the Dark Ones into meat paste while others swarmed over his summoned monsters. The five women watched this battle wide-eyed as the Ogres butchered the creepy creatures.


    Atlas chuckled at this scene before pulling out some Horned Rabbit Kebabs and started eating as everyone else had some stew Estelle cooked while he was attacking the Achaemendian camp.


    His Ogres shattered the ranks of the Dark Ones, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. The ground trembled as they tore through the enemy, scattering bodies and leaving trails of destruction and pools of blood in their wake.


    Roaring defiantly, the Ogres fought with unmatched ferocity, their thick hides shrugging off the claws. But as the battle wore on, the relentless swarm of Dark Ones closed in, overwhelming even their brute strength.


    One by one, Atlas watched as his monsters fell, each taking down a final wave of Dark Ones before they were brought to their knees, leaving a battlefield littered with their enemies'' broken bodies.


    ''They are strong, only if I had more mana,''


    he pondered while eating the kebab.


    Following that, Nulia and Estelle started setting up the tents while everyone else rested in front of the fire. Atlas sat there with a tired smile, and Artemis appeared next to him with a cheeky grin.


    The brunette spoke cheerfully, ''''Do you want to come scouting with my love?''''


    He agreed with a nod before standing up and letting out a yawn. The two of them went to walk down the hill, but Amethyst spoke up as she scanned their surroundings, ''''I will be flying around. Send a Void Bullet in the air if you need help.''''


    Atlas smiled when he heard this. He quickly approached the Phoenix girl and gently kissed her as she sunk into his embrace. Afterward, he and Artemis trekked down the hill once the Dark Ones cleared out.


    When the two stepped into the forest, the brunette turned on him with a smirk before tiptoeing and kissing him. Atlas grinned before returning the kiss as he held her slender hips, but something caught his attention.


    He quickly teleported them to the treehouse in the Otherworld as a monster lunged out of the shadows. The two of them landed on a soft bed with Artemis on top, looking down at him with glowing brown eyes.


    ''''Can we go on a date when we reach a city?'''' she sweetly asked.


    Atlas nodded in agreement while answering, ''''I planned on taking each of you on a date, but I want to heal my scars first.''''


    When Artemis heard this, she frowned, ''''There''s nothing wrong with them; they can be fixed in Shadowfang City. I remember Nulia saying the black wolves are skilled spirit mages.'''' S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, the two of them continued kissing while Atlas grabbed her perky behind, which caused her to giggle. They started touching each other, but soon enough, she said in an annoyed voice, ''''We better go scout, or they will tear me a new one for taking advantage.''''


    Atlas chuckled at this before smacking her ass as the two teleported back to the forest where the brunette killed a Night Jackal. Once it was dead, they continued circling the hill while chatting.


    As they did that, Grishna appeared from the top of the hill and whistled. He looked at the Orc woman who motioned for them to come. Atlas grabbed Artemis and started using Void Step to climb to the top.


    He was met by the four women looking north, causing Atlas to follow their gazes only to see a Monster Wave heading in their direction. The grassland was covered in all sorts of creatures.


    ''''Oh my god, there must be thousands there,'''' Amethyst muttered.


    Estelle grimaced. ''''Tens of thousands at a minimum, Little fish,'''' she commented.


    Atlas was looking at a living tidal wave barreling in their direction, sending shivers down his spine. He shook his head before speaking, ''''Should we head for the Otherworld?''''


    Grishna shook her head, ''''We need to keep moving; maybe use that big bird of yours?''''


    ''''Raymond?'''' he replied before shrugging.


    Atlas summoned the Stormeagle, and the women packed everything away. The monster''s voice echoed in his mind, "Master, that swarm is heading for you."


    ''''I know, that''s why I called for you,'''' he answered the bird. ''''We need to get further south and reach a city.''''


    Raymond''s giant head bobbed up and down while speaking, ''''Yes, that was a good call. I can fly faster than any monster in this part of the world.''''


    Atlas and the women quickly climbed onto Raymond''s back, gripping tightly as the mighty Stormeagle launched into the sky. A group of monsters closed in, but with a piercing screech, their ride unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt, striking the closest creatures.


    It burst into ash before being scattered by the wind as they ascended, leaving nothing but smoke drifting in their wake. Atlas grinned when seeing this before Raymond took off and started flying south.


    The group clung to the creature''s back as he soared through the frigid sky, the wind biting against their faces. Below them stretched a vast, snow-covered landscape, its beauty marred by scenes of devastation.


    Villages lay in ruins, their charred remains poking through the blanket of white, silent and lifeless. Broken walls and abandoned homes dotted the landscape, telling silent stories of battles lost.


    ''Damn, empire causes chaos wherever they go,''


    he thought as the women were chatting among themselves.


    While sitting there, he checked on the map and realized they were close to another camp. Atlas ordered Raymond to travel toward it, which confused the women, but he quickly explained, ''''I want to wipe out more empire camps; it will cause the soldiers guarding the cities to send more out here to see what happened.''''


    The five of them agreed, causing Atlas to drop some Warrior Giants on top of them, making him chuckle. Twenty minutes later, Raymond flew over to the Achaemendian camp, and they all noticed how active it was.


    With a wave, Atlas summoned five Warrior Giants that dropped from the sky and crashed into the camp. As that happened, the enemy panicked completely as his monsters started attacking them.


    He watched as the monster used their giant wooden clubs to crush the armored knights and mages attacking them. Atlas chuckled at the unfolding chaos before asking Estelle, ''''Can you give me some mana beautiful?''''


    The knight beamed as she grabbed his hand and cast healing light on him, making him feel slightly better. After that, Atlas summoned more Void Ghouls and a Savage Void Bear that dropped atop the enemy camp.


    Following that, Raymond landed on a nearby perch to watch his monsters wipe out the Achaemendians, which fascinated the women. Soon after that, the enemy soldiers all were killed, and the Ghouls dragged the mountain of corpses back to the Otherworld.


    With the camp finally clear, Atlas signaled Raymond to continue southward. Before long, the sprawling Shadowfang City appeared on the horizon.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 253 The Steelborn Legion

    Atlas and the women spotted the Shadowfang Kingdom capital that had been captured by the Achaemendians. Once everyone jumped off Raymond''s back he returned to the Otherworld as Grishna commented, ''''What''s the plan handsome?''''When he heard this he cringed as he touched his helmet that covered his scarred face. Atlas shook his head before answering as the thought of the empire pissed him off, ''''We will rest for tonight, and in the morning we will split up into pairs and infiltrate the city, once inside we will cause chaos by destroying the empire''s barracks and food stores.'''' S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone agreed as they started walking once again. But minutes later Altas stopped, his eyes narrowing at something in the distance. Without a word, he broke away from the group, his steps quickening as the women called after him.


    When he reached the scene, he froze. The sight before him shattered his heart: Wolf Demi-Humans and even some children, lifeless and crucified, their bodies strung up along the road like some twisted display. Innocence stolen, cruelty laid bare.


    For a moment, there was only silence, the world itself seeming to hold its breath. Then something within Altas snapped. A wave of rage surged through him, and in an instant, his Voidwalker form burst forth.


    The ground trembled as he unleashed a furious, guttural roar that echoed for miles, shaking the heavens themselves. When the five women saw the scene they were utterly stomped but Amethyst turned to Atlas who dashed toward the city in a wild fury.


    ''''He''s attacking the city!'''' she cried, her voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. ''''We need to help him now!''''


    With fiery determination, Amethyst exploded into her majestic Phoenix form, wings ablaze with a swirling purple inferno, the very wrath of the cosmos itself. Flames danced in spirals around her as she unleashed a blood-curdling, rage-fueled screech.


    In a burst of light, she soared into the air, a comet of vengeance streaking toward the city to help her lover. Meanwhile, Nulia transformed into her Frostbear form. Her white fur bristled with the chill of the tundra as she crouched low, waiting.


    The moment the other three leaped onto her massive back, she charged forward, a living avalanche of frost and fury, thundering toward the heart of the chaos. While running something inside Grishna burned.


    A voice echoed in her mind, one she was familiar with,


    ''My child, you''ve finally reached the road and now it''s your choice. Do you want to become a Bloodbound Orc? You know what they are, They are in all the childhood stories.''


    When Grishna heard that her green eyes widened in shock as she quickly agreed, ''


    Yes Goddess Gruum''ka, I need to help my husband fight these empire dogs.''


    After making her choice the Goddess giggled,


    ''I knew you were special ever since I encountered you on the Blood Peak Grishna Brokentooth. Now go furfil your destiny and aid your husband, I can''t wait to see your children.''


    When the Orc woman heard this her cheeks went bright red, she shook her head to clear her thoughts as a burning sensation started radiating outwards. Following that Grishna tried to remember the stories about Bloodbound Orcs.


    They were fierce and highly skilled warriors, capable of entering a berserker state known as the red rage, during which their skin would harden and their instincts would become razor-sharp, making them nearly indestructible.


    ''This will help during the upcoming battle.''


    She understood that the Bloodbound Orcs were a once-in-a-lifetime event, destined to rise above all others of their kind and often rule over them. Grishna was shocked that the Orc Goddess chose her.


    Shortly after that, a mind-numbing pain washed over her as she dropped off Nulia''s back causing the others to panic. Grishna looked up as the pain clouded her mind and shouted, ''''Go! I will catch up.''''


    The Frostbear woman nodded before taking off once more, quickly closing the gap. Soon, they were gaining on Atlas, who resembled a wild beast as he charged forward on all fours, moving with the speed of a rocket.


    Estelle watched her Orc friend as she started to let out a green glow as a woman''s voice whispered in her ears,


    ''My proud daughter, you''re going into the lions maw and I deemed it necessary to gift you a spell that would aid you in the upcoming battles.''


    The blonde''s eyes widened in shock as Goddess Sol continued,


    ''The Steelborn Legion will become the backbone of the Messiah''s army but you still need to grow Estelle. Continued aiding your lover and you''ll grow even stronger.''


    Following that her eyes widened in shock as she had heard of the Steelborn Legion, the founder of the Argonia Kingdom had it but it died alongside him. Estelle was excited and quickly thanked her patron Goddess.


    ''Thank you Goddess Sol, I don''t know how to repay you but I will find a way,''


    she replied in a respectful voice.


    ''''Go forth and help the Messiah, he will be needed for the future as the Empire entangles itself with the evils of this world,'''' Goddess Sol revealed before going silent.


    With that, Estelle turned toward Artemis, the mana around her swirling in a mesmerizing dance. Meanwhile, the brunette unlocked her mother''s bloodline as her father had been a Siren Prince.


    Following that Artemis appeared on a mountaintop where she was surrounded by primal Earth and a deep chuckle was heard. This caused her to spin around only to have her big brown eyes open wide as she spotted a giant.


    ''An Ancient Titan,''


    she thought.


    ''''That''s right little Titan, you''re one of us through your father, who carried our Bloodline but didn''t have the power to unlock it,'''' a man''s voice explained.


    Artemis was confused but quickly shook her head before asking, ''''Who are you?''''


    The man started bellowing causing the mountain to shake as if an earthquake hit the world which worried her. Shortly after that the Titan leaned forward with glowing brown eyes just like her own and nodded.


    ''''You are one of us, my granddaughter. I''m Typhon Stoneborn, King of the Valorian Titans and your loving Grandfather,'''' the man explained. ''''I wish I could have been there at your birth, but when darkness descended, the world called upon us for aid.''''


    As Artemis heard these words, her eyes widened in shock. Before her, the man began to glow, his form shifting and transforming into a human. He now stood in front of her, with the same brown hair and eyes, just like hers.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 254 What The Hell Is That

    Artemis stared at the man who stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her which made her go stiff as he spoke in a loving voice, ''''You look just like your mother my dear, it''s good to see that you''re finally happy.''''When she heard the old man''s words she remembered the mystery of her mother''s death which put her father in a deep depression until Anastasia appeared and charmed the broken man.


    This annoyed Artemis but when her Grandfathers next words shocked her, ''''Your mother was killed by the enemy your lover is going up against, you will need the power of the Titans to be able to stand against them.''''


    Before she could question Typhon he placed a hand on her shoulder and spoke like a loving Grandfather, ''''Go forth and help us with the darkness Granddaughter and that boy is the start of it all.''''


    Soon, a searing pain washed over Artemis''s body, and in an instant, she was thrust back into the real world. She let out a piercing scream, startling the others. They stopped in their tracks, but she dropped to the ground, her muscles tensing as she growled low in her throat.


    ''''Continue on,'''' she snapped, her voice strained with urgency. ''''The same thing is happening to me as it did with Grishna.''''


    Estelle and Nulia hesitated but when the explosions and screaming reached their ears it forced them to act. They barreled toward the city as the blonde started casting Light Blasts at the Achaemendians on the wall. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Explosions erupted all across the enemy defences allowing them to get close and join Atlas in his attack. While the women did this Atlas reached Shadowfangs walls before using his claws to climb up.


    When reaching the top he slaughtered any Achaemendians he came across, his tall form scared the soldiers causing them to flee but his claws turned the enemy into mincemeat before he lunged at a commander and tore his throat out.


    Atlas was lost in the rage and kept seeing the dead bodies of the people, especially the children that haunted him. With that, he let out a horrifying roar before barreling into more soldiers.


    He tore them up with ease but was forced to stop as dozens of Armored Golems slammed into another group of Achaemendians. The monster crushed them with ease shocking Atlas but he sensed Estelle''s mana seeping from them.


    ''Did she summon them to help?''


    he mused with a big smile.


    While thinking purple explosions erupted as Amethyst arrived and started dive-bombing the cannons don''t the walls. Atlas noticed she was a phoenix the size of Raymond and used her talons to destroy the siege weapon emplacements.


    Following that he watched as she exploded which sent a wave of purple fire to spread out like a ring and burned hundreds of Achaemendians to ash. Atlas continued attacking the soldiers while running down the city streets.


    Shortly after that large boulders slammed into the empire''s barracks causing explosions to erupt which sent debris flying everywhere. Atlas quickly climbed up the side of a church before reaching the bell tower.


    ''Oh wow, looks like the girls have had a boost in power.''


    The vantage point he found allowed him to see a giant stone woman who resembled Artemis as she continued throwing boulders at the Achaemendian camps causing complete chaos as they were instantly killed.


    Atlas beamed when seeing this as his anger faded but he still stayed in his Voidwalker form as Artemis charged at the city walls and shoulder barreled into it causing an explosion to ring out as the surrounding buildings were destroyed.


    Just then, several massive projectiles struck her from behind, slamming into her with force. The impact sent her sprawling forward, and the shockwave reverberated, knocking her off her feet.


    ''What the hell was that?''


    Atlas thought before noticing a smaller army approaching the city from behind.


    Following that Artemis jumped up and rushed toward the newcomers as they fired again but this time she dodged the projectiles just as someone else leaped on the city walls causing Atlas''s eyes to widen in surprise.


    ''Grishna!''


    he thought in shock.


    She was wearing a set of mysterious armor that radiated a powerful aura, making her appear even more formidable. The Orc woman, Grishna, leaped into the midst of a cluster of Achaemendian soldiers, her presence alone causing them to falter.


    Without hesitation, she unleashed a devastating assault, reducing the troops to nothing more than lifeless husks. Atlas stood in awe as Grishna wielded a colossal hammer, each swing obliterating her enemies in an instant.


    The sheer force of her attacks sent shockwaves through the battlefield, followed by a thunderous boom that echoed far and wide. After seeing the three women fighting Atlas leaped off his vantage point.


    He descended upon an Achaemendian commander attempting to escape the city, just as a relentless army of Knight Golems surged through the breached walls. Amidst the chaos, Nulia charged forward, her blue eyes blazed with excitement.


    While this happened Estelle''s voice cut through the din, shouting commands to the monsters that obeyed her every word. Following this Atlas continued butchering the enemy soldiers until bodies lined the streets.


    By the time Atlas crossed paths with Amethyst, both of them were exhausted. The purple-haired young woman was taking a moment to rest, her chest rising and falling with heavy breaths.


    When she noticed him, a radiant smile spread across her face, ''''That was exhausting,'''' she said with a hint of happiness, ''''but worth it. Those empire dogs have taken the lives of far too many Black Wolf demi-humans.''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement as he joined her while offering the phoenix woman a dumpling, ''''Here, do you want one?''''


    Amethyst took it with a smile, ''''Thank you, my love,'''' she said with a loving smile.


    The two of them sat there eating as Artemis destroyed the Achamendian army outside the city while Nulia, Estelle, and Grishna continued attacking any soldiers they found until none were left.


    Atlas was exhausted due to using his Voidwalker form and slumped down but soon noticed an old wolf woman approaching them. He forced himself to sit up in case she tried to attack them but the stranger spoke, ''''I can see your soul is hurting young man, I can also see the scars that cover your body. For saving our city from the empire I will heal you.''''


    His eyes narrowed causing the old woman to smile as she continued, ''''I mean you no harm, I noticed you were helping my people so I thought I''d return the favor.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 255 Secrets

    Atlas watched as the wolf woman approached with a friendly smile and when she did her happy expression faltered, ''''Who gave you the arm and eye? They have many secrets.''''When he heard this his eyebrow rose, ''''What do you mean? It''s a skill I received from my patron goddess.'''' sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The woman nodded while whispering some unintelligible words before replying, ''''It doesn''t matter. I cannot fix those but everything else is good.''''


    Atlas agreed to it as he felt her aura which was a caring one, like a grandmother which caused him to relax. She quickly approached and grabbed his hand while continuing, ''''It will hurt but you feel better.''''


    In response, the wolf woman began chanting in an ancient, unknown language. Amethyst''s eyes widened with alarm, and she leaped to intervene, but her efforts were in vain. She was completely ignored.


    A sudden, searing pain tore through his body, leaving him gasping as he realized with horror that his very soul was being forcefully repaired. The wolf woman stepped back causing Atlas to drop to his knees.


    Amethyst rushed to his side with a panicked expression as she asked as the other women joined them, ''''Is he okay?''''


    ''''Yes young lady, his soul was on the verge of shattering,'''' the stranger replied. ''''I don''t know how he was putting up with so much pain but from now on he will be fine.''''


    While the pain surged through his body Atlas looked at the grey-haired woman and took out the Monster Vault that Lilith was safely stored, ''''Can you heal her? I will pay anything,'''' he said in a strained voice.


    He collapsed to the ground, curling into himself as an unbearable, searing agony consumed him. It felt as though his very essence was being torn apart and stitched back together, his soul repairing itself.


    Amidst the torment, a sinister laugh echoed in his mind, cold and mocking, dragging him into unconsciousness. When he came to, he found himself standing alone in a dark, desolate realm.


    That''s when he spotted a creepy humanoid creature materializing out of the shadows as it spoke, ''''To unlock your powers fight me Azhar''Zul that is the condition set for you to get the eye and arm but just know if you lose, your soul is mine forever.''''


    Atlas shivered when hearing this and readied himself for a fight but that''s when the monsters appeared before him. Its dark eyes gleamed with excitement as it swiped at him, he quickly ducked under the attack while casting Void Blast.


    The spell struck the creature square in the chest, sending it staggering backward as its sickly white skin sizzled and burned from the void mana. A low, guttural growl rumbled from deep within its throat, but Atlas was relentless.


    Seizing the moment, he lunged forward, unleashing a barrage of punches, each blow fueled by raw fury. His fists hammered into the creature, determined to break it before it could recover from his sudden attack.


    But to his shock, the beast barely flinched. With a savage roar, it swiped a massive claw across his chest, sending him crashing into the ground with a loud thud which took the air from his lunges.


    ''Ouch, that hurt,''


    he thought while scrambling to his feet.


    Atlas gasped for air, blood dripping from his wounds, but he wasn''t finished. He pushed himself up, charging again, but before he could reach it, the creature slammed its fist into his side, throwing him across the room like a ragdoll.


    His vision blurred, but he gritted his teeth, forcing himself to rise. Every move felt like agony, but he wasn''t going to surrender. Atlas gritted his teeth as the creature charged at him and went to grab him.


    ''Oh shit!''


    He quickly sidestepped the attack before retaliating with Void Smash as his fist hit the humanoid''s ribs. A loud crack rang out causing the creature to let out a hiss of pain but Atlas followed that up with Void Wave.


    The spell struck the creature unexpectedly, sending it skidding across the ground with a violent tremor. Without hesitation, he unleashed a barrage of Void Lances, twelve jagged bolts of mana streaking through the air.


    They tore into the creature''s hide, each strike causing it to howl in pain, its roar reverberating through the air as the barrage of spells continued to hammer its twisted form, leaving deep scorch marks across its body.


    ''It''s slowing down,''


    he thought.


    But Atlas didn''t relent as he pressed the attack, his fists connecting with the creature''s body in rapid succession. Each punch rang out, the force of his blows making the beast stagger and crumble.


    As the void mana seeped into its system, the creature''s movements began to slow, its once-violent thrashing growing sluggish under the weight of the void mana. Atlas''s relentless assault had taken its toll.


    The monster stumbled before letting out a deep laugh as it spoke, ''''It seems like she was right about you Azhar''Zul. Now go forth and fight the darkness that is engulfing Valoria.''''


    Following that Atlas went to speak but was sent back to the real world, confused and curious he noticed Amethyst and Estelle looking at him from above. He smiled before commenting, ''''Hello beauties, has the fighting stopped?''''


    The blonde beamed before she took out a mirror and handed it to him as she replied in a caring tone, ''''Take a look but I have to go talk to Grishna.''''


    Atlas nodded and took it before looking at his face that was covered in his helmet, he dismissed it only to see glowing azure eyes, it was fully blue and resembled an eye but was something else.


    He looked down and noticed his left arm was glowing but something told him that there were secrets that he needed to unlock. While he was admiring himself Estelle grabbed the Orc''s arm and led her off to the side.


    When the two women were alone Grishna commented with a confused expression, ''''What do you want blondie?''''


    ''''To apologize properly, now we cleared out the city and I truly realized how wrong I was about you,'''' Estelle said in a regretful voice. ''''I hate myself for the way I''ve always treated you and know I don''t deserve your forgiveness.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 256 Shes My Companion

    Grishna''s green eyes narrowed as she replied, ''''What''s brought this on?'''' S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.''''When we saw those lion demi-humans crucified I''ve had a lot on my mind and quickly realized that my lost apology wasn''t sincere,'''' the blonde explained while sitting on a nearby bench. ''''You''re a lovely woman and good friend, even though I treated you like shit you''ve shown no hate towards me.''''


    The green-skinned woman let out a laugh, collapsing onto the bench with a tired thud. She tilted her head back, gazing at the night sky with a thoughtful smile. ''''You used to piss me off,'''' she said, her voice light with a mix of amusement as she continued.


    ''''But when I found out you were a princess, I figured that was it. You had a stick up your ass, acting like you were better than everyone else. I do see the change you''re trying to make now. And honestly? I respect that.''''


    Estelle smiled when hearing this and spoke up with a determined voice, ''''I will try to do better and treat people better, spending time with you guys has opened my eyes to a lot of my bad behaviors.''''


    Grishna looked at the blonde knight before giggling, ''''You''re still a bitch though and I won''t let you live it down,'''' she said in an amused voice.


    The two of them started laughing as a new page in their friendship had just started when Estelle admitted to her wrongdoings. In the meantime, Atlas got used to his healthy body before turning to the old wolf woman.


    She grinned at him before holding up the Monster Vault and speaking, ''''I can heal your little friend but it will cost you.''''


    Atlas''s eyebrows rose as he asked, ''''And what''s that?''''


    The older woman stepped forward while revealing, ''''A piece of your soul and a mission to help the Shadowfang Royal Family?''''


    ''''I guess you''re connected to them somehow? You felt my power and appeared with good offers,'''' Atlas replied while taking the vault back.


    She started laughing before speaking, ''''The mission is dangerous but you also have a chance to take out the general who controls Northern Astoria which will disrupt the empire.''''


    When Atlas heard this his azure eyes glowed as he answered, ''''We will do it, Lilith is worth it.''''


    The wolf woman started giggling as she questioned, ''''You talk of this creature as a good friend but she''s a monster.''''


    ''''So what? I don''t care, she''s my companion,'''' Atlas responded in a serious tone as he was protective over the honey badger. ''''Now what''s this mission?''''


    She extended her arm, pointing toward the southern horizon where a jagged row of mountains loomed. ''''See that?'''' she said, her tone serious. ''''There''s a massive imperial fortress hidden among those peaks. It''s the barrier that cuts us off from the south.''''


    Atlas looked in the direction as she continued, ''''They''ve got the royal family held hostage there, using them to control the Black Wolves. If you want my help, I need you to free them. Do that, and I''ll heal your friend.''''


    When hearing her words, he glanced at the Monster Vault, summoning Nulia, Grishna, Estelle, and Artemis with a swift nod. Atlas turned back to the green-skinned woman, his voice steady and determined.


    ''''I''ll free them,'''' he promised. ''''But once we get them out, where do we take them?''''


    The old woman smiled, ''''Take them to the Black Forest in the west, our forces are stationed there ready to take back the Shadowfang Kingdom.''''


    When Nulia heard this her blue eyes widened causing the woman to laugh, ''''Yes it''s dangerous but with you six it won''t be a problem.''''


    Everyone agreed to it as it was their only chance to help Lilith, following that Atlas spoke to the helpful stranger, ''''Thank you for your help but I will head south now.''''


    The woman nodded with a friendly smile as she bid farewell, ''''No thank you for aiding my kingdom in our time of need Azhar''Zul, it seems like the legends are lies.''''


    Following that she vanished into nothingness shocking the group but they started heading out of the city. Grishna and Artemis joined him while the others scouted ahead as the brunette commented with a big smile, ''''I miss the scars but at least you don''t have to worry anymore.''''


    Atlas chuckled, ''''I know and she said it has secrets that I will eventually unlock which is cool I guess,'''' he revealed.


    The Orc woman spoke with a big smile that showed her tusks, ''''As long as you can use your swords and punch enemies there isn''t a problem?''''


    ''''You''re right Grish,'''' he replied with an excited smile. ''''Now to cause the empire trouble in the north which will be fun, they''ve messed with us too many times.''''


    They moved through the quiet streets before they slipped into the shadows. Atlas led the way, with Nulia scouting ahead, her eyes sharp in the darkness. Grishna''s heavy footsteps were surprisingly quiet, while Estelle and Artemis kept to the rear.


    As they passed through the city, the moonlit plains stretched out before them The wind carried the scent of rain and the faint sound of wolves howling in the distance. Atlas looked around before glancing at the women while asking, ''''Do we attack or night? Or first thing in the morning?''''


    ''''Let''s scout out the fortress first,'''' Estelle replied which everyone agreed to.


    Following that, the group traveled south and butchered any Achaemendian patrols they came from. In one brutal encounter, Atlas let the Ghouls ambush the men and women before dragging them back to the Otherworld.


    Hours later they were now sitting on a mountain ledge that overlooked the fortress which made Atlas gulp,


    ''Wow that''s loads of soldiers.''


    Torches and banners flickered along the battlements, casting an eerie glow over the sea of soldiers below. Thousands of enemy troops filled the courtyard and outer grounds, their armor glinting like a swarm of metallic insects.


    The air was thick with the sound of marching boots, clanking weapons, and shouted orders. Siege engines were stationed along the walls, ready for any attack.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 257 Devious Bastards

    ''''We should watch them for a day to see if anything changes,'''' Estelle commented while standing on the edge.Atlas looked at the blonde and nodded, ''''Sounds good, we will use my monsters to plow into the wall while we sneak from the back but with this many soldiers it''ll be a tough fight,'''' he said in response.


    She agreed, ''''That''s the best we can do, I would do anything to help Lilith as I know you cared about her.''''


    ''''Thank you, princess,'''' Atlas replied with a warm smile. ''''You girls helping me means a lot.''''


    ''''We used to believe it was only the prophecy that bound us to you,'''' Estelle confessed, her voice soft, ''''But the more time we''ve spent by your side, the clearer it''s become, there''s so much more to it than destiny. We choose to be with you, not because of fate, but because of who you are.''''


    Atlas was taken aback, but a smile tugged at his lips. ''''Thank you, Estelle. I don''t want to rush things with the five of you. We have years ahead of us, so let''s take it slow and build a strong foundation for our relationship.''''


    The blonde''s face lit up at his words causing his heart to skip when seeing her expression. She leaned in, planting a gentle, affection-filled kiss on his cheek before replying, ''''That''s perfect. The stronger we become, the more time we''ll have so let it happen naturally.''''


    He agreed before Estelle commented, ''''I''m going to rest like the others, the upcoming fight will be challenging.''''


    Atlas smiled while watching the beautiful knight approaching the tent as he activated Void Realm and reappeared in the grasslands with the mountain in the far distance. Following that, he started walking toward it.


    While doing that he checked the monster''s total and was surprised as he was halfway on the first group of void creatures.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 6211/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 456/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    ''Nearly halfway, this shouldn''t take too long,''


    Atlas thought as the excitement swelled up inside him.


    That''s when the screech rang out causing him to glance up as a swarm of Void Bloodhawks swooping down. He chuckled before casting dozens of Void Bullets into the horde of monsters and exploded.


    The azure flames wiped out dozens of monsters who were sent plummeting toward the ground and hitting it with a sickening thud. Following that, Atlas continued sending his spells into the Bloodhawks and whittling down their numbers causing the rest to scatter.


    He continued battling the monsters until the Haast Eagles started attacking causing him to bob and weave around their creatures. Hours passed and he returned to the real world after a group of Bloodhawks swamped him.


    He opened his eyes to see the two moons hanging in the sky, a smile spreading across his face as he stretched. Noticing that the women were still asleep, he quietly pulled up the monster total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 8778/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 711/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    Following that Atlas smiled before activating the skill again but this time he was more tired as he put down more monsters using his magic. While doing that he quickly noticed a new enemy rushing in his direction.


    ''Oh fuck! These things look l like nightmares!''


    He recognized the creature as a Kenku, a humanoid crow wielding two blades. Before Atlas could react, the Kenku struck with surprising speed, causing him to yelp in shock. Instinctively, he drew his swords to deflect the blows.


    The force of the attacks pushed against him, his arms straining under the pressure. Atlas gritted his teeth, determined to push through this creature, and managed to cast Void Wave which sent the Kenku flying.


    That''s when more rushed in causing him to start to fight seriously as all three monsters attacked from all sides. Atlas found it difficult to keep up, especially with the devious Kenkus who kept stabbing him from behind.


    ''''Devious bastards,'''' he hissed while killing one of the crow men with a slash.


    As this kept happening he got angry and transformed into his Voidwalker Form, and tore the creatures apart with ease. Atlas continued killing the monsters, until running out of mana and returning to the real world.


    When Atlas woke, the weight of exhaustion hit him all at once, and he slumped down, feeling drained. He pulled out some blankets, stacking them near the fire, then curled up beneath the starry sky.


    Within moments, he drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep. The following morning, he woke up and let out a loud yawn, which caused the women to giggle as Nulia commented in a cheery voice, ''''Morning sleepyhead, how was your sleep?''''


    Atlas glanced at the brown-skinned beauty who was tending to the raging fire and smiled while noticing the others were nowhere to be seen. He sat up and stretched while asking, ''''Where is everyone?''''


    ''''Grishna took Estelle hunting, Artemis is still asleep, and Amethyst is out scouting the area,'''' Nulia explained with a bright smile.


    She then offered him some breakfast, her eyes shining with warmth, ''''Here eat some Giant Mammoth meat, it will give you strength.''''


    Atlas thanked the Frostbear woman before he started eating, the meat was seasoned with something he didn''t know but enjoyed anyway, while the two of them were doing that he asked, ''''In an hour, do you want to help me in the Void Realm?'''' S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nulia''s blue eyes landed on him and nodded, ''''That would be good Azhar''Zul, by the way, your eye is beautiful and that arm is something from the legends.''''


    He lifted it, his armor fading away as he revealed the object. It began to glow with an aura of void mana, captivating the two onlookers. Nulia''s eyes widened in awe before she shook her head, a grin spreading across her face.


    ''''I can''t wait to see what it can do. Maybe it even has a special power,'''' she said, her voice filled with excitement.


    Atlas chuckled when hearing this before checking on the monster total to see how many he needed to complete the level.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 8912/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 791/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 081/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''This should go quick with Nulia''s help,''


    he mused.


    Following that, the couple continued talking with Atlas asking, ''''What are your goals in life Nulia?''''


    Her blue eyes landed on him as she answered with a sweet smile, ''''To live peacefully and not worry about the darkness covering the world.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding, but his attention was suddenly drawn to a series of explosions echoing in the distance. He jumped to his feet, eyes narrowing with concern. ''''Do you think the girls are up against something powerful?'''' he asked.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 258 Sly Motherfuckers

    Nulia shook her head before replying, ''''They''ll be fine, you don''t realize how strong they are, even I was shocked at it when I first met them.''''Relieved by the news, Atlas allowed himself to relax, focusing on recovering his mana so they could soon dive into the Void Realm and attempt to clear the next level. As he lay there, his eyes closed before falling asleep.


    Atlas was gently roused by someone playing with his hair and opened his eyes only to see Nulia above him with a smile as she spoke, ''''Hello there, it seems like the Void Realm has exhausted you but at least I can help now.''''


    He sat up and yawned before turning to the Frostbear woman as he answered, ''''I needed some sleep but I''ve got a monster that can help us attack the fortress and their devious bastards.''''


    Nulia started laughing when hearing this, her smile caught him off guard as Atlas found it beautiful. He shook his head and sent Amethyst a message with his plans which the phoenix woman agreed with.


    Following that, Atlas held his hand out to Nulia who quickly took it as he activated Void Realm and reappeared in the grasslands but this time they were close to eerie-looking woods which sent a shiver down their spins.


    ''''This place gives me the creeps,'''' the Frostbear woman commented while glancing around.


    He agreed with a nod before warning, ''''These things are quick and sneaky Nulia, you take the flying ones while I deal with the Kenku fuckers.''''


    The brown-skinned woman agreed before summoning a sword made from ice, which surprised him as the screeches rang out. Nulia instantly reacted and started casting Ice Bullets into the attacking monsters.


    When Atlas saw this he joined in by casting a wave of Void Arrows, that sliced through the air and peppered the Bloodhawks and Haast Eagles, just as he used his swords to block several slashes from a sneaky Kenku.


    ''Fuckers are always sneaking around,''


    he thought while getting annoyed.


    This enraged him before he cast Void Wave to knock the four bird men back, which allowed Atlas to dash forward and carve through two of the creatures. Following that he quickly cast Void Blast at the remaining two.


    The azure mana slammed into the Kenkus which sent them crashing across the ground, as he continued attacking the Bloodhawks that were trying to swarm Nulia. Atlas quickly used Void Guard which produced a protective barrier around her.


    ''That should hold the Bloodhawks back for a few minutes.''


    When that happened he rushed forward while casting Void Barrage that slammed into the horde of monsters that were burned to ashes. As Atlas got close more Kenkus blocked his path causing him to skid under several slashes and stabs before casting Void Wave again.


    His spell sent the creatures soaring through the air but Atlas followed up with Void Lances that destroyed the Kenkus. Following that the battle continued for hours and the couple fought hard. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nulia was the first to fall as a Kenku slashed the back of her legs bringing her crashing to the ground. Atlas saw this and sent her back to the real world before attacking the group of shifty birdmen.


    ''Oh no you don''t you sly motherfuckers!''


    He dashed in so fast that they couldn''t see him, Atlas slashed through three of them while casting Void Bomb at the rest. He quickly vanished using Void Step to get out of the shockwave range.


    Atlas swung his blades, cutting through the swarm of monsters that surrounded him. His movements were too fast for them to keep up, each strike precise as he carved a path through the swarm.


    Void mana crackled around him, boosting his speed and strength, and turning him into a force of nature. But the monsters kept coming, their shrieks filling the air. Atlas gritted his teeth, feeling his mana dwindling with every powerful attack.


    Sweat dripped down his brow as he unleashed a devastating Void Wave, obliterating a ring of Kenkus that tried to surround him. Atlas couldn''t keep going and returned to the real world once the fighting was too much for him.


    He sat up and noticed Amethyst was back and looked at him with a big smile as she commented, ''''Good, you''re finally awake. I''ve got some bad news for everyone but waiting for Estelle and Grish.''''


    Atlas nodded before pulling up the monster total to see how many he needed to kill now and was surprised at the results.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 9687/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 1251/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 299/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''At least the Bloodhawks will be gone soon,''


    he mused while taking out some dumplings as Amethyst and Nulia started chatting.


    While that was going on Atlas leaned back and watched the Achaemendian fortress that looked even busier as more soldiers arrived. He quickly noticed that there was double the amount of guards as there was the night before.


    ''I need the Kenku to help us, they would be able to deal with loads of soldiers before being caught,''


    Atlas pondered while eating.


    Following that, Grishna and Estelle returned to the camp ten minutes later while carrying a massive boar. When Atlas saw this he was shocked and commented with a big smile, ''''Look''s like you ladies have been busy.''''


    The blonde nodded with a tired expression as she slapped the Orc on the back while exclaiming, ''''This crazy woman jumped on the thing while it was charging at me and stabbed it through the head.''''


    Grishna waved her off with a proud smile, ''''It was nothing Blondie, you did perfectly by attracting the Forest Boars'' attention, which allowed me to kill it.''''


    Afterward, the two women started preparing the food as Atlas revealed his plans with the group which they agreed to. Atlas watched as Estelle gave Artemis who had just woke up the job of cooking.


    The brunette sighed while muttering, ''''Wish I stayed asleep now, you bitches got me dealing with this shit.''''


    Atlas laughed at this causing her brown eyes to land on him but he blew the Siren a kiss which made her cheeks go red,


    ''She''s beautiful and her freckles are something else,''


    he thought.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 259 Wow Shes Quick

    Atlas and the women started eating once the food was done, while doing that Artemis and Amethyst sat on either side of him. As he ate Estelle questioned, ''''So you''re trying to unlock these Kenku creatures? How will they help?''''He finished the lump of meat before cleaning his hands while explaining, ''''These bastards will make good assassins and shock soldiers, they will be able to sneak on the Achaemendians and give us the upper hand in the upcoming fight.''''


    When the five women heard this they agreed with nods as Artemis spoke up, ''''How do you know they can help?''''


    Atlas glanced at the brunette, ''''They manage to catch me off guard all the time, and when you finally meet them you''ll understand.''''


    ''''Those evil creatures are devils,'''' Nulia said with a shiver. ''''They are very sneaky and strong, we will be able to take the fortress with no problems with their help.''''


    Following that Atlas offered the five to come fight with him which they agreed to once Grishna set up some security runes, which would protect them while the group was in the Void Realm.


    He quickly activated the skill which transported the six of them to the woods that Atlas was in before. The ladies prepared as Artemis took out her sling while spinning it, Amethyst took to the sky while keeping an eye out on their surroundings.


    Atlas watched as Estelle unsheathed her shield and Grishna gripped her spear while scanning the trees. The scene made him smile, but his expression quickly shifted when Nulia summoned an earth wall behind them, catching the group completely off guard.


    ''''They will hit us from behind,'''' the Frostbear woman explained while protecting their rear.


    ''''Artemis, help Nulia cover our backs, they will attack soon,'''' Atlas said and on cue, a spear flew out of the darkness.


    Estelle quickly stepped forward and blocked the projectile as screeches rang out from all around them. Atlas was ready and countered with Void Barrage that wiped out a group of Bloodhawks as they swooped through the treetops.


    Shortly after, a battle erupted as everyone started fighting, Artemis was using her sling while the phoenix woman lit up the dark sky with a beautiful purple glow thanks to her cosmic magic. Cosmic Blast wiped out dozens of Bloodhawks that tried to swarm her.


    Amethyst was too fast for the creatures and transformed into her phoenix form while letting out a loud screech. She used her talons to rip the bigger monster''s wings from their bodies causing them to vanish back into the Void Realm. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Oh wow she''s strong,''


    he thought with excitement while blasting some Kenku''s with Void Blast.


    Atlas continued casting spells while Estelle blocked a Haast Eagle''s attack, it slammed into her shield and sent her skidding backward. She gritted her teeth as the giant bird pushed her back.


    But it was already too late for the monster as it was hit with a Light Blast that tore off one of its wings. When the creature crashed to the ground she stabbed it through the head with her sword.


    He watched as she cut down several more Bloodhawks before getting into a fight with three Kenku''s. Estelle continued to block attacks and retaliated with a Light Wave that slammed into the monsters.


    This caused the monsters to crash into the trees as they were blinded. While this was happening Artemis was slinging mana pellets into the Kenku who tried to sneak up on Nulia while she was busy with a Haast Eagle that tried to strike.


    ''Wow she''s quick,''


    Atlas thought as he admired the brunette''s skill.


    Following that, he watched as the projectiles took out more of the annoying monsters, which allowed Nulia to take advantage of Artemis''s help and hit the Kenkus with Ice Bolts that wiped them out due to the force.


    As the battle raged on, Grishna moved with incredible speed, darting in and out of the enemies. Her spear flashed, taking down anything that tried to sneak up on them, she was using Earth Bullets to keep them away from the group.


    Meanwhile, Atlas quickly checked the monster count to see how many they had killed.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 2497/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 512/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''''Not too long now,'''' he muttered before cutting through three Haast Eagles that plunged from the treetops above.


    Atlas started fighting the Kenku''s who were giving the women a hard time due to the overwhelming numbers. He used Void Step to appear in the middle of a big group of creatures.


    Without waiting he cast Void Wave that burned the annoying birds into ash before they returned to the Void Realm. Hours passed by and the first of them to fall was Artemis who tripped on a root allowing the creatures to jump her.


    He quickly sent her back to the real world before casting Void Bomb at the creatures, the explosion burned them to nothing which pleased him. Atlas continued fighting after casting Void Infusion on his blades.


    The women started falling one by one with Nulia, Amethyst, Grishna then lastly Estelle leaving Atlas alone. He ran toward the mountains in the distance while fighting the Kenku''s along the way.


    Sparks flew out as he blocked several strikes but countered with Void Bullets that lit up the dark forest. Soon enough Atlas made it to the grasslands forcing the assassin birds to stay in the treeline.


    He collapsed to the ground to catch his breath while checking the monster total to see the improvement.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 3719/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 898/2500]


    [???????????]


    Following that, Atlas continued to fight but was becoming slow due to the overuse of mana which exhausted him. An hour later, he returned to the real world where he woke up on the pile of blankets.


    His eyes opened only to see a shield covering them from the rain, that''s when Estelle''s voice reached his ears, ''''I cast a Light Barrier around us to protect us from the cold weather that dominates this mountain.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding as he sat up, stretching his sore muscles. ''''That battle took everything out of me. I''m completely drained,'''' he admitted with a tired sigh.


    The blonde''s face lit up at his words, and she suggested warmly, ''''Grab a bite to eat, then get some rest. You''ve earned it.''''


    He grabbed a piece of bread and settled back down, chewing thoughtfully as his gaze drifted to the fortress below.


    Atlas kept watching the fortress become full of Achaemendians, this prompted him to jump back into the Void Realm. He kept fighting across the grasslands as Haasts Eagles targeted him from above.


    Their screeches were warning him to jump to the side as a pair of talons gouged the ground. Atlas quickly reacted and cast Void Lance as the creature causing it to explode due to the powerful spell.


    He watched as more Haaste Eagles divebombed him but thanks to Void Step who dodged all the attacks, while they happened Atlas took out as many as he could and did this for hours until reaching the base of the mountains.


    ''I bet the boss is lurking in this place,''


    he mused before sitting down and catching his breath.


    Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how far his come just his current session in the Void Realm.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 4949/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 898/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''Only fifty-one left until I complete the second lot of monsters,''


    he pondered with an excited smile.


    Following that Atlas continued on and finally finished off the Haaste Eagles as he climbed up the mountain. Once they were gone the Kenku''s intensified their attacks forcing him to be careful as they struck from corners or behind things.


    This assault continued for several more hours until, finally, three of the creatures managed to get under his feet, sending him sprawling onto the rocky path with a heavy thud. Before he could react, the Kenku swarmed over him, pinning him down in a chaotic pile.


    Gritting his teeth, Atlas cast Void Wave, which sent the screeching creatures flying into the darkness below. The force not only cleared his path but took out even more of the relentless foes, allowing him to scramble back to his feet, ready for the next attack.


    ''These things are pissing me off,''


    he internally raged while dismissing his helmet.


    Atlas felt the cold air brush against his face causing his left eye to react as it pointed out all the hidden Kenku''s waiting to ambush him,


    ''Oh this is useful, I wonder what other things it can do,''


    he thought while approaching the first monster.


    When getting close he cast Void Blast at the first group which wiped them out in a raging azure fire. Following this Atlas continued on and while trekking up a steep path he checked the monster total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 5000/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 1349/2500]


    [???????????]


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 260 Go Rest You Little Demon

    Atlas continued trekking through the mountains while killing any Kenku that got in his way, thanks to his eye he could see any monsters that tried to sneak up on him. Following that, he took a break in a nook he found, the weather was getting worse.Rain lashed down on the pathway he was just on, Atlas was baffled as it hadn''t done this before but waited it out. While doing that he checked on the monster total and was shocked at the results.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 5000/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 1567/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''''Nearly done now,'''' Atlas muttered to himself while pulling out some meat buns and started eating while watching the strange landscape.


    He noticed the water cascading down the mountain opposite, it reminded him of a waterfall but sudden screeches echoed across the peaks as the Kenku''s headed in his direction, ''''Oh for fucks sake, here they come.''''


    Atlas raised his hand and started casting Void Bullets into the creatures that appeared from around the corner. Explosions sent them flying off the path as some dodged it. They wildly charged at him, but Leo was faster.


    ''Here we go, time to fight!''


    He cast several Void Barrages, each projectile piercing through the Kenku''s bodies. It sent the monster crashing into the creatures behind. The barrage forced them to halt in their tracks, giving him enough time to unleash a powerful Void Wave.


    His mana surged forward like a tidal wave, washing over the remaining creatures and sending them tumbling into the darkness below. Following that, he burst out of his hiding place and started slicing through the bird people.


    Atlas continued rushing up the pathway while more Kenkus jumped down and tried attacking, but thanks to Void Guard which blocked their strikes. This allowed him to hit them with his magic, which brought their numbers down.


    ''This is going quicker than I expected,''


    he thought while blasting a creature in the face with Void Blast.


    Following that, he made it to a mountain ledge where no more monsters appeared which made him sigh in relief. While resting he quickly checked the total to see how many he had taken out.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 5000/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 2298/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''Not long now, a few more hours until I reach the boss,''


    Atlas grinned before casting Void Infusion on his blades.


    The azure glow lit up the area around him just as more Kenku''s suddenly attacked, this made him yelp but he still reacted. Atlas quickly cut down the five creatures but was quickly swamped as one caught him off guard.


    He was sent back to the real world and woke up on the blankets while the women were gossiping. Estelle was talking to the others about the rare monsters roaming the Argonia Kingdom.


    ''''You see there is a monster that roams the night and attacks groups of travelers,'''' she said in an eerie manner. ''''Some say there are Werewolves, others think they are evil spirits but my older brother witnessed it.''''


    Amythest''s purple eyes glowed with interest as she questioned, ''''What did he see?''''


    ''''August said it was a humanoid creature much like the Dark Ones but much stronger,'''' the blonde started drawing a figure in the dirt using a knife. ''''Rumors say that they drink the blood of the captured people but when the bodies are found, missing parts are always a thing.''''


    ''Sounds sort of like a vampire? But the missing body parts are strange,''


    he thought while pulling out some meat buns. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shortly after that, the women noticed he was awake, they beamed before Artemis greeted him, ''''Morning sleepyhead, when do we attack the fortress?''''


    Atlas smiled at the brunette, ''''I''m close to unlocking the Kenku''s, maybe another twelve hours? Maybe less,'''' he revealed before eating.''''


    They nodded but Grishna commented in an excited voice, ''''I can''t wait to fight these empire dogs, the emperor has conquered all of Astoria which will make things hard for us to travel, but that doesn''t matter.''''


    ''''We will cause them so much trouble that it messes with their solidating the new land,'''' Atlas revealed, ''''I need to hit more dungeons to get more monsters for the army.''''


    The five women agreed with a nod as Nulia suggested, ''''If it gets too much for us we can always retreat to the Northern Wastes, the Achaemendians hate the cold.''''


    Everyone laughed when hearing the Frostbear woman''s words, Atlas quickly replied, ''''We can use Raymond to escape, he''s fast, strong, and will be able to fly faster than anything they can do.''''


    Everyone looked relieved but soon the weather started getting worse causing Estelle to cast a shield around them. Amethyst and Artemis started shivering but Atlas quickly took out a blanket before wrapping it around the two women.


    The brunette smiled as he thanked him, ''''Thank you Atlas, I hate Frostwinter, it''s always so cold.''''


    Atlas waved her away, ''''You two need to stay warm in this horrible weather, for some reason, it doesn''t affect me as much as it used to,'''' he said in a warm voice.


    Following that, he went around and gave Grishna, Estelle, and Nulia more blankets which the women accepted. While the group sat on the ledge a winter storm descended upon the fortress which caused the soldiers to lock it down.


    ''This will be fun, the Kenku''s will cause chaos,''


    Atlas mused while watching the Achaemendians as the sun started to set.


    Estelle suddenly stood up and spoke with a concerned expression, ''''Let''s set up the tent, I think the storm will get worse. The fortress will be on lockdown, no one will come as it''s too risky to travel.''''


    Atlas nodded before helping them set up the tent, which would shelter them from the worsening storm as the blonde''s shield started to falter. He quickly noticed this and sent his mana into the barrier.


    He could feel it being drained from his body, but Atlas managed to hold on. Ten minutes later, the others finished with the tent and hurried inside. Not long after that, he followed behind only to see a massive space inside.


    Amethyst and Artemis slumped down just after the phoenix woman and blew some purple flames into the fireplace. Atlas smiled when he saw this, but that''s when he noticed Estelle getting ready to cook something for them.


    Meanwhile, Nulia and Grishna entered the bathroom, chatting animatedly about monster hunting. The conversation brought a smile to his face as he thought,


    ''They seem to be getting on well.''


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 Chapter 261 A Very Noble Name

    Following that, Atlas made his way over to the blonde and offered, ''''Do you need any help, Estelle?''''She looked at him with her beautiful blue eyes before answering, ''''That would be nice, could you dice these for me?''''


    Atlas eyed the onion-like vegetables in front of him and began slicing them with the knife Estelle had handed him. Ten minutes later, with everything chopped, Estelle playfully shooed him away, a warm smile lighting up her face.


    ''''Go rest, you little demon,'''' she teased. ''''I want to finish up from here.''''


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    ''''Alright, Blondie,'''' Atlas replied with a grin, slapping her on her toned ass.


    The instant he did, he had to dodge a swift kick, laughing as he dodged her sudden strike. Shaking his head, he settled down and activated Void Realm only to reappear on the mountain path he was on previously.


    Atlas took out his blades and cast Void Infusion on them, the weapons started to hum as the screeches rang out. He grinned before blocking several attacks that the Kenku''s sent his way as he countered with Void Wave.


    His spell rushed out of his body and slammed into the birdmen, they were sent flying off the side, Atlas continued fighting his way up the path while anticipating the creature''s attack thanks to his eye.


    An hour passed by and not Atlas was sitting on the edge of a mountaintop as he rested. While doing that he brought up the monster total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 5000/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 2500/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''Now onto the boss,''


    he thought with a smile as his mana poured into his body.


    Atlas continued his climb up the mountain, his footsteps crunching against the rocky path. Before long, he noticed a line of torches flickering in the distance, leading to a set of stone stairs.


    ''''Path to the boss arena,''''


    he steeled himself while muttering to himself.


    As he stepped into the arena, a translucent barrier materialized behind him, sealing off any chance of retreat but this didn''t bother him as he readied to fight. Seconds later massive shadow covered the arena. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas glanced up only to see a massive Harpy Eagle that was evil-looking with pitch-black feathers. Its glowing red eyes met his as it let out an earth-shaking screech that shook the ground before he flew toward him.


    He yelped as the big monster moved quicker than he expected. This caused Atlas to cast Void Guard that brought up his shield, then the Harpy eagle slammed into the barrier as its talons shattered it.


    ''Oh fuck! This is bad,''


    Atlas internally panicked before jumping to the side.


    They gouged through the ground just as he cast a Void Barrage at the monster, while doing this he scanned it with Void Sight to find out what rank it was.


    [Harpy Eagle King]


    [Rank A]


    [Keep moving and use your magic to wear it down]


    Without hesitation, Atlas activated Void Step, instantly reappearing on the Harpy Eagle''s back. He drew his blade, aiming for a quick strike, but the monster reacted faster than expected.


    It violently twisted throwing him off balance. The force sent him hurtling toward the ground, where he crashed with a brutal thud. His head was spinning while lying in the crater, he started climbing out just as its screech rang out.


    Atlas looked up with wide eyes as the giant bird was swooping down causing him to use Void Step to reappear nearby. Shortly after that, he started casting Void Lances at it, the Harpy King dodged most but a few hits.


    Feathers and blood erupted in every direction as the Harpy Eagle screeched in fury, its eyes locking onto him once more. He stood his ground, letting it close in. At the last moment, he vanished with a flash, reappearing just behind it.


    He quickly unleashed a Void Bomb, sending it hurtling toward the monster''s torso. The instant it made contact, the explosion erupted in a brilliant blue flash, illuminating the arena in a blinding light.


    The force of the blast sent shockwaves through the air as the Harpy King crashed down but was still alive. Atlas was shocked but quickly rushed toward the creature who was trying to get up.


    A dozen Void Lances struck its torso, tearing massive chunks from its body. As Atlas closed in, he drove his blade deep into the creature, slicing down its flank. The monster howled in agony, but before it could recover, he unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets, blasting through its insides.


    When that happened a male voice echoed in his mind,


    ''Finally, a master that I would be happy to follow and I can feel your concern over me. Do not worry little one, this is just temperorary.''


    Atlas was confused after hearing the voice, but soon enough the Harpy Eagle King vanished back into the Void Realm and realized he had completed the level. Moments later, exhaustion overtook him before being pulled back into the real world.


    ''At least I can move onto the next level now.''


    Opening his eyes, Atlas quickly noticed that the five women were peacefully asleep around him. He smiled before standing up and walking outside while rain poured down, he cast Void Guard to block it.


    Following that, Atlas activated Call to the Void and summoned the Harpy Eagle King, seconds later the bird shot out of the azure portal and soared into the sky. He noticed the creature was smaller than Raymond but would be stronger when reaching his rank.


    ''Interesting, maybe they can fight in a couple of years?''


    The creature spun around and shot toward him, its form shrinking until it landed softly on his shoulder. It gave a cute little tweet before nuzzling against his cheek. Smiling, Atlas gently stroked the tiny blackbird as he spoke, ''''Sorry for hurting you, I hate fighting you guys but it''s needed.''''


    ''Don''t worry about it Master, it did not hurt but honestly, the waiting was a nightmare,''


    it answered back in a cheerful voice.


    Atlas smiled before stroking it again as he gave it a name, ''''I will name you Horus, that name suits you.''''


    The Harpy Eagle nodded in agreement,


    ''A very noble name, it will strike fear in your enemies.''


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 Chapter 262 Level Six

    Atlas was sitting in front of the fire as the night dragged on, stars lit up the sky like a beautiful canvas. While he admired that, Horus spoke up in a curious voice as he glanced around, ''What are we doing on this mountain ledge master?''''''I was waiting to unlock those bastard Kenku''s so they can help us attack that fortress below,'''' he answered the Harpy Eagle King.


    The bird bobbed its head, ''Do you want me to go scout it out?''


    Atlas nodded with a smile, ''''Be careful, the empire dogs will try to kill you,'''' he warned.


    Horus chirped before bragging, ''''I am the might Horus, I shall not be slain by a mere dog Master.''


    He chuckled at the bird''s theatrics, the creature flew off while doing a few twists which made him laugh while muttering, ''''Stupid Harpy Eagle, but it''s good to have you.''''


    Following that, Atlas pulled out some meat buns and started eating, just as Amethyst walked out of the tent while yawning, ''''Have you slept my love?'''' she questioned.


    ''''Not yet but I don''t need it,'''' he answered the beautiful young woman.


    Amethyst paused and turned to him, taking his hand and pulling him to his feet. ''''You need rest for tomorrow''s fight,'''' she said firmly. ''''Come with me, we''ll get you some sleep.''''


    Atlas chuckled while letting the phoenix woman drag him into the tent. Soon she pulled him into the bed and cuddled up to him before summoning her wings and wrapping them around him to keep warm.


    The following morning, he woke up and saw the ceiling of the tent shaking due to the wind outside. Atlas sighed before climbing out of bed where the sleeping Amethyst was curled up causing him to think,


    ''She''s so beautiful.''


    He shook his head, walking over to the window. The rain blurred his view, making it hard to see anything. A soft chirp broke the silence, and he glanced up to see Horus perched nearby, his glowing blue eyes fixed on him.


    ''Master,''


    the bird''s voice echoed in his mind,


    ''there are thousands of humans out there¡ªand even more beneath the earth.''


    When Atlas heard this he grew curious and asked, ''''Did you go inside?''''


    Horus shook his head,


    ''No, a barrier blocked me from entering and mages could sense me while I was lurking around,''


    he answered.


    Following that, Atlas decided to give the new Level Six ago, he was curious at what creatures would appear. He reappeared in a primal jungle which caught him off guard as the howls and screeches of monsters echoed out.


    ''Some sort of dinosaur maybe? This could be useful,''


    Atlas thought while taking out his blades.


    He cast Void Infusion, bathing the surroundings in a radiant azure glow. Atlas kept moving forward, but suddenly, the ground beneath him trembled,


    ''Oh crap, something''s coming!''


    he thought.


    When feeling this Atlas cast Void Step and teleported into the trees above, where he waited silently on a high branch as he spotted the culprit which made him gulp as it was a giant theropod dinosaur monster.


    It emerged from the shadows, a creature unlike any he''d ever heard of. Its scales were a deep, dark blue, almost black, with streaks of glowing sapphire running along its body like veins of lightning.


    ''What is this nightmare!''


    he thought while gripping his blades tighter.


    Each step it took cracked the ground beneath its colossal claws, and its eyes glowed with an unnatural, fierce intelligence. Atlas was stumped but scanned the monster using Void Sight on it.


    [Void Tarrasque]


    [Rank C]


    ''This thing is strong but let''s see if I can ambush it,''


    he thought with a grin while preparing to attack.


    Atlas noticed the monster started to walk under the tree he was in, when this happened he readied Void Smash before jumping off the branch. He descended like a shadow with the force of a meteor.


    The air crackled around him as he plummeted, fists charged with dark energy. In a single, explosive strike, he slammed into the beast''s armored head, unleashing a shockwave that split the ground beneath them.


    It let out a thunderous roar as it was driven into the earth, carving a massive crater in the ground. Atlas''s bones shook but he was suddenly slapped with the tail of the monster before being sent flying through the trees.


    Thanks to the force of the strike it broke hundreds of trees until crashing into the side of a boulder. Atlas fell to the ground with a thud,


    ''Ahh fuck, that hurt,''


    he thought before looking up.


    The ground started to rumble as the half-dead Void Tarrasque rushed toward him, it was letting out a fierce roar that made his heart race. Atlas''s Regeneration kicked in allowing him to get up even though pain shot through his body.


    Without wasting time he cast Void Bombs at the charging monster, when the azure projectiles slammed against it an explosion erupted. He quickly used Void Step to flee from the shockwave.


    After ten minutes Atlas reached a tree and started climbing up to get some rest, when sitting down and admiring the primeval jungle below. While doing that, he pulled up the monster total to see how many he had to kill.


    [Void Tarrasque - 1/1000] S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    When Atlas saw this he sighed,


    ''These giants are going to be hard to fight, but will come in handy when attacking empire armies,''


    he thought as excitement swelled.


    Following that, he jumped down and when to search for the Tarrasques. After five minutes another charged at him. Atlas quickly sent several Void Lances in the creature''s direction and when they connected it tripped over.


    The giant monster crashed into the ground, Atlas dashed forward and appeared next to its big head before thrusting his blade into its eyes. This made the Tarrasque roar but he quickly cast Void Lance that pierced its skull.


    It slipped back into the Void Realm, but before Atlas could catch his breath, more of them surged forward, overwhelming him. He tried to dodge, but one struck him down, jolting him awake in the real world. Stay connected via empire


    Gasping, he realized the storm outside had got worse, raging even fiercer than before. Atlas looked around the tent''s living room and noticed Horus sitting on the arm of the chair he was on.


    ''Master, the storm will be here for a few days,''


    the bird informed him.


    ''Another one is hitting from the north.''


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 Chapter 263 Looks Like We Found The Devil

    Atlas gave up on the storm as it wasn''t stopping, he sat down and relaxed as Horus hopped over to him, ''This is perfect, the enemy will be lulled into a false sense of security. Once the weather calms down we can attack.''He looked tiny harpy eagle before agreeing, ''''Good idea, we can use the Kenku''s to hit a certain part of the wall to distract the Achaemendians.''''


    Following that, Atlas activated Void Realm and appeared in the jungle where he would be fighting the Void Tarrasques. He took out his swords and cast Void Infusion on them just as the roars rang out.


    The creatures started heading in his direction forcing him into the trees. Thanks to Void Step he got up high just as the first monsters smashed through the brush, when he saw this he jumped onto its head.


    Without wasting time, Atlas drove his blade into the Tarrasque''s skull before casting Void Bombs. He used Void Step to get away just as the explosion erupted and blew its head apart.


    More monsters rushed out and tried to attack but thanks to the size difference he managed to avoid all the bites and tail swipes. Atlas started casting dozens of Void Barrage at the others causing small explosions to ring out.


    While this happened he pulled up the monster total to check on the amount his killed so far.


    [Void Tarrasque - 4/1000]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    ''This is going to take long,'' Atlas mused before transforming into his Voidwalker form and trying to see if this helps.


    He leaped from the elevated ground, landing with a powerful thud before immediately dashing toward the nearest Tarrasque. Atlas slashed through the creature''s thick ankle. The beast let out a roar as its massive form tumbled to the ground in a thunderous crash.


    With the Tarrasque down, he plunged his claw into the eye of the monster, which caused it to fade back into the Void Realm. Following this, Atlas went to work and started killing them, each one was getting easier.


    When they would charge, he would dodge their first attack before plunging his fist through its skull. Atlas continued this while unleashing thousands of punches and slashes that killed even more Tarrasques.


    He stayed in the Void Realm for hours, until one unlucky swipe sent him to the real world. Atlas woke up and noticed Artemis and Estelle sitting in front of the fire while gossiping about something.


    While coming too he brought up the monster total and was pleasantly surprised with the results.


    [Void Tarrasque - 79/1000]


    [????????????????????]


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


    [????????????????????]


    Atlas stood up and stretched his arms, causing his bones to crack as he approached the fire. He sat down next to the brunette whose brown eyes turned to him. ''''Hello sleepyhead, were you in the Void Realm?''''


    ''''I was, I''ve reached Level Six, and this one is harder because the monsters are giants,'''' he answered while taking out some ale. ''''They are strong but slow, but thanks to their size it''s easy to dodge them.''''


    Estelle glanced at him with curious blue eyes as she questioned, ''''Could my shield stand up against them?''''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''Maybe for a few minutes, the Tarrasques have brute strength in their favor,'''' he said while taking a mouthful of ale.


    Once he finished it Artemis took the leather pouch and drank some. Atlas started laughing as he poked the brunette''s side. This made her yelp before countering by pinching him. The two started fighting.


    The blonde watched this before giggling at the two as she spoke. ''''You two make a good couple. Laughing together shows a bond is forming.''''


    Artemis looked at Estelle with a smile as she answered while slapping his hand away, ''''You''re right, but this gremlin thinks he can tease me and get away with it.''''


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    She then started attacking him even more. Atlas started laughing while holding the Siren woman back, but she was slippery. Artemis slipped out of his hold, but he quickly grabbed her in a bear hug.


    ''''Do you give up, Fish?'''' he whispered into her ear.


    This sent shivers down the brunette''s back as she smirked, ''''I do, but let me turn around Blue.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his expression changed, but Artemis giggled, ''''It''s my nickname for you handsome. Those blue eyes of yours are so sexy,'''' she revealed. ''''Ask Blondie over there. She loves them.''''


    They turned to Estelle, who gave him a sweet smile, ''''I do, I mean I have blue eyes but yours are out of this world. It''s like looking at the heavens,'''' she said while taking off her armor.


    Atlas noticed her well-endowed chest bounced out, causing Artemis to tease, ''''Your boobs are getting bigger Estelle, what''s your secret?''''


    ''''Oh shut up Art,'''' she replied with a giggle. ''''My Nonna had a big chest, but neither my mother nor sisters inherited that particular trait, but I did and they hated it.''''


    The trio laughed before Estelle stood up and announced, ''''I''m going to check out the fortress. The storm should have them hidden away but it wouldn''t stop their reinforcements from arriving.''''


    Atlas nodded as he watched the blonde leave the tent. As she vanished Artemis grabbed his chin and turned his head. Seconds later, she kissed him. A shock ran through his entire body causing him to grab her slender waist.


    The two of them continued to kiss, only for it to grow hot and heavy, which the couple enjoyed. Atlas''s hands slid up her body before cupping her perky boobs. This earned him a moan as they broke apart, ''''Mmmmghh~~.''''


    Artemis pressed herself close to him, their bodies flush as they shared a deep, lingering kiss. When she finally pulled away, her breath came in soft, ragged gasps, a pleased smile lighting up her face.


    ''''I love kissing you, Blue,'''' she confessed, her eyes sparkling. ''''It''s always so special, the passion that radiates from you makes it feel like nothing else.''''


    Atlas smiled when hearing this and hugged the beautiful brunette. The two of them just sat there just as he started playing with her soft hair. Her smile grew wider as she spoke in a soft voice, ''''I love that, it feels so good.''''


    Soon enough, Artemis fell asleep and started letting out adorable snores as he ran his fingers up and down her back. Minutes later, Atlas joined her as the couple was extremely comfortable.


    Sometime later, Estelle walked back into the tent while rubbing her cold hands. When she spotted the duo, a smile appeared as she muttered, ''''I can see your effort in getting to know each of us Atlas, and I must admit it makes me want you even more.''''


    The blonde took out a blanket while placing it over the two. After that, she kissed him on the forward before heading toward the firepit. While everyone was asleep, the storm outside worsened, as the north wasn''t a kind place.


    Estelle ensured the fire blazed brightly, the flames casting a warm glow across the room. She smiled to herself, a mix of pride and determination in her eyes. ''''You''ve come so far, princess,'''' she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.


    But then her expression grew serious as she added, ''''There''s still work to be done. I have to make things right with Grish... and prove to Atlas that I''m truly trying to change.''''


    Following that, she went to bed as the weather outside covered the tent and helped them blend into the surroundings. Hours later, Atlas woke up with a snoring Artemis on his lap which made him smile.


    Atlas shifted the brunette aside before rising to his feet and moving toward the entrance. That''s when an unsettling feeling gripped him. Without hesitation, he reacted, teleporting everything to the Otherworld as he drew his blades.


    He crossed them just in time to block an incoming strike, sparks flying on impact. As the tension rose, Atlas quickly realized he was surrounded by Nightowls, their menacing presence closing in.


    ''''Looks like we found the devil,'''' a man''s voice rang out. ''''Get him!''''


    Without wasting time, he started attacking the Nightowls using his speed and managed to cut down a few before more appeared. While this happened, Nulia raged from the Otherworld. ''''Let us fight! You mean something to all of us?''''


    When Atlas heard this, he summoned the five women, who instantly joined the fight. Amethyst let out a screech that dazed all the attackers as she transformed into her phoenix form and grabbed the two of them before taking off.


    Nulia materialized in her Frostbear form, her massive frame erupting with raw power as she lunged at the Nightowls. Her claws tore through them with savage precision, bisecting several with a single swipe.


    Letting out a deafening roar, she lunged at the commander, sinking her teeth into his skull. In one crushing motion, she obliterated his head, shattering it like a watermelon. Atlas laughed at this scene as he cut down some of the enemy soldiers before summoning hundreds of Kenku''s.


    The bird assassins quickly killed the Nightowls with overwhelming numbers and skill.


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 Chapter 264 You Have No Idea

    Atlas knew there was no point in hiding and ordered the Kenkus to attack the fortress below. When the birdmen heard his command, they dashed down the hill before vanishing into the shadows, which made him think, ''These creatures are going to cause chaos.''Following that, Nulia and Amethyst shifted into their human forms as he laid out the plan. ''''Estelle, Artemis, you ladies will attack from the west,'''' he said. ''''Nulia and Grishna, you''ll take the front, while Amethyst will strike from the south.''''


    The five women agreed before rushing off to play their part in the upcoming attack. Once they were gone, Atlas slung several Void Bombs into the fortress which the enemy weren''t ready for.


    Explosions rang out, and seconds later, an alarm rang out. During the chaos, the Kenku''s attacked, killing the soldiers stationed on the walls. As the creature''s blades slashed at the soldier''s throats, others dragged them kicking and screaming into the darkness below.


    Without wasting a moment, Atlas summoned the Void Golem King, who let out an angry roar that echoed across the landscape. The colossal stone behemoth emerged, towering over the battlefield, waiting for its orders.


    ''''Destroy the defenses,'''' he commanded.


    The giant monster charged down the hill with unstoppable force, slamming its massive shoulder into the fortress walls. The impact was devastating, reducing the sturdy barrier to rubble in an instant.


    Following that, the women attacked. Estelle''s Steel Legion battled the defenders as she summoned them after Artemis threw her onto the wall. While this happened, the brunette took out the cannons that were targeting them.


    Amethyst let out a screech that echoed across the landscape. Atlas watched as she cast Cosmic Blast at the front gate. The explosion tore the metal structure apart and sent debris flying everywhere.


    The spell decimated the guards behind it, leaving only a few alive. She quickly wiped out the survivors with a wave of purple fire that washed over them like a tsunami. The last two women burst onto the scene like a furious storm, their presence crackling with power.


    ''Oh shit, they have grown strong,'' he thought with glowing azure eyes.


    Nulia''s deafening roar thundered across the fortress, sending tremors through the stone walls. She scaled the fortress walls, her claws tearing through the spearmen that tried to stop her.


    Atlas watched the soldiers turn into bloody chunks as she passed. At that moment, Grishna, in her Bloodborn Orc form, leaped onto the wall, her massive hammer raised high. She brought it down with crushing force, obliterating any nearby soldiers.


    After seeing all this, Atlas got to work and summoned a swarm of Bloodhawks. The flying monsters flew out of a portal before descending onto the Achaemenids and tearing into their ranks.


    With everything in place, he sprinted forward, calling out to Theo before leaping onto the creature''s back. In one powerful motion, they soared over the fortress walls. A barrage of spells hurtled toward them, but he countered with a Void Barrage, each shot finding its mark.


    The explosion lit up the sky in a beautiful blue glow. Atlas flew over the defenses as a wave of spells and arrows rained down on them. Theo quickly dived low and flew through the fortress''s streets.


    Atlas quickly jumped off the monster''s back and landed in the middle of the enemy soldiers. He cast Void Wave, washed out from his body, and slammed into them before he started cutting through their armor.


    Amethyst unleashed a piercing screech, momentarily stunning the soldiers surrounding Atlas and leaving them vulnerable to his strikes. Seizing the opportunity, he sprinted down a nearby street, unleashing a flurry of spells that annihilated waves of enemies in his path.


    While doing this, he felt his mana topping up, which allowed him to summon the Void Ghouls that appeared from the azure portal. The creatures rushed forward and pounced on the shocked Achaemendians.


    Thousands of empire soldiers fell to their attack while the Kenku''s attacked from behind along with the women. Atlas was happy that he could finally take some revenge on the Achaemenids who had been attacking him for years.


    Following that, the group continued attacking the soldiers until every enemy lay dead and the streets covered in blood. Atlas was sitting at a fountain surrounded by corpses. While resting, he ordered the monsters to throw the bodies into the Otherworld.


    While he watched them do that, Grishna and Artemis appeared. Both women looked exhausted before collapsing next to him. Atlas smiled as he spoke. ''''Looks like you two had fun.''''


    ''''You have no idea, darling,'''' the green-skinned beauty replied, a sly smile curling her lips as she stretched her arms. ''''This new form drains me, but I''m sure I''ll grow accustomed to it soon enough.''''


    Atlas chuckled before pulling Grishna into a hug, which made her smile as she asked with a giggle, ''''What are you doing? You''re covered in blood, you silly man.''''


    He chuckled and hugged her even tighter, which the Orc woman accepted with a loving smile, ''''I''m glad you''re okay handsome, me and Arty were worried about you.''''


    Artemis returned to her normal form after crushing a few more defenses as she approached the square. Atlas smiled when he saw the brunette and used Void Step to appear in front of her and quickly scooped her into a princess carry.


    ''''Ahh, what are you doing Atlas!'''' she exclaimed as a smile appeared.


    ''''Making sure you rest Artemis, now stopped wiggling around and let me pamper you,'''' Atlas replied with a grin.


    The brunette fell silent, sinking into his embrace with a contented smile as they sat together, the fortress ablaze behind them. Moments later, Amethyst descended with a heavy thud, shifting back into her humanoid form.


    ''''I lit a blaze around the fortress which will stop reinforcements from approaching,'''' she said in a tired voice.


    Atlas put Artemis down and hugged the phoenix woman, who melted into his embrace as she spoke cheerfully. ''''It always feels nice when you hug me, my love.''''


    Explosions reverberated through the air as Nulia and Estelle arrived at the square. The blonde warrior was covered in the enemy soldier''s blood, while the Frost Bear woman staggered, clearly wounded.


    He watched as the knight hurried to heal her companion. A radiant white light enveloped Nulia, mending her wounds and allowing her to transform back into her humanoid form as she exclaimed, ''''I hate fighting in urban areas. The enemy always hides behind corners and stabs.''''


    Everyone laughed as Atlas stood up and spoke to the five women, ''''You ladies head back to the Otherworld and rest. I''ll loot the fortress before moving on.''''


    They nodded in agreement and kissed him goodbye before stepping through the portal he had opened. Turning his gaze to the largest building, Atlas made his way toward it, his steps echoing through streets stained with blood. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Upon reaching the Achaemendian command center, he paused briefly, surveying the carnage. With a wave of his hand, he summoned the Void Ghouls, commanding them to loot the fortress and strip it of any remaining resources.


    Afterward, he made his way to the prison where the Shadowfang Royal Family was being held captive. The journey took him ten minutes through the war-torn streets. When Atlas arrived, he found the Void Ghouls standing vigil outside the entrance.


    The moment they recognized him, they swiftly dispersed, leaving the way clear for him to enter. Atlas stepped inside and noticed a large group of people huddled in the corner while protected by four men.


    The largest of the guards stepped forward with a low growl, his posture threatening. But as soon as his eyes locked onto Atlas, his expression shifted in surprise. He paused before shaking his head in confusion.


    ''''Who are you, boy?'''' the wolf man asked with shock lacing his voice.


    ''''Lucky for you a savor, an old wolf woman sent me here to save you so she could heal my companion,'''' Atlas responded while approaching the cell. ''''I assume you''re the Shadowfang Royal Family?''''


    The man slowly nodded as he spoke. ''''And what do you get from rescuing us?''''


    ''''A healed companion and some allies in the north,'''' Atlas answered before cutting through the cell''s bars with a swift slash.


    The metal slammed onto the floor as he entered and opened a portal to the Otherworld. ''''Stand under this tree and I''ll come create some tents with you. I''m going to the location the old woman told me before she vanished.''''


    Following this, the wary family looked at the azure portal before the man ushered them into it. Estelle and Grishna met them, who wouldn''t let them in the treehouse just as Atlas followed behind.


    Once inside the Otherworld, he closed his eyes and created a small camp for them with a well and a small garden. After that, Atlas spoke to the Shadowfang King, ''''Stay here and recover. I will travel to your people alone.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 265 Grandmaster

    Atlas made sure the royal wolf family was safe before leaving the Otherworld while summoning Raymond. The giant Stormeagle appeared from the portal and lowered its body, which allowed him to jump on it.''''Look for a wild forest Ray, I''m going to rest using your feathers,'''' Atlas commented before getting comfortable. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, the monster flapped its wings and quickly took off. While this happened, he closed his eyes and relaxed while recovering the mana he had spent. Hours later, Raymond''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Master, I see the forest. I''ll land outside because the trees are too big for me to land inside.''


    Atlas agreed as the bird descended to the ground below and landed with a crash. He quickly jumped off Raymond''s back before sending him back to the Otherworld. Once that was done, the five women appeared.


    ''''Seems like you''ve been busy, Atlas,'''' Grishna commented with a big smile.


    ''''Yes, I rescued the Shadowfang Royal Family. Now we can get Lilith healed and finally head south,'''' he replied to the Orc woman.


    The others beamed with pride, their smiles mirroring the joy in the air. Amethyst, unable to contain her excitement, threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. ''''I''m growing stronger every day, my love!'''' she exclaimed in excitement.


    When Atlas heard this, he smiled before asking, ''''Let me see your status. I want to see how powerful you''re now.''''


    Name: Amethyst Flameheart


    Age: 17


    Race: Cosmic Phoenix


    Class: Cosmic Mage


    Level: 378.


    Rank: Expert.


    Experience: 300/1000


    Affinity: Space


    ____


    Attributes:


    Health: 1812


    Mana: 3980


    Strength: 1612


    Stamina: 1878


    Charisma: 890


    Intelligence: 1490


    ____


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: High Journeyman


    Core Points: 9600/350000


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Cosmic Bullet (8) Lv-1: Stellar Arrow (7) Lv-2: Cosmic Blast (10) Lv-3: Cosmic Flames (6)


    Defence: Lv-1: Cosmic Barrier (10)


    ____


    Skills: Phoenix Form (4) Cosmic Wings (10) Cosmic Sight (10)


    ''Oh, she has improved,'' Atlas thought with a smile. ''At least I don''t have to worry about her.''


    ''''I''m impressed Amethyst, seems like you''ve grown well,'''' he said, which made the phoenix woman beam.


    The other women offered their congratulations, impressed by her remarkable expertise at just seventeen, a feat few could achieve. With the moment of celebration passing, the group turned their focus to the task ahead.


    They ventured into the forest as Atlas carefully followed the old woman''s directions to locate the elusive Shadowfang people. While doing that, Estelle and Nulia were chatting as Artemis chewed Amethyst''s ear off.


    He chuckled at the scene, but Grishna appeared with a grin as she spoke. ''''Do you want to see my status, husband? We''ve all got stronger since our separation.''''


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment, prompting the Orc woman to reveal it with a confident grin. His expression shifted to one of impressed amusement as she playfully slapped her toned behind.


    Name: Grishna Brokentooth.


    Age: 22


    Race: Orc


    Class: Warrior


    Level: 499


    Rank: Master.


    Experience: 4920/5000


    Affinity: Earth ¨C Metal


    ____


    Attributes:


    Health: 2650


    Mana: 4670


    Strength: 4752


    Stamina: 2978


    Charisma: 1210


    Intelligence: 1892


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Iron Fist (10) Lv-1: Metal Bullet (10) Lv-2: Earth Bolt (10) Lv-3: Razorwind Blades (9) Lv-3: Silver Shriek (9)


    Defence: Lv-1: Ironclad(9)


    Support: Lv-1: Body Enhancement(10) Lv-1: Dust Cloud(10)Lv-1: Minor Healing (6)


    ____


    Skills: Hand-to-Hand Combat (10) Spearmanship (10) Survivlist (10) Cooking (10) Tracking (6) Intimidation (7) Shield Mastery (5) War Cry (4) Lock Picking (7) Ransack (6) Hunting (3) Trapping (7) Lockpicking (2) Bloodbound Orc (-)


    ''''Impressive Grish, I can see why you destroyed the empire soldiers,'''' Atlas commented with an excited expression. ''''Now that you girls are stronger, we can do more damage to the Achaemendian invasion of Astoria.''''


    Grishna nodded with a smile as she spoke, ''''We''ll need to camp soon. Do we stay in the wild or go into the Otherworld?''''


    Atlas opened up a portal. ''''Let''s rest in the treehouse. I don''t want to look over my shoulder all night,'''' he said.


    Following that, the group entered the Otherworld. The women started relaxing as Atlas went to check on the wolves. He stepped onto the balcony and noticed them sitting around the fire while eating.


    After checking on them, Atlas walked back into the treehouse where Artemis, Nulia, Grishna, and Amethyst were heading for the bathroom. He watched each of them vanish down the corridor.


    ''''They want to wash away the dirt and grim of the battles,'''' Estelle commented as she made some tea. ''''Artemis and Grishna smelt of blood, I told them they needed to wash or it would seep into their hair.''''


    Atlas laughed when hearing this. He approached the beautiful blonde who was wearing a white dress that went past her knees. He grabbed her waist and started kissing her slender neck.


    She shivered all over before reaching back and running her fingers through his hair. ''''Why do you tease me like this, handsome? I''m not breaking my promise to Little Bird.''''


    ''''I''m not asking you to. I wanted to see how strong my blonde beauties become,'''' Atlas replied in a whisper.


    Estelle beamed before showing him her status, which surprised him, but was happy she was on his side.


    Name: Estelle Argonia


    Age: 27


    Race: Human


    Class: Solar Guardian


    Level: 511


    Rank: Grandmaster


    Experience: 4340/5000


    Affinity: Sun ¨C Light


    ____


    Attributes:


    Health: 3288


    Mana: 5150


    Strength: 2890


    Stamina: 2562


    Charisma: 1320


    Intelligence: 1556


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Solar Slash (10) Lv-2: Light Blast (10) Lv-3: Radiant Strike (9) Lv-3: Dawns Wrath (6)


    Defence: Lv-1: Holy Barrier (10) Lv-2: Solar Shield (8)


    Support: Lv-1: Healing Light (10)


    Utility: Lv-3: Vigilant Watch (7)


    ____


    Skills: Swordsmanship (10) Archery (5) Hunting (6) Hand-to-Hand (10) Cooking (10) Brace (10) Shield Wall (6) Ground Pound (8) Vigilant Watch (6) Shield Bash (10) Steel Legion (0)


    ''''A Grandmaster! How?'''' Atlas muttered, causing her to giggle as she stopped making tea and turned around to face him.


    ''''I''ve been working hard and my goddess granted me strength to help you. She said I am the guide who will keep you from falling to the darkness, Atlas,'''' Estelle revealed with a loving smile. ''''I will make sure I still see that smile I''ve come to love seeing. I can''t let evil take that from me.''''


    She leaned in and kissed Atlas, which caught him off guard, but when she broke apart, she continued, ''''I will be beside you until the end. You won''t have to fight the empire alone.''''


    Following that, she pecked him on the nose before getting back to making tea with a big smile. All this left Atlas baffled, but he went to sit down while checking his status to see how much he had leveled up.


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 18


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: Voidwalker/Dungeon Conqueror


    Level: 405


    Rank: Master


    Experience: 14980/50000


    Affinity: Void


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 4536 (200)


    Mana: 36800 (1000)


    Strength: 5338 (100)


    Stamina: 6206 (250)


    Charisma: 1725


    Intelligence: 4176


    ____


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Journeyman Mid


    Core Points: 211020/300000


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (8) Lv-1: Void Arrow (7) Lv-2: Void Blast (7) Lv-2: Void Wave (6) Lv-3: Void Lance (6) Lvl 2- Void Punch (5) Lvl 3- Void Smash (1)


    Defence: Lv-1: Void Guard (8)


    Support: Lvl-1: Void Step (6) Lvl-2: Void Veil (7) Lvl-2: Void Infusion (6)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Void Realm (5) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (5) Dual Wielding (8) Health Regeneration (6) Dimensional Storage (5) Aqua Lung (3) Light (3) Dungeon Conqueror (2) Maskweaving (3) Voidwalker Form (3)


    ''Not bad. It looks like I''ve improved a lot, but I need to keep going,'' Atlas mused as Estelle brought over a hot cup of tea as she sat next to him.


    The blonde beamed at him. ''''This should give you some energy. I''ve got a collection of different teas I''ve been picking up over the years,'''' she said in a cheerful voice.


    Following that, the two of them spoke about their status and skills. Atlas enjoyed his time with Estelle as the blonde told him stories of her childhood back in the Argonia Kingdom, where she learned how to fight.


    She explained that during her childhood, her father, the crown prince at the time, would train her and her sisters in the art of combat. They practiced relentlessly, mastering the use of all kinds of weapons under his strict guidance.


    This intrigued Atlas, who listened as Estelle described the deep love and care her parents had always shown her. A flicker of jealousy flashed in his eyes, a reminder of his lonely upbringing back on Earth.


    The blonde quickly noticed this and grabbed his hand. ''''I know you were alone before, but not anymore. There are six of us who care for you. Now imagine where we''d be in twenty years.''''


    Atlas chuckled before nodding, ''''You''re right, it''s the past and should stay there,'''' he replied as the two continued drinking their tea.


    Once the duo were finished with their tea, Estelle grabbed his hand and dragged him toward her bedroom with a smile, ''''I want to cuddle you tonight, it''s cold and for some reason, you''re always warm.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 266 Do You Want

    Atlas let the blonde drag him to her room, where she got changed into her nightclothes. She looked at him with glowing blue eyes and commented with a smirk, ''''Undress, you''re not wearing armor in bed.''''He chuckled before dismissing his clothes and climbing into bed. Estelle followed suit and cuddled up to him by putting her head on his shoulder. The two of them soon fell asleep as the storm outside got worse.


    As Atlas drifted into sleep, he unexpectedly found himself dreaming. The scene unfolded around him. He was standing in the courtyard of a grand castle that''s when a sharp, rhythmic clang of blades filled the air, drawing his attention.


    Turning toward the source of the sound, he spotted two women locked in an intense duel, their movements swift and skilled. One had white hair like his own but with glowing pink eyes, and the other looked like an older version of Estelle.


    ''Is she related to Estelle? It can''t be,'' he thought while watching the fight. ''This world seems old. I recognize some stuff, but others are new to me.''


    The white-haired woman quickly deflected several attacks with a big smile. Atlas watched the blonde try to outclass the faster woman, but she sidestepped the blonde''s strike and leveled her blade at her opponent''s throat.


    ''''You''re getting slower, Juliette. I''m glad mother and father hired you to train me,'''' the younger woman commented in an excited tone. ''''Traveling this far must have taken its toll on you.''''


    Atlas watched the blonde knight laugh as she replied, ''''I loved the journey, princess. I got to fight monsters and bandits that aren''t seen in my homeland.''''


    The princess nodded without losing her smile. ''''Since Father conquered the Zarandar Continent, the bandits and monsters fled Aurelia to Astoria,'''' she said before putting her sword away.


    ''''That''s putting pressure on the Achaemendians,'''' the blonde remarked, her tone tinged with concern. ''''They''re furious at the empire for flooding their small kingdom with chaos.''''


    Her words hung in the air as the two made their way toward a magnificent palace nestled at the base of a towering mountain. They walked into the palace where maids rushed about like ants.


    Atlas watched the white-haired woman giggle before speaking. ''''They will be next. They''ve caused enough trouble for the empire. I heard Big Brother is heading north to deal with them.''''


    ''''Yes, they are joining up with Argonia to fight. The Achaemendians have been raiding our lands,'''' the blonde revealed. ''''I need to return with the army. My little sister is pregnant with my niece and I want to be there for the birth.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his eyes widened as he thought, ''Maybe her mother?''


    Following that, the dream suddenly ended as thunder boomed overhead. He woke up with Estelle cuddled up to him, ''''What was that dream?'''' he muttered before getting up.


    Atlas walked over to the bedroom window and looked outside, only to see a rainstorm pouring down as thunder lit up the Otherworld. He saw the forest below was swaying back and forward, causing him to worry about the Shadowfang Family.


    Without wasting time, he teleported to their camp, which was getting battered by the weather, which annoyed him. Atlas created several cabins for them and spoke as the king exited the tent. ''''Take these for your home. We''re in the forest where your people should be hiding.''''


    The king looked at the new builders before smiling as the older man approached him and held out his hand, ''''I''m Ulric Shadowfang, the previous king of the Shadowfang Kingdom.''''


    Atlas took it and replied with a friendly expression, ''''Atlas, it''s good to meet you Ulric, but get your family in the cabins. The weather is only getting worse.''''


    Ulric nodded before preparing to tend to his family. ''''Thank you, I will get them moving now. Thanks for all your help Atlas, when I finally beat the empire I''ll reward you,'''' he said in a grateful voice.


    Following that, he left them behind and went on a walk through the jungle. After half an hour, Atlas sensed all kinds of monsters lurking in the surrounding darkness. Seconds later, he reached Atek''s home, where he found the Frostfang Tiger cuddled up with Nala.


    This scene took Atlas by surprise as he thought, ''They are lovers? Doesn''t surprise me as the tiger got more affectionate.''


    Seconds later, Nala''s head popped up as her voice sounded in her mind, ''Master? What brings you to our home?''


    Atlas grinned when hearing her tired voice. ''''So you two are together now?''''


    The lioness nodded, causing him to continue. ''''Good, you will build a powerful army for me and still help me despite being a mother Nala.''''


    Following that, he left the monsters alone and teleported back to the treehouse. When Atlas appeared, he spotted Nulia walking out of her bedroom. The brown-skinned woman let out a yawn as she stretched.


    Atlas noticed her bear ears twitch as she greeted him with a loving smile. ''''Morning Alt, what are you doing up? It''s freezing out here.''''


    He chuckled softly before stepping closer to Nulia, gently wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his head on the curve of her neck. With a tender touch, Atlas started kissing along her slender neck.


    Each one made her tremble because of the pleasure. After that, he spoke with a grin, ''''Do you want to come back to bed with me? We''ll be trapped in the treehouse until the storm calms down.''''


    Without a word, Nulia grabbed his hand and led him toward her bedroom, a radiant smile lighting up her face. As they stepped into the cozy, warmly lit room, she turned to him and declared with a playful voice, ''''Yes, I love cuddling you, Atlas. Now shut up and get comfortable.''''


    He chuckled when hearing this before climbing under the sheets and getting cozy as Nulia joined him. The Frostbear beauty quickly cuddled up to him as he started playing with her soft hair.


    ''This is the life, but once I defeat the empire I can finally rest,'' he thought with a tired smile.


    Nulia let out a contented sigh, her body relaxing as she snuggled into his side. The warmth of the moment seemed to lull her into a peaceful sleep. He gazed out the window, his fingers gently tracing circles on her back.


    Atlas stayed there in quiet comfort, the rhythm of his movements soothing both of them until his own eyes finally closed, and he drifted off to sleep. The following morning, he woke up and noticed the room was still dark.


    While lying there, he activated the Void Realm and appeared in the humid jungle. Creature roars echoed across the landscape. Atlas pulled out his swords before checking on the monster total.


    [Void Tarrasque - 79/1000]


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    Following this, Atlas felt the ground shake as the Tarrasques started charging at him while letting out earth-shaking roars. He smiled when he saw this just as he started casting Void Lances.


    ''This should deal with them,'' he thought as the excitement soared.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the dense jungle, their blinding speed striking with precision. They slammed into three of the monstrous giants, tearing gaping holes through their torsos and sending them back into the void.


    As the creatures faded, the battle erupted in full force. Atlas dodged the giant''s snapping jaws and whip-like tails. His reflexes were sharp as he navigated the chaos, staying one step ahead of their deadly strikes.


    Atlas continued casting Void Lances and Bombs into the Tarrasques that quickly destroyed waves of creatures. He was enjoying himself while using Void Step to appear on the branches above.


    The monsters got angry as they couldn''t reach him. Atlas chuckled as the giant creatures slammed into the base of the tree. ''Oh fuck, looks like they do have some brain in that massive head,'' he thought.


    Following that, Atlas jumped off the tree branch and landed on one of the monster''s heads before leaping into the treetops. He continued attacking the creatures with Void Lances that were strong enough to pierce through its thick hide.


    The Tarrasques crashed to the ground, their massive forms vanishing into the void with a deafening roar. Just as Atlas prepared to leap from his perch, the monster lashed out, toppling the tree he was in.


    He heard a loud crack and, before he could react, the tree began to fall, causing him to yelp in surprise.


    In a split second, Atlas cast Void Step, vanishing from the tree and reappearing on the ground below. But there was no time to rest. More monsters were closing in, forcing him to keep moving.


    While doing this, he quickly checked on the monster total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Tarrasque - 121/1000]


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    ''This will take some time, but I''ll ask the girls to help me thin out the numbers,'' Atlas thought with an excited smile.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 267 Void Shadow Tarrasques

    Atlas was hiding in the tree branches above the group of Tarrasques who were going crazy, as they couldn''t find him. They destroyed trees and searched for a while before he cast a Void Lance that pierced through the skull of the monster.He watched the monster vanish back into the Void Realm as the others looked up at him with rage-filled red eyes. They let out roars before attacking the bottom of the tree he was in, causing Atlas to cast several Void Bombs into the group.


    An explosion erupted and wiped them out as he used Void Step to get off the branch, but that''s when something hit him from behind. He yelped as some pierced his back and something bit down on his shoulder.


    ''Arghh fuck! Damn monsters!''


    Atlas gritted his teeth before casting Void Wave that knocked the unknown monster off him. He twisted around and noticed a black theropod the size of a horse and its glowing red eyes stared at him.


    The creature resembled a smaller, sleeker Tarrasque, faster, more agile, and far more deadly in appearance. The sight of it sent chills racing down his spine. Without hesitation, he activated Void Sight to scan the creature to find out what it was.


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque]


    [Rank B]


    Atlas gulped when he saw this, but the monster lunged forward and tried to bite down on him. He sidestepped this attack and quickly hit it with a Void Smash. When his fist connected with the creature''s head, it exploded into meat chunks.


    ''Seems like they can''t stand up against that,'' he thought with an excited smile.


    Moments later, more monsters lunged at him in a combined attack, which took him by surprise. Atlas evaded a flurry of strikes while countering with explosive punches that sent the creatures hurtling through the dense jungle undergrowth.


    However, amidst the chaos, the massive tail of a larger Tarrasque slammed into him with devastating force, launching him through the trees like a rag doll. Atlas quickly woke up in bed with Nulia hugging his body.


    While feeling this, he quickly checked the monster total to see how many monsters he had killed during his session in the Void Realm.


    [Void Tarrasque - 134/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 23/500] S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


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    ''These monsters will be useful just like the Kenku''s. I can use them as siege engines,'' he mused as his eyes closed as he grew tired.


    Atlas grinned before pulling her closer and kissing her on the forehead as he got comfortable. The exhaustion kicked him and he soon fell asleep as the weather outside was slowly calming down.


    The next morning, a deep rumble of thunder woke Atlas up, flashes of lightning briefly illuminating his room. Groggy but restless, he dragged himself out of bed and shuffled toward the treehouse''s bathroom.


    As he stepped inside, a wave of warm, humid air greeted him, wrapping around his skin and drawing a comfortable sigh from his lips. Atlas stepped inside and started getting undressed before slipping into the hot water.


    Following that, Atlas relaxed as the aches vanished, and he felt at peace while resting his head back as thunder boomed high above the Otherworld. ''It was slowing down last night, but it''s only got worse,'' he mused.


    While relaxing, the door opened, causing him to spot Artemis wearing a nightgown that stopped just above her knees. Atlas''s lust ignited, but he shook his head, ''''Morning beautiful, I know this is random, but I love your freckles.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' her face went red, but she still smiled. ''''Can I join you, please?''''


    Atlas nodded as he spoke in a cheerful voice. ''''Of course, I was just resting. The Void Realm took a lot from me during my last go at it.''''


    The brunette beamed before slipping into the bath after stripping off. He didn''t miss the scene of her dropping her dress, revealing her slender athletic figure and perky boobs which turned him on.


    He shook his head and closed his eyes as Artemis teased, ''''You can look handsome. I don''t bite unless that''s something you like.''''


    Atlas chuckled before answering, ''''It''s not that Fish, I don''t want to break any promises. Amethyst''s birthday is soon, so there isn''t long to wait.''''


    She started laughing when hearing this while scooting closer to him as she responded with a frustrated expression, ''''Don''t you call me Fish. The others always do it and I want a special nickname for once.''''


    ''''What about Arty? It''s rare and only I''d call you it?'''' Atlas suggested with a smile.


    The brunette beamed and nodded in agreement. ''''Sounds good to me, I like it,'''' she said.


    Soon enough, Artemis climbed onto his lap and got comfortable as he traced lines on her smooth back, which relaxed the Siren woman. Following that, the two of them continued talking before they started washing each other.


    Atlas had to control himself from jumping the gorgeous young woman who continued to tease him. Once the duo was done, they got dressed before leaving the bathroom and appeared in the chilly living room.


    He sighed while approaching the fireplace and used Void Bullet to start a roaring fire that started warming up the room. Artemis giggled as she spoke. ''''Do you want some tea, Atlas? It will warm you up.''''


    ''''Yes please,'''' Atlas replied as he sat down and sunk into the comfortable cushions.


    Following that, they settled into a peaceful quiet as Artemis went to work making them some tea while he watched the blue flames coming to life. ''Hopefully, this storm passes soon. I want to terrorize the empire,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    Ten minutes later, the brunette appeared beside him with a big smile as she commented, ''''Here you go handsome, a silver for your thoughts?''''


    Atlas chuckled before answering the cheerful young woman. ''''I wonder how long it will take us to cause the Achaemendians to retreat to Zarander.''''


    She sank onto his lap, cradling her cup in both hands as she shared her thoughts. ''''It won''t be easy, but freeing the Shadowfang Royal Family was just the beginning. I''m certain there are rebel groups scattered all over Astoria.''''


    Atlas exhaled deeply, lifting his cup to take a sip. The hot tea coursed through him, soothing and revitalizing his weary body. Another crash of thunder roared above, making Artemis flinch with a startled jolt.


    He started laughing before hugging the brunette close while taking a blanket out of his storage and wrapping it around them. Artemis smiled as she finished her tea and cuddled up to him while closing her eyes.


    ''''You''re comfortable to hug my love, can we do this more?'''' she asked in a tired voice.


    ''''Of course, we can do it most nights if you like, but I''ll have to do the same for the others,'''' Atlas replied with a charming smile while playing with her soft hair. ''''It''s only fair, as I''d do the same for you.''''


    Artemis smiled when hearing, but gave a nod of understanding. ''''That''s only fair. At least we can cuddle. The Little Bird is afraid that one of us will take your virginity before she can. It''s adorable.''''


    ''''I know, she told me it''s something special in her tribe,'''' he replied while stroking her back. ''''Now let''s rest. I''m warm and comfortable.''''


    The soothing warmth of the flames and the rhythmic popping of the logs lulled them into a peaceful silence. Slowly, Artemis''s breathing evened out, her soft snores barely audible as she fell asleep.


    Atlas''s eyelids drooped, and moments later, he drifted off as well. Their figures were bathed in the gentle light of the roaring fire. The following days passed with him and the women trying to complete Level Six of the Void Realm.


    They faced relentless challenges as Shadow Tarrasques ambushed them at every turn. The group struggled to hold their ground, but Estelle''s quick reflexes and defensive prowess deflected the brunt of the surprise attacks.


    Seizing the openings she created, Atlas unleashed his magic, obliterating the monstrous threats and clearing their path forward. The massive Tarrasques were getting easier to deal with as the group heard them coming.


    Grishna and Artemis would create stone spikes behind the monster, and Atlas would use Void Smash on it. The force sent the Tarrasque to stumble back before falling onto the earth spells, which killed it instantly.


    They started falling one by one as the smaller monsters lunged from the trees and grabbed Amethyst. She let out a scream before crashing into the ground below. Atlas sent her back to the real world while casting a Void bomb at the group that attacked her.


    Once that was done, Atlas quickly checked the monster total to see how many they had killed on this run, which impressed him.


    [Void Tarrasque - 211/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 241/500]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    Atlas grinned before seeing a Tarrasque rushing toward them. He quickly cast Void Lance and sent them flying at its legs.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 268 Finished Looking

    Atlas witnessed Estelle, Grishna, Artemis, and Nulia get sent back to the real world as dozens of Shadow Terrasques pounced on them. He quickly cast loads of Void Bombs at the monsters, causing dozens of explosions.''Oh shit, those spells are getting stronger!''


    The ground trembled violently from the impact; the force sending creatures flying in every direction like rag dolls. Before he could fully recover, a deafening roar echoed through the dust cloud.


    His eyes widened as a massive monster charged through the haze with terrifying speed. Its enormous claws slashed out, catching him off guard. He yelped in pain as the strike tore across him, the sheer force throwing him backward.


    A sharp jolt of pain shot through Atlas''s body, snapping him out of the vivid nightmare and pulling him back to reality. His eyes flew open as he found himself sprawled on the sofa. As he sat up, a delicious aroma wafted through the air.


    The mouthwatering aroma wafted to his nose, instantly making his stomach rumble and his mouth water. Estelle quickly noticed Atlas had woken up and smiled as she spoke, ''''Do you want some breakfast, handsome? The fighting must''ve made you hungry.''''


    Atlas smiled as he stood and stretched. ''''Yes, please, Blondie. I''m starving.''''


    She returned his smile as the others jumped to their feet, greeting him with warm hugs that filled him with happiness. Amethyst chimed in, her tone thoughtful. ''''Those creatures caught me while I was flying. They''ll be useful against the empire''s stronger enemies.''''


    The others nodded in agreement as Atlas joined them, settling into his seat. Estelle handed him a plate heaped with succulent meats, the aroma making his mouth water. He eagerly dug in, savoring each bite while the women chatted and gossiped.


    While listening, he checked the monster''s total to see how many he had killed after sending the girls back to the real world.


    [Void Tarrasque - 301/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 258/500]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Those damn shadow bastards are annoying, but useful,'' Atlas mused while chewing on some bacon.


    Following that, he looked at the women and questioned, ''''Are there any rare monsters in the Shadowfang Kingdom?''''


    Most shrugged, but Grishna answered with a smile, ''''There are Mountain Trolls and many others in the mountains to the south, but your best bet is to ask the king. He''ll know everything.''''


    Atlas nodded at the beautiful Orc woman. ''''Thanks, Grish, I want to collect some monsters for the Otherworld. I think they''ll help us in our battle against the Achaemenids.''''


    Following that, the group continued eating until he was done, and the women went to have a bath. Atlas sat there for a little while before standing up and leaving the treehouse to go see Ulric to ask about monsters in his kingdom.


    As he stepped outside, the biting cold sliced through his skin, sending a shiver down his spine. He quickly pulled out a cloak and wrapped it tightly around himself, seeking relief from the frigid air.


    Atlas started walking down the walkway as the rain and wind lashed against him. After ten minutes of trudging through the muddy ground, he arrived at the Shadowfang cabin, where he knocked on the door.


    Seconds later, the door swung open to reveal an older man with a warm smile. ''''Ah, Atlas,'''' he greeted, his tone genial. ''''What brings you here?''''


    Atlas met his gaze steadily. ''''I wanted to ask if there are any rare monsters within the Shadowfang Kingdom,'''' he inquired.


    Ulric nodded as he spoke, ''''Come in, it''s just me and Zena awake.''''


    Following that, Atlas entered the cabin as Ulric continued. ''''There are hundreds of powerful creatures lurking on the shores of my kingdom. Then there are the wild Snow Wolf packs that roam the plains in the west.''''


    ''''Sounds good, I''ll add them to the Otherworld,'''' Atlas replied to the older man, his tone focused. He glanced out the window, his gaze narrowing. ''''The storm hasn''t let up, it seems to be getting worse.''''


    Ulric opened his mouth to respond, but a young woman stepped into view, cutting him off. ''''It''s Frostwinter in the north,'''' she said sharply, her tone tinged with sarcasm. ''''What do you expect, elf?''''


    Atlas turned to her, taking in the striking newcomer. She was a wolf woman with hair as black as the night sky, yet it was her piercing yellow eyes that truly captivated him. They seemed to glow with an intensity that demanded attention.


    Her stunning features would make any woman on Earth jealous. He quickly noticed her seductive hourglass figure and confident posture, made her presence impossible to ignore. Atlas quickly noticed her swaying black tail behind her.


    ''Where did she come from?'' Atlas thought, his curiosity piqued.


    His gaze shifted, landing on the wolf woman''s twitching ears, and he immediately sensed her irritation. ''''Finished looking, perv?'''' she snapped, her yellow eyes narrowing with annoyance.


    Atlas chuckled, shaking his head. ''''Sorry,'''' he said with a smile, ''''I''ve never met a wolf woman before. It''s all new to me and I''m not an elf, by the way.''''


    Her eyes widened as Ulric commented, ''''Where were you brought up? Demi-Humans are everywhere.''''


    ''''I was from the Thalassia Empire, but was living in a colony with my adopted family,'''' Atlas replied. ''''A monster wave attacked the island, and I was the only survivor.''''


    ''''You mean the Echo Isle''s massacre?'''' the young woman asked in a doubtful voice.


    Atlas shrugged as he answered, ''''I don''t know. I haven''t returned home to meet the family who took me in but I won''t to find out where I come from.''''


    Ulric nodded with an understanding expression, but the woman stepped forward and sniffed the air. ''''You''re not any race. I know, what are you?''''


    ''''I am what you call a Voidborn, and there''s only one of me,'''' he replied with a charming smile. ''''What''s your name, princess?''''


    The wolf woman looked taken aback, but she puffed out her chest while introducing herself, ''''I am Zena Shadowfang, the first princess of the Shadowfang Kingdom and the best Ice Mage in the north.''''


    Ulric started laughing as he agreed. ''''I must admit, Zena here is a genius with magic. Before the invasion, she was going to attend one of the magic academies,'''' he revealed with a proud smile.


    Atlas couldn''t help but chuckle as he noticed the young woman''s cheeks flush, clearly embarrassed by her father''s pride. Her reaction was a rare glimpse of vulnerability that made him smile.


    The group continued speaking with Ulric and his daughter, learning more about the dangers that plagued their lands. Zena revealed that even more vicious monsters roamed the neighboring Frostfang Kingdom as well.


    He discovered that the Shadowfang Kingdom was home to the Black Wolves. The people of Frostfang were White Wolves. Following their talk, Atlas quickly noticed the storm picked up, causing the cold air to seep into the cabin.


    Noticing this, he shut his eyes and began summoning trees around the buildings, their branches weaving together to shield against the wind. Ulric immediately understood the situation and spoke in a tone of deep respect. ''''Thank you for helping us. We appreciate it.''''


    He waved the man away. ''''Just return the favor when the time comes. I''ll be fighting the empire for years, so help then.''''


    Afterward, he left the cabins and began making his way back to the treehouse, its warm glow from the fireplace visible in the distance. However, before stepping inside, he decided to go find the Shadowfang Rebels and bring them into the Otherworld.


    Atlas informed the women before exiting the realm into a world of chaos as the storm was heavy, but he still carried on until hearing explosions causing him to rush toward the sound only to see a bloodbath.


    White wolves were falling left and right as the Nightowls attacked. Atlas got angry and started sending the survivors to the Otherworld using hundreds of portals that shocked the enemy, who turned their attention to him.


    Seconds passed, and the Nightowls attacked, causing him to go on the defensive while sending Amethyst a message. Thanks to his experience in fighting, he held them off and pushed the enemies back with effort.


    He quickly cast Void Wave that knocked the creepy-looking assassin''s back as Nulia flew through a portal and slammed into a group of Nightowls and tore them apart as the other women joined the fight.


    Atlas grinned when he saw this and continued casting magic into the assassins as the rest of the wolf people entered the portal. Estelle held off the Nightowls as Grishna, Artemis and Amethyst attacked.


    Purple flames washed over the clearing and burned many of the enemy soldiers to ash as mana bolts slammed into them as Artemis used her sling to strike from range. Following this, Atlas summoned a horde of Void Ghouls as more Achaemendians appeared.


    Terrifying howls and piercing screeches echoed through the clearing as chaos erupted, catching the empire completely off guard. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 269 Nearly Half Way There

    Atlas cut down the last Nightowl as the man charged at him in rage after all his companions were killed and dragged off by the Void Ghouls. He sat down on a nearby log as the women joined him.Nulia and Grishna slumped down while catching their breaths, which made him smile, ''''Tired ladies? What happened to that boost in strength?''''


    The Orc woman replied with a giggle, ''''Oh fuck off, pretty boy, I fought so many of those empire dogs that I beat the others.''''


    They laughed just as Amethyst descended from above, landing with a graceful thud that sent a small cloud of dust into the air. Moments later, Estelle and Artemis emerged from the shadows, their expressions calm and composed as they wiped the blood from their weapons.


    Atlas was just about to speak when he noticed a Nightowl rushing toward and getting close to Amethyst while holding a blade. He realized he didn''t have enough time or mana to cast a shield.


    His eyes widened, but then quickly used Void Step and got between them. The enemy''s weapon slammed into his gut, the impact knocking the wind out of him as blood splattered from his mouth.


    Gripping the weapon, he grimaced in pain, but regained his composure. With a vicious growl, he drew his blade and slashed across the creature''s throat in one fluid motion. The enemy''s head fell to the ground with a sickening thud, severed cleanly from its body.


    The women panicked but his Regeneration kicked in; the exhaustion took over and caused him to drop to one knee. Atlas quickly glanced around and noticed all the Demi-Humans were already in the Otherworld.


    He opened a portal and Nulia and Grishna helped him through. They reappeared in the treehouse as Atlas collapsed onto a nearby sofa and got comfortable as the phoenix woman blew some purple flames into the fireplace.


    Warm air chased out the cold within seconds, making the group let out a collective sigh as Estelle started making some tea. He soon fell asleep and, while relaxing, Artemis put a blanket over him before kissing his forehead.


    The next morning, he woke with a long yawn, the icy air biting at his skin, a chilling reminder of the storm that had ravaged the Otherworld overnight. Atlas stirred awake beside him but quickly dove back under the covers, shivering violently as the cold nipped at his exposed skin.


    Without wasting time, he cast Void Bullet into the fireplace, causing it to burst to life as a blue glow lit up the room. Following that, Atlas activated the Void Realm to clear out some monsters by using his speed to finish off dozens of monsters.


    Explosions and roars rang out as he used his magic against the giant Tarrasque while deflecting the attacks of the smaller beasts. Sparks flew as the smaller ones sent him flying through the treetops.


    Atlas quickly used Void Step to appear on the ground, while doing that a Giant Tarrasque appeared from a tree and tried to bite him. He quickly jumped to the side before casting a Void Lance at its head.


    The creature vanished, causing him to vanish into the jungle, and quickly checked the monster total to see how many he had left to kill.


    [Void Tarrasque - 439/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 319/500]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Nearly half way there. Maybe I can just use my magic to thin out the hordes,'' Atlas thought while hitting a group of Tarrasques.


    An explosion engulfed them in a blue fire that turned them to ash. Following this, he continued fighting the void monsters. Hours passed by as Atlas continued until running low on mana.


    ''I need to get out of here, I''m getting tired,'' he thought as his eyes grew heavy.


    He jolted back to reality, waking on the sofa as shadows cloaked the living room in darkness. With a shake of his head, Atlas focused and conjured a Void Bullet launching it into the fireplace.


    It erupted into life, its flickering flames casting a warm glow that chased the shadows away, but he still wrapped around the surrounding blanket while checking the total again, only to be surprised.


    [Void Tarrasque -671/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Oh, I killed all the annoying bastards,'' he thought with a grin.


    Rising from the sofa, still wrapped in the blankets that shielded him from the biting cold, Atlas made his way to the kitchen to prepare some tea. As the water heated, he paused, sensing the subtle presence of the others.


    All but Amethyst were awake, and it wasn''t long before he heard her footsteps approaching. Atlas smiled when the tired young woman appeared from the corridor with a big smile as she spoke. ''''Morning, my love, what are you doing up so early?''''


    ''''I tried my luck at the Void Realm and cleared many of the monsters, which is good,'''' he answered with a smile, casually pulling out another cup for the phoenix woman.


    Amethyst giggled softly, her eyes sparkling. ''''That''s good. Those smaller Tarrasques are demons. Even in the sky, they tried to attack me, which is funny.''''


    He chuckled at her words, the image of her effortlessly dodging the creatures amusing him. With a relaxed smile, he joined her on the nearby sofa. Atlas handed her the tea he''d made, watching as she accepted it with a grateful nod.


    The two sat there and got comfortable before sinking into soft comfort. Amethyst leaned her head on his shoulder with a sweet smile as she spoke. ''''We can cause more trouble for the empire. There are many castles in the south.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me. We need to head to Thalassia to meet my adoptive family,'''' Atlas replied while sipping some tea. ''''It''s been years since I''ve seen them.''''


    Amethyst nodded in understanding, her expression thoughtful before she asked, ''''Do you plan to accept them?''''


    Atlas shrugged. ''''I don''t know. I have no memories from that part of my life, but they will know I''m not their son as our status is different,'''' he explained while finishing his tea.


    ''''We''ll cross that bridge when the time comes,'''' the phoenix woman replied. ''''We''ll be here for you.''''


    While the couple sat there, Atlas asked, ''''Do you want to help me clear the Void Realm? We can fight together again.''''


    Amethyst beamed before nodding. ''''Yes. Everyone is asleep, which means it will be me and you.''''


    Following that, they put the cups down. Atlas quickly activated the skill, sending them to the jungle, where she immediately changed into her phoenix form and let out a screech before taking to the sky.


    He watched her vanish as the roars echoed throughout the jungle, and the ground started shaking. That''s when Atlas spotted a Tarrasque charging in his direction while letting out a fierce roar.


    Without wasting time, Atlas flung several Void Lances at the body of the monster, causing the projectiles to burrow through its torso. He watched as the Tarrasque vanished back into the Void Realm.


    More creatures emerged from the shadows as they charged toward the group. But before they could reach their target, powerful Cosmic Blasts bolted them; the spells tearing through the air and sending the giant monsters crashing to the ground.


    Seizing the opportunity, Atlas moved with deadly speed. He darted forward, his blades gleaming as he drove them through the creatures'' eyes, ending their reign of terror with a series of quick, decisive strikes.


    As he stood there, an unsettling instinct urged him to defend himself. In the blink of an eye, something lunged at him with deadly speed. Void Guard blocked the strike just in time, but one massive foot pinned him to the ground, and a razor-sharp claw dug deep into his chest.


    The shield shattered under the force, and the claw pierced through his armor, sinking into his flesh. Atlas gritted his teeth, the pain surging through him, but he cast Void Wave that sent the monster flying backward, crashing into the distance.


    While getting some time to breathe, more of the monsters circled him while looking at him with an enraged expression. He shook his head and used Void Sight to find out the name of this creature.


    [Void World-Eater]


    [Rank A]


    [Keep moving. These fuckers are running piranhas]


    Atlas chuckled darkly at the struggling monster as he cast Void Bomb, sending a swirling sphere of energy hurtling toward the beast. The impact triggered a massive explosion, shaking the ground and filling the air with shockwaves.


    The force of the blast sent Atlas flying through the air, but his reflexes were sharp. As he soared past a towering tree, he twisted his body mid-flight and drove his blades into the trunk. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The weapons bit deep, anchoring him in place as he skidded to a stop, hanging from the tree and surveying the destruction below with a smirk.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 2/250]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Not long before we complete this level,'' Atlas thought while casting Void Barrage at the monsters.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 270 Youre Welcome Too

    Atlas and Amethyst fought valiantly, cutting through wave after wave of monsters. However, the creatures soon adapted, their numbers overwhelming the pair. They organized their attacks, but the relentless onslaught forced the monsters into flanking and ambushing them from all sides.While the battle died down, the phoenix woman landed in her humanoid form as she spoke in a tired voice, ''''I can sense more of those creatures around us.''''


    He nodded when hearing the news and quickly checked the monster total, only to be shocked at the amount they had left to kill.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 36/250]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Shouldn''t take too long now,'' Atlas thought before turning to Amethyst, ''''We don''t have many to kill so let''s get back to it.''''


    The purple-haired young woman nodded as she transformed into her phoenix form and took to the sky. While she did this, he quickly cast Void Guard to block a World Eater pounce, causing the monster to fly backward.


    Following this, Atlas started using Void Lance as it tore through the bodies of the monsters and sent them back to the Void Realm. While he was doing this, Amethyst swooped down before snatching up two of the creatures.


    Her massive talons tore through the creatures'' torsos with lethal precision, their lifeless bodies falling away as she carved a path toward the boss of the sixth level. Meanwhile, Atlas''s twin swords were a blur as he deflected dozens of clawed strikes.


    Each time he blocked, it sent a cascade of sparks flying into the air, the clash of steel against monstrous claws echoing through the battlefield. Atlas quickly noticed the World Eaters jumped toward Amethyst as she swooped down.


    Before they could land an attack on his phoenix, he sent her back to the real world as he cast Void Bomb at the group. When the projectile hit one monster, it exploded, which took out many of them.


    Atlas continued fighting the World Eaters, who turned all their attention on him as he pulled up the total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500] Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void World-Eater - 89/250]


    [????????????????????]


    Following that, Atlas killed a few more before returning to the real world when a World Eater got him from behind. Seconds passed, and he woke up in the quiet treehouse as Amethyst was cuddled up to him.


    He noticed she was still awake and grabbed her by the waist until she was straddling his waist with a sweet smile. The phoenix woman commented in a happy tone, ''''What are you up to, my love?''''


    Without a word, Atlas pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her as he claimed her plump lips in a bold, fiery kiss. She melted into the moment, leaning against him as their passion ignited.


    The passion spoke volumes more than words ever could as they continued for a few minutes until breaking apart. Amethyst looked at him as her purple eyes glowed with love as she spoke. ''''What was that for?''''


    Atlas smiled when hearing her soft voice before pulling her closer and wrapping his arms around her waist as he rested his head against her shoulder. Following that, the two of them fell asleep as the storm continued outside.


    The next morning, Atlas woke up to the soft snoring of the phoenix woman, who was curled up on his lap. He stayed like this until Nulia appeared from her bedroom and when she saw him, a big smile appeared on the brown-skinned beauty''s face.


    ''''Morning Atlas, comfortable?'''' she asked, while making her way to the kitchen.


    Atlas gently put Amethyst onto the sofa before standing up and stretching his limbs, causing popping noises to echo throughout the living room. Following that, he joined the Frostbear woman as she made tea.


    ''''Yes, it was a good sleep. What about you?'''' he answered.


    Nulia gave him a big smile as she asked, ''''Can you spend the night with me, please?''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement before replying, ''''Yes, I will go talk to Ulric to see if there is any other place they can go to hide from the empire.''''


    ''''Those dogs annoy me, but I''m glad we''re fighting back,'''' she exclaimed after sipping some tea. ''''They were easy to kill. We got the drop of them, which helped us.''''


    He agreed with a smile while replying. ''''Yes, and I still have more monsters to unlock thanks to the Void Realm.''''


    Following that, Atlas and Nulia continued speaking until the tea was gone, and he stood up. ''''I''m going to see the wolves. See you shortly.''''


    The Frostbear woman offered him a warm smile as he stepped out of the treehouse, the crisp, icy air immediately brushing against his skin. Atlas pulled his winter cloak tighter around himself, the thick fabric shielding him from the biting cold.


    He began his trek toward the cabin; the snow crunching softly under his boots as the frosty landscape stretched out before him. It took him ten minutes to reach the wolf''s home, and he knocked.


    A few minutes later, the older wolf man opened the door with an exhausted expression, but Atlas quickly spoke. ''''Do you have a safe place I could take you and your people?''''


    Ulric briefly thought before answering with a nod. ''''Yes, there is a massive forest in the Frostfang Kingdom where the surviving rebels are hiding.''''


    ''''Okay, you wolves will stay here while I travel across northern Astoria while attacking the empire,'''' Atlas answered, but Zena appeared.


    The black-haired wolf woman spoke in a determined voice. ''''Can I join you on your journey, Atlas? I know you have five women who I can be friends with,''''


    When he heard this, he was taken aback but shrugged. ''''You''re welcome to. More spells will always be welcome.''''


    Zena nodded before stepping forward and continuing, ''''Don''t think I''m joining your harem. I want revenge against those empire dogs.''''


    ''''I don''t expect every woman to join. Those five are enough for me,'''' Atlas replied with a chuckle. ''''Do you want to come meet them? Nulia is awake, but the others are still sleeping.''''


    When the wolf heard this, she looked at her father. Ulric chuckled before asking, ''''Will you make sure she''s safe while out there?''''


    He fixed him with a piercing gaze, his eyes narrowed in determination as he replied, ''''Of course I would. You can ask any of my women, and they''ll tell you the same, even if it means taking attacks meant for them.''''


    Ulric nodded in understanding before holding out his hand, which he took as the lion man spoke in a respectful voice, ''''Thank you for everything. Once the world is back to normal, the Shadowfang Kingdom will honor your actions.''''


    Atlas waved the man off with a warm smile. ''''It''s fine, Ulric. I despise the empire even more than you do, and helping you was just part of that.''''


    Ulric nodded but quickly turned his attention to his wife, tending to her with care. Meanwhile, Zena bid a heartfelt goodbye to her family. Atlas was waiting outside for the wolf woman. He studied his surroundings and noticed all the cabins were full.


    Without thinking, he started creating more while burning through his mana. Minutes later, Zena appeared. ''''Let''s get out of this weather, it''s horrible,'''' she said while putting a hood up.


    Atlas agreed, before leading her back to the treehouse and stepping onto the walkway. When the duo entered, the hot air washed over them, causing Zena to let out a satisfied smile, causing Nulia''s head to snap in the wolf''s direction.


    She jumped up and let out a threatening growl which the princess reacted to, but Atlas bonked them both on the head while speaking, ''''Stop with that shit you two, it''s too cold for it.''''


    Following that, he approached the nearby sofa that was right in front of the fire and slumped into it as he spoke, ''''Nulia, this is Zena Shadowfang, princess of the wolf kingdom we''re currently inside.''''


    The black-haired woman looked at the Frostbear woman with wide eyes as she spoke in an amazed voice, ''''What is your kind doing down here? I''m surprised the empire isn''t scared already.''''


    ''''It''s just me, so you Southerners don''t need to worry,'''' Nulia said casually as she took a seat next to Atlas. A sly smile played on her lips as she added, ''''And I''m here because he''s my future husband.''''


    The wolf woman''s eyes widened in shock at the bold declaration, her gaze darting between Nulia and Atlas. Before Zena could say anything, Atlas calmly gestured for her to sit down. Hesitating for a moment, she complied, taking a seat as the tension in the air lingered.


    ''''There will be no fighting between you girls,'''' he finally spoke. ''''We''re fighting the empire while heading south.''''


    When the two women heard this, they nodded in agreement as Nulia spoke, ''''We can start moving soon, the storms dying down.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 271 Too Slow Motherfucker

    Atlas left the women in the Otherworld while heading for the forest in the Frostfang Kingdom. He was riding on the back of Theo the Blood Bat King. The creature let out a screech that echoed across the landscape.''It shouldn''t take us too long to reach,'' he pondered while flying over the grasslands.


    While doing this, Atlas spotted a fortress in the distance, causing him to speak. ''''Theo head toward that place! I want to cause some chaos.''''


    Atlas gripped Theo''s fur as the creature''s massive wings beat rhythmically against the icy wind. The cold bit at his face, snowflakes stinging his skin as they flew through the endless expanse of white.


    Below them, the snowy landscape sprawled, broken only by jagged cliffs and frozen forests. Theo let out a deep, rumbling growl as the silhouette of a fortress appeared in the distance, its towers barely visible through the storm.


    With a powerful downward thrust, he began his descent, landing with a soft thud on a snow-covered mountain peak. Atlas slid off Theo''s back, his boots crunching into the frost as he surveyed the fortress.


    A glint of determination sparked in his eyes. ''''This is where the fun begins,'''' he murmured.


    Atlas sent the Blood Bat back to the Otherworld while summoning an army of Kenkus, who swarmed around him. This made him chuckle before giving out his orders. ''''We''re attacking that fortress guys, surround it and make sure no Achaemenids escape, and start when you hear my signal.''''


    When the birds heard this, they let out quiet shrieks before leaving the mountainside and heading toward the fortress. After the monsters were gone, Atlas summoned even more while giving them the same orders.


    Hundreds of Kenkus descended onto the enemy stronghold, which made him smile as he used Void Step to follow behind. Ten minutes later, Atlas appeared a few meters from the front gate.


    A group of bird assassins joined him as he crouched behind some boulders while watching the guards. When seeing this, he turned toward the Kenkus and ordered, ''''Take the soldiers outside down, make sure they don''t see you.''''


    The creatures let out a quiet chirp before going to complete their mission. The birdlike warriors moved with incredible speed and precision, their dark feathers blending into the shadows of the battlefield.


    While seeing this, Atlas thought, ''So glad I got the Kenku''s, they will help me and the women with are fighting.''


    With a flurry of strikes, they butchered the empire''s soldiers, their blades flashing in the pale light. The defenders barely had time to react before the Kenkus overwhelmed them, their movements a deadly dance of efficiency.


    Atlas''s lips curled into a smirk as he observed the carnage. ''''Like clockwork,'''' he muttered, the chaos below playing out exactly as he had envisioned.


    Following this, he quickly cast Void Bomb at the fortress''s gate. The azure projectile sliced through the sky and slammed into the metal, causing a massive explosion to shake the entire area.


    When Atlas felt this, he ordered the Kenku''s to attack as he Void Stepped onto the wall. He quickly killed the shocked and dazed soldiers with ease as the creatures joined him as they appeared out of nowhere.


    ''These creatures move like shadows! They are so useful,'' he mused while readying his swords.


    Screams, shouts and the sound of clangs rang out across the stronghold as a battle erupted. Atlas started casting dozens of Void Bullets at the groups of Achaemendians that appeared from a corner.


    Explosions sent them flying all over the place as some crashed into the surrounding buildings with a sickening thud. Atlas smiled before dodging several spear thrusts, causing him to spin while cutting the attacker down.


    ''Too slow, motherfucker!'' he thought as the excitement boiled over.


    A group of Kenkus surrounded him as guards. The birds killed any soldiers that got close as he headed for the gold. Ten minutes later, Atlas arrived at the fort''s command center, which was guarded by the remaining survivors.


    When he saw this, his smile grew before ordering the Kenku''s to clean out the building. A fierce battle erupted as the experience poured into his body thanks to the monster''s kills they were racking up. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    An hour later, the fortress fell silent, which creeped Atlas out as the Kenku''s brought his chests full of gold. His greed exploded before he stored them in his Item Box while sending a message to the women, ''Cleared out an Achaemendian fortress and stole their wealth.''


    Estelle and Amethyst decided to join Atlas and let him know when replying. With a wave of his hand, he opened a portal to the Otherworld, and the two women stepped through to his side.


    ''So beautiful, I can wait until Amethyst is eighteen and I can claim her,'' he thought while admiring their beauty.


    They welcomed him warmly, showering him with kisses and cuddles that lit up his face with a smile. ''''Why didn''t you tell us you were attacking the empire, my love? We would have helped you?'''' Estelle commented with a concerned expression.


    Atlas pointed up, causing the women to glance up, only to see hundreds of Kenku''s littering the rooftops. When the creatures saw this, they let out screeches that echoed across the snowy landscape.


    Following this, the three of them made their way to the commander''s quarters, where they would rest for the night. After killing out the bodies by throwing them into the Otherworld, just as Nuilia, Grisha, Amethyst, and Zena.


    When the four women appeared, the Orc woman commented while glancing around, ''''Can''t believe you and those creepy birds took out a fortress. You know the survivors will spread tales about you?''''


    Atlas shrugged before answering. ''''I don''t care, honestly. I want the empire to know someone targeting them. They will become paranoid and make a mistake along the way.''''


    Grishna nodded in agreement as Estelle blocked the entrances with stone walls while Nulia covered the windows in sheets of ice that would slow any attackers down. Once that was done, he fired a Void Bullet into the nearby fireplace.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 272 Die

    A roaring fire exploded, which chased away the cold air that invaded the commander''s quarters. While Atlas did this, the blonde knight cast Cleanse on everything to free it from the Achaemendian filth.Following that, Nulia spoke up, ''''I will cook us some food. I still have a lot of meat from my hunting to use.''''


    Artemis and Amethyst offered to help while Grishna dragged Estelle and Artemis to check out the rest of the building. This left Atlas and Zena who watching him with glowing yellow eyes. ''''So they are your harem? No wonder, their all beautiful.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied before pulling out some ale while offering some to the black wolf woman. ''''Do you want some?''''


    Zena eyed the offered drink suspiciously, raising an eyebrow as she quipped, ''''Trying to poison me now?''''


    Atlas chuckled, his laughter echoing in the still air. Without hesitation, he took a sip himself, his gaze never leaving hers. The azure flames flickered brightly nearby, casting a mesmerizing glow that bathed the room in an otherworldly light.


    He slumped onto a nearby sofa while he continued to drink. Zena watched him as her tail swayed side to side. She sat next to him and took the bottle before sipping some, causing her ears to perk up.


    ''Seems like she likes it,'' Atlas thought with a smile.


    Following that, the two of them sat in silence while drinking the ale. Atlas took out some more and shared it with her as she spoke. ''''What is your goal? Why are you fighting the empire when it''s so risky with just six of you?''''


    ''''I want a peaceful life where I don''t have to worry about assassins trying to kill me,'''' he answered while staring into the fire. ''''And there''s a feeling inside that wants the Achaemenid Empire to fall.''''


    Zena nodded thoughtfully, her voice steady as she said, ''''That makes sense. They''ve caused untold suffering to millions across Valoria.''''


    With that, she lifted her drink and took a sip. Atlas remained silent, his gaze distant, as if lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts. Moments later, the wolf woman rose to her feet, a weary yet sincere smile gracing her lips.


    ''''Thank you for helping us,'''' she said warmly. ''''I know you seek no reward, but the kingdom will honor your efforts.''''


    Atlas looked at the dark-haired woman and nodded. ''''Thank you.''''


    After her words, a heavy silence settled between them, broken only by the steady crackle of the fireplace. The warm flicker of the flames echoed softly in the room, while the distant rumble of thunder. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suddenly, the stillness was shattered by an earth-shaking explosion that tore through the air, as the wall erupted in a violent burst of splintering stone as an Achaemendian Grandmaster appeared.


    Atlas''s eyes narrowed, a primal instinct surging within him. With a growl, he lunged forward, his muscles coiling as he swung. His fist collided with the intruder in a thunderous boom, sending the Grandmaster skidding backward across the room.


    But he wasn''t finished yet. With a roar that shook the air, he surged forward once more, his body a blur of motion as he unleashed a relentless barrage of Void Punches. Each strike hammered the Grandmaster''s body.


    Each time the enemy attempted to retaliate, Atlas danced around the blows, his eyes glowing with raw mana. His fists, now crackling, moved faster than the eye could follow, striking with unstoppable force.


    He showed no regard for his safety, only focusing on pushing the enemy away from the women and out of the building. With a fierce grunt, Atlas delivered a powerful kick to the Grandmaster''s chest, sending him hurtling through the hole in the wall, the impact echoing through the room.


    Without hesitation, Atlas followed, leaping through the debris. As the empire dog soared through the air, Atlas closed the distance and struck once more, his fist glowing with the concentrated might of the Void.


    The blow landed like a thunderclap, unleashing a devastating Void Smash that shattered the surrounding air. Atlas knew the impact was cataclysmic, an explosion of dark energy that tore through the enemy''s defenses, sending them crashing into the ground with the force of a thousand storms.


    The earth shook, and a shockwave rippled outward, but Atlas landed close to the crater where the Grandmaster crashed. That''s when the man climbed out injured but still standing, which annoyed him.


    ''''You cannot win, demon!'''' the enemy sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. ''''I may be injured, but I''ll recover. And when I do, I''ll kill you and deliver your women to the emperor as his playthings.''''


    When Atlas heard those words, something within him shattered. Fury surged through his veins, his control slipping as the rage consumed him. With a voice that cracked like thunder, he growled, ''''Die.''''


    In an instant, he channeled raw mana into his fists; the power pulsing through his limbs like wildfire. He shot forward with the speed of a bullet, closing the distance between him and the Grandmaster in the blink of an eye.


    His fists landed with a relentless barrage, each punch echoing like a thunderclap. The Achaemenid was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained his composure, landing a few strikes of his own.


    Atlas felt the sickening crack of ribs giving way as the Grandmaster''s punches sent searing pain radiating through his body. Gritting his teeth against the agony, he retaliated with a ferocious headbutt.


    A loud crack echoed out, causing the enemy to stumble back as Estelle appeared out of nowhere and slashed at the man. Her blade cut through his armor, which shocked Atlas, who backed away.


    His body gradually mended, strength returning as the blonde effortlessly cut down the Grandmaster. The sudden roar of an explosion erupted behind him, jolting Atlas to attention. Spinning around, he saw the women forcing the Nightowls into a desperate retreat.


    Estelle''s Steel Legion butchered the enemies as they swamped the assassins while Amethyst swooped down and started blasting the soldiers with Cosmic Blast that washed over them as small blasts took out smaller groups.


    Following that, Nulia charged from the fortress and swatted the Nightowls, using her claws that turned them into mincemeat as Grishna started casting Earth Bolts into the stronger enemies.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 273 Can I Join You Its Cold

    Atlas watched as the women swiftly dispatched the attackers. Estelle approached him, her breath heavy and labored. ''''Are you okay, my love?'''' she asked with concern etched across her face.''''I''m fine, just waiting for my regeneration to kick in,'''' he answered the blonde as the other women appeared.


    Amethyst landed with a thud before speaking. ''''We should go to the Otherworld, at least we can relax in there.''''


    Atlas agreed with a nod while opening up a portal just as Zena slid across the ground, using her ice magic. He watched as the wolf woman came to a stop with a big smile while exclaiming, ''''I can''t believe I was blind to it, but your mana and the way you used it reminded me of the last Voidwalker stories.''''


    ''''That''s our husband!'''' Grishna proudly announced. ''''He''s a symbol for the victims of the Achaemenid Empire. By the gods, he will beat back the darkness that has enveloped our world.''''


    The others nodded in agreement, their faces alight with conviction. Amethyst stepped forward, her voice firm. ''''Atlas is the hero Valoria needs and might not fit the image of one, but his actions speak louder than any title. My love has been fighting the empire tirelessly.''''


    After that, Nulia shifted gracefully into her human form and looked at him with curious eyes. ''''Why did you fight the Grandmaster?'''' she asked.


    Atlas met her gaze, his voice steady with determination. ''''Because they''ve been hurting innocent people whose only wish is to live happy lives. I refuse to stand by and let it continue. I won''t stop until the empire topples.''''


    Zena nodded in understanding before the group entered the Otherworld and started relaxing. He made his way to bed as his body was aching all over, causing him to stretch his arms, which made his spine pop.


    ''I''ll sleep for a while and continue when I''m rested,'' he thought as the brain fog overtook him.


    Atlas needed to sleep to recover the mana he used in the fight with the Achaemendian Grandmaster. He stripped out of his clothes after dismissing his armor before collapsing into bed.


    The soft mattress and cozy covers quickly lulled him to sleep, but an hour later, something gently woke him. The soft mattress and cozy covers quickly lulled him to sleep, but an hour later, something gently woke him.


    He opened his eyes to find Estelle leaning over him; her smile was warm and filled with love. ''''Can I join you? It''s cold,'''' she murmured.


    Atlas smiled at the sight of her, the glow of her blonde hair catching the light, and pulled her into the bed. Wrapping his arms around her, he began to spoon the knight, who beamed with delight as she nestled closer, her warmth melting into his embrace. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Soon after that, the two of them fell asleep as the storm outside lashed against the treehouse''s windows. The following morning, Atlas woke up and smelled something sweet, causing him to open his eyes only to see flesh.


    Estelle had put his head between her cleavage, which turned him on. Atlas felt his cock harden and rubbed her pussy. This made the blonde moan while pushing her ass against his crotch. ''''Mhnmmm~~.''''


    She reached back and started running her fingers through his hair while kissing him. Atlas grabbed one of her huge boobs, which made the woman shudder, but this only encouraged him as he fondled with her.


    Estelle let out soft, muffled moans, ''''Ugh~~ Ummghh~~,'''' as she pressed herself closer to him, her lips seeking his until her tongue slipped into his mouth.


    Atlas, momentarily surprised, quickly responded, deepening the kiss. His free hand wandered down her supple body, sliding under her nightgown and beneath the fabric of her panties.


    The blonde knight separated her legs for him, her breath hitching as his fingers skillfully teased her sensitive clit. Wet noises echoed throughout the room as Estelle was becoming wetter.


    Pleasure coursed through her in overwhelming waves, leaving her breathless. The knight arched her back, a cry escaping her lips as she climaxed, her release coating his hand. ''''Arghhh~~ Uhnmmmghh~~.''''


    Atlas watched her with a pleased smile, gently pulling her trembling bloody closer, then his finger slipped into Estelle''s tight pussy. He started thrusting in and out, causing the knight''s body to tense up, as the pleasure was too much.


    ''''Ahhh!'''' she let out a primal scream that shook the bedroom walls.


    Following that, the two of them continued to play with each other as the blonde turned around and started kissing his neck while her hands roamed toward his pants before slipping inside.


    ''''I have to admit, my love. I''m extremely happy that you started teasing me,'''' Estelle said in a breathless voice.


    This sent a shiver down Atlas''s spine as his fingering sped up, causing the beautiful woman''s love juices to pour out as her moans bounced off the wall. ''''MmGGNNmmhh~~.''''


    Minutes later, Estelle''s body trembled uncontrollably as another wave of intense pleasure washed over her. She climaxed again, soaking the sheets beneath them, her breath hitching with each shudder.


    Overwhelmed, she clung tightly to Atlas, her body still trembling as the passion faded. Soon after, the couple drifted off to sleep, nestled closely in each other''s arms. The next morning, he woke to the sound of cheerful laughter coming from the living room.


    ''I wonder why they''re so happy,'' he thought with a smile before stepping out of the room.


    When the five women spotted him, their faces lit up with amused smiles. Grishna, wearing a teasing smirk, leaned in and said, ''''We heard the screaming, you little incubus. I bet blondie walks like a duck when she wakes up.''''


    Atlas started laughing before joining them on the sofa, just as Artemis and Amethyst joined him. The two girls rested their heads on his shoulder, which made him smile as Nulia questioned, ''''What''s the plan? The storm will allow us to use Raymond to travel across the Shadowfang Kingdom.''''


    ''''That sounds good to me,'''' he answered the brown-skinned beauty. ''''We can continue once everyone''s eaten.''''


    Following that, Atlas got up and started cooking with Amethyst''s help. They started making a basic meat dish that smelled delicious, causing Grishna to comment as she rested in front of the fire.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 274 Only Fifty-One

    Atlas gave everyone a plate of spicy meat, which caused the women''s mouths to water as Grishna''s stomach rumbled. He chuckled before giving extra to the Orc women as he commented, ''''Eat up Grish, if you want more I''ll cook up some extra.''''She beamed when heard and started eating as the others followed suit. Atlas sat down as Zena thanked him. ''''Thank you for breakfast. It''s delicious.''''


    ''''You''re welcome,'''' he replied while eating himself.


    Ten minutes later, Atlas finished eating before standing up and going to sit on the sofa as the women continued talking about the upcoming journey. Once he was comfortable, he activated the Void Realm.


    He was sucked into the strange world but readied himself for a fight as roars echoed throughout the jungle. Atlas grinned before checking on his monster total to see how many he had to kill.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 89/250]


    [????????????????????]


    After doing that, several figures lunged from the underbrush while trying to bite him. Atlas used Void Step to dodge the World Eater, which was letting out a menacing growl. When seeing this, he stabbed the monster through its eye while hitting another with Void Blast.


    His magic turned them to ash but Atlas quickly blocked as another attacked causing him to grunt as Void Guard held the creature back. Thanks to that, he could counter by using Void Wave.


    The azure flames sent the World Eaters flying, which allowed Atlas to finish off the downed creatures. Following that, he continued killing the monsters, which was getting easier to do thanks to his experience.


    An hour later he appeared in the branches above as he pulled up the monster total for the level to see how long until the boss fight.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000] Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 199/250]


    [????????????????????]


    ''''Only fifty-one won''t take me too long to do,'''' Atlas muttered, only to hear a growl behind him.


    He spun around abruptly, his eyes widening as he spotted a pack of World Eaters perched on the neighboring branch. His mind raced as panic surged through him. ''Oh, fuck,'' he thought.


    Before Atlas could fully react, the nearest creature leaped across the gap, slamming into him, and dug its claws into his torso. Gritting his teeth, he reacted instinctively, driving his blade deep into the monster''s torso.


    ''Arghhhh! Fuck this shit!''.


    The two of them fell to the ground below. He landed so hard that it took his breath away just as the World Eater bit onto his left arm; he let out a pain-filled yelp but quickly shook his head and blew its head apart with a Void Bullet.


    Everything went white as the explosion was too close. He managed to scoot away as another monster slammed into the spot he was just in. Atlas quickly cast Void Lance at the creature, which tore it apart.


    ''These things are getting easier to kill,'' he mused as his excitement exploded.


    The azure projectile struck the World Eaters with devastating precision, piercing their torsos and sending them tumbling back. The sudden impact gave Atlas a brief moment to catch his breath and create some distance.


    However, the respite was short-lived. From the shadows, a hidden World Eater burst forth, its movements a blur as it lunged at him with deadly precision. Before Atlas could fully react, the claws of the creature raked across his side, pain flaring as his skin was torn open.


    Following that, Atlas woke up in the living room as the women were still chatting but his heart raced while checking on the monster total to see if he could fight the boss.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 234/250]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Sixteen more. I''ll fight the boss next time and they can come with me,'' he thought while looking at the group with a smile.


    Afterward, he soon fell asleep because of his mana being low. As he slept, Zena approached and wrapped a blanket around him as Grishna teased, ''''Why keep acting like you don''t like him? We all do and are getting to know each other while traveling.''''


    The next morning, Atlas woke up feeling stiff, the chill of the cold weather having seeped into the treehouse overnight. Without hesitation, he cast a Void Bullet into the fireplace, igniting a roaring blaze.


    ''That feels better. I hate this cold,'' he thought while wrapping the blanket around himself.


    Warm air quickly spread throughout the living room, easing the icy grip on his bones. As the heat enveloped him, he noticed a blanket draped over him. A flicker of curiosity crossed his mind.


    ''I wonder who put this here,'' he pondered, a small smile tugging at his lips.


    Afterward, Atlas stretched, a series of satisfying pops echoing from him as he worked out the stiffness. He made his way to the small kitchen area, brewing himself a cup of tea while his eyes roamed the treehouse.


    The soft sounds of steady breathing filled the space; all the women were still fast asleep. Taking a quiet sip of his tea, he made up his mind. He''d set out alone for a while, leaving them to rest undisturbed.


    ''They can join me when they''re awake,'' he thought before finishing the tea and standing up.


    Seconds later, Zena walked into the kitchen with a tired smile. ''''Morning, Atlas, what are you doing up so early?''''


    ''''Couldn''t sleep because of the cold,'''' he answered the wolf woman.


    Once she heard that, she beamed before suggesting, ''''Why don''t I keep you warm while we both sleep some more? The sun hasn''t risen yet.''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement, and she responded with a subtle motion for him to sit on the sofa. As he watched, she settled onto his lap before leaning in close, her lips brushing near his ear as she muttered softly, ''''I''m going to use my magic, so don''t worry.''''


    A wave of heat seemed to radiate from Zena''s body as her black tail brushed up against him and the two of them warmed up.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 275 How Do You Know That

    Atlas watched as the wolf woman''s magic spread warmth around their bodies, getting rid of the chill which caused him to sigh. Before long, the comforting heat lulled them both into a deep sleep, nestled together beneath the embrace of a shared blanket.They snuggled together on the comfortable sofa as the storm outside intensified. Although the wind and rain pummeled the Otherworld and treehouse, the fire and Zena''s magic kept them warm.


    The next morning, Atlas woke up to snoring, causing him to open his eyes and notice Zena was curled up on his lap, which brought a smile to his face. ''Adorable, but I need to stretch. My back is hurting,'' he thought.


    Following that, he got out of bed just as the cold air hit his body, causing him to shiver before turning to the window. Atlas approached it and glanced out, only to see the Otherworld covered in snow. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''At least it''s not constantly hot. It would be unnatural,'' he mused as he walked over to the kitchen to make some tea.


    As Atlas prepared the tea, he cast a Void Bullet into the nearby fireplace, igniting it in a mesmerizing burst of blue flame. The fire radiated warmth as he boiled the water for his brew.


    Minutes later, the tea was ready. Atlas approached the table, which offered a perfect view of the snow-covered landscape outside. A sigh escaped him as he looked over at the peaceful scene.


    The frosted trees, the tranquil forest, and the cozy treehouse. Inside, the girls remained fast asleep, bundled warmly beneath their blankets, undisturbed by the quiet beauty of the wintry morning.


    He sat there in peaceful silence while sipping on the tea before equipping his helmet and leaving the Otherworld to make his way to the Frostfang Kingdom. When touching and stepping into the snow, it crunched under his feet.


    ''Now it''s time to find the survivors to unload the wolves.''


    Following that, Atlas transformed into his Voidwalker form, which sent the aura of death washing over the landscape. He quickly took off southeast and headed straight for the white wolf kingdom.


    Thanks to his form, he could run fast thanks to sending mana into his legs as he rushed across the snowy landscape. While passing through a forest, a monster lunged out of the shadows and swiped at him.


    Atlas quickly dodged the sudden attack before countering with a Void Bomb that destroyed the forest bear and turned it into meat chunks. He grinned when seeing this, but continued and came across an Achaemenid patrol on a nearby road.


    ''Now it''s time to have fun,'' he thought before heading toward the large group of men.


    Without making a single noise, Atlas barreled into the column of Empire soldiers while he used his claws to tear through their armor with ease. Once the men and women were panicking, he let out an ear-piercing roar.


    He quickly bit down on one man, who struck him with a spear. Atlas continued his massacre of the patrol until he cut the last man in half. Blood and body parts covered the ground, but this didn''t bother him.


    While standing there, Atlas heard a twig snap, causing him to spin around as an Achaemenid Mage cast a spell at him. The projectile slammed into his chest, sending him crashing along the ground before he hit a tree.


    ''''Ah fuck, why didn''t I sense that fucker,'''' he muttered as his head hurt and he returned to his normal form.


    The mage started casting spells at him but Atlas quickly cast Void Guard to black the sudden attacks. When the magic hit the barrier, they exploded just before he retaliated with a Void Lance that the enemy dodged.


    Following that, the two of them started fighting as he closed in on the mage with his swords. When the man spotted this, his eyes widened but quickly cast more spells in his direction and this time they were fireballs.


    Without slowing down, Atlas cut right through the magic with a smile before using Void Step to appear behind the mage. He drove his blade through the man''s neck, causing his arms to fall limp.


    ''Finally dead,'' he thought with a sigh. ''Now I can rest for a little while.''


    Once the enemy crashed to the ground, Atlas sat down on a nearby log while cleaning his swords as Estelle''s voice rang in his mind, ''What are you up to, my love?''


    The sudden sound made him jump, his heart racing. Quickly, he opened a portal, and through it stepped the blonde with a warm smile. However, her sharp blue eyes narrowed the moment she saw him struggling to catch his breath.


    She cast Healing Light on him with a muttered before cuddling him. Atlas was surprised, but quickly reciprocated while grabbing her soft ass, which made Estelle giggle, ''''Don''t go rushing off without one of us. I can sense the empire mage''s magic all over you.''''


    ''''The mage got me from behind, but he''s dead now,'''' he responded while enjoying her cleavage.


    Following that, the two of them broke apart as Artemis joined them with a big smile and glowing brown eyes, ''''Now we''re seeing some action. There''s an Achaemendian Fortress a few miles away.''''


    ''''How do you know that?'''' Estelle questioned with a curious expression.


    The brunette pointed up causing them to look only to see an eagle circling above, ''''I''ve seen it, the place isn''t as big as the last one but it''s still a suitable target.''''


    Hearing this, Atlas gave a firm nod of agreement before responding, ''''You two return to the Otherworld and get the others ready. I''ll head toward the fortress in the meantime.''''


    They agreed before kissing his cheek and stepping through the portal as he started making his way to the empire''s castle, which was a couple of miles away. Atlas got annoyed with the snow and summoned Nala.


    The Deathmaw Lion appeared, her massive form exuding power as she nudged Atlas gently. Without hesitation, he climbed onto her broad back, his voice steady as he commanded, ''''Head southeast, Nala. We''ve got some soldiers to kill.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 276 They Are The Same In Another World

    Nala responded with a thunderous roar that echoed through the air, then sprang forward, her powerful strides carrying them through the snow-covered forest and, thanks to her power, the surrounding monsters avoided them.Atlas was scanning their surrounding as the trees passed by in a blur. He could sense dozens of monsters fleeing from them, which made him chuckle as Nala''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Can I join in the attack, Master?''


    ''''Yes, I''m going to use you and the Void Ghouls,'''' he responded to the lioness. ''''That will scare the shit out of them. That''s when I''ll leave one alive to tell the story.''''


    When the monster heard this, she laughed before sniffing the air and coming to a sudden stop while questioning, ''Soldiers are close Master, shall we hunt them together?''


    He grinned, a glint of excitement in his eyes, and replied, ''''You take them from behind while I keep them distracted.''''


    The lioness agreed before vanishing into the underbrush as he followed suit. Minutes later, Atlas was in front of the second empire patrol and quickly used Void Step to block the soldier''s path.


    When the twenty Achaemenids stopped moving and were bewildered by his sudden appearance, but when he dismissed his helmet, they got angry as one of them exclaimed, pointing a blade at him, ''''Demon!''''


    Without waiting, Atlas stepped forward and cast several Void Smashes that slammed into the soldiers. This caused complete chaos as the shockwaves sent them flying in all directions as Nala attacked.


    The monster pounced on a group of scared Achaemendians and stored them apart with her razor-sharp claws. Atlas joined the fray and started cutting down the survivors, causing the ground to be covered in blood.


    While catching his breath, he summoned the Void Ghouls and ordered them to drag the corpses back into the Otherworld to feed the monsters. The creepy humanoids rushed out of the portals and collected the bodies.


    Nala padded over to him, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she spoke in a satisfied voice. ''That was fun. I took down eight of them.''


    Atlas smiled when hearing the lioness''s words while replying as he climbed onto her back, ''''That''s good, but there are hundreds more to kill along the way.''''


    Nala took off through the dense forest, her powerful strides weaving effortlessly between the trees. Eventually, she emerged onto a secluded road, her sharp eyes noting the signs of frequent travel.


    With caution, the Deathmaw Lion followed the path. As the outline of a fortress loomed in the distance, she abruptly veered into the thick brush, her movements silent as she looked for cover.


    Atlas stroked her while speaking in a quiet voice, ''''Stay low, I want to check the place out before attacking.''''


    Following that, he glanced around and spotted a massive tree that overlooked the fortress causing him to point it out, ''''Climb up there Nala, it will give us the perfect view.''''


    When the lioness heard this, she stalked through the trees until reached the giant one and quickly climbed up. Atlas held onto her fur until reaching the branch that allowed him to get off her back before scanning the empire''s bastion in the north.


    The fortress wasn''t enormous, but it was formidable. High, sturdy walls rose around it, topped with menacing cannons pointed outward. Soldiers patrolled the battlements, scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger.


    ''This is going to be easy if we use the Terrasque''s. They could smash through the wall and give the empire a shock,'' he mushed with an excited smile.


    Once coming up with an idea, Atlas dismissed Nala back to the Otherworld before entering it himself. When inside, he spotted the women preparing for a fight but wasn''t done yet, which made him laugh.


    ''They are the same in another world,'' he thought.


    The group beamed when spotting him, but he quickly informed them of his plans. ''''I''m going to unlock the next monster, which will help us attack the empire''s castles and forts.''''


    Amethyst was the first to comment with a curious expression. ''''Could we sneak up on them?''''


    ''''Yes, but where''s the fun in that?'''' Atlas replied with a sly grin, his tone teasing as he addressed the phoenix woman.


    His expression grew more serious as he continued, ''''They''ve got cannons on the walls. Even one lucky shot from those could damage any of us.''''


    They all nodded in understanding. Atlas settled down, making himself comfortable, before activating his Void Realm skill. In an instant, he appeared in the jungle and prepared to fight the World Eaters.


    Seconds later, growls echoed through the air, and the first monster lunged from a nearby bush. Without hesitation, Atlas drew his weapon, slicing the creature down in one swift motion.


    Before he could catch his breath, he unleashed a Void Blast, the azure projectile streaking through the air. When it collided with the next monster, it sent the creature soaring through the air, crashing into the ground. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, Atlas continued fighting while blocking with Void Guard and retaliating with Void Wave, sending them skidding back. This allowed him to cut them down and dodge their bites.


    He quickly backed off and cleared some space between them while checking on the monster total, which impressed him.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 249/250]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Oh, only one left,'' Atlas thought with an excited smile as the last World Eater appeared.


    The monster lunged at him with a snarl, but Atlas swiftly dodged, his movements fluid and precise. In one seamless motion, he drove his blades deep into its side, then cast Void Bullets, sending the deadly energy coursing through the creature''s body.


    The monster shook as the blasts tore it apart from the inside out, and with a final, guttural gasp, it collapsed to the ground. Suddenly, a roar echoed through the jungle, vibrating the very air around him.


    ''Oh, the boss is ready, now let''s go defeat it,'' he thought while approaching the mountain he spotted in the distance.


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 Chapter 277 I Hold No Grudge Against You

    Atlas made his way to the mountain in the distance. He put away his swords, as there wouldn''t be any more fighting until reaching the boss. An hour later, he arrived at the mountain where the arena would be at.''Now let''s see how tough this fucker will be,'' he thought.


    A few minutes later, Atlas caught sight of a staircase tucked off to one side, partially hidden in the dim light of the surrounding mountains. He started walking toward the staircase that would lead him to the boss.


    An hour later, he scaled the rugged mountain, his breath visible in the crisp, thinning air. Each step was deliberate, his powerful arms pulling him upward as loose rocks tumbled beneath his boots.


    Shortly after that, he spotted the arena and soon stepped into it, causing the shield to block him inside as a smaller Terrasque appeared, but this one looked stronger than the previous ones he fought.


    As the monster spotted him, it let out an earth-shaking roar before it charged in his direction. When Atlas saw this, he started casting Void Lances at the creature''s legs, but they bounced off its thick hide.


    ''Ah shit, I''m going to have to use my swords,'' he mused while taking out his weapons while scanning it with Void Sight.


    [Void King Terrasque]


    [Rank A+]


    ''Now it''s time to take out the boss so I can use the giant ones,'' Atlas pondered, before dashing forward.


    He cast Void Infusion on the blades while cutting through the dinosaur monster''s ankles, causing it to collapse to the ground with a loud crash. Atlas continued casting his magic to distract the boss.


    As he drew nearer, he cast Void Step, materializing directly onto the king''s back. With a swift motion, he aimed to drive his blades into its skull. But before the strike could land, the beast jerked violently, its sudden thrash sending him hurtling to the ground.


    Atlas had to scramble back as the king tried to stamp on him, but he quickly dodged the attack while slicing through the monster''s ankles. Following that, he continued striking at the boss, causing it to roar in pain.


    Moments later, the King Terrasque''s massive tail lashed out with devastating force. Surprised, Atlas was hit head-on, the impact launching him through the air. Pain exploded through his body as he felt several bones snap as he hit the arena''s shield.


    ''Ah fuck, I should have brought the women.''


    The ground quaked violently as the boss charged forward with relentless fury. Before Atlas could recover, the monster struck him once more; the impact was overwhelming. This time, the force didn''t just throw him back he returned to the real world. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When coming to Atlas shook his head as he spoke to the six women, ''''I will sneak up on the fortress and summon you, ladies. The Level Six Boss is tough and is hard to fight.''''


    The group exchanged nods of agreement, their focus shifting as he slowly rose to his feet. A flicker of pain crossed his face as the phantom pain lingered. He equipped his armor and returned to the real world.


    Atlas appeared in the forest surrounding the fortress and started making his way toward the wall while summoning hundreds of Kenku''s who quickly spread out to surround the place as he got closer.


    When on the last tree he used Void Step to appear on the top where he summoned the six women and spoke with an excited smile, ''''Let''s get to work, we need to continue east.''''


    Following that, the group split up and attacked the nearby soldiers, surprising them as the bird assassins struck at the cannons. Following that, the group split up and attacked the nearby soldiers, surprising them as the bird assassins struck at the cannons.


    They quickly killed the enemy while Atlas cast Void Bullets at the bigger groups of empire troops. Explosions echoed across the fortress as Nulia''s roar sounded out, followed by screams.


    Hours later, the group had slain every Achaemendian and were now resting as Atlas was sitting above the front gate. He noticed Nulia appear from one of the side streets in her Frostbear form as she let out a deep growl.


    Atlas smiled when seeing her transform into her humanoid form as she stretched. ''''What are you doing up there, Alt?''''


    ''''Waiting for you ladies to join me,'''' he answered before jumping down and landing with a thump. ''''We can get going by using Raymond. The wind isn''t bad and we should reach the forest where the survivors are staying.''''


    The brown-skinned beauty nodded with a beautiful smile as she suddenly cuddled him and put her head on his shoulder while speaking, ''''I''m so happy that you forgave me for hurting you. Most would have told me to go.''''


    Atlas returned the hug before playing with her dark hair as he replied, ''''I hold no grudge against you, Nulia. I like you a lot and enjoy our time together, so stop thinking about it.''''


    Hearing his words, the young woman''s face lit up with joy. She leaned in and kissed him swiftly, catching him off guard. Despite his surprise, he returned the gesture warmly as the two shared a passionate kiss.


    Moments later, they broke apart as the rest of the group rallied around them, and their resolve reignited. Without hesitation, Atlas summoned Raymond, his trusted ally, and together they leaped onto the monster''s back.


    The women got comfortable as the Stormeagle''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Where are we going, Master?''


    ''''Head east and look for a massive forest,'''' Atlas answered while sitting down. ''''We''re looking for the wolf woman who could heal Lilith.''''


    Following that, Raymond flapped his massive wings, flew out of the fortress, and started flying east. He noticed the women were gossiping about the previous fight, but he activated the Void Realm to give the boss another go.


    Atlas appeared in the arena as a roar echoed out as the Void Tarrasque King rushed out of the shadows. The monster charged at him, but he quickly cast Void Bombs that exploded on contact, which sent it stumbling to the side.


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 Chapter 278 Thanks For The Help

    Seeing an opening, he hurled firebombs at the ground, each exploding into roaring flames that surged in waves over the monster. The fiery assault forced the beast to recoil, granting him the chance to close the distance.Wasting no time, he lunged forward, his blades slicing through the creature''s thick hide with ferocity. While fighting with the king, a deep menacing voice echoed in his mind, ''Why do you fight? Tell me, young Voidwalker.''


    When Atlas heard this, he ducked until a tail swing before blasting it with Void Lances that burrowed into the Tarrasque''s torso. He used Void Step to clear some space while answering, ''''A home and peaceful life, I want to live a fun life with my women, but the empire refuses to leave me alone, so here I am.''''


    The monster stopped moving as it eyed him with its blood-red eyes. ''Why such a simple wish? Why not become a king or a god?''


    He shook his head with a smile, ''''Simple moments are the ones that shine the brightest in life.''''


    As Atlas finished speaking, the monster fixed him with an intense gaze, its immense form still and imposing. After a tense moment, it dipped its head slightly.


    ''''I understand,'''' the creature rumbled, its voice resonating with an unexpected calm. ''''You are truly unlike the previous master. I forfeit this battle and declare you the winner.''''


    Atlas blinked in disbelief. ''What the fuck?'' he thought.


    Before Atlas could fully process what had just transpired, the Terrasques dissolved into nothingness. In the blink of an eye, he was back in the real world. He shook his head, still trying to make sense of it all, then muttered, ''''Weird monster... but at least he made it easy for me.''''


    They were still flying across the wolf kingdoms, but suddenly Raymond dived as a wave of spells shot toward them. Atlas looked over to see a group of men standing on a hill targeting them.


    The Stormeagle dived and fired a stream of lightning at the attackers. When the spells hit the mages, it turned them into blood mist. Impressed by this, Atlas praised the monster, saying, ''''Well done, Ray! Good attack.''''


    Following that, the monster continued flying across the snowy landscape, the chilly wind howling as they soared through the sky, the landscape below an endless stretch of snow and ice.


    The snow-covered peaks glistened under the pale sunlight, their jagged edges cutting into the horizon. Atlas noticed there weren''t any monsters flying around, but Raymond''s voice echoed in his mind, ''I have to rest, Master. The wind is getting stronger.''


    ''''Okay, land on a mountaintop where nothing can get us,'''' he replied. ''''It''s getting late, anyway.''''


    Raymond dove toward a nearby ledge and landed with a resounding crash, giving Atlas and the women a chance to dismount from his back as he settled to rest. Atlas gently stroked the exhausted bird with a grateful smile, saying, ''''Thanks for the help, Ray.''''


    The monster nodded before vanishing into the Otherworld as a rainstorm started lashing the world, causing them to retreat to the treehouse. Once inside, Estelle and Amethyst, alongside Zena, started cooking.


    They were busy planning a meal that made Atlas smile when hearing them bickering. Grishna and Nulia went to have a bath while Artemis walked over to him with a big smile as she spoke. ''''I''m going to join those two in the baths. I have blood all over me, but can we spend the night together?''''


    When Atlas heard this, he agreed. ''''Yes, that''s fine. Once you''re done and I get tired, I''ll come to your room.'''' S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The brunette beamed before rushing off to follow the others. He watched her vanish before starting a fire using Void Bullet. A blue flame erupted, which sent hot air washing throughout the treehouse.


    Following that, Atlas relaxed and looked out the window as the storm worsened and Zena spoke from behind him. ''''North Astoria is the worst place to be during the winter. It always gets cold.''''


    He looked back at the dark-haired wolf woman who joined him. Atlas smiled at her before answering. ''''Ever since arriving here, all I''ve been is cold. I''ve got winter clothes, but they don''t seem to do anything.''''


    Zena giggled while nodding. ''''Yes, it''s bad, but this treehouse seems to hold up good.''''


    Atlas smiled at the wolf before the two fell into a peaceful silence as the smell of cooking food wafted through the air. His stomach rumbled, which made Zena laugh once more than she spoke. ''''You''re always hungry, aren''t you?''''


    ''''I love the girls'' cooking. They are getting better every time,'''' he answered as Amethyst brought him a plate of meat.


    The phoenix woman beamed, ''''Here you go. Estelle asked me to bring this to you after hearing your stomach rumble,'''' she said with a giggle.


    Atlas thanked her before she returned to the blonde, who was busy cooking for the group. He began eating, savoring the meal. Zena chuckled, rising to her feet and heading toward the bathroom.


    ''''I''m going to freshen up for dinner,'''' she called over her shoulder with a grin.


    After that, Atlas began eating, his gaze drifting to the window where rain lashed against the glass, driven by the storm. He leaned back in his chair, the last bite of his meal resting on his fork.


    He watched the storm raging furiously outside the window. Raindrops streaked down the glass, illuminated by flashes of lightning that briefly lit the darkened room. The low rumble of thunder rolled in the distance, a soothing contrast to the chaos outside.


    Atlas chewed slowly, savoring the rare moment of calm as the storm raged outside. A deep yawn escaped him as he stretched before reaching for a nearby blanket. Wrapping it around himself, he settled onto the sofa, exhaustion weighing heavily on him.


    Within moments, he was curled up, drifting into a peaceful sleep as the women continued going about their business while he rested.


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 Chapter 279 She Will Start Fighting You

    Atlas woke up the next morning and was freezing, causing him to use his mana to warm himself up. Following that, he decided to go find the survivors and left the Otherworld as everyone else was asleep.When back in the real world, he summoned Theo the Blood Bat King, who appeared from the azure portal. He climbed onto the monster''s back before it took off and started flying southeast for hours.


    As he sat there, Estelle sent him a message, ''Where are you?''


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    ''Looking for the white wolves, I want to heal Lilith,'' Atlas answered. ''You girls stay in the Otherworld. It''s freezing out here.'' S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The blonde agreed as she said they would train with Zena, which made him smile before turning his attention to the world below. Snow-covered hills spread out in all directions with the odd patch of trees.


    Atlas quickly spotted hundreds of monsters prowling the wilderness, but his attention was drawn to a village in the distance. Ten minutes later, they hovered above it, only to find that it was completely abandoned.


    ''What happened here?'' he thought before speaking to Theo, ''''Land in the square, I want to check this place out.''''


    The Blood Bat quickly descended and landed without a noise, causing Atlas to slide off its back while taking out his swords. While scanning his surroundings, the monster''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Something''s not right here Master, I feel weird.''


    When hearing Theo''s words, the creepy feeling washed over him as a howl rang out, which caused them to stiffen. Atlas glanced at the bat before speaking. ''''Take off and try to find whoever did that, but if shit hits the fan, come pick me up.''''


    After he finished speaking, the monster nodded and took off, only to vanish into the dark stormy sky while he cast Void Infusion on his blades as he readied for an attack that had never come.


    This confused him, but he started walking through the village and noticed the burned buildings and skeletons littering the ground. Ten minutes later, Atlas walked past the leader''s house only to have a strange humanoid creature charge at him.


    As the newcomers approached, a chill ran down his spine. Without hesitation, he hurled a Void Lance at them. The azure bolt tore through their bodies effortlessly, just as Atlas began slicing through the creatures.


    His blade cut through them with terrifying ease, like a hot knife through butter, slaying dozens of the attackers in mere moments. But that''s when more creatures poured out, their hideous forms growling with hunger.


    ''They are easy to kill but what are they?'' he thought while scanning them with Void Sight.


    [Ravengers]


    [Rank D]


    [Bastards that feed off the dead, normally encountered on battlefields or where massacres happen]


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Atlas lunged forward, his sword flashing through the air. The first creature met its end as his blade cleaved through its rotting flesh, its foul body collapsing in a heap.


    More came, their distorted limbs moving unnaturally fast. One lunged at him from behind, but Atlas spun with deadly precision, slashing across its throat. Dark, viscous blood sprayed across the ground as the creature crumpled to the dirt.


    He was holding his own until it was getting too much, causing Theo to swoop down and grab him before soaring back into the sky with a screech. Atlas climbed onto the monster''s back while speaking. ''''Thank you for that, boy. There were too many of them and it was getting chaotic.''''


    The bat king screeched before heading east as he rested while admiring the snowy landscape below just as Amethyst appeared beside him with her wings stretching out. ''''Hello my love, I need to stretch my wings, so I thought I''d join you.''''


    Following that, the purple-haired young woman jumped off Theo''s back before transforming into her phoenix form while letting out a loud screech. Hours later, the three of them arrived at the foot of a gigantic primal forest which creeped them out.


    She attempted to fly over the area, but quickly pulled back, shifting into her humanoid form just as Atlas and Theo landed. After thanking the Blood Bat, he dismissed it as she turned to him, a voice laced with concern.


    ''''My love,'''' she said, ''''there are Primordial monsters here. They warned me not to fly without their permission.''''


    Atlas nodded while replying, ''''It doesn''t matter. We''re here to find the survivors and heal Lilith. The Primordials should leave us alone.''''


    As he finished speaking, his thoughts drifted back to the creatures he had encountered in the village. The memory stirred his curiosity about the desolate place, prompting him to ask, ''''Are Ravagers common in Astoria?''''


    When the purple-haired woman heard this, her head tilted adorably while answering, ''''Yes, they appear after every battle unless people chase them off. I hate those damn things. Their chuckle creeps me out.''''


    ''Interesting,'' he thought with curiosity before the two entered the forest as he spoke, ''''We can finally heal Lilith after all these years. I''m certain she''s going to be angry.''''


    Amethyst giggled when hearing this before she responded. ''''Knowing that creature, she will start fighting you, but you''ll just take it while not hurting her.''''


    Atlas laughed, ''''You''re right, but be careful this place isn''t right,'''' he warned while glancing at the menacing surroundings.


    Following that, the two of them continued until finding a monster trail heading deeper, which they took. While doing this the phoenix woman commented, ''''The others are leaving it to us. They just don''t want to walk through this nightmare.''''


    ''''That''s fine, at least we can spend some alone time together,'''' he answered.


    Amethyst beamed when hearing this as the two traveled through the forest while roars echoed. Atlas was enjoying the peace, but something told him to hide. He grabbed her waist, and Void Stepped in the canopy above.


    The young woman looked at him, confusion etched across her face. He pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for silence, just as a deep rumble began to shake the ground beneath them.


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 Chapter 280 Bloodclaws

    Seconds later, a horde of dinosaur-looking monsters appeared at the base of the tree while sniffing the air. Atlas quickly wrapped his cloak around Amethyst, which helped them blend into their surroundings.''Hopefully, they don''t spot us,'' he mused. ''They won''t. We''re too high up.''


    The monsters started letting out loud chirps, which caused more of them to jump out of the surrounding trees. They watched the monsters pouring around the base. While sitting there, he used Void Sight on the creatures to find out what they were.


    [Bloodclaws]


    [Rank SS]


    [Clever motherfuckers. Use your magic to take them out as they are too fast for you]


    ''What the fuck? I''ll avoid them for now. They will be a nightmare to fight,'' he pondered, just as a big one stepped into view.


    Atlas lowered down as the leader let out a loud screech, which caused the monsters to rush off in one direction. When the duo saw this, they sighed in relief as he spoke, ''''Looks like they''ll hunt us for a while. We''ll need to be careful.''''


    When the phoenix woman heard this, she nodded, ''''If it gets any worse, I''ll return to the Otherworld as you can use Void Step to travel.''''


    Following that, they jumped out of the tree before landing with a soft thud before traveling along the monster trail. By the time the sun began to set, Amethyst was tired, causing him to usher her through the portal so she could rest.


    Once she was gone, Atlas didn''t stop moving until reaching a trail which was made by humanoids thanks to the footprints all over the place. He started following it until growing exhausted, forcing him to look for somewhere to sleep.


    ''There should be a place nearby.''


    That''s when he noticed a tree hollow a few meters above the ground. Without hesitation, Atlas climbed until reaching the hollow, where he slipped inside and found it snug but surprisingly comfortable.


    He pulled out a few blankets from his pack and wrapped them around himself, settling in for the night. Roars, howls, and other monster noises rang out across the forest, which amplified as a horde appeared.


    ''What a nightmare is coming now!'' Atlas thought.


    The women attempted to persuade him to join them in the Otherworld, but he declined with a contented smile, finding peace in the hollow as the ambient noises soothed him. Estelle chuckled at his stubbornness, playfully calling him a weirdo before laughing.


    While lying there, Atlas pulled out some dumplings before eating as the forest erupted into chaos and a monster battle was underway. He stuck his head out of the hollow only to see the Bloodclaws fighting with other dinosaurs.


    ''Oh fuck, I''m not getting involved with that shitshow.''


    Following that, he hid himself again as the creatures jumped onto the branches below. This caused him to keep quiet, as he didn''t want to fight them. His eyelids grew heavier with each passing moment until he finally surrendered to exhaustion.


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    With his blanket wrapped snugly around him, Atlas drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep, the faint aroma of his meal lingering in the air. The next morning, he woke up feeling refreshed as he climbed out of the hollow.


    ''''Now let''s find the wolf people and drop Ulric off before heading south to cause chaos,'''' he muttered while Void Stepping to the ground below.


    Atlas continued traveling up the trail until reaching a massive log wall that blocked his path forward. ''What are they up to?'' he pondered while studying it.


    He shrugged before using Void Step to appear on the top, only to see a sea of tents that ended at a rushing waterfall. Atlas thought to himself while taking in everything, ''A stupid place to set up camp. They''re trapped if an enormous monster appears.''


    Seconds after that thought, several ice spells flew in his direction, but he quickly cast Void Guard'' to block everything. Explosions rang out just as Atlas jumped off the top and landed with a thud.


    Wolf people surrounded him until an older woman appeared wearing royal armor. She stopped in front of him and spoke in an annoyed tone, ''''What brings you here, elf?''''


    ''''King Ulric Shadowfang is on the run from the empire and I have in my realm,'''' Atlas answered in an honest tone.


    When the woman heard this, her gold eyes opened in fascination. She shook her head and introduced herself. ''''I''m Queen Aurora Frostfang. Where is my cousin?''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement before summoning Ulric, who appeared from the azure portal, shocking the surrounding wolves. One of the soldiers saw the king, and they backed off in respect as Aurora commented, ''''What happened to your kingdom? We heard the empire dogs had captured you.''''


    Ulric frowned and motioned for a nearby table, ''''Sit down and I''ll explain everything,'''' the older man said.


    Following that, Atlas stood off the side but that''s when men rushed up to them as the eldest exclaimed, ''''The Bloodclaws are attacking the wall, they''ll break through any minute now.''''


    When hearing this, Ulric turned to him with a pleading expression, causing Atlas to nod before making his way to the camp gates. He appeared on the top using Void Step only to see the monsters ramming the wood.


    Without hesitation, he leaped into the fray, hurling a Void Lance at one of the creature''s heads. The spell struck true, detonating it in a burst of gore as chunks of flesh and bone scattered through the air. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once Atlas hit the ground, more Bloodclaws emerged from the shadows, their crimson-streaked claws glinting menacingly in the dim light. Their low growls resonated like a chilling melody, but he stood unfazed, his blade already in hand.


    The closest creature lunged at him, claws slashing through the air. Atlas quickly sidestepped, countering with a strike that cleaved through its chest. Dark blood sprayed as the creature collapsed with a guttural howl.


    The others surged forward in a frenzy, but Atlas met them head-on. His movements were a blend of strength and grace, each swing of his blade cutting through their thick hide.


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 Chapter 281 Shes Angry My Love

    Atlas continued attacking the Bloodclaws, but slowed down as some of their attacks hit. While fighting, he opened a portal for the women to join him, which they did. Nulia charged through and clashed with a monster.The Frostbear woman was too smart for the creature and quickly turned it into meat chunks before moving on to the next enemy. He watched as Estelle, Grishna, Artemis, and Zena joined the fight by casting their magic.


    Following this, Atlas saw the spells wipe out dozens of monsters that were turned to ash because of the overwhelming power. Amethyst appeared while letting out a screech before sending a wave of Cosmic Flames washing over the creatures.


    ''They all should be dead soon now they are here,'' he thought as he cast several Void Lances into the Bloodclaws torsos.


    The spells burrowed through their bodies, causing them to crash to the ground as more dead when the women sped past. Atlas smiled before turning toward the village and used Void Step to appear on top of the wall.


    He noticed the white wolves were preparing to join the fight, but he stopped that by casting Void Barrage into the remaining monsters. Once they dropped dead, the women caught their breaths.


    When the survivors heard the battle ended, they opened the gates only to see a swarm of dead creatures littering the ground. Atlas collected most of them while dumping the rest into the demi-human camp.


    Following that, he walked toward Aurora, who was surrounded by her generals. The white wolf woman beamed as she spoke. ''''Thank you for helping us. We owe you a great debt.''''


    Atlas waved her away before he replied, ''''Where is the old woman that came from the Shadowfang Kingdom?''''


    When Aurora heard this, her ears perked up, but a voice reached his ears, ''''Young man, you kept your end of the deal. Now I''ll do my bit.''''


    He turned around to see the old wolf standing nearby, a friendly smile softening her weathered features as she approached. Without hesitation, Atlas retrieved the Monster Vault and extended it toward her.


    ''''You mentioned I would need to give a piece of my soul?'''' he asked, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity.


    The old woman nodded in affirmation, her eyes gleaming with a knowing wisdom. With a silent gesture, she motioned for them to follow her toward the cascading waterfall, its roar muffled by the surrounding trees.


    Meanwhile, the other women entered the camp behind them, greeted like heroes by the gathered crowd. Their triumphant return brought a wave of celebration, but Atlas''s focus remained on helping Lilith as he followed the old wolf.


    ''''Hold out your hand, this will hurt but it will be seconds and my name is Lunara Shadowfang, the queen mother,'''' the wolf woman said with a giggle.


    Atlas did as she said and he felt her pull something from his body, which made a horrible pain shoot through his body. He trembled, but Lunara quickly dragged it into the Monster Vault and Lilith''s sleeping form.


    Seconds later, Atlas blacked out as an explosion erupted within him and tons of memories flooded his mind, causing a headache to rage. He came to only to be on his knees as the pain overwhelmed him.


    ''You left me for years!'' a woman''s enraged voice echoed in his mind.


    ''Oh, fuck!'' he thought while opening his eyes, only to see Lilith standing there with glowing yellow eyes.


    Atlas shook his head and noticed the women were giggling at him as Amethyst shouted with a big smile, ''''She''s angry, my love! Deal with her before she turns on us.''''


    The honey badger turned on her and let out a fierce growl which made everyone laugh as they entered the Otherworld, leaving him alone as the white wolves quickly piled into the buildings.


    ''Bitches! They left me to fend her off alone!''


    Atlas turned to Lilith, his eyes widening as he noticed how much she had grown. She now stood at the size of a large dog, her sharp gaze fixed on him with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.


    Her body tensed, and the air between them grew thick as he tried to explain. ''''Lilith, I didn''t leave you,'''' he began, his tone genuine. ''''We were searching for a soul mage so I could heal you.'''' Explore more stories with empire


    ''Lies!'' she snarled, her voice dripping with fury before she sprang at him with alarming speed. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas let out a startled yelp, leaping to the side to dodge her attack. But she was too fast. In a flash, Lilith was upon him, her claws digging into his back as she pinned him down. Pain erupted in his shoulder as her teeth sank in, sharp and unyielding.


    He gritted his teeth against the agony, his vision blurring for a moment. Summoning all his strength, he twisted his body and threw her off, sending her tumbling a few feet away, but she continued attacking.


    When she lunged, Atlas caught her in a hug and held the little creature close as he spoke, ''''It''s good to see you again. Do you know how much I''ve missed you, Lili?''''


    As the words left his lips, the two of them, now altered in size, lost their balance and tumbled into the roaring waterfall. The powerful current swept them away, throwing the wolf people into a state of panic.


    Desperate to regain control, Atlas attempted to use Void Step, but he soon hit his head on a jagged rock, rendering him unconscious. Lilith panicked while clinging to him like a baby koala as they floated down the rushing river.


    A few hours later, Atlas stirred awake, his body aching and his senses disoriented. He found himself washed ashore in the heart of a dense jungle, the air thick with humidity and the distant calls of unseen creatures.


    As he tried to move, he felt a heavy weight pinning him down. Blinking through the haze, he opened his eyes and froze. Lying atop him was a young, slender woman, her presence as unexpected as his surroundings.


    She had short, snowy-white hair that framed her elegant jawline, catching the soft light filtering through the jungle canopy. But what truly caught his attention was the pair of animal ears perched atop her head, twitching slightly.


    Atlas couldn''t help but notice how stunning she was, her features radiating an otherworldly beauty that made her seem almost ethereal. She looked to be in her early twenties, her youthful yet refined appearance striking a delicate balance.


    But it wasn''t just her looks. Something about her presence drew him in, an inexplicable pull that unsettled him. For a moment, he simply gazed at the beautiful stranger, his thoughts a whirlwind as he tried to make sense of the stranger before him.


    ''A demi-human?'' he wondered, his mind racing to piece things together only to realize seconds later. ''Oh... Lilith has a human form!''


    When the realization hit, he sat up, which caused the honey-badger woman to wake up as her yellow eyes slowly opened. As the two met, a big grin appeared on her beautiful face before she lunged forward and bit down on his neck.


    A shiver shot down his spine as he spoke. ''''Why are you attacking me again, Lilith? I tried my best.''''


    The young woman leaned up while giving him a love-filled smile as she grabbed his collar and quickly kissed him. Atlas was surprised, but returned it as he held her waist before the two broke apart.


    Lilith beamed, ''''Because you''re my Master and that''s what we do with people we like,'''' she explained.


    Following that, the duo stood up as he asked, ''''How do you feel?''''


    The honey-badger woman stretched before answering in a cheerful voice, ''''I feel brand new, Master, but I''m seeing all kinds of things I don''t know.''''


    ''My memories,'' Atlas thought when hearing her explanation. ''Lunara said some of my soul was used to heal her.''


    He shrugged after thinking as the two continued walking through the jungle while heading back to the Frostfang Camp. While travel they started getting to know each other more which made them happy.


    The jungle was alive with sounds as they made their way back to the camp. She moved with a natural grace, her animal ears twitching at every rustle in the underbrush. Atlas still led the way with careful steps.


    When they finally reached the camp, the sight of the familiar clearing brought him a wave of relief. He raised his hand, summoning the energy needed to open the portal to the Otherworld.


    It shimmered into existence, and one by one, Ulric and the rest of the wolf people stepped through. ''''You''re alive!'''' Ulric exclaimed when appearing.


    Atlas chuckled while nodding. ''''Yes, I''m fine, now make yourself at home. Aurora will be happy to welcome you to the camp.''''


    ''''Thank you for all your help, there''s a lot of work to do but with our numbers, it can be done,'''' Ulric answered while taking in the hundreds of white wolves that wandered around.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 282 Worth Getting

    Atlas smiled at the older wolfman as he replied, ''''Don''t worry about it. It''s the least I can do against the empire.''''Ulric laughed before looking at Zena who was chatting with Amethyst and Artemis as he requested, ''''Can she travel with you? She grew up alone and needs to learn what the world is really like.''''


    He looked at the wolf woman before answering with a smile, ''''Yes, the girls seem to like her. But I have to get going before any more storms hit the area while I''m traveling.''''


    When the older man heard this, he agreed with a nod. ''''Sounds smart. Let them hide in your realm while you travel. The wolf kingdoms are a pain in the ass to trek through during winter. Especially now that it''s full of bandits, outlaws, and monsters.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding. ''''That''s the plan. I can travel faster alone thanks to my monsters,'''' he said while they watched the wolf people go about their business.


    Ulric turned to him and held out his hand. ''''It was an honor to meet you, Atlas. I hope you find what you''re looking for.''''


    ''''I have already,'''' he answered while motioning to the girls. ''''I never had a home, but found one with them.''''


    The older man chuckled, giving Leo a hearty slap on the back. ''''Ah, that white-haired young lady is headed this way. I''d best make myself scarce before she sets her eyes on me, I don''t want to get beat up in front of my people,'''' he said with a playful smirk, already taking a step back.


    Atlas turned toward Lilith, who lunged at him while transforming into her Honey Badger form. He yelped as the creature crashed into his body before she started nibbling any part she could get a hold of.


    This sent him into a fit of laughter as she launched her playful assault. Atlas struggled to pry her off, but she clung stubbornly to his armor. Eventually, the young woman settled down, perched on his chest, before shifting into her humanoid form.


    ''''I love play fighting with you! Ever since we met in that cave,'''' she chimed in a cheerful voice, her eyes sparkling with fondness.


    Atlas chuckled before poking her side, which made her giggle as she folded over and cuddled into him. ''''Thank you for saving me, and sorry for attacking you when I woke up. I was confused and was having a nightmare.''''


    Without a word, he gently took hold of the young woman''s chin and drew her into a passionate kiss. The unexpected gesture made Lilith''s body tense momentarily, but soon, she melted into the moment, responding with equal fervor.


    As their kiss deepened, the others approached while chatting, causing the two to break apart as Lilith spoke with a big smile, ''''Can I travel with you? I can sit on your shoulder if you like.''''


    Atlas nodded before kissing her forehead as Amethyst spoke with a giggle. ''''Seems like she''s not angry anymore.''''


    The Honey Badger woman glanced at the girls while standing up and greeted them. ''''Hello ladies, it''s good to be a part of the group now.''''


    Following that, he opened a portal to the Otherworld and ushered the group through it as Zena came running up to them. The wolf smiled while explaining, ''''Sorry about that, had to say goodbyes to the family.''''


    Atlas waved her away. ''''That''s okay, now get inside and get warm. I think a storm will hit, thanks to Frostwinter.''''


    The dark-haired woman giggled softly, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on his cheek before gracefully leaping through the portal. Atlas watched her disappear with a small smile before turning his attention back and summoning Theo.


    Just as he did, Lilith clambered onto his shoulder, her light frame settling comfortably. Without hesitation, he mounted the Blood Bat King just before the creature soared into the sky and started heading south.


    Atlas informed Theo to look for any fortresses that they could attack, which he got a chirp in reply. An hour later, they were hovering above a small border caste. While he studied it, Lilith''s voice echoed in his mind, ''What are you doing, handsome?''


    ''''Just watch,'''' Leo replied before summoning hundreds of Void Ghouls that fell into the stronghold.


    Chaos erupted as their attack surprised the Achaemendians. The humanoid creature ran wild and tore apart any soldiers they found as Atlas signaled for Theo to land on the command center''s roof.


    Atlas stood on the edge of the roof, his eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding before him. The Void Ghouls, dark and twisted, surged forward with ferocity, their haunting howls echoing through the air. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''These monsters were worth getting,'' he pondered.


    With each blood-curdling screech, they tore through the ranks of the empire''s soldiers, their claws ripping through armor and flesh alike. The soldiers, frozen in terror, were no match for the relentless onslaught.


    He watched in silence as the ghoul''s eerie cries filled the air, a stark reminder of the horror they unleashed. While doing this, Lilith started nibbling on his ear, causing a shiver to run down his spine.


    ''Do you like that, my love?'' her sweet voice rang in his mind.


    Atlas looked at the fluffy creature before scooping her up and pampering her with strokes. That''s when he quickly noticed she was tiny. This caused him to question, ''''Can you control your size, Lili?''''


    Her yellow eyes opened, but they were in a happy daze as she answered, ''Yes, I like this form so you can pamper me even more.'' Discover exclusive tales on empire


    As Atlas heard Lilith''s soft sigh, he began gently stroking her, causing her to slump against him, a contented expression spreading across her face. A satisfied smile curled on his lips as he continued, enjoying the peaceful moment.


    But Theo''s voice broke the silence from behind them. ''There''s a swarm of monsters heading this way, Master. They''re strong.''


    Without missing a beat, Atlas sent the Blood Bat King back to the Otherworld, leaping from the room with swift precision. He quickly made his way to the castle''s treasury, looting what he could before heading out.


    Atlas fled the fortress before the monsters arrived. He was now traveling down the road while keeping an eye out for anything that could attack him, but nothing ever did. As he trekked through the snowy landscape, he chatted with Lilith,


    The Honey Badger woman''s excitement was infectious, causing a smile to appear as he continued pampering her. A few hours later, the sun began to set. Atlas was going to jump into the Otherworld.


    As he opened the portal, Lilith stopped him. ''''Can we camp, please? I want to spend more time with you.''''


    ''''Okay, I''ll send a message to the others so they don''t worry,'''' Atlas answered.


    Following that, he searched for a while until finding a discreet spot where he could set up their camp. He placed Lilith down, who transformed into her human form and started watching him with gleaming yellow eyes.


    He moved with ease while setting up camp under the dimming sky. He cleared a small area, carefully placing stones in a circle to form a firepit. His fingers traced the air, creating the Dark One Runes that glowed faintly.


    ''This should keep us safe from those creatures,'' he thought while admiring his work.


    The runes pulsed with an eerie energy, warding off any unwanted attention. Lilith sat nearby, watching him with quiet fascination. Her gaze followed every movement, her eyes lingering on the way the runes shimmered in the fading light.


    The warmth of the firepit grew as Atlas finished his task, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ''''Done,'''' he said, glancing at her.


    Lilith beamed brightly, her excitement overflowing as she jumped onto him once again. This time, Atlas steadied himself, wrapping his arms around her in a steady embrace that she loved.


    He chuckled at her playful energy before speaking with a grin. ''''Now, let''s eat. I have some dumplings you''ll love.''''


    With a reluctant sigh, she climbed off of him and sat down in front of the fire, her eyes sparkling in anticipation. Atlas reached into his pack, pulled out the food, and handed it to her.


    She eagerly accepted the meal as the two started eating. The stars above shone brightly, and the moons lit up the world around them, causing Lilith to comment, ''''Beautiful, isn''t it? I''m glad to be back.''''


    ''''It is,'''' he replied with a content smile. ''''I love this world and how vast it is. I can''t wait to see more of it once we find peace.''''


    Following that, the duo continued eating before the sounds of rustling echoed from the surrounding trees. Atlas glanced at it while putting his hand on Lilith''s shoulder while speaking, ''''Do not attack them! They will ambush you if you cross the Runes.''''


    ''''I won''t do anything, but why are they are they so creepy?'''' she questioned as her yellow eyes sparkled.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 283 These Things Were Annoying

    Atlas and Lilith continued watching the Dark Ones, who circled the camp as he spoke. ''''They haunt the night. In some places, the creatures don''t appear.''''When the honey-badger woman heard this, she growled at them before climbing on his lap and getting comfortable. Without thinking, he started stroking her fluffy ears, which made her shiver.


    Following that, the two of them crawled into the tent and started cuddling up, which made Lilith happy as she lay on top of him while he fell asleep. The next morning, he woke up and yawned.


    Atlas went to move, only to realize the honey-badger woman was asleep with a radiant smile on her beautiful face. He moved Lilith to the side and made sure she wouldn''t wake up as he left the tent.


    As he stepped outside, he immediately noticed the dense fog enveloping their campsite, its heavy presence unsettling. Without thinking, he summoned his magic to disperse it, but the fog seemed almost alive, which creeped him out.


    Realizing his efforts were futile, he sighed and sat down, making himself comfortable. He pulled out a pouch of dumplings, eating slowly as he scanned the mist, ever watchful for any hidden threats lurking within the haze.


    While sitting there, Atlas decided to check out Level Seven to see what monsters it would give him when he conquered it. He closed his eyes before activating the Void Realm, only to appear in a swamp.


    Trees covered everything along with a fog that covered the ground, which made him gulp as the noises of insects sounded out. The swamp was a labyrinth of gnarled roots and stagnant pools.


    ''This place smells horrible but there''s something creepy about it,'' he thought while casting Void Infusion on the blades.


    Mist clung to the air, muffling the sounds of distant croaks and the occasional splash of something unseen. Atlas moved carefully, his boots squelching with every step, eyes scanning the shadows for signs of monsters.


    He could feel it¡ªthe heavy, oppressive presence of monsters waiting just beyond his sight. The swamp itself seemed alive, the trees twisting unnaturally, their branches clawing at the sky.


    Water rippled in strange patterns, and faint, guttural growls echoed through the mist. Atlas tightened his grip on his blades. A shadow shifted in the corner of his vision, and his muscles tensed.


    The monsters weren''t just lurking¡ªthey were organizing, preparing to strike. While standing there, something lunged from the underbrush and the creature started using its scythe-like blades to strike.


    ''What the fuck are these things!'' Atlas yelped, but started battling the monster and used his swords to deflect the others, causing sparks to fly.


    Seconds later, he used Void Step to appear on the branches above as chittering noises rang out. Atlas could use Void Sight and found out their name, which caused him to grow curious.


    [Void Broodmaw]


    [Rank A]


    [These fuckers will chew you and shit you out, boy! Keep it moving]


    Following that, he started casting Void Lance at the swarm of creatures. Explosions rang out as Atlas started fighting the monsters while jumping across the branches and killing them, but it was harder than he expected.


    Hours later, he burst out of the treetops above, which gave him some breathing time to check on the monster total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 6/10000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


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    When Atlas saw this, he sighed just as a pair of scythes lunged out of the treetops and tried to swipe at him. He ducked under the attack before hitting it with a Void Blast that connected with the mantis-like monster.


    ''These things were annoying,'' he thought as his heart raced.


    The creature''s exo-skeleton exploded into bits, but more of the creatures swamped him. Atlas quickly used Void Wave to clear some space. After the attack, he jumped down from the branches as the monsters chased him.


    When Atlas crashed to the ground, more Broodmaws fell around him before lunging in his direction. One scythe pierced his shoulder, causing him to let out a scream of pain that made him shudder.


    Following this, he was sent back to the real world and woke up while Lilith was crouched in front of him with a concerned expression as she questioned, ''''What were you doing? The look on your face was like a horrible pain hit.''''


    Atlas nodded before explaining the Void Realm to the Honey-Badger woman who became fascinated. She jumped up before landing in his lap as she asked with glowing yellow eyes, ''''Can I join you next time? I want to help you.''''


    ''''Of course you can,'''' he replied with a smile. ''''Are you okay?'''' Find your next read on empire sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lilith stretched before shaking her head, ''''Still tired, would you like to join me?''''


    Atlas agreed and scooped the white-haired woman into a princess carry and walked back into the tent. The two of them got comfortable before falling asleep while cuddling up as the weather worsened.


    The next morning, Atlas stirred awake to find Lilith lying against him, her head nestled comfortably into the crook of his neck. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he tightened his embrace around her, savoring the warmth of her presence.


    Cold morning air seeped into the tent, causing a shiver to run down his spine, but it didn''t matter. With Lilith in his arms, the chill outside was driven off just as Estelle''s voice echoed in his mind, ''We''re training in the Otherworld, my love. The storm is terrible, so be careful.''


    Following that, Atlas pulled out more blankets and wrapped them around himself and the Honey-Badgeras as the tent shook because of the wind. While this happened, Lilith muttered in a quiet voice, ''''A Storm Titan is above Master. We need to stay quiet.''''


    The wind howled, carrying with it the scent of rain and earth, when suddenly, a deafening roar shattered the air. It was a sound so deep and primal that it reverberated through his bones, making the ground beneath him tremble.


    A roar echoed across the landscape, bouncing off distant mountains and crashing through the trees like a thunderclap. He froze, his heart pounding in his chest as the earth seemed to hold its breath.


    Lilith got closer than her leg draped over him. She pulled him into a passionate kiss that distracted them. Atlas pushed closer to the Honey Badger woman, who had an athletic figure causing him to love her muscles.


    Without hesitation, the duo drifted back to sleep as the storm worsened and the Storm Titan moved on. The following morning, Atlas awoke to the soft light of dawn. He glanced over at Lilith, still sound asleep, before quietly slipping out of the tent.


    The mist had lifted, revealing vast grasslands stretching out in every direction. Atlas took a deep breath, the fresh morning air filling his lungs. ''I''ll use Nala to travel,'' he thought. ''Time to wake the Honey-Badger.''


    With that, he summoned the mighty Dreadmaw Lion, its powerful form appearing beside him in a swirl of shadow. Then he turned back to the tent and walked inside before gently nudging Lilith.


    She woke up allowing him to pack up the tent before scooping her into a princess carry and climbing on Nala''s back. The lioness let out a roar before taking off across the grassland and reaching a massive forest that led south.


    The Dreadmaw Lion entered the treeline before quickly jumping into the branches as her voice echoed in his mind, ''Many powerful enemies Master, I''ll get us away so you can hide out for a little while.''''


    Nala surged forward, her sleek body cutting through the grasslands like a force of nature. Her paws barely touched the ground as she raced, the wind whipping through Atlas''s hair and Lilith''s cloak; the landscape blurring around them.


    Atlas held onto the Dreadmaw Lion''s thick mane, one arm wrapped securely around Lilith, who rested against his chest, her face pressed into his side as they sped across the open plains.


    The sound of Nala''s thundering paws echoed in the vast space, each stride taking them farther from the dangers. Atlas grinned, while Lilith, still half-asleep, nestled closer, comforted by the steady rhythm of Nala''s gallop.


    Atlas reined Nala to a halt at the crest of a gentle hill, his breath catching as he took in the view. The grasslands stretched endlessly before him, a sea of green and gold swaying under the soft caress of the wind.


    Distant mountains loomed on the horizon, their jagged peaks painted in shades of blue and gray by the early morning light. Above, the sky was vast and open, streaked with ribbons of orange and pink as the sun climbed higher.


    Birds wheeled lazily through the air, their cries faint but clear, carried by the breeze. A small stream wound its way through the plains below, its surface shimmering like liquid silver, which caught his interest.


    Hours later, Nala came to a stop when they saw a mountain ledge above that Atlas used Void Step to get up to.


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 Chapter 284 Theyre Are Fast

    Atlas was standing on a ledge while watching a monster swarm pass by. ''Hopefully, this shit calms down when we get out of the north.''While he did that, Nala appeared beside him and nudged him. ''A few Titans are coming, Master. It''s the reason I suggested hiding for a while.''


    ''''I know and am thankful for it. I''m not strong enough to fight them just yet,'''' Atlas replied while pulling out some food.


    He started eating just as Lilith appeared from the tent he set up. The white-haired young woman stretched as she spoke. ''''Can I get some food, handsome?''''


    Atlas gave her some, as Nala concluded before sitting down. ''Just be careful and don''t attract their attention, Master.''


    ''''I will now go rest, and thanks for helping Nala,'''' he replied while sending the monster back to the Otherworld.


    Once she was gone, Atlas turned his attention back to the landscape that stretched in all directions, but that''s when he spotted the southern road, causing him to think, ''Good, at least we''re close now.''


    The fading sunlight bathed the rolling plains and distant mountains in hues of gold and deep violet. A gentle breeze carried the scent of earth and grass, but it grew sharper with each passing moment as the temperature dropped.


    He exhaled, his breath forming a faint cloud in the cooling air. With a last glance at the horizon, he pulled his cloak tighter around himself and turned toward the tent. Ducking inside, grateful for shelter as the cold of the evening settled in.


    Atlas''s gaze landed on Lilith, seated comfortably and enjoying her meal. She looked up, her violet eyes sparkling as she smiled. ''''This food is delicious,'''' she said, her voice light with delight. ''''I can''t wait to try more.''''


    With a small nod, Atlas reached into his pack and pulled out additional portions, handing them to the Honey Badger woman. Her face lit up with joy, and she eagerly ate, her enthusiasm infectious as she savored each bite.


    As Lilith enjoyed her meal, Atlas decided it was time to test the Void Realm skill. Closing his eyes, he activated it, and in an instant, the world around him shifted. He reappeared at the edge of a large lake.


    Without hesitation, he pulled out his swords, their edges gleaming ominously. With a wave of his hand, he cast Void Infusion, that covered the blades. Atlas quickly raised his blades just as a scythe slashed at him.


    ''That was close! These things are deadly.''


    He deflected it before hitting the monster with a Void Lance that tore through its exoskeleton just as more appeared. Atlas had to think fast as he started blocking the attacks while countering with his own.


    Following that, he used Void Step and appeared in the trees just as more slashes passed through in the spot he was just in. He quickly cast Void Blast, which wiped out the monster as an explosion erupted.


    Altas fled into the trees as more Broodmaws appeared from the surrounding bushes. Thanks to his speed, he rushed through the treetops while checking the monster total and sighed when he saw the amount.


    [Void Broodmaw - 21/10000]


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    [??????????????]


    ''This is going to take some time to clear,'' Atlas thought, his instincts kicking in as he Void Stepped, narrowly evading a creature that lunged at him.


    Before he could steady himself, another monster struck, thrusting its scythe-like appendage directly at his torso. Panic surged through him, and he quickly cast Void Guard, summoning a shimmering barrier of energy.


    Suddenly a creature''s scythe collided with the shield, its razor-sharp tip piercing through and glancing off his armor. The impact was immense; the force hurling Atlas backward. He crashed through the swamp, the murky water and dense foliage breaking his fall as he slid to a stop.


    ''Ah fuck, that hurt,'' he thought while spitting blood out as his regeneration kicked in and started healing his body.


    Atlas stood up just as chittering noises rang out from all around him as the Broodmaws moved toward him. Without waiting, he started slinging a dozen Void Lances that sliced through the air and connected with the monsters.


    The azure projectiles tore through them with ease just as one pounced from behind him and thrust a scythe through his right leg, causing him to let out a scream as pain flowed through his body.


    He swung around and cast Void Blast, which sent the monster flying into the trees as more of them rushed out of the underbrush. Atlas steadied himself, his eyes locking onto another Broodmaw as it advanced with unnerving speed.


    ''These things are driving me mad. They''re so fast,'' he pondered while dodging a lunge.


    Its scythe-like limbs gleamed with a deadly sheen, slicing through the air as it lunged toward him. He dodged to the side with a quick Void Step, narrowly avoiding a strike that gouged deep into the swampy ground.


    Another Broodmaw appeared from the shadows, its scythes arcing in a deadly double strike. Atlas ducked low, feeling the wind of the blades skim past his head, and retaliated with an upward slash, his Void-Infused sword tearing through its carapace.


    The creature screeched, but there was no time to celebrate. A third Broodmaw charged from his left, forcing him to roll through the muck as its scythe slammed into a tree, splitting it in two.


    Breathing heavily, Atlas tightened his grip on his swords, his focus razor-sharp as the next wave of attackers appeared. He yelped as one monster tried to bite him, but he jumped back while deflecting it.


    Sparks flew, but he cast Void Wave to knock them back as he used Void Step to attack the closest, which brought them down. While doing that, he felt several blades piercing through his torse.


    The jarring impact forced Atlas out of the Void Realm, snapping him back to reality. As his vision cleared, he found Lilith leaning over him, her expression etched with worry. She was shaking him gently, her voice trembling as she asked, ''''Master, are you okay?''''


    He blinked before nodding while sitting. ''''I''m fine, Lili. I was just fighting in the Void Realm, but the monsters defeated me.'''' Continue reading at empire


    When the Honey Badger woman heard this, she looked angry as she exclaimed, ''''Take me to them! I will beat those vile creatures for hurting you.''''


    Atlas started laughing before grabbing her hand and reactivating the skill. The duo appeared in the swamp, which confused Lilith as she glanced around while sniffing the air. ''''I can smell them moving I''m,'''' she said with a growl.


    ''Let''s see what she can do,'' he thought before Void Stepped to the branches above as she transformed into another Honey Badger form. ''What is she doing? Why fight like that?''


    He watched as her ferocity captivated him. Lilith let out a guttural snarl, her eyes blazing with unbridled rage as she spotted the Broodmaw. Without hesitation, she lunged at a blur of claws and teeth.


    The creatures hesitated, their usual confidence replaced by shock thanks to the little creature. That hesitation cost them dearly as she tore into the nearest Broodmaw, her claws rending through its tough carapace-like paper.


    A second creature lunged at her, but she spun, slamming it into the ground with enough force to crack the swampy earth. Atlas couldn''t help but marvel as she unleashed her fury, a whirlwind of savage strength, reducing them to broken husks.


    The once-dominant Broodmaws were no match for the primal wrath of the Honey Badger. Lilith was going crazy and dodging the scythes and using them to jump off and slash through the creature''s throats.


    Atlas leaped from the branch, descending like a predator. He landed squarely on a creature''s back, driving his blade through its skull. Blood sprayed across the ground below as the lifeless body crumpled beneath him.


    Wasting no time, he cast Void Wave, unleashing a powerful shockwave that sent nearby monsters stumbling backward. As the chaos erupted, Lilith let out a feral growl, her fury building as she enjoyed the fight.


    Following that, Atlas quickly checked the monster''s total while using Void Bomb to kill dozens of Broodmaws. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Broodmaw - 151/10000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''I''ll get the other girls to fight with us,'' he pondered while deflecting several scythes that were aimed at his throat.


    Chings rang out just as Lilith lunged at the Broodmaw and cracked its exoskeleton open with ease before savaging it. Atlas chuckled when hearing this before casting Void Wave that sent the remaining creatures that flew.


    They moved as a deadly duo, tearing through the horde with relentless precision. His Void-Infused blades flashed in the dim swamp light, slicing through carapaces and limbs, while Lilith, in her Honey Badger form, was a whirlwind of claws and fangs.


    The monsters fell one after another, their shrieks drowned by the sound of clashing steel and savage growls. He carved a path through the chaos, covering Lilith''s flanks as she tore into another Broodmaw, ripping it apart with terrifying strength.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 285 I Wont Neglect Any Of You

    Atlas watched as Lilith tore through the Broodmaws with ease, thanks to her claws and teeth. He had to retreat to the branches above while thinking in shock, ''What the fuck? How can see a fight for so long?''Sweat dripped down his forehead, causing him to dismiss his helmet as he checked the monster total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 211/10000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''Annoying,'' he thought while standing up and casting Void Infusion on his blades before diving back into the battle.


    Atlas landed on the back of a Broodmaw, trying to attack Lilith from behind, but he shoved his swords through its skull before hitting another with a Void Blast that cut a monster in half thanks to its power.


    While this was happening, the Honey Badger was going crazy whenever she saw Atlas getting heard. This drove her over the edge as she grew in size and power, causing the monsters to back away.


    He caught the terror in their beady eyes as Lilith let out a guttural growl, a sound so primal it sent chills racing down his spine. Without hesitation, she lunged at the nearest Broodmaw, her razor-sharp teeth sinking into its flesh.


    It barely had time to screech before she tore it apart like fragile paper, her savage ferocity leaving nothing but mangled remains in her wake. He chuckled when he saw this and joined in.


    With an excited smile, Atlas rushed toward the closest Broodmaw, who started swinging its scythes in his direction. He quickly deflected them before driving his swords into its torso and casting Void Bullets.


    Explosions erupted across the monster''s body as Lilith crashed into its upper half with unrelenting force, driving it to the ground with a smash. Nearby, Atlas raised Void Guard, its shimmering energy shield deflecting a barrage of attacks.


    Sparks showered around him as he surged forward, his weapons blazing with crackling energy. With a primal roar, Atlas unleashed a whirlwind of strikes, his blades carving through a dozen creatures in a matter of heartbeats.


    Limbs and carapaces scattered as his relentless assault left nothing in his path. The Honey Badger froze mid-charge, its wide yellow eyes fixed on Atlas in astonished disbelief, the sheer ferocity of his attacks leaving even the fearless creature in awe.


    Without having a break to two of them continued fighting with all their strength as they killed thousands. Atlas was covered in sweat but didn''t stop as his blades brought down so many Broodmaws that his arms grew tired.


    He sheathed his sword before using Void Punch and Smash, which sent the attacking monsters flying because of the shockwave. Lilith was covering his rear as Atlas pushed himself beyond his limit.


    When the Honey Badger woman saw this, she stopped fighting while thinking, ''He''s using one hundred percent of his power! How has he grown so strong?'' S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The ground seemed to tremble, and her eyes flicked with anticipation as she watched her boy destroying the monsters. With a sharp cry, Atlas raised his glowing fist, Void energy crackling and swirling around it like a contained storm.


    ''He''s mine! I can''t believe how powerful he is now,'' she thought with glowing eyes.


    He lunged forward and slammed his fist into the ground, unleashing a Void Punch that detonated with the force of a thunderclap. The shockwave rippled outward, shattering the front line of Broodmaw into nothing and sending others flying into the air like rag dolls.


    Lilith''s lips curled into a feral grin, as Atlas didn''t pause. He leaped into the air, mana surging through his limbs. With both fists raised high, he brought them down in a titanic Void Smash. The impact shook the battlefield, the deafening boom echoing like a thunderstorm.


    Dozens of Broodmaw crumbled under the devastating blow, their shrieks cut short as the ground itself split beneath them. Lilith''s growl rumbled with approval as she watched him stand amidst the carnage, the mana still radiating from his fists like a storm barely contained.


    ''''You''re a walking cataclysm, handsome,'''' she said with a sharp grin. ''''Let''s finish the rest.''''


    Atlas turned to the white-haired beauty and smirked. ''''Gladly.''''


    Following that, the duo continued fighting until they grew exhausted, forcing them back to the real world. When Atlas woke up in the tent, Lilith lunged at him and started straddling his waist while looking down at him.


    Her smile grew wider, which showed her sharp teeth as she spoke. ''''It seems like you''ve gotten so much stronger, Master.''''


    Atlas nodded while holding the young woman''s slender waist, causing her ears to twitch as she leaned in to whisper, ''''Do you find me beautiful?''''


    ''''Yes, extremely Lili,'''' he answered before turning his head and stealing her plump lips.


    The Honey Badger''s body went stiff, but she quickly reciprocated the kiss with one of her own as she cupped his cheeks. They continued this for a few minutes until separating as Lilith''s eyes sparkled.


    ''''Do you want to be mine, Master?'''' she questioned with a hopeful expression.


    Atlas smiled when hearing this, but he had to get something out of the way first, so answered with his own question, ''''Do you mind if I''m with the others?''''


    ''''Amethyst and the other girls?'''' she instantly replied.


    He nodded in confirmation, causing her smile to grow, ''''Of course, it is, I wouldn''t expect anything different, but you cannot neglect us or I''ll beat you up.''''


    Atlas started chuckling before nodding. ''''I won''t neglect any of you. I''m grateful for having all of you girls in my life, so yes, I want to be with you, Lili.''''


    When the Honey Badger woman heard, a surge of excitement overwhelmed her, consuming her entirely. Unable to contain herself, Lilith bit down on his neck, her sharp teeth pressing into his skin.


    A low groan escaped him, a mix of surprise and pain, as he felt her breath hot against his ear, close and filled with unrestrained energy. The young woman lovingly attacked him while he held her soft ass.


    Lilith leaned up, her eyes gleaming with a wild light as a mischievous grin spread across her face. ''''Fighting in that place was fun,'''' she purred, her voice low and sultry. ''''Especially with you, handsome. Can we do it again?''''


    Atlas chuckled, his exhaustion fading before answering in a warm voice. ''''Yes, but first, let''s rest. Then we''ll meet up with the others.''''


    He reached into his storage, pulling out a couple of thick blankets. Wrapping them securely around the two of them, he added with a knowing smirk, ''''When we wake up, we''ll cause even more trouble for the empire.''''


    Lilith snuggled closer, her smile softening. ''''I like the sound of that,'''' she murmured.


    Following that, Atlas smiled before brushing a lock of white hair out of the Honey Badger''s face while mumbling, ''''I''m happy that I met you in that cave all those years ago, Lili.''''


    He kissed her forehead while lying down and closed his eyes while checking the monster''s total of Level Seven.


    [Void Broodmaw - 891/10000]


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    ''Oh shit, that is an improvement from the last time I looked,'' Atlas thought with excitement before his exhaustion overwhelmed him.


    He fell asleep after cuddling Lilith, who snuggled into him as the night passed. The storm had calmed down, but still had the two trapped in the tent while the other girls were training in the Otherworld.


    The following morning, Atlas woke to the sound of the walls shaking violently under the relentless assault of the wind outside. The howling gusts were constant, their chaotic roar already grating on his nerves.


    Groaning, he climbed out from under the blankets, glancing at Lilith, who remained curled up and undisturbed, her breathing steady and peaceful. With a stretch, his muscles protested, and his bones clicked audibly, making him wince.


    ''''I hate this damn weather,'''' he muttered under his breath, rolling his shoulders to shake off the stiffness. ''''Makes me feel like an old man.''''


    Atlas started a series of stretches, his movements slow but deliberate. Bit by bit, the tension in his body eased, and he felt the stiffness fade. ''''Much better,'''' he sighed.


    Following that, he put on some fresh clothes before stepping outside, only to feel the rough wind hit his face. While standing there, a portal opened, and Grishna and Amethyst stepped through.


    The Orc woman smiled when seeing him. ''''Morning, handsome, how was your night with Lilith?'''' she questioned.


    ''''It was good. We fought in the Void Realm and cleared hundreds of the demons,'''' Atlas answered with an amused chuckle.


    When the two women heard this, Amethyst questioned, ''''Demons?''''


    ''''Yes, they are called Broodmaws and they''re annoying with their sharp scythes that fly at you from anywhere,'''' Atlas answered with a chuckle.


    ''''Can we fight them with you? Estelle''s training is driving us mad,'''' Grishna revealed with a giggle. ''''Artemis, Nulia, and Zena are suffering through it right now.''''


    Atlas started laughing. ''''Yes, it looked like the storm will calm down in a few days, so we have some spare time,'''' he said.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 286 Earn My New Life

    Atlas led Grishna and Amethyst into the tent where Lilith was still sleeping. When the orc woman saw this scene, she teased, ''''Did you ravage her all night, handsome? She looks exhausted.''''When the phoenix woman her head snapped in his direction, he explained, ''''No, we fought for hours in the Void Realm and needed to rest.''''


    Amethyst nodded before revealing, ''''Only a few more months until my eighteenth my love. Then we can take the next step.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me, but I want to go to a city so I can take each of you on a date,'''' Atlas responded.


    When the two women heard this, their faces lit up with bright smiles, but it was the sudden blur that crashed into him that took him by surprise. Atlas started laughing as an excited Lilith was straddling him.


    The white-haired young woman commented in an excited voice, ''''Can you take me on a date? I want to spend more time with you, Master.''''


    Atlas Archer chuckled softly, the sound strained but genuine. ''''Yes, you''re included in that, Lili,'''' he said warmly, pulling the Honey Badger woman into a firm embrace.


    The moment drew soft giggles from Grishna and Amethyst, who stood nearby watching with amused smiles. The ever-straightforward Orc crossed her arms and smirked. ''''Looks like you two are pretty close,'''' she said. ''''Little Bird was right. Bonded souls always find their way to each other.''''


    Following that, Atlas stood up after Lilith stopped kissing him. His face was red, which made the three women laugh. He shook his head before asking, ''''Do you ladies want to help me in the Void Realm?'''' S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They all agreed with a nod, causing him to activate the skill only to reappear in the swamp, which took Grishna and Amethyst by surprise. The two women looked around in fascination as Lilith stepped forward.


    Atlas stepped back, his gaze fixed on Lilith as she shifted, her body morphing into her Honey Badger form. Grishna''s jaw dropped, but Amethyst simply giggled, her purple eyes twinkling with delight.


    Without hesitation, she followed suit, leaping into the air. As her body glowed with an intense golden light, feathers erupted from her frame, and within moments, she transformed into her majestic phoenix form.


    ''They are growing stronger,'' he thought with pride.


    Her wings unfurled with a brilliant burst of purple flames as she soared higher, the fiery glow illuminating the battlefield. She circled above, her special eyes scanning the ground below as she waited to fight.


    Atlas couldn''t help but smirk at the display of power, his grip tightening on his weapon while casting Void Infusion on them. After that, Grishna appeared beside him with her spear as she spoke. ''''Stick together, handsome?''''


    ''''Of course, we''re a team Grish,'''' he replied before casting Void Infusion on her weapon.


    The Orc woman beaned and pulled him in for a quick kiss, which caught Atlas off guard. As she did that, his senses kicked in as the monster''s attack, a Broodmaw lunged from the nearby brush.


    He sidestepped the creature''s attack, his blade gleaming as he swung in a deadly arc, cutting the beast cleanly in half. Before the severed halves hit the ground as more Broodmaws emerged, their guttural cries echoed throughout the swamp.


    The air thickened with the tension of battle as Atlas squared his shoulders, his eyes narrowing while watching the Orc woman fighting with a group of monsters that tried to swamp her, but she was holding her own.


    Grishna lunged forward, her spear slicing cleanly through the Broodmaw''s limb. The monstrous creature toppled over, its massive body crashing to the ground. Wasting no time, she cast several Earth Bolts that tore through its thick exoskeleton.


    Atlas was excited when seeing this as the green-skinned beauty was power with every attack. While fighting Grishna quickly few several metal marbles at the creatures causing the ringing noise to daze them.


    Following that, she launched herself at the monsters before landing in the center while casting several Razorwind Blades that tore them apart. Once seeing that, Atlas joined the fray and started spamming Void Lances into the nearest Broodmaws.


    Explosions thundered, piercing screeches filled the air, and the roar of flames crackled as the battle raged on. The women fought valiantly, staying united and striking as a cohesive team.


    Meanwhile, the Broodmaws seized an opening, isolating Atlas from the group. He was deflecting dozens of attacks with Void Guard before using Void Step to escape into the treetops while making his way back to the group.


    He jumped from branch to branch and stopped to catch his breath. While sitting there, Atlas pulled up the monster amount to see how many they killed. Stay tuned with empire


    [Void Broodmaw - 3349/10000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''Almost halfway there,'' Atlas thought with excitement, just as the women started being sent back to the real world.


    Lilith was the last one to go, which caused him to smile as the Broodmaws converged on him like waves. He readied himself before using Void Wave to push the monster''s back as he started stabbing them.


    Thanks to Void Infusion, his swords shattered the creature''s only defense, causing dozens of them to fall out of the treetops. Atlas continued fighting until his arms grew weaker and he was surprised.


    A Broodmaw lunged from above and crashed into him. It quickly plunged its scythe through his torso, but he cast Void Bombs that erupted. He was sent flying before being sent back to the real world.


    Following that, Atlas woke up in the tent as the three women were sitting around the table, chatting. He sat there slumped on a sofa before he checked the monster''s total to see how many he killed, only to be shocked.


    [Void Broodmaw - 6912/10000]


    [??????????????]


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    [??????????????]


    ''Almost there. If we work with the other women, it''ll go faster,'' he mused, rising to his feet and stretching out his weary muscles.


    When the three women noticed him, they beamed before Lilith jumped up and lunged across the tent, and enveloped him in a tight hug. Atlas started smiling while returning it while holding her perky ass.


    The Honey Badger quickly cupped his cheeks and gave him a passionate kiss, which sent a shock down his spine. Following that, she jumped off as Grishna and Amethyst did the same thing.


    After the greetings Atlas spoke, ''''Let''s head back to the Otherworld, me and Raymond will travel further south as the weather calms down.''''


    They agreed before entering the portal after kissing him on the cheek, but Lilith refused with a huff. She quickly transformed into a tiny Honey Badger that was the size of a kitten. This put a smile on his face.


    Atlas quickly scooped Lilith up and started pampering her. The Honey Badger woman relished the attention and squirmed around in his arms. Following that, he put her in his shirt with her head popping out.


    She kept turning around and nibbling on his neck, which sent a shiver down his spine. Atlas left the tent before sending it back to storage. Once that was done, he summoned Raymond, who appeared from a portal.


    ''Morning master, traveling again?'' the massive Stormeagle greeted.


    Atlas approached the bird and started stroking it before climbing on its back. ''''Yes, let''s take out the empire''s castles and forts in Astoria. That will help the realms retake their lost homes with our help.''''


    With a powerful beat of his wings, Raymond launched into the sky, snow swirling in his wake as he climbed higher. The icy air whipped past Atlas, who clung to the Stormeagle''s feathers, his eyes scanning the endless expanse of snow-covered wilderness below.


    Frosted trees stretched out like a sea of white, their tops glistening under the pale morning sun. As they soared, the landscape shifted. The jagged peaks of distant mountains framed the horizon and, nestled in the valley between them, a massive castle came into view.


    Its dark stone walls loomed ominously, standing out against the pristine snow. Towers jutted upward like claws, and plumes of smoke rose from within, a clear sign of activity. When Atlas saw this, he smiled. ''Now it''s time to show the empire that they poked the wrong bear!''


    ''''There it is,'''' he murmured, leaning forward slightly.


    Raymond let out a low, thunderous cry in response, banking gently to adjust their course toward the fortress. While approaching the fortress, Atlas stood up and clenched a fist as he mumbled. ''''Now let''s bring light to Astoria with a fist.''''


    ''Are you fighting alone? How will you fight the powerful opponent in there?'' the creature questioned in a worried voice.


    ''''I have you and the girls,'''' Atlas replied as he transformed into his Voidwalker form and continued. ''''One person''s light can chase away a thousand shadows. This is where I earn my new life and everything that comes with it.''''


    The wind howled as Raymond soared higher; the castle growing ever larger beneath them. Atlas could feel the weight of the coming battle. Without a word, he gave a single nod to his loyal monster, who responded with a deep, resonating call.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 287 Kill Them All

    Atlas looked at the fortress below before leaping from the Stormeagle''s back, plummeting through the sky like a comet streaking toward the earth. The ground rushed up to meet him, and the world blurred.His body twisted mid-air, arms outstretched, and he summoned the void itself. Dark mana swirled around him, forming a crackling sphere of destructive power. With a roar, Atlas slammed into the earth just outside the castle''s gates.


    The impact shattered everything, causing a shockwave to ripple through the snow-covered landscape as the Void Smash exploded outward, tearing through the castle''s stone walls, collapsing towers, and sending debris flying in all directions.


    Atlas was crouched at the bottom of a crater in his Voidwalker form. An azure glow lit up the surroundings. His smile grew wider as he summoned several Giant Tarrasques that rushed out of the portal before climbing up.


    He quickly appeared in the courtyard as the survivors were still coming two. Atlas grinned and lunged at a group of Achaemendians and started ripping them apart with her sharp claws that stained the ground with blood.


    The colossal monsters unleashed their fury, tearing through anything that moved with unrelenting savagery. Amid the chaos, Atlas was a whirlwind of destruction. With a single slash, he bisected a soldier using his sharp claws.


    Pivoting, he hurled a Void bomb into a cluster of enemies, detonating with a thunderous explosion that obliterated them. The explosion flung the surviving Achaemendians like rag dolls, their screams lost in the deafening roar.


    Atlas reveled in the carnage, his bloodthirsty grin illuminated by the flames. While fighting, the women''s voices echoed in his mind. ''''Summon us! We want to help.''''


    Without hesitation, he opened a portal seconds later. Nulia in her Frostbear rushed out first before letting out an earth-shaking roar, her breath freezing the ground beneath her as she charged into a squad of soldiers, scattering them like leaves in a storm.


    Overhead, Amethyst''s voice cut through the din. ''''Atlas! An army approaches from the south! Too many for us alone!"


    The warning only ignited Atlas''s determination further, causing him to turn to the blonde knight and speak with a wild smile, ''''Clear this place out and come to the wall. Watch how much grown.''''


    When Estelle heard this, she gave a sharp nod, her blade a blur as she killed soldier after soldier, the commander crumpling under her relentless assault. Meanwhile, Atlas surged through the chaos of the fortress, his presence a whirlwind of power.


    Vaulting across the roofs, he bellowed commands to the monstrous horde trailing him. ''''Form up outside!'''' he roared, his voice slicing through the clamor of battle. ''''Let the world witness my power!''''


    The Tarrasques let out a thunderous, earth-shaking roar in response, their colossal forms stampeding after him. Nearing the fortress wall, Atlas equipped his helmet with one thought as it snapped on.


    With a crackling burst of energy, he landed below with an earth-shattering thud, a harbinger of doom to all who dared stand in his path. That''s when the enemy army stopped marching and the monsters destroyed the walls again.


    They lined up, massive forms forming an unbreakable wall of muscle and fury. Atlas Void Stepped onto the head of one. From there, he unleashed his magic, causing his mana to pour into the rift.


    Portals erupted around him, crackling with energy as they widened. Out came the first wave, an army of Void Ghouls. Their eerie howls filled the air. They surged forward, quickly forming the first ranks.


    But Atlas was far from finished as he summoned his Werewolves, their eyes feral and their claws gleaming, waiting to fight. Next were the creepy Gibberlings, their twisted bodies scuttling with disturbing speed; Hobgoblins, their monstrous forms ready to wreak havoc.


    The ground trembled under the weight of hundreds of other horrors that appeared. And finally, as if to cap the horrors he had unleashed, he summoned a thousand Kenkus, who were screeching in excitement as they gathered like a tide of death.


    The enemies, witnessing this nightmarish army before them, faltered for the briefest moment, uncertain whether they should flee or fight. But Atlas drew his swords, their dark edges gleaming.


    He quickly cast Void Infusion on them, causing the swords to blaze to life, a radiant blue glow pulsing from their edges, casting an ethereal light across the battlefield. The six women appeared on the wall. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Estelle looked at the Honey Badger woman and spoke in a serious tone, ''''You can''t join him, Lili. It''s too dangerous.''''


    Lilith, however, refused to heed their warning when they tried to stop her from rushing out in excitement. With a mischievous grin, she leaped off and rushed toward Atlas, her human form radiating energy. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    Upon spotting her, Atlas commanded the Tarrasque to lower its tail. As the massive creature complied, Lilith sprang onto it, bounding toward him with a burst of speed. She threw herself into his arms, her yellow eyes gleaming with affection.


    Atlas chuckled warmly at the sight, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. A shiver ran through Lilith, and with a playful flicker, she shrank into her tiny form. Without hesitation, she climbed into the folds of his armor, curling up comfortably.


    Following that, he raised a blade high and bellowed, ''''Kill them all!''''


    The ground seemed to shake with the fury of his words, and at his command, the monster army surged forward. When the Achaemendians saw this, the leaders started screaming out orders.


    Atlas watched as the Void Ghouls crashed into the frontline and started tearing through them like a hot knife through butter. While that happened, the Kenkus split into two groups before vanishing into the surroundings.


    Seconds later, the rest of the monsters charged forward as Bloodhawks swooped down and took out the Achaemendians with ease. Magic attacks struck the horde, but they pushed forward while demolishing the enemies.


    Afterward, the battle erupted as monsters pounced on the soldiers, who couldn''t hold them back, as it was too overwhelming. Atlas jumped to the ground as the Kenkus moved in before slamming into the enemy flanks.


    The bird assassins were skilled and blocked the Achaemendian''s attacks, causing sparks to fly just as more washed over the soldiers. Following this, the six women joined the fray and started mowing down the enemies.


    His monster army moved with terrifying speed. The Tarrasques tore through the enemy ranks, their tails sweeping aside entire squads like leaves in a storm. Bloodhawks dived from above, unleashing their claws upon the soldiers, their screams lost in the roar of battle.


    At the center of the carnage, Atlas stood tall, his eyes glowing with command. ''''Leave none standing,'''' his voice echoed over the battlefield.


    Obeying his order, colossal Void Golems surged forward, their earth-shattering footsteps crushing the last remnants of resistance. The enemy''s lines crumbled under the attack, swords and shields clattering uselessly to the ground as fear took hold.


    Following that, Atlas used Void Step to appear away from the battle as he spotted Nulia sitting there watching the battle unfold. When he materialized, the brown-skinned woman beamed as she spoke. ''''Your monsters are a menace handsome, they are wiping out the army with ease.''''


    ''''There''s so many, it doesn''t surprise me that the empire was caught unprepared this time,'''' he answered while sitting next to her. ''''But it won''t always be this easy once they adapt to the creatures.''''


    Nulia started laughing as she wrapped an arm around his shoulder before placing a soft kiss on his cheek. ''''You''ll figure it out. We all trust you.''''


    Atlas smiled warmly, but a sudden instinct flared within him, prompting swift action. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a protective embrace and cast Void Guard around them just as a deafening explosion erupted.


    They were sent hurtling through the air, but Atlas landed firmly on his feet, steady as a rock. Nulia blinked in confusion, her eyes darting around to make sense of the chaos. Before she could react, Atlas had already surged forward, closing the distance to meet an approaching man head-on.


    The stranger''s fist hurtled toward him, but Atlas intercepted it with a rock-solid block. In the same breath, he launched a powerful counterpunch, the force of it echoing like thunder across the battlefield.


    Without missing a beat, the two began trading furious blows, each strike faster and more ferocious than the last. Amid the fray, Atlas delivered a crushing punch to the stranger''s hand, sending his weapon spinning through the air and clattering to the ground.


    The balance of power shifted in an instant as Atlas pressed his advantage, his movements unyielding and full of determination. When the enemy tried to kick him, he blocked it before hitting the man with a fully charged Void Blast.


    Just as another strike was about to land, a blur shot into the fray. Nulia''s fist collided with the attacker''s side, sending them stumbling. ''''Need a sparring partner?'''' she quipped, shaking out her knuckles.


    Atlas smirked. ''''Took you long enough.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 288 Moonlit Harbor

    While Atlas delivered bone-crushing punches that kept the opponent off balance, Nulia''s movements were a blur of speed and precision. Her fists struck like iron hammers, each blow landing with accuracy.As those two were fighting, Lilith was rushing around the battlefield taking out any Empire soldiers she came across. By the time she slowed down to catch her breath, she was covered in blood.


    She huffed before going after the mages that tried attacking her boy. Atlas watched the Honey Badger going crazy as she zoomed around, which made him smile. Following that, Estelle, Grishna, and Artemis were fighting close together.


    Explosions rang out, monster howls and screeches echoed across the land. Seconds later, Atlas noticed a group of cannons were taking out the Tarrasques but were soon overwhelmed by the Kenkus.


    Their blades sunk deep into the Achaemendians. The battle went on for hours, as Atlas and the women were too much for the army, causing it to crumble. Thanks to all the monsters that were fighting, they won the fight.


    Atlas stood at the edge of the battlefield as he watched the Void Ghouls chasing after the soldiers on horses. He dismissed his helmet, causing the fresh air to brush against his face just as Amethyst landed with a thud.


    She transformed into her humanoid form as she spoke with a big smile. ''''That will send a message to Astoria. Now all we need to do is find a city to relax in for a while.'''' Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Are there any free cities close by?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire


    The purple-haired woman nodded with a twinkle in her eyes. ''''Moonlit Harbor. We could hide out there for a while. Although allied with the empire, they remain isolated, making it a haven.''''


    He nodded in agreement and replied after she told him where the city was and how to get there, ''''Go inform the others and meet me at the entrance. I need to get the Void Ghouls to handle the looting.''''


    Amethyst''s face lit up with joy. She tiptoed closer, pressing a love-filled kiss to his cheek before dashing off. Left alone, Atlas couldn''t help but smile, the warmth of her gesture lingering as he turned his attention back to the task at hand.


    With a wave of his hand, he summoned the eerie Void Ghouls, their hollow eyes gleaming as they awaited his command. ''''Go loot everything valuable and bring it here,'''' he said.


    The monsters nodded before sprinting off, causing Atlas to walk toward a barrel and sit down while watching everything. He quickly noticed Grishna, Estelle, and Zena were chatting while walking out of the fortress''s keep.


    Amethyst, Artemis, and Nulia were sitting by a fountain drinking some ale the brunette gave them. While sitting there, he pulled out some Horned Rabbit Kebab and started eating, which tasted delicious.


    Hours passed by the time the Ghouls were done with the looting. There was now a giant pile of gold, silver, and other valuable items. Atlas quickly stored it all in his storage as Estelle approached, ''''Can we rest in the Otherworld, handsome? I used too much magic in the fight and need to rest like the others,'''' she asked.


    Atlas nodded before opening a portal, causing the blonde to smile when seeing this. She kissed him and stepped through as the others did the same until Lilith was left standing there with a knowing smirk.


    He gulped and quickly warned the Honey Badger woman with a chuckle, ''''Don''t you dare Lili! We are in the middle of ruins. It''s no time to fight.''''


    Lilith didn''t listen and lunged forward and collided with his chest. Atlas yelped, but she straddled and started nibbling on his ears. A shiver shot down his spine as she attempted to pin him down.


    Atlas let her do it with a smile until she leaned up with glowing yellow eyes. Her smile revealed her sharp teeth before she spoke, ''''I love watching you fight master, it makes me want to sit on your face.''''


    His cheeks went red when hearing his, but quickly grabbed Lilith''s tight ass and replied with a knowing grin, ''''All we have to do is wait a few months and I can claim you. I want to get to know you girls even more before taking that step.''''


    The Honey Badger nodded in understanding before transforming into her smaller size and climbing into his armor. Once Lilith was comfortable, Atlas summoned Theo the Blood Bat King, who appeared from the azure portal.


    He let out a chirp while nudging his head against Atlas''s body. He stroked the creature with a smile. ''''It''s good to see you boy, now it''s time for some rest. Do you want to fly me there?''''


    Theo lowered his body, allowing him to climb onto its bed and get comfortable. The bat looked back to make sure he was safe before taking off with a powerful flap of its wings and quickly took to the sky.


    ''A couple of weeks of rest before heading south to clear the empire from the continent,'' he thought with a smile while glancing around.


    For hours, they soared across the skies of North Astoria, Theo''s massive wings cutting through the crisp air like blades. Below, the rugged landscape stretched endlessly, ancient forests, jagged mountains, and rivers.


    The sound of his wingbeats echoed against the stillness. As the sun began its drop far in the horizon, the world around them was bathed in a golden-red hue, shadows stretching long over the land.


    From atop Theo''s back, Atlas scanned the horizon, his keen eyes catching sight of a secluded cliff jutting out over a valley. Towering stone outcroppings are a perfect place to rest.


    ''''There,'''' he said while pointing toward the cliff. ''''Take us down.''''


    Theo tilted his wings, descending as the wind howled around them as they neared the rocky ledge, the last rays of sunlight fading into the horizon. With a soft thud, the Blood Bat King touched down on the cliff, his claws gripping the stone firmly.


    Atlas dismounted, his eyes scanning the area before nodding in approval. ''''This will keep us safe for the night,'''' he murmured, his voice low as the first stars appeared in the sky.


    Following that, he sent Theo back to the Otherworld as he went about setting up a tent for him and Lilith. The Honey Badger woman climbed out of his armor and jumped to the ground while staring at him.


    Her yellow eyes gleamed with fascination. Ten minutes later, Atlas was done with it and turned to her. ''''I think this will keep us warm tonight, Lili. If not, we can cuddle.''''


    When she heard this, her eyes glowed with love before she rushed toward in as excitement surged through her small body. Atlas sighed just as she crashed into his chest and took him to the ground.


    ''This damn demon woman loves attacking me,'' he thought with a smile.


    Lilith continued attacking him all over as she nibbled on his neck and ears, which made him laugh. He tried to get the Honey Badger off him, but she put a stop to that by sitting on his chest.


    Atlas sighed in defeat, raising his hands in surrender. She let out a pleased huff, her tail swishing contentedly, before leaning in to lick his face. Her voice echoed softly in his mind, tinged with warmth. ''You know I care for you, right? This is how my kind shows affection.''


    Hearing her words, Atlas couldn''t help but smile. He reached out, pulling Lilith into a tight embrace. She yelped in surprise but quickly relaxed, nestling against him as he sat up, shaking his head with a quiet chuckle.


    Gazing down at her with the softest smile, Atlas smothered Lilith in affection. His fingers glided through her fur, pausing to scratch behind her ears just the way she liked. Lilith''s heart wavered, the weight of his care melting away her every hesitation.


    Soon, she couldn''t resist any longer and crumbled like sugar under warmth. With a blissful sigh, she nestled into his arms, utterly content, as if it was the safest place in the world for her.


    Atlas smiled, but she quickly transformed into her human form with a big smile on her beautiful face. Lilith leaned forward and kissed him before nuzzling into his neck, which made him smile.


    While relaxing outside the tent, he quickly started a fire using Void Bullet, which sent warmth spreading across the mountain ledge. As that happened, she questioned in a curious tone, ''''Why do you care for me so much? I attacked you at our first meeting.''''


    ''''I don''t care about that Lili,'''' he answered while moving a white lock out of her face as her ears twitched. ''''In my past life, everyone I loved abandoned me and I was alone until I met you girls and I''m thankful for every one of you sticking with me.''''


    Following that, Atlas stood up as it started raining and climbed inside the tent before cuddling with Lilith, who happily returned the favor.


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 Chapter 289 Is There A Problem

    Atlas and Lilith were cuddled up comfortably as the rain lashed against the tent, and the wind howled. Winter was setting in, causing the landscape to turn white and cold, but thanks to the Runes, the couple was warm.The next morning, Atlas woke up but felt stiff as cold air invaded their safe space. He quickly cast a Void Bullet at the corner, which lit up the fires and warmed them up. Afterward, he climbed out of the sheets and looked out the window.


    ''Damn, well, I can spend some time with Lilith and kill more Broodmaws in the Void Realm,'' he thought with a sigh.


    While standing there, a sweet voice echoed from the pile of blankets, ''''Master! Come back to bed. It''s freezing and I want a cuddle!''''


    Atlas chuckled before joining the Honey Badger woman as they started fooling around. When he was under it, she straddled him with glowing yellow eyes while questioning with a giggle, ''''I got you now, handsome. What if I ravaged you here and now? The bird can''t do anything about it.''''


    When Atlas heard this, a burst of laughter escaped him, bubbling up uncontrollably. Lilith tilted her head, utterly baffled by his reaction, but his laughter was so infectious that she couldn''t help it, and started giggling.


    ''''You silly girl,'''' he said while poking her said which caused Lilith to yelp but he continued. ''''But the time isn''t right, my brave Honey Badger. We don''t want to rush things. I''m enjoying spending time with you.''''


    The white-haired beauty nodded in understanding before suggesting something he never expected, ''''Why don''t I trade places with one of the girls in a few hours? It lets them spend some time with you.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Sounds good Lili, do you want to fight more monsters with me in the meantime? I love it when you''re there,'''' he asked.


    The white-haired beauty nodded with a big smile, ''''Let''s go! We will destroy those insects!'''' she said with excitement.


    Following that, Atlas activated Void Realm, and the two appeared in the jungle swamp. Lilith transformed into her Honey Badger form just as the chittering echoed out from all around them.


    ''Here they come, looks like a swarm,'' he thought as his excitement surged.


    He quickly took out his swords before casting Void Infusion on the blades, causing a blue glow to light up everything around him. Seconds later, the Broodmaws appeared and started attacking.


    Lilith vanished thanks to being so fast, but Atlas deflected a dozen attacks just as he cast Void Wave that sent them flying. The monsters crashed down just as a dozen Void Bullets peppered their torsos.


    Explosions ripped through the jungle just as he spotted Lilith fighting with a group. She was on the creature''s back while tearing apart the exoskeleton. Atlas chuckled when seeing this before checking the monster total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 7,002/10,000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????] S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [??????????????]


    Following that, the couple continued fighting with the Broodmaws. Explosions erupted all over the jungle as he hit the monsters with Void Bombs and Lances that killed dozens, but that''s when a newcomer appeared.


    His eyes widened in shock as large black ants the size of lions rushed at him while their mandibles snapped in his direction. As Atlas stood there, Lilith barreled into the monster, causing him to scan it using Void Sight.


    [Void Kraxari]


    [Rank A+]


    [Just like an angry mother-in-law, they will attack for no reason]


    Lilith was fighting with the Kraxari, but more moved it causing Atlas to use Void Step to cut them down as they got close. Once the Honey Badger beat her opponent, she flew around the battlefield like a rocket.


    Her claws carved through the exoskeletons with ease. When Atlas saw this, his excitement soared. The two of them continued killing the monsters with ease as they started to grow tired thanks to the overwhelming numbers.


    The Honey Badger returned to the real world first as a swarm of Broodmaws jumped her from the underbrush. Shortly after that, Atlas got bit by the Kraxari, which sent pain shooting through his body.


    He woke up under the sheets, with Lilith cuddled up to him. When Atlas saw this, he smiled before kissing the white-haired beauty on the forehead while checking the monster total to see how many they killed.


    [Void Broodmaw - 7,013/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 100/1,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''That''s a lot of ants to kill,'' he mused while getting comfortable. ''Well, I''ll get the girls to help me.''


    Following that, the couple fell asleep as thunder boomed overhead. By the time Atlas woke up, the tent was dark as the mana lamps ran out of fuel. With a tired yawn, he stood up and approached.


    Atlas quickly filled them up, causing the things to come to life, and lit up the tent. Following that, he sat down and pulled out some food as his stomach rumbled. While eating, Estelle''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Are we taking a break in Moonlit City, my love?''


    ''Yes, is there a problem?'' he replied.


    Seconds later, a portal opened, and the blonde knight stepped out with a warn snake as she explained. ''''No, it will be a good place to hide out, but we will need to be careful while there. The gangs are notorious for robbing tourists.''''


    Atlas raised his eyebrow before answering, ''''We can just kill them and throw the bodies into the Otherworld.''''


    When Estelle heard this, her blue eyes widened but nodded in agreement, ''''That''s a good plan, we should be fine there. The nobles don''t care for the empire too much, as their navy is powerful and able to hold them off.''''


    Following that, the two of them continued talking until the blonde yawned and crawled under the blankets before motioning for him to join her, which he happily did. Once the couple was comfortable, Lilith put her head on the other side.


    He smiled as the exhaustion overwhelmed him and he fell asleep as the howl of a Titan rang out across the landscape. The tent was hidden on a ledge that was covered by darkness, which stopped the monsters from bothering them.


    The next morning, Atlas woke up with a yawn as the storm had calmed down, which would allow them to travel. He got out of bed before sending Estelle and Lilith back to Otherworld, where they could sleep in a comfortable bed.


    Once the ladies departed, he stepped outside and sent the tent into his storage. With a thought, he summoned Theo, the Blood Bat King, who appeared with an impressive stretch of its massive wings.


    Atlas climbed onto the creature''s back, settling in as he gave Theo the directions. Their destination, Moonlit City, lay on a sprawling island to the west. With a powerful beat of its wings, the Blood Bat King launched into the air, carrying him toward their holiday destination.


    Theo''s wings sliced through the crisp ocean air, each powerful beat propelling them forward over the vast, moonlit waters below. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the distant shore mixed with the low whistle of the wind rushing past.


    As they soared higher, the horizon shifted, and a shimmering glow appeared in the distance. Slowly, the outline of a sprawling city came into view, its towering spires and glittering lights reflecting off the dark surface of the ocean.


    Atlas ordered the monster to fly low while approaching the city as ships appeared everywhere. Ten minutes later, Theo let out a chirp before landing with a thud when reaching a secluded beach.


    He sent the Blood Bat King back to the Otherworld as Grishna and Amethyst joined him. The two women smiled at him as the Orc Woman commented, ''''Well, looks like our holiday is about to begin. We don''t have to worry about gold. Between us, we can hire a mansion during our stay.''''


    When the phoenix woman heard this, she spoke with a big smile, ''''Let''s go rent one out so we can relax. A few weeks of this sounds like heaven.''''


    Atlas chuckled before walking toward a road in the distance. While traveling, Grishna grabbed his arm and commented in an excited tone, ''''I heard the food in Moonlit City is the best in Astoria. We should buy as much as we can.''''


    He agreed with a nod as the trio reached the road and started following it until a beautiful city appeared in the distance. Atlas could see the massive metal gate and towers that guarded the wall.


    ''Looks like it came out of a fantasy movie,'' he thought with a smile. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    The trio trudged along the winding path, the distant hum of activity growing louder with every step. As they crested a small hill, the sight before them came into full view. Dozens of merchant caravans lined the road leading to the city.


    Exotic monsters pulled heavily laden carts, their scales and fur glinting in the sunlight, while the scent of spices and roasted food wafted through the air.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 290 Ye Olde Snore & Roar

    Atlas, Grishna, and Amethyst got into the line that led into Moonlit City. While standing there, he turned to the Orc Woman, ''''Where are all these people coming from, Grish?''''''''The ferry,'''' she answered while moving out of the way of the city guard, who were marching past. ''''The council loves trade so they welcome merchants and travelers that spend gold in their city.''''


    He nodded in understanding before turning his attention to the massive stone wall that was thirty meters high, with towers dotting evenly along its length. Atlas noticed hundreds of soldiers patrolling the top.


    ''This city must be big to have this many troops,'' he pondered as several wyverns passed over, causing Amethyst to stiffen.


    The phoenix woman flared, causing Atlas to question, ''''What''s wrong, beautiful?''''


    ''''I hate the Wyvern Riders,'''' she spat with hate laced in her voice. ''''They hunted my tribe while helping the empire. The elders hated them and had to use up a lot of power to defeat the attackers when they came to the village.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he leaned into Amethyst''s pointy ear and whispered. ''''One day we will get revenge for you, my love.''''


    The young woman beamed when hearing this and tightened her grip on his arm as she rested her head on his shoulder. While this happened, Grishna giggled before teasing them, ''''Get a room, love birds! It''s bad enough I have to wait, but seeing you two so loved up makes me want to jump him.''''


    ''''I''m sorry, Grish, but it''s important to my kind that we lose our virginity together,'''' Amethyst explained with an apologetic expression. ''''It helps our bond grow even more.''''


    When the Orc woman heard this, her smile widened as she moved to the other side while wrapping her arm around Amethyst''s shoulder and replied with an amused tone, ''''It''s okay, little sister. We all understand and are not in a rush to do the deed.''''


    Following that, the trio moved a little as the queue stepped forward and the city guards let the merchants pass through. It took them a few hours until they were standing in the entrance square.


    Atlas glanced around with wide eyes at a medieval fantasy city, with people wandering around while shopping at stalls dotting the square. Amethyst quickly spoke with a big smile. ''''Let''s get a city map. We should stay at the best inn here.''''


    Grishna agreed with a firm nod while speaking in an amused voice as they started walking looking for a place that sells a map, ''''Definitely, we deserve the rest after all the dogs we''ve been slaughtering.''''


    The trio wandered through the bustling square, weaving between people and merchants, hawking their wares. The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meats filled the air, mingling with the tang of leather and spices.


    Atlas spotted a small stall with a hand-painted sign that read Maps & Guides and pointed it out. ''''There we can get one from there,'''' he said, leading the way.


    Behind the stall stood an elderly man with spectacles perched on the tip of his nose. He smiled warmly as they approached. ''''Looking for a map, are you? This one here''s the best you''ll find!''''


    He handed them a neatly folded parchment, the city''s streets, and landmarks inked with clear detail. Amethyst inspected it with an approving nod, handing over a silver coin. ''''Perfect! Let''s see what this place has to offer for a holiday.''''


    With the map in hand, Atlas and the women ventured into the city, marveling at the vibrant life surrounding them. Street performers played lively tunes, and children dashed through the streets, laughing.


    They stopped now and then to admire quaint shops or sample street food. As the sun dipped, they unfolded the map to locate an inn. Amethyst squinted at the names and suddenly burst into laughter.


    ''''Oh no, look at this one!'''' She pointed to a spot near the edge of the square labeled Ye Olde Snore & Roar.


    Atlas snorted before chuckling, ''''That''s got to be a joke.''''


    ''''I say we stay there,'''' their third companion chimed in, grinning.


    When they arrived, the inn''s sign was a comical painting of a dragon snoring while villagers fled, had all three of them laughing again. Atlas noticed the cozy lights coming from the windows.


    The trio stepped into the inn, greeted by the lively hum of conversation and the clinking of mugs. Dozens of patrons filled the tables, laughing over frothy pints of ale. The warm glow of firelight danced across the cozy hall, the crackling hearths sending heat through the air.


    Grishna''s face lit up at the sight, her tusked grin wide with excitement, ''''This is perfect!'''' she exclaimed. ''''We can order a feast for our room and drink until we can''t see straight!''''


    Atlas couldn''t help but laugh at Grishna''s enthusiasm, shaking his head as he stepped toward the counter. Behind it stood a towering man with broad shoulders and a beard as thick as a forest.


    He was cleaning a glass with a practiced rhythm, but as the trio approached, he glanced up, offering a warm smile. ''''Welcome the Ye Olde Snore & Roar. Like the name I see? It''s named after my dear old wife.''''


    As the older man said that, a woman''s woman''s voice echoed out, ''''Jonathan! Serve the customers to stop gossiping!''''


    Atlas started laughing when he heard that, and the man Johnathan turned to them with a big smile. ''''Now you know where the Roar comes from. How can I help you, young ones?'''' the man asked, his voice deep and friendly.


    Atlas leaned against the counter, his grin still lingering. ''''Could we get your best room for a month, please? And¡­ if we pay extra, can we have stuff sent up to it?'''' he asked, tilting his head curiously.


    Jonathan nodded while opening a book and asking for a name, causing him to answer, ''''Atlas Montague.''''


    The older man smiled before revealing the price, ''''That will be five gold coins with food, baths, and other amenities available to you.''''


    Atlas handed over the coins and received a key in return as Jonathan spoke, ''''Head to the top floor, look for the blue door. That''s your room young man and there''s a device in there that will allow you to call down to the kitchen.''''


    Following that, he thanked the older man before heading upstairs while Grishna commented with a giggle, ''''Looks like this place will be fun, especially with you here, handsome.'''' Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After speaking, the Orc woman slapped him on the back, ''''At least all that loot we got from the empire will help in Moonlit City.''''


    Atlas chuckled when hearing this. ''''Yeah, that last fortress gave me loads of gold coins which we can use here.'''' Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Amethyst spoke up suddenly, breaking the silence. ''''We all need new armor. This place should have some great shops we can check out.''''


    Minutes later, the trio spotted the blue door at the end of the corridor, causing Grishna to dart forward after grabbing the keys from his hand. Amethyst followed behind, causing Atlas to shake his head as they entered the room.


    He walked into the room as the phoenix woman held the door for him with a big smile. ''''This place looks comfortable, my love. It will be a good place to rest.''''


    The room was spacious and elegantly decorated, featuring a plush carpet and a grand, oversized bed positioned in one corner. Large windows and a door opened onto a balcony, offering a stunning view of the city below.


    Atlas finished admiring the room and agreed with a nod before slumping down on a nearby sofa, which made him feel good. ''Ah, so comfortable, I''m glad that we found this place,'' he thought.


    Following that, he opened a portal for the other woman and they stepped through while glancing around. Nulia was first followed by Estelle, Zena, and Lilith, who was in her human form chatting with Artemis.


    When the four ladies saw Atlas, they beamed before greeting him with a kiss and cuddle before the blonde commented, ''''This place looks nice. I assume we''ve arrived at Moonlit City?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he replied with a big smile. ''''Order whatever you like, but I''m heading back to clear more monsters from the Void Realm. If you do grab something to eat, make sure to get me something, too.''''


    Just as those words left his lips, Lilith and Amethyst jumped in his lap as the duo wanted to help him. This caused the others to giggle before asking to join, which Atlas accepted and activated the skill that sucked into the strange world.


    The seven of them appeared in the swamp as Atlas started explaining about the Broodmaws and Kraxari which surprised the group but they readied for battle when a creepy chittering noise echoed out.


    He pulled out his swords and cast Void Infusion on them before doing the same for Estelle, Grishna, Artemis, and Zena. Amethyst quickly transformed into her phoenix form as she soared into the sky.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 291 One Step behind Us

    Atlas and the women were fighting in the Void Realm as explosions erupted all over the jungle, as the Broodmaws and Kraxari. Amethyst and Nulia were in their monster forms and tore through the creatures.


    Estelle, Grishna, Artemis, and Zena fought together as the blonde knight protected them from the Broodmaw''s slashes. Atlas grinned before rushing forward and slicing through the creature''s limbs.


    ''This is getting easier thanks to the girls,'' he thought with an excited smile.


    They came crashing down allowing his magic to end them with little effort, as that happened a Kraxari rushed out of the underbrush and started trying to attack him. Atlas blocked the sharp mandibles.


    Sparks flew as his blades connected, his arms strained, but he quickly cast Void Wave that sent them flying all over the place. He quickly used Void Step to appear in the treetops above just before checking the monster''s total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 7,753/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 2230/1,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''Going quick, the Broodmaws are nearly finished, but what other monsters will appear?'' Atlas thought while blocking a giant ant creature.


    His magic destroyed the Kraxari, sending it back to the Void Realm. Following that, he turned to Amethyst, who was soaring above the jungle just as a flying insect that slammed into her body ambushed her.


    She let out a loud screech as her claws tore apart the monsters just before an explosion of purple fire washed over the others. Atlas was shocked, but he shook his head and scanned the newcomer.


    [Void Bloodwing]


    [Rank A+]


    [These giant dragonflies are like a toxic feminist so destroy it quickly]


    Atlas chuckled at the description before using Void Blast against the ground, sending him flying into the sky, only to see a swarm of them. He quickly sent several Void Bombs at the creatures.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air and erupted when connecting with the monsters, sending their corpses plummeting from the sky. They vanished back into the realm just as Amethyst got ganged up on.


    She tried to fight them off, but it was too much for her, causing Atlas to send her back to the real world before she felt pain. The next to fall was Nulia, as the remaining Broodmaws ambushed her from behind.


    Following those two falling, the others were the next targets. He quickly jumped down and cut off a part of the horde, but they quickly lunged forward and overwhelmed him by surprise just after he sent the remaining women back.


    Atlas woke up in the hotel room and saw Grishna standing by the device that orders stuff. ''''Bring seven of everything,'''' she said in a cheerful tone. ''''Yes, we have the coin. Our husband will pay for it.''''


    The Orc woman turned with a playful wink, drawing laughter from the group just as Atlas rose to his feet, stretching his arms with a satisfied sigh. His gaze swept across the room, taking in the scene before him. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amethyst and Artemis sat together, engrossed in a book, their heads closed as they quietly exchanged thoughts. Nearby, Estelle was patiently guiding Zena, the wolf woman, through a lesson, her gestures animated yet precise.


    Lilith, in her Honey Badger form, was curled up into a tight ball beside him, her peaceful presence a comforting contrast to her usual fiery behavior. Across the room, Nulia sat in quiet meditation, perfectly still as she centered herself.


    Following that, Atlas noticed Grishna was done with the order before turning around with a big smile that showed off her tusks, ''''Dinner is ordered, it should take an hour to get here which gives me time to find a blacksmith to get something.''''


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    ''''I''ll come with you,'''' he offered, causing Lilith to jump up in alarm.


    This made everyone laugh as she scuttled toward him and climbed up his body before sitting on his shoulder. She licked his cheek as her voice echoed in his mind, ''You''re not leaving me behind, Master.''


    Atlas nodded and started stroking the little creature, who got overly excited, making the other women giggle when they saw her reaction. Following that, the others chose to stay behind, as it was cold outside.


    ''''We''ll wait for the food. Don''t take too long, otherwise it will get cold,'''' Estelle commented while looking up from her talk with Artemis.


    Grishna grabbed his hand before pulling him out of the room after he said goodbye to the others. Amethyst shook her head while commenting, ''''Those two will get into trouble while outside. Mark my words.''''


    Following that, the two of them laughed as the Orc woman dragged him outside with a big smile on her beautiful face. Once stepping into the cold air, Atlas wrapped a cloak around himself while shivering.


    ''''It''s so cold, I hate winter,'''' he commented while watching a group of soldiers march by.


    The young woman chuckled, slipping on a jumper and wrapping a cloak around herself. With a playful smile, she said, "Don''t worry, I''ll warm you up after our shopping trip."


    Laughter filled the air as they made their way down the street. Grishna''s keen green eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a blacksmith''s shop. Atlas walked beside her, lost in thought, his gaze distant.


    Suddenly, a cold feeling washed over him as more soldiers rushed by, their hurried steps sending a ripple of unease through the air. Something wasn''t right, causing him to glance back as he questioned, ''''Why are so many troops rushing around?''''


    ''''It''s the council,'''' she said with a frustrated sigh. ''''They''re a paranoid bunch. But if there''s an attack, we''d be screwed.''''


    She paused, her sharp eyes spotting a blacksmith''s shop nearby. ''''Unless you can fly out of the city, that is. The soldiers have all the exits locked down.''''


    Atlas nodded just as stepped into the store and Grishna walked up to the counter before talking to the smith. He stayed at the entrance while watching the sky, but nothing happened, causing him to think, ''Am I just being paranoid?''


    Following that, he walked up to the Orc woman who was buying a bag of metal balls that all blacksmiths sold. Once they were done, the duo stepped out but his heckles went up, causing him to cast Void Guard around them just as explosions erupted.


    Grishna yelped in fright as Atlas grabbed her and transformed into his Voidwalker form. and kept the young woman safe inside. He started rushing through the city as clouds of green smoke rushed through Moonlit City''s streets.


    He watched as people dropped to the ground while choking, but thanks to being made from void mana. Atlas''s azure eyes glowed as the downed citizens started rising while letting out a dread-filled moan.


    ''Zombies! What the fuck is going on here,'' he thought while rushing toward the inn where the others were.


    Minutes later, Atlas arrived on the balcony that was connected to their room. It was high enough to avoid the deadly smoke and when the two of them entered; they noticed the women readying to fight.


    Moans came from the other side of the door that Nulia and Zena held shut. When Estelle saw them she revealed with horror-filled eyes, ''''The empire is here! And they are using necromancers to flush us out.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he spoke in an annoyed tone, ''''Damn Achaemendians, why are they always one step behind us?''''


    Just as those words left his lips, the door exploded inward, sending the women flying just as he readied his weapons. As a dust cloud erupted, Nightowls rushed into the room and started attacking them.


    Estelle, Artemis, and Lilith reacted instantly alongside Amethyst, who cast Cosmic Blasts at the enemies. Nulia and Zena were trying to recover, but that''s when Atlas realized they would soon be overwhelmed.


    Without wasting time, he started sending the women to the Otherworld as the Nightowls circled him. Their blades gleamed in the dim light, but Atlas cast Void Infusion that coated his blades.


    That''s when he summoned Nala and Theo, who rushed out of the azure portal and caused utter chaos. The enemies scrambled to retaliate as the monsters tore into them with ease while Atlas started stabbing some.


    He rushed toward the balcony and cast Void Bullet to break the door as he rushed through before jumping over the edge. Nala held off the Nightowls as Theo let out a chirp and quickly caught him.


    ''Hold on, master! They have flying monsters of their own!'' the Blood Bat King''s voice echoed in his mind.


    The creature started flying around the buildings as a wave of mana shells hit the city, causing explosions. Atlas glanced around and it looked like hell as people were being attacked by the undead, while others fled.


    As they neared the wall, a sudden, powerful blast struck Theo, sending him hurtling toward the ground. Atlas gritted his teeth, holding on tightly as they crashed into a square just to the west.


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 Chapter 292 Im Coming With You

    Atlas''s head was spinning as he climbed to his feet only to hear Theo''s rage-filled screeches echoing out. He came to just in time to block a Nightowls lunge, as he raised his swords sparks flew.


    Without wasting time he cast Void Wave that knocked the enemies back as he started countering their attacks. Following that, he opened a portal and summoned dozens of Savage Void Bears.


    The monsters rushed out and started ganging up on the Nightowls who were caught unaware by them. Altas chuckled at their reactions before bringing forth a dozen Void World Eaters.


    When Athas saw this his azure eyes lit up with excitement as his beasts were overwhelming the attackers causing him to think before he started to run, ''Let''s see them hold up against these nightmares.''


    He watched as the dinosaur-like monsters pounced on scared soldiers as the bears rampaged around the square. While the battle erupted he was rushing through the city after sending Theo back to the Otherworld.


    ''I''ll use the creatures to escape or they will capture me,'' he thought while using Void Guard to deflect several incoming spells.


    Atlas started sprinting through the city''s narrow streets, his boots pounding against the cobblestones. The sounds of battle rang out behind him, archers releasing volleys, crossbows snapping, and the hum of magic in the air.


    He weaved through the chaos, his movements a blur as he dodged each attack with skill as an arrow whizzed past his ear, and he twisted to the side, narrowly avoiding a bolt that crashed into a nearby wall.


    ''That was close!'' Atlas thought as a mage''s spell erupted at his feet, but he leaped over it just in time, his body flowing like water.


    Behind him, an explosion shattered a building, but Atlas was already beyond it, his focus unbroken. The soldiers of the empire were relentless, but they were slow in comparison to his speed.


    He vaulted over a barricade, ducked under a swinging sword, and with a single motion, grabbed a guard by the collar, throwing him into the path of an incoming fireball. As Atlas charged forward, the Nightowls and imperial soldiers scrambled to halt his advance.


    Undeterred, he raised a hand, summoning a few Terrasques. The beast''s giant forms crushing barricades and tearing through the enemy lines with relentless fury. Blockades crumbled, leaving chaos in their wake as Atlas continued his escape from Moonlit City.


    He was closing in on one of the gates and as he reached the top Raymond the stormeagle''s voice sounded in his mind. ''Summon me, Master! I will show the empire what it means to cross you!''


    Atlas waved his hand, and in an instant, a massive bird burst forth like a bullet, its feathers gleaming with an otherworldly light. With a deafening screech that echoed across the battlefield, the creature dove into the Achaemenidian lines.


    Its talons, as large as carriages, tore through ranks of soldiers, scattering them like leaves in a storm. Chaos erupted as the bird''s relentless assault left the empire reeling from the attack before Raymond swung around and picked him up.


    Following that, a swarm of wyverns and smaller eagles appeared on the horizon causing his eyes to widen, ''Fuck, they have reinforcements!''


    Atlas pointed his blades at the incoming enemies before casting a Void Bomb that sliced through the air. The azure blue projectile slammed into the lead wyvern causing an explosion to erupt.


    The sky shook with force causing some of the monsters to plunge toward the burning city and start crashing into the buildings. Afterward, Raymond sped up and zoomed through the air as the survivors chased after them.


    He turned back, his eyes glowing with focused intent, and began firing Void Bullets into the enemy ranks. Each shot erupted in an explosion, sending shockwaves through the air and ripping the eagles apart in mid-flight.


    The battlefield was consumed in a cascade of destruction. Atlas couldn''t help but cheer as he saw his massive bird surge ahead, carving a path through the chaos and getting further ahead of the advancing enemy horde.


    Following that, Raymond sped up and created a sonic boom that echoed the landscape as they flew south. Every time one of the Achaemenidian Eagles got close Atlas used Void Lance that destroyed the monsters.


    He watched as the enemies plummeted toward the ground causing chaos below. While this happened they managed to get away from the swarm as they flew south. An hour later the Stormeagle landed on a mountain peak to rest.


    Altas slipped off the monster''s back and landed with a thud before sending Raymond back to the Otherworld. Seconds later, a portal opened and the women stepped through with big smiles.


    The blonde knight Estelle appeared and wrapped him in a tight hug before placing a love-filled kiss against his forehead. He smiled as the others did the same before he pulled out the tent and set it up.


    While doing that Amethyst commented with a confused expression, ''''Why not stay in the Otherworld?''''


    ''''I love camping my love, I didn''t know it until recently but I find it peaceful,'''' Atlas replied before standing up. ''''There we go, we can rest for the night before deciding where to go next.''''


    Everyone agreed with determined nods the group stepped into the tent as Estelle, Amethyst, and Zena started to cook some dinner. Nulia, Grishna, Lilith, and Artemis started to relax while gossiping.


    Atlas watched this with a smile before slumping down in a beanbag and getting comfortable as he decided to try to clear out the Void Realm. Before he could do that Lilith in her Honey Badger form leaped into his lap.


    ''I''m coming with you!'' she exclaimed in a cheerful voice.


    He chuckled before activating the skill only to appear in the swampy jungle just as he checked the monster total to see how many creatures were left to kill.


    [Void Broodmaw - 7,753/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 2230/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 123/2,000,000]


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    [??????????????]


    Following that, Atlas heard the beating of the Bloodwings that echoed throughout the jungle as the creatures headed straight for them. He started casting Void Bullets into the swarm of monsters.


    While he was doing this, Lilith transformed into her humanoid form and readied for the battle just as the Broodmaws rushed in and tried to slash at the white-haired beauty. She ducked under the scythes as she countered.


    ''Wow she''s fast and strong,'' he thought while watching the Honey Badger woman.


    He watched her tiny fist slam into the mantis-like monsters and crack their exoskeletons into meatpaste thanks to the overwhelming force. The two of them continued fighting throughout the jungle as explosions erupted.


    His magic was decimating the creatures that tried to attack but were blown away in a wave of azure flames. He was satisfied as he deflected a pair of Kraxari''s mandibles before driving his swords through the ant''s skull.


    Atlas gritted his teeth and quickly cast Void Wave that knocked them away with a shockwave that dazed them. Following that, he started using Void Lance and Void Blast to thin out the numbers.


    That''s when he noticed Lilith was being overwhelmed by the remaining Broodmaws and Bloodwings. Atlas rushed toward her while using Void Step only to block one of the flying monsters'' stabs with its stinger.


    He coughed up blood before using Void Wave to protect them further, but Lilith quickly grabbed him as she spoke in a concerned voice, ''''Master! Why did you do that? It wouldn''t have hurt me.''''


    Atlas chuckled when hearing this, but the injury started healing itself just as the two began fighting once again. Thanks to their teamwork, they cleared some monsters giving him a chance to check the total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 8,989/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 4841/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 1513/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''Not long now but the Kraxari will take longer to clear,'' he pondered while cutting down several Bloodwings.


    Atlas and Lilith continued fighting until the Honey Badger woman was sent back to the real world. He followed behind and noticed a delicious aroma hitting his nose, which made his stomach grumble.


    ''''Oh, you two are back!'''' Grishna commented with a big smile. ''''How was Level Seven? Still hard?'''' S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lilith jumped up while transforming into her humanoid form before exclaiming in frustration, ''''Damn, flying monsters have appeared! They are annoying.''''


    The women laughed as Atlas stood up and stretched, only to yelp as Amethyst poked him in the side. When that happened, he grabbed the phoenix girl before tickling her, she screamed out while laughing, ''''Please stop!''''


    He didn''t show any mercy and continued to attack the purple-haired beauty until she was squirming in his lap just after he finished. Atlas grinned while playing with her soft hair, which made her shiver.


    Following that, the duo stood up and approached the dinner table as everyone else sat down just as Estelle and Zena served the food.


    [Readers! I''m just letting you know I''m going away from the 23rd to the 26th, once I''m back I will begin to update again as I plan out the next two Arcs. Thanks for understanding]

 Chapter 293 Finished Your Snack

    Atlas and the women ate a lovely dinner prepared by Estelle and Zena, who were happy to cook. While eating Artemis turned to him, ''''When are you going to meet your parents? It''s been years since you''ve been home,'''' she asked.


    He shrugged before suggesting, ''''Maybe we can make our way to the Thalassia capital while destroying the empire along the way?''''


    ''''I heard there''s a resistance who is fighting against the Achaemendians,'''' Estelle received. ''''I heard Southern Astoria is in chaos.''''


    Atlas looked at the blond while sipping on some ale before speaking. ''''It doesn''t matter. We will revel in chaos and cause the enemy some serious damage if we continue attacking them. They won''t be able to keep up if we travel using my monsters.''''


    The seven women agreed and set out on their journey to the Thalassian capital to meet Atlas''s adoptive parents and chaos for the empire. Following that, days passed as they traveled south, covering miles with every step.


    As they ventured further, they encountered more challenges along the way. Grishna and Estelle, however, took advantage of the Dreadmaw Lions, riding them to race across the rugged landscape with incredible speed, leaving the others to follow at a more steady pace.


    ''''Handsome! We have an empire camp coming up. Do you want us to attack it like the last one?'''' the Orc woman questioned in an excited voice.


    Atlas chuckled at her before answering, ''''Yes, I and Raymond will hit them from the top while the others circle around and attack from behind.''''


    Following that, Amethyst let out a piercing screech before diving into the Achaemenids, who were surprised and taken out. At her side, Nulia and Lilith charged in, crashing through a nearby tent.


    They tore through the enemy ranks with their claws, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Atlas watched as Estelle, Artemis, and Zena rushed in, their attacks catching the remaining soldiers in the crossfire.


    Meanwhile, Atlas focused on keeping their flanks secure, using Void Bullets to eliminate any enemies attempting to attack from behind. Each shot was precise, ensuring their safety as the chaos unfolded around them.


    The battlefield was a blur of movement as Atlas and the women fought with deadly precision. Amethyst soared above, swooping down to rip through soldiers with her talons, her screeches filling the air.


    Nulia and Lilith charged side by side, claws slashing through the enemy ranks, leaving soldiers crumpled in their wake. Estelle''s blades flashed, cutting down anyone who came too close, while Artemis unleashed a flurry of arrows that struck with unerring accuracy.


    Zena''s fists hammered through the enemy, crushing skulls and breaking bones. From behind, Atlas stood firm, his eyes cold and focused. He fired Void Bullets, each shot piercing through enemies who dared to approach from the rear.


    The remaining soldiers, caught in the relentless assault, stood no chance. Within moments, the battlefield fell silent, the only sound the labored breaths of the victors. Atlas jumped off Raymond''s back and used Void Step to appear in the center of the camp.


    He brushed the dust off him as the seven women approached him with excited expressions, but he quickly noticed Grishna was carrying a chest from the commander''s tent. ''''Look at what I found. I think it was their stash.''''


    Atlas chuckled at her reaction as Artemis and Zena went to help the Orc woman open it. Once they did that, a sea of gold coins poured out, which excited the group, causing him to store it in his Item Box.


    Following that, all the women apart from Lilith returned to the Otherworld, as they had been fighting non-stop for days. Atlas said his goodbyes just as Raymond landed with a crash with a boar-like monster in his talon.


    The Stormeagle started eating while speaking. ''Are we ready to head south, Master? The road is empty and the enemies are retreating to their giant castles.''


    ''''Yes, let''s go once you finished your snack,'''' Atlas replied as he jumped on the bird''s back. ''''It''s about time I met them. It''s been years.''''


    Once comfortable, Raymond took off and started flying as Lilith returned to her Honey Badger form and climbed on his neck. She licked his cheek before asking, ''Can we try the Void Realm together, Master?''


    Atlas looked at her and nodded while activating the skill only for the duo to reappear in the swamp. Lilith jumped off his shoulder and grew in size just as the monsters started appearing all around them.


    He quickly cast Void Infusion on his swords and quickly checked the monster total to see how many they had killed so far.


    [Void Broodmaw - 8,989/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 4,841/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 1,513/2,000,000]


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    [??????????????]


    ''The Broodmaw''s are nearly finish which will be good,'' Atlas thought with an excited smile.


    Just then, the monsters launched their attack, causing Lilith to react as she lunged at a group of Broodmaws. The Honey Badger turned them into meat chunks using her sharp claws.


    While this was happening, Atlas started using Void Lance to pierce the bodies of the monsters while blocking the Kraxari''s ambushes. He sidestepped one of the large ants before cutting it in half.


    Seconds later, he quickly cast Void Wave that knocked the creature''s back, allowing him to burst forward while cutting them down, but had to use Void Blast to send himself high into the air because of the overwhelming numbers.


    Atlas quickly started spamming Void bombs into the horde of monsters, causing explosions to erupt all over the place just as he landed with a thud. Just then he spotted a Broodmaw lunging at Lilith.


    Without thinking, he threw one of his swords at the skull of the creature, which pierced it saving the Honey Badger from being sent back to the real world. Atlas continued fighting alongside her for hours.


    By the time the duo grew tired, they had slain so many monsters that Atlas''s arms ached from the constant combat. Yet, with each strike, he felt stronger, more relentless. His thirst for battle remained unquenched, but he checked the monster total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 34,123/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 2,513/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    When Atlas saw the monster tally, his excitement surged. The mana coursed through his body, healing his wounds and fueling him, causing his azure eyes to glow with a fierce intensity.


    The sudden surge of power caught Lilith''s attention, her eyes widening in surprise. Without warning, Atlas shot forward like lightning, cutting through the monsters with ease. Each strike was lethal, as he slaughtered anything that dared to get too close.


    The Honey Badger woman watched in awe, sensing the raw power and unmatched skill he wielded. She couldn''t help but be taken aback, her respect for him growing with every monster that fell.


    His azure eyes burned with intensity, glowing brighter with each enemy he dropped. She tried to keep pace, but he moved so fast, it was as if he were everywhere at once. Each strike he landed seemed to ripple with more force, his strength building with every passing moment.


    Atlas''s body flowed like water, unrestrained and unstoppable, as though the very air bent to his will. Lilith, usually fast and deadly, found herself struggling to match his pace. Her heart raced as she watched him.


    ''He''s becoming a monster! What have the gods unleashed upon us,'' she thought in amazement.


    He wasn''t just fighting anymore; he was becoming something more, a force of nature. She could barely keep up, but she knew one thing for certain: he was no longer the man she had met all those years ago.


    ''Master is a warrior unlike none in history and I hope to be there when he rises to the top,'' Lilith hoped with bright yellow eyes.


    In the meantime, Atlas was killing hundreds of monsters that couldn''t escape his blades. They carved through their bodies like a hot knife cutting through butter. Following that, he continued taking out as many as he could before growing tired. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While the creatures backed off and Lilith regrouped with him, he checked the monster total to see how well he did.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 41,412/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 3,111/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    Seeing that spurred Atlas on, fueling his determination to keep fighting alongside the Honey Badger woman. The duo continued battling the void monsters before returning to the real world.


    He shook his head while seeing the Thalassian capital in the distance, and it looked like it was under siege by the Achaemenids. When Atlas saw this, he spoke to Raymond with a big smile, ''''Let''s show them what the Voidwalker can do.''''


    The Stormeagle let out a screech of excitement as he sped up toward the enemy army as Atlas prepared for a fight while informing the women of his plan that they agreed to and wanted to help.


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 Chapter 294 Meet My Adoptive Family

    Atlas and Raymond appeared above the Achaemendian army just as the Stormeagle unleashed a powerful Thunder Blast that took the enemy soldiers by surprise as they were sent flying everywhere.


    ''Fuck yes! They can''t stand against us!'' he thought as his excitement surged forth.


    He chuckled at the sudden attack before leaping off the monster''s back and headed straight for the empire commanders with a big smile. When Atlas got close, he started casting dozens of Void Bombs at the surrounding enemies.


    Suddenly, the sky was lit up in a beautiful azure glow as they sliced through the air and slammed into a horde of soldiers. Explosion erupted, which caused complete chaos as blue fire washed over the screaming people.


    The Thalassians froze in awe as they witnessed the devastating attacks. Moments later, Raymond swooped down from the skies, his massive talons ripping through the siege engines that had been relentlessly pounding the city walls.


    Atlas continued attacking by taking out his swords and casting Void Infusion on the blades, which made them glow with a beautiful azure glow as he started cutting through the Achaemenids so fast that he was a blur outside Thalassia City.


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    Explosions rang out shortly after as he started casting Void Bombs that wiped out dozens of unsuspecting soldiers. Once hitting the ground, he opened a portal which allowed the women to appear.


    ''It''s time for them to join, or they''ll moan at me for having all the fun,'' Atlas mused with a chuckle.


    Nulia rushed into the fray in her Frostbear form and started swiping at the scared enemy troops with her giant paws. Seconds later, Amethyst shot through the portal while letting out a screech before unleashing a purple wave of fire.


    Following that, Atlas was as the Honey Badger Lilith lunged at a group of berserkers and tore them apart with her sharp claws. Blood flew everywhere causing him to think with wide eyes and a big smile, ''She''s brutal, but I love it.''


    He stood still after cutting down dozens of Night Owls that tried to attack him, but Raymond the Stormeagle that scanned the surroundings also protected him. Atlas was proud of the three girls, but soon noticed Grishna in the middle of everything.


    The Orc woman was bigger than usual and wore ancient-looking armor as she smashed the enemy soldiers with a giant warhammer. Atlas watched as Grishna was laughing while killing any Achaemenids that she came across.


    ''We should be able to win this fight in no time, then I can go meet my adoptive family,'' he pondered before casting a wave of Void Bullets at a group of cavalry that was charging toward Artemis.


    The brunette, in her alternate form, stood her ground, holding the road leading to the city as more enemies emerged. Atlas watched intently as she unleashed thunderbolts and hurled stone bullets, striking down dozens in an instant.


    Atlas watched as she defeated her opponents with little effort as her giant form was annihilating any foes that came close while he thought with a proud smile, ''They have grown so strong. I''m glad I met them.''


    Explosions erupted as her magic connected with the retreated empire soldiers. He watched Artemis chase the fleeing troops. She started pummeling them, only to be stopped by Zena and Estelle. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The wolf woman started using her ice magic to block the scared Achaemenids just before the blonde summoned her steel legion, that started butchering the enemy with ease as they couldn''t fight back thanks to shock.


    Atlas, satisfied with the outcome, joined the women in wiping out the empire''s siege army. Meanwhile, Nulia and Amethyst soared around the Thalassian capital, eliminating any enemies they encountered, striking fear into the hearts of the Achaemenids.


    Following that, he watched as the phoenix flew toward them, only to see a wave of mana shells flying toward them. Atlas sent the seven girls into the Otherworld before casting Void Guard to block the incoming attack.


    ''What the fuck are they doing!'' he thought while losing his temper.


    The girls quickly started sending him panicked messages, but Atlas had to ignore them and focus on the Thalassian attack. Without wasting time, he turned into his Voidwalker form, which scared the soldiers.


    Atlas burst forward and started sprinting toward the city walls, which caused the enemy to attack once again, but in this form he dodge all the blasts before hitting the stone and climbing up like something from a nightmare.


    An azure glow lit up his surroundings as he reached the top. When the Thalassians saw him, they were scared senseless, but his wicked smile grew wider before he started attacking the betrayers using his claws.


    Blood stained the stone beneath him as Atlas deftly dodged the clumsy strikes from the soldiers. Frustration boiled over as he tried to aid the besieged, only for them to turn their weapons on him.


    His fury only subsided when a man emerged from the chaos. The man''s once-blond hair was streaked with gray, worn by the weight of years. At the sight of him, Atlas let out a heavy breath and shifted back into his human form.


    Without hesitation, he summoned Estelle and Grishna, who flanked him protectively as the others gathered around as the man stepped forward with wide eyes as he spoke, ''''Is that you, Atlas?''''


    When the girls heard this, their heads snapped toward the stranger as Atlas stepped forward. ''''Hello Father. It''s been a long time since we''ve seen each other.''''


    ''''What!'''' several voices sounded out from behind him.


    Atlas chuckled before explaining to his seven companions with a knowing smile. ''''This is Duke Eldric Montague, the man who took me in as a baby and raised me as his own son.''''


    As the older man heard this, he quickly ordered the surrounding Thalassian soldiers to back off and not to attack. When the men and women got out of the way, Atlas stepped forward as Eldric quickly hugged him. ''''It''s good to see you, my boy.''''


    Following this, Eldric stepped back while speaking, ''''Now let''s get you home along with your friends.''''


    Before anyone could speak, Grishna stepped forward and held out her hand, ''''I''m Grishna Brokentooth, one of Atlas''s girlfriends. It''s nice to meet you.''''


    All the girls looked at the Orc woman with wide eyes while Atlas started laughing, as she had a respectful look. She turned to him before whispering, ''''Got to make a good first impression, he''s your father after all.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he started laughing even more before nodding, ''''Yes, you''ve certainly made an impression Grish.''''


    Suddenly, Eldric burst into laughter as he took her hand. ''''It''s good to see my boy has found himself some competent lovers. These times demand strength, and the Thalassians have just gained their aid in the form of you, son.''''


    Following that, the older man went to lead them home, but a horrid aura descended upon the city, causing Atlas to go stiff as memories flooded back to him when spotting a certain figure standing in the distance.


    ***


    ''''Get the baby to Silvia''s room, Arianna! She will send him away from that foul creature,'''' a young man shouted as he rallied the remaining Pendragon forces.


    ''''Husband, it will kill you, just like it did our parents. We need to run,'''' Arianna pleaded, tears streaming down her face.


    Arthur looked down at the baby boy cradled in her arms, his white hair and azure eyes mirroring their own. A proud smile crossed his lips. ''''He''s our legacy, Ari. He needs to survive, so one day he can avenge us and finally destroy the Chaos Monsters.''''


    The young woman nodded with a fearful smile, just as the terrifying screams of the monsters echoed through the air. Arthur swiftly pushed Arianna toward the hallway leading to the court mage''s quarters, where they planned to send the baby to safety.


    She turned back to him, her eyes filled with love, and pressed her lips to his in a final, lingering kiss. ''''I shall see you in the Great Beyond, Arthur. I love you... and I always will.''''


    Following that, Arianna rushed off and watched as the remaining Pendragon forces rushed to help her husband. She turned around one last time as she watched Arthur charge into the fray while shouting, ''''Give my wife time to save my son! He will avenge us against Chaos.''''


    Hearing those words, Arianna rushed down the hallway, her heart pounding, only to be met by Silvia, who quickly ushered her into a room. ''''Get in, Ari! We need to begin the spell!''''


    The door slammed shut behind her, and as the mage began casting the spell, Arianna gently placed her baby boy in the center of the room. Kneeling beside him, she kissed his tiny forehead, her voice trembling with love. ''''Live long, my son. Always know that your father and I loved you with all our hearts. The world may want you, but I won''t let them take you.''''


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 Chapter 295 I Now Know Where I Come From

    Arianna paused, noticing the way he looked up at her with his wide azure eyes, his innocent giggle filling the room. Her heart swelled with warmth, and her smile grew, even as an explosion erupted outside.


    Silvia raised a shield, protecting them both, but for a moment, all she could focus on was the pure joy and love in her son''s eyes, ''''I love you so much Atlas Pendragon, you are the best thing to happen to this lonely princess.''''


    The baby stared at her, but when something slammed against the shield, Arianna spun around, only to notice the white hair she knew all too well. Anger surged forth as she spoke to Silvia, ''''Send him away now! I will hold this demon back.''''


    ***


    Atlas stood frozen, his eyes wide with disbelief as the memory played out before him. Tears welled up inside him, but he couldn''t look away. He watched helplessly as his mother, fierce and determined, fought against the monstrous creatures with every ounce of her strength.


    Yet, despite her skill and resolve, it wasn''t enough. One creature, a hulking beast with wicked talons, struck with brutal precision. With a sickening screech, the monster impaled her with one of its massive talons, lifting her off the ground.


    As the monstrous talon pierced her, she looked up, her gaze locking onto his. Her eyes shimmered with a mix of love and sorrow, a small, trembling smile gracing her lips despite the agony she endured.


    Summoning the last shreds of her strength, she whispered, her voice faint but resolute, ''''Live long, my boy¡­ and avenge us. Now¡­ fight.''''


    Her words hung in the air, a final, desperate plea, as her body went limp. The smile lingered, bittersweet and haunting, etching itself into Atlas''s soul as the memory seared deep into his heart.


    When Atlas witnessed his mother''s last moments, his world crumbled into pieces. Overwhelmed by grief and rage, he felt the Void surging within him, consuming every part of his being. His body shifted, twisting and reshaping as he transformed into his Voidwalker form.


    Then, from the depths of his despair, a pain-filled screech tore from his throat,a sound so raw and agonized it echoed across the landscape, shaking the very air. The cry carried his anguish, his fury, and the unbearable loss that now defined him.


    Following that, Atlas launched himself forward while his eyes glowed with rage, the ground beneath him cracking and splintering under the force. The air seemed to vibrate with the sheer energy radiating from him as he charged.


    His roar, filled with fury and vengeance, echoed across the battlefield, a primal declaration of war. The Chaos creature swung its massive claws at him, but Atlas was too fast. He dodged with inhuman agility, his body a blur of motion.


    In a single fluid movement, he lunged upward, his clawed hand tearing through the beast''s armor-like hide. Black ichor sprayed as the creature howled in pain, but Atlas was relentless. He slammed into it again, his strikes fueled by unbridled wrath.


    Every blow landed with devastating force, the ground trembling with each impact. Shadows coiled around him like living extensions of his will, lashing out and ripping through the Chaos beast''s defenses.


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    As Atlas unleashed his wrath on the creature that murdered his family, more of its twisted kin surged toward him, their bizarre forms converging in a wave of darkness. Just as they closed in, a portal ripped open in the sky, crackling with raw energy.


    From within, a furious screech rang out, splitting the air like a thunderclap. Raymond, the mighty Stormeagle, burst forth in a storm of feathers and lightning. His talons, glowing with electric, raked through the advancing Chaos monsters, devastating them with each swipe.


    Lightning radiated from his wings, striking down enemies in flashes of blinding light, turning the battlefield into a storm. Before the creatures could recover, another portal opened with a deafening roar.


    Nala led the charge, her Dreadmaw Lions pouring through in their hundreds, each one a towering beast of muscle and fury. Their roars harmonized into a chilling battle cry as they slammed into the Chaos monsters with unmatched ferocity.


    Their fangs tore through flesh and armor alike, while their claws ripped apart anything in their path. The entire Otherworld seemed to tremble as more creatures joined the fray, drawn by the searing intensity of Atlas''s pain and fury.


    Every monster in the Otherworld descended upon the Chaos monsters in a berserk frenzy. Their eyes burned with unrelenting rage as they tore into the enemy, their collective power turning the tide of the battle.


    ***


    As the chaos unfolded, the seven women watched in horror, their eyes fixed on Atlas as he unleashed his fury, lost in his pain. Each of them felt bad for him, but one among them couldn''t remain still.


    Lilith, trembling with barely contained rage, clenched her fists as her yellow eyes began to glow. Estelle and Amethyst turned to her, alarmed by the shift in her demeanor. The blonde quickly exclaimed, ''''Calm down, Lili! We''ll help him!''''


    But the Honey Badger spun to face them, her short white hair flowing wildly around her, tears streaming down her face. Her expression, once filled with sorrow, now burned with unrelenting fury.


    ''''They hurt him!'''' she screamed, her voice cracking under the weight of her chaotic emotions. ''''They''ve hurt him so badly he''s lost, and I''m going to help him!''''


    Following that, Lilith leaped from the wall, landing with a resounding thud that echoed across the battlefield. Without hesitation, she charged toward the Chaos creature locked in combat with Atlas.


    Her heart pounded as she closed the distance, the sight of her lover savagely tearing into the shocked enemy fueling her rage. Blood sprayed across the ground as Atlas shredded the creature with unrelenting ferocity.


    Seizing that moment, Lilith lunged into the fray, her claws slashed through the monster''s thigh, her attack precise and devastating. The beast roared in agony, its massive frame collapsing under the sudden assault.


    The moment the creature hit the ground, Atlas moved with terrifying speed. He lunged at its exposed throat, his claws ripping through flesh and bone in a single swipe. Blood gushed from the mortal wound as the beast let out a final, gurgling cry before falling still.


    Lilith stood beside him, her chest heaving, her glowing eyes locked onto his. The battlefield seemed to still around them; the air charged with their shared fury as the couple started butchering the remaining Chaos monsters.


    ***


    Atlas remained lost in the storm of his emotions, his Voidwalker form dissolving as he reverted to his human self. His chest heaved, his mind spinning in a chaotic whirlpool of grief and fury. He staggered, his hands clawing at the air as if trying to grasp something solid to anchor himself.


    Then, a warmth broke through the chaos. Lilith''s soft, steady hands cupped his cheeks, grounding him. Her touch was firm but gentle, her fingers brushing against his skin like a calming breeze. Her yellow eyes, now filled with tender love, locked onto his.


    In a voice overflowing with affection and resolve, she spoke, ''''I''m here for you. Remember, after all these years, you''re still my boy.''''


    Atlas slowly lifted his gaze as his eyes focused. He saw Lilith in front of him, her expression radiant, with a beautiful, heart-melting smile. Her golden-yellow eyes shimmered with unspoken love.


    Her honey badger ears twitched nervously atop her white hair, betraying her concern despite the serene confidence she exuded. He smiled before mumbling, ''''I now know where I come from, but they''re all dead because of these monsters, Lili.''''


    The white-haired young woman hugged him tightly as she replied in a whisper, ''''You may have lost your family, but you''ve gained a new one, Master. Us girls adore you, but it''s clear something has been weighing you down for years.''''


    ''''I don''t belong anywhere, Lilith,'''' Atlas said, his voice trembling with a raw, hollow ache. ''''In my last life, my mother threw me away. In this one, my family was slaughtered when I was just a baby. Seconds after they sent me to Astoria, a place I didn''t even understand, the Duke discovered me.''''


    The Honey Badger woman tightened her hug while trying to reassure him, but Atlas stood up and called for Raymond as he spoke. ''''I need some time to myself. Tell the others to go with the Duke and I''ll return soon.''''


    Following that, he jumped on the Stormeagle''s back and took off, leaving a worried Lilith behind who returned to the others. When Estelle saw her, she rushed in her direction and asked, ''''Where did he go, Lili?''''


    ''''To go think, I think he found out who his parents are, but it was too much for him so he needed to get out of here,'''' she answered the blonde.


    Following that, a purple glow erupted as Amethyst transformed into her phoenix form before chasing after him.


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 Chapter 296 Too Much For Me

    Atlas told Raymond to land on a nearby mountain ledge before sending him back to the Otherworld as he sat down. He looked out over the quiet landscape, only to see a beautiful purple glow.


    ''''Amethyst,'''' he muttered as the phoenix woman crashed down just behind him.


    She quickly returned to her humanoid form and rushing to give him a hug as she spoke in a heartbroken voice, ''''You have a place, it''s with us.''''


    Atlas smiled when hearing this and tightened his hug on the beautiful young woman he had met years ago. Before he could speak, Amethyst confessed, ''''I love you, Atlas, please don''t feel bad about your past. You now have a future and people who care about.''''


    Just then, an icy shiver ran down Atlas''s spine, the hairs on his neck bristling with alarm. Without hesitation, he twisted to the side, clutching Amethyst tightly in his arms, narrowly evading a flurry of deadly strikes from the shadowy Night Owls.


    Blades hissed through the air, but some found their mark, slicing into him. Atlas gritted his teeth, the pain fueling his resolve rather than weakening it. ''Fuck that hurt!'' he thought while watching his blood hit the ground.


    His azure eyes blazed with fury as he drew his twin blades in one fluid motion, their gleaming edges catching the faint moonlight. With a feral roar, he launched himself forward, a whirlwind of chaos.


    Atlas''s first strike collided with an assailant''s weapon, the clash igniting a shower of fiery sparks that lit the night like a fleeting starburst. The man staggered under his relentless assault, struggling to counter the sheer force of his blows.


    But he was far from finished. His blades became a blur, each swing a arc of destruction as he tore into the ranks of his enemies. The night erupted in a symphony of clashing steel, a battle song that echoed through the darkness.


    Suddenly, a piercing scream split the chaos, Amethyst''s voice raw and powerful. The air trembled as her fury unleashed itself in an explosion of violet flames. The fire surged like a living beast, engulfing the remaining Night Owls in its scorching embrace.


    Atlas tightened his grip on his blades, the steel humming with restrained power after he cast Void infusion on them as he cleared some enemies that were bugging him. ''''They never learn, do they?'''' he muttered.


    The beautiful young woman smirked, her violet eyes glowing like stars in the sky. ''''More for the pyre, my love,'''' she said, raising her hand.


    Purple flames erupted around her fingers, twisting and dancing, illuminating the battlefield. Seconds later, The Night Owls surged forward, their battle cries splitting the air. The ground trembled beneath their charge.


    ''''Let''s go Amethyst and show the empire what we can do!'''' he exclaimed.


    Following that, he burst into motion like a coiled spring released, meeting the first wave head-on. His blades whirled like twin hurricanes, striking with the speed of lightning and the precision of a master.


    One attacker lunged at him, swinging a curved blade at for his throat. Atlas parried effortlessly, spinning to his left and driving his blade through the man''s chest in a single fluid motion.


    Without pause, he swept his other sword upward, slicing through the second enemy''s defenses. Sparks flew as weapons clashed, lighting the darkness like fireworks, but he continued attacking.


    Meanwhile, Amethyst faced her own onslaught. A wall of enemies charged her, but she stood her ground with a whisper, her flames coiled around her like a living serpent. She raised her arms, and with a sharp cry, unleashed a torrent of violet fire.


    The purple flames roared forward, consuming the front line of attackers in a blistering inferno. Screams echoed as the heat warped the air, and the Night Owls fell back, some writhing, others incinerated where they stood.


    Atlas dodged a strike from behind, spinning low and slicing through the legs of his attacker. He leaped to his feet just as another enemy rushed him. Without missing a beat, he hurled one of his swords, the blade spinning until it embedded itself in the man''s chest.


    He caught a falling weapon in mid-air as it slipped from the dying enemy''s grip and used it to deflect another strike. His movements were seamless, every action a brutal masterpiece of combat.


    ''''Atlas, behind you!'''' Amethyst called out, sending a stream of fire over his shoulder. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    It engulfed a group of enemies sneaking up on him, their forms reduced to ash in moments. Atlas flashed her a grin, his face streaked with sweat and blood. ''''Thanks, beautiful!'''' he shouted, twisting back to deliver a devastating horizontal slash that killed two more foes.


    But the Night Owls kept coming. Amethyst gritted her teeth, her energy flaring. With a roar, she slammed her fists together, sending a pulse of fire outward in all directions. The ground cracked beneath her.


    An expanding ring of flames tore through the enemy ranks, scattering their formations and leaving a scorched wasteland in its wake. As the surviving Night Owls regrouped for a final push, Atlas stepped forward, his body vibrating with raw power.


    Amethyst stood beside him, her flames now a blazing aura that crowned her like a queen of destruction. Together, they charged. Atlas moved like a storm, his blades carving through the enemy, while Amethyst''s fire consumed any who dared to approach her.


    They were an unstoppable force, a harmony of steel and flame, precision and chaos. The battlefield bore witness to their unrelenting might, but when more Night Owls emerged from the shadows, his demeanor shifted.


    He sheathed his blades, his eyes burning with powers which made everyone back off, even Amethyst. A crackling aura enveloped his fists, mana surging and pulsing like lightning. The surrounding air grew heavy, vibrating with the sheer force of his power.


    Atlas clenched his glowing fists, the mana swirling brighter with each passing moment. ''''No more games,'''' he growled.


    He charged into the fray, each punch detonating like thunder against the Night Owls. Every strike landed with devastation, erupting in shockwaves that exterminated his enemies with ease.


    The overwhelming force hurled bodies through the air like rag dolls, which shocked Amethyst as she watched her lover shattering their armor. The ground trembled beneath his assault, craters forming where his fists connected.


    She stood frozen for a moment, her flames flickering as she watched in awe. Her breath hitched, and a whisper escaped her lips, ''''So powerful¡­ His mana¡­ it''s shining!''''


    Her voice quivered, a mixture of disbelief and admiration. Even amidst the chaos, the radiant glow of Atlas''s mana cut through the darkness, a beacon of raw strength that seemed almost otherworldly.


    ''His just like the stories Mother used to tell me,'' she thought as her purple eyes sparkled with love.


    He continued his rampage as the Night Owls, once confident in their overwhelming numbers, were now reduced to nothing. Atlas was a living storm, his fists carving a path of devastation that left no room for resistance. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amethyst snapped out of her daze as she ignited her flames once more, a wicked smile curling on her lips. If Atlas was in the storm, she would be the inferno to consume what he left behind.


    Together, they pressed forward, an unstoppable duo, their enemies falling like leaves before a hurricane. The two of them continued fighting the Achaemenids, who were falling so fast that their comrades panicked.


    Atlas took advantage of this and summoned the other girls, who sent him a message from the Otherworld. Nulia and Lilith rushed out in their monster forms. The two women tore into the remaining enemies.


    Mana bolts flew out and took out some of the Night Owls above, causing Atlas to spot Artemis, followed by Estelle, Zena, and Grishna. With ease, the four women killed the remaining enemies, demoralized as they were.


    Following that, Atlas turned to them with a smile before speaking in a guilt laced voice, ''''I''m sorry for rushing off like that, girls. I just found out that my family was murdered and it was too much for me.''''


    When they heard this, frowns appeared on their beautiful faces, but Estelle stepped forward and hugged him. The blonde shoved his head into her cleavage while stroking his white hair, which made him relax.


    ''''We all care for you in our own ways handsome,'''' her soft voice reached his ears. ''''I''m sorry for your loss, but just know I''m always here for you.''''


    Atlas was about to speak, but soon Artemis appeared when Estelle let go so the brunette could hug him. She squeezed him while speaking. ''''Sorry about your family, Alt, but without that we would of never met.''''


    ''''I agreed,'''' he replied before kissing the beautiful young woman on her forehead.


    Next was the beautiful Grishna, who peppered his face with kisses, which made everyone laugh. Nulia and Zena were more reserved but still hugged, but it was Lilith who jumped on him in excitement.


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 Chapter 297 You are my son now, Atlas

    When the seven women finished greeting Atlas, his face was bright red and hair was a mess, which made them all laugh. Once that was over with, he summoned Raymond and all climbed on the Stormeagles'' back.


    He got comfortable just before Amethyst clung to his arm as the monster flew back to his father''s manor. A while later, they passed over Thalassia''s walls, and Estelle pointed out the place they needed to go.


    Atlas spotted a massive manor that was situated just outside the city, but circled with a mighty wall that prevent the Achaemenids from destroying his family home. Raymond quickly descended to the garden where the guards swarmed the area.


    The soldiers were shouting out orders, but the Stormeagle let out a loud screech and was ready to attack. Following that, Eldric and a woman that he recognized as his adoptive mother Eveline.


    He jumped off Raymond''s back alongside the women before he returned to the Otherworld, which shocked the surrounding soldiers. The duke stepped forward and waved away his guard. ''''Get back to your posts. This is my son who vanished years ago.''''


    When the men and women heard this, they glanced at Atlas with wide eyes. Shortly after that, they returned to duty as Eldric approached him and hugged him with a joyful expression, ''''It''s good to see you again my boy, thank you for helping us.''''


    ''''That''s okay, but there''s something I think you should know before this goes further,'''' Atlas commented.


    This caused the older man and woman to be looked worried, but Eldric quickly responded, ''''Come inside and sit down. I''m sure you all want something hot to drink, as it''s getting colder.''''


    Following that, the older couple led inside them as Evelina kept glancing back at him but restrained herself. Five minutes later, they arrived in a comfortable-looking room and Eldric motioned for everyone to sit down.


    ''''Now, what is it that you believe I should know?'''' the duke asked, his expression cautious, his eyes narrowing slightly as he awaited the response.


    Atlas breathed in while thinking to himself, ''It''s best if I told the truth. There''s no point in hiding it.''


    Seconds later, he just came out with it, ''''The Atlas you knew died back on Echo Isle where I woke up as the goddess sent me here. I woke up in his body and have been trying to survive ever since. I''m sorry for your loss, but if my presence makes you uncomfortable, I can leave Astoria and wouldn''t return.''''


    When Eldric and Evelina heard this, their eyes got wet as the older blonde woman started crying, causing the man to hug her. He turned his eyes toward him and asked, ''''So you''re not Atlas?''''


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    He shrugged when hearing this. ''''We shared the same name but I''m me. Your son is living a new life just like I am. Hopefully, he doesn''t end up in the same orphanage as I was. It was horrible there.''''


    After Atlas finished speaking, Eveline looked at him through green eyes and questioned, ''''You came from one?''''


    ''''Unfortunately yes, my mother gather me away when I was younger, and ended up alone until I passed away,'''' he revealed.


    Eldric was silent but Eveline continued, ''''How did you die?''''


    ''''I saved another child at the orphanage from a metal carriage. It hit me instead of her,'''' he answered, his voice steady despite the nervous energy bubbling beneath the surface.


    He shifted awkwardly, unsure of how to continue. He had never known the warmth of a family since he was five, and now, faced with this couple, he couldn''t understand why their acceptance mattered so much.


    Yet the thought of rejection from them made his chest tighten in a way he wasn''t prepared for. While this happened, Amethyst grabbed his hand in silent support as Estelle rubbed his back with a love-filled smile.


    Eldric suddenly looked at the phoenix girl, ''''I can see you care a great deal about him. Tell me why?''''


    Amethyst looked shocked but shook her head before answering. ''''He saved me from slavers and has been there ever since. I''ve seen him help people and beat back the empire''s invasion in the north.''''


    ''''He''s a caring young man who goes out of his way to help people,'''' Artemis added with a small smile. ''''Plus, he likes to pamper us.''''


    Eveline giggled when hearing this, but Grishna was next to speak with so much pride that it shocked Atlas, ''''Our husband is extremely strong and can single handily fend off an Achaemenid army.''''


    The others agreed, as Nulia was the next to add something. ''''He respects each one of us, unlike most men now days.''''


    ''''He''s my master and I love him!'''' Lilith exclaimed in an excited tone as she transformed into her Honey Badger form before climbing into his shirt.


    Atlas chuckled while stroking her head. ''''I met Lilith here many years ago. I was using her cave for shelter during a storm and we ended up fighting for hours.''''


    When Eldric and Eveline heard this, their eyes widened as the older man questioned, ''''How did you both end up as lovers?'''' S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone chuckled but Estelle answered, ''''Let''s just say the two of them have loved each other for years now. Only recently they are acting on it.''''


    Atlas felt his cheeks grow warm as Eldric looked at him with a chuckle. ''''I see you get embarrassed, just like him.''''


    He was just about to reply to the older man, but Eveline jumped up, which shocked everyone as she exclaimed, ''''He''s our son, Eldric! I don''t care about what happened. We got our boy back!''''


    The blonde woman circled the table, her movements slow but deliberate, until she stood in front of Atlas. With trembling hands, she pulled him gently to his feet, tears streaming down her face.


    Her voice quivered as she asked, ''''Do you want parents who will love you?''''


    Atlas froze, the words piercing through the meticulously guarded walls around his heart. His emotions churned violently, a storm of hope and fear colliding. This was all he had ever wanted, since the day his mother had abandoned him, leaving him alone in the world.


    He avoided Eveline''s gaze, his shoulders hunching as if bracing for rejection. In a voice barely above a whisper, raw and cracked with pain, he asked, ''''Will you throw me away like she did?''''


    The room fell into a stunned silence. The weight of his words hung heavy, and the pain in his voice was unbearable. Amethyst''s composure shattered; she buried her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.


    Even Zena, usually the quietest and most stoic of the group, felt her throat tighten as the heartbreak in his voice reached her. Each of the women was reminded of the fragile, wounded soul beneath Atlas''s strong exterior, and it was almost too much to bear.


    The older woman''s heart ached as she looked into his eyes, seeing the deep, unhealed scars left by a lifetime of rejection and abandonment. She placed trembling hands on his shoulders, gently forcing him to meet her gaze.


    Tears streamed down her face, her voice breaking as she spoke. ''''Atlas,'''' she began, her words shaky but resolute, ''''I swear on the gods themselves that I will never throw you away like that horrible woman. Never.''''


    Her grip on his shoulders tightened, as if she could anchor him to her promise. ''''You''re not some burden or mistake. You are a gift, and I will love you as a mother should, with all my heart, every day, for as long as I live.''''


    Eveline''s voice cracked with emotion, but she pushed through, the words spilling from her like a desperate prayer. ''''I don''t care what pain you''ve been through, what darkness you carry. You are my son now, Atlas. Our son. And I will fight the gods or anyone else if they ever try to take you away from me.''''


    Atlas stood frozen, his mind overwhelmed by her words. For a moment, he couldn''t breathe. No one had ever spoken to him like this, not since he was a small boy, clinging to a fleeting memory of love.


    His lips trembled, but he couldn''t form words. Eveline reached up and cupped his face, her thumbs brushing away the tears that now rolled freely down his cheeks. ''''There''s no don''t have to be afraid anymore,'''' she whispered in a motherly voice. ''''You''re home and loved.''''


    At that moment, the room seemed to shrink around them; the world falling silent as Atlas crumbled into her embrace. Eveline wrapped her arms tightly around him, holding him as he sobbed into her shoulder, years of pain and longing pouring out in a torrent.


    The others watched in silence, tears streaking their faces. Even the gods, it seemed, would weep at the sight of a broken boy finally being told he was wanted. Eldric stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder, ''''If the rumors are true then any father would be proud to call you their soon Azhar''Zul.''''


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 Chapter 298 Keep Doing That Master

    Following Atlas''s meeting with his parents, the seven women noticed a weight lifted from his shoulders. Eldric and Eveline left the room after needing to attend to some duties, as a butler rushed in to inform him of some things.


    His father looked at him with a kid smile, ''''Since you saved Thalassia City, much work remains, but I''m sure the imperial family will reward you and your girlfriends upon their return.''''


    Atlas nodded with a relieved smile, ''''Thank you both for accepting me, it means a lot,'''' he revealed with an honest smile.


    Eveline waved him away, ''''What did I tell you, boy? Don''t bring it up, you''re mine now and there''s nowhere you can run,'''' she said with a giggle before walking out of the room.


    Following that, the older woman left the room while leading the women to their rooms as he sat there to collect his thoughts. As Atlas sat there, Lilith appeared with a twinkle in her yellow eyes as she transformed into her human form.


    The white-haired young woman slowly approached him with a knowing grin before climbing into his lap as she spoke in a seductive tone, ''''I want to pamper you, so shut up and don''t say a word, Master.''''


    Atlas complied as she started kissing his neck while hers hands touched every muscle that they could after he sent them back to the Otherworld so his parents wouldn''t catch them getting hot and heavy in the family room.


    He closed his eyes as she kissed up his cheeks only to whisper, ''''I spoke to Amethyst. She said we can do everything apart from sex, which is fair. Virginity is important to phoenix girls.''''


    After the Honey Badger spoke, she continued kissing him, which sent shivers down his spine, but Atlas didn''t stay still. His hands snaked up her slender body before reaching her boobs that were the perfect size.


    ''She''s gorgeous and I''m glad she''s all mine,'' he mused with glowing azure eyes.


    He started squeezing them, causing Lilith to moan while biting his neck. ''''Mmmghhh~~.''''#


    After Atlas did that, she quickly pulled back before taking off her shirt, causing her boobs to bounce out. Her pink nipples were standing straight, causing him to lean in and take one in his mouth.


    ''''Ughhhh, keep doing that master,'''' she muttered in a breathless voice while hugging him tight. ''''It feels so good.''''


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    Her seductive voice caused his lust to ignite as his free hand started playing with the other nipple, which made Lilith''s body tremble thanks to the pleasure. Atlas continued to attack her sensitive areas.


    She clung onto him tightly, but he wasn''t down as his hand slid down her smooth body and entered her lacey panties. Seconds later, Atlas was rubbing the white-haired beauty''s wet clit.


    Lilith arched her back while letting out an erotic moan that echoed throughout the room, ''''Mmmmmmhhh~~.''''


    Following that, Atlas continued rubbing, causing the young woman''s love juices to pour out like a broken hose. He was enjoying every moment of his, but wanted to make Lilith feel even better.


    Without warning, his finger slid inside her tight passage, causing the Honey Badger woman to dig her claws into his back, biting down hard on his neck. Atlas began thrusting, driving her wild with each motion.


    ''''Arghhh~~ Ughhh~~ Gahhh~~,'''' she moaned as the pleasure was becoming too much for the young woman.


    Minutes later, Atlas made her climax, Liliths body trembled with ecstasy as her yellow eyes rolled back in delight. He felt her slump against him while letting out heavy breaths as she came down from her orgasm.


    ''''That felt amazing, Master,'''' she muttered while cuddling up to him.


    Atlas smiled before leaning forward and placing a kiss against her plump lips as he replied in a cheerful tone, ''''There''s more to come, beautiful, but do you fancy helping me clear the Void Realm?''''


    The Honey Badger answered with a tired smile, ''''Let''s go handsome, I can work off some of this frustration.''''


    Following that, he activated the skill, and the duo appeared in the jungle just as Lilith transformed into her monster form. Atlas took out his swords before casting Void Infusion on them.


    The blades hummed while lighting up the surrounding underbrush just as a Bloodwing swooped down. Its stingers tried to pierce his chest but he skillfully side stepped it and cut the monster in half.


    ''I forgot about these dragonfly monsters,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    That''s when more creatures appeared from all around them and a battle suddenly erupted as Lilith started fighting a group of Kraxari. She could kill the giant ants with ease as her claws destroyed their exo skeletons.


    Atlas started casting Void Lances and bullets that pierced the monster''s bodies, causing them to fade away. Following that, the couple continued battling the creatures while killing hundreds more.


    During a lull in the fighting as the monsters regrouped, he checked the monster total to see how many they had dispatched.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 43,112/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 5,434/2,000,000]


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    ''This is going to take long, but at least the girls can help me,'' Atlas mused while shooting down a dozen Bloodwings with Void Bullets.


    The couple pressed on, weaving through the dense jungle as they battled relentlessly. They used the branches above to avoid the deadly mandibles of their foes. Lilith moved like a missile, darting into clusters of enemies, eliminating them before retreating to safety.


    Her tactic drew a chuckle from Atlas, who unleashed powerful waves of magic, blasting the creatures apart. For hours, his spells decimated the swarm until his reserves ran low, causing him to calm down with the attacks.


    Exhausted, he perched on a sturdy branch, catching his breath while the fierce Honey Badger woman held the line, her sheer ferocity keeping the monsters at bay. Channeling the last of his energy, he began casting Void Bullets.


    Each projectile streaked through the air, hitting its mark and exploding with devastating force, reducing the monstrous enemies to nothing. Following that attack, Atlas collapsed as he ran out of mana.


    He quickly sent Lilith back to the Otherworld just before he joined her as the Bloodwing rushed him. Atlas opened his eyes, only to see the Honey Badger woman staring at him with a big smile.


    ''''Hello Lili, what''s wrong?'''' he asked with a smile.


    ''''Estelle asked us to return to your parents'' manor for dinner,'''' she revealed while standing up and stretching.


    Atlas sighed before getting up while checking on the monster total to see how many they managed to clear.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 52,231/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 10,101/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''''Let me have a quick bath, I feel sticky and need to was the dirt off me,'''' he said while making his way to the bathroom.


    Lilith happily followed behind while humming something that made Atlas relax, causing him to glance back. The white-haired beauty''s smile widened as she commented, ''''Do you like my humming master?''''


    ''''Yes, it''s relaxing and puts me at ease,'''' he replied with a chuckle as the two entered the steam-filled room.


    After the battle, the couple made their way to a nearby stream to wash. As they began, Lilith glanced at Atlas with a playful, knowing grin. ''''Can I wash your back, Master?'''' she asked, her tone teasing yet sweet.


    Atlas met the Honey Badger woman''s mischievous gaze and nodded with a faint smile. ''''Yes, and I''ll do yours after,'''' he replied calmly, though his tone betrayed a hint of anticipation.


    Lilith giggled softly, her laughter carrying a blend of mischief and charm. She moved behind him and began cleaning his back, her hands firm yet gentle. However, she couldn''t resist leaning in, deliberately pressing her soft curves against him as she worked.


    The sensation sent a shiver through Atlas, her teasing touch stirring feelings that were impossible to ignore. As she continued washing him, her teasing grew bolder. She let her hands linger a little longer than necessary, her fingers tracing playful patterns on his skin.


    Leaning closer, she whispered in his ear, her warm breath sending a tingle down his spine. ''''Master, you''re so tense,'''' she teased, her voice dripping with mock concern. ''''Should I help you relax more?''''


    Atlas smirked, glancing over his shoulder at her mischievous grin. Without warning, he spun around, his hands darting to her sides. ''''Relax, huh? Let''s see how you like this!'''' he declared, his fingers finding her most ticklish spots.


    Lilith shrieked with laughter, doubling over as he mercilessly tickled her. ''''No! Stop, Master!'''' she gasped between giggles, trying to squirm away.


    But Atlas continued his playful assault, leaving her helpless and laughing uncontrollably. When it calmed down, she was now sitting on his lap, looking into his eyes with a big smile, while panting.


    ''''You''re evil Master, why did you tickle me like that?'''' she said while squirming on top of his member, which made both of them feel a shock.


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 Chapter 299 Are You Our Sons Girlfriends

    After Atlas stopped tickling Lilith, the two of them washed each other, with the Honey Badger woman jumping whenever he moved. This made him laugh as he reassured the young woman, ''''I won''t do it again, Lili. I didn''t think you hated it.''''


    ''''I don''t hate it Master, it surprised me,'''' she answered in a low voice before nibbling his ear.


    A chill ran down Atlas''s spine, but to Lilith''s relief, he didn''t make another move to attack her anymore. The tension between them eased, and she let out a quiet breath, her body finally relaxing.


    ''''Don''t tickle me again,'''' the Honey Badger woman suddenly said. ''''If you do, I''ll attack you.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his grin stretched even wider, and Lilith''s eyes went laughably wide. ''''Don''t you dare!'''' she exclaimed, half-laughing, half-worried.


    But it was too late. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he struck again, and the next thing she knew, Lilith was laughing so hard her stomach began to ache. Atlas couldn''t help but revel in her laughter.


    Minutes after that, she transformed into her monster form, her playful expression turning into one of mischievous determination. He gulped as a glint of mischief flashed in her eyes, and before he could even blink, she lunged at him.


    Atlas yelped in surprise as Lilith began biting him, gently at first, but with enough force to make him squirm, all the while pinning him down. ''''L-Lili!'''' he managed between laughs. ''''I thought we were having fun!''''


    Her eyes sparkled with playful menace, and he quickly realized that while he might have started this, it was definitely no longer in his control. He was doing his best to dodge Lilith''s playful yet relentless attacks.


    She was quick, and every time he thought he was safe, she would pounce again. He tried to wiggle out from under her, laughing in between his frantic attempts to escape.


    ''''Lili, stop! I swear, I''ll..'''' he barely spoke before she gave him another playful bite.


    ''''Not until you learn your lesson, master,'''' she teased while pinning him down once more.


    The young woman returned to her human form while looking down at him with a beautiful smile. Atlas grabbed her collar and pulled her into a passionate kiss, which the Honey Badger loved.


    Lilith dug her nails into his chest as her tongue slipped into his mouth, causing another battle to erupt. He quickly won that just before they broke apart and she asked, ''''Who''s man are you, master?''''


    He chuckled, his voice soft and playful. ''''Yours, Lili.''''


    The Honey Badger woman''s face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with affection. She leaned down and kissed him gently, her lips lingering for just a moment before she pulled away, standing up before getting dressed.


    Afterward, he rose to his feet and joined her. Together, they made their way back to the Montague manor. As they entered the room, the familiar surroundings welcomed them. The soft glow of the mana lights.


    Atlas led Lilith out of the room after being joined by Amethyst and Estelle while the others stayed in the Otherworld to rest. The four of them started walking around the manor. He noticed the staff were working hard cleaning the place.


    Ten minutes later, a maid appeared before them, ''''Follow me, dinner will be served shortly young master,'''' she said.


    They followed the young woman through the beautiful corridors that had portraits on the walls of previous Montague Family members. Shortly after that, they appeared in front of large wooden doors.


    Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    Atlas and the women watched the guards open it, only to see Eldric and Eveline sitting at the table. When his mother saw them, a big smile appeared as she stood up. ''''Come sit down, aren''t the others joining us?'''' she asked.


    Without speaking, a portal opened as Nulia, Grishna, Artemis and Zena stepped out, causing his father to question with a curious expression, ''''Where are they all traveling to, son? It''s confusing to me.''''


    ''''It''s called the Otherworld. It''s a pocket dimension that belongs to me as a skill I can activate,'''' he explained while sitting down.


    Amethyst and Lilith sat on either side as the others got comfortable as Eveline looked at Atlas and questioned with a hopeful voice, ''''Many powerful mages have them, but they aren''t big. Would you mind showing me one day?''''


    ''''Yes mother, but you''ll have to listen at all times when inside,'''' Atlas replied. ''''There are many monsters roaming the place that would attack you.''''


    Following that, the maids brought out the food as the older woman had a fascinated sparkle in her green eyes. Eldric chuckled when he saw his wife''s reaction, causing him to question the group. ''''So, are you our son''s girlfriends?''''


    Atlas nearly choked at the sudden inquiry, but Grishna was the first to speak. ''''Yes, we all are but taking things slow for now. But me and him met many years ago while adventuring. Now we''ve been causing trouble for the Achaemenids, who are retreating further south.''''


    ''''It was your group that caused that?'''' Eveline commented with a knowing smile. ''''It''s the reason they besieged the capital was to keep the imperial army locked down.'''' S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Yes, they have been attacking us for years now,'''' the blonde knight Estelle commented. ''''Atlas can fight the Night Owls with ease now.''''


    When Eldric heard this, his eyes widened but a proud smile appeared, ''''Well done my boy, not many people can fight those demons.''''


    ''''They are weak, it''s why they''re running,'''' Atlas finally spoke. ''''The empire will fortify an easy place to defend, but it''s useless when I attack.''''


    His parents looked excited but also surprised, but Eveline turned to Lilith and Artemis while asking, ''''How did our son meet you both?''''


    ''''We fought because he took my cave but we soon became bonded and have been together ever since,'''' the white-haired Honey Badger.


    ''''Cave?'''' Eldric asked.


    ''''The two of them were constantly fighting in the beginning,'''' Amethyst said with a wry smile, recounting the tale to the older couple. She spared no detail, weaving the story with vivid gestures and an amused tone.


    By the time she finished, Atlas''s parents sat in stunned silence, their expressions a mixture of amazement, shock, and mild horror. It was clear they hadn''t expected such a chaotic tale, and the emotions playing across their faces made Amethyst stifle a laugh.


    ''''Well, those are some interesting stories,'''' his mother said with a sweet smile. ''''Do you mind if I spend time with you girls? I''ve been lacking female company since our daughters attended their magic schools.''''


    When the seven younger women heard this, they agreed, causing Eveline to turn to her husband and Atlas. ''''You two can leave. We will gossip and I''m sure you don''t want to hear that boring stuff.''''


    Atlas was just about to protest, but his mother gave him that look, causing him to agree with a nod. The girls quickly kissed him and when Lilith appeared, she had a mischievous grin. ''''I look forward to seeing you later, master.''''


    The way the white-haired beauty said that made him remember their fight in the bathroom, causing Atlas to slap her ass. The Honey Badger woman yelp before growling at him, but soon blew him a kiss as she followed the others.


    After the women were gone, his father laughed while slapping him on the back, ''''Now that is a girl in love, my son, she adores you.''''


    ''''I know,'''' Atlas smiled as he answered, ''''I also love her. She''s been a constant in my life.''''


    Eldric suddenly hugged him. ''''Finally! The Montague Family doesn''t have a dense young man in our ranks.''''


    Father and son were laughing before the older man commented, ''''I have to make my way into the capital. Make yourself comfortable until the women get back.''''


    Atlas agreed with a nod as he started exploring the manor, only to feel uncomfortable when all the maids stared at him. ''What is their problem?'' he pondered.


    He stepped into the garden and called for Theo. In response, the Blood Bat King emerged from an azure portal. Without hesitation, Atlas mounted the fearsome creature, and together they soared into the heavens.


    The duo glided effortlessly through the skies, scanning the horizon for any sign of the empire. Minutes later, he spotted a small army marching below, rewarding their half-hour of relentless searching.


    With a sharp dive, Theo descended, giving Atlas the perfect vantage point to unleash a barrage of Void Bombs upon the unsuspecting enemies. Explosions erupted and decimated the Achaemenids.


    Azure fire washed over them just as Atlas ordered, ''''Attack them Theo and only let three escape.''''


    Following that, a battle erupted as he used Void Step to appear in the center of the enemy formation and cast Void Wave, that sent the soldiers flying all over the place just as he launched his attack as Theo screeched from above.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 300 Hot Some Days

    Atlas continued attacking the Achaemenids alongside the Blood Bat King Leo. The two of them slaughtered the enemy until one was left. He raised his hand to the monster while speaking, ''''Don''t kill him boy, he needs to return to his people to tell our story.''''


    The giant bat nodded before sitting next to him while chewing on a body. When he saw this, a shiver ran down his spine, ''I''m lucky these creatures belong to me,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    Following that, Atlas turned to the sole survivor of the ambush and warned, ''''You better go back and tell them I attacked. If not, I''ll feed you to my monsters.''''


    When the man heard this, he nearly buckled but started running to get away from the white-haired demon who butchered his friends. Once done, he climbed onto Theos back and giving him the next target.


    ''''Let''s find a fortress to destroy,'''' Atlas revealed with an excited smile.


    The Blood Bat King soared through the air while searching for any enemies that were hiding across Astoria. An hour later, he found an Achaemenid Watchtower that was guarding the border between Thalassia and the wolf kingdom.


    ''''Head toward there, Theo,'''' he said to the monster.


    Seconds later, the monster let out a screech before swooping down and getting close to the border post. When close enough, Atlas started unleashing Void Bombs that peppered the enemy fortification.


    Explosion erupted and wiped out any soldiers just in time to realize what was happening. While doing this, Amethyst sent him a message through the bracelet. ''''Where are you, my love?''''


    The sound of her sweet, melodic voice took aback Atlas, but he quickly regained his composure. ''''I''m flying back to the manor now,'''' he replied. ''''Was making a bit of a mess in the empire, causing some trouble for them.''''


    Amethyst''s soft giggle rang in his ear, light and teasing. ''''Well, make sure you hurry back. The city is coming back to life thanks to you and you owe us some dates, handsome'''' she urged, her voice filled with warmth.


    ''''We''ll spend some alone time with each other,'''' he replied. Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    Following that, Atlas urged Theo to pick up speed, and they soared across the cold, barren land that was shifting, with patches of melting snow revealing the first hints of spring beneath.


    ''Can''t wait until I have to fight the empire anymore, but I''ll have to destroy them piece by piece,'' he thought to himself while enjoying to view.


    The wind whipped through the air as they cut through the landscape. He quickly noticed the herds of elephant-like monsters eating among the snow with other creatures mixed in while a nearby river was melting.


    ''I can''t wait until the warm weather appears,'' Atlas mused while looking at the distant mountains covered in a layer of white. ''The girls said it gets hot some days, forcing people indoors.''


    Following that, they continued attacking any empire soldiers they came across and thanks to Theo''s sharp claws; it was easy to deal with the columns of enemy troops that were retreating south.


    ''''Looks like they''re regrouping. I wonder if they''re planning an attack,'''' Atlas muttered, his senses suddenly going haywire as the sun finished setting.


    His heart skipped a beat, a surge of danger flooding his instincts. ''''Dodge, Theo!'''' he shouted, but his warning came too late.


    A barrage of powerful spells shot through the air, striking the Blood Bat with brutal force. The impact was like a thunderclap, and before Atlas could react, the creature was thrown into a violent tumble, its wings flailing helplessly.


    They plummeted toward the ground, the world spinning in a chaotic blur. Atlas was helpless as the monstrous force of their fall consumed them. The Blood Bat''s final, pained screech echoed in his ears before it was torn away.


    ''Girls, get to the Otherworld now! The empire is on top of me!'' he sent them all a message as the panic set in.


    And then, with a sickening crash, Atlas hit the earth. The shock of impact rattled every bone in his body, sending a wave of agony rushing over him as he stood up but still managed to take out his swords.


    ''Need to fight until the girls can come!'' Atlas thought as determination surged through him.


    The first group of Achaemenids attacked, forcing him on the defensive as he blocked and deflected dozens of strikes. He quickly used Void Wave to send the enemies flying as he countered.


    Even though he was seriously injured, he thought like a wild animal as he tore through the enemy''s ranks. While doing this, he was losing blood as the wounds appeared even more than more soldiers appeared.


    Atlas cast Void Wave again and went to open a portal but was hit again, causing his vision faded, but he bit his tongue to keep himself awake. That''s when Nulia''s rage-filled voice echoed in his mind, ''''Open a fucking portal now!''''


    He followed the Frostbear woman''s command and opened one, causing her to rush out filled with a primal rage, her powerful form tearing through the air as she collided with a group of soldiers.


    Her ferocious roar echoed through the chaos, and her massive claws ripped through armor and flesh alike, leaving nothing but destruction in her wake. As the soldiers were scattered, the ground shaking beneath her assault, a giant white wolf emerged from the portal.


    Zena moved with incredible speed, and before Atlas could react, it seized him in its jaws in a loving embrace as she was careful, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. Nulia, witnessing the scene, returned to the Otherworld.


    Just as the Zena made her move to follow suit, an overwhelming aura flooded the battlefield, saturating the air with a thick, oppressive presence. The temperature plummeted, the very atmosphere seeming to freeze in place.


    It felt as if the land itself was holding its breath. A sharp, invisible force sliced through the air, and in that instant, the magic tethering them to the Otherworld was severed. The sudden appearance of an enemy powerhouse cut Zena''s escape off.


    The connection to safety, her only hope of retreat torn from her grasp, as if it had never been there at all. The weight of the aura pressed down on the surroundings, leaving nothing but a stark sense of isolation in its wake.


    ''''I''m going to run, Atlas,'''' her voice echoed.


    Following that, Zena turned on her heels and started sprinting so fast that it caused wind pressure that sent the Achaemenids flying all over the place. Her claws digging into the earth as her massive muscles propelling her forward.


    The air was thick with the scent of pursuit; the soldiers gaining on her, but she was faster, more agile, weaving through the trees like a shadow in the night. She could hear the soldiers'' shouts growing louder, their heavy steps crashing through the underbrush.


    They were relentless. But she pushed harder, her legs stretching out in long, powerful strides, the forest blurring around her. The weight of Atlas in her mouth made every movement more challenging, but her focus never wavered.


    ''Hopefully he''s fine and can be healed,'' she thought while tasting his blood.


    Zena could feel his pulse against her, faint but steady, and it steeled her resolve. She would get him to safety. As she surged forward, she heard the roar of the soldiers'' commander ordering them to close in.


    Her ears perked, and her eyes scanned the terrain ahead. She saw it, an ancient, twisted tree with low-hanging branches. Perfect. Without hesitation, Zena swerved toward the tree, launching herself upward with a leap that defied her size.


    She crashed into the thick branches, her claws digging into the bark as she scaled the towering tree. The soldiers shouted in confusion, realizing too late that she had taken to the canopy. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With Atlas still secured on her back, Zena darted through the branches, moving swiftly despite her size. She could hear the soldiers scrambling below, unable to follow her through the treetops.


    For a moment, she paused, crouched low, waiting for the perfect moment to make her next move. She could feel the rage and frustration of the soldiers seeping through the air below. They weren''t giving up, and neither would she.


    ''I need to get him to safety so he can heal,'' she thought while glancing around only to hear soldiers getting close.


    Zena snarled, her sharp teeth flashing in the moonlight, and then she leapt again, bounding from tree to tree, each jump carrying her farther from their reach. As she moved deeper into the forest, the pursuit ended.


    The soldiers couldn''t match her speed in the trees, and not long after that, she collapsed in a secluded clearing with an abandoned cave. She entered it before lying down and allowed herself to rest while catching her breath.


    Her chest heaving with exertion as she landed on the solid ground of a hidden clearing.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 301 Good Call

    Zena placed Atlas gently on the ground before returning to her human form and started fussing over him. ''''Are you okay? Sorry I couldn''t get to you in time,'''' she asked in a worried voice.


    He was dizzy and the pain nearly knocked him out again as his wounds slowly healed, causing him to grit his teeth. ''''I''m fine, just need to rest,'''' he muttered.


    When Zena heard this, she scanned their surroundings before spotting something and turned to him with a concerned expression while revealing. ''''Theres a Snow Bear cave over there. I''ll go kill the monster and we can stay there.''''


    ''''Okay, be careful,'''' Atlas commented while sitting up and rubbing his head.


    She gave a confident nod before vanishing into the dark opening without another word, which made him smile. Minutes passed in tense silence, broken only by the distant sounds of a chaotic struggle to echo from within.


    Atlas''s curiosity was caught as a massive bear came hurtling out of the opening, its heavy body crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact. Hot on its heels, a fierce white wolf emerged with a menacing growl. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zena moved with shocking speed, each step oozing raw power as it closed in on her prey. He couldn''t look away as the scene captivating him before trying to stand up. He gritted his teeth just as she snapped its neck and throwing the body into the cave before coming to help him.


    Zena leaned up against his body, allowing him to lean on her. A snowstorm suddenly started just as they entered their hideout, prompting Atlas to look back at the snow-covered world as he muttered, ''''Damn winter, its needs to end already.''''


    The two of them stumbled deeper until coming to a warmer part of the cave. Zena sorted out the place before returning to her human form as she looked at him with a concerned expression. ''''Are you okay, Atlas?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he said, while slumping down against the nearby wall. ''''I just need some rest so my body could heal itself.''''


    Following that, the dark-haired beauty looked around and sighed. ''''I''m going to get some firewood as it''s going to get extremely cold tonight. Stay here, handsome,'''' she said with a small smile as her cheeks went red.


    Atlas nodded before activating the Void Realm skill to clear out some monsters while waiting for Zena to return. Seconds later, he appeared in the jungle just as loud chittering echoed out through the trees.


    He readied himself by casting Void Infusion on his blades when the giant ants rushed out of the underbrush. Atlas dodged the monsters, snapping mandibles before driving his blades through its head.


    Following that, he quickly cast Void Wave to knock the other Kraxari''s back just as the Bloodwings appeared. The flying insect creatures tried to pierce him with their stingers, but he sidestepped it.


    Atlas countered with a Void Lance that destroyed the beast''s body. While doing that, he cast Void Guard to block a few lunging ants, causing them to crash into the protective barrier with a heavy thud.


    Just after that happened, he quickly checked the monster total before entering to see how many he killed in his last


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 52,231/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 10,101/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''Impressive, but I need to clear the levels quicker the further south we travel,'' he pondered while checking the current tally.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 53,131/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 10,911/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    Atlas felt a surge of amusement as he looked over the carnage scattered around him. Yet, his thirst for battle hadn''t subsided, it was only growing to new heights. With a smirk, he turned back to the oncoming horde of monsters. Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire


    ''Now let''s kill more to get the tally down,'' he mused with an excited smile.


    Hours passed in a blur of chaos and destruction. Atlas fought tirelessly, his blades carving through the monsters with ease. Bolts of magic erupted from his hands, igniting the battlefield in explosions.


    The ground trembled beneath him as Kraxari and Bloodwings fell in the dozens, their screeches drowned by the roar of his power. Atlas moved like a storm, an unstoppable force amidst the chaos, his every swing and spell leaving devastation in his wake.


    Before long, fatigue washed over his body, and he decided it was time to leave the Void Realm. His eyes opened as his eyes opened to the real world, an unexpected sight, Zena, dragging an entire tree behind her with surprising ease.


    The sight caught him off guard, and he couldn''t help but let out a chuckle, as it was amusing because she was strong. His laughing drew her attention, and she turned to face him, her ears twitching slightly.


    ''''We''re going to need warmth,'''' Zena explained while gestured toward the tree. Her black hair whipped around her face as the wind howled outside. ''''The storm''s getting worse and the forest is being buried by the snow.''''


    Atlas smiled, impressed by her insight. ''''Good call,'''' he said.


    Following that, Zena transformed into her wolf form and left the cave to go get more wood as he got to his feet. He stumbled toward the tree and took out his two swords before using his swords to cut pieces off it.


    After stacking it into a neat pile once he cut it up, Atlas tossed several logs onto the fire, causing the flames roared to life, crackling hungrily as they devoured the wood. Slowly, the warmth spread, pushing back the biting chill that had seeped into the cave.


    Satisfied with his work, he stretched while enjoying the heat. Just as he relaxed, the sound of dragging caught his attention. Turning toward the entrance, the sight of Zena greeted him, appearing once again, this time with another entire tree.


    He raised an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and astonishment crossing his face. ''''Another one?'''' he asked, unable to suppress a chuckle.


    Zena shrugged as she dropped the massive trunk next to the pile. ''''The storm''s not stopping and only getting worse,'''' she replied matter-of-factly, brushing a stray strand of dark hair from her face. ''''Better to be over-prepared than freezing later.''''


    Following that, Atlas started cutting up more of the wood before she continued bringing in more downed trees. An hour later, they had a massive pile of fuel that would keep them warm.


    The wolf woman slumped down while letting out heavy breaths. He looked at her before taking out some dumpling that he had left over. Zena looked confused, but took the food and ate.


    ''''Thank you,'''' she spoke with a smile.


    As they sat by the roaring fire, the dark-haired beauty suddenly leapt to her feet a while later, full of energy, which surprised him. She started stretching, causing her back to crack, causing the wolf woman to smile.


    ''''I''m going to hunt for something for us to eat,'''' she announced, her voice tinged with excitement. ''''I could go for some monster meat. There''s some Forest Elk roaming outside as I caught their scent.''''


    Atlas smiled, leaning back against the cave wall as he watched her. ''''Just be careful out there, Zena,'''' he warned. ''''The Dark Ones are bound to be lurking outside like they usually are. I hate those things.''''


    Her yellow eyes sparkled with a mix of determination, excitement and joy as she turned to him, her grin revealing her sharp teeth. ''''Don''t worry. They should be afraid of me. I''ll destroy them with ease,'''' she quipped confidently.


    Without another word, Zena strode to the cave entrance. As the wind howled around her, she tilted her head back and let out a fierce, resonant howl that echoed across the snow-covered landscape.


    Moments later, she shifted into her wolf form as she took off across the snowy forest in search of prey. Atlas turned his attention back to the fire, watching the flames dance and flicker.


    The light pushed back the encroaching shadows, creating a small haven amidst the storm. As he reached into his Item Box and pulled out more food to eat, a sudden jolt of pain coursed through his body.


    He winced, but the sensation quickly faded, replaced by a warmth spreading through his entire body. A knowing smile tugged at his lips. It was another sign that his strength was returning.


    After that, Atlas leaned back against the cave wall, letting himself relax while stoking the fire to keep its warmth alive. The hours passed with crackling flames and the distant howl of the storm, his only companions.


    Eventually, the sound of crunching snow reached his ears, and he sat up, instantly alert. Emerging from the storm was Zena, back in her humanoid form, dragging a massive elk-like monster behind her.


    ''''This will last us a while, Atlas,'''' she said with a big smile.


    [Check out my new novel and let me know what you think: Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend - If you like magic, academies, brilliant romance and dungeons, then give it a go]

 Chapter 302 Forest Elk Meat

    Atlas watched as Zena slumped down after letting out a yawn, which exposed her sharp canines. He found her incredibly beautiful with her wild black hair and sharp yellow eyes that glowed in the firelight.


    She turned to him as her cheeks went red before speaking with a hopeful expression, ''''The storm will calm down in a day or two. When we escape this forest, you can ride on me if you like.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me Zena,'''' Atlas answered with an honest smile. ''''I was half unconscious when you carried me here, but thanks for helping.''''


    The dark-haired wolf woman beamed before jumping up and approaching the elk. He watched as she cut off a slab of meat after removing the fur and started cooking it, which made his stomach rumble.


    When Zena heard that, she did the same thing and sat down next to him while speaking. ''''Forest Elk meat is delicious. We don''t have any spices, otherwise it would be even better.''''


    Atlas reached into his Item Box and pulled out some before handing it over. ''''Use this. I got it from a fortress we raided on the way south.''''


    Her eyes gleamed with happiness as she took the ingredients and started sprinkling it over the meat. As the aroma hit his nose, it made him hungry, causing Zena to comment with a giggle. ''''It will take some time, but it''s worth the wait.'''' S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, he pulled out some blankets and created a mess of warmth on the other side of the fire. When the wolf woman saw this, she spoke up, ''''I can transform into my Primal form to keep warm.''''


    Atlas looked at the young woman with narrowed eyes before teasing her with a fake, offended expression. ''''You don''t want to sleep with me, Zena?'''' he asked.


    When she heard this, a panicked look appeared as she tried to defend herself. ''''I don''t want to push my luck. I like you, but would rather take things slow.''''


    ''''We''re going to need each other for warmth,'''' he replied. ''''And I''m sure you can''t stay in that form for long.''''


    Zena nodded in agreement before she tended to the food while Atlas stood up and stretched his back, causing several cracks to echo out. He let out a relieved sigh, but quickly noticed the dark-haired girl panting.


    ''''Are you okay?'''' he asked in a concerned voice.


    She looked at him before answering in a laboured breath, ''''Need mana, I''m running extremely low.''''


    Atlas smiled as he tucked a lock of black hair out of her face while suggesting, ''''Take some of mine, Zena. It''s the least I can do.''''


    As the wolf woman heard this, her cheeks went even redder as she mumbled, ''''Are you sure you don''t mind? It''s very personal to people.''''


    He waved her away with a charming smile before speaking in a curious tone, ''''Don''t worry about it. How can I give you it?''''


    Zena glanced at him slowly, her voice barely more than a mumble. ''''I could bite you to take it faster... but only if that''s okay with you.''''


    Atlas became curious when hearing that, but agreed with a nod. ''''That''s fine. How do you want to do it?''''


    Without answering, the wolf woman stood up and approached him while climbing into his lap until she was facing him. Zena beamed before leaning forward and biting down on his neck as her canines pierced his skin.


    Soon enough, the mana started pouring out of him and flowed into her body, causing her to tense up. Atlas groaned as it felt nice, but minutes later she finished before leaning back to look at him with her bright yellow eyes.


    He held her gaze for a moment before leaning in and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss, leaving Zena momentarily frozen in surprise. A heartbeat later, she responded, her hands rising to cup his cheeks as she deepened the kiss with equal fervor.


    Zena''s heart pounded wildly in her chest, her breath catching as the intensity of his warmth and affection washed over her. As their lips met over and over, she grew lightheaded, not just from the kisses, but from the sheer emotion that swirled between them.


    Her cheeks burned, a rosy hue spreading across her face, but she couldn''t bring herself to pull away. When he finally drew back, just enough to meet her gaze. Her eyes sparkled, and a shy, radiant smile played on her lips.


    He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her flushed face. ''''You''re adorable,'''' he murmured, his voice low and teasing.


    Zena buried her face in his chest, her laughter muffled as she tried to calm her racing heart. ''''Stop saying things like that!'''' she protested, though the joy on her face betrayed her words.


    Following that, the two of them continued kissing before she leaned back and sniffed the air. She jumped up while speaking with a big smile, ''''Dinner''s done, let''s eat.''''


    Atlas agreed, and let the wolf woman get up and sort out the meat while her tail excitedly swayed side to side. Moments later, Zena held out a stick with a juicy piece of elk steak on it, which made his stomach rumble.


    ''''Here handsome,'''' she said with a smile. ''''Elk meat is delicious and so filling.''''


    The couple began eating, their meal accompanied by the sound of the wind howling outside as it raced through the forest, a haunting symphony of nature''s raw power. Atlas savored not just the food but Zena''s presence, her laughter and warmth filling the cozy cabin.


    He watched as the fire crackled and roared in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the walls as Atlas tossed another log onto the flames, ensuring its steady glow endured against the storm outside.


    Seconds later, a haunting screech echoed out, causing them to jump up. He was ready for a fight, but Zena commented, ''''Dark Ones are closing in.''''


    Atlas quickly approached the entrance and started creating the Runes that will keep the creatures out. Minutes later, he was finished only to jump when seeing a Dark One on the opposite side staring at him.


    Its sharp teeth snapped in anger, but he quickly cast Void Lance at the monster''s face. The spell destroyed the creature just as Zena appeared beside him, just as more Dark Ones poured out of the surrounding forest.


    ''''Why are there so many?'''' the beautiful wolf woman questioned while grabbing his arm while getting worried.


    Atlas chuckled before revealing in a calm tone, ''''These creatures are always causing me trouble for years now.''''


    Following that, he summoned a horde of Savage Ghouls, which crashed into the Dark Ones. The Dark Ones fought back, but the sheer number of creatures from the Otherworld easily overwhelmed them.


    When Zena saw this, her eyes widened before she commented, ''''Are these your creatures?''''


    ''''Yes, they won''t harm you,'''' Atlas replied while watched the Ghouls attacking the Dark Ones.


    Afterward, the two approached the fire once again as the cold was brushing up against their skin. He sat down on the blankets and got comfortable just before Zena slumped down on his lap, which surprised him. Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    ''''Comfortable?'''' he asked with a smile.


    ''''Extremely,'''' she answered with a giggle.


    Just then, the cold crept in, its icy tendrils weaving through the cracks in the stone walls, but inside their little haven, Atlas and Zena were wrapped in a cocoon of warmth. The blankets they shared were thick and soft, a comforting shield against the chill.


    Zena nestled into his chest, her head tucked under his chin as his arms encircled her protectively. She let out a contented sigh, her breath warming the fabric of his shirt. ''''This is nice,'''' she murmured softly, her voice barely audible over the distant howling wind.


    Atlas tightened his hold, resting his chin gently atop her head. ''''It''s perfect,'''' he whispered, his voice low as he teased the wolf woman. ''''As long as I have you, I could get through any storm.''''


    Zena tilted her head up to look at him, her yellow eyes sparkling with emotion despite the dim light of the fire. She reached out to trace her fingers along his jawline, her touch feather-light.


    ''''You''re such a sap,'''' she replied with a soft giggle, though her cheeks flushed at his words.


    ''''And you love it,'''' he responded with a grin, leaning down to press a tender kiss to her forehead.


    Following that, Atlas reached up and started stroking Zena''s fluffy ears, that made her entire body tremble as she squirmed around. ''''Feels so good,'''' she muttered with a pleased expression.


    When hearing the happiness in her voice, he continued stroking her ears, which she loved and clung to him even more. Atlas was enjoying himself while hugging her tighter, which the wolf woman loved.


    ''This is peaceful,'' he thought as the two curled up under the blankets as Zena started nibbling at his neck.


    [Check out my new novel and let me know what you think: Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend - If you like magic, academies, brilliant romance and dungeons, then give it a go]

 Chapter 1 - 1: The Beginning

    [Quick heads up - The POV chapters are important to the overall story and introduce A LOT of things and people who pop up throughout the story]


    ***


    Five millennia ago, the Evil God Vorkoth created the Chaos Horde, which included many nightmarish monsters who invaded other realms to feed on life and expand their ever-growing armies to continue to consume.


    No one understood their true motives, but the worlds who stood and fought them came to know that the monsters fed on Mana Hearts that all living beings possessed, turning the victims into Chaos creatures.


    The Chaos Horde washed over countless worlds, leaving barren rocks in their wake, until they came to a world named Valoria. The evil armies were finally stopped when they met a mysterious being known as the Voidwalker.


    Legend says this being could use the mysterious and forgotten Void Magic that allowed him to tap into every element and summon a powerful monster army from deep inside the Voidrealm to fight for him.


    During the last days of The Doom, the Chaos King was slain in a climactic battle that cracked the supercontinent, creating the current world. The Voidwalker and his wives then traveled worldwide and banished the remaining Chaos Generals back to their Realm.


    Without their king or generals to lead them, the monsters turned wild and savage. The ones that remained on Valoria were forced into Dungeons by the Goddess of Light Luxia and her sister, the Goddess of Darkness Nyx, who deemed them valuable for the people to level up and fight back as the Choas Horde tried to break free.


    The gods warned the empires and kingdoms to ensure the Dungeons did not overflow, causing a Monster Wave to wash over the land like a tsunami of death and destroy everything the people held dear.


    Once the Doom was over, the Voidwalker continued to guard the world until he settled down with a handful of women he had met during his many adventures. Historians claim he had many children, but just like all things in life, his story was lost to the pages of history.


    The survivors who remembered the dark days told his glorious tale, but eventually, even they died, and the Voidwalker finally became a legend fading into history, forgotten. Then, as thousands of years passed, he was all but a children''s tale that most couldn''t remember.


    During the universe''s current age, a being watched over a soul that caught its attention as fate swirled around him in the void. After watching for some time, the being said in a neutral tone, ''''As one story ends, another begins. May you bring light to a world covered in darkness and find the family you desire.''''


    ***


    [Earth - London]


    Atlas woke up to the boom of thunder that lit up his room. The sudden noise caused him to sit up and rub his eyes, and he heard the relaxing sound of the rain hitting the window. This forced him to leave bed and prepare for the orphanage''s adoption day.


    It happened monthly, but Atlas accepted that no one would pick a fourteen-year-old boy when there were over a dozen children under ten to choose from. He would be lying if he said it didn''t affect him, but over the years, he learned to live with it and gave up the hope of getting adopted.


    After stretching his aching body and earning a few cracks, he let out a groan while fully waking up. Once awake, Atlas went to his bathroom and started stripping out his sweaty clothes before showering.


    As the hot water washed over his brown hair, memories flooded back to him. He could remember his mother''s face, who left him at the orphanage eight years ago when he was six with the promise to return when she was back on her feet, but she never did, which broke his heart.


    Once feeling better, he started getting ready to help Director Pamela, the older woman who owned and ran the orphanage. She had always been kind to him, but when it came to the House Manager, Macy, she was always hard on him for no reason.


    But he didn''t let the angry woman bother him, as he was used to her nagging after being here for years. Atlas shook his head before opening his wardrobe and taking out a pair of blue jeans and a white T-shirt.


    After getting dressed, he sat down to put on his trainers only to hear a knock, causing him to call out, ''''Come in!''''


    His door was pushed open, and the Care Worker, Sarah, stepped in with a radiant smile. ''''Morning Atl,'''' she said. ''''Do you mind taking the rubbish out once the parents are gone, please? Macy asked me to help Pam with the adoption paperwork, and because of that, I''m behind on my duties.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied. ''''Let me start my chores before I help with the parent''s arrival.''''


    Sarah smiled before speaking, ''''Thank you. That would be good. Janice called in sick today, so we''re short on staff, and this morning has been chaos.''''


    Atlas offered a comforting smile to reassure her, ''''I''m sure things will go well. Thanks to you and Pamela, most children know how to behave, so there won''t be much trouble.''''


    He nodded before getting ready and doing his chores, and a couple of hours later, he was relaxing in the garden. While sitting there, Sarah approached him worriedly as her gaze swept the courtyard.


    "Atlas!" Sarah''s panicked voice instantly alarmed him compared to her normally calm self. "Have you seen little Cindy? She was upset about not being adopted and ran off.''''


    Atlas jumped up when hearing the woman''s question and shook his head. ''''No,'''' he quickly answered. ''''Where was she last seen?''''


    Sarah shrugged before growing frustrated as she looked around the courtyard for the second time. Just then, he heard two giggles from the orphanage''s entrance, causing his gaze to spin toward the noise.


    That''s when he spotted the naughty twins, Ruby and Reece, staring past the gate, laughing to themselves, and playing with toys. He rushed over before asking ''''Have you two seen Cindy?''''


    Ruby, the little girl, turned to him with a big smile, ''''She went to get our ball, Big Brother.''''


    ''''She offered to go,'''' the little boy, Reece, commented. ''''If you walk outside, you will see her.''''


    He nodded and went outside while scanning the area for the girl. His gaze darted across the street, the playground, and the local stores. Then, amidst the bustling scene, he spotted her rushing toward the nearby road, giggling as she chased after a ball.


    Time seemed to slow as Atlas''s heart clenched in fear. His gaze followed the path of the ball, but suddenly, his attention was drawn elsewhere¡ªa police car, lights flashing, hurtling down the road at an unnerving speed.


    Without a second thought, his Instincts kicked in as he bolted toward the little girl, his muscles straining urgently. He pushed through the crowd amid the chaos as he sprinted toward Cindy.


    In a heart-stopping moment, he reached her just as she stepped onto the road, oblivious to the danger. He pounced forward with an unknown surge of strength, shoving her from harm''s way.


    But Atlas soon realized he couldn''t save himself in the split second before impact¡ªthe screech of tires, the blare of sirens, and a sickening thud. He felt the force of the impact, the world spinning around him as he was thrown to the ground.


    Agonizing pain washed through his body, but amidst the haze, he knew one thing¡ªhe had saved Cindy and was happy. The distant sounds of footsteps rushed toward him as he heard voices, but soon everything went black.


    After an unknown amount of time, Atlas woke up feeling nothing. There was no pain or sadness, which confused him as he assumed he would wake up outside the pearly gates and not in the realm of darkness that he found himself in.


    He tried to look around, but all he could see was darkness, darker than anything he''d ever seen. After he could not see or feel anything, he started to panic, but soon, he heard a woman''s voice that calmed him down.


    ''''We''ve been watching you, Atlas,'''' it said with concern. ''''Your life has been hard and full of pain.''''


    ''''Yes, sister, it was terrible,'''' a different voice said sadly. ''''Maybe he can find happiness in the next?''''


    ''''Perhaps. It would be interesting to witness,'' the first voice replied. ''''We''ll just have to wait and see.''''


    Atlas''s confusion grew even more, forcing him to speak up, but no sound left his mouth, which freaked him out. Soon, the second voice spoke in a soothing tone. ''''Calm down, boy. We will explain everything in a few minutes.''''


    He calmed down once the voices finished speaking before the first voice continued, asking, ''''Do you want to find a decent family and enjoy a life full of adventure, boy?''''


    Upon hearing this, he eventually felt something inside him click, and Atlas finally knew he could talk, so that''s what he did, ''''Who are you? And where am I?''''


    ''''Not what we want to hear,'''' the second voice said. ''''Now tell us your answer.''''


    After thinking, Atlas nodded, recognizing that those two desires were only significant to him. With this realization, he replied, ''''Of course I do. It''s the only thing I''ve ever wanted.''''


    ''''See, sister,'''' the second commented. ''''He wants to live.''''


    Just as she spoke, Atlas was being dragged somewhere. Soon, he found himself in a bright white room that gave off a strange feeling. As he looked around, he soon spotted two women sitting opposite him.


    When seeing them, he was struck dumb by their beauty. One of the women had luscious, snow-white locks cascaded in gentle waves around their voluptuous figure, shimmering with an otherworldly glow akin to a deity radiating from within.


    As Atlas scrutinized the first woman''s face, he couldn''t help but notice her features, sculpted to perfection like those of a goddess. The beautiful stranger possessed high cheekbones and a slender nose framed by arched brows, highlighting her piercing violet eyes, which were mesmerizing.


    After looking at the white-haired woman, he turned to the black-haired woman, who was the opposite of the first. She had jet-black hair that shimmered when the low light around them hit it.


    He looked into her violet eyes, which spoke of nameless experiences, causing a shiver to rush down his spine. The second woman was slender and athletic-looking, wearing what looked like warrior''s armor, and her expression was serious.


    Once Atlas looked at the two, he internally thought, ''Are they gods or something? They are giving me a weird feeling.''


    ''''We are, boy!'''' the black-haired woman snapped, shocking him with her otherworldly voice.


    But the white-haired woman turned to her, ''''You can''t expect him to know, sister,'''' she said. ''''He comes from a world where some of them don''t believe in gods.''''


    After speaking, the white-haired woman gave him a dazzling smile before introducing the two of them, ''''I am Luxia, the Goddess of Light and leader of my world''s Pantheon.'''' Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A silly smile appeared on Atlas''s face when she spoke, causing the black-haired girl to complain, ''''Look, you''ve charmed him, sister! Tone your aura down so we can get this over with.


    Luxia giggled before Atlas felt normal again and shook his head, ''''Ah, what just happened?''''


    ''''I''m sorry Atlas,'''' Goddess Luxia apologized. ''''I forgot to dim my aura so it wouldn''t affect you.''''

 Chapter 2 - 2: Sometimes

    Atlas was confused but spoke, ''''No problem. But where am I?''''


    "We''ll address that shortly. Time is of the essence," Luxia remarked, glancing at the black-haired Goddess beside her. "Allow me to introduce my younger sister, Nyx, the Goddess of Darkness."


    He greeted the woman with a smile, but she only gave them a half-hearted nod, which Atlas found endearing. Afterward, Luxia continued talking, ''''You died back on your homeworld while rescuing that little girl. Which is admirable but sad nonetheless.''''


    "Yeah, but I don''t regret it," Atlas responded. "Cindy''s got her whole life ahead of her. Me? I was just a lost, depressed teenager with no family.''''


    After speaking, Atlas saw the look in Luxia''s eyes and recognized it as sadness. She quickly shook her head and resumed talking, ''''Right now, you''re in the soul realm where all the dead return. But I have the perfect vessel waiting if you wish to restart your life and experience everything you missed in your previous one.''''


    ''''What''s the catch? You have other motives for bringing me here. I doubt you''d do it out of the kindness of your heart,'''' he questioned after hearing her offer.


    Luxia smiled. ''''You will become the champion of Light and Dark, which means you must fight the Chaos King and anything that comes with him when the time comes.'''' She said, ''''That''s the price for a life of love and adventure, simple, isn''t it?''''


    Atlas thought, ''It''s straight out of a novel. How is this real?''


    ''''It is real,'''' she commented while reading his mind. ''''You will become the Voidwalker. A being who controls all mana and walks the Void where countless horrors dwell. You have the potential to harness such power to save my world and, in turn, gain a life that most can only dream of.''''


    ''''Voidwalker? Sounds cool,'''' he said while nodding his head.


    Luxia smiled before asking with a hopeful voice, ''''So, do you accept my offer?


    ''''Will I be put in a family that hates me and banishes me?'''' Atlas asked her a question instead. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two goddesses looked at him like he was a strange creature as Nyx inquired, ''''Why are you asking such a specific question, boy?''''


    Atlas chuckled. ''''It''s a common trope in novels back on Earth.''''


    Luxia giggled before shaking her head, ''''Your family situation is very interesting, to say the least,'''' she explained. ''''You will be alone for a while, but you will build your own family in the end, so does it matter?.''''


    He shrugged as it didn''t sound bad. The white-haired Goddess regarded him with a thoughtful gaze, nodding with a smile before she began to speak. "As your Goddess, I will bestow upon you three spells and two skills to aid you at the beginning of your new life.


    However, when you progress to the first rank, you will be limited to learning only one additional spell, rather than the usual four the system allows, due to the ones I am granting you now."


    ''''First rank?'''' Atlas asked confused.


    Instead of Luxia, Nyx informed him of the world''s system that every sentient being owns. This lets people keep track of their overall status and can level up by killing monsters that would give them a certain amount of experience.


    Every rank had a certain amount of experience one needed to earn before ranking up, and the stronger they became, the harder it would be to increase their stats. This world forces the higher-ranked warriors and mages to search out strong opponents.


    The second way of progressing was through hard work and training. There were levels and ranks, along with something called a Mana Core, but Nyx wouldn''t discuss it any further and told him he would have to learn about it in the future.


    She did note that upon reaching the second rank, he could use up to eight spells, limited by the world''s rules. But as he progressed to the third rank, it would let him use twelve. However, upon reaching the fourth rank, all restrictions would be lifted by the universe, granting Atlas the ability to learn a limitless amount.


    When he inquired about the limitation, Luxia explained that it was a universal law beyond their understanding. Nevertheless, she did mention speculation that the spell limitations were connected to the individual''s soul, though she couldn''t confirm it with certainty.


    After hearing all this, Atlas was interested, so he questioned with excitement seeping into his voice, ''''So I just have to go into a forest and kill monsters to level up?''''


    "Yes, that is one way, but scattered across the world are dungeons, which can aid you in leveling up by offering monsters to kill for experience," Luxia said before continuing. "They range from level one to level ten, each hosting various ranked creatures."


    ''''Okay,'''' Atlas answered with a smile before asking, ''''What are the Monster ranks?''''


    "It ranges from Rank G to SSS+ and even beyond," Nyx replied. "You''ll delve into the finer points once you embark on your new journey. However, what''s crucial to know that the Chaos King and his minions harbor animosity towards the Voidwalker, which you''ve now become our chosen one."


    "What''s the name of the world?" Atlas inquired, his curiosity piqued about the place he was being sent to. "And what''s it like?"


    As Nyx fell silent, Luxia took the lead this time, "It''s called Valoria, which is hundreds of times the size of your former Earth. But it''s a world of magic, swords, and monsters. With enough determination, one can rise to the top and become something entirely different."


    Atlas nodded, ''''Can''t wait to see all this,'''' he said before asking, ''''Will I ever see you two again?''''


    When Nyx heard this, her pointy ears twitched, but Luxia smiled, ''''Yes,'''' she answered. ''''We will visit you in your dreams until you''re strong enough to receive our messages.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he answered. ''''Is there anything else I should know before you send me away?''''


    ''''You''ll have minutes to react, but just think about status and then think about using the spells I gifted you, and you may survive,'''' Nyx said.


    "Remember, death is a common on Valoria, and you mustn''t allow it to sway or affect your judgement otherwise it will be you dying. To have the courage to kill will be crucial for you to survive your journey, my little champion," Luxia advised.


    Atlas nodded before the Goddess smiled, ''''Thank you for helping us,'''' she continued while waving her hand. ''''Now enjoy your new life and make sure to give it your all.''''


    Unknown to him, she had placed a mental barrier from the overwhelming onslaught of experiences that would otherwise drive him into madness. As Atlas vanished, Luxia spoke to no one in particular, ''''When darkness surrounds us, the only thing that pulls us out of it is hope. Sometimes, it makes us feel special, sometimes, it is the only thing that connects us to life."


    Meanwhile, the next thing Atlas knew, everything went black as an unknown power sucked him into a wormhole. He fell through a colorful tunnel resembling a bright canvas, where shining stars dotted the expanse, amazing him.


    Soon, he spotted a massive planet and accelerated toward its surface before everything turned white. Atlas felt the cold against his skin, and then a throbbing pain in his head caused him to open his eyes.


    Above him, tree branches devoid of leaves let him see the dark clouds overhead. Sitting up, he was hit by another throbbing pain in his head, causing his sight to blur momentarily before returning to normal after rubbing his eyes.


    ''What the hell is going on,'' he internally complained. ''My head is killing me.''


    The scene shocked Atlas to the core; lifeless bodies of men lay all over the clearing he found himself in. While scanning the area, he soon spotted two white-colored wolves covered in blood, standing opposite a man who held a sword and pointed it at them.


    Baffled, Atlas quickly threw up as the smell of blood overwhelmed him but soon calmed down, remembering Luxia''s words, and realized he had to get used to seeing dead things as he saw dozens of wolf bodies lying everywhere.


    Shaking his head, he thought to himself, ''Status.''


    After Atlas thought that, blue writing started appearing in his sight, which shocked him, but he started reading the spells Luxia gave him.


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 13


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: ??????????


    Level: ---


    Rank: ---


    Experience: 000/200


    Affinity: ????


    ____


    Health: 4/20


    Mana: 500/500


    Strength: 20


    Stamina: 20


    Charisma: 200


    Intelligence: 20


    ____


    ???? ????:


    ???? ????


    ???? ??????


    ???? ????????? ?????


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (0) Lv-1: Void Arrow (0)


    Defense: Lv-1: Void Guard (0)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ____


    Skills:


    ---- ----- (-) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (0)


    After briefly looking at the status, Atlas aimed his hand at the wolf about to attack the wounded man. ''Void Bullet,'' he thought.


    At that moment, something incredible unfolded before his eyes: an azure-blue bullet, resembling a tennis ball in size, materialized in front of his hand. The projectile spun before it streaked through the air, piercing the wolf''s hind legs.


    A fountain of blood burst out of its skin, and a small explosion rippled through the monster''s body, ''Oh this is so cool! I can use magic,'' he internally celebrated before casting it again.


    Atlas cast six more Void Bullets that rocketed onward and slammed into the wolves, causing them to snarl in pain. It gave the soldier enough time to impale the first before attacking the second with a blast of wind that sliced its head off.


    When the monsters dropped dead, Atlas stared in shock until an excruciating pain hit his chest, causing him to stumble back while letting out a yelp of pain, catching the soldier''s attention, who looked at him with wide eyes.


    He dropped on his backside while the pain ripped through him. While that was happening, Atlas''s head got lifted as something disgusting was poured into his mouth and then onto his chest.


    Atlas felt the pain vanish before his eyesight slowly returned, and he saw the soldier barely able to stand. ''''Young Master,'''' he said. ''''It''s good you''re alive; everyone thought you died when the monsters ambushed us.''''


    When hearing this, he looked down to see the tunic he was wearing was torn apart and covered in blood, but before he could say anything, an uncomfortable feeling rushed into his mind as fractured memories started to flow in.

 Chapter 3 - 3: Experience

    Atlas learned a lot from the memories that poured into his mind. They showed a burning village near Silvermist Lake in the Thalassia Empire on the mainland. The Soldiers who came to inspect the village saw a flash down by the shore, and when they rushed over to the source, he was found.


    The memories showed that the soldier''s commander had adopted him because he only had daughters and wanted a son. Atlas found out that the family used to live in the capital, Thalasar, before moving to Echo Isles when his Father retired from the army to become the Duke of a new region thanks to his service to the empire.


    Atlas knew that the empire rested at the center of Astoria, the supercontinent he found himself on. This information caught his interest, and he wanted to find a library once he was back in civilization to learn more about the world.


    More importantly, he learned of events called Monster Waves, which happen occasionally and are known to destroy whole towns and cities if left unchecked. Unfortunately, the growing settlement his father was in charge of was among the first to be targeted by the disaster.


    Luckily, his adoptive family was in Wildwood City because his sisters were heading to the Arcane School Of Magic in the far north. They had to catch a Morozov Express Train from the capital that traveled all the way up to Northreach Point.


    It is the northernmost city on the continent. While they were doing that, he stayed back at the Homestead to train with his father''s guards, but when a hunter returned to town warning of a Monster Wave, the soldiers and townsfolk made a mad dash toward Ironclad to take refuge.


    But the defenses only held for two days before the monsters poured over the walls like a wave of teeth and claws. A small group of survivors, including Atlas, managed to fight their way out, but he was the first to go down once they entered the forest.


    He lagged behind the group due to being low-level and lazy, which annoyed the current him. While thinking about everything, the soldier''s voice brought him back to reality as he weakly pointed in a specific direction.


    "Young Master. It would be best if you traveled to the port Southwest, where the rest of the people are,'''' he spoke in a haggard voice. ''''The Monster Wave eradicated Ironclad Pass. Hopefully, Wildwood still stands, and you can find rescue there.''''


    ''''Why can''t you come?'''' He asked. ''''My memories are foggy, and I can''t remember much.''''


    ''''The Snow Viper Venom is working its way up my body and is about to cut off my movements,'''' the man replied while coughing up black blood, ''''When you arrive at the port, they will save you and take you back to the mainland to find the Count.''''


    Atlas nodded, his curiosity piqued about his new appearance. However, before he could inquire further, the man finally said, "Be careful. Stronger monsters are roaming the forest, boy."


    After speaking, the man went limp, which shook him to the core as this was the first time seeing someone die. Remembering Luxia''s advice, he steeled himself to confront the grim reality of death despite the overwhelming nausea that stirred within him.


    Though the soldier appeared at peace, Atlas knew he was dead. After staring at the man for a while, he looked around and soon realized he was in a forest. Even worse, it was snowing, and the cold wind was brushing against his skin, causing him to complain.


    ''Damn, it''s going to get cold soon,'' he internally moaned. ''All I''m wearing is a medieval-like tunic and uncomfortable pants.''


    He could not wield any of the soldier''s weapons because they were too heavy for him when trying to carry them. Atlas tried to pick up a sword until he found a staff that one of the men must have been carrying before they got ambushed.


    Atlas picked it up and spun it around as if he already knew what to do, which confused him, but he chose to ignore it. He studied the staff until something popped up in his vision, which surprised him.


    [Battle Staff]


    [Rank: Common]


    [Level: 3]


    When Atlas saw this, he was baffled and rechecked his status.


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 13


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: ?????????? S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Level: ---


    Rank: ---


    Experience: 000/200


    Affinity: ????


    ____


    Health: 20/20


    Mana: 430/500


    Strength: 20


    Stamina: 20


    Charisma: 200


    Intelligence: 20


    ____


    ???? ?????:


    ???? ????:


    ???? ??????:


    ???? ????????? ?????:


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (0) Lv- 1: Void Arrow (0)


    Defence: Lv-1: Void Guard (0)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ____


    Skills: ---- ----- (-) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (0)


    When Atlas saw his skills and spells, he went through them to check on all the details while no monsters were around.


    [Silent Casting: Can cast spells without chanting]


    [Void Sight: Reveals the fundamental attributes and characteristics of beings or objects, with its efficacy growing more robust as it progresses in Level]


    [Void Bullet: Conjures a volatile projectile of void mana that explodes on contact - Cost: 10 Mana]


    [Void Arrow: Summons a piercing projectile infused with unstable void energy, capable of penetrating targets with precision - Cost: 15 Mana]


    [Void Guard: Erects a protective barrier woven from the fabric of the void, shielding the user from harm - Cost: 25 Mana]


    While reviewing his skills and spells, Atlas heard something approaching him from behind, prompting him to cast Void Guard. An azure-colored force field materialized around him just in time to absorb the impact of the incoming attack.


    The force of the collision sent him staggering backward, his gaze lifting to find another wolf, its head shaking with anger as it snarled menacingly. He couldn''t help but yelp in fright at the sight.


    Quickly regaining his composure, Atlas focused on scanning the threat before him.


    [Icefang Wolf]


    [Rank: F]


    A gulp caught in his throat as he realized the wolf''s rank surpassed his own. However, Atlas wasted no time, unleashing ten Void Bullets while simultaneously launching three Void Arrows.


    The wolf quickly dodged the projectiles, but the arrows found their mark, piercing the monster''s skull. He watched the creature make a strange death noise before dropping lifelessly to the ground.


    When that happened, Atlas felt something strange flowing into his body, causing him to check his Experience.


    [Experience: 100/200]


    [Experience Gained: 100]


    Excitement welled inside him, but he had to control himself before heading Southwest to reach the city the soldier was talking about because it was snowing in a deadly forest. With that thought, he held onto the staff and started walking.


    He traveled through the dark forest with his head on a swivel. The canopy above blocked out most of the sunlight, allowing only a tiny amount to slither through. After walking for half an hour, he came to an eerily quiet small pond.


    Atlas cautiously surveyed his surroundings, finding no signs of lurking monsters. Satisfied, he approached the water''s edge and peered into its surface. What he saw startled him once again, but in a good way.


    His hair glimmered like freshly fallen snow, its length cropped neatly but covered in blood. Atlas couldn''t deny the charm of his new appearance as he admired himself. His features were flawless¡ªhigh cheekbones and a strong jawline exuding youthful charm.


    However, his eyes truly mesmerized him¡ªdeep pools of azure blue radiating with a supernatural glow. Then, a pair of elf-like ears twitched subtly as he took in his reflection, adding to his newfound mystique.


    Atlas found his skin nearly as white as his hair. He was tempted to continue to admire his appearance, but he tore his gaze away and refocused on his surroundings, ever vigilant for any potential threats as he passed the pond.


    That''s when he remembered the soldier talking and wondered how he understood him. ''How can I understand their language?'' he thought. ''Maybe Luxia gave me a secret gift, or it may be the system translating for me.''


    Atlas nonchalantly shrugged before resuming his trek. Soon, he encountered a small stream, which he jumped over. A faint rustling sound nearby piqued his curiosity as he landed on the opposite bank.


    Intrigued, he clumsily approached the source of the noise while preparing to cast a spell. When Atlas stepped into the clearing, he saw something that shocked him¡ªsmall dog-sized rabbits with sharp horns protruding from their foreheads.


    While looking at them, the monsters weren''t paying attention to him as they greedily ate the emerald green grass that glimmered in the afternoon light. Atlas counted nine creatures and decided to kill them for the experience.


    Before starting his attack, he uses the Void Sight on them to see their rank.


    [Horned Rabbit]


    [Rank: G]


    ''Not too bad, If I remember correctly Rank G is the lowest and should be easy for me,'' Atlas internally mused.


    With that thought in mind, he cast Void Bullet at the Horned Rabbits, and the azure projectile soared forward before slamming into the closest monster''s body, causing it to explode into blood mist.


    He was shocked at the carnage but switched to Void Arrows and sent eight azure arrows to chase after the creatures who tried to flee. The spells moved quickly and connected with five of them, causing the Horned Rabbits to spasm before dropping dead.


    As the experience flowed into his body, Atlas sensed a shift within him. Suddenly, something snapped inside, triggering a sharp, mind-throbbing headache that sent him to his knees with a pained moan.


    Notifications flashed before his eyes, irritating yet also exciting him.


    [Class Unlocked: Voidwalker]


    [Level Up: 0¡ú1]


    [Rank Unlocked: Novice]


    [Experience: 200/1000]


    [Experience gained: 300]


    [Affinity Unlocked: Void]


    [Health: 20¡ú70]


    [Mana: 500¡ú550]


    [Strength: 20¡ú70]


    [Stamina: 20¡ú70]


    [Charisma: 200¡ú225]


    [Intelligence: 20¡ú70]


    [Skill Unlocked: Void Realm]


    [Mana Core Unlocked]


    [Core Points: 400/10000]


    [Body Tempering Level: -]


    Soon, the pain subsided, and Atlas could think straight and examine the upgrades. He was pleased with the results when he saw all the notifications. It seemed that unlocking his first rank gave him fifty on every attribute, and I guessed he gets something like that every time he ranks up.


    After examining them, Atlas checked his mana after casting nine spells in one go, as he guessed it used a good chunk of his mana.


    [Mana: 130/550]


    ''I used eighteen Void Bullets, eight Void Arrows and the shield which cost me three hundred and seventy mana,'' Atlas reflected on his spell use while looking around the small clearing the Horned Rabbits were.

 Chapter 4 - 4: Strange Australian Creature

    Atlas surveyed his surroundings and caught sight of a glimmer not far off. Intrigued, he made his way toward it. As he got close, he discovered a small black marble-like object smaller than a golf ball.


    He picked it up and studied it curiously before activating Void Sight.


    [Monster Cores: This can be sold to merchants for profit or used to refill your mana pool. Amount varies on the Core''s Rank]


    [Monster Core - Rank G]


    Taken aback by the unexpected discovery, Atlas scanned the area and collected five more Cores, stashing them all in his pants pocket. When he finished inspecting the Monster Core, he continued Southwest through the snow-covered forest.


    It finally stopped snowing, but a thin layer remained on the ground, making some parts of his walk slippery. After an hour of trekking, he stumbled upon a bone-strewn clearing. While standing there, a vile odor assaulted his senses, making him recoil in disgust.


    However, his inner goblin couldn''t resist the temptation of potential loot when he noticed swords scattered across the ground. Atlas started to scour the area, using his Battle Staff to shift some of the remains.


    Amidst the debris, he uncovered a beautifully crafted dagger that looked like it wasn''t meant to be there but felt right once he picked it up. He decided to scan it.


    [The Starfall Dagger]


    [Rank: Uncommon]


    [Level: 4]


    ''This is beautiful,'' Atlas thought while inspecting it.


    The dagger''s curved blade reminded him of the one from the game Prince of Persia he played in the orphanage on Earth. After admiring it, he slipped it into his waistband before continuing his search.


    After ten more minutes of searching, he found a pouch filled with coins. Opening it, he examined a copper piece with an elven face stamped on one side. Not bothering with it anymore, he counted what he had.


    ''Atleast I got some funds to get some food when I reach civilization,'' he thought to himself.


    Ten copper and three silver coins were inside, igniting a spark of excitement within him. Without hesitation, he pocketed them and resumed his journey, oblivious to something watching him from the nearby bushes.


    Atlas pressed on through the forest, feeling the weight of dusk settling around him. With nightfall looming, he sought out a place to rest. After a time, he stumbled upon a secluded grotto nestled beside a cascading waterfall.


    Climbing up to its entrance, he found comfort in its shelter. He cautiously entered the cave and settled in once inside. Atlas made himself comfortable, peering out into the forest beyond as the cold bit into his skin, causing him to shiver.


    Darkness covered everything, cutting off his sight and blocking his view of the outside world. After that, he decided to settle down for the night while staying aware of anything that could sneak up on the cave.


    Atlas fell asleep while curling into a ball to keep the cold away. The following morning, an earth-shaking roar woke him in a panic, causing him to jump up and hit his head on a protruding rock, ''''Ow!''''


    He rubbed his head before sticking out of the cave he was hiding in. Looking around, Atlas saw nothing and climbed out. When he touched the ground, he sank into the remaining snow as the cold washed over him. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Damn, my feet will get wet now,'' he internally complained before continuing on Southwest as the snow caused him to shiver.


    As he journeyed, Atlas reached a point where a river barred his path, forcing him to seek a way across the rushing water. He followed the river until he discovered a way to cross while scanning the landscape.


    While doing that, something inside him told him to jump to the side just as a web-looking material hit the ground where he was. Atlas quickly recovered and scanned his surroundings, but he couldn''t see any more monsters until activating his Void Sight.


    His skill allowed him to finally spot the creature creeping toward him, causing his heartbeat to quicken in fear. ''Oh no!''


    [Snow Widow]


    [Rank F]


    When he read the notification, a shiver ran down his spine as his gaze fixed on a giant, white spider, its unnaturally pale form hiding amongst the snow-covered bushes. Its body was the size of a large dog, and its eight spindly legs seemed to stretch endlessly.


    He noticed each leg was adorned with sinister-looking barbs. In alarm and astonishment, Atlas watched the Frostfang Spider release a menacing hiss as it charged toward him, frighteningly fast for its size.


    ''Luxia! Why throw me into a horrifying forest like this!'' Atlas thought to him while watching the Snow Widow.


    The sudden movement caused Atlas to yelp and quickly jump to the side just in time to dodge one of the spider''s sharp legs, allowing him to cast three Void Arrows into the monster''s body, causing it to roar in pain.


    Atlas kept casting the arrows into it until he felt his mana drop below half. The Frostfang Spider collapsed to the ground, its body littered with over a dozen sizzling holes, which caused its glowing white core to roll out.


    He slowly approached the corpse, gagging at the smell, before snatching up the core and fleeing the area in case more of the nightmare on legs appeared, which freaked Atlas out as he didn''t want anything to do with them.


    Atlas looked around the clearing and saw nothing, but he still became creeped out, which caused him to start running through the forest, ''I hate spiders! But that was a monster that belonged on a movie screen.''


    When getting far enough away and seeing no more monsters, he sat down to catch his breath and wanted to check his status.


    [Experience: 300/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 100]


    [Core Points: 400¡ú500]


    [Core Points Gained: 100]


    [Strength: 70¡ú72]


    While studying his gains, Atlas grew curious about the Core Points, so he selected them, which gave him a small information window.


    [Core Points allow you to raise your Core Rank, which comes with a jump in stats and many other benefits]


    Upon reading, Atlas focused on the Mana Core information, swiftly skimming its contents.


    [Mana Core: A core dwells within the soul of the being and activates when the user reaches level 10. It grants benefits and upgrades, which will be revealed as you level up and grow]


    Atlas''s curiosity peaked, but he decided to continue leveling up and see how powerful he could become. While checking that, a twig snapped behind him, causing him to jump forward without thinking as a wolf flew over his head.


    He quickly turned around when recovering before aiming his hand at the Frost Wolf that lunged from the brush and cast Void Arrow. A glowing blue projectile penetrated the wolf''s right front leg, causing it to yelp.


    Atlas tightened his grip on his Battle Staff as the monster lunged at him again. He sidestepped the attack before bashing the creature on its head, which emitted a loud bonk, earning another pained growl.


    His strike caused the wolf to wobble, allowing Atlas to rush forward and hit it again. The staff slammed into its eye this time, leaving it half-blind as it tried to back up to get out of his reach.


    Atlas felt confident and charged again, getting ready to attack. However, he was taken by surprise as a smaller wolf appeared out of nowhere and bit into his left arm, causing him to scream in pain as its fangs sank deeper into his flesh.


    Panicked, he placed his right hand on the monster''s head and blew it off using Void Bullet. The creature dropped dead, but he swung his hand toward the first wolf while casting the same spell again that blew the monster apart that lunged at him.


    Its corpse collided with Atlas, hurling him to the ground with the monster on top. With a sickening crack, he hit his head on the ground, knocking him out cold. The body hid him from the surrounding monsters scared off by the wolf''s scent.


    While unconscious, the forest around him came to life, with birds chirping and howling. By the time Atlas woke up, the stars were shining overhead, causing him to grow confused as he didn''t know where he was until he felt something heavy pinning his body to the ground¡ªshaking his head before the memories flooded back to him.


    ''Oh, I remember now,'' he thought while pushing the wolf''s corpse off him.


    While sitting up, Atlas was startled by a creature standing a few feet to his right, causing him to jump when spotting it. The new monster appeared to be a hybrid of a dog and a hyena, with dark fur and eyes glowing with malice.


    It was snarling at him, getting ready to pounce. Puzzled by this unexpected encounter, he quickly scanned the creature to check out its Rank.


    [Grimclaw Hyena]


    [Rank: E]


    ''What is this strange Australian creature,'' Atlas thought while raising his hand and casting Void Arrow.


    The azure projectile sliced through the air quicker than a bullet and slammed into Hyena''s head, causing it to explode before it could realize what had happened. Atlas watched the monster''s body drop alongside the Frost Wolves he had killed earlier.


    After the creature was dead, Atlas exhaled deeply, his hands trembling from the intensity of the encounter. Gradually, his nerves subsided, and the rush of adrenaline diminished, leaving him vulnerable to the returning pain from the wolf''s bite.


    "Damn, it hurts," Atlas muttered to himself through gritted teeth as he scanned the surroundings of the Battle Staff.


    Spotting it nearby, he wasted no time retrieving it and three Monster Cores before collapsing to a seated position while sighing. He started catching his breath and easing the pain coursing through his body.


    Atlas pulled out the five Rank G black cores and studied them before noticing each one glowed differently but looked similar. The Frost Wolf cores were white, while the spiders and Grimclaw hyenas were orange.


    He internally mused, ''The other Ranks must have different-colored cores, which is interesting.''


    Holding up the white core, which was a bit bigger than the black one, and shimmered as the moonlight hit it, Atlas mumbled, ''''Beautiful.''''

 Chapter 5 - 5: At least Im Slowly Healing

    Shaking his head, Atlas brought up the orange one, which he could see even in the darkness, thanks to the stars above. After examining them, he put the 8 cores back into his pocket before checking his status.


    [Experience: 700/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 400]


    [Health: 70¡ú72]


    [Mana: 550¡ú554]


    [Stamina: 70¡ú72]


    [Intelligence: 70¡ú72]


    [Core Points: 500¡ú850]


    As he did that, the pain in his left arm worsened, causing him to look at it. He noticed the torn-up skin and jagged tears, making him feel sick when seeing it, but he held onto his bile that tried to force its way out.


    Atlas quickly checked his Health.


    [Health: 47/72]


    ''Oh shit, I need some of that stuff the man gave me,'' Atlas mused to himself before yawning. He decided to find somewhere safe to sleep before going to Wildwood City to get off this island.


    After resting, Atlas got up and continued walking southwest, gripping the Battle Staff in his right hand. His left arm was hurting, and he had it cradled against his chest as it throbbed in pain due to the wolf bite.


    Atlas checked his Health to see if it was increasing.


    [Health: 44/72]


    When seeing this, Atlas ripped a piece of his ruined shirt and tied it around the wound, slowing the bleeding so he could reach Wildwood Port, where he could get it treated by the people there.


    While trekking onward, a skill Atlas hadn''t yet examined came to mind. With no immediate threat of monsters, he read the information about it.


    [Void Realm: A realm home to an uncountable number of monsters, accessible solely to the Voidwalker and their chosen]


    Atlas''s curiosity grew, so he selected it again to bring up more information about the skill.


    [Comprising over 300 levels to conquer. You must defeat each level boss to gain control over that part of the Void Army. These creatures are entirely under your command and can be summoned instantly at the expense of 400 mana per portal]


    [Can enter level 1 when reaching the Apprentice Rank and start on the path of the Voidwalker]


    When Atlas read that, he grew excited but knew it must be dangerous in this realm. He decided to ask Luxia about it the next time they spoke. Afterward, he soon found a small hiding spot under the roots of a large tree.


    Just as he was about to climb in, a rustle from behind caused him to swing around, hand outstretched, but he saw nothing. Looking around, Atlas remained cautious as he rested, preparing to cast Void Guard immediately.


    He burrowed deep under the tree, curling up and cradling his arm, which had stopped bleeding thanks to the homemade tourniquet. Soon, he drifted off to sleep as the wind picked up and a storm brewed above the forest.


    Atlas''s snug hiding place shielded him from the monsters that emerged at night, far stronger than those roaming during the day. Hours passed as the storm battered the forest, and he was comfortably sleeping, shielded by the tree above him.


    The following day, Atlas stirred to the cheerful chirping of birds and the resonant bellow of an elephant-like creature. Sitting up amidst the roots, he instinctively examined his arm, relieved that it showed signs of healing.


    With a sense of optimism, he then checked his Health.


    [Health: 60/72]


    ''At least I''m slowly healing,'' Atlas thought. ''Now, let''s get to Wildwood, then the mainland so I can start my adventure.''


    After that, he climbed out of the roots and started walking. Atlas''s journey to the city took three more days. Luckily, he only encountered five more wolves he managed to kill before they injured him anymore.


    When Atlas noticed the trees had started to thin out, he realized that his arm had fully healed on the second day, thanks to mana. However, mangled scars were left behind, which annoyed him. Once he checked on his arm, he turned his attention toward the city in the distance.


    What he saw shocked him: Black smoke billowed beyond the walls, and no one was on guard. Now that Atlas knew the city had been attacked, he slowly approached and examined the surrounding landscape.


    While crossing the field, he was drawn to a group of humanoid monsters emitting ear-piercing, hate-filled shrieks. Standing there, Atlas spotted the new creatures. They reminded him of Ghouls from the video games back on Earth, with sickly gray skin and twisted human features.


    After spotting them, he quickly scanned the monsters to evaluate their strength and rank.


    [Howling Ghoul]


    [Rank: F]


    ''Damn,'' he thought to himself as he spotted the five Ghouls heading in his direction.


    Atlas raised his hand and cast ten Void Bullets before willing them toward each of the creatures. The azure projectiles soared through the air, connecting with their heads while using his imagination to guide them.


    The Ghouls all dropped dead as the spells pierced their heads, causing an explosion that tore them apart from the inside out. Their deaths allowed a flow of experience to pour into his body, and he soon heard a click that indicated that he had leveled up.


    Still, he couldn''t check now as even more creatures appeared from the city gate. There were six this time, and the group started rushing in his direction, so Atlas used six Void Arrows like homing missiles.


    He sent them soaring into the Ghouls and soon connected with all six, but only four dropped to the ground, leaving only two alive. As the survivors continued their charge, Atlas was taken aback and quickly scanned them to see what was different.


    [Feral Ghoul]


    [Rank: E]


    [Feral Ghoul]


    [Rank: E]


    ''Oh, they''re Rank E,'' Atlas thought as they came into range of his spells.


    He wasted no time, unleashing a barrage of ten Void Arrows that streaked through the air, finding their mark on the creature''s bodies. Yet, to his dismay, they dodged the spells with minimal damage, closing in swiftly.


    Atlas let out a startled yelp as one of the creatures swiped at him with sharp claws, but he quickly stumbled backward before striking out with his Battle Staff and connecting with the Ghoul''s head, causing it to snap backward.


    When that happened, the second creature tackled him to the ground, forcing him to hold off the thing''s jaws as he reached for the dagger and quickly sunk it into the monster''s temple, causing it to drop dead.


    The Ghoul went limp, forcing Atlas to push it off himself as he remembered the first creature and aimed his hand at it while casting a Void Arrow that pierced the creepy humanoid head and sliced through the air.


    It crashed to the ground with a thud, leaving Atlas letting out heavy breaths as he got to his feet and brushed the dirt off him before approaching the corpse with his dagger in hand and saw an orange glow just under the Ghoul''s chest.


    This caught Atlas''s attention, causing him to crouch down and cut into the creature, making himself heave as he removed the orange core. This Monster Core was bigger than the white and black ones he collected.


    After studying the cores for a second, he returned to harvesting even more and came away with 11 in total: 9 white and 2 orange. These were the only ones he could store as he ran out of room in his pockets. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a shrug, Atlas approached the ruined city and wondered what he would find inside. As he got closer, a metallic tang hit his nose, which puzzled him. He quickly noticed the pools of blood that littered outside the gate.


    Atlas readied his staff and ensured his dagger was tucked into his pants while entering the city''s gate. As he stepped across the threshold, what he saw shocked him, causing him to throw up at the scene.


    Bodies were lying all over the entrance; some were strewn on the stairs that led to the top of the wall, while others lay in the street. Atlas gazed around while steeling himself as he spotted strange-looking blue-skinned humanoid monsters.


    When he got close, he recognized it as a goblin, which caused him to think, ''Aren''t they usually green? Why are they blue?''


    Atlas shrugged, as he wouldn''t figure anything out by glancing at all the dead bodies. He noticed the bags hanging off some human remains, igniting his inner loot goblin while approaching them.


    ''I feel sorry for them, but as Luxia said, death is common in Valoria, and the loot will only go to waste. Whoever comes here next will take it,'' Atlas thought while approaching the first corpse after getting over his guilt.


    The man looked like a soldier, wearing armor crafted from leather and a strange metal that shimmered in the morning sun. The helmet covered his face except for his eyes. He chose to ignore the face behind it as he grabbed the pouch and pulled it off the corpse''s belt.


    After looting the first body, Atlas checked inside and found 23 copper and 5 silver coins, which excited him as he stored them in his pocket. He proceeded to search the other bodies, using his dagger to cut off their pouches.


    Having finished looting, Atlas ventured into the nearby guard tower connected to the gate he entered through and soon discovered a spacious room with a table at its center with beds along the walls.


    Despite the allure of the soft-looking beds, he resisted their temptation and laid out the twenty-seven coin pouches on the table. Surveying his newfound collection, Atlas wanted to find a larger bag to hold it all, as it would be more accessible during his journey.

 Chapter 6 - 6: A Magic Bag

    Atlas started his search of the guardroom, soon stumbling upon some cans of food, a timely reminder as his stomach grumbled. Exploring further, he located a stove in a small kitchen area and approached it, scanning for a means to ignite it.


    After tinkering with it for a bit, he stumbled upon a button that unexpectedly drained mana from his body, catching him off guard. With the stove finally ignited, Atlas retrieved the peculiar food he stumbled upon ¨C beans that appeared green and emitted a sweet aroma upon opening the can.


    Scanning the surroundings, he spotted a pot conveniently placed on the nearby counter, presumably cleaned before the city''s downfall. Drawing from his upbringing in the orphanage, Atlas possessed the cooking know-how, a skill Pamela had taught him.


    Dumping the contents of the can into the pot, he allowed the beans to simmer while he checked his remaining mana before his status.


    [Mana: 195/554]


    ''Damn, I used a lot of mana to fight those Ghouls, but the experience I gained makes it worth it,'' Atlas thought while shivering while remembering the creature''s howls.


    Atlas checked on his beans and realized he still had a few minutes, which allowed him to check his status.


    [Level Up: 1¡ú3]


    [Experience: 300/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2000]


    [Health: 72¡ú76]


    [Mana: 554¡ú570]


    [Strength: 72¡ú76]


    [Stamina: 72¡ú77]


    [Intelligence: 72¡ú75]


    [Core Points: 850¡ú2050]


    [Core Points Gained: 1200]


    ''Oh nice, I leveled up once and got a small boost in my Attributes,'' he mused before checking his race information.


    [Voidborn: A mysterious being that originates from the depths of the void, possessing incomprehensible powers that haven''t been seen in thousands of years]


    [Voidwalker: Has access to the void, which is the primordial element in the universe, as everything was born from it]


    Atlas''s eyes widened, and his breath caught as he read the description. The reality of his new abilities began to sink in, but he soon stopped thinking about it as the green beans were finally cooked.


    He turned off the stove while grabbing a dusty bowl, which prevented him from dishing up his dinner. Atlas looked around, spotted a sink off to one side, and approached it before looking for the mana port.


    Just like the stove, there was a little hole that he placed his thumb in and sent some mana into it. Soon, the water started to run, allowing him to clean the bowl and utensils before dishing up his food.


    Atlas sat at the table where his loot was and started eating while counting his collected coins. He shoveled some green beans into his mouth, savoring the taste as it burst on his tongue.


    The simple dish tasted delicious to his starving self. While eating, he reached for the small pouch. Pouring the contents onto the table, he began counting. One by one, Atlas stacked the silver neatly in one pile and the copper in another.


    "113 silver," he muttered, his fingers moving across the table. "And 50 copper."


    He recalled from the old Atlas''s memories that 100 copper coins equaled 1 silver coin, 100 silver equaled 1 gold coin, and 1000 gold equaled 1 platinum coin. Moreover, he knew a 1000 platinum coins would equal 1 rare and elusive star coin.


    After counting everything Atlas looted from the corpses, he put them all into a pouch, including the ones he found earlier. Once they were sorted, he started eating the beans until he was full and realized he needed a drink.


    He grabbed a dusty cup from the counter and cleaned it before filling it to the rim. After that, he sat down, and in a single gulp, he drained its contents, a surge of refreshment coursing through him.


    Once Atlas couldn''t eat any more food or drink water, he checked the officer''s chambers to see if he could find a bigger bag to carry his loot in. When stepping into the room, he noticed it was well-maintained and looked fancy.


    Gazing around, he spotted a few things that would be useful to him: a map, a cloak, and a satchel hanging up on one of the walls. Atlas closed the door behind him before walking over to the bag.


    Atlas pulled it off the hook and placed it on the officer''s bed before going through it. He pulled out loads of men''s clothes and other stuff, which confused him as there wasn''t enough room in the bag for all of it.


    While staring at it, he decided to use Void Sight on it, which revealed its purpose.


    [Space Bag]


    [Rank: Common]


    [Level: 3]


    [A Basic Morozov Space Bag that can carry up to 50kg worth of stuff without hindering the user]


    ''Oh, a magic bag,'' he mused with a smile. ''This will come in handy.''


    After getting over the excitement, Atlas took out the 26 Monster Cores he''d collected up until now and stored them in the bag alongside his Battle Staff until he left the guard tower.


    Once the cores were sorted, he walked over to the cloak and examined it.


    [Enchanted Winter Cloak]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 2]


    [Keeps user warm during the Frostwinter months - Resizes itself to the wearer]


    ''Interesting,'' Atlas thought while putting on the cloak that was way too big for him, but as soon as he clipped it onto himself, it resized itself to fit perfectly, and it could wrap it around himself, which acted like a blanket.


    After checking out the cloak, Atlas approached the map that was spread out on the desk, and what he saw amazed him. Echo Isle was connected to the Frostmark Kingdom by a small strip of land covered by a monster-filled forest.


    ''I wonder why the Frostmark people haven''t settled on the island,'' Atlas shrugged before rolling up the map and putting it in the space bag.


    Once the map and cores were stored, he slung the bag around his shoulders and tightened it before looking around the room. Atlas spotted nothing apart from a large cabinet in one of the room''s corners and approached it.


    He noticed it was locked, so he cast a Void Bullet at it without thinking, causing a loud explosion to ripple through the room and hurting his ears. Atlas held his ears until the ringing stopped, but he criticized himself for being stupid.


    As the dust cleared, Atlas realized the cabinet was open, revealing hundreds of small round bottles full of colorful liquid. He picked up one while noticing it was a dull red and glowed when the light hit it.


    Atlas used his Void Sight and scanned the liquid. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Minor Health Potion: Restores 40 Health Points per potion]


    Curious, he picked up the four other bottles with different colored liquid inside. Atlas scanned the second red one he held. This one was more vibrant, and the red was more of a ruby red instead of dull, like the first one.


    [High Health Potion: Restores 80 Health Points per potion]


    Aftward, he scanned the blue one, guessing it was a mana potion.


    [Minor Mana Potion: Restores 100 Mana per potion]


    A darker blue one followed this.


    [High Mana Potion: Restore 250 Mana per potion]


    Atlas was getting excited as he found a stack of potions, but he calmed down and continued scanning a green one he picked up.


    [Minor Stamina Potion: Restores 100 Stamina per potion]


    Once he had looked at all the potions, Atlas grinned before opening his space bag and scooping them into it, leaving plenty of room. He quickly had over a thousand, which he guessed were the city guard''s stockpile, but they didn''t need them anymore.


    ''Atleast I can heal myself from now on.''


    After that, Atlas continued to search the room and found some books that caught his interest. He took five of them: ''The History Of Valoria'' and ''Thalassia''s Founding: Valoria''s Last World War.''


    He stored them in his bag before looking at the other four, ''Monster Compendium,'' ''Dungeon Diving: A Beginners Guide To Dungeons,'' ''The Valoria System: A Need To Know Guide'' and ''Legends Of Astoria: Stories and Tales Lost To Time.''


    ''Interesting,'' Atlas internally mused. ''These will come in handy.''


    Atlas found a pouch with 20 silver and 2 gold, which excited him, but he threw them in his space bag before walking back into the guardroom, where something felt off. He quickly took out his Battle Staff and readied himself.


    ''What the hell is here now!''


    But upon glancing around, he found nothing alarming, finally allowing himself to relax. Walking toward the nearest window, he gazed outside and noticed the sun still high in the sky.


    Seeing this, Atlas decided to spend the night in the guard tower after looking for anything useful. After searching for ten minutes, he found a cold box the size of an American refrigerator.


    ''Please say there''s food inside.''


    Atlas opened it and saw a treasure trove of food¡ªall kinds. There were loaves of bread, cheese, meats, and strange-looking vegetables. He selected several, including ones that resembled carrots, tomatoes, and potatoes, to scan them.


    [Emberroot]


    [Crimson Sunfruit]


    [Earthspud]


    ''Strange names,'' Atlas thought before loading all the food into his bag and deciding to find some clothes in the city.


    Atlas finished with the food and left the guard tower to loot anything valuable. Outside and walking through the streets, he noticed the planners had built most of the city from dark-colored wood, but there were some stone buildings here and there.


    ''It reminds me of a medieval city mixed with the ones from a fantasy novel,'' he thought while scanning the street.


    It looked ruined, with fires still burning and corpses littering the streets. The scene made him want to throw up, but Atlas controlled it before he started walking down the main street and looted any bodies he found.

 Chapter 7 - 7: One More Family

    After an hour, Atlas found what he was looking for and saw a store selling clothing. He stopped walking to examine the gloomy building, noticing the smashed windows, and kept his guard up while approaching.


    When entering the quiet and dark shop, Atlas noticed it was dark but saw everything as if a light was overhead. His gaze swept over the store, but he didn''t see anything that would threaten him.


    Afterward, he went shopping and started studying the clothing that resembled the ones from Earth but had a medieval touch. Coats, tunics, pants, and boots lined the walls, causing Atlas to gather enough for weeks on the road.


    The space bag gave him enough room to carry a lot of clothes, so he started dumping everything in it before changing into fresh clothes and covering the space bag with a thick jacket, which made him feel much better.


    Once he was ready to travel, he left the store and was going to head back to the guard tower. While traveling down the quiet road searching for more stores to loot, roars started around him.


    Atlas stopped walking and looked around, realizing the monsters were passing through the city again. This caused him to flee the way he had come. He left Wildwood City behind and rushed toward the forest he had come from.


    When he had gotten far enough, he turned around while hiding behind a tree, only to see a massive dust cloud approaching the city. "Another monster wave? This can''t be right. The memories implied they''re rare," he pondered silently as he went north.


    Atlas trekked through the forest, only encountering a group of three wolves. He quickly dispatched them by rushing at them and using Void Arrows, catching the monsters off guard and leveraging his upgraded stamina to move fast.


    Once he killed them, he grabbed the three white cores that the wolves dropped, which pleased Atlas as he loved the feeling of earning stuff from his kills. While journeying, Atlas realized he couldn''t rely solely on magic and would need to use weapons, perhaps even his fists.


    With that in mind, he decided to wield his Battle Staff the next time he encountered a monster. Continuing his trek through the forest, he decided to look at the map he had looted from Wildwood City.


    Retrieving it from his bag, he studied it, feeling a sense of dread when he finally came across the name of the forest he was in. ''The Wailing Woods? Why such a sinister name?'' He panicked, his nervousness mounting as he thought he heard something nearby.


    Atlas looked up from the map and scanned his surroundings to distract himself but found nothing. Then, all of a sudden, he heard the distant cries of men and women, their twisted screams echoing through the forest, sending shivers down his spine.


    ''Why do they sound so strange?''


    Atlas shook his head while choosing to ignore the screams. He turned his attention back to the map and found the route he needed to take: through the Wailing Woods to Deadwood Pass, which would take him through the Dead Mountains.


    He would have to travel to the far north and then double back south on a thin strip of land that led to the Frostmark Kingdom and the first town he would see, Avalanche Hollow. After doing so, Atlas heard a twig snap from behind him.


    His heart began to race as he swiftly turned around, hand ready to cast a spell, only to pause abruptly at the sight of a man and woman standing before him. Seeing the two of them, Atlas felt a wave of confusion wash over him.


    Though the couple appeared ordinary, they had an unexplainable strangeness and stared at him like he was their prey. That''s when the woman stepped forward with an eerie smile and spoke weirdly: ''''Elf boy. Come to camp. Have food, we do.''''


    Atlas''s eyebrow raised, but he didn''t move an inch as he readied his Battle Staff and Dagger as the man spoke, ''''Cold here, our home hot.''''


    ''Where is their white van? Do they have candy?'' Atlas thought while scanning his surroundings.


    ''''Come, little elf,'''' the woman motioned with her hand. ''''We''ll get you dinner.''''


    The man approached, drawing Atlas''s attention. He aimed his hand at the stranger and questioned suspiciously, ''''Who are you? And where did you come from?''''


    ''''Not far,'''' the strange woman spoke as she jerkily pointed behind them. ''''Home.''''


    Atlas decided to scrutinize them further because something seemed off.


    [Female Changeling]


    [Rank: F]


    [Male Changeling]


    [Rank: E]


    ''Changelings!'' Atlas realized, his mind immediately conjuring tales of these creatures from Earth folklore. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now that he had identified them, he could quickly tell the differences: Their eyes were lifeless, their skin had a sickly gray shade, and their movements were jerky.


    ''''Is there more people in your village?'''' Atlas asked as his heart started to race with excitement and nervousness.


    ''''Yes,'''' the female Changeling said in a robotic tone. ''''One more family.''''


    Atlas nodded and replied with a fake smile, ''''Lead the way. I''m cold and hungry.''''


    As the monsters'' expressions shifted, they ventured into the forest. Observing their movements, Atlas trailed behind, preparing to unleash a barrage of Void Arrows at the opportune moment.


    For twenty minutes, they walked until they reached a clearing dotted with several tents. However, it wasn''t those that caught his attention, but the sinister smell of death and decay that made him gag, prompting the two Changelings to whirl around and fix their gaze on him.


    ''''Hungry,'''' Atlas said, trying to play it off.


    The woman smiled creepily before pointing at the largest tent. When they got close, he noticed another group of Changlings in human forms but speaking a language that he didn''t understand.


    Atlas spotted a bulkier monster sitting in the middle and scanned him.


    [Changeling]


    [Rank D]


    ''He''s strong, but if I kill him the experience will be worth it,'' he thought while sizing up the Changling leader as the creature stared at him with cruel eyes.


    Atlas cast several Void Arrows and bullets without wasting a second thought before sending them at the weaker Changelings. He lunged at the leader while swinging his Battle Staff, which connected with the monster''s head and didn''t do anything.


    With lightning reflexes, the leader snatched his weapon and effortlessly shattered it with a single hand, leaving Atlas stunned. Before he could react, the leader seized him by the neck, hoisting him into the air while applying a crushing grip.


    A series of strikes rained down on his body, eliciting audible cracks. When Atlas felt that, he screamed in agony while hearing noises from the other creatures behind him and had to act now.


    He reached behind his back and pulled out the dagger before plunging it into the Changeling''s head. After his sudden attack, the leader made a strange gurgling noise as its grip on his neck weakened, allowing Atlas to cast four Void Bullets into its head and chest.


    When the spells connected, the leader was blown away along with the tent just as the woman he met grabbed him and spun him around. But Atlas instantly struck and stabbed her in the heart with his dagger as the Changeling''s sharp nails dug into his shoulder.


    The creature let out a painful shriek as it dropped dead. Once Atlas was free, he scanned his surroundings and saw two monsters still moving. He approached them and aimed a hand at it before sending a Void Bullet through its head.


    Then, he did the same to the other creatures before sitting on a nearby crate. ''Why can I kill these things without feeling much? It''s horrible, but not as bad as I expected.'' Atlas thought to himself while admiring the sky above.


    After a moment of contemplation, he shrugged, unable to come up with a solution, and decided to check his status since he had leveled up during the battle.


    [Level Up: 3¡ú5]


    [Experience: 300/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2000]


    [Health: 76¡ú80]


    [Mana: 570¡ú580]


    [Strength: 76¡ú80]


    [Stamina: 77¡ú81]


    [Intelligence: 75¡ú78]


    [Core Points: 2050¡ú3350]


    [Core Points Gained: 1300]


    [Dagger Mastery Learned]


    After checking his status, Atlas wanted to see where the experience came from and how much each monster gave him.


    [Rank F Icefang Wolf x 3 - 300 Experience - 300 Core Points]


    [Rank F Changeling x 2 - 200 Experience - 200 Core Points]


    [Rank E Changeling x 4 - 800 Experience - 600 Core Points]


    [Rank D Changeling - 300 Experience - 200 Core Points]


    ''Interesting, each rank gives me a different amount of experience,'' he internally mused. ''I must say I''m doing good, but I don''t know what the average status looks like.''


    Afterward, Atlas started searching for anything of value and found nothing apart from two white cores, four orange, and one beautiful green core from the Rank D Changeling.


    Once gathering the seven cores, Atlas continued through the Wailing Woods, where the screams were still present, which he chose to ignore before spotting the Dead Mountains that pierced the clouds.


    They were dark and gloomy, and a feeling of evil radiated. Atlas spotted a group of flying monsters circling the peak. He continued his trek while watching his surroundings in case anything ambushed him.


    Atlas walked for an hour until the forest started to thin out as he reached the bottom of the Dead Mountains. ''This place belongs in a horror movie.''


    The area he was in was dark even though it was daytime, thanks to the mountains blocking the sunlight. Atlas continued walking until he came across the Deadwood Pass, covered in a thin layer of mist.


    With a gulp, he stepped down the pathway and made his way carefully. While doing that, he heard a whistling noise, causing him to look around and be hit in the shoulder by a shabby arrow.

 Chapter 8 - 8: Prized Objects

    Atlas screamed as the pain spread throughout his body. He wondered who had attacked him, only to see the monsters responsible. Twenty light blue Goblins dressed in monster skins rushed out of the nearby bushes.


    [Health: 70/80]


    He grimaced whenever touching the arrow lodged in his shoulder but still managed to scan the creatures.


    [Snow Goblins]


    [Rank: F]


    That''s when Atlas decided to deal with the new threat by rushing at the closest Goblin while taking out his dagger and casting a Void Bullet into its face, causing the other creatures to scramble.


    More arrows and small spears were aimed at him, but Atlas quickly cast Void Guard, blocking the attacks as a blue shield appeared. Just after that, he rushed out, casting more Void Bullets and slashing at the creatures. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His dagger tore through one Goblin''s neck while his bullets peppered the others, causing small explosions to light up the pass they were in. Atlas was too slow as a spear pierced his back, causing him to yelp in pain.


    [Health: 45/80]


    ''Oh no,'' Atlas thought. ''Can''t take too many hits.''


    He quickly turned around and fired a Void Bullet at the Goblin that stabbed him. The clumsy fight continued for a while, with Atlas jumping around like a rabbit while luckily dodging most attacks, but some still made it through.


    [Health: 25/80]


    Atlas continued shooting Void Bullets at the monsters but also started blocking the Goblin''s rusty swords using his dagger. He killed all but five who began to circle him while holding spears, knives, and swords.


    He was breathing heavily as the battle took its toll on his small body, but Atlas knew this would strengthen him in the long run, so he continued studying the Goblins. ''If I attack one, the others will go for me, but if I can knock them back using Void Guard, I can get the upper hand,'' he mused while gripping his dagger tighter.


    Atlas was staring at the creatures circling him just as they launched their attack, but he cast Void Guard, causing the shield to throw them backward, allowing him to begin his counterattack.


    With his dagger, Atlas rushed forward and swiped at the shocked Goblins while casting three Void Arrows that slammed into the remaining creatures, causing them to fly back with a thud as the force overwhelmed them.


    Once the fight was over, he dropped to the ground in pain while checking his Health to see how much he had left.


    [Health: 9/80]


    Atlas''s heart raced with panic as he fumbled for a High Health Potion, hastily bringing it to his lips and forcing himself to swallow despite the disgusting taste. He grimaced but soon felt the wounds on his body begin to close, and his Health gradually rose.


    He remained sprawled on the frigid ground of Deadwood Pass, his form smeared with blood and had several arrows embedded in his flesh. Atlas looked at them before figuring out how to pull them out so the potion could fully heal the wounds.


    With several tugs, he pulled them out while screaming in pain as the arrowheads sliced his skin from the inside before they were out.


    Afterward, he rechecked his Health.


    [Health: 65/80]


    When seeing that, Atlas pulled out a Minor Health Potion before consuming it. He started to feel better after an hour and finally stood up while stretching his body. Once feeling better, he started walking toward the Goblins and cutting out the Monster Cores.


    Atlas managed to loot 17 white and 3 orange cores, which he stored in his space bag before checking his status.


    [Level Up: 5¡ú7]


    [Experience: 300/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2000]


    [Health: 80¡ú84]


    [Mana: 580¡ú590]


    [Strength: 80¡ú84]


    [Stamina: 81¡ú85]


    [Intelligence: 78¡ú80]


    [Core Points: 3350¡ú5350]


    [Core Point Gained: 2000]


    [Void Bullet: 0¡ú1]


    ''Three more levels until I get access to the Mana Core benefits,'' Atlas thought while looking at his status.


    After that, he checked his mana to see how much he used.


    [Mana: 340/580]


    ''I didn''t use that much and I have mana potions to use in case,'' he mused while traveling through the Wailing Woods until the sun started to set.


    In search of a resting spot, he eyed the branches overhead and swiftly ascended, seeking shelter. With his clothes in tatters, he quickly changed into something more comfortable, then into his space bag and reached for his book, "The History of Valoria," eager to learn about the world.


    Atlas started reading while conjuring a Void Bullet, allowing it to hover in the air and providing some light as he read. Within its pages, he learned about the dominant power in his region of Valoria¡ªthe formidable Achaemenid Empire.


    This vast realm ruled the whole Zarandar Continent and the northeast of the Aridonia but was pushed back by the Nubian and Graecoria Empires. They weren''t beaten, but the war ended in a peace treaty between the three powers, thanks to one key factor: the army of 600 Nova Mages that served the empire.


    The Achaemenidians, known as the Southmen, lived across the Sands Of Sorrow, a massive desert that separated the Astoria Continent from Zarandar. The author''s descriptions of the people and customs reminded Atlas of the Persians back on Earth.


    Next in line was the formidable Dark Elf Thalassia Empire, which resembled the Greeks. They boosted fielding 200 Nova Mages, which put them second to the Achaemenidians, positioned north of the Sands Of Sorrow and west of the eastern realms of the Orientia Continent.


    The book said the Deeproot Jungle and Deathbloom Grove blocked any advance from the west. It depicted the great Golden Lotus Empire viciously clashing with the Nightshade Kingdom, which hid in a vast mountain range that none of the region''s powers couldn''t breach.


    Their allies, the Akkadian and Atlantisian Empires, joined them in attacking the mountain kingdom. They all hated the killers who had, at one time or another, slain their generals and commanders before any attack to prevent a war, which it always succeeded in doing.


    Losing twenty high-ranking generals, nobles, and influential figures would dent an empire''s strength. During one war, several high-ranked Nova Mages went missing in the Nightshade Mountains due to the assassin Demi-God that prowled in the darkness.


    Upon his research, Atlas uncovered that the Thalassians'' primary rivals were the High Elves of the Aethyrian Empire, who resembled Romans. Although smaller than Thalassia, the Aethyrians boasted equal strength, owing to its formidable magic and the presence of 140 Nova Mages.


    Thanks to their magical knowledge and love for exploration, the Aethyrians established several colonies worldwide. They also built alliances with the nations surrounding the Thalassians, keeping them on the defensive since the last war.


    Atlas realized that the Thalassians were strong and growing stronger yearly. They would soon outmatch the Aethyrians and their allies. The author mentioned rumors that the Dark Elf emperor wanted to conquer Astoria to compete with the Achaemenidians.


    The next thing to note was the Demacia continent to the west, where war was endless, and kingdoms rose one year only to fall the next. Atlas wanted to visit such a place because it would be good to level up.


    After that, he read about the Trade Federations that held considerable power in Valoria. He discovered four prominent ones, including the Azure Tade Federation, which specialized in building ships.


    The Greenskin Confederation built Mana Airships, which carried people across Astoria and other continents. Then, the Morozov Trading Federation built Mana Trains, which the world used to traverse vast distances.


    Finally, the Khemarath League in the Far East produces some of the best mercenaries on all three continents. Many rulers and powerful people hire them for wars or expeditions. They seek their unmatched prowess in battle by bidding for available Khemarathians in an auction hosted yearly in Alexandria, their capital.


    But the league wasn''t the only one; there was also the Confederation Of The Northmen, based on the Island of Bears to the south of Astoria. The soldiers were well-trained heavy infantry whom the Achaemenidians hired exclusively.


    Then there was the famous Silvershade Company that only took on women, second only to the Khemarathians, and was based in the Thalassia Empire. After that, he stopped reading because there were too many mercenary companies, trade federations, and realms.


    Once he had stored the book away, Atlas started looking at the night sky, where he spotted two moons. Their glow lit up the forest he was in, and soon, he heard a noise below. When he looked over the side of the branch, he nearly jumped out of his skin when dozens of creepy monkey-looking monsters passed under the branch he was on, which caused him to scan them.


    [Dreadclaw Howlers]


    [Rank: G]


    While doing that, one of the creatures stopped running and looked directly into his eyes, causing Atlas to raise his hand to cast a spell, but it started howling, a screeching wail that alerted the others.


    ''Oh crap what is it with this damn nightmare forest,'' he thought.


    Atlas gulped but cast a Void Arrow at the monster''s head, causing it to fall to the ground, and more howls echoed around him. Without wasting more time, he jumped out of the tree and started running.


    Two dozen Dreadclaw Howlers chased after him while letting out excited hoots, but as they got closer, Atlas blasted them with more Void Arrows, causing explosions to throw some of them off.


    Soon, he came to Black Mirror Lake and spotted the strip of land that led to the Frostmark Kingdom. He didn''t have enough time to think as one of the Howlers jumped on his back and bit down on his shoulder, causing Atlas to scream in pain when he felt the searing pain.


    He put his hand on its head and blew it away using a Void Bullet. But when doing that, the blast also affected him, sending Atlas tumbling backward just as a dozen Howlers appeared on the shore looking at the corpse.


    [Health: 55/84]


    Atlas shook his head, but pain shot through him, and his sight started to turn dizzy. He could still cast several Void Arrows at the incoming monsters, which caught them off guard and caused their bodies to drop as the spells wiped them out.


    He managed to kill all but two of the Dreadclaw Howlers, whose eyes were full of rage before they charged at him. Atlas quickly cast Void Bullet, but one of the creatures dodged it, and the other died without knowing what happened.

 Chapter 9 - 9: Rank And Experience

    The last Dreadclaw Howler pounced on Atlas, who was taken by surprise, but he managed to raise his arms to defend himself. But the claws of the creature tore into his chest and stomach with wild abandonment, ripping his skin to pieces.


    [Health: 12/84]


    When seeing the amount of health he had left, panic surged through Atlas, driving him to stab the monster in the head, causing it to go limp; he released a shaky breath, feeling the creature''s weight on top of him before pushing it away.


    Atlas dropped to the ground, struggling to catch his breath amidst the tension and adrenaline coursing through his veins. He curled up into a ball as the pain overwhelmed his body, forcing him to clutch his bag and pull out an Immediate potion.


    Struggling to pop the cork, and when he did, he put it to his lips before drinking half and dumping the other half on the wounds that riddled his body. After doing that, Atlas curled back up and slowly started to recover.


    Thirty minutes later, his health had fully recovered, relieving him of his headache. As Atlas sat up, he observed the eerie sight of the monkey-like creatures'' lifeless bodies strewn around him.


    Once Atlas recovered, he checked his status.


    [Level Up: 7¡ú8]


    [Experience: 300/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1000]


    [Health: 84¡ú88]


    [Mana: 590¡ú600]


    [Strength: 84¡ú86]


    [Stamina: 85¡ú87]


    [Charisma: 225¡ú230]


    [Intelligence: 80¡ú82]


    [Core Points: 5350¡ú6350]


    [Core Points Gained: 1000]


    After that, Atlas laid back down for a little while as he wasn''t used to all the fighting, which showed how his body ached. Ten minutes later, he readied his knife before cutting out the 20 black monster cores.


    He stored them in his space bag before looking around and only spotting Black Mirror Lake and snow-covered trees. Atlas felt icky, so he approached the water carefully, scanning the area he wanted to wash.


    Atlas''s blood ran cold when doing that as three monsters lay just in wait. Their ranks frightened him as they were the strongest monsters he''d seen.


    [Frostscale Crocodile]


    [Rank: D]


    ''Crocodiles! No thank you.'' Atlas thought while turning away from the water just as an explosion erupted.


    He yelped but darted away only to see the giant white crocodile marching up to the Dreadclaw Howler''s corpses and started eating them. When Atlas saw this, he got an idea and cast several Void Arrows that appeared around him.


    Atlas held the projectiles in place while aiming them all at the same spot, which caused him another terrible headache just before he released the spell that soared through the air and connected with Frostscale''s eyes.


    The arrows hit it one after another, causing the monster to roar in pain before spinning in Atlas''s direction. When seeing this, he checked his mana.


    [Mana: 120/600]


    He cast ten more Void Bullets, which used the rest of his mana, excluding twenty, before sending them flying toward the giant crocodile, which caused multiple explosions to erupt all over its leathery body. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the dirt settled, Atlas''s heart raced with fear. With a yelp, he swiftly leaped aside, narrowly evading the snapping jaws of the Frostscales, which closed just inches from where he stood moments before.


    Realizing he was outmatched, Atlas knew that fleeing was his best course of action. He sprinted through the Wailing Woods until the brush got too thick for the monster to follow him.


    Atlas continued to run until he stopped hearing the crashing and ended up on the shores of the Aurora Sea. It was surprisingly peaceful as the waves lapped against the beautiful beach. He looked around and realized he was in a primal forest as the trees pierced the clouds.


    While scanning his surroundings, Atlas spotted buildings in the distance, causing him to approach them cautiously. When getting close, he guessed it was an abandoned fishing village with a tall wooden wall circling it for defense.


    But he noticed the wood was rotten and looked like it was about to fall if a breeze hit it. Atlas stepped through the broken gates and started exploring the village, where he witnessed crumbling wooden houses and weed-covered streets.


    Atlas approached one store he spotted and looked into it to see things on the dust-covered shelves. He continued walking through the village, seeing three broken docks with rotten ships half-sunk in the water.


    He continued wandering until he left the village and was back in the forest. By the time the sun set, Atlas was sitting on a branch that overlooked the calm lake water, but he knew monsters hid below its dark veil.


    While in the tree, he changed his clothes again before dumping the old ones in the dark water below. When his rubbish erupted into a frenzy as the monsters sensed the blood on the fabric.


    Atlas watched this with curiosity and scanned the water.


    [Blood Piranha]


    [Rank: F]


    ''Am I in a horror film? Oh goddess, what dangerous world have you dropped me in,'' Atlas chuckled while lying back on the branch.


    Atlas ignored the monsters to read one of the books he had collected from Wildwood City. He chose ''The Valoria System: A Need To Know Guide'' to learn about his system and gain the experience needed to level up.


    Pulling out the thick book, he started to read and learned that everyone in Valoria had a system. The way they leveled up was pretty much the same, involving hunting monsters, training, and learning.


    Atlas learned that with each Rank Up, bonuses were earned, progressively enhancing the person''s attributes.


    ''As strength grows, enhancing stats becomes increasingly challenging due to ongoing bodily improvement during leveling,'' he mused, reflecting on the author''s insight that power derived not solely from stats but also from personal experiences accumulated over time.


    But Atlas also understood that the same thing applied to his Mana Core. Afterward, he read about the experience and how it ties into the monsters. The book told him each creature would give him a set amount of experience, but it also depended on the rank.


    He decided to check on the different Monster Ranks and the experience they gave, which would be helpful in this new life.


    [Rank F Monsters -100 Experience]


    [Rank E Monsters ¨C 200 Experience]


    [Rank D Monsters ¨C 300 Experience]


    [Rank C Monsters ¨C 500 Experience]


    [Rank B Monsters ¨C 800 Experience]


    [Rank A Monsters ¨C 1000 Experience]


    [Rank S Monsters ¨C 10000 Experience]


    [Rank SS Monsters ¨C 20000 Experience]


    [Rank SSS Monsters ¨C 30000 Experience]


    The author also added a list of humanoid ranks and a comparison chart, which provided valuable information about Atlas''s new world, ''This is very informative. I''m glad I took these from the city.''


    [Level: 1 ¨C 50 ¨C 1000 Experience - Rank: Novice]


    [Level: 51 ¨C 100 ¨C 2,500 Experience - Rank: Apprentice]


    [Level: 101-200 ¨C 5,000 Experience - Rank: Adept]


    [Level: 201-300 ¨C 10,000 Experience - Rank: Journeyman]


    [Level: 301-400 ¨C 25,000 Experience - Rank: Expert]


    [Level: 401-500 ¨C 50,000 Experience - Rank: Master]


    [Level: 501-600 ¨C 75,000 Experience - Rank: Grandmaster]


    [Level: 601-700 ¨C 125,000 Experience - Rank: Arch Master]


    [Level: 701-800 ¨C 250,000 Experience - Rank: Supreme Master]


    [Level: 801-900 ¨C 500,000 Experience - Rank: Legendary Master]


    [RANK SSS Monster ¨C Legendary Master]


    [RANK SS Monster ¨C Supreme Master]


    [RANK S Monster ¨C Arch Master]


    [RANK A Monster ¨C Grandmaster]


    [RANK B Monster ¨C Master]


    [RANK C Monster ¨C Expert]


    [RANK D Monster ¨C Journeyman]


    [RANK E Monster ¨C Adept]


    [RANK F Monster ¨C Apprentice]


    [RANK G Monster ¨C Novice]


    After studying the charts, he read even more and discovered that humanoids could fight monsters that rank higher than themselves and two ranks if they were in a good team. That explained why he didn''t do much damage to the crocodile monster.


    ''I wasn''t strong enough to fight it at full health,'' he mused.


    The next thing Atlas wanted to know was all about the spell levels, so he flicked through the pages until he found a chapter explaining them in extreme detail, which shocked him initially but brought a smile to his face.


    Atlas discovered that spells were categorized into six distinct levels. While most inhabitants across Valoria wielded spells ranging from level one to three, the mastery of level four and five spells was reserved for Masters.


    However, the pinnacle of magic lay with the Grandmasters, who could harness level six spells alone. This exclusive access was attributed to the immense mana requirements and the potential repercussions if a caster lacked the strength to control powerful spells.


    The author added a small story about a powerful Grandmaster from the Achaemenid Empire who specialized in water magic and tried using a level-six spell. But it backfired and destroyed him as the mana went wild inside his body.


    The mage''s demise left no trace, stunning onlookers. Reflecting on this grim tale, Atlas realized that as spells and skills leveled up, their damage or effects increased, prompting him to recall his Void Bullet spell with a thought.


    [Void Bullet - Level 1: Increases the attack power by 10%]


    He delved into Aura, an otherwordly energy wielded by mages to exert an unseen force over others. The strength of someone''s Aura depended on one''s rank, level, and mastery, shaping the strength of one''s abilities.


    Each person had a unique colored aura that they could see if they were trained enough. Scholars and Grandmasters believe that it is connected with a person''s soul. Mages and Magic Knights alike were tasked with mastering this power, a feat achievable through practice.


    Meditation allowed individuals to tap into their inner selves and control their Aura, ensuring it remained harmless to ordinary people who it may hurt. Once learning about that, Atlas put the book away, pulled out the history one, and started reading about the Morozov Trade Federation again.


    What intrigued him was that every kingdom or empire used the trains and paid the federation to maintain them, the tracks, and the stations that dot the land. A map was on one page; some stations were deep in the desert or a jungle, which confused him.


    ''Why would anyone get a train to a jungle? This world is so strange.''


    As Atlas was reading to learn about everything he needed to know, outside forces became aware of his presence and started planning to capture or aid him in his journey.

 Chapter 10 - 10: AzharZul

    [The POV chapters show the wider world and the party members. It explains stuff behind what the MC finds or comes across]


    [Babylon City - The Achaemenid Empire]


    Emperor Cyrus Safavi, also known as Cyrus the Great, sat on his golden-encrusted throne, surrounded by his sorcerers and warlocks. They were conducting a ritual after a Core Grandmaster informed him of many signs foretelling the rise of the Dahaka.


    Every Achaemenidian knew who he was: a being prophesized to bring darkness to the empire. Cyrus ordered all his powerful mages to locate their enemy and soon discovered he had arrived in the far north.


    ''''Sacrifice more slaves to find out what our enemy looks like!'''' Cyrus ordered, causing his daughter Darya Safavi, the first Imperial Princess, to shrink back when she heard the unrestrained anger in his voice.


    Another hour passed until they had a solid picture of the Dahaka appearing on the Mana Crystal. When Darya saw the boy, her heart skipped a beat as he looked unique. She had never seen anyone like him but noticed he was about thirteen with hair as white as snow.


    The boy had beautiful azure blue eyes that glowed with untapped potential. She noticed his chiseled features were perfect and felt attracted to him. However, she shook her head and banished such a thought as she was twenty-one, and the boy was a mere child.


    But she was familiar with tales passed down from mother to child¡ªnarratives of an evil entity, a harbinger of doom, and the empire''s demise. Yet she understood that these were merely lies concocted by her ancestors and elevated to myth and legend over time.


    Some are familiar with the true story. It''s one of hope and loyalty. The last Saharaelian Emperor, a powerful God Ranked Core Mage, battled against her forebears for his people''s survival, ultimately sacrificing himself and using his Mana Core to create The Blue Dunes Desert that covered most of the Aridonia Continent.


    Across thousands of years, they flourished within its boundaries, sharpening their abilities and preparing for the return of Dahaka, known to the Saharaelians as Azhar''Zul, who would lead a Great Jihad covering the world in blood.


    When Cyrus saw him, he looked at his advisor and spoke excitedly, ''''Send the Nightowls to capture the Dahaka and bring the fiend to Babylon before an Azhar finds him. I want to deal with the threat to our great empire personally.''''


    After his announcement, everyone cheered and celebrated the upcoming victory against the being they all hated. Darya knew that finding one person among the billions that live in Astoria would be impossible.


    ***


    [The Blue Dune Desert - Aridonia Continent]


    Two moons shone over the blue desert, causing a glimmer to wash across the dunes. A red-haired desert elf girl with glowing blue eyes watched shooting stars pass by while standing atop a karst that jutted from the sand. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She had seen them many times, but this time, they were different, as the celestial objects were a beautiful azure color. An explosion above caused her heart to race, and she remembered many tales Nonna had told her as a little girl and her best friend, Zara.


    ''''Azhar''Zul has arrived,'''' she mumbled. ''''Nonna needs to know.''''


    Afterward, she jumped off a karst that overlooked a part of the desert called The Death Plains and hurried toward the underground Azraq City. Twenty minutes later, she rushed through the settlement''s secret entrance.


    She passed by homes carved directly into the stone, with blue lights illuminating her path. A bit longer, she arrived at a fancy-looking home where several powerful guards stood outside protecting her family.


    They let her pass after saluting, and she spotted her Nonna and Madre inside having a deep conversation. Her Madre turned to her and said, ''''My darling Soraya. Did you see the sky above?''''


    Soraya nodded, ''''Yes,'''' she replied. ''''The prophecy has begun, but it was far to the north, so he isn''t a Saharaelian.''''


    An older woman, who the Saharaelians call the Great Mother, spoke in an all-knowing voice while shaking her head, ''''Our people''s Prophecy says he isn''t a desert elf, but one with the Al-firaagh. When you see him, you will know my little Sahraee, and he won''t find his way to the Blue Dunes for six cycles of Zahidul and Azadul.''''


    ''''Six years?'''' Soraya asked.


    Her Nonna nodded, ''''Yes, child. We must make sure Azhar''Zul is prepared for the Great War, in which he will lead our people to victory.''''


    ''''Why would he fight? He has no ties to the desert or our people,'''' her mother questioned.


    Soraya watched Nonna''s blue eyes glow before speaking, ''''Azhar''Zul''s first and second lovers will be attacked by those Nightowl dogs, provoking him to grow stronger and seek revenge, leading our warriors on The Great War our ancestor foresaw that would lead to his rule over the world.''''


    Hearing Nonna''s words, she asked, ''''What do we do while meeting him?''''


    Both women turned to her as Soraya''s Madre revealed, ''''You, Zara, Circe, and the banished princess are prophesized to be the Zawajat al-Maseeh''s and will fight beside him, but only after you all have experienced life and everything that goes with it.''''


    Her Nona turned toward a painting on the wall before continuing, ''''I will call a meeting on the sand leaders as we need the permission of the East, Westerns, and Southern Rahbar''s before acting on the matter, thanks to the desert laws.''''


    She understood this as the Western and Eastern peoples are completely different; Soraya shook her head and questioned, ''''What do we do once we find him? Bring him back to the Blue Dunes?''''


    The older woman shook her head, ''''He will come on his own, my child. Now prepare for your journey and take this. It will help find him.''''


    Soraya nodded, swiftly taking the necklace in hand. As she hurried out of the room, she recited a chant passed down by the believers, her voice carrying the weight of conviction, "The one who points the way."


    ***


    [Bloodfang Kingdom]


    A young Orc woman named Grishna Brokentooth was hunting in Murkwood Forest in the northern part of the Bloodfang Kingdom. She was one of many daughters of the realm''s finest general and a runt of the Brokentooth Family because she was not as strong as her siblings.


    This caused resentment on her father''s behalf as he only wanted strong children, which was one of the foundations of Orc society. So Grishna was determined to level up by hunting strong monsters across the Bloodfang Kingdom.


    Sometimes, she traveled into the Thalassia Empire, bordering their kingdom from north to the east. Grishna noticed it was Dark Day, meaning most of Valoria would rest as the week ended, allowing her a peaceful journey.


    She left Bloodtusk City bordering Thalassia and headed toward Suncrest City, a two-week trip from home. With a pack of rations and potions strapped to her back, she started walking on a well-maintained stone road leading to the metropolis.


    While walking, she spotted a storm brewing in the far north but ignored it as they rarely came south. The clouds turned black, which could be seen from the road, but it didn''t stop her from leveling up.


    Grishna traveled the road and saw merchant caravans guarded by adventurers, which intrigued her as the Bloodfang Kingdom only had them in the major cities. As she traveled along the road, she checked her status.


    Name: Valeria Brokentooth


    Age: 19


    Race: Orc


    Class: Warrior


    Level: 105


    Rank: Adept


    Experience: 2580/5000


    Affinity: Earth ¨C Metal


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 846


    Mana: 2318


    Strength: 1598


    Stamina: 1322


    Charisma: 560


    Intelligence: 350


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Diamond Fist (8) Lv-1: Metal Bullet (7) Lv-2: Earth Bolt (3) Lv-3: Razorwind Blades (0) Lv-3: Iron Shriek (0)


    Defence: Lv-1: Ironclad(7)


    Support: Lv-1: Body Enhancement(10) Lv-1: Dust Cloud(2)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Hand-to-Hand Combat (7) Spearmanship (6) Survivlist (9) Cooking (10) Tracking (6) Intimidation (7) Shield Mastery (5) War Cry (4) Lock Picking (7) Ransack (1) Hunting (3) Trapping (2)


    ''Nice, I can''t wait to try ma new magics,'' she thought while scanning the distance, only seeing the Thalassian Fortress that guarded the border. Grishna continued walking until she was stopped by a dark elf man and woman guarding the road north.


    "Stop!" they shouted.


    ''''What ya want, elf? I''m hunting monsters while heading to Suncreast City to take the Morozov Express to the Everglade Kingdom,'''' she spoke while keeping her eyes on the soldiers. ''''I heard new dungeons have been discovered there.''''


    ''''Are you sure about traveling to the city alone? The roads are dangerous,'''' the woman said, causing Grisna to look at her with narrowed eyes.


    ''''I will be fine, Gruum''ka; watches over me and has blessed ma journey,'''' she replied, ''''I''m out here to fight bandits and monsters.''''


    The two elves nodded and let her pass. Grishna walked past the fortress and admired its imposing tower, which watched over the grassland. It was made from light grey stone and had walls that stood a hundred meters tall.


    Guard towers were evenly separated along it, and a strong metal gate blocked the entrance to the inner workings. Grishna stopped looking at it and continued her journey north until she finally found some monsters to fight.


    ''''Thunderbacks, Rank D monsters,'''' she mumbled to herself. ''''Perfest test subject for ma new magics.''''


    Grishna pulled a spear off her back and walked toward them. They resembled Bison from Earth but bigger, and their fur was greeny brown, which helped out with defense. As she closed in on the monsters, her hand reached into the pouch on her belt and pulled out a small metal ball.


    It was the size of a marble, and Grishna sent some of her mana into it while casting her first new spell, ''''Silver Shriek.''''


    She watched as the little metal marble hummed with mana before throwing it at the closest Thunderback; when it hit the monster, a loud shrill erupted, confusing it and hurting her ears because she hadn''t tested them yet.


    Grishna watched as the herd bolted, but the one the ball hit was stumbling around like it was drunk, causing her to giggle before using a second spell, ''''Razorwind Blades.''''


    After casting, several metal blades appeared above her before they started spinning with menacing speed. Grishna felt their power as she sent them flying toward the Thunderback and cut into its flesh, causing the monster to roar in agony.


    Blood gushed from several gaping wounds across the Thunderback''s massive body as her attack landed. The creature staggered, its movements increasingly unsteady, giving her the perfect opportunity to attack.


    With determination etched on her face, Grishna clutched her spear tightly and launched herself forward. She closed in and thrust the spear toward the creature''s head. The weapon''s tip punctured the thick hide and penetrated the skull.

 Chapter 11 - 11: The White Warden

    Atlas noticed on one page that the author had drawn several pictures of trains that reminded him of locomotives but gave him a steampunk feeling. A list informed him that using them had several rules, including not transporting soldiers into other domains.


    If this rule were broken, the Morozov Guards would intervene and fight whichever kingdom broke it; plus, they had many allies who would invade the rule-breaker. He also read more about the Greenskin Confederation and the blimps the different kingdoms purchased from the goblins.


    The kingdoms had to send their pilots to the greenskins for a training program that they operated, which made most realms reliant on them for transportation. Lastly, the Azure Trade Federation dominated international trade between the continents due to its trade routes and harbors.


    Thanks to a secret method, the Azurian vessels rarely got attacked by the numerous monsters that stalked the seas, which caused a shiver to run down his spine. After that, Atlas put the book away, as he had learned enough and saw his intelligence attribute increase.


    The sudden upgrade sent a refreshing feeling shooting through his body, causing him to check it out.


    [Intelligence: 82¡ú84]


    Pleased with the minor upgrade, Atlas pulled out some fruit that resembled an apple but was blue and pink. It was strange, but he ignored it as he ate and watched the sunset. The Thalassians referred to the two moons as Zahidul and Azadul.


    Zahidul glowed a beautiful silver color that lit up the world. At the same time, Azadul let off a golden glow that illuminated the Azhar''Zul Constellation that hung over the southern part of Valoria.


    The story behind the moons was that Luxia made them at the world''s birth to bring light to the darkness and drive away the monsters. This allowed her children to grow and flourish until the terror of the night no longer affected them.


    Atlas continued to watch the night sky before wrapping the cloak around him and falling asleep while curled in a ball. The following day, he was startled awake by the echoing roars of nearby monsters.


    His heart pounded as he scanned his surroundings, but nothing could be seen. Shaking off the remnants of sleep, he rose to his feet and descended from the branch to resume his journey.


    He continued to walk through the forest and didn''t encounter anything until he walked under one tree and something lunged at him. Atlas yelped before activating Void Guard and blocking another strike.


    Atlas looked around and spotted two snakes slithering toward him. ''Where the hell did these things come from? '' he thought internally before scanning the new monster.


    [Frostfang Python]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''Why does the experience show up now? Because I learned about it maybe?'' Atlas mused before aiming his hand at the closest Python and releasing ten Void Arrows that peppered the snake''s bulky body.


    Atlas continued to cast arrows into the monster while backing off, but his panic increased when he couldn''t see the second Python anymore. A shiver ran down his spine, causing him to cast Void Guard.


    The blue shield appeared just as the creature lunged from the brush to bite Atlas. The snakes were twice the size of a Python from Earth, and the strength of their bodies sent him flying through the air.


    He crashed against a tree and felt something break.


    [Health: 42/88]


    Atlas struggled to his feet as pain radiated from his body. He looked up only to have a heart attack as the Frostfang was lunging at him with its maw wide open, only giving him a few seconds to react.


    Without thinking, he raised his hand and cast several Void Bullets that flew down the monster''s throat and erupted as the explosion rippled through its body. Atlas didn''t rest as the second was still out there.


    He glanced around and noticed it was slithering toward him with burns on its face and looking angry due to its mate being killed. Atlas sighed and cast more bullets, but the snake did something he hadn''t expected.


    It instantly sped up and wrapped its body around his own, causing him to panic and reach for his dagger and stab the Python before it could hurt him any more than it was as it was squeezing his small body.


    [Health: 20/88]


    The Frostfang Python roared out in pain, but Atlas wasn''t finished as he cast a Void Bullet into an open wound, which caused explosions to destroy the snake from the inside. Its body loosened, allowing him to free himself.


    As he escaped, the monster''s large body crashed to the ground, causing this part of the forest to grow quiet. Atlas lay there, breathing heavily, wondering why he kept getting injured.


    But to his shock, a notification popped up.


    [Health Regeneration Learned]


    When Atlas saw this, he guessed it was a benefit of getting hurt so much in such a short time. He clicked the notification to read the information.


    [Health Regeneration: Replenishes 2 Health Points every five minutes- Increases when skill is leveled up]


    ''Oh nice, that will be very useful,'' Atlas thought while lying on the cold ground.


    He stayed there for another ten minutes before standing up and checking his mana before looting the Monster Cores.


    [Mana: 340/600]


    After checking that, he stood up, reached into his space bag, and pulled out two Minor Health Potions. Atlas downed them both and felt his Health shoot up, allowing him to move around with pain shooting through his body.


    Atlas then used his dagger to dig out the two green Rank D cores, which were quickly stored in his bag. He then gazed toward the snake fangs, guessing they would be worth some coins, so he cut them out.


    With four fangs and two cores, Atlas continued his journey and finally reached The Death Mountains, where he had to turn East and follow the Black Mirror Lake until he reached an open plain ending in another snow-covered forest.


    He was trekking through the endless sea of trees; Atlas crossed over a small stream only to have a shabby arrow hit the tree right next to his head, causing him to jump to the side while taking cover behind a fallen log.


    Atlas stuck his head out and saw a swarm of Snow Goblins rushing toward him, ''Oh crap, there are loads of them,'' he thought. ''I need to thin out the numbers before they reach me.''


    With that in mind, he jumped up and started casting Void Bullets at the monster ten meters away. Atlas began to slowly back up as he took out his dagger and got ready to fight with them.


    Atlas kept firing Void bullets that mowed down many creatures, causing their bodies to drop to the ground. That tripped up the ones behind, giving him the upper hand as he charged toward them.


    With his dagger in hand and the vague knowledge of how to wield it, thanks to the Dagger Mastery Skill, he learned. Atlas reached the first Goblin and thrust the blade into the creature''s skull with a sickening crunch.


    While doing that, he aimed his hand at another before casting a Void Bullet, which caused an explosion that sent two more flying. Atlas moved onto the next Goblin and clumsily swung the dagger across its throat.


    After killing the Goblin, he rushes to the next one but is stopped when one of the monsters launches a spear at him. The weapon struck his side, causing Atlas to yelp in pain as he killed another by stabbing it through the eye.


    [Health: 66/88]


    Following that kill, Atlas fired a Void Arrow at the one who threw the spear and cast a Void Guard to deflect a few slashes from the right, which bounced off the blue shield, allowing him to kill another group without taking any more damage.


    The monster dropped to the ground as he cast three more Void Bullets at the remaining creatures, causing them to flow in the opposite direction. He was breathing heavily while leaning against a tree.


    As he gazed at the blood-spattered ground, a wave of nausea rushed through him, causing him to throw up. Yet, in the aftermath, Atlas sensed an unsettling familiarity with killing the monsters. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Don''t think about it, If I didn''t kill them they would of eaten me,'' he reassured himself.


    Then, Atlas counted the Snow Goblin corpses and found twenty-seven. Using his dagger, he cut out all the cores before storing them in his space bag and sitting down to take a break.


    Atlas glanced around the forest and soon spotted some roots to hide in. He walked over to them and climbed inside. Once comfortable, he checked his status to see the new upgrades he had earned.


    [Level Up: 8¡ú10]


    [Experience: 250/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1950]


    [Health: 88¡ú148]


    [Mana: 600¡ú806]


    [Strength: 86¡ú142]


    [Stamina: 87¡ú141]


    [Charisma: 230¡ú254]


    [Intelligence: 84¡ú138]


    [Core Points: 6350¡ú8100]


    [Core Points Gained: 1750]


    [Dagger Mastery: 0¡ú1]


    Atlas felt a surge of satisfaction upon receiving the Mana Core Bonus, significantly enhancing his attributes. He could sense its power coursing through his body, boosting most of his attributes by 50 points, with his mana increasing by 200 and charisma by 20.


    After that, he pulled out a loaf of bread and started nibbling while watching the winter forest. Amidst the peaceful chirping birds and distant roars, Atlas found himself momentarily at ease, allowing his guard to lower as he savored his meal.


    Yet, amidst this peace, something caught his interest. He squinted before seeing a monster stepping out of a bush, and when he saw this, his eyes widened in fear. The beast stepped into the open. It stood twelve feet tall and was covered in white, matted fur.


    Atlas couldn''t tear his gaze away from the creature''s glowing red eyes, which held an evil that caused a shiver to run down his spine as he scanned it.


    [White Warden]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]

 Chapter 12 - 12: A Damn Yeti

    ''A damn Yeti! And it''s Rank B! That would destroy me,'' Atlas thought. ''I wonder what it''s doing.''


    He would soon find out as another monster roared, and the sounds of something charging through the brush could be heard. Atlas poked his head out to see a Whooley Rhino-looking monster rushing toward the White Warden.


    This newcomer was the size of an elephant from Earth, with its body rippled with muscles as it barreled through trees like they weren''t there. Atlas quickly scanned the newcomer to see its rank.


    [Woolhorn]


    [Rank: B+ - 850 exp]


    ''The Woolhorn is a bit stronger, but let''s see who wins,'' Atlas mused while nibbling on his bread as he watched the sudden entertainment.


    Once the White Warden saw the newcomer, it let out a loud, ear-piercing roar and charged forward, causing the Woolhorn to rush forward. When Atlas saw this, he chuckled, ''''They''re playing a game of chicken.''''


    What happened next took him by surprise. The Woolhorn impaled the White Warden, its body flailing before hurling the monster''s corpse in his direction. With a sickening thud, it landed nearby.


    More Yeti-like monsters emerged from the brush as it prepared to charge again, witnessing their injured kin and entering a berserk fury. As this happened, Atlas noticed the badly injured White Warden was staring at him with hate in its dying eyes.


    Despite his apprehension, he resolved to face the creature. Focusing on his aim, he cast Void Arrow. An azure blue projectile materialized and shot forward, striking the White Warden''s head with unerring precision.


    When the creature died, Atlas felt the experience pouring into his body. As he did this, the battle intensified, as both sides were injured. He took this opportunity to escape his hiding place and take out his dagger.


    Quietly, he went to the lifeless White Warden, extracting a stunning azure Monster Core and stashing it in his bag before quickly departing, abandoning the intense fight. Following a twenty-minute dash, he arrived at the snowy plains leading to the Frostmark Kingdom.


    Atlas surveyed the wintry expanse and saw rolling hills blanketed in snow punctuated by sporadic clusters of trees. "It''s like a snowy desert," he mused before walking through this strange landscape.


    After scanning the landscape, he trekked across the plains for hours and saw only groups of trees. A herd of deer-like monsters ignored him, but he still scanned them.


    [Meadowhart]


    [Rank D - 300 Exp]


    He quickly noticed the male eating grass in the middle of the herd and lifted its head to watch Atlas, who was miffed at the creature''s behavior but didn''t want to bother them and continued.


    They let him pass as the monsters sensed he meant no harm to them. After another hour of walking, Atlas spotted a rundown village on the shore of the Shivering Sea, and he now understood where it got its name from as the air was ice cold, causing him to shiver before wrapping the cloak around himself.


    Atlas wrapped his Winter Cloak around himself before trekking toward the abandoned village, and when he got closer, he noticed it looked like a hunter''s village as it was half a mile away from the forest.


    Pulling out his dagger and readying a spell, Atlas searched the village and found nothing but dust. It looked like it had been abandoned for some time, so he checked one more house before leaving.


    As Atlas entered the room and scanned his surroundings, his eyes alighted upon something intriguing: a dusty tomahawk. Excitement surged within him, and he reached out and picked it up.


    The weight wasn''t an issue, so he swung it a few times to get the hang of it before using Void Sight on the new find.


    [Hunters Tomahawk]


    [Rank: Common]


    [Level: 2]


    Atlas was pleased with his find before tucking the new weapon securely into his belt. He scanned the area for anything else of value but found nothing. Satisfied, he left the old village behind and approached the forest a mile away.


    It took him about an hour to reach it because he had to track through the knee-high snow, which caused him to slow down and took a toll on his body. Atlas made it to the forest and smelled burning, which caught his interest.


    Atlas heard laughing and cheering while traveling toward the smell. ''People? I wonder if they''re human or something else,'' he thought while creeping closer.


    He readied his knife and the tomahawk while coming upon a bandit camp surrounded by a makeshift wall. Atlas counted nearly thirty men and women patrolling the area while another two guarded a cage where a group of scared people huddled together.


    Atlas''s eyes grew wide, a scene from the novels he used to devour. "Slavers!" he exclaimed. With this realization, he spotted two men and a woman stationed at the entrance, conversing and sipping their drinks.


    He swiftly crouched down, inching closer to get a better look and assess their ranks. Atlas carefully examined them once he was near enough, scanning them using Void Sight.


    [Roland]


    [Level: 65]


    [Rank: Apprentice - 200 Exp]


    [Maria]


    [Level: 89]


    [Rank: Apprentice - 200 Exp]


    [Corvin]


    [Level: 100]


    [Rank: Apprentice - 200 Exp]


    ''Oh, they''re strong, but if I can ambush them when they''re not expecting it, I could win,'' Atlas mused, but they caught himself, ''Killing them? Why is this stuff coming to me like It''s normal.''


    Atlas shook his head, attributing his thoughts to the transmigration. He then settled down to eavesdrop on their conversation. While daydreaming, he heard the dark-haired woman speak first.


    ''''Corvin, when will we be hitting Frostwood Village? There are plenty of people to take, nothing like the last place, but they will still earn us some coin and could be good playthings.''''


    He watched the large man named Corvin reply, ''''We will hit them at sunrise tomorrow before they start their work. The boss said we can have fun with the women this time because the last batch was instantly sold and he wouldn''t let us touch the bird girl.''''


    When Atlas heard that, he distracted himself from their conversation, which annoyed him. Opting to attack the bandits under the veil of night, He stealthily withdrew from the vicinity in search of a secluded spot after checking his status.


    [Level Up: 10¡ú11]


    [Experience: 50/1000]


    [Experience Gained¡ú800]


    [Stamina: 141¡ú142]


    [Intelligence: 138¡ú140]


    [Core Points: 8100¡ú8400]


    [Core Points Gained: 300]


    ''''Nice,'''' Atlas mumbled as he noticed his status had been boosted. After that, he found a bush to sit inside and wait.


    While sitting there, he pulled out ''Diving: A Beginners Guide To Dungeons'' to learn more about them. Atlas started reading as the midday sun shone overhead, allowing him to see in his hiding place.


    Atlas was amazed to discover all kinds of dungeons, from swamps to deep-sea ones. He discovered six levels of them, which were found all around Valoria. Levels seven to ten were also found, but they were infrequent and secured by magic schools or the realms they were in.


    Only high-level adventurers are allowed to join after being tested by the Adventurers Guild Instructors. Atlas read about the Guild, which fascinated him as it was precisely like the novels he had read.


    Adventurers complete quests, hunt monsters, and aid whatever realm they are in against any Monster Waves. Atlas discovered that you had to be thirteen to become one, so he signed up when he reached the first town, as the guilds weren''t in villages.


    After reading for a while, Atlas got a devious idea and jumped up before going through the snow-covered forest, looking for another Woolhorn to use as a battering ram against the bandits.


    He searched for an hour until he found a small herd, which made him second guess his plans, but he pushed it aside before raising his hand toward the monsters and casting two dozen Void Bullets.


    The azure blue projectiles lit up the forest around him before Atlas sent them flying toward the Woolhorn and started sprinting in the direction of the bandit camp. While running, he glanced backward and saw the monster staring at him with rage in its eyes.


    When seeing this, Atlas yelped, knowing he didn''t have much time before the creature started charging toward him. It didn''t take him long to reach the part of the forest the bandit camp was in.


    Once reaching the area, he acted like a monkey and scaled the closest tree to get a good view of the upcoming chaos. Seconds later, the ground started to shake, causing him to spin around and spot the small family charging in his direction.


    Atlas watched as the five Woolhorns crashed through the forest, capturing the bandit''s attention as they rushed to the entrance. Just as the large group arrived outside, the large Woolhorn appeared, causing the leader to scream something.


    But it was too late for them. The monster barreled into the bandits while swinging its massive horn, goring two men and crushing another. Atlas got excited seeing the chaos, and the bandits didn''t know what hit them.


    While watching the larger Woolhorn fighting the remaining bandits who regrouped, but that''s when the rest of the monster family joined the fray. The baby creature jumped on a woman, crushing her with ease as its parents caused chaos for ten straight minutes.


    By the time the Woolhorn family''s anger was sated, more than half of the bandits lay dead while others were injured and rolling around on the ground. Atlas watched this as his blue eyes glowed with killing intent, knowing what was about to happen until the guilt of getting them killed crept back into his mind.


    Atlas shook his head while turning his gaze toward the cage that held the slaves and reaffirmed his determination to kill the slavers as they didn''t deserve to live. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 13 - 13: I Am Not Your Lover

    Atlas made up his mind and knew these slavers had to die. With that thought, he readied his dagger and tomahawk before scanning the injured scum as they tried to stand up. There were twelve alive and could potentially fight, but there were a lot more rolling around in pain.


    After ensuring the Woolhorns were gone from this part of the forest, he jumped off the branch and landed with a thud before rushing toward the closest bandit, one of the less injured and already on one knee while breathing heavily.


    When getting close, the man heard him and turned around with a look of shock written on his face, forcing Atlas to panic and wildly swing with his tomahawk, only to bury the blade into the bandit''s temple with a sickening crunch.


    The nausea churned within him, but he forced it aside, unleashing several Void Arrows at another four enemies. With many enemies to contend with, he resorted to his cunning nature, using the trees as cover as he darted around, aiming to confuse the slavers.


    When the blue projectiles struck the unaware men and women, they let out shrill cries as the arrows pierced their bodies, sending them collapsing to the ground. He wasted no more time and darted around the battlefield, stabbing and slashing all the shocked slavers.


    He advanced towards the wounded, swiftly dispatching them with fatal stabs to the head. With each grim act, Atlas found it easier to suppress the revulsion of taking life, which he found strange and confusing.


    This grim acceptance drew him to the lessons of ancient history, where the line between survival and progress was often drawn in blood. Some tried to fight back but were taken out by Atlas''s magic, which blew up in their faces before putting down the remaining slavers using his dagger or tomahawk.


    Ten minutes passed by, he was now lying on his back while breathing heavily and covered in blood. Atlas was happy as he felt all the experience pouring into his body because he killed thirty-seven Apprentice-ranked slavers and seven badly wounded Adept-ranked scum.


    Thanks to them being injured by the Woolhorn attack, giving him the upper hand in his ambush. Atlas lay there while catching his breath and checked his status.


    [Level Up: 11¡ú20]


    [Experience: 550/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 9500]


    [Health: 148¡ú216]


    [Mana: 806¡ú1044]


    [Strength: 142¡ú210]


    [Stamina: 142>216]


    [Charisma: 254¡ú292]


    [Intelligence: 140¡ú214]


    [Core Rank Up: Low¡úMid]


    [Core Points: 8400¡ú13150]


    [Core Points Gained: 4750]


    [Void Arrow: 0¡ú1]


    ''Nine levels for killing the slavers,'' he thought, excited when he saw his gains for taking out the slavers. ''My status has increased.''


    After checking his status, he shook his head before searching the corpses for coin pouches. He soon found forty-three with 1000 copper, 200 silver, and 10 gold coins that he had retrieved from the slaver''s leader.


    Atlas stored them in his space bag before heading into the bandit camp to find this bird girl they spoke about. Five minutes later, he was standing in front of the cage that the slaves were kept in.


    He saw a dozen people shivering and looking horrified; Atlas used his tomahawk to break the lock while speaking, ''''I will be heading to Frostwood Village if you want to tag along.''''


    Once Atlas finished speaking to the scared people, he scanned the slaver camp and guessed they had a stash of wealth. His inner goblin came to life as he searched the huts he saw and found nothing until entering the leader''s tent.


    Atlas thought it was overly decorated. He looked around and spotted a small cage in the corner with a girl curled up while trembling, causing him to use Void Sight on her.


    [Name: Amethyst Flameheart]


    [Level: 25]


    [Rank: Novice]


    [Experience: 870/5000]


    As Atlas stood there, a melodic voice with a peculiar British accent abruptly pulled him back to reality. "Who goes there? Your aura speaks volumes¡ªyou''re certainly no slaver," the voice chimed, anchoring him in the present moment.


    He spun around and looked at the cage where the girl was sitting, looking in his direction. Atlas noticed her eyes were covered with a blindfold. ''Is she blind?'' he thought.


    Atlas was just about to speak, but the girl answered his question painedly, ''''Yes, I am blind, but I can see using my Cosmic Sight.''''


    Upon hearing the girl''s response, Atlas felt a pang of sympathy. Stepping toward the cage, he drew his dagger and broke the lock. "I''m Atlas," he introduced himself. "What''s your name?"


    The girl''s head tilted to the side, which made her look pretty as she replied, ''''Amethyst Flameheart.''''


    Atlas smiled warmly before extending his hand to help her, which she accepted. As their hands met, a jolt of electricity seemed to course through his body. However, Amethyst quickly withdrew her hand with a yelp.


    They remained silent for a moment, allowing Atlas to study her. His gaze was drawn to her stunning purple hair, fashioned in a messy ponytail, and her slender, petite frame, barely reaching five feet tall.


    Her white skin had an otherworldly glow, hinting at her non-human origin, and her pretty features gave her a distinct appearance. Atlas also observed her ears, similar to his own but slimmer and more pointed.


    While looking at the girl, he heard her call him something, ''''Mteule,'''' she mumbled. ''''The legends were true. You''re real.''''


    Atlas just looked at her as he grew confused and asked, ''''What''s a Mteule?''''


    Amethyst shook her head with a smile, ''''It would be your name in the Nubian Empire on the Aridonia Continent.''''


    ''''Aridonia Continent? Nubian Empire?'''' he asked before shaking his head and deciding to leave it until they were safe. ''''We can discuss this when we get to the nearest village.''''


    The girl nodded, but Atlas quickly noticed she only wore a thin dress that wouldn''t keep her warm. That''s when he gave her some clothes he had looted from Wildwood City, for which she was thankful.


    Amethyst quickly changed and now seemed warmer. She was pleased with her new look, which included a thick jumper and pants too oversized for her. Atlas had to admit she looked adorable in it.


    ''She''s so cute,'' he thought.


    Atlas noticed her cheeks turning red as she spoke in an embarrassed tone, ''''Stop staring at me like that.''''


    He laughed before changing the subject, ''''Why were the bandits calling you a bird girl? Are you a pigeon?''''


    Amethyst went completely red this time as she retorted, ''''I am not a bloody Pigeon Atlas! I am a mighty Cosmic Phoenix and will burn you to ashes if you call me that again!''''


    He started snickering before backing off, ''''Come on, Pigeon girl. We must escort the people back to the village and get warm food.''''


    After saying that, a purple glow was seen as a projectile hit the tent wall next to his head, causing him to yelp as he darted away while being chased by Amethyst, who was screaming insults, but Atlas failed to see the smile on her face.


    While outside, Atlas took a loaf of bread and handed it to her. She took it with a huff as he said, ''''It''s awesome that you''re a Phoenix; where did you come from?''''


    Amethyst looked down and revealed, ''''I argued with my parents and ran away while visiting their friend on the Aridonia Continent. Before I could return, I was caught by a roaming group of slavers who had someone with the Analyze skill.''''


    She looked down as she played with her fingers, ''''They found out I was a Pheonix and managed to find a buyer in Thalassar City down south who wanted my purity intact so he could take it, which would force me to bond with him.''''


    ''''Why would you do that? Couldn''t you escape,'''' Atlas inquired while they waited for the people to get ready to move.


    Her face went bright red before she answered, looking at her feet, ''''When a Phoenix does that thing with a man, we bond for life.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened, but Amethyst continued, ''''That''s why we''re allowed to choose our husbands; we would be bonded for life and need to get on with each other, or it won''t grow, and I would diminish until we return to the Great Beyond.''''


    He nodded in understanding before a man in his twenties approached him, ''''Young Master, thank you for rescuing us,'''' he said. ''''These ruffians were waiting for a slave ship to arrive in the next few days.''''


    When hearing this, his blue eyes glowed with greed, but Amethyst bonked him on the head, ''''You can''t attack the ship, silly,'''' she giggled. ''''They have high-ranked warriors on board and won''t be able to use a monster again.''''


    Atlas chuckled before the man introduced himself, holding his hand out, ''''I''m Biric, one of the two traders who reside in Frostwood Village.''''


    ''''I''m Atlas, and this is my girlfriend Amethyst,'''' he took the hand while pointing at the Phoenix girl with the other. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She went bright red before exploding, ''''I am not your lover, you cheeky devil!''''


    Atlas chuckled, ''''I''m joking,'''' he said before turning to the trader, ''''It''s good to meet you, Biric. Is everyone ready to go?''''


    The man nodded, ''''Yes, it should take us a couple of hours to get to the village. Hopefully, we make it back before nightfall.''''


    ''''Okay, let''s go. Amethyst and I will watch the surroundings while you lead the way,'''' Atlas said.


    Biric smiled before rushing over to the people wrapping cloaks around themselves. That''s when Atlas remembered to check the leader''s tent for any loot. When he walked off without saying anything, Amethyst became alarmed and followed him.


    Atlas entered the tent and searched the slaver leader''s possessions until he heard the Phoenix girl comment, ''''Are you looking for his stash?''''


    ''''Yes, do you know where it is?''''


    Amethyst nodded before walking to the bed and flipping it with surprising strength for her size. When she did that, it revealed a hole with a small chest at the bottom, causing his eyes to widen.


    While this was happening, a certain princess Atlas was connected to was in trouble, which was the start of her story and a meeting that would change two lives.

 Chapter 14 - 14: The Lost And Unwanted

    [Thalassar City - Thalassia Empire]


    [Two weeks after Atlas woke up and started his journey]


    Duke Eldric Montague, a revered figure in the empire, was pacing in the mansion''s foyer Emperor Leonidas Thalassia gave him once he learned of Echo Isles''s fate. He was waiting for the leader of the Silvershield Company.


    The warriors had been dispatched to the island to put the Monster Wave down after being hired by the Emperor. Eldric knew they were one of the best mercenary bands on the Astoria Continent and only sold their services to the Thalassians.


    The leader of the Silvershields was a famous Arch Master, which gave him confidence that she would find his son. While he was there, his wife Evelina joined him with a concerned expression, ''''I wonder if they found Atlas. I knew we should have forced him to come with us.''''


    Eldric had to agree with his wife, but it was too late. He was about to reply, but his guard commander Rowan entered the foyer and bowed, ''''My Lord, Lady Sylpha Silverscale has arrived and is approaching the entrance now.''''


    The commander opened the door wide, revealing a woman with silky orange hair and piercing green eyes. Eldric couldn''t help but notice the finely crafted silver armor she wore, which offered both protection and agility.


    Rumors of the renowned commander''s beauty circulated among the nobles, but witnessing it firsthand surpassed all expectations. She walked up to him and greeted him, ''''Duke Montagu. It''s good to finally meet the Demon General of Thalassia.''''


    Eldric smiled while returning the greeting, ''''It''s good to meet you, Lady Sylpha; I hope you bring some good news.''''


    The woman nodded as the Montagu couple led her and a younger woman to the nearby sitting room, where they all sat down as Sylpha started speaking, ''''We searched the island and wiped out the Monster Wave, which wasn''t too hard, but the area cannot be used for a colony as the creatures inhabiting it are dangerous, and another wave could break out at any time.''''


    After speaking, she pulled out a map of Echo Isles, pointed toward the settlement, and continued, ''''The town of Ironclad Pass was destroyed. No building was left standing; only rubble and debris remained after the Monster Wave''s rampage.''''


    Eldric''s face went white, but Sylpha pointed toward Wildwood City. ''''But we found a trail that led to a group of survivors who escaped the town''s fall and made their way through the Wailing Woods. We found all but one dead at the hands of Icefang Wolves.''''


    His eyes widened, but then the woman turned to the younger woman, who introduced herself, ''''I''m Atalanta Silverscale, Captain of the First Company and the one who found the survivors'' bodies.'''' sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Was my boy there!''''


    Atalanta shook her head, ''''No, My Lord. We found no children''s bodies, only two sets of tracks that led deeper into the Wailing Woods.''''


    ''Atlas! He must be alive,'' Eldric thought to himself as his wife Evelina inquired, ''''Did you track them?''''


    The younger woman, who looked to be a more youthful version of Lady Sylpha, continued to speak, ''''Yes, it was a young boy, according to our tracker, but the second set of footprints was completely different. It was a creature that seemed to be stalking Atlas.''''


    Eldric jumped up, his eyes filled with panic. Still, Sylpha interrupted, ''''My daughter and the First Company followed the tracks to a village in the Frostmark Kingdom, but the trail died when slavers attacked, and most people managed to escape thanks to a young boy who fought alongside a girl.''''


    The older woman let the information sink in before she continued, ''''A trader named Biric informed us that they were captured alongside the village guards.''''


    Upon hearing this, Evelina and Eldric visibly paled, their worry etched across their faces. However, Sylpha reassured them, her voice steady, "I will dispatch my second in command to Slavers Bay immediately to search for the boy. Can you provide us with a description of him?"


    "He possesses snow-white hair and bears the semblance of an elf, although he does not belong to their kind. His complexion matches the fairness of his hair," Evelina replied.


    With a nod, Sylpha absorbed the information, then inquired, "What affinities did he possess, and how old is he?"


    Eldric thought for a second, ''''He''s very good with fire magic and can use ice to some extent,'''' he said. ''''Oh, and he''s turning fourteen in a couple of weeks.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' Sylpha said. ''''The Silvershields will locate your son, but we cannot stop the rumors from spreading, so I suggest you hire my daughter and her company to protect the Montague Family until the empire knows you''re innocent.''''


    Eldric nodded, ''''I do not know why people would think we are trying to free ourselves of Atlas because he is adopted. But that has never mattered to me, Sylpha; he is my son through and through, and I''ll never stop loving him.''''


    Sylpha nodded, ''''I believe you, Duke. Atlas may not have been talented, but I know you love your children by how you dote on them. Diana tells me that your eldest Eleonora is doing good at the Arcane School of Magic.''''


    ''''Yes, she just started her second year while my youngest daughter Ashe is on her first,'''' Eldric said with a smile, remembering his daughters.


    They then discussed the Silvershield Companies plan on locating Atlas from the slavers.


    ***


    [Neapolis City, capital of the Olympaea Kingdom - Aridonia Continent]


    A brown-haired young woman named Artemis was sprinting through the city streets while being chased by the Royal Guards. Her second mother, Anastasia Olympaea, was now the undisputed queen of the kingdom until her daughter could take the throne.


    The queen ordered her to be imprisoned because she was a threat. In Olympaea, tradition dictates that the strongest prince or princess took the throne, and Artemis was far stronger than her older sister Athena, Anastasia''s daughter.


    However, despite being older, Athena was far weaker and less popular. Their father, the peaceful King Priam Olympaea, was slain during the Battle of The Lionheart Pass with the Vagrannians, which invaded Western Aridonia.


    The Vagrannian Hordes were a nomadic empire that stretched from the Sylphara Continent to the West, with rolling plains, vast grasslands, and mountain ranges. The Olympaean Synedrion advised the king to let the bigger powers fight the invaders and suggested they not get involved.


    All the old men and women were convinced the ravenous hordes wouldn''t bother the smaller Olympaea Kingdom as the other empires were far wealthier and bigger. They also wouldn''t allow their armies to fight the barbarians.


    But the king disagreed with the nobles and took his Royal Guard, The Sacred Band, to Lionheart Pass to set up a defense in case the nomadic warriors came knocking, which they did two weeks later.


    By this time, thousands had flocked to the king''s banner when the invaders decided to head for the Pass that the enemy would need to cross, leaving the council angry. As her father predicted, the Vagrannians annexed the Graecorian border region neighboring Olympaea when the twin empresses were battling in the far north.


    This allowed the enemy enough time to ship in reinforcements and continue their expansion south, which caused the council to panic. Her father held off a million-strong Vagrannian army with only a few thousand soldiers.


    This gave them enough time to gather their armies and lead a counterattack, as rumors spread that the twin Graecorian Empresses were leading a 1 million-strong army south to engage with the Vagrannians.


    But they weren''t alone. The Nubians sent 20,000 of their world-famous Nubian cavalry, while the Sylvandorians sent 10,000 of their infamous Savage Knights, who were notorious on the battlefield.


    Artemis was fascinated by everything that was going on but stopped daydreaming when she was nearly out of the city and about to pass through the gate when the Imperial Guardians blocked her way.


    She rushed forward with no choice but to plow her way through, casting a spell that she was famous for, ''Thunderpunch.'' A large boom was heard as thunder shot out from her fist and crashed into the soldiers, causing them to fly as the impact hit them.


    ''Hopefully, no one got hurt,'' Artemis thought.


    She could pass by the soldiers using Gaia''s Glide, thanks to her attack. The soldiers who tried to catch her couldn''t because she was gliding along the road like she was riding a hoverboard.


    Once Artemis made it through, she darted into the grasslands surrounding Neapolis. Thanks to her Enhancement spell, she got a good head start on her pursuers but was soon stopped by her older brother Nikolas Olympaea the first prince, a talented warrior who equaled her in skill and courage.


    When Artemis saw him, she sighed while unsheathing her sword, ''''Big brother. Anastasia is lying. I would never try to harm Athena; she''s our sibling!''''


    The young man sighed. ''''There are witnesses, Sister,'''' he responded. ''''Surrender, and I can talk to our mother so she will lessen your punishment. We do not need to make this harder than it already has.''''


    Her grip tightened on the hilt of her sword. "Anastasia wants me out of the way. Athena and I have no dispute with each other as she knows I have no interest in ruling Olympaea,'''' she said. ''''You already know this, brother, so let me go, and I''ll leave the kingdom. There''s no need for us to fight.''''


    Nikolas readied his spear while speaking for the last time, ''''I''m sorry, Artemis, but I have to bring you in so justice can be served even if I don''t want to.''''


    Following that, he activated his movement skill and dashed toward her, but Artemis already knew this would happen, so she cast Earth Spike that blocked the way, allowing her to cast Enhancement and Gaia''s Glide to speed across the ground.


    Artemis charged at Nikolas, who was caught off guard by defending against the spikes. He was struck in the chest with the pommel of her sword, sending him flying backward. She was about to flee when a dome appeared above her.


    Recognizing the danger, Artemis quickened her pace, but golden chains sprang from the ground, ensnaring her limbs and trapping her in place.

 Chapter 15 - 15: I Am Not A Pigeon

    Atlas pulled the chest out of the hole before inspecting it, only to find a strange-looking padlock. He used the tomahawk and struck it a few times, but nothing happened, causing Amethyst to giggle while watching him.


    He looked at the Phoenix girl, who motioned to move out of the way while pointing the finger at the lock and casting the Cosmic Bullet. The purple projectile made a whirling noise as it sliced through the air before hitting the lock, disintegrating it into ash.


    When he saw what she did, he was shocked and looked between the chest and Amethyst with wonder. Without wasting more time, Atlas opened the chest to see a few pouches of coins containing 100 gold, 500 silver, and 1,000 copper coins.


    Atlas stored his newfound wealth in his space bag before turning his attention to the three blue crystals the size of tennis balls. When Amethyst saw this, her eyes widened in shock before excitedly exclaiming, ''''That''s a Blue Core Stone!''''


    ''''What''s that?'''' he questioned.


    ''''They are found in the Blue Dune Desert in the far south. Many of the Trade Federations use them to power their machines, while the empires and kingdoms use them to boost their defensive shields, among many other things,'''' Amethyst explained.


    Atlas took the three stones and left the tent, followed by the Phoenix girl. When they arrived outside, the rescued people were ready and thanked him as Biric led the way to Frostwood Village.


    While they walked, Atlas felt a bad feeling creeping over him, which spurred him to hide his space bag by putting a tunic over it. After doing that, Amethyst giggled before asking, ''''Why hide the bag? It''s just cold.''''


    He looked at the purple-haired girl before shrugging, ''''I''m getting a bad feeling for some reason, and that usually means something''s going to happen.''''


    Amethyst giggled as she nudged him, ''''Nothing is wrong, you worry wart. You killed the bandits and freed the people. What else could happen?''''


    Atlas rolled his eyes, ''''Don''t jinx it, pigeon,'''' he said playfully, which earned him a punch in the arm.


    ''''Shut it, idiot! I am not a PIGEON!'' Amethyst declared as she held a purple Cosmic Bullet in her hand while turning her head to him.


    ''''Oi, put that spell away, young lady! I am merely stating facts!'''' Atlas replied before quickly dodging as Amethyst threw the bullet in his direction, causing him to dodge the attack while the two laughed.


    Soon after, they approached a ridge, only for Biric to comment as he approached the duo from behind, ''''Just over the hill lies Frostwood Village. When we get there, I will have a hot meal and warm bed for you love birds.''''


    Atlas chuckled while Amethyst blushed, casting a sideways glance at him. Meanwhile, Biric walked off, humming as if nothing had happened. The two watched the freed people pass by, each thanking him for helping them.


    Once the last person reached the top of the hill, they followed behind, and when Atlas saw the village, he was taken aback. It resembled a medieval village, with wooden buildings huddled behind the ten-foot-tall wooden wall.


    He saw plenty of people wandering around even though it was late afternoon and dark clouds hung overhead. Atlas turned to her and questioned, ''''What season is it?''''


    ''''I believe it''s the last month of Goldenfall, Harvestmoon, which means Frostwinter is about to start,'''' she answered with a smile.


    Atlas guessed Goldenfall was Autumn and Frostwinter was obliviously winter. It made him internally chuckle until she questioned him suspiciously, ''''How do you not know that? Children are taught about it from a young.''''


    He scratched the back of his head, wondering what to say, but as they made their way down the hill, Biric stood at the bottom with a big smile as he spoke, ''''You two are welcome to stay at my home, where my wife will cook you a lovely meal.''''


    When hearing Biric''s offer, Atlas looked at Amethyst, who shrugged, ''''I''m cold and hungry. I''m sure Biric isn''t a child snatcher.''''


    Atlas chuckled, but Biric went pale. He didn''t know where that came from and retorted, ''''I am no child snatcher! I have seven children, and most are older than the two of you.''''


    ''''Okay, so you''re not a child snatcher,'''' Amethyst commented while nodding as she tried not to laugh.


    Biric sighed before leading them through the village gate, where the residents tended to the people. Atlas noticed three guards standing outside the gate dressed in shabby-looking armor.


    Atlas thought they looked like Viking warriors from Earth. Once inside, I noticed it was quiet, with two dozen buildings made from a mix of stone and wood on the sides of the main street while homes were behind those.


    The roads were cobblestone and only had enough room for one carriage to travel down. While walking, Biric spoke, ''''So where do you come from, Atlas? You look like an elf, but your mana clearly shows you ain''t one.''''


    ''''What makes you think that?'''' Atlas answered, but he soon felt Amethyst staring at him even though she had a blindfold on, which was freaky.


    ''''Your eyes,'''' Biric answered. ''''I''ve never seen such a color; they are glowing.''''


    Atlas was confused and turned to Amethyst, who shrugged, ''''I can''t see the color, but there is a glow that my Cosmic Sight can see.''''


    He shrugged, ''''I don''t know; I woke up like this a couple of days ago when we escaped Ironclad Pass.''''


    Biric looked confused and clarified, ''''The Thalassian Colony set up on Echo Isles?''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Yeah, I was the only survivor from the colony; a Monster Wave wiped them out.''''


    When the older man heard this, his eyes widened in shock, ''''Are you speaking the truth?''''


    ''''Yes, why would I lie? I get nothing from it,'''' Atlas answered.


    This caused Biric to sigh before replying, ''''In the morning, I will head to Avalanche Hollow. and inform the commander about the Monster Wave as it may hit the Frostmark Kingdom next.''''


    Atlas nodded, but Amethyst kept her gaze fixed on him until Biric continued walking. They followed him to a large house on the north side of the village. When he saw the house, it was a medium-sized house that came straight out of a medieval videogame.


    It was two stories tall and made from light brown wood that looked like oak but gave off a strange glow. This interested Atlas, so he decided to ask Amethyst later. Atlas quickly noticed the windows dotted the outside, but curtains prevented him from seeing inside.


    A well-maintained garden greeted them at the entrance, and a neigh emanated from a large shed nearby. Atlas shook his head slightly as Biric spoke. "Come on in, Neryssa will love to meet the both of you," he invited warmly.


    Amethyst looked at Atlas, who nodded as the two approached the door as it opened, and a beautiful woman answered the door with three children in tow. They all greeted Biric while screaming in happiness.


    When Atlas saw that, he felt jealous as he had never had anything like that since his early days before his mother dumped him at the orphanage, but he shook his head to clear those bad thoughts as Biric introduced his wife.


    ''''This is Neryssa, my gorgeous wife and mother to my children,'''' Biric said while motioning to the brown-haired woman with bright blue eyes.


    The older woman regarded them with a kind, maternal gaze as if they were lost children, which wasn''t far from the truth. With a warm smile, Neryssa said, "Oh, look at you two darlings. Come inside and get warm; I can cook a lovely stew you both will love."


    She ushered them into the house, and Atlas immediately felt welcome. The interior was cozy, with sofas in one corner and a kitchen in the other. He took in the well-decorated space, noting the carpeted floors that added to the homely atmosphere.


    Biric followed them inside, accompanied by one of the children, while the other two curiously stared at Atlas and Amethyst. Then Neryssa pushed them toward the sofa as she spoke, ''''Sit down and get comfortable. The moon is high, and the dark spirits roam the forest. We must stay indoors during the night.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his body stiffened, but Amethyst grabbed his hand. She managed to calm him down, but then Biric entered the room, followed by four older children who looked to be in their teens.


    The older group comprised two boys and two girls, while the younger group included two girls and one boy. Biric motioned for the other three children to join them as he introduced them.


    Biric placed his hand on the oldest boy''s shoulder and said, "This is Aldric, my eldest."


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment, while Amethyst offered a similar gesture as Biric continued, "This is my second eldest, Branor, and the youngest, Jareth."


    Each of the children greeted Atlas and Amethyst with a simple nod, lacking any verbal response. Meanwhile, the four girls stared at Atlas as if he were a rare monster their father had captured, which irked him.


    However, Amethyst''s gentle touch reassured him as Biric introduced the girls. "My oldest daughter is named Adara," he began, "while the other three darlings are Wrenna, Talia, and Phaedra."


    Atlas gave each of them a nod, but Aldric commented while sitting at the dinner table, ''''Where are you two from?''''


    ''''I''m from the Thalassia Empire,'''' Atlas answered while turning to Amethyst.


    She answered, ''''I lived on an island off the coast of the Nubian Empire in the south.''''


    ''''How are you so far north, then?'''' Branor questioned while taking off a pair of boots.


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

 Chapter 16 - 16: Valsonr

    Amethyst looked down but squeezed Atlas''s hand, so he answered in her place, ''''She was captured by slavers and brought all the way here to be sold in my homeland, but I will be escorting her back home to make sure she''s safe.''''


    As the two older boys heard this, they snickered, but Adara questioned, ''''How will you get so far south? It will be a long journey if you don''t use an airship or train, which could take you most of the way, but that will be expensive even for your age.''''


    When Amethyst heard his plan, a smile spread across her face, and she scooted closer. Atlas reciprocated the gesture with a smile of his own, wrapping his arm around her tiny waist as she got comfortable.


    Biric and the older girls couldn''t help but smile at seeing them together, sensing their newly formed bond. Neryssa brought two bowls of delicious-smelling stew and a half loaf of bread between them.


    As the aroma of the food hit Atlas''s nose, his stomach grumbled, causing him to start eating, with Amethyst following suit. The family stopped watching the two and sat down at the table to eat while praying,


    When Atlas saw this, he turned to the Phoenix girl and asked, ''''Who are they praying to? Luxia?''''


    She nodded, ''''Yes. She is the mother goddess who watches over all and blesses the family. Most families on Valoria pray to her.''''


    ''''Is it common to pray here?''''


    ''''Yes, Atlas,'''' Amethyst answered when they finished off a mouthful of stew. ''''What sort of question is that?''''


    He shrugged, ''''I don''t know much about this world.''''


    Atlas could tell she was looking at him, causing him to sigh, ''''When we settle down for the night, I will tell you what happened to me,'''' he said.


    Amethyst nodded with a smile before getting back to her food, which Atlas did. He paid more attention to the stew, which was nice and hot, while the meat was soft and tender. It reminded him of chicken back on Earth.


    He gobbled it all down as Biric came with two glasses, which he handed them, ''''Here, kids, some Sunfruit juice.''''


    ''''Thanks, Biric,'''' Atlas said as he took a mouthful and thought it tasted like orange juice.


    Afterward, he asked the older man, ''''Where is the nearest train station, and how much is it per ticket?''''


    ''''There is a station in Frostguard, which is the capital of the Frostmark Kingdom,'''' Biric replied. ''''If I remember correctly, it''s 10 gold per ticket, but only nobles and rich adventurers use it, but that is enough to line the pockets of the Morozovians, who are too greedy if you ask me.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Then we will head there to take the train south while trying to level up.''''


    ''''What class are you two anyway? I''ve been meaning to ask you but forgot,'''' Biric asked while sitting opposite them.


    Amethyst answered first, ''''I''m a Cosmic Mage,'''' she then looked at Atlas.


    He smiled before answering, ''''Voidwalker.''''


    Biric''s eyes widened at the revelation, and he muttered, "So, the ancient prophecy is true, the legends of Valsonr are real."


    ''''Sa sem visa leid,'''' he watched Biric quickly chant something with excitement building in his gaze.


    Atlas was confused, ''''What are you waffling on about, old man?'''' he questioned.


    ''''It''s a Frostmark Legend that Valsonr is the Voidwalker. The one who walks between worlds and will fight to stop Ragnarok when it comes for Valoria.''''


    ''Oh shit, Norse mythology in the making,'' Atlas internally thought. He shook his head and commented. ''''And what does that have to do with me?''''


    ''''If you don''t mind, show me your status,'''' Biric asked excitedly, ignoring his question.


    The older man turned to the kitchen, ''''Neryssa! Bring me that skillbook that''s hidden in the pantry!''''


    ''''Ok darling!'''' a reply soon came as Biric turned back to him, ''''I hope you''re not offended by my request, but I may have something to give you as a thank you for saving my life that''s only useful for yourself.''''


    Atlas nodded before turning to Amethyst, ''''Should I?''''


    The purple-haired girl replied, ''''The old man has been friendly to us; I don''t see the problem. It''s not like he can snatch us.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he answered with a snicker.


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 13


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: Voidwalker


    Level: 20


    Rank: Novice.


    Experience: 550/1000


    Affinity: Void


    ____


    Health: 216


    Mana: 1044


    Strength: 210


    Stamina: 216


    Charisma: 292


    Intelligence: 214


    ____


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Mid Novice


    Core Points: 13150/20000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ____


    Spells: S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (1) Lv-1: Void Arrow (1)


    Defence: Lv-1: Void Guard (0)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ____


    Skills: Void Realm (0) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (0) Dagger Mastery (1) Health Regeneration (0)


    Atlas noticed Birics, and Amethyst was shocked when he saw it, causing him to inquire. ''''What''s wrong with you two?'''' he asked in a curious tone.


    ''''You''re the Valsonr!'''' Biric declared with a gleam in his eyes. ''''The Valsonr has finally arrived, Neryssa! Hurry with that book!''''


    When he heard the man''s excited voice, he was baffled, but Amethyst explained, ''''Remember the Nubians call you Mteule, while the legend surrounding you has a dozen different names depending on what realm you''re in.''''


    He looked confused, but Biric quickly explained, ''''For example, the Light and Dark Elves in the south have their legends about you,'''' he said while rushing to a nearby bookcase. ''''


    Biric continued, ''''In the Thalassia Empire, you would be known as Zhaen''dor Na''drethil, while the Aethyrians know you as Ithil''maiar,'''' he said.


    Atlas didn''t know how to feel about the information, but thanks to Neryssa, she returned holding a book wrapped in cloth. When Biric saw this, he took the book and closed his eyes before speaking, ''''Ma ljosid eydileggja myrkrid.''''


    ''''Why do you keep mumbling words that make no sense?'''' Atlas asked.


    Biric chuckled, ''''Sorry, it''s a Frostmark Kingdom prayer. It means May the light destroy the dark. Our ancestors passed it down since they arrived to these lands.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''What was the first prayer you said?''''


    Neryssa answered instead of Biric, ''''It means the one who points the way,'''' she explained. ''''It is believed the Valsonr will unite the world to fight against the coming darkness.''''


    ''Luxia! What have you got me into,'' Atlas complained. ''I have a feeling I will be dragged into something serious in the coming years.''


    He shook his head, ''''And I''m meant to be this Valsonr?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' Biric answered. ''''You could be mistaken for a high elf, but your ears are sharper, and the glowing eyes are a dead giveaway. Many people were told stories from a young age, and the main character''s eyes were always prominent.''''


    Atlas sighed, ''''Okay, I''ll just have to be more careful.''''


    Biric and Neryssa, as the older woman suggested, said, ''''Maybe you can get a disguise skill if it bothers you too much.''''


    ''''That''s a good idea, Atlas! We can head to the nearest city and buy one,'''' Amethyst said while getting excited.


    He nodded, but Neryssa sat down and put a book before them. Atlas wondered what it was and asked, ''''What''s this? A skill?''''


    "Yes, it''s a skill I bought during my adventuring days. I was down in the Argonia Kingdom down south when I was fourteen. A new dungeon opened, and everyone flocked to it because it catered to lower-level adventurers."


    Atlas watched Neryssa''s kind eyes glow as she took Biric''s hand while smiling, causing the older man to peck her on the forehead as he continued, ''''The old man I bought it from said this book will save my family''s life one day, and if you know anything about us Markians then you know were superstitious,'''' he said while turning his gaze to the book.


    That''s when Neryssa started talking, ''''I remember when he brought it back to the inn, we all thought he was stupid; I still do as the thing cost 1 gold coin when we hardly had anything, but it seems the old man was onto something.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he said, ''''What''s it called?''''


    ''''Zakhiregah-e Bo''di in the Achaemenidian language, but it''s known as Dimensional Storage in the common tongue.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened in shock as he had heard about it from the many novels he had read. Neryssa pushed the book toward him, ''''Everyone we know has tried to learn it, but no one can; the Professors in the Frostmark Magic Academy couldn''t determine the affinity needed to comprehend it.''''


    She unwrapped the cloth to reveal a beautiful azure blue book gleaming when the candlelight hit the cover. Biric took it out while examining it before handing it to Atlas, who took it with a shocked expression as if it had been a shock running through his body.


    Amethyst let his hand go as he opened the book, only to see writing that resembled Farsi from Earth. For some reason, he could understand it without needing to read it. Atlas flicked through the pages until an inner click was heard, and a notification popped up.


    [Dimensional Storage Learned]


    Atlas''s face lit up with a smile as he observed the scene. He promptly stored away the space bag he possessed. As he did so, he sensed the weight vanish from his body, reassured that only he could access his loot.


    Amethyst''s joy was palpable when she witnessed this, prompting her to squeal cheerfully as she hugged him, catching Atlas off guard. His cheeks flushed crimson, but he swiftly reciprocated with a hug, bringing happiness to the Phoenix girl.


    Shortly after that, Biric stood up with a big smile, ''''Great! My savior learned the spell many couldn''t,'''' he said. ''''Now, let''s get you to your bedroom for the night.''''


    Atlas nodded and stood up, followed by the Phoenix girl, but Neryssa interrupted, ''''Amethyst can stay in Adara''s room,'''' she commented. ''''It''s not right for a boy and girl to share a room.''''


    ***


    [Sa sem visa leid - The one who points the way]


    [Ma ljosid eydileggja myrkrid - May the light destroy the darkness]

 Chapter 17 - 17: You Dirty-Minded Girl

    When Atlas heard Neryssa''s words, he stepped in front of Amethyst and refused, ''''You will not be separating us,'''' he said defiantly. ''''I will not do anything to her; she''s safe with me.''''


    Biric stepped forward, but the older woman spoke in a concerned tone, ''''Swear the Mother Goddess that you will not harm or touch her without permission?''''


    Atlas looked at the woman and said in a determined voice, ''''I swear to the Mother Goddess that I will never harm Amethyst Flameheart and would do anything to help her.''''


    Neryssa''s face softened, ''''Maybe you ain''t as bad as the Tr¨²leysingi Reformers make you out to be.''''


    ''''Tr¨²leysingi?'''' Amethyst questioned as she held onto Atlas''s arm.


    "Non-believers of the Ragnarok Prophecy," Biric explained. "They are foolish people who ignore all the warning signs around them."


    After that, Neryssa led them to the spare bedroom while she spoke, ''''Wars are happening all over Astoria. The Winterfrost Dwarves have been raiding some of the border villages, stealing every bit of food they can get their grubby mitts on.''''


    Atlas chuckled while Amethyst giggled, which sounded like music to him. The older woman led them up a flight of stairs only to arrive at a room on the first floor, ''''Here, children, you two can sleep in here,'''' she said with a warm smile. ''''No hanky panky now, we don''t want any baby chick running around the place.''''


    When the Phoenix girl heard this, she squeaked before rushing into the room while Neryssa laughed, ''''I miss being that young. I was your age when I met Biric, who came here with his father before he retired.''''


    ''''You''ve been together that long?'''' Atlas curiously asked.


    Neryssa: ''''Yes, love,'''' she answered. ''''In the Frostmark Kingdom, relationships are sacred, as they give birth to the next generation who care for those that came before.''''


    The older woman looked down the stairs, ''''Well, that''s how it''s meant to go, Valsonr, but it seems things will get chaotic with your arrival.''''


    Atlas nodded before entering the room to find one big bed and a simple table next to a window with a good view over the village. He soon found Amethyst looking out the window as she played with her purple ponytail.


    He approached her while taking out a blanket from Wildwood City and wrapped it around the girl, who jumped in fright, causing Atlas to chuckle before she hit his arm, ''''You scared me! You mustn''t sneak up on someone when they''re not paying attention.''''


    ''''Oh shut up,'''' Atlas said while holding up the blanket. ''''I didn''t intentionally do it; I was just trying to make sure you were warm.''''


    After speaking, Atlas pulled out some food he found in the city and started preparing. Amethyst was staring at him with a small smile, but he wasn''t paying attention as he tried to assemble a sandwich.


    Twenty minutes later, he just ate some meat sliced into thin slices while eating chunks of bread. Atlas had some pastry-looking food that he offered to Amethyst, who happily took it before she started nibbling it like a mouse.


    This made Atlas laugh before he asked, ''''So, where''s the best place we can go to level up? Preferably near a city or these dungeon things.''''


    Amethyst''s eyebrows rose as she commented, ''''What? That''s common knowledge, idiot; how can you not know this?''''


    ''''I lost all my memories during the escape from Ironclad Pass,'''' he said, not wanting to reveal the truth just yet. ''''I woke up covered in blood and a bad headache until a surviving guard gave me a health potion to recover.''''


    ''''What happened to the guard? You were alone when you attacked the bandits,'''' she questioned.


    Atlas nodded, ''''He died from a snake bite; I traveled through the wailing woods for nearly three days until I stumbled upon the bandit camp.''''


    ''''You survived?'''' Amethyst exclaimed.


    ''''Yes? I nearly died because some goblins ambushed me and turned me into a pin cushion. At the same time, this happened; I kept getting attacked by Icefang Wolves, Snow Widows, and Changelings who tried to eat me,'''' Atlas explained while sighing. ''''Then I ran into a Woolhorn, which I lured into the bandit camp to get the drop on them.''''


    ''''You''ve had quite the adventure,'''' Amethyst commented while looking down. ''''I''m glad you were there, though, or I would still be a slave a few more days, and I would have had a collar put on me.''''


    Atlas nodded before going over to her and grabbing her hand, ''It''s really soft.'' he thought when their skin connected.


    He shook his head and said, ''''I''m glad I was there too.''''


    Just as Atlas finished speaking, she put her head on his shoulder, ''''To answer your question, there are many places to level up. Some forests are dangerous as monsters ranked E or above can be dangerous, but from C onward, they would butcher us before we stepped foot in a forest.''''


    ''''Makes sense,'''' he said. ''''I guess we must pick places on the way to your homeland to earn experience. But I do want to join the Adventurers Guild.''''


    Amethyst smiled, ''''We can do that in the next town as the guild doesn''t set up in villages.''''


    Atlas nodded before he yawned and bounced on the bed, ''''I will get some sleep. Do you want to join me?''''


    He watched as her face went bright red, causing him to laugh, ''''Not like that, you dirty-minded girl; I meant just sharing the bed so we can keep warm because it''s chilly in here.''''


    Amethyst got embarrassed again but nodded her head. The two of them climbed under the covers and got comfortable as the wind outside picked up, causing the window to rattle due to the intensity of it.


    Atlas watched it as a calming sound; while doing that, he felt the Phoenix girl cuddle up to him as she spoke, ''''I hope you don''t mind me doing this; I''m really cold.''''


    ''''It''s not an issue, my pigeon girl; I like it when you''re close,'''' he replied with an honest smile.


    Once Atlas finished speaking, he felt a pinch on his side, causing him to yelp in pain as Amethyst giggled, ''''Stop calling me that elf boy.''''


    He chuckled while tightening his hug to the purple-haired girl, who made an adorable noise as she got comfortable. Soon enough, the two were fast asleep as the weather outside got worse.


    ***


    [Artemis Olympaea''s POV]


    When the golden chains ensnared Artemis, she immediately knew who was responsible. She turned her gaze toward Anastasia, renowned for her holy magic, a stark contrast to her spiteful personality.


    She fought against the chains but couldn''t break free. The older woman approached with a smug expression, leaning forward to whisper into Artemis''s ear. "You will never become queen; I will ensure the prophecy is unfulfilled. You will never meet the damned Daimonas that Pythia foretold," she said with spite. "Everything belongs to me and my daughters now.


    Even your foolish brother was deceived by his honor."


    After Queen Anastasia spoke, she ordered her guards to take Artemis to the palace dungeons. There, she struggled against the men but soon gave up as memories of stories her Yia-Yia told her when she was a little girl.


    She remembered the prophecy foretold the rise of an Olympaeanian Princess who would awaken the legendary Argonaut class, destined to be led by a figure named Atelos. This leader was prophesied to wage war against the corrupt nobles and evil queen.


    Some people didn''t believe it and regarded it as a legend. Still, It was foretold that he and the princess would lead to a Great War to restore the rightful queen to the throne by disposing of her family and uniting with the princess, bringing everlasting peace to the kingdom.


    Artemis never believed in this legend until her awakening, when she got the famous class, which sent shockwaves through Aridonia. This revelation shocked her as she believed the story to be a children''s tale of courage and famous battles that would unfold.


    One story stood out to Artemis: the Battle of Undying Tears, in which Atelos was foretold to lead the Olympaeanian loyalists who rallied to the princess''s banner; in the tale, Pythia, the oracle, foretold that the fiercest fighters on Valoria, the Saharaelian Desert warriors, would support him.


    She was astonished whenever she heard of their formidable fighting prowess, especially their ability to slaughter the renowned Immortals, regarded as the finest soldiers ever deployed by the Achaemenidians.


    Still, they stood in the shadow of the Desert Warriors, who thrived in the Blue Dune Desert to the south. Entering the place is deadly and has claimed billions of lives since its creation thousands of years ago.


    While thinking to herself, she was dragged through the palace before the guard commander clamped a collar on her so she couldn''t use her mana. She was thrown into a cell and left alone until the queen appeared.


    Anastasia smugly smiled while speaking with a voice full of venom, ''''You will be sold to slavers, dear Artemis. They''ve agreed to take you far away from the kingdom to live the remainder of your life in misery.''''


    She sat up, staring into her mother''s green eyes and smiling, ''''I will return, and when I do, myself and Atelos will be leading an army of the Desert Warriors and loyalists that will cover the kingdom in the blood of traitors,'''' her brown eyes gleamed with malice. ''''And when that time comes, you will die, Mother; I will slide my blade into your heart and watch as the life leaves your body.''''


    Artemis stood up before saying one more thing to the shocked woman, ''''You treacherous mal¨¢kas, you will die for this.''''


    Anastasia stiffened but ignored her and turned toward the guards. ''''Take this foul-mouthed girl to Port Aspurii; the slavers are already waiting there.''''


    Following this, time passed by slowly as Artemis was taken to the slavers and transported north as they were heading toward the Thalassia Empire, where she was to be sold to the nobles for a high price due to being a pure princess.


    She thought the slavers were going to harm her, but that never happened, and they were surprisingly professional. Artemis looked around and saw hundreds of people trapped in cages, but explosions caught her attention.


    Hours passed, and she heard the slavers returning to the ship. They pushed five people down the stairs. When the last person appeared, her eyes widened in shock.


    ''Atelos!''


    ***


    [Daimonas- Demon/Devil]


    [Yia-Yia - Grandmother]


    S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 18 - 18: Wild Orcs

    Atlas slowly opened his eyes and saw a wooden ceiling, which confused him. Then he remembered everything that had happened since coming to Valoria. He was slowly coming to terms with being in a new world.


    He shook his head, and that''s when a heavy feeling pined his right side to the mattress. Atlas turned his head and spotted the sleeping Amethyst, who was letting out adorable snores, causing him to smile.


    Something inside him told him never to let this girl go, and Atlas decided to do just that as he leaned over and kissed her forehead, earning him another noise as she rolled over, taking the covers with her.


    Atlas chuckled as he thought, ''A Phoenix burrito.''


    Following that, he put on some fresh clothes after taking them out of his Dimensional Storage. Atlas grew curious as he checked the new skill he learned.


    [Dimensional Storage: Stores items up to a total volume of 1 cubic meter - Capacity expands as the skill levels up - Living beings cannot be stored]


    ''Oh interesting, Its not too much but enough space for now,'' Atlas thought. ''Now should I level up some more before Amethyst wakes up?''


    Atlas shook his head, deciding against it since she wouldn''t like it. He wandered out of the room and heard Biric''s children downstairs, listening to Neryssa speak. This caught his attention, so he headed toward the stairs and descended the creaky wooden steps.


    When he arrived in the dining room, everyone glanced at him. Neryssa looked at him with a motherly smile, ''''Have some breakfast, Valsonr; I made some porridge, barley flatbread, and smoked Mossbelly meat darling bought from the market.''''


    He looked at the brown-haired woman and nodded as her sons stared at him. That was when Wrenna, Biric and Neryssa''s second daughter, questioned, ''''What are you and Amethyst planning to do today? A storm is due to hit this afternoon.''''


    Atlas shrugged as he reached a free chair Neryssa motioned to. ''''I was going to go in the forest with her and level up before moving on,'''' he said while getting comfortable.


    The children''s faces paled, but the older woman expressed, ''''If you do go out there, be careful as far scarier things than monsters in the Wailing Woods.''''


    He nodded, ''''I understand, and we will escape at the first sign of a strong creature.''''


    ''''Escape?'''' Amethyst''s voice came from behind them.


    Atlas turned around and smiled as he spotted the Phoenix girl walking toward the table while stretching. He quickly explained, ''''We''re going into the forest to level up, then we can move on tomorrow.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' she chirped with a smile beside him as the other children watched her.


    He noticed the oldest boy, Aldric, wanted to say something and did a second later, ''''How come you dragging a pretty girl into that dangerous forest!''''


    Atlas''s eyebrow arched in a sudden surge of jealousy that caught him off guard, but he embraced the feeling, ''''She''s not a damsel. Amethyst is a powerful Phoenix and can handle herself.''''


    Neryssa beamed when hearing this, but it angered Aldric, who stood up and left the table as his other siblings laughed at him as Adara explained, ''''Big Brother hates the forest and is scared of it.''''


    He was just about to reply to the older girl but stopped when he felt Amethyst''s hand in his, causing a smile to appear as Atlas squeezed it in return. Soon after that, the group started eating, but everyone noticed the happy smile on the Phoenix girl''s face.


    Half an hour later, breakfast was finished, and Atlas helped Neryssa with the dishes while Wrenna took Amethyst to get some winter clothes that would fit her. The older woman looked at him with a smile that a mother would give her son.


    ''''I hope my boys grow to be as kind as you. How you treat Amethyst is shocking for someone you just met,'''' Neryssa commented while cleaning a plate. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas thought about it and wondered why he treated her well, but he didn''t know, so he stopped thinking about it and finished washing up just as the girl in question returned wearing a thick tunic, woolen pants, and a pair of old boots.


    ''She''s adorable in anything,'' Atlas thought while looking at the Phoenix girl.


    They said goodbye to Neryssa before leaving the house and strolling through Frostwood. Atlas took in the sights and loved every second of it as the place reminded him of a medieval village.


    People went about their daily routines, some fishing on a nearby dock while others did their tasks. The duo strolled through the village until they reached the gate, where the guards allowed them to pass.


    While outside the village, Atlas pulled out his dagger and tomahawk while Amethyst readied a Cosmic Bullet. She turned to him and smiled proudly, ''''I will be able to sense when the monster grows closer. It''s called Cosmic Sense.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied. ''''Just be careful and don''t spill up; the monsters are sneaky.''''


    The two continued and finally crossed the threshold, separating the village from the dark forest. Once they stepped inside, the sounds of monsters reached their ears, causing Amethyst to step closer to him.


    Atlas smiled as he put away his dagger and took the girl''s delicate hand, making her look at him. He could see her eyebrow raised as she questioned, ''''Why are you being so kind to me?''''


    "Because I was always alone, with no one to connect with, until I met you and felt something special between us," Atlas explained. "I''d like to embark on adventures with you and explore all the lands we can."


    Amethyst stopped walking and looked at him. Her hand raised to the blindfold covering her eyes, and she started rubbing it as if it were bothering her. "Doesn''t it disturb you that I''m blind?"


    ''''No? You can still see with Cosmic Sight, so what''s the issue?'''' Atlas said with a smile, and he felt his cheeks red due to what he was about to say. ''''Plus, I find you pretty and want to see where we go.''''


    Atlas noticed her whole face and pointy ears were as red as tomatoes, which caused him to laugh. But something told him to push her out of the way, which he instantly did. Amethyst stumbled to the side as a ramshackle spear pierced the ground where she was standing.


    He looked around and saw a group of five pig humanoids rushing toward them, which caused Atlas to scan it as he was confused because he didn''t know what they were.


    [Wild Orcs]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''Oh god. But it doesn''t surprise me,'' he thought before gazing at Amethyst, who was ready to fight as two purple bullets spun in her hands.


    Atlas informed her of his plan, ''''I will take three while you take the other two, but we need to help each other.''''


    Amethyst nodded with a smile and unleashed the Cosmic Bullets toward the two Orcs at the back. The spell hit them square in the chest, knocking them to the ground. Although injured, the monsters were still alive as Atlas charged forward.


    Thanks to the old Atlas''s training with his father''s guards and Dagger Mastery, he had a basic understanding of fighting using the weapon ingrained into his body. He cast Void Shield to block the monster''s swing when he got close to the nearest Orc.


    When the wooden club hit the blue shield, it bounced backward, allowing Atlas to lunge forward and slash at the Orc''s ankle, bringing it to its knees before he fired a Void Bullet into the back of the monster''s skull.


    With one down and four to go, Atlas looked at Amethyst and saw her dodging one Orc''s swing before she rushed away like a rabbit, which confused the monster. It chased after her, but she got the upper hand and managed to trip them up using the tree roots.


    As it hit the ground, Atlas watched as she conjured a purple arrow and sent it flying toward the downed Orc. The projectile punched right through its flesh, causing the creature to drop dead.


    That''s when he spotted one of the monsters creeping up on her and took a swing. Amethyst noticed it at the last second and cast a spell that covered her body in a purple barrier, but it couldn''t stop the club as it connected with the shield.


    The strike force sent her flying deeper into the forest with a scream. When Atlas saw this, he went to rush toward her, but an Orc stepped in front of him and struck one of his legs, causing him to feel it snap when its club connected.


    This caused Atlas to flip like a cartwheel before slamming on the ground with a thud, and he screamed in pain as it shot through his body. But he still managed to spam Void Arrows, which peppered two of the three remaining Orcs, causing them to drop to the ground injured.


    Without wasting another second, he felt his bones mending themselves. Atlas was panicking as one Orc was left, causing him to take out an immediate Health Potion from his storage and downed it.


    He felt his body repairing itself, allowing him to struggle to his feet. Atlas aimed his hand at the two wounded Orcs and cast twenty Void Bullets. The azure projectiles flew through the air and pierced through their heads, killing them instantly.


    Atlas looked around and was worried about Amethyst but soon found out that he was struck by a club and sent crashing into a nearby tree, causing some of his bones to break as he slumped to the ground.


    He tried to get up, but his body wasn''t listening. That''s when he noticed the last Orc approaching with a smug grin. As the creature drew near, it raised its club, ready to swing it down on him.

 Chapter 19 - 19: The One Who Points The Way

    Atlas watched the club fall toward him, ''Am I going to die already? Well, it was fun while it lasted.'' he thought just as he tried to cast Void Guard to defend himself.


    But a purple blast struck the weapon, deflecting it from its trajectory and sending it careening toward the earth beside him. Atlas watched Amethyst emerge from a thicket, her form bathed in a radiant purple aura as she fired off a stream of spells.


    Arrows flew into the Orc''s face, stopping its attack on Atlas and causing it to bellow in pain. He could see she was angry as the aura around her flared like a roaring fire. She didn''t stop there and sent what looked like a Cosmic Blast at the monster that burned a basketball-sized hole in its body.


    It fell back dead, causing Atlas to let out a breath of relief as he collapsed as the pain riddled his body. When the battle was over, he pulled out a High Health Potion as Amethyst rushed over to him in a panic.


    ''''Atlas! Oh my god, you''re hurt,'''' she panicked while checking him over.


    As she did this, he popped the cork and downed half before pouring the other half on his injuries. Thanks to his regeneration and the potion, they started to heal faster, causing him to release a breath of relief.


    Amethyst sighed in relief as she hugged him tightly; Atlas smiled before asking, ''''How are you? The monster sent you flying.''''


    She grinned while letting him go before puffing out her chest and exclaiming, ''''I am a powerful Cosmic Phoenix; you seem to have forgotten that fact.''''


    Atlas chuckled, ''''Would it be okay to see your status? I want to compare the two off ours.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' she held her hand out while mumbling something, and a blue screen appeared before him.


    Name: Amethyst


    Age: 14


    Race: Cosmic Phoenix


    Class: Cosmic Mage


    Level: 25


    Rank: Novice


    Experience: 870/5000¡ú400


    Affinity: Space


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 264¡ú268


    Mana: 1200¡ú1210


    Strength: 284


    Stamina: 562


    Charisma: 310


    Intelligence: 198¡ú200


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Low Novice


    Core Points: 800/10000¡ú300


    Body Tempering Level:


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Cosmic Bullet (2) Lv-1: Stellar Arrow (3) Lv-2: Cosmic Blast (4)


    Defence: Lv-1: Cosmic Barrier (4)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Phoenix Form (Locked) Cosmic Wings (2) Cosmic Sight (4)


    When Atlas saw her status, his eyebrows raised surprisedly, ''''You''re strong, Amethyst.''''


    The phoenix girl beamed, but he wrapped his arms around her in a spur of the moment as it felt right to do; while doing this, he whispered, ''''Thank you for saving me. If not for you, I''d be dead.''''


    She nodded with a beautiful smile, which made his heart flutter; Amethyst replied sweetly, ''''Don''t worry about it, Atlas, it''s what partners do for each other.''''


    ''''We''re partners now? Does that mean you want to be my girlfriend?'''' Atlas replied with a smirk that earned him a slap to the arm.


    When Amethyst heard this, her whole face went bright red. She tried to answer, but only a string of unintelligible noises came out. Atlas smiled while hugging the Phoenix girl as she finally spoke, ''''I would like that, Azhar''Zul.''''


    A shock ran through his body when he heard that name, causing him to let Amethyst go as he was freaked out, ''''What did you call me?''''


    ''''The Azhar''Zul Prophecy,'''' she said. ''''It''s a legend that our people''s shamans and Azharites priests spread all over Aridonia.''''


    Atlas sat down on a nearby log as she joined him while continuing, ''''Al-ladh¨© yursheed al-tareeq means the one who points the way Atlas, the Saharaelians worship the Azhar''Zul, which is who I think you are.''''


    ''''What does Azhar''Zul mean?''''


    ''''The Chosen Messiah who leads us to paradise,'''' she answered. ''''I am part of the Flameheart Tribe of the Southern part of the Blue Dune Desert. Our people answer to the Great Mother who awaits the Azhar''Zul''s return.''''


    ''''Why do you think it''s me?''''


    ''''You''re eyes and magic, it''s nothing like I''ve seen before, but all the stories speak of a beautiful azure color,'''' Amethyst answered.


    ''''If I concentrate, I can see the glow of your eyes, which is a dead giveaway that proves you''re the Voidwalker, the Azhar''Zul, the Chosen Messiah, the one who unites the tribes and leads us to victory against the Achaemenidians who destroyed our people and scattered us to the desert.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he didn''t know how to feel, but it made sense when he remembered the impending chaos invasion. It would be useful to have an army of fanatical warriors who could fight against the monsters.


    As he was staying quiet, Amethyst panicked, causing her to reveal the truth, ''''The last Voidwalkers first wife was a Cosmic Phoenix just like me, Atlas! And you rescued me from those slavers!''''


    She jumped up as excitement overtook her. ''''It''s destiny at work! The Azhar''Zul and a Cosmic Phoenix in the same place at the same time? It''s fate.''''


    Atlas looked at her, ''''Maybe you''re right? But if we get together, we''ll take things slow?'''' he said. ''''I''ve never been in a relationship, so it''s new to me, but I ain''t going to rush into anything and ruin us.''''


    Amethyst blushed even deeper than Atlas thought possible, her voice barely above a whisper as she asked, ''''So... you want to be with me?''''


    Atlas smiled warmly, his words gentle yet filled with sincerity. ''''Yes, you''re beautiful, kind, and... well, I''d like to discover more about you as we journey through this land together.'''' S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before Amethyst could respond, she leaned in and kissed him, surprising them both. They pulled back, stunned, a shared sense of disbelief hanging in the air. Amethyst touched her lips, her voice tinged with astonishment. ''''Fate''s Connection.''''


    As they rose to their feet, Amethyst embraced him tightly. "From now on, take care of me," she whispered.


    ''''I will, my phoenix girl,'''' Atlas replied before the two separated as he continued. ''''Let''s do more hunting after I collect the cores.''''


    Amethyst nodded, ''''Okay,'''' she said with a pretty smile. ''''I will watch your back while you cut them out.''''


    "Thank you," Atlas replied gratefully, pulling out his dagger and advancing toward the Orcs.


    "Now, where would the core be?" he pondered aloud.


    "In the chest," Amethyst said from behind him.


    Atlas turned to find her twirling around the clearing with a radiant smile. He couldn''t help but feel warmed by her happiness. Shaking his head in amusement, he cut out the 5 orange Monster Cores, stowing them away in his Dimensional Storage before preparing for the next hunt.


    Once Atlas finished that, he checked his status to see his new gains.


    [Level Up: 20¡ú21]


    [Experience: 150/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 600]


    [Health: 216¡ú224]


    [Mana: 1044¡ú1048]


    [Intelligence: 214¡ú216]


    [Core Points: 13150¡ú13600]


    [Core Point Gained: 450]


    After that, they continued hunting in the Wailing Woods and ran into a pack of twenty Icefang Wolves relaxing in a clearing. Atlas stopped behind a bush as Amethyst crouched beside him, ''''What''s the plan Azhar''Zul?''''


    He looked at her with a raised eyebrow, ''''Are you going to keep calling me that?''''


    The phoenix girl grinned, ''''That or my Amore.''''


    ''''What does that mean?''''


    Amethyst went red again, but he could never get tired of seeing it as she answered, ''''A name. It''s a name a wife calls her husband in my tribe.''''


    Atlas beamed when he heard this and pecked her on her button nose, which made her giggle. But then they got down to business as he explained the plan: ''''You move to the right, and when I have their attention, attack them from the rear.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' Amethyst got ready to move, but she grabbed his hand. ''''Promise me you''ll be okay?''''


    He nodded, ''''Of course, my phoenix.''''


    After hearing that she moved through the bushes like a mouse, Altas turned back to the wolves sniffing the air, causing him to jump out, casting Void Bullets at the monsters and catching them off guard.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air and pierced the creatures'' skulls. Four of them dropped instantly as Atlas pulled out his dagger and tomahawk. Just as a wolf lunged at him, he cast Void Guard.


    It crashed against his shield, allowing him to stab the wolf in the head as another crashed into him. However, Atlas used his tomahawk to keep the monster''s jaws away from his face before casting Void Bullet into its head, causing it to flop on top of him.


    Atlas pushed the beast off him before casting several Void Arrows into the circling Icefang wolves, hitting three of them. Just after his attack, purple bullets peppered the creatures from behind, causing them to yelp.


    He sprang into action as soon as Amethyst entered the fray, their combined efforts swiftly decimating the wolf pack and drenching the clearing in a morbid display of monster blood due to their battle.


    Once it subsided, she settled beside a tree and gestured for him to join her, patting her lap invitingly. With a small smile, Atlas approached and took a seat, but before he could settle in, Amethyst gently guided his head onto her lap, her fingers threading through his hair.


    Curiously, he inquired, "How many wolves did you kill?"


    "Eight," she replied. "That leaves twelve for you. You should''ve leveled up again."


    Atlas chuckled and checked.


    [Level Up: 21¡ú22]


    [Experience: 350¡ú1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1200]


    [Mana: 1048¡ú1060]


    [Strength: 210¡ú212]


    [Stamina: 216¡ú218]


    [Charisma: 292¡ú294]


    [Core Points: 13600¡ú14800]


    [Core Points Gained: 1200]


    ''''I leveled once,'''' Atlas revealed. ''''What about you?''''


    Amethyst smiled before showing him her gains, ''''I also gained a level, which is quicker than I''m used to,'''' she said in a happy tone.


    [Level Up: 26¡ú27]


    [Experience: 70/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 800]


    [Mana: 1210¡ú1212]


    [Strength: 284¡ú286]


    [Core Points: 1100¡ú1900]


    [Core Points Gained: 800]


    When Atlas saw her status, he asked, ''''What''s the standard status?''''


    ''''Erm, I believe human children usually are born with seventy in every attribute, but when they train, it increases, but that is different to the one hundred and fifty elves receive, or the eighty dwarves get.''''


    Atlas nodded as they relaxed for a few more minutes before returning to monster hunting to level up even more.

 Chapter 20 - 20: GrakThar Gromogar

    [Grak''Thar Gromog''ar - the one who points the way]


    [Grishna''s POV]


    Grishna traveled for days until she reached the biggest city in the southern part of the Thalassia Empire. While passing through the main entrance, she was greeted with thousands of people coming and going.


    She had to dodge around some merchants who weren''t watching where they were going. Grishna headed for the Adventurers Guild to sell the monster parts she gathered on the way here, and thanks to all her hunting, she gained several levels and upgrades to her attributes.


    While strolling down the main street, she checked her last gains from hunting some Grassland Goats wreaking havoc on a nearby farm.


    [Level Up: 105¡ú106]


    [Experience: 780/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 3200]


    [Health: 846¡ú866]


    [Mana: 2318¡ú2368]


    [Strength: 1598¡ú1680]


    [Stamina: 1322¡ú1368]


    [Charisma: 560¡ú566]


    [Intelligence: 350¡ú10]


    ''Lovely,'' Grishna mused. ''Those little fuckers were a pain in the ass when they scattered, but the experience was worth it.''


    Following that, she saw the Adventurers Guild in the distance, which caused Grishna to pick up the pace and walk down the street, dodging families and people on their way to work. She also noticed they had no manners, which annoyed her, but she ignored it and entered the guild only to see it busy.


    With a roll of her eyes, Grishna approached the shortest queue, only to be intercepted by a familiar adventurer group. The leader, Thorne Blackhammer, wielded a greatsword and stood six foot five with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a gnarly scar down the right side of his face.


    Behind him were four women: two humans, an elf, and a wolf demi-human. She recognized this party as the one persistently trying to recruit her, which would mean joining Thorne''s harem¡ªa prospect that held no appeal for her.


    ''''No, I don''t want to join your harem, Thorne,'''' Grisnha warned. ''''Do you want to get knocked out again?''''


    "Woah, Grish," Throne held his hands up before revealing why he was bothering her. ''''I know you''re not interested in me, but I was here to see if you''re traveling to the Everglade Kingdom. They''ve found several level 3 dungeons giving out good spoils."


    ''''Yes, I was going to take the train down to Greenglade City before trekking to the Darkheart Jungle to level up,'''' she answered the man.


    Throne nodded, but the wolf demi-human, Mia, spoke up, ''''Why do we travel together, Grish? We''re headed for the Devil''s Swamp Dungeon outside the Darkheart Jungle.''''


    She narrowed her green eyes at the wolf woman just as one of the humans who was Throne''s mage said, ''''It will be good to have a strong warrior join us for the journey. I heard monsters are running rampage through the Kingdom.''''


    Grishna sighed. ''''Okay, but don''t try anything funny,'''' she exclaimed before turning to the elf. ''''None of your love potions, Blondie, or I will cut your hair again.''''


    The elf squeaked before hiding behind Throne, who spoke, ''''Don''t scare Jenna; she only tried to give you the potion once during that dungeon raid.''''


    ''''She was lucky Draksha caught her. Otherwise, I would have been a love zombie, which is disgusting,'''' she said the last bit with venom in her voice that caused Jenna to squeak again, making Grishna laugh. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Where is Draksha? We haven''t seen her in a year or so,'''' Mia questioned.


    ''''She joined a cult who worships Grak''Thar Gromog''ar,'''' Grishna spat out the last words with a bitter feeling as she lost her best friend to the traveling warrior devotees. ''''Stupid fanatics of a being that isn''t going to come and is just a prophecy told by the elders to give hope to the warriors.''''


    Throne laughed, ''''Yes, the older generation loves their tales. Ours tell us of the Azhar the Devil like he''s real when we all know it''s just a children''s story used to scare them into being good.''''


    Grishna nodded, ''''Okay, meet me at the Suncrest Train Station in the morning. The train should be leaving for the south.''''


    The adventurer group nodded and left the guild, allowing Grishna to sell her haul. She earned 10 gold, 89 silver, and 20 copper, which pleased her greatly. With this, she could afford a decent room and a hearty dinner, which excited the Orc warrior.


    She left the guild behind and headed for an inn she knew well, the Prancing Pony, which served delicious food. Grisna saw the large stone building decorated with beautiful blue wood, causing her to quicken her step.


    When Grishna entered the inn, she was welcomed by an old man named Bronn. ''''Oh look, who is it?'''' he said in a jovial tone. ''''The little Orc Warrior has returned to Suncrest.''''


    ''''Shut up, old man,'''' she replied with a smile. ''''I''ll stay until morning, so give me the usual.''''


    ''''Yes, Princess,'''' Bronn answered with a chuckle. ''''Same room, and I''ll send little Lucy up with the food.''''


    Grisha threw him a gold ring. ''''Thanks, Bronn. I''m glad you''re well. It''s trying times out there.''''


    ''''You too, darling. Mariam misses her Orc daughter too much, and you have to make sure you see her the next time you''re here,'''' Bronn said with a fatherly smile.


    ''''I will; it''s been chaos at home. Father is frustrated that I couldn''t catch up with my siblings, so I''m heading for the Everglade Kingdom to level up.''''


    Bronn nodded, ''''Some traders were in here a week ago claiming the kingdom has gone mad due to the old king falling ill and his sons fighting among each other, causing monsters to run wild, so if it''s the experience you''re after, Everglade is the perfect place to go.''''


    ''''Okay, old man, I''ll be going to rest as I''ve had a long journey from the Bloodfang Kingdom and fought many monsters, so I''m going to put my feet up and have a nice hot bath,'''' Grishna said while heading for the staircase.


    Ten minutes later, Grishna stood in her room and locked the door behind her. She stripped off her dirty armor and let it drop to the floor with a thud before entering the bathroom connected to the room she rented for the night.


    Grishna stepped into the relaxing hot bath and sank until her head was the only thing out of the water. She slowly started to doze off, but it wasn''t sleep. Something divine took hold of her mind.


    She woke up in a white room, which confused her. Grishna looked around but saw nothing until an older woman''s voice was heard, ''''My little Orc, it has been a while since we last spoke.''''


    When she heard the voice, she spun around, only to see an older Orc woman wearing a white toga and a motherly smile, causing Grishna to speak, ''''Goddess Gruum''ka, it good to see you after so long,'''' she went to bow but was stopped.


    ''''No need to bow, little one; I''m here to inform you of the arrival of the Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, and he will be coming to your destination, but I need you to find him and become his fist.''''


    Grishna''s eyebrows shot up, ''''He''s real? Draksha was right,'''' she said in shock.


    Grumm''ka started giggling. ''''Of course, he is, but the boy''s future is clouded, and none of us gods can see where he''s going,'''' she informed her.


    ''''We cannot tell how he will play along with our plans, but I have a slight suspicion that Grak''Thar Gromog''ar isn''t as simple as he looks and will shock Goddesses Luxia and Nyx who made him their champion,'''' the Orc goddess informed her.


    But all Grishna could think about was her friend being right, and they fell out over it, which made her feel even worse. Grumm''ka reassured her, ''''You two will reunite as Draksha is the second fist, so don''t worry, little one.''''


    She nodded as the goddess, ''''What do I need to do?''''


    ''''I will come to you when the time is right, but continue with your journey as the Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. He hasn''t arrived in the Darkheart Jungle, but you''ll know once you look at him.''''


    ''''Okay, I will do it, goddess,'''' Grishna replied. ''''Thank you for this opportunity. I hope he can bring peace to the Orc Kingdoms.''''


    Grumm''ka smiled, ''''Now enjoy your bath, and good luck on your hunt, little one.''''


    After her divine encounter, Grishna was roused from her bath by insistent knocking on the door. "Coming!" she called out, hastily wrapping a towel around her body before heading to answer.


    Upon opening the door, she was greeted by a beaming blonde girl who quickly exclaimed. "Sister Grish! How have you been?"


    ''''I''ve been good, Lucy,'''' she replied to the little human. ''''Come in.''''


    Grishna let her enter as she held the door open, and the little girl pushed the trolley inside before unloading dozens of plates like a pro, which amazed the Orc Warrior.


    After some small talk, Lucy had to get back to work, leaving Grishna alone to eat. She sat down and started tucking into the feast that Bronn''s cook had made, which tasted delicious. She continued to eat everything until she was full and lying on her bed with a bloated stomach.


    ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar''s real,'''' she sighed. ''''I''m sorry for doubting you, Draksha.''''


    Grishna fell asleep after wrapping the blankets over her and getting comfortable. The following morning, she woke up to cheering and whistling, which irritated her. She got out of bed and opened the window only to see a group of well-dressed men and women marching down the road.


    When Grishna tutted, ''''Damn, Argonian Adventurers are hitting the Thalassian Dungeons again. I wonder if that blonde bitch Estelle is there; stuck-up princess thinks she''s the best Rank G around; I''ll show her one of these days.''''

 Chapter 21 - 21: The Knight & Frostbear

    [Estelle Argonia''s POV]


    "May Goddess Sol bless my blade so I can smite the darkness that plagues our world," a woman said in a heavy French accent as the old mine she was in lit up, ''''Solar Slash.''''


    A heavenly fire coated her longsword in white as she sidestepped the Wraith that was attacking her. She destroyed the monster, terrorizing a nearby village with one swing that destroyed it.


    But that wasn''t the only monster lurking in the old mine she found herself in. Ghouls rushed out from deeper within the cavern, but she was ready and cast Light Blast at the creatures, and thanks to her high affinity with light magic, it easily annihilated them.


    The Ghouls continued to swarm, compelling the woman to dispatch each one skillfully with precise strikes of her sword. She instinctively dodged their attacks or raised her shield to block them, her every move guided by her rigorous training.


    It took the woman several minutes to dispatch the Ghouls, who were screeching until she cut the last creature''s head off with a quick swipe. Then, she cleaned the blade and sheathed it to scan the area.


    This was Estelle Argonia, the 5th Princess of the Argonia Kingdom. Thanks to her skill in battle, the king allowed her to explore the world while accompanied by five Battle Sisters who kept her safe.


    But this time, she snuck away from her guards to gain some experience instead of sharing it with them all, which was slow. Estelle looked around the mine and saw containers holding an unnamed ore.


    While doing that, she heard a group running toward her; that''s when her guards appeared ready for battle but looked around the mine in shock as the commander, an older woman named Maria, spoke, ''''My Lady, you cannot go wandering off like that. The Thalassia Empire is dangerous for high-ranked monsters.''''


    Estelle waved her away, ''''I was fine, Maria; I vanquished the Wraith plaguing the village,'''' she said with a smile. ''''We can head for the Everglade Kingdom; I want to test this new Devil''s Swamp Dungeon. The Guild Master informed me it''s the best to earn experience.''''


    Maria nodded as she said a small prayer, ''''The one who points the way.''''


    ''''Why do you pray to such an old religion, Maria? The Le Messie ¨¦lu won''t come,'''' Estelle commented while collecting the Monster Cores.


    ''''My Lady, the Chosen Messiah will come and bring light to this dark world,'''' Maria said.


    ''''Enough of this,'''' she demanded. ''''I don''t want to hear about him anymore; it''s an old children''s tale, and that''s all.''''


    Maria and the four other women nodded before another Battle Sister named Jeanne spoke, ''''We can catch the train from Suncrest City. One of the stops is Greenglade City, where we can travel to the dungeon on foot.''''


    Estella nodded, ''''Agreed,'''' she said. ''''I''ve collected the cores and am ready to go.''''


    The six left the old mine and started their walk to the city, where Estelle and the Battle Sister were well-known because she had saved it from a Monster Wave a week back. When they exited the darkness, the moon was shining brightly.


    ''''Charlotte! Set up the tent; Maria, Jeanne, and Sophie will be on watch,'''' Estelle ordered the guards. ''''Margot, you''re on firewood duty.''''


    They all saluted until Maria commented, ''''What will you be doing, My Lady?''''


    Estelle grinned as she took out her bow before answering, ''''Hunting.''''


    Following that, the Battle Sisters started their tasks while she checked her status to see her gains from the latest battles.


    [Experience: 4340/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 2000]


    [Health: 1146¡ú1148]


    [Mana: 3888¡ú3900]


    [Strength: 1212¡ú1218]


    [Stamina: 1100¡ú1102]


    ''Lovely,'' Estelle thought while looking at the blue screen. ''If I continue like this, I will rank up in no time.''


    Following her departure from the mine, Estelle ventured into the nearby woods in search of monsters to hunt. Not long before, she encountered a Woodland Boar, a notorious Rank E creature known for its ferocious charges.


    With practiced skill, Estelle approached stealthily, drawing her bow and aiming at the creature''s head. The arrow strikes the side of the Woodland Boar''s head instead, causing it to drop lifeless.


    Estelle approached the corpse before dragging it back to camp so she could prepare it for dinner as a howl was heard in the distance.


    ***


    [The Northern Wastes - Windpeak Mountain]


    Atop the snowy expanse of Windpeak Mountain, a young woman with captivating blue eyes, dark brown hair, and a complexion as rich as mahogany stood out against the stark white landscape.


    She made her home in a secluded cave, a sanctuary amidst the unforgiving terrain. The woman was Nuliajuk Sivuraq, a name whispered with reverence and fear among the Frostbear Tribe. Cast out for defying tradition, she refused the chieftain''s hand in marriage and bested him in combat.


    Branded as an outcast, she bore the title of the Frost Witch, a solitary figure shrouded in mystery. Yet, behind her solitude lay a story untold, a reason veiled by the icy winds that swept across the mountain peaks.


    A time was upon them when the Chaos Hordes invaded the world, and the Northern Waste Tribes fought them to a stalemate, but Nuliajuk knew the Chosen Messiah would arrive soon and beat back the monsters.


    Just as Nuliajuk thought that her stomach grumbled, causing her to laugh, ''''Time for dinner, it seems, Atek,'''' she said with a smile. ''''Are you joining?''''


    A growl was all that was heard, causing her to laugh, ''''You''re a big bad Frostfang, not a kitten.''''


    When she said that, a large sabertooth tiger-like monster lazily walked out of the cave. The creature''s fur was a beautiful white, and its yellow eyes spoke of intelligence and amusement.


    ''''I''m going hunting; Frostwinter has brought the Giant Mammoth herds back to the Snowdrift Plains in the north,'''' Nuliajuk said. ''''Do you want to come?''''


    Atek nodded his massive head, eliciting a smile from her before she leaped off the mountainside. As Nuliajuk plummeted toward the icy tundra below, she shifted into her Frostbear form, crashing onto the ground.


    A colossal dust cloud billowed out from the impact. She walked out in her true form, twice the size of a polar bear; Nuliajuk exuded a menacing presence. Her intense blue eyes gleamed amidst her white fur, seamlessly blending into the snowy landscape.


    Atek joined her after he jumped down the boulder he used to climb up to their home. After seeing that, Nuliajuk took off and rushed across the landscape, followed by her Frostfang companion.


    The two continued traveling until they reached a hill and got a perfect view of the herd. Nuliajuk saw the monsters grazing on the bluegrass covering the ground below. There were hundreds of monsters stretching as far as the eye could see.


    Standing twelve feet tall, these creatures resembled Earth''s mammoths, yet their demeanor exuded a savage aura. With dark brown fur and piercing red eyes that seemed to glow with malice, they presented formidable adversaries.


    Nuliajuk recognized the daunting challenge they posed. However, she and Atka possessed the skill and cunning to take down two of these behemoths, a feat that would provide sustenance for weeks to come.


    Aware of the Giant Mammoths'' formidable strength yet limited intellect, Nuliajuk strategically positioned herself beside a dense bush, blending seamlessly with her surroundings while she scanned the herd. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, Atek patiently awaited her signal nearby, poised for action. Soon, a small group of mammoths emerged from the herd and headed for a nearby water hole. When Nuliajuk saw this, she knew they were her target.


    She grunted, signaling Atka to follow her as she stalked the monsters. Ahead of them were two giant mammoths and a younger one. Nuliajuk planned to take down one while her companion dealt with the other.


    After setting up the ambush, Nuliajuk erupted from the bush with a powerful roar, lunging at the largest mammoth and sinking her claws into its throat. The scared monster started to panic and wildly thrashed around.


    Nuliajuk held on tight and started hitting it with her Ice Claw spell, which demolished the mammoth''s hide. Soon, the giant beast collapsed once it lost enough blood, allowing her to target the smaller one fighting Atka.


    With a roar, she crashed into the younger mammoth and swiped at it with her massive claws, sending it collapsing to the ground. The monster stumbled back as Atka jumped onto the last adult.


    The battle continued for a few minutes, and the Giant Mammoths died when it went quiet. Nuliajuk was breathing heavily as she started dragging the corpse back to their home. She saw Atek lying down with his eyes closed.


    Nuliajuk looked at him before complaining, ''''You lousy pet! I''m dragging our food back home, and you''re lying down.''''


    The large cat looked at her and huffed before resting even more. She laughed at this before dragging the mammoth corpses until it was at the bottom of their mountain ledge. Nuliajuk clamped her jaws around the neck before dragging it up like a jaguar trying to take its food into the trees.


    It took her a while, but she finally managed to drag the mammoth back to the entrance of their cave. Moments later, the smaller mammoth carcass landed beside her with a heavy thud. Nuliajuk looked up to see Atek climbing up with a flustered expression.


    She giggled and said, "I''ll get the other corpse and try to hunt one more. Come with me."


    With that, she leaped off the ledge, and Atek followed. Nuliajuk hunted tirelessly for hours, and by the end of the day, they had amassed a collection of several Giant Mammoths. She was back at the cave entrance and returned to her humanoid form.


    As Atek glowed, he transformed into a house cat-sized Frostfang and padded over to Nuliajuk, nudging his head against her leg. She picked him up and stroked him, saying, "Let''s get inside. The moon is rising, and those things come out at night to hunt."


    The little cat growled, but Nuliajuk laughed before dragging the mammoth corpses inside the cave. She blocked the entrance with a boulder just as the howling started.

 Chapter 22 - 22: Stop Fighting Us Boy

    Atlas and Amethyst continued their hunt, eventually coming across a Rank F Forest Boars herd. The duo skillfully hunted down the boars, securing their prey. Later, they encountered a colony of Snow Widows, swiftly dispatching the creatures with flames until they ceased their movements.


    The monsters made the couple cringe as their skittering was skin-crawling. Atlas looked at the phoenix girl as he felt the experience pour into his body. A refreshing feeling washed over him as he leveled up once again.


    He worked out the number of monsters he killed, consisting of twenty Forest Boarts and fifteen Snow Widows, while Amethyst killed twelve boars and twenty spiders, which helped her level up.


    Atlas checked his status.


    [Level Up: 21¡ú24]


    [Experience: 850/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 3500]


    [Health: 224¡ú234]


    [Mana: 1060¡ú1084]


    [Strength: 212¡ú218]


    [Stamina: 218¡ú222]


    [Charisma: 294¡ú298]


    [Intelligence: 216¡ú222]


    [Core Points: 14800¡ú16300]


    [Core Points Gained: 1500]


    Atlas got happy, and Amethyst noticed, ''''Leveled up again, Azhar''Zul?''''


    ''''Yes, three times, and gained some boosts on my attributes,'''' he said while standing up and brushing the dirt off his pants before continuing. ''''We should head back to the village; we''ve been out for hours.''''


    ''''Go collect the cores; there should be thirty-five,'''' Amethyst commented as she messed around with her status.


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment before retrieving his dagger and looting the spiders. The task turned his stomach, as he would have preferred the process to be more akin to dealing with the boars, but luck wasn''t on his side.


    In total, he managed to collect seventy-five white cores from the creatures. With a sense of relief, he stowed them away in his Dimensional Storage. Atlas couldn''t help but feel grateful to Biric for granting him this skill, which was proving incredibly useful already.


    Once Atlas finished collecting all the cores, he stored some of the Forest Boars before the duo returned to Frostwood Village. While walking, she grabbed his hand, causing him to smile.


    While walking, Atlas felt a bad feeling crawling up his spine. He spun around and fired a Void Bullet at a creature standing there. But to his horror, it slapped the spell to the side, causing an explosion to light up the forest.


    He quickly moved Amethyst behind him while readying more spells as he took the creature in, and it sent a shiver up his spine. It was unmistakably humanoid yet distorted as if shaped by nightmares themselves.


    Its red eyes burned like molten embers as it fixated on him as it had just found a long-lost prize. Atlas noticed the creature gave off an aura of evil and malevolence that pierced his soul.


    The contours of its face are twisted as if carved from the depths of a nightmare. Its pallid and sickly skin seems stretched too tightly across its angular features, accentuating the sharpness of its bone structure.


    Jagged lines trace across its visage, resembling scars etched by some otherworldly force, adding to the unsettling nature of its countenance. Its movements are jerky and unnatural, like a marionette controlled by unseen strings.


    Its limbs seem elongated and disproportionate, bending at odd angles with an unsettling gracelessness. Yet, amidst the horror of its appearance, this twisted being emanates a sense of undeniable power.


    As Atlas cautiously retreated, Amethyst''s voice quivered with fear as she whispered, "What is that thing? Its aura is so potent, I can feel my bones trembling."


    In response, Atlas activated Void Sight to assess the creature''s strength.


    [The Lost Prince]


    [Level: 431]


    [Rank: Master]


    "Damn, this creature is strong," Atlas mumbled as he continued to edge away.


    The monster observed them with a sinister grin, but its next action sent a shiver down Atlas''s spine. "Cease your movements, little Voidwalker," a raspy voice said, freezing them in place with fear.


    It approached him at a weird pace until he was a few feet away before doing a mock bow, ''''I am the Lost Prince, 7th Chaos General and leader of the fearsome Dark Knight Reavers.''''


    Atlas went pale when hearing it, but the Prince continued, ''''Don''t worry, little one, I am not here to kill you yet,'''' it said in an amused voice. ''''I will let my meal fatten up before we have our battle. It will be more fun by then.''''


    Atlas''s mind raced with shock and disbelief. ''This creature is toying with us,'' he thought before responding, "So, you''re suggesting I become stronger?"


    "Yes, yes, little Voidwalker," the Prince replied eagerly. "I won''t inform the king or the other generals because I desire the pleasure of killing and consuming you myself."


    A chill ran down Atlas''s spine, and she gasped, "But why? Isn''t the king your leader?"


    "Meh, I relish a challenge, and I''ve developed a fondness for you, little one," the Prince explained in an eerie tone. "You bear a striking resemblance to my beloved wife, who is unfortunately no longer with us." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas could have sworn he heard sadness, but the creature spoke one last time in a strange, concerning tone, ''''Now I see you, little one. I want to eat you even more. You mustn''t die so I can see your face and remember my love.''''


    The Lost Prince approached Atlas, delivering one last message, "Stay alive, young Atlas. Do not perish, and we shall meet once more."


    Afterward, the creature vanished into the shadows, relieving the two from its malevolent aura. He shook his head, "Are you alright?"


    "Yes, Azhar''Zul," she replied. "Let''s find a place to rest."


    Guiding him to a fallen tree, the couple settled down, finding comfort amidst the forest''s eerie silence. Amethyst leaned her head against his shoulder, seeking comfort in his presence.


    They took a brief respite, allowing the tension of their encounter with the Lost Prince to dissipate. After a while, they rose from their makeshift seat and began their journey back to the village.


    However, as they neared their destination, a plume of black smoke rose ominously into the afternoon sky, casting a shadow over their return. Atlas panicked and started running toward the village.


    Amethyst followed behind and saw the town guard battling against slavers who attacked the town. Looking at the Phoenix girl, Atlas said, ''''We should help find Biric and his family.''''


    She nodded with a bright, out-of-place smile, and the two steeled themselves before rushing toward the attacking slavers. Atlas readied his tomahawk and dagger as he cast several Void Arrows that pierced the enemy''s skulls.


    The village guards managed to push them back, allowing her to hit them with a Cosmic Blast. As Atlas moved in close and started slashing the back of the slaver''s legs, they dropped to the ground, allowing him to finish them with a stab to the eye.


    When he felt the blade pierce the man''s flesh, he nearly threw up but kept it under control as he moved toward her, who was dodging two bandit attacks before sending multiple Stellar Arrows into one of their skulls.


    Atlas jumped on the second man''s back before stabbing him in the neck; he fell with the lifeless body and landed with a thud while speaking, ''''Let''s head into the village; I hear more fighting beyond the wall. Head to Biric home, and I''ll be you there.''''


    She nodded before whispering, ''''Cosmic Wings.''''


    She leaped into the air, her wings spreading wide as she soared effortlessly over the village walls. Atlas, spurred into action by her bold move, followed suit, using his Void Bullets to catch the slavers off guard, causing explosions that halted their advance.


    As they reached Biric''s home after a swift and decisive flight, she was already engaged in combat, swiftly dispatching the attackers with her formidable skills. Atlas wasted no time, charging into the fray alongside her.


    Dodging a swing from one of the assailants, he countered with a precise strike, plunging his dagger into the man''s face. He jumped off the body while firing a Void Arrow at another enemy approaching from behind.


    After that, he joined Amethyst as she called out to Biric, who opened the door while holding a sword. When the older man saw the two of them, he sighed in relief before dragging them inside.


    Once in the house, he noticed they were all packing to leave, with each family member wearing a travel bag as Neryssa moved the kitchen table with a grunt. Atlas put his weapons in his storage before helping the woman.


    When they did that, it revealed a trap door just as Biric was about to speak, and the door started to shudder as the slavers tried to break it down. Everyone paled at that, but Atlas quickly spoke, ''''Get your family down there now! The guards will be here soon. We will hold them off.''''


    Biric looked hesitant, but Atlas insisted, ''''Go! Wait for help until you return.''''


    The older man nodded his head, his eyes full of shame. Biric ushered his family down the ladder, allowing him to hide the trapdoor just as the door flew off the hinges. Atlas spoke with determination, ''''Stay close to me, my Phoenix, and we''ll make it through this.''''


    She nodded as they readied their spells just in time for a wave of slavers rushing in, screaming about capturing a phoenix. When Atlas heard this, he unleashed dozens of Void Bullets and Void Arrows, which exploded in their faces.


    Chaos erupted in the house as she started casting her magic while they dodged the slaver''s attacks. Soon, there were just too many enemies that they got overwhelmed, and he watched as a sneak attack knocked her out.


    The leader grabbed Amethyst and held a blade to her throat, ''''Stop fighting us, boy, or your pretty girlfriend will die,'''' he said with a cocky smile.


    Atlas wouldn''t give up, as his journey was beginning just like the two women traveling to find him or trying to get out of trouble.

 Chapter 23 - 23: Artemis Olympaea

    Atlas stopped fighting the slavers as they quickly grabbed him and tied him up as the leader spoke, ''''Smart, maybe if you''re good, you two will be bought together, but I don''t know if that would be any better.''''


    When Atlas heard the man''s words, he didn''t reply; he just watched him with narrowed eyes, causing the leader to laugh. ''''It doesn''t matter anyway; that''s your lot in life now, boy,'''' he said before looking at the surrounding men. ''''Take them to the ship, and no one will touch them. You know the Thalassian Nobles love pure youngsters.''''


    ''''Yeah, their twisted fucks, bossman,'''' the slaver who was holding Atlas''s rope commented. ''''How can they find children attractive? They are sick in the head.''''


    The leader nodded, ''''Yes, they are Johnny. Now stop talking, and let''s get out of here before the Guardians arrive.''''


    After that, they were taken to the docks and loaded onto rowboats. When Amethyst was in the boat, she woke up and grabbed his hand, which comforted him, but Atlas spotted Biric and his family hiding in a nearby bush.


    He could see Neryssa had tears in her eyes, but soon enough, the rowboat started moving toward a massive metal ship in the middle of Wintercove Bay, surrounded by several fierce-looking vessels.


    Atlas took in the ships, and they didn''t have sails but were sleek; people were running around on deck as an elevator-like machine lowered to the water where they pulled up. The clamps grabbed the rowboat before pulling it up.


    ''I wonder if we can escape during the journey to wherever we''re going,'' Atlas thought as they stopped at the top.


    More boats appeared beside them, carrying other villagers the slavers had caught. Everyone was pushed on board as the leader announced, ''''Ladies and gentlemen. We have caught a southern phoenix and a high elf. Payday will triple, but we must reach Slaver''s Bay within a week due to the auction.''''


    Upon hearing this, Atlas became intrigued, but the leader interrupted his thoughts with a slap on his back, saying in a playful tone, "We''ll assign you two to guard the Princess. It''ll be safer that way."


    He chuckled, adding, "Once we reach Slavers Bay, I might consider purchasing you both and turning you into gladiators. You could fetch quite a sum, lad."


    ''''Didn''t you promise your slavers triple pay?'''' Atlas retorted.


    ''''I''m a rich man, boy,'''' the leader smiled before holding his hand out. ''''I''m Leo Al-Zahiri. The most fearsome slaver to ever roam the twelve seas.''''


    Atlas ignored the hand, ''''Why are you trying to make friends with a child, old man? My parents told me I should ignore stranger''s sweet words,'''' he said in a fake suspicious tone, causing Amethyst to giggle.


    Leo bellowed out laughing before ruffling Atlas''s hair, ''''You cheeky little shit. I like you, and that is even more reason to buy you and your little girlfriend.''''


    After speaking, Leo turned to a woman and said, ''''Misha, make sure these two are fed and warm.''''


    ''''Yes, boss,'''' the woman saluted before rushing off.


    Atlas looked around only to see that the slavers were too professional, which made him suspicious. He turned his gaze to Leo, ''''What kingdom are you from? It''s clear you''re not slavers but professional sailors.''''


    Now, Atlas had an unobstructed view of the man before him, towering at an impressive seven feet in height. His complexion boasted a copper shade, while a voluminous white beard resembling Santa''s framed a set of striking light blue eyes. However, it was the pointed elf-like ears that seized Atlas''s focus.


    ''An elf?'' he pondered silently.


    Atlas shrugged because he had not received an answer, but soon, Leo spoke, ''''Smart boy, but stop being nosy. It is not good for you.''''


    After that, they were led into the belly of the ship, where hundreds of sailors went about their business. Atlas examined the vessel, noting its simple construction, but he could feel the mana radiating from the metal.


    The group descended the first set of steps and entered a long corridor with dozens of soldier metal doors. Leo gave Atlas and Amethyst a gentle push. "Come on, lovebirds, let''s take you to the royal suite," he said with a chuckle. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were made to walk for twenty minutes until they reached a door that a guard opened after saluting Leo by hitting his chest, which the older man returned. Atlas saw a staircase leading down to a row of strong-looking cages where several people were locked up.


    Atlas noticed one had a young woman inside who was staring at him with wide brown eyes, and Leo pushed them toward the cage as he spoke in a cheerful tone, ''''Princess! I have new friends for you, but you mustn''t bully them, as the two will become my gladiators.''''


    ''''Shut up, you Achaemenidian dog,'''' the woman spat with venom.


    Leo laughed before speaking, ''''It''s hilarious just how wrong you are, Artemis; now be a good banished princess and teach these two the rules,'''' he said while pushing Atlas and Amethyst into the prison cell.


    The door was locked behind them, causing Amethyst to become depressed, but he hugged the phoenix girl, who soon calmed down. He hugged her until he felt a pair of eyes watching him.


    Atlas turned to their cellmate. The young woman had wavy brown hair that traveled past her shoulders and big brown eyes that he found beautiful. She was a natural beauty adorned with freckles that danced across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose.


    Her skin, otherwise flawless and fair, provided the perfect backdrop for these endearing spots, each one telling a story of sunny days and carefree moments. Atlas found her lips captivating, soft, and inviting, hinting at a tenderness.


    She reminded him of the Greek warriors from the games back on Earth, which fascinated him. He shook his head and smiled at the young woman, ''''Hello. I''m Atlas, and this is Amethyst.''''


    As their cellmate spoke, Atlas motioned at the phoenix girl hugging him; the woman smiled in return before introducing herself, ''''I''m Artemis Olympaea.''''


    Atlas nodded just as she spoke again, ''''What is your affinity, if you don''t mind answering?''''


    ''''Void.''''


    Artemis''s eyes widened even more, but a small smile appeared on her pretty face, ''''Yes, he''s the Azhar''Zul or Atelos, as you Olympaeans call him,'''' Amethyst spoke while sitting beside Atlas, causing the other two to look at her.


    She got embarrassed as Artemis smiled and said, ''''A lover of history, I see? Are you from the Blue Dune or a local kingdom?''''


    ''''I was a part of the Flameheart Tribe, and we traveled around the southern part of the desert.''''


    Artemis''s eyes widened, ''''Have you met the Asadani Peoples?''''


    When Atlas heard the young woman''s question, he grew curious and listened as Amethyst answered with a smile, ''''Of course I have. My best friend Farida is Asadani.''''


    ''''Are the Azhar Tigers real?'''' Artemis questioned as Atlas saw the childlike excitement in her eyes.


    The phoenix girl shivered when she heard the name. ''''Don''t talk about them, please,'''' she said quietly.


    Artemis nodded. '''' I''m Sorry. I forgot they are a bad omen to the people of the Blue Dune Desert,'''' she apologized.


    ''''What are you doing here? And what is this Atelos you called me?'''' Atlas questions in a curious tone.


    ''''Well, in my kingdom, they think you''re the being who will fight against the treacherous queen who betrayed the realm''s princess,'''' Artemis answered while walking over to the only window in their cell.


    She continued, ''''It''s a children''s tale, but you know what they say about stories passed down the generations? They get added to over the years.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Well, it doesn''t surprise me, to be honest, as the people of Frostmark called me Valsonr, and Amethyst called me Azhar''Zul,'''' he said while examining their cell.


    The room held two beds and a table, with a bucket in the corner that made Atlas cringe. However, a small window offered a sliver of relief where Artemis stood, lost in thought.


    Atlas rummaged through his storage and pulled out some bread and meat. Handing a portion to Amethyst, he then approached Artemis. "Would you like some food?" he offered.


    She looked around the room, confused, making the two of them laugh as Atlas answered, ''''I have a skill called Dimensional Storage that a trader gave me for saving his life.''''


    Artemis nodded before taking the offered food as she spoke, ''''Atelos, what are your goals?''''


    When Atlas heard the woman''s question, he thought, ''What do I want to do?''


    After thinking for a few seconds before revealing his goals, he said, ''''I want to live a full life of adventure and love, as I''ve never had that before, and also maybe have a family one day.''''


    Amethyst went bright red, causing Artemis to giggle, ''''I assume you two are lovers?''''


    He nodded as the phoenix girl replied with an adorable smile, ''''Yes.''''


    The woman nodded, ''''This may be insensitive, but do you have the skill to see Amethyst?''''


    ''''Yes, it''s called Cosmic Sight,'''' she replied, unfazed by the question. ''''It''s only level 1 at the moment, but it allows me to see people as mana.''''


    A confused expression appeared on Artemis''s face, but Amethyst explained, ''''I was born blind and given the skill, but it only leveled up once since then, which is strange. Father believes that it has something to do with my soul.''''


    ''''So what happens when it reaches level ten?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Amethyst shrugged ''''The tribe took me to Azraq City to see the Great Mother; she thinks it could unlock my potential, but we haven''t found the reason behind its growth, so it''s a mystery.''''

 Chapter 24 - 24: Blasphemy

    [Soraya Al-Muharib''s POV]


    The two moons shone over the Blue Dune Desert as Soraya raced across the Death Field, riding her Sandstrider, which resembled a large horse-like spider gliding along the sands without making noise.


    Warriors used this mode of transport most of the time to travel across the dunes. Some walked, but there was a chance the Azure Devourers would ambush them. The monsters looked like Megalania from Earth''s ancient history but were colored blue to blend into the desert.


    The monsters would hide beneath the sand only to burst out when they sensed something nearby, so Soraya always had to be careful while heading to the Eastern Region to meet with her best friend Zara and the daughter of the Non-Believer leader.


    This was after the Great Mother and Rahbar''s declared that the three regions of the desert would send a warrior to find the Azhar''Zul. Soraya would represent the western region, while her best friend Zara would represent the southern tribes.


    Lastly, a woman named Circe Al-Darkhan, a captain in the Al-Sahraa Guardians, would also represent the East. They were ordered to leave the desert and head north, but first, they had to meet at the eastern capital, Megara.


    Soraya shook her head and stopped thinking while admiring the quiet desert, but she knew better; death lay in wait. Suddenly, a Giant Scorpion tried to ambush her. Reacting swiftly, she cast a spell, "Spirit Flames."


    Bright red flames burst from her hand, striking the monster and slowing it down, giving her enough time to get past it. Soraya wanted to avoid the fight that would have dragged on, thanks to the Giant Scorpion being Rank D, which she could handle, but it would use much of her mana.


    After an hour of riding, she spotted the lake leading to Megara, the capital of the Non-Believers, who occupied the eastern part of the desert. They fought with the Achaemenid Empire and suffered horrifying attacks that involved the razing of dozens of Qaryas to the ground.


    They slaughtered innocents but were pushed back by the Al-Sahraa Guardians. Soraya knew of them but hadn''t met any due to them not leaving the East. Once at the lake, she jumped off the Sandstrider, which was uneasy.


    Soraya was worried when the ground started to shake, causing her to look around to find a safe place, and spotted a rock outcropping not far away. She rushed toward it before casting an Enhancement spell to speed up.


    Soon enough, she reached the rock and jumped up on it as something burst through the sand, trying to attack her. Several Azure Devourers appeared their blue forms blending into their surroundings.


    Their eery yellow eyes were staring at her with hatefulness. That''s when the ground started to shake, forcing Soraya to hide in a small hole as a tentacle burst out of the sand and wrapped around several Devourers before pulling them into the sand.


    Soraya''s eyes widened in shock as she mumbled, ''''A Sand Kraken.''''


    The sand leviathan grabbed all the Azure Devourers and appeared from the sand, opening a massive maw. Soraya''s eyes widened in shock as it dropped the monsters inside before vanishing below the sand.


    She could see the sand moving when the Kraken was moving like it was in the water, which always amazed the Saharaelians. However, the desert people feared and hated the monster, as it had attacked many Qaryas.


    But the shamans found a way to hide their settlements using ancient magic and totems that scared it away. Soraya stepped out of the cave only to see one of the Devourers standing there, watching her with an evil glint.


    ''Oh no,'' she thought while readying her spells, but then several whistles were heard, attracting Sorayas and the monster''s attention. Several figures surrounded them, and one fell from the sky while holding a glowing blue long knife.


    The figure fell on top of the Azure Devourer and plunged the knife into the monster''s skull, causing it to drop dead. When that happened, silence took over the outcropping until the soldiers started cheering. ''''Captain! Captain!''''


    Soraya was perplexed by the warriors'' sudden appearance, having not detected them while scaling the outcropping. She recognized them as Saharaelians, though she couldn''t discern their specific tribe until the one drew near.


    Clad in Scorched Silk armor that shielded them from Achaemenidian blades, the blazing sun, and the swirling sands, the warriors'' clothes blended seamlessly with the desert''s shades, rendered in a protective shade of blue.


    What caught Soraya''s attention most were their eyes¡ªshe glimpsed the warrior who had slain the Devourer approaching her, their emerald green gaze brimming with adrenaline as the person closed in.


    Soraya watched the warrior remove her scarf, unveiling a young woman with short, vibrant green hair and striking emerald eyes. Her delicate features and smooth, fair skin create a striking and memorable appearance. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''She''s from the eastern noble tribes,'' Soraya thought. ''They make up the commanders in the Al-Sahraa Guardians.''


    The woman stopped before her, smugly grinning. ''''You must be Soraya Al-Muharib, granddaughter of the Great Mother and fanatical Dajjal lover.''''


    Soraya bristled when she heard that and retorted, ''''Azhar''Zul isn''t a false Messiah! he is our chosen and will lead us to paradise!'''' she exclaimed before speaking the prayer all believers expressed when their messiah was brought up. ''''The one who points the way.''''


    ''''Look, boys and girls, this is what blind worship does to a person,'''' the woman mocked while pointing at Soraya. ''''It''s tainted our Western brothers and sister''s minds. They refuse to believe that the Azhar''Zul is a Saharaelian and not an outsider like these fanatics believe.''''


    When Soraya heard this, she grew angry, ''''Blasphemy! You Easterners know nothing of the prophecy. Our emperor predicated Azhar''Zul''s coming days before he sacrificed himself for us!''''


    She looked around at the warriors, listening before continuing, ''''The heavens showed us his arrival when the stars crossed the desert, and the Great Council has ordered three of us to find him! Once we do, he will lead the Great War to reclaim what''s rightfully ours!''''


    The woman chuckled softly as she approached, "What you say might be true, but the southern and eastern tribes won''t accept an outsider as the Azhar''Zul; it has to be one of our own.''''


    ''''A foreigner couldn''t understand our struggles or suffering! Please tell me how this messiah will lead us if we have to babysit him, fanatic?'''' the woman mocked as the other warriors laughed.


    Soraya declared confidently, gazing into the woman''s green eyes, ''''He is one with the Al-firaagh, blessed by Zahidul and Azadul and favored by the Mother Goddess. The Azhar''Zul will guide our people to paradise as our leader.''''


    The warriors standing on the outcropping saw Soraya''s eyes, which showed pure fanaticism as she continued, ''''You will witness the prophecy unfold when he forms a bond with the Desert Shayatin and defeats the Great Blue Devil that terrorizes our people.''''


    When Soraya said that name, the warriors around them shivered and backed away with wide eyes. The woman shook her head, ''''There''s no point in arguing with a fanatic,'''' she stated before introducing herself. ''''I''m Circe Al-Darkhan.''''


    Soraya''s eyes widened. ''''They sent a Non-Believer to find Azhar''Zul. Why?'''' she said in disbelief.


    Circe laughed before speaking to the other warriors, ''''Head back to Megara City. I want to talk to the fanatic.''''


    The warriors jumped down the outcropping before rushing toward the lake and diving inside, leaving them alone. Soraya turned to Circe, ''''I don''t expect you to believe in the prophecy, but give it a chance, and make your judgment when you witness his greatness.''''


    ''''Stop with this religious stuff, Soraya,'''' Circe barked, ignoring the redhead''s words. ''''I will join you on your journey only to experience the outside world, but when we find the Dajjal, don''t expect me to worship him like you do.''''


    ''Blasphemy! Azhar''Zul will show her the way,'' Soraya thought before answering. ''''I won''t force the Path on you, but do not slander my religion; if you can agree, then we can work together?''''


    Soraya watched Circe''s green eyes flicker before she nodded, ''''Agreed, we have enough Azharite Priests in the east and a growing population of believers who are survivors of the Achaemenidian raids for the Blue Stone and other desert treasures.''''


    ''''I heard the Asadani have raided several Achaemenidian and Nubian Sandcrawlers, as well as their Desert Camps,'''' Soraya commented. ''''Rumors speak of an invasion in the coming months.''''


    Circe laughed, ''''The Asadani know how to hide and fight; any army that invades will be lost in a sandstorm and picked clean by the many monsters that roam the land.''''


    Soraya nodded, but then the two heard a noise behind them, causing them to spin around and ready their magic, but it was useless. The stuff of nightmares appeared, ''Shayatin! An Azhar Desert Tiger,'' she thought to herself.


    A massive tiger was standing above the duo. It was eyeing them with a neutral gaze before he jumped to their level and towered above them. Soraya was stuck to the spot in fear as the Monarch Aura bore down.


    Circe was just as nervous, but soon, the aura vanished, allowing the two to admire the horrifying monster. It stood eight feet on all fours and had beautiful black fur with violet stripes all over its body.


    The monster looked like a Siberian Tiger from Earth but twice the size and even more fearsome. As Soraya looked into its eyes, she prayed. ''''Not the time to pray, fanatic,'''' Circe snapped but was cut off.


    ''''He has come, has he not? Azhar''Zul has arrived in our world, little birds. A melodic sound rang out on the outcropping.


    Both girls were shocked as the exotic accent came from the Azhar Tiger relaxing in front of them. Soraya stepped forward and said nervously, ''''Great Shayatin, are you a believer in the prophecy?''''


    The tiger''s head tilted, ''''Yes, little bird, but we''re not fanatical over the boy like you Westerners are,'''' it said. ''''And stop calling me Shayatin; I''m not a desert devil! It''s bad enough those mouse hunters call me that, and now the others are at it.''''


    Circe couldn''t help but point out, ''''Shayatin, you hunt and eat us? So you cannot blame us for naming you such a thing.''''


    ''''Shut up, green bird, or I''ll eat you,'''' the Azhar Tiger retorted before standing up. ''''When Azhar''Zul arrives in the desert, bring him to Dead Man''s Cliffs; if you don''t, I will butcher every Saharaelian I find until meeting the boy.''''

 Chapter 25 - 25: Youre A Siren

    After chatting for a while, the three went quiet. Atlas walked over to the window and looked outside, only to see rough waves hitting the bottom of the ship. ''I wonder where we are,'' he thought.


    While standing there, the door was opened, and a woman walked in with three plates stacked with meat on each one. She placed them on the table, allowing Atlas to see the two heavily armed men standing guard outside.


    ''Damn, I can feel their strength,'' Atlas mused as he realized they can''t escape through the door.


    That''s when the woman left the cell as he looked at the food and started eating. Time flew by, and all the three talked. They passed a massive jungle when the sun rose on the fourth day.


    Atlas noticed it ended at a small sandy beach with beautiful yellow sand, perfect for sunbathing. Gnarly trees twisted high into the sky, and karsts dotted the landscape.


    He was amazed by the sight, which caused the other two to laugh. Artemis joined him at the window with a friendly smile, ''''Do you want to escape Atelos? If so, I can only do it under one condition.''''


    ''''What''s that?''''


    ''''You help me take back my kingdom in the future,'''' she revealed but quickly continued with a smile. ''''My second mother betrayed me and turned most of the realm against me due to lies she spread about me.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened. "How am I meant to fight a kingdom that has an army?" he asked. ''''Seems a bit impossible to me at the moment.''''


    Artemis laughed before explaining, ''''Well, by the time you''re older, you will be stronger, and no doubt many powers will come to know about you and send assassins.''''


    "Alright, I''ll assist you in leveling up as we journey, and we''ll encounter numerous monsters on the way. Additionally, I''ll aid in preparing you for what lies ahead." Artemis grinned mischievously before adding, "Now, pay attention."


    Atlas and Amethyst watched in astonishment as she began to sing out to sea in an unfamiliar language. The melody was soothing but seemed ancient, sending goosebumps all over his body.


    Artemis continued singing for a few minutes until she stopped and turned to them, ''''Whatever you two do, don''t let go of each other. We have minutes at best.''''


    "What was that?" Atlas questioned.


    "It''s a race skill I unlocked. It''s called Leviathan''s Call, and Sirens gain it when we come of age," she said with a smile.


    Atlas''s eyes widened in surprise. "You''re a Siren?"


    The young woman nodded solemnly. "Correct. If we get separated, meet at the tallest mountain in the jungle, I will make sure Amethyst is safe but who knows what will happen once the ship goes down."


    Atlas''s face paled at her words, his heart beating as a roar echoed through the ship. He rushed to the window, scanning the turbulent sea, but saw nothing. As he looked out, the ship''s speakers crackled to life, commanding urgently, "We have a Kraken bearing down on us! Man the cannons and drive the monster away."


    Before long, explosions erupted, causing Atlas''s ears to throb with pain. The cannons fired sluggishly, unable to keep up, just as something massive slammed into the ship. Startled, Amethyst leaped to her feet and hurried toward Atlas, throwing her arms around him as the Kraken struck the vessel once more.


    Artemis looked at the two of them with a worried look. '''' Remember to meet at the tallest mountain if we''re separated.''''


    They nodded in understanding. The Kraken clung onto the ship and started to crush it as the cannons continued to fire. Just as that happened, the world went black as their cell was cracked open.


    The group was sucked into the cold sea, Atlas tightened his grip on the phoenix girl, but the current was too strong and tore them apart just as he spotted a tentacle heading toward him.


    Atlas quickly cast Void Guard, but it shattered, knocking him out before sending him flying through the ocean. He drifted through the water until he was washed up on the jungle beach, his body repairing while out cold.


    Hours passed, and the sun started to set, lighting the world with an orange glow. However, Atlas remained unconscious until the two moons hung overhead. He soon woke up in a panic, hearing a hiss, which caused him to look around quickly.


    That''s when Atlas spotted a giant snake slithering toward him. He sighed before using Void Sight on it, ''What the hell is it with this world? Are their monsters everywhere.''


    [Jungle Viper]


    [Rank: F - 100 Exp]


    After scanning the monster, Atlas quickly cast Void Arrow at the snake just as it lunged at him. The azure blue arrow pierced through its skull as it crashed into him, but that was all the damage he received.


    Atlas threw the corpse off himself before standing up and looking around confusedly. He was standing on a beach connected to a dense-looking jungle, and a shiver ran down his spine when he saw it.


    He remembered killing a dozen bandits in Frostwood Village. Memories of Biric and his family surfaced, causing him to worry about their safety. However, Atlas pushed the thought aside and focused on checking his status after pulling out the white Monster Core.


    [Level Up: 24¡ú26]


    [Experience: 550/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1600]


    [Health: 234¡ú244]


    [Mana: 1084¡ú1114]


    [Strength: 218¡ú226]


    [Stamina: 222¡ú228]


    [Charisma: 298¡ú302]


    [Intelligence: 222¡ú230]


    [Core Points: 16300¡ú17100]


    [Core Points Gained: 800]


    Atlas was pleased with his gains but still confused. He gazed into the sky and spotted a lone mountain in the distance, which he struggled to see. ''That is a journey!'' he thought to himself.


    With that in mind, he turned back to the sea, only to sigh when he saw an empty expanse. Atlas reluctantly started his trek through the jungle, taking out his tomahawk and dagger in case he was attacked.


    When he stepped into the underbrush, it was like a new world. Hot air hit his skin, causing him to sweat badly. Atlas had to keep wiping it from his fore before taking his shirt off and wrapping it around his face.


    The fabric blocked the heat, making Atlas feel better. He found a Game Trail and started following it until he came across a small clearing that looked peaceful, but something told him it was the complete opposite.


    He stopped walking and crouched beside a tree, hiding behind a bush. Looking around, Atlas found a stone and picked it up before throwing it into the clearing, causing chaos as plant creatures popped out from the ground.


    The moonlight allowed Atlas to see the whole clearing as if it were daytime. He was confused when he saw the monsters. They were plants but took on creepy humanoid shapes, with colorful flowers dotting the vines that snaked everywhere.


    The scene gave him the creeps, making him shudder at their jerky movement. Once he overcame that, he scanned the monsters to find their rank.


    [Venomvine Creeper]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    Following Atlas scanning the creatures, he counted ten meandering around the clearing, looking for the fake intruder. He wanted to kill them as that would earn him three thousand experience and a bunch of Green Monster Cores.


    He got ready to attack and would use Void Arrows, and Atlas planned to pepper them with a wave of projectiles. With that decided, he popped out of the bush and started casting his spells, which slammed into the Venomvine Creepers.


    The plant monsters let out an ear-piercing screech that hurt his ears, but that didn''t stop Atlas from casting Void Bullets that hit the surviving creatures, causing them to burn as the explosion blew and annihilated the monsters.


    Soon enough, he thought they were all dead until he felt something crawling up his leg, causing him to jump in fright. Atlas looked down and saw a vine wrapping around him, but he started cutting it away.


    But that''s when the vines grew barbs that stabbed into his legs, causing him to scream in pain.


    [Health: 204/244]


    ''The fuck! That hurts,'' Atlas internally panicked.


    He continued to cut away the vine, but the barbs kept stabbing into him, reducing his health at a scary rate.


    [Health: 164/244]


    ''''Get the fuck off me, you damn plant!'''' he raged before casting Void Bullet at his leg, causing a sharp pain to shoot through his body.


    [Health: 84/244]


    But Atlas achieved his goal and freed himself from the vines before collapsing to the ground while breathing heavily. He pulled out a Minor Health Potion and downed it before pouring it on his leg. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, he checked his health after using the potion.


    [Health: 134/244]


    Atlas was delighted at his swift recovery and hastened it further with another potion. When nearly healed, he rose to his feet and surveyed the clearing. Ten glowing cores lay scattered around the clearing.


    He gathered them one by one, storing each in his Dimensional Storage. Once Atlas finished that, he continued his journey and realized he could travel as far as the jungle blocked the moonlight.


    Deciding it was time to rest for the night, Atlas spotted a nearby bush he could hide inside. He crouched low, slipped inside, and curled up, wrapping the Enchanted Winter Cloak around his body to ward off the chill.

 Chapter 26 - 26: Stay Out Of The Trees

    The following morning, Atlas woke up and rubbed his eyes while sitting up. He remembered he hid inside a bush the night before. While hidden there, he heard sniffing, which made his blood run cold.


    Atlas spotted a dinosaur that seemed to be an Allosaurus but looked more vicious and bloodthirsty. It was carrying a furry, human-looking monster thrashing around while letting out a howl of agony. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He quickly scanned the two creatures.


    [Allosaurus]


    [Rank: D+ - 550 Exp]


    [Ursaling]


    [Rank: E - 300 Exp]


    Atlas was captivated by the creatures before him, and his desire to kill the Allosaurus consumed his thoughts. He prepared his weapons and spells stealthily, intent on ambushing the dinosaur.


    ''They would give a lot of experience that would be useful to me right now,'' Atlas mused.


    However, his plans were a no-go as two more creatures emerged from the brush. His heart skipped a beat as the gaze of two Allosaurus looked at the bush he was in, freezing him in place.


    Panic surged through Atlas, paralyzing his mind, yet instinct took over, propelling his feet forward despite his inner turmoil. As he moved, one of the monsters crashed into the bush he was just in.


    Atlas cast several Void Bullets that slammed into its head, causing the creature to roar in pain. The one with the Ursaling in its mouth dropped it and started chasing him, but all they received was a stream of spells hitting them.


    One of his Void Arrows connected with the closest Allosaurus''s knee, causing it to collapse, which took another with it. That left the last one quickly closing in on him, but Atlas fired a Void Bullet on the ground in front of the monster.


    It stepped into the freshly made hole and tripped over, but Atlas heard a loud crack as the dinosaur broke its leg. He went to work with all three on the ground and continuously cast Void bullets and arrows.


    The azure blue projectiles connected with the three dinosaurs, causing them to roar defiantly, but Atlas didn''t give up as he got closer to the first one and dodged a snap of its jaw before plunging his dagger into its skull.


    At first, he felt something stopping him, but soon, it broke through the tough hide and pierced the Allosaurus''s brain just as the first dinosaur got back to its feet and lunged toward him while swiping at him with its giant claws.


    Atlas swiftly invoked Void Guard, deflecting the attack. However, the force of the blow sent him flying backward, crashing into a nearby tree before collapsing to the ground. Despite the impact, he scrambled to his feet, his legs aching, and unleashed a barrage of a dozen Void Arrows at the charging monster.


    As soon as the spells left his fingertips, he darted into the dense foliage to evade the second Allosaurus that had joined the fray. Atlas yelped while running around trees and large plants that caught the dinosaurs.


    The first creature tripped up, allowing his arrows to pierce its skull, while the second bit through the plant to free itself. Atlas saw this but then noticed the Ursaling waving at him, which baffled him.


    Atlas moved to pursue the creature, but the final Allosaurus charged at the furry humanoid. Moving swiftly, he hurled several Void Arrows that struck the dinosaur''s ankles, toppling it to the ground.


    Closing in quickly, he placed his hand on its head and unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets, shattering its skull into fragments. Atlas exhaled as the adrenaline started to wear off, causing his hands to shake.


    Without wasting any more time, he cut out the three green Monster Cores before the Ursaling started panicking as the ground began to shake. Atlas throws the cores into storage before following the furry humanoid into the bushes.


    It dragged him to the ground and covered him as another Allosaurus appeared, but this one looked bigger and meaner. Atlas gulped when he saw this, but he still scanned it.


    [Allosaurus]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    Atlas froze and didn''t move as the furry humanoid held him down like a protective mother, which baffled him and made him snicker. The dinosaur roamed the area briefly before it vanished into the jungle.


    Once it was gone, the Ursaling grunted but hissed in pain, causing Atlas to take out a minor potion and pour it on the furry creature. He watched it panic, but it calmed down once the wounds healed.


    He watched as it got excited before stopping and looking into the distance. Atlas wondered what had happened, but it grabbed his arm and dragged him into the jungle. They came to a massive tree that the Ursaling had started climbing.


    Atlas looked at this and followed behind, climbing up the branches. He felt the ground start to shake as the Allosaurus approached. By the time he was halfway up the tree, the monster appeared.


    It stared up at him with burning red eyes, which made him shiver, but the furry humanoid leaned down and pulled him into a hut-looking structure. The Ursaling pushed him inside, and Atlas found a living space with several other creatures sitting in a circle.


    They all turned to him with wide eyes, making Atlas think they were more human than he initially thought. That''s when they started singing in an unknown language, but it reminded him of the beautiful tribal music of when they were back on Earth.


    Atlas didn''t know what to do, so he looked around. He saw blankets stacked in one corner and food and water taking up most of the free space. Soon after that, the Ursaling who helped him dragged him outside.


    The two of them looked over the edge only to see the Allosaurus, causing Atlas to get frustrated and peppered the monster with Void Bullets. The explosions rocked its body but only damaged it a bit.


    ''Stop attracting its attention! It will go away once it''s bored,'' Atlas heard an older woman''s voice in his head.


    He jumped while turning to the furry humanoid as it continued, ''You saved me, am returning the favor. Its the way of the jungle little one.''


    After speaking, the Ursaling ruffled his hair before returning inside, causing Atlas to stare at the humanoid creature. He waited outside and watched the Allosaurus wander into the jungle.


    While waiting, he checked his status, as he felt he had leveled up during the fight.


    [Level Up: 26¡ú28]


    [Experience: 650/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2100]


    [Health: 244¡ú248]


    [Mana: 1114¡ú1124]


    [Strength: 226¡ú230]


    [Stamina: 228¡ú232]


    [Charisma: 302¡ú304]


    [Intelligence: 230¡ú232]


    [Core Points: 17100¡ú17700]


    [Core Points Gained: 600]


    [Void Guard: 0¡ú1]


    After checking his status, he noticed the Allosaurus was gone; that''s when the furry humanoid appeared and advised him, ''''Stay out of the trees, little one. Many dangerous monsters up here and will attack you.''''


    Atlas nodded before speaking, ''''Thank you for your help. I hope you stay safe.''''


    The Ursaling nodded as Atlas started climbing down the tree after saying farewell. Once he touched the jungle floor, he heard the sounds of chirping birds, and other monsters could be heard around him.


    He continued his journey toward the mountain in the distance. Atlas trekked through the jungle, using his tomahawk to cut away the foliage. Soon enough, he heard a growl, causing him to jump to the side as something hit the spot he was standing at.


    Atlas pointed his hand, but it was too late. A large black cat landed on him from the shadows, biting his right arm. When he felt the pain, he let out a primal scream as he felt the bones snapping in between the creature''s maw.


    His vision blurred, but Atlas put his hand on the creature''s neck and cast a Void Arrow that seared right through the monster''s neck. Atlas felt its jaw loosen as it fell to the ground, but that''s when he was attacked again.


    Another cat pounced towards him, yet Atlas swiftly summoned his tomahawk and intercepted its swipe, forcing it to slide backward. This time, he carefully assessed it before anticipating its next move.


    [Jungle Panther]


    [Rank: F - 100 Exp]


    The Jungle Panther lunged toward him again, but Atlas sidestepped the monster and brought the tomahawk down on its neck. The blade cleaved right through flesh and bone, causing it to die instantly.


    Atlas let out a heavy breath as he felt his left arm radiating pain as the skin was torn up and crushed bones. He pulled out an High Health Potion before pouring some over the wound.


    Once Atlas had used all the potion, he sat down after checking his surroundings. He started watching the ruined arm repair itself, which amazed him. The skin stitched itself together as he felt the bones reforming.


    Ten minutes passed until he could use his left arm, allowing him to continue with his journey, and he soon found himself standing next to a river as the afternoon sun filtered through the canopy above.


    Atlas looked at the dark water and knew something was there, ''No thank you,'' he thought. ''I bet some evil crocodile is lying in wait for me to get closer.''


    He skirted around the river, but suddenly, something emerged from its depths, startling him into a jump as skeletons emerged from the riverbank. Atlas was bewildered and unnerved to see them dressed like adventurers; he scanned the newcomers.


    [Skeleton Adventurer]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    As they shuffled towards him, bones rattling ominously, Atlas swiftly reacted, unleashing a Void Bullet that shattered all ten into dust. Yet his relief was short-lived as more skeletons appeared, prompting him to disregard the creatures and bolt into the jungle.


    Atlas kept running until the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the jungle into darkness. Finally, he stumbled upon a hollowed-out stump and quickly crawled inside. He wrapped his cloak tightly around himself.


    While doing that, Atlas checked his status again.


    [Level Up: 28>29]


    [Experience: 350/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 700]


    [Health: 248>258]


    [Mana: 1124>1132]


    [Strength: 230>232]


    [Stamina: 232>236]


    [Core Points: 17700>17950]


    [Core Points Gained: 250]

 Chapter 27 - 27: Lights Of The South

    [Amethyst and Artemis''s POV]


    When the ship exploded and the Kraken hit Atlas, Amethyst was carried by the tide until Artemis caught her and spoke into her ear while casting an underwater breathing spell, ''''He will be fine. Worry about us as Blood Sharks are coming.''''


    She looked over Artemis''s shoulder and saw a dozen massive red blobs of mana heading in their direction, which made her stiffen. But that''s when the brown-haired girl glowed and started to transform.


    Amethyst witnessed Mana morphing Artemis and giving her a fishtail like the Sirens of legend. After transforming, she spoke in a concerned tone, ''''Hold on, birdy.''''


    After speaking, she took off and zoomed through the water while the Kraken destroyed the rest of the ship before vanishing into the darkness below. Amethyst then spotted the Blood Shark dashing toward us, and she warned in a panic, ''''They''re coming! Hurry up and swim!''''


    ''''Shut up, bird! I''m trying my best; I haven''t done this in months,'''' Artemis barked before speeding up.


    She knew the Blood Sharks were chasing them; even though they were big, the monsters were fast. That''s when an epic chase began, as the twelve creatures closed in on them, but she evaded all the attacks thanks to Artemis''s speed.


    A shark appeared whenever she tried to swim toward the shore or surface, forcing them to continue running; this happened for a while, causing Amethyst to get fed up, as being underwater annoyed her.


    She pointed her hand at the closest monster and cast Cosmic Blast. A purple blast of mana shot out and struck the Blood Shark. The spell burned a hole straight through the monster''s hide.


    Amethyst continued casting spells while Artemis was fleeing the remaining creatures. Soon enough, they were surprised as a monster burst out of the shadows below. Artemis managed to dodge it but had to flee toward a nearby cave.


    When the two entered it, there was an air pocket inside. Artemis burst out of the water and transformed into her human form before landing with a thud. That''s when a Blood Shark burst out of the water, but she took out a sling and fired a mana bullet into its skull.


    The monster flopped dead, allowing Artemis to grab it and pull it into the cave. When Amethyst saw the sight, it was horrifying. The shark was ten feet long, deep red, and had menacing-looking eyes.


    ''Just like they''re name, their blood red in color,'' the phoenix girl thought.


    Rows upon rows of razor-sharp teeth lined its mouth. Amethyst shivered at the sight, but she asked, ''''Why are we not throwing it back into the water?''''


    Artemis didn''t look at her while cutting a knife into the shark. She explained, ''''Blood Sharks are Rank D sea monsters. Their meat is soaked in mana and will give us the energy to make it through that cave once it''s cooked.''''


    She pointed to a nearby hole in their hideout. Amethyst looked into the hole, and thanks to her Cosmic Sight, she could see the mana floating in the air, but no monsters were hiding in the dark.


    While watching the hole, the water below turned bright red, causing Amethyst to yelp, but Artemis explained, ''''The Blood Sharks went on a rampage and ate the smaller ones of their kind. It''s a common behavior when prey evades them.''''


    Amethyst nodded and decided to check her status as she killed a few of them on the way here.


    [Level Up: 30¡ú31]


    [Experience: 170/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 900]


    [Health: 274¡ú276]


    [Mana: 1230¡ú1236]


    [Strength: 292¡ú296]


    [Stamina: 566¡ú568]


    [Charisma: 310¡ú312]


    [Intelligence: 212¡ú214]


    [Core Points: 1900¡ú4700]


    [Core Points Gained: 2800]


    Happy with her gains, Amethyst turned to Artemis as she cut away chunks of juicy-looking meat while taking out a large green Monster Core and sighing, ''''This would be worth at least 2 gold coins, but alas, we cannot carry it.''''


    Artemis absorbed the core until it turned into dust, allowing her to return to cutting off the best chunks of meat. She questioned while approaching the brown-haired woman, ''''How will we cook it? There''s no wood in here?''''


    ''''Don''t worry, Little Bird. I will show you and your boyfriend how to survive,'''' Artemis said as her brown eyes shone.


    She felt jealousy well up and knew she had to cement her place in Atlas''s life, ''''You do know he will have a harem?''''


    ''''Yes, the Aetlos is prophesized to tame thirteen stars; some scholars believe it represents the thirteen watchers of the Light of the South Constellation,'''' the brown-haired woman explained while glancing around.


    Artemis then spotted some nearby Dry Cave Moss, which she used instead of wood. She used her knife to cut enough to last for a while and approached Amethyst, who looked confused. "What''s wrong?" she questioned.


    ''''What is the Light of the South? I only know of the Azhar''Zul Constellation; it covers the southern portion of the world while the Nakurmiik Lights watch the north,'''' she explained.


    When Artemis heard this, she smiled, ''''Yes, that''s the name your people call it, but us who live outside that death trap call it the Lights of the South. The Graecorians and Nubians have also named it that, but the Achaemenidians call it the Vega Lights.''''


    She nodded as Artemus started a fire using the moss she collected. The grey smoke floated toward the cave entrance and was sucked into it. Following that, the brown-haired woman started cooking the shark meet.


    Amethyst sat there drying off her clothes and blindfold, causing Artemis to gasp. She turned to the woman with raised eyebrows, ''''What?''''


    ''''Your eyes are just like Aetlos''s! They are just purple and more draconic looking,'''' Artemis commented. ''''Are you sure you''re not a dragon?''''


    ''''Shut up, Fish! I am a mighty Cosmic Phoenix! The strongest of my race,'''' Amethyst declares, but the cave they were in glowed in a beautiful purple color.


    Artemis''s eyes widened in shock. "So the legends are true. The first wife of the old Aetlos was a Cosmic Phoenix who remained by his side until his death. According to the stories, her grief was so profound that she couldn''t bear to live without him. In her sorrow, she soared into the sky and detonated her Mana Core, creating what we now know as the Lights of the South."


    She was enthralled with the story, but Artemis concluded, ''''There are many stories to remember; maybe you and my future boyfriend can find a library,'''' she said with a grin.


    ''''Shut up, you Fish! You''re older than us; why would you want someone so young,'''' the phoenix girl retorted.


    Artemis giggled, ''''I''m only seventeen, Little Bird, not much older than you two.''''


    ''''Can I see your status?''''


    The brown-haired young woman laughed again, ''''Only because we''re friends.''''


    ''''Stop calling me that!'''' Amethyst snapped, causing Artemis to laugh while flipping the shark meat before showing her status.


    Name: Artemis Olympaea


    Age: 17


    Race: Siren


    Class: Argonaut


    Level: 123


    Rank: Adept


    Experience: 1240/5000


    Affinity: Earth - Thunder - Water


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 1330


    Mana: 2100


    Strength: 2400


    Stamina: 2100


    Charisma: 500


    Intelligence: 1050


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: High Novice


    Core Points: 9750/30000


    Body Tempering Level: Bronze Body


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Lightning Bullet (7) Lv-1: Water Arrow (7) Lv-2: Thunder Punch (5) Lv-2: Aqua Bomb (3) Lv-2: Earth Spike (2) Lvl-2: Lighting Slash (5) Lv-3: Arc Lightning (1)


    Defence: Lv-3: Gaia''s Embrace (2) Lv-3: Shockwave (1)


    Support: Lv-1: Gaia''s Glide (8) Lv-2: Enhancement (4)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Swordsmanship (7) Survivlist (4) Hand-to-Hand Combat (9) Foraging (6) Stealth (5) Eaglevison (2) Lockpicking (0) Appraisal (2) Treasure Sense (2) Sling Expertise (8) Siren Form (3) Leviathan''s Call (0)


    ''''Happy Little Bird?'''' Artemis commented with a grin.


    She huffed before showing her own so she was even with the brown-haired Siren.


    Name: Amethyst


    Age: 14


    Race: Cosmic Phoenix


    Class: Cosmic Mage


    Level: 31


    Rank: Novice S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Experience: 170/1000


    Affinity: Space


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 276


    Mana: 1236


    Strength: 296


    Stamina: 568


    Charisma: 312


    Intelligence: 214


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Low Novice


    Core Points: 4700/10000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Cosmic Bullet (2) Lv-1: Stellar Arrow (3) Lv-2: Cosmic Blast (4)


    Defence: Lv-1: Cosmic Barrier (4)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Phoenix Form (Locked) Cosmic Wings (2) Cosmic Sight (1)


    Artemis was impressed and thought, ''She''s just like Zenithra from the stories, why is the story becoming reality?''


    She quickly spoke, making the phoenix girl smile, ''''You''re powerful for your age. You can potentially become one of the greats, Little Bird.''''


    Amethyst beamed, ''''Thank you, Arty,'''' she said happily.


    Artemis heard the nickname and giggled before returning to the meat. She took some spices on her belt and sprinkled them on the delicious-smelling dinner, ''''Come here, Little Bird,'''' she said. ''''You can have the first bite.''''


    The Phoenix girl nodded in agreement and settled down. Artemis passed her the makeshift knife, and Amethyst eagerly sliced off a piece. She savored the first bite, finding the meat delightfully tender and flavorful.


    ''''We need to rest for tonight as the two moons are on watch already. Once the sun comes up, we can head for the meeting place. Hopefully, Aetlos is nearly there,'''' Artemis commented before she started eating.


    The two of them continued to eat while getting to know each other better. When they were finished, Artemis stood up and gathered so Dry Cave Moss could make two small beds and lay down while speaking while pointing at the second one, ''''Join me; caves get cold during the night, and the moss will keep you warm.''''


    When Amethyst got comfortable, the brown-haired Siren commented, ''''I''ve always wanted a little sister; my older siblings are horrible people.''''


    ''''We both have Azhar''Zul now, Fish, and it seems fate guided us three together, so neither of us will be alone anymore,'''' she said in a groggy voice before falling asleep.

 Chapter 28 - 28: The Jungle King

    While Atlas was in the hollowed-out tree stump, a noise caught his attention. He poked his head out and saw nothing, but a growing feeling in his gut told him to hide, which he instantly did without questioning.


    Suddenly, roars and howls erupted all around him. Atlas sank into the stump, hiding in the corner as the ground shook. Vines and large banana leaves concealed him from the outside world, providing a small measure of calm.


    Seconds later, monsters rushed past, causing his face to pale as there were too many to count. Atlas hunkered down and waited for them to pass but quickly noticed the two moons in the sky.


    Zahidul''s silver glow lit up the jungle. The light gave him a clear view of the first Monster Wave he''d experienced. He was shocked, but nothing spotted him, thanks to his clever hiding place. Atlas wrapped his cloak around himself and fell asleep while leaning against the inside of the tree.


    The Monster Wave passed by while he was safe. The following morning, Atlas woke up with a yawn but caught himself in the memories of the monsters. He looked outside and noticed it was clear, which caused him to smile while stepping out and stretching his body.


    Atlas continued trekking through the jungle while keeping his eyes on the surroundings. He didn''t want to run into any more monsters, but he wasn''t so lucky, as he tripped over a log and fell flat on his face.


    He glanced behind him only to see something slithering among the jungle foliage. It had green scales that camouflaged it with the landscape, but Atlas did notice the muscles contracted under the skin. ''Oh, goddess! It''s a giant snake.''


    When realizing what the monster is, he quickly uses Void Sight on it.


    [Titanboa]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    ''So strong,'' Atlas thought before quickly firing several Void Arrows and Bullets at the massive snake monster. Explosions rang out as a wheel-sized head appeared right next to him, and a deep hiss let out a shiver down his spine.


    Atlas didn''t wait any longer and struck out by casting Void Bullet at its face. The Titanboa roared in pain, allowing Atlas to flee the jungle while dodging roots and bushes. Shortly after, he heard the monster chasing behind him as it took out trees.


    He ran for a while as the massive snake continued chasing him just as he reached a waterfall that dropped to an eery dark canyon. Atlas looked down, then back at the incoming Titanboa, and decided to jump just as the snake went to bite him.


    All he saw was a large jaws snapping mid-air as he fell into the darkness. Atlas didn''t know how long he fell, but soon, water appeared, causing him to cast Void Guard just before he crashed into it.


    He kept the shield up while swimming toward the shore as his head spun. While doing that, something massive crashed into the water behind him, causing panic and making him swim faster.


    When Atlas reached the shore, something else exploded and started fighting with the Titanboa. He was shocked and scanned the new monster.


    [Mossback Behemoth]


    [Rank: Monarch - 15000 Exp]


    ''It''s a Swamp Thing!'' Atlas thought to himself as a hulking monster covered in dark green/brown moss rose from the dark water.


    Atlas noticed it couldn''t hide its glowing red eyes. The monster held the Titanboa in its moss-covered hands before ripping it in half quickly. Blood flowed out, and the Mossback started drinking it.


    He watched as the Monarch Ranked monster devoured the massive snake like it ate a gummy. Once it was done, the Mossback Behemoth looked at him and grunted before sinking into the water.


    ''Did it just thank me?'' Atlas questioned himself.


    While standing there, he felt something latching onto his legs, causing him to yelp in pain and jump in the air. Atlas spotted weird-looking monsters crawling out of the water, and they creeped him out.


    He looked at his legs and saw them biting down, ''''Ouch!''''


    Atlas swung his tomahawk and sliced it in half before using Void Sight on another.


    [Giant Swamp Leech]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    ''I''m in a damn swamp!'' he internally panicked while casting Void Bullets at the leeches that were crawling toward him.


    Small detonations illuminated the surroundings, revealing the towering, twisted trees that loomed overhead. The moonlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy, but Atlas found his path illuminated by the glow of his spells.


    Continuing to shoot down the leeches, Atlas didn''t stop until their slimy bodies carpeted the ground. Sensing his mana reserves dwindling, he checked them.


    [Mana: 532/1132]


    Quickly, he retrieved a blue minor mana potion and gulped it down, surprised by its sweet flavor. He repeated the process twice before assessing how much his reserves had been replenished.


    [Mana: 832/1132]


    ''Three hundred mana, it seems worth it,'' Atlas thought before examining the leeches.


    They were about ten inches long and three wide and oozed a strange purple blood, which Atlas thought would be helpful. He collected all the bodies and the 15 Black Monster Cores, which he stored in his Dimensional Storage.


    Following that, Atlas walked toward the pathway he found, only to run into a wall of vines blocking his way. This caused him to sigh before using his tomahawk to slice through the vegetation, allowing him to continue.


    Atlas traveled for a few days, avoiding the bigger monsters while slaughtering ten Rank E Jungle Hyenas who ambushed him while trying to get water. He sat on a log overlooking a lake while taking a break.


    He thought it strange as the trees pierced the water''s surface, ''Do they grow underwater? Strange.''


    Atlas had never seen anything like it, but nothing shocked him anymore as the jungle revealed all kinds of nightmares, terrifying creatures, and mystical happenings. After eating some bread and drinking some water, he continued the trek.


    A rumble caught his attention while traveling through the jungle, causing him to look around in confusion. However, Atlas soon saw the culprit, and it was shocking: a massive gorilla standing as tall as King Kong.


    He was shocked but managed to use Void Sight on it.


    [Jungle King]


    [Rank: Titan - 20000 Exp]


    The sight froze him in place. Hastily, he sought cover, scrambling for a hiding spot as smaller apes trailed behind the behemoth. Atlas dove behind a moss-draped log, wriggling underneath just as a horde of apes thundered past through the undergrowth.


    Atlas scanned the smaller ones.


    [Jungle Apes]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    Atlas lay motionless, pressed against the damp earth beneath a fallen log, his heart pounding in his ears. The cacophony of the monster horde echoed around him, their snarls and heavy footsteps a terrifying symphony.


    He scarcely breathed, praying the dense foliage would keep him concealed. Minutes felt like hours as he waited, his body tense and alert. Gradually, the sounds of the horde faded, replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the distant calls of jungle creatures.


    The monster''s once-deafening roar was now a memory, leaving an eerie silence. Atlas cautiously lifted his head, peering through the thick undergrowth. The jungle, now tranquil, offered no hint of the deadly horde that had passed.


    Atlas let out a slow, measured breath, his muscles relaxing slightly, and remained hidden a bit longer, ensuring the danger had indeed passed. He crawled out of under the log only to hear a chuckle, which froze him.


    He looked around and spotted a small humanoid standing there with a big smile which creeped him out, ''What the fuck is it with the world! Its a damn horror movie,'' Atlas thought while standing up and scanning the creature.


    [Wild Human]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    Atlas didn''t wait; they cast a Void Arrow at the human''s chest and took it out; its body collapsed to the ground only to cause a chorus of wild howls and cheers, causing him to spin around and spot more of them.


    He got a bad feeling and decided to hightail it by dashing into the underbrush while casting spells at the creatures. Atlas classed them as such because of their weird, jerky movements while running.


    The chase continued for a while, and Atlas grew tired. He turned around to cast several spells, but nothing was there. This confused him, but an alarm went off in his mind, causing him to raise the tomahawk.


    Atlas blocked a sword strike from one of the Wild Humans, but that wasn''t all, as another creature tackled him and bit down on his shoulder. He screamed in pain before stabbing it in the head with his dagger.


    He aimed at another and blasted it with a Void Bullet that sent the Wild Human flying backward. Atlas pushed the body off himself, but suddenly, the world went black as he was hit on the head with a club. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas was encircled by a flood of Wild Humans emerging from the underbrush, their curious eyes fixed upon him like a pack of inquisitive animals. One of the elders prodded him with a stick, shouting something unintelligible before the others swiftly tied him up.


    Atlas found himself bound tightly and carried aloft on a makeshift stretcher by the eerie Wild Humans, their haunting chant filling the air as they marched. Despite his futile struggles against their grip, he couldn''t help but feel entranced by the stunning scenery around them.


    They were on the side of a mountain that overlooked the sprawling jungle, adorned with vibrant flowers emitting a gentle, ethereal glow. Atlas was captivated as they journeyed along a winding path, where a majestic waterfall cascaded down from a cliffside, reminiscent of the one he had leaped from earlier.


    He had hoped the girls were okay as they traveled through the jungle while two more women began their journey as fate played her game, trying to entangle a certain group.

 Chapter 29 - 29: Darkheart Jungle

    [Amethyst and Artemis''s POV]


    Amethyst woke up to a cold breeze, which caused her to shiver. She turned around to see the brunette snoring while looking at peace. ''How is she sleeping so peacefully? Strange girl,'' she thought.


    She sat up and looked around the cave they were in. The water was calm, and the Blood Shark''s corpse was gone, which confused her, ''Where did it go!'' she thought while getting up.


    When the phoenix girl saw nothing, she shrugged and approached the cave they needed to climb through to get to the surface. While doing that, she wondered how Atlas was doing, not realizing that the Wild Humans had just kidnapped him.


    After a while, she sat down until Artemis woke up with an exaggerated yawn and stretch. Amethyst shook her head and spoke, ''''When are we leaving? I want to find Azhar''Zul before he gets into more trouble.''''


    The brown-haired girl laughed, ''''I''m sure that he''s fine. He probably found a jungle girl and is falling in love as we speak,'''' she said while brushing the dust off herself.


    SHe got angry and snapped, ''''Azhar''Zul is loyal to me! He wouldn''t run off with another girl.''''


    Artemis giggled even more, ''''I''m messing with you, Little Bird; now let''s get going.''''


    Approaching the entrance, Artemis readied her sling, peering through its sight. Finding nothing, she turned and whispered, "Stay quiet and alert me if you spot anything."


    The phoenix girl nodded in understanding before the two entered the hole and had to walk sideways while making their way up a slope. Soon, chittering could be heard, and their skin crawled as shadows of long legs were illuminated by something.


    Artemis turned back with wide eyes, ''''Spiders! This leads to a nest of Cave Spiders,'''' she whispered.


    Amethyst shivered but spoke, ''''I will burn them, but you have to cover me.'''' S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''What? We can go back down and swim up, and I''m certain the Blood Sharks are gone?'''' Artemis pleased.


    This made her laugh, "Shut up, Fish. They are only Rank F. We need to get through this and find Azhar''Zul. Plus, there''s a monster waiting for us to enter the water. It took the shark''s body, leaving us no choice but to go this way."


    Artemis nodded, ''''I''ll use my magic to hold them back, but you must burn them as quickly as possible.''''


    ''''Okay, let us go,'''' she said as the two entered the Cave Spider nest.


    When the duo entered the darkness, the chittering stopped, which made everything worse for them. Amethyst had no trouble seeing the monsters as they were made up of mana, which she could see.


    Artemis could barely see, but thanks to the dim glow of the Cave Mushrooms, she could make out the spiders'' creepy legs. As the spiders advanced, the phoenix girl began casting Cosmic Blasts at them.


    The purple flames lit up the cave, revealing the Cave Spiders in all their creepy glory. Artemis let out a scream that could shatter glass, causing Amethyst to scream before tripping over a rock and landing on her behind with a resounding thud.


    While sitting there, the chittering began as a whoosh was heard, and Artemis yelped. Amethyst turned to her as a spider was on top of her as she struggled to keep its fangs back.


    The phoenix girl pointed her hand at the monster and cast a Cosmic Bullet that freed Artemis. After that, the two fought to the exit while cringing due to the chittering noises that caused goosebumps to run all over their bodies.


    Once they got away from the spiders, Artemis turned to Amethyst and hugged her. The hug was so tight that the phoenix girl couldn''t breathe and struggled to talk until freed. ''''Get off me, Fish! You''re crushing me,'''' she complained.


    Artemis laughed even more before replying, ''''I''m sorry, but I hate spiders. My siblings locked me in the maid''s cupboard, and they had a huntsman inside; the monsters crawled all over me. That day caused me to fear the creepy devils deeply.''''


    Amethyst looked at her sympathetically, ''''It''s okay. I hate Slimes; they give me nightmares,'''' she said with a shiver.


    When she finished speaking, the two girls started laughing before standing up and glancing around. Artemis sighed, ''''It seems we''re in an old coastal mine. I knew some empires set up here but were chased out by the Jungle King and other Titans that roam the land.''''


    The phoenix girl shivered when hearing that, ''''I hate Titans. They bring death wherever they go.''''


    Artemis nodded, ''''Yes, the Olympaea Kingdom had suffered an attack in the east. An Irontusk Titan rampaged and destroyed several towns until the Nova Core Mages pushed it back into the Blackwater Bog, where it roams to this day.''''


    ''''The Great Blue Devil terrorizes the southern Saharaelian tribes. It''s a demon,'''' Amethyst replied.


    ''''Yes, I''ve heard the tales of the Sandcrawler survivors; they speak of a monster that appears out of nowhere before vanishing into nothing, which is strange,'''' the brown-haired girl commented.


    After talking, the two of them made their way out of the mine; while traveling through the dark tunnels, Amethyst stopped Artemis as she spotted something approaching them; it looked humanoid.


    ''''Monsters are heading in our direction,'''' she whispered to the brown-haired girl. ''''They seem to be humans.''''


    ''''Ghouls!''''


    Artemis quickly removed her sling and started flinging mana orbs at the incoming monsters. The mini projectiles pierced right through the Ghoul''s heads. While she was doing this, Amethyst started casting Cosmic Bullets until the tunnel was empty.


    After all that, Amethyst felt the experience entering her body, causing her to level up. They continued their track through the dark tunnel until Artemis spotted a light in the distance. "There''s the way out!" she screamed.


    ''''Shut up, Fish! You''re ringing the dinner bell,'''' Amethyst snapped before following behind her.


    They made it out of the mines only to find themselves on the coast; after ten minutes of standing there, Artemis looked to the west and spoke, ''''The Demacia Continent is a three-month journey by an Azure ship.''''


    ''''Erm, okay? Why are you spouting random things? Did you hit your head on our escape?'''' the phoenix girl commented while joining her.


    ''''Shut up! I bring it up because I want to take Aetlos there to level up when he gets older,'''' Artemis replied.


    Amethyst instantly rejected the notion, ''''No way, Fish, Demecia is dangerous, and high-ranked monsters roam the battlefields,'''' she said with a shiver. ''''The Bloodhounds and Flesh Crawlers are vicious.''''


    Artemis giggled, ''''Aetlos can fight them as well; it''s all experience, Little Bird,'''' she said with a smile. ''''And he needs all that to grow stronger.''''


    ''''I understand but still don''t like it,'''' Amethyst answered.


    Following that, the two walked into the jungle after spotting the lone mountain where they were due to meet Atlas. They didn''t encounter many monsters until they spotted a group of Horned Rabbits playing in a clearing.


    The two butchered the monsters to gain experience before continuing through the jungle. Amethyst was breathing heavily and looked at Artemis, ''''Why did you have us chase rabbits around the jungle? Do you know how dangerous that is?''''


    Artemis waved her away. ''''Don''t worry about it, Little Bird. The Horned Rabbits wouldn''t be here if any predators were nearby,'''' she said.


    ''''Whatever, let''s get going. The mountain is getting close, and Azhar''Zul should be there already,'''' Amethyst replied


    ''''Okay, let''s get going,'''' the brown-haired girl said.


    The duo navigated the jungle without encountering more monsters, with Artemis leading. Before long, they reached the mountain''s base, found a path leading upward, and began their ascent.


    Artemis suddenly stopped while climbing up the path, looking off the mountainside and yelping in alarm. Amethyst, puzzled, asked, "What''s wrong, Fish?"


    The brown-haired girl didn''t reply immediately. Instead, she quickly cast Earth Spikes in front of them, creating a barrier. "The Jungle King! We need to hide or he''ll attack us¡ªthe monster hates all humanoids," she explained urgently.


    They lingered awhile, watching a massive ape amble through the trees below. From their vantage point, they could only see the top of its head. Amethyst asked in a quiet voice, "What is that thing?"


    "That''s the Titan of Darkheart Jungle," Artemis replied. "He roams the continent-sized jungle, battling other Titans and invading kingdoms that attempt to establish colonies."


    "What about Slavers Bay?" Amethyst asked. ''''I remember the Slavers talking about it.''''


    "It''s built on a large island just off the coast. The only way to the jungle is via a path that appears when the tide goes out," Artemis explained, her eyes following the Jungle King as he marched off into the distance.


    Amethyst nodded before it was safe to continue their journey up the mountain until they came to a ledge that they had to squeeze into. Once there, Artemis commented, ''''Now we wait for Aetlos. I could use Eaglevision to scout the area.''''


    ''''Do it; we need to find him before he gets into even more trouble,'''' Amethyst said. ''''I have a feeling he may have gone through much more than we did.''''


    Artemis nodded and activated her skill, which transported a part of her consciousness into any nearby flying monster. This time, she found herself in a Jungle Harpy, which resembled a large eagle on Earth.


    She controlled the monster to fly over the jungle while looking down, and all Artemis saw were waves of monsters traveling under the canopy, ''''Damn the underworld! A Monster Wave is underway. The jungle is infested with all kinds of creatures.''''


    Amethyst stiffened before looking over the edge, only to see a tsunami of mana passing by the mountain, ''''There are so many monsters; where did they come from?''''


    ''''A jungle dungeon, no doubt; it overflowed, and the monsters poured out of the entrance. The native creatures will deal with them,'''' Artemis explained.

 Chapter 30 - 30: The Goblin Nest

    [Grishna''s POV]


    The next morning, Grishna woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. She quickly prepared herself, eager to meet Throne and his harem at the Suncrest Train Station. As the sun rose, casting a warm glow over the landscape, she stood by the inn''s window, taking in the serene view.


    Letting out a loud yawn, she stretched and then checked her status.


    [Experience: 4920/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 4140]


    [Health: 866¡ú896]


    [Mana: 2368¡ú2490]


    [Strength: 2050¡ú2150]


    [Stamina: 1368¡ú1418]


    [Charisma: 566¡ú586] sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Intelligence: 360¡ú390]


    [Razorwind Blades: 0¡ú1]


    [Silver Shriek: 0¡ú1]


    ''Nice! One more monster, then I''ll level up,'' she mused. ''Maybe I can kill Throne?''


    Grishna started laughing before entering the bathroom and connecting to the room. Then, she started taking a bath while thinking about the Devil''s Swamp Dungeon. She had heard from other adventurers that it was perfect for Rank G and below.


    While lying in the hot water, she pulled out her brown guild card and held it against the mana light. It had her name and the number of quests and dungeons she had completed. Next to that was a thumbprint that was used to connect it with the adventurer.


    She knew her guild card would change color after completing fifty quests. With only eighteen more to go, Grishna planned to undertake one as soon as she was dressed. She still had a couple of hours before meeting Throne and his harem.


    Ten minutes passed, and she dried herself before wearing her armor and readying her spear. Now that Grishna was ready, she left the inn and headed for the Adventurers Guild to look for a quick quest.


    While walking down the road, minding her own business, Grishna noticed a dozen guards rushing toward the southern entrance, ''I wonder what''s happened now? Maybe a Troll got to close to the city,'' she thought.


    Soon enough, she entered the guild and saw a flurry of adventurers doing business. Some were selling their hauls while others took quests. Grishna approached the quest board to find one that would suit her.


    Going through the papers, she found one and picked it up.


    [Raider Ant Extermination: Eliminate the Raider Ants that are plaguing the farming village south of Suncrest City - Reward: 5 silver coins on completion - Proof: Ant Mandibles or Monster Cores]


    Grishna thought this quest was perfect for exercise and ripped it off the board before waiting in line to see a guild receptionist. It took her ten minutes to reach the front, where a blonde human woman with bright pink eyes sat with a welcoming smile.


    The woman looked at her with wide eyes, ''''Grishna! It''s good to see you, girl; how have you been?''''


    ''''I''ve been fine, Callie. I''m here to take this quest before heading to the Everglade Kingdom with Throne and his harem,'''' she answered with a friendly smile.


    ''''You''re traveling with the Slayers?'''' Callie asked with a bewildered expression.


    She nodded, ''''Yes. Throne and Mia asked me to travel with them.''''


    ''''A strong party; the guild master sees them going far,'''' Callie said while taking the quest notice. ''''You should join them, Grish; they would help with your leveling up.''''


    ''''Shut up, Callie! I''m not joining his damn harem,'''' Grishna declared with frustration laced in her voice.


    The receptionist held her hands with an innocent smile. ''''Okay, I forgot you''re a lone wolf nowadays,'''' she said before changing the subject. Now, hand me your guild card so I can register the quest. Do you know what to do?''''


    Grishna nodded as she handed over her card, stating, "Return to the guild with proof of the kill and the Guild Coin issued by the quest givers when they post the job."


    ''''Perfect!'''' Callie exclaimed with a smile. ''''Seventeen more quests, then you can take the test, but you still need to explore a level 1 dungeon, which is nothing to you. Maybe you can hit up the Goblin Nest. Being an Adept, you can clear it in a few hours.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' the thought of leveling up and earning more coins was too much for the greedy Orc. ''''Can you message the Slayers and tell them I''ll be a few hours late?''''


    Callie laughed, ''''Don''t worry, Grish. I''ll send a messenger sparrow to them once we''re done here,'''' she said while handing her card back.


    Grishna nodded with a smile, ''''I''ll see you in a few hours, Cal,'''' she replied before leaving the Adventurers Guild and heading toward the southern gate.


    While walking, she passed the one person she didn''t want to see. ''The blonde bitch is here! Dammit,'' she muttered under her breath.


    ***


    [Estelle Argonia''s POV]


    ''''What was her problem, My Lady?'''' Maria asked while watching the Orc girl giving Estelle a dirty look.


    ''''Jealousy Maria. Grishna Brokentooth hates that I''m better than her, and when she finds out that I''ve already become a Rank F adventurer, she will be angry,'''' Estelle answered with a smug grin.


    The group headed for the Suncrest Train Station, journeying to the Everglade Kingdom to run a dungeon. Estelle didn''t know the way, so the Battle Sister Sophie was leading the way due to being their navigator.


    Estelle watched the people pass by and spoke to the group''s planner, Charlotte, a bookish blonde woman in her mid-twenties, ''''Char, what dungeon do you suggest we start?''''


    ''''My Lady, I think we should start with a level 1, see how that goes, and move to a higher one,'''' Charlotta answered. ''''Rumors speak of many powerful monsters showing up. The Evergladian government has deployed the national guard to the dungeon entrances as a safe measure.''''


    ''''Okay, we will go with your idea,'''' Estelle answered as she spotted the Morozov train station.


    It was made of beautiful orange Sunshard Granite, which the federation took from the mountains surrounding the Blue Dune Desert on Aridonia. If Atlas had seen this building, he would have called it a Greek-looking building that belonged in Athens.


    Beautiful light blue glass covered one side of the building, allowing people to see the ticket booths, waiting area, and the heavily armed Morozovian guards patrolling the inside and out. They carried high-ranked weapons ranging from swords to poleaxes.


    Estelle stopped walking and examined the armor, which looked basic, but she knew it was the opposite. The helmet was shaped like a Frostfang head, while the armor was a dark grey with white trim.


    White fur padded the armor and kept them warm in the colder climates. Estelle didn''t like the Morozovians as they thought they had the upper hand against kingdoms. Rumors speak of the Achaemenidian Emperor Cryus the Great forcing the federation leaders to lower the prices and treat their clients fairly.


    She shook her head and approached the entrance while the guards watched as they passed. Battle Sister Maria said, ''''I will purchase the tickets for the ride.''''


    Estelle nodded and waited with the others while seeing what group of adventurers poured onto the platform, causing more Morozovian guards to appear and watch over everyone with narrowed eyes.


    Sophie joined her on the bench, ''''Do you think we''ll find good dungeons in Everglade, My Lady?''''


    ''''Yes, we also can explore the Darkheart Jungle. Brother told me that he and his followers went there, and he leveled up ten times,'''' Estella replied before turning her attention to Maria approaching them.


    The older woman looked angry, but Estelle said, ''''How much did you pay?''''


    ''''4 gold coins each, My Lady,'''' Maria answered.


    ''''They did lower the price like the Achaemenidians ordered,'''' she said. ''''I wonder why they listened.''''


    ''''The emperor said he would invade their homeland with his Immortals, and you know how they are,'''' Maria replied.


    Estelle and the others shivered at the thought of fighting those demons. She knew the Achaemenidian Immortals were the strongest fighters apart from the Saharaelian Warriors, but they didn''t leave the Blue Dune Desert.


    Even her father sent diplomats to the Western part. The officials returned, speaking of crazy religious fanatics speaking of a being named Azhar''Zul leading them, and the so-called Great Mother rejected their terms.


    This confused Estelle as the Argonia Kingdom was strong in its own right and raised some of the best knights on the Astoria Continent. Soon after, she shook her head as they heard a loud horn.


    An attendant appeared on the platform, informing everyone the train was coming and not to rush onboard. Estelle stood up as it pulled into the station; she was always amazed whenever she spotted the machine.


    It resembled a locomotive train straight out of the Wild West but with a more modern and sleek design, matching the gray color of the Morozovian guard''s armor. This machine pulled a dozen carriages with seats, offering a faster way for people to travel around Valoria than caravans or mounts.


    As the train halted, the Battle Sisters made way for Estelle as she boarded. Making her way through the carriage, the blonde eventually settled on a group of seats to sit together. Taking a seat, Estelle gazed out the window, taking in the sights of Suncrest City.


    Stone and wooden buildings lined the streets, with taller buildings representing the trade district, just beyond the homes and the noble district where the wealthy would build their mansions.


    Estelle watched the people pass by while doing business and living peaceful lives. She could spot Mistveil Summit in the distance, covered in a thick fog that blocked the view of the mountain peaks.


    She had heard of the horrors in that mountain range; her father told her that the Thalassian Emperor rewarded adventurers when they cleared the forest below of monsters that terrorized the local towns and villages.


    While gazing out of the window, Maria said, ''''We will arrive in the Everglade Kingdom in a couple of days, My Lady.''''

 Chapter 31 - 31: First Dungeon

    Atlas was still being carried up the three-foot-wide mountain path, so he decided against moving. He wanted to wait until they were in their home before attacking so he wouldn''t be thrown off the cliff.


    He wondered how Amethyst and Artemis were doing but hoped they were okay. While Atlas was busy thinking, the Wild Humans reached the summit, where several cave entrances could be seen, and more creepy beings rushed around like ants.


    ''What the hell is this hellhole!'' Atls internally thought.


    The Wild Humans carried him into the middle cave entrance. Once inside, a rotten stench hit his nose as the creatures put him on a rack and secured him to a pole. Atlas gagged, his face paling when he saw the source of the horrid smell.


    Monster and humanoid corpses littered the chamber, and a Wild Human was busy chopping something on a ramshackle table. Squinting for a better look, he realized with horror that it was a severed hand, causing him to vomit.


    He knew he couldn''t wait any longer. Summoning his strength, he cast Void Bullet at the ropes, binding him. The azure projectile exploded when it touched the rope and wood he was tied to.


    Atlas yelped as the sharp pain tore through his left hand, but when he hit the ground, he fired another bullet at the nearest Wild Human. His Void Bullet struck the creature''s chest with a thump, sending it crashing into a nearby wall.


    Chaos erupted as Atlas scrambled to his feet, looking for his weapons, but saw nothing and used magic. While backing up, he continuously cast Void Bullets at the Wild Humans charging at him, their screams and howls filling the air.


    A headache slowly intensified due to the mana drain, pushing him to charge forward and punch the nearest creature. It was sent flying, dropping a club that he quickly picked up. He began using it to bash the Wild Humans'' heads, skillfully ducking and diving around their attacks.


    Atlas had just killed one of them and spotted his dagger on one of the corpses. He lunged for it while casting several Void Bullets that connected with the Wild Humans running into the cave to see what was happening.


    He continued to spam spells while using Void Guard to block the attacks that slipped by. It wasn''t long until the Wild Humans stopped coming, but Atlas was tired and checked his mana.


    [Mana: 60/1132]


    ''Damn, I need to let it recover before I get attacked again,'' Atlas thought while glancing around. ''Hopefully, there aren''t any Wild Humans left.''


    After looking around, he left the horrifying chamber behind and walked out to the summit to find it empty. He found a stone to lean on again while watching the horizon as a beautiful orange glow lit up the world.


    While doing that, Atlas checked his gains.


    [Level Up: 29¡ú31]


    [Experience: 250/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1900]


    [Core Points: 9650¡ú11550]


    [Core Points Gained: 1900]


    Pleased with the outcome, Atlas scanned the distance and spotted the mountain where he had to meet the two girls. His only issue was that there were miles of jungle between him and there, which would allow him to level up even more.


    Then Atlas curled up as he wrapped the enchanted cloak around him before falling asleep. Thanks to clearing out the Wild Human tribe, he would be safe up there while the moons rose in the distance.


    The following morning, Atlas woke up with a yawn; he opened his eyes to see the beautiful jungle before him. He sat up and stretched before shaking his head, ''I''m thankful for the cloak. It keeps me warm.'' S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas stood up while taking out some food, which consisted of bread and a canteen of water, which he quickly ate before doing the water until he felt refreshed and was ready to search the cave.


    He approached the entrance before stepping inside, only to see dead Wild Humans lying everywhere. Atlas found no treasure but couldn''t see his tomahawk, which annoyed him; after that, he left the cave,


    Once outside, Atlas started making his way down the mountain path. He was carried up until he stepped into the jungle. The hot and humid air hit his skin, but he continued toward the mountain where the girls were.


    While journeying through the dense jungle, Atlas couldn''t see the mountain but assumed he was heading in the right direction. While walking, he spotted a pond and approached it. But he soon ran into a problem.


    There were two pillars he used to jump across, but the ravine was dark. Atlas shrugged and got the courage. When he leaped onto the first pillar that bridged the gap, it began to tremble violently, throwing him off balance.


    He plummeted toward the ground, hitting it hard before continuing to fall until he crashed onto a concrete floor with a resounding thud. The impact knocked the wind out of him, leaving him sprawled on his back. ''This has to be a joke!'' he fumed internally.


    Atlas struggled to his feet, noticing he was now in front of a stone doorway filled with foreboding as a blue door glimmered. Glancing behind, he saw a staircase leading back up to the jungle. ''Is this a dungeon?'' he wondered.


    Just as he was about to move, an angry roar rang out nearby, causing him to jump before rushing toward the doorway. He stepped through the blue portal and appeared in a long corridor with green torches lighting the way.


    ''Definitly a dungeon,'' Atlas mused as he started walking.


    Suddenly, a buzzing noise broke the silence, approaching Atlas. Recognizing it as a monster, he activated Void Sight to see what was coming his way.


    [Swamp Wasp]


    [Rank: F - 100 Exp]


    ''Insects!'' Atlas thought before casting a Void Arrow toward the monster. A small explosion ripped through the tunnel, giving him a good view of the Swamp Wasps.


    They were the size of medium-sized dogs and were a greenish-brown color. Atlas noticed they moved fast, but his spells were quicker. He started casting Void Bullets and arrows that struck the giant insects.


    The monster''s bodies were weak and couldn''t withstand the arrows, as multiple hit them. Atlas felt the experience flow into him as he attacked the Swamp Wasps that appeared out of nowhere.


    He continued battling the monsters until none were left, and the creatures'' corpses covered the corridor. Seconds later, they vanished into the floor, leaving 8 white Monster Cores behind.


    Following the battle, Atlas continued walking and soon arrived at a large chamber that resembled a swamp. He glanced around and knew monsters were in there, causing him to step forward to attract their attention.


    That''s when Atlas spotted monsters rising from the dark swamp water. They were covered in moss and swamp flowers. These new creatures caught his interest before scanning the closest one.


    [Swamp Creeper]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''''Swamp thing? What else does this dungeon have,'''' Atlas mumbled to himself.


    The monster stumbled toward him, letting out a long, eerie moan that caused him to step back. Atlas raised his hand and cast several Void Bullets at the creature. The projectiles sliced through the air until they connected with its chest.


    An explosion burned the Swamp Creeper, but that''s when Atlas saw many more approaching him. Without a second thought, he started spamming Void Arrows at the monsters, lighting them in blue flames.


    The creature let out a pain-filled roar, which filled the chamber as it collapsed to the floor. It vanished into the dungeon, leaving behind 7 glowing orange Monster Cores, which caught his attention.


    Atlas was still perplexed by the disappearing bodies but chose to ignore them as he continued his trek across the swamp. He ran into a dozen more Swamp Creepers until bumping into a new monster.


    This one creeped him out to the core just how it walked. It looked like a giant green lizard that blended in with the greenery. The monster crawled toward him like it couldn''t see him, which made Atlas chuckle at its stupidity.


    He scanned the monster to see what rank it was.


    [Swampfiend]


    [Rank: E - 200]


    ''Swampfiend? What a name,'' Atlas mused before firing several Void Bullets at the monster, but to his shock and horror, it dodged the attacks.


    It charged at him, causing Atlas to yelp before he turned and sprinted in the opposite direction as more Swampfiends emerged. Despite his retreat, he continued to cast Void Bullets and Void Arrows at the pursuing creatures.


    Gradually, he whittled down their numbers until only two remained, but Atlas breathed heavily, sweat dripping down his face. Though the Swampfiends still chased him, he could see they were growing tired.


    Without wasting any more time, he stopped by the dungeon entrance and aimed at the Swampfiends before casting Void Bullets at their feet, which blew them to bits and brought them to the ground.


    When seeing this, Atlas rushed forward while holding his dagger and dodged a swipe of one of the monsters before plunging the blade into the creature''s head while casting a Void Arrow into the chest of the other.


    Atlas couldn''t see any more Swampfiends, so he collected the 10 orange Monster Cores and some weird vine material they dropped. He shrugged before storing it in his Dimensional Storage before moving on.


    He continued to travel through the swamp while dealing with several more Swampiends and Swampcreepers. By the time he found a set of stairs, he had killed over a dozen monsters, allowing him to level up again.


    While walking down the stairs, he checked his status.


    [Level Up: 31¡ú35]


    [Experience: 450/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 4200]


    [Mana: 1132¡ú1140]


    [Strength: 232¡ú238]


    [Stamina: 236¡ú240]


    [Intelligence:232¡ú236]


    [Core Points: 11550¡ú15400]


    [Core Points Gained: 3850]


    Pleased with his gains, Atlas didn''t realize he had wandered into a vast, arena-like chamber. When he finally looked up and took in his surroundings, he gulped. "A boss fight? Just my luck," he muttered to himself.


    In the meantime, three people were close to starting their journey to help him grow stronger so he could be powerful enough to ignore fights like now while others were fighting for freedom or to survive.

 Chapter 32 - 32: The Blue Dune Desert

    [Soraya''s POV]


    After the Azhar Tiger spoke, it jumped off the rock outcropping and dashed across the blue sand, which shocked the two women. Soraya saw this as a sign; dropping to her knees, she clasped her hands together and whispered, "Al-ladhi yushir al-tareeq."


    ''''Oh god,'''' Circe commented while rolling her eyes. ''''Must you pray over everything, Soraya?''''


    ''''Can''t you see the signs, Circe? An Azhar Tiger spoke of Azhar''Zul,'''' The redheaded elf passionately replied after she finished praying. ''''This is a clear sign from the Mother Goddess. Our Shahanshah-e Ilahi will lead us to paradise.''''


    ''''Enough of paradise, enough of Azhar''Zul; we need to get to Megara, where Zara is waiting for us,'''' Circe declared while getting ready to jump to the desert below, once checking that it was clear.


    Soraya nodded before joining Circe by the edge of the outcropping. The green-haired woman instructed her, ''''Run for the lake and swim as fast as possible. The Devourers won''t be able to reach us once we cross the shieldwall.''''


    After that, they leaped off the edge and hit the sand below, which caused the monsters to lunge out of the sand. The two girls rushed toward the water and dived in, but soon, she heard several splashes coming from behind them.


    Soraya swam faster as the Devourers were getting close, but then they hit the Megara Shieldwall that blocked the creature''s chase. The two of them continued to swim until she spotted light in the distance.


    It took them a few seconds to reach it, and when Soraya breached the surface, the bright sun hit her eyes. She quickly covered them before swimming toward the shore and saw Circe''s hand there.


    She took it, allowing the green-haired elf to pull her up while speaking, ''''You Westerners hate that entrance, but moving here was the only thing Father could do to stop the Achaemenidian attacks on the Eastern Cities.''''


    Soraya nodded in understanding as she knew the Eastern Tribes had to construct their cities in a valley surrounded by high mountains that protected them from the outside world and most of the desert titans and other monsters.


    A group of warriors rushed toward Circe, but she waved them off while Soraya admired the landscape. Rolling dunes stretched out until they stopped at the large blue mountains that pierced the clouds.


    Karsts dotted the landscape, rising from the sands. Soraya had always loved the Blue Dune Desert, but the prospect of exploring the outside world excited her even more. However, the thing she missed when leaving the capital was that her Nonna had never explained how they would find Azhar''Zul.


    "Come on, Soraya!" Circe shouted. "The council is ready to welcome us."


    When she heard this, she turned around and spotted several Sandstriders. Soraya jumped on one as the creatures started dashing across the sand, and Giant Scorpions, Sand Hyenas, and other monsters tried chasing them.


    It took the group half an hour to reach Megara, which was built into a lone mountain in the middle of the valley. The Al-Sahraa Guardians patrolled the outside and guarded several entrances.


    The Sandstriders slowed as they reached the bottom of the mountain, but something exploded from the sand, taking out one of the warriors in front of Circe. She skidded to a stop before jumping off and landing on the newcomer''s body, shouting, "Sandsnakes! Warriors, prepare for battle!"


    Soraya watched as Circe drove her Azarakhsh Blade into the serpent''s skull as it flung its head around. When she saw this new monster, she knew exactly what it was. The creature was fifteen feet long with scales the color of sun-bleached sand.


    Its yellow snake eyes glowed with malice as it devoured the fallen warrior, trying to dislodge Circe, but the wood elf girl held on, inflicting even more damage. Soraya witnessed the Guardians leaping from the mountain as more Sandsnakes attacked.


    One of the giant sand serpents lunged toward her, but she cast, ''''Flamewall.''''


    The red fire appeared before her just as the Sandsnakes closed in; when the monster touched the wall, it caused its insides to cook, but Soraya wouldn''t leave it like and cast another spell, ''''Spirit Flames.''''


    Bright red flames rushed out of her hand and washed over the monster, causing it to roar in pain and thrash around. After watching it die, Soraya looked for Circe and soon found her fighting one of the worm monsters.


    Soraya watched the green-haired elf raise her sword as mana rushed toward the blade and was absorbed into it. Then, she swung down and sent a mana slash that cut the Sandsnake in half. However, she was attacked by more monsters. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She rushed in while dodging the serpent''s attacks and charging her spirit magic. This caused red flames to blaze around her fists before she punched the monsters, which sent them flying.


    While doing this, Soraya noticed some injured Guardians and pointed her left hand at them as she used Flamewall to defend herself. Once safe, she cast a healing spell on the warriors, ''''Spirit Healing.''''


    After casting that, she dropped the wall and rushed forward, punching any worm that came close; her fire-powered punch blew holes in the creature''s body. Soraya took out many serpents.


    She stopped to catch her breath but soon noticed Circe and three other warriors fighting a bigger Tha''ban, which shocked her at the monster''s size. It was three times the size of the regular ones and looked much more potent.


    Soraya got ready to cast a powerful spell and started concentrating before shouting to Circe and the warriors, ''''Get back!''''


    The green-haired girl and her companions scrambled out of harm''s way as she unleashed a "Spirit Blast."


    A crimson beam surged from her outstretched hands, tearing through the air before striking the colossal monster''s torso with so much force that it caused a shockwave, causing it to collapse lifeless.


    Soraya grinned, feeling the rush of energy coursing through her, ''That must have been Rank A or B. I''m glad Circe weakened it beforehand, or it wouldn''t have perished,'' she mused before turning her attention to the wounded warriors and healing them.


    After that, Circe gave her a strange look before it disappeared. She then guided the group to the city after they had retrieved the Monster Cores from the Sandworms.


    ***


    [The Blue Dune Desert - South]


    A group of Asadani warriors sat atop a dune, watching a Sandcrawler pass by them. At first glance, it appears as a stronghold on wheels, armored with mithril plates that shimmer with mana and reflect the shades of the desert sunset.


    Runes decorate its surface to protect it from desert monsters. Massive treads, imbued with even more runes that hum softly with latent power, churn the sand beneath them, leaving behind a trail of disturbed sand.


    Each track was made from a sturdy material that could take a beating. From its flanks, great arms of articulated metal are tipped with drills that pulse with magical energy. These appendages delve deep into the earth, excavating precious gems and ores hidden beneath the desert''s surface.


    Drills emit sparks of arcane energy as they work tirelessly, channeling the earth''s bounty into the waiting maw of the Sandcrawler. Rising above the armored shell, a series of domed structures house the crew and machinery.


    Through tinted glass, glimpses of figures moving with purpose can be seen, their silhouettes shadowed against the glow of magical instruments and control panels. A girl was crouched down with her arms on her knees while watching the machine.


    She was covered in the same blue Scorched Silk armor as the other Saharaelian warriors, which helped camouflage them from the lookouts and Mana Airships that flew over. The only difference was the mouse ears that poked out from the scarf.


    The girl''s yellow eyes gleamed with determination as someone''s voice brought her back to the present, "Farida, when do we strike? The Sandcrawler is almost upon us."


    "Not yet, sister. A patrolling Mana Airship will pass overhead in a few minutes," she replied, her gaze fixed on the approaching Sandcrawler. "I can hear them approaching."


    As Farida spoke, her adorable mouse ears twitched. "One minute!" she exclaimed.


    The warriors prepared their Azarakhsh Blades, which glowed with a gentle blue hue thanks to the Blue Core Stones from which they were crafted. A buzzing was heard seconds later as an aircraft passed over the Sandcrawler while patrolling the desert.


    Once the airship vanished into the distance, Farida raised her hand with a smile before signaling the attack. The Asadani warriors rushed down the dune just as the Sandcrawler approached them.


    Farida looked to the left and ordered, "Jenna''s group! Attack the treads with the Blue Shards so it stops moving, and then take out the soldiers on the crawler."


    ''''Yes Yuvaragni,'''' the warrior saluted. ''''It will be done.''''


    Jenna and her group hurled tennis ball-sized blue orbs at the Sandcrawler''s treads as they descended, triggering a massive explosion. Farida shielded her eyes from the blinding flash.


    The desert trembled, prompting Farida to shout, "Go!"


    She glanced at her older sister and added before rushing off, "You take out the guards; my warriors will target the storage, and the rest know their roles."


    Following that, the warriors rushed toward the massive machine, which got peppered with more blue shards. Farida got close and spotted several guards rushing toward her, and in the closet, one swung his sword.


    She raised her blade to block the attack, and when the sparks flew out, she moved quicker than the man could see and counter-attacked by stabbed the guard in his throat before moving on to the next enemy.


    Soon enough, more warriors joined the fray, allowing the Asadani people to loot the Sandcrawler''s haul after butchering all the Achaemenidians on board before vanishing into the desert as a Sand Kraken appeared and tore it apart.

 Chapter 33 - 33: Leveling & Rebellion

    [Nuliajuk Sivuraq POV]


    After dragging the Giant Mammoth into her abode, Nuliajuk began skinning it while Atak retreated to his corner and curled up. Smiling at the Frostfang, she said, "You did well today," as she continued her task.


    It took her hours until Nuliajuk had all the skins hanging up after she ensured the meat was stored in her space bag. After that, she cooked a meal for them, stirring the stew as Atak approached the fire and slumped down with a huff.


    ''''Dinners nearly done,'''' she commented with a smile. ''''I put extra meat in it this time; I''m starving.''''


    The Frostfang didn''t get up as Nuliajuk finished the dinner and looked at the lazy cat. She rolled her eyes before grabbing Atak''s bowl, filling it up, and approaching. ''''You need to come when called, you silly cat; otherwise, you''d miss dinner.''''


    Atak growled in response, but she bonked him on the head, ''''Say thank you! There''s no need to be sarcastic.''''


    After that, Nuliajuk sat down and started eating while admiring her home. It was a large cave that she had craved using her claws for many moons. She used monster bones and wood to create a bed, sofa, and storage chests.


    At fifteen, she was banished from the hidden village with nothing but the clothes on her back. For the next four years, she survived in the northern wastes. The first year was especially harsh, as she spent it in her Frostbear form, leveling up and growing stronger.


    In the second year, she found Atak, the lone survivor of a Glacial Tyrant attack. His parents and siblings managed to kill the monster, but unfortunately, he was left alone and was about to be attacked by the Great Northern Lions.


    When they were about to pounce on him, Nuliajuk appeared in her Frostbear form and attacked the lions. It was a vicious battle where she was nearly bested, but thanks to leveling up during the fight, she overpowered the monster.


    She decided to take care of him and soon found Windpeak Mountain and the small cave that was originally there. Nuliajuk carved out a home for the two of them and made it comfortable to live in.


    After finishing her meal, she surveyed the Northern Waste, where several herds of monsters roamed. A massive mountain chain loomed to the south, isolating them from the outside world.


    As she gazed across the landscape, she witnessed a fierce battle unfolding between two rival monster colonies. One was a light blue ant, about half the size of a horse, known as the Frost Fire Ant.


    Its adversary, resembling a termite from Earth but as white as the surrounding snow, was known as an Ice Termite. They were mortal enemies locked in a relentless struggle as they battled over a hunting area.


    Nuliajuk licked her lips as she spotted several warrior-type insects that were good to level up but were weak Rank E monsters that she could tear apart without using magic or enhancement.


    With that decided, she called out, ''''You lazy cat! I''m going to level up for a bit!''''


    All she heard was a deep growl, which caused her to smile before she jumped off the mountain ledge and transformed into her Frostbear form as she fell. Nuliajuk crashed, letting out an earth-shaking roar before rushing to the ongoing monster battle.


    She spotted Warrior Termites fighting with the ants and barreling into the group, slashing at the monsters shocked by the sudden attack. Her massive white claws slashed through the creature''s bodies, rending exoskeletons and tearing flesh with primal ferocity.


    Their icy blue carapaces gleaming from the sunlight, Frost Fire Ants turned to face this new threat, only to meet a swift and brutal end. Ice Termites, white as the snow around them, scurried desperately, their mandibles clicking in fear as they tried to defend against the onslaught.


    Nuliajuk''s white fur was matted with blood as she carved a path of destruction through the battlefield. Some monsters tried to flee, but her speed and strength were unmatched in this frozen realm.


    As minutes turned to an eternity of battle, Nuliajuk felt the weariness take hold. Yet still, she pressed on, driven by an insatiable rage and the need to prove her dominance. She fought until the last monsters lay dead or scattered, their ranks decimated by her wrath.


    It took a little while before the ants and termites fled from her rage-filled slaughter. Once they were gone, Nuliajuk lay down in the middle of the battlefield to catch her breath before she turned her gaze south.


    "Perhaps one day," she mused, contemplating whether to venture into the outside world.


    Afterward, Nuliajuk checked her status to review the gains she had earned.


    Name: Nuliajuk Sivraq


    Age: 25


    Race: Frostbear


    Class: Hunter


    Level: 176


    Rank: Adept


    Experience: 200/5000


    Affinity: Ice - Water


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 1450


    Mana: 4900


    Strength: 2950


    Stamina: 1750


    Charisma: 622


    Intelligence: 250


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: High Novice


    Core Points: 15000/3000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack:Lvl-2: Aqua Bolt (5) Lvl-2: Water blast (3) Lvl-3: Ice Claw


    Defence: Lvl-3: Ice Shield (1)


    Support: Lvl-2: Cleanse (-) Lvl-3: Fog (0)


    Utility: Lvl-1: Aqua Barrier (7) Lvl-1: Ice Manipulation (8)


    Skills: Archery (2) Hand-to-Hand Combat (7) Frostbear Form (10) Survivalist (10) Hunting (10) Cooking (3) Intimidation (7)


    ***


    [Port Zalliyah -Achaemenid Empire - Aridonia Continent - Redwood Forest]


    A woman with dark brown hair, rich brown skin, and captivating brown eyes strode confidently down the bustling main street. Due to the bounty on her head, she was wearing adventurer''s armor to blend in while traveling.


    She scanned the scene around her, observing traders and citizens engrossed in their daily affairs. Amid the busy scene, her attention was drawn to the Achaemenidian soldiers patrolling the streets. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Damn dogs will burn by the time I finish,'' she seethed inwardly.


    Shortly afterward, she spotted her fellow rebels gathered around a market stall. Approaching them, she was met with nods of recognition as a woman stepped forward. "Delilah. The Blue Shards are planted across the city at your designated spots."


    ''''Move to your positions. I will take the city bank with my squad while you take out any soldiers who approach,''''


    ''''Yes, Shahzadi!'''' the group whispered before rushing off.


    The stall left her and two warriors, and she spoke with determination laced in her exotic accent, ''''We will complete this job so we can fund an army to strike at the Achaemenid forces in the Redwoods.''''


    They all saluted before making their way toward the Zalliyah bank in the noble district of the city. While the trio was walking through the street, explosions rocked the city. At least twenty went off, causing everyone to panic, but Delilah continued her journey.


    Delilah and the warriors swiftly arrived at the bank, where Achaemenidian guards appeared rattled by nearby explosions ripping through buildings. She unsheathed her Mithril katana, catching the soldiers'' attention.


    "Rebels! It''s an Al-Munfiyah attack!" the commander shouted, prompting them to charge at Delilah and her two warriors, who readied their weapons.


    As the first soldiers closed in, aiming their spears, she gracefully leaned back and pivoted to the left, launching a swift counterattack. With two precise swings and expert footwork, she dispatched the soldiers effortlessly, decapitating them.


    Chaos erupted as her fellow warriors joined the fray. Delilah was a master swordswoman and had been training since she escaped from her father, who tried to kill her when he found out her mother hid her birth from him.


    Because of that, she practiced from morning to night until her hands bled. After years of hard work and determination, Delilah became a master; she knew everything about the blade and could butcher dozens of men without effort.


    Delilah danced around the battlefield, dodging attacks and killing many guards. The Achaemenidians were dropping, but that''s when she noticed one of her warriors getting cornered while injured; that''s when the warrior took out a Blue Shard and shouted, ''''Shahzadi! Make sure to free our people; you will bring us freedom!''''


    With that, he activated the bomb, which detonated, obliterating the remaining soldiers and the bank walls. Witnessing the devastation, Delilah prayed for the warrior''s soul as they followed the Path, whispering, "Al-ladhi yushir al-tareeq."


    Following that, the last warrior guarded the entrance. At the same time, Delilah rushed into the bank and killed several more soldiers before reaching the vault door made from Aetherium, which glowed with mana that strengthened it.


    Delilah took out a specialized Blue Shard and stuck it to the door. She backed away as it went off and burned a hole right through it. Once it dropped to the floor, she rushed into the vault.


    With a smile, she pulled out a Morozov Space Bag and started emptying all of the copper, silver, and gold coins, along with one hundred platinum coins and three-star coins, which sparkled with multiple colors and reminded her of the night sky.


    After that, Delilah took everything and rushed outside to see the chaos in the city. She aimed her hand and cast a spell to signal the retreat. A green bird flew into the sky, letting out a screech before exploding.


    Delilah and her last remaining companion sprinted through the winding streets, their destination the Red Serpent River, for their escape. As they reached the square, their path was abruptly cut off, surrounded.


    The warrior, breathing heavily, spoke with conviction, "Shahzadi, it has been an honor to fight by your side. Free our people from their chains¡ªthis sacrifice will not be in vain."


    She paused momentarily, emotions conflicting in her gaze, before solemnly replying, "May you find paradise in the next life."


    The warrior''s eyes blazed with determination as he retrieved a Blue Shard, hurling himself towards the nearest soldiers and triggering its explosive power. The resulting blast created a chaotic diversion, enabling Delilah to break free and sprint towards the Red Serpent River, where a boat awaited.


    They navigated the waters swiftly, disappearing into the dense forest cover as the pursuing Achaemenidian forces lost their trail.

 Chapter 34 - 34: Hiding Something & Finding The Truth

    [Darya Safavi''s POV]


    Darya was having dinner with her family when an advisor entered and bowed toward her father, who had only just paid attention to the man. ''''What is it, Amir? Can you not see we''re eating?'''' he said annoyedly.


    She noticed Amir gulping but nodding as he spoke, ''''My great emperor. A rider just arrived at Babylon reporting an Al-Munfiyah attack on Port Zalliyah in the Redwood Forest.''''


    The man avoided eye contact with her father. Darya turned to him and saw the anger in his yellow eyes while he ran a hand through his brown hair, ''''Aridonia? Haven''t the generals got the rebels under control?''''


    Darya watched the advisor shake his head, ''''No, my emperor. The rebels raided the bank, escaped on the Red Serpent River, and used Blue Shards to destroy countless buildings throughout the city. The guards tried to contain the fires, but we believe they were distracting.''''


    She watched as her father got angry and slammed his fist on the table, scaring her mother and siblings, forcing her to speak, ''''Father, there''s no need to scare the children.''''


    Cyrus looked at her with rage but soon calmed down and nodded, ''''I agree,'''' before looking at Amir. ''''Bolster the army in that region with 100,000 soldiers and send some of the Nightowls to find this Al-Munfiyah person.''''


    ''''How will you find them? And do you know anything about this person''s father?'''' Darya questioned while sipping some southern wine.


    ''''No, I don''t. It started twenty-one years ago during the beginning years of my reign and five years before your birth, Darya,'''' Cyrus said while avoiding eye contact with her.


    ''Is he hiding something?'' she thought before returning to her dinner as Amir vanished from the dining room. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That was when her mother, Roxana Safavi, chimed in, "Wasn''t that the time you began your conquest of Aridonia and soon after seized the rest of Zarandar? I recall how furious you were; no one dared to speak to you during those days."


    Her father nodded, ''''I would rather not speak about those days.''''


    Everyone agreed and started returning to their meals before going about their business. Darya sat in the imperial palace library while reading about the empire''s history and her father''s conquest of the remaining parts of Zarandar.


    She found hundreds of accounts of soldiers, commanders, and commoners from the regions, but one stood out. Although it was common for Achaemenidian Emperors to have harems, her father was different and stuck with her mother.


    Darya poured through books and found a shepherd''s account of the Achaemenidian conquest of the Pyrithia Kingdom. Her father led the charge and took out the royal family, but rumors speak of him falling for the realm''s princess.


    When she read this, it confused her, but she soon found many accounts from men she knew disputing the shepherd''s account and called it slander as the royal family fled during the capital''s siege.


    She ignored that and pulled out a book written by the Oracle of Azhar''Zul, which was recovered when their army invaded the Blue Dune Desert. Darya opened the book and started studying its teachings.


    An hour later, she closed it with a sigh, ''''Damn fanatics. They truly believe in Azhar''Zul and his Great Jihad.''''


    ''''Yes they do princess,'''' an old woman''s voice.


    Darya turned around to see an elderly Nubian woman who had served as her father''s historian and slave for many years. She smiled warmly and greeted her, saying, "Hello Bibi. What do you mean?"


    Bibi returned her smile, her bright expression contrasting with her dark skin. She sat down and continued, "My little flower, you and your father misunderstand Azhar''Zul like most of the desert people do."


    ''''How so?'''' Darya questioned with curiosity laced in her voice.


    The old woman coughed before explaining, ''''Azhar''Zul is the devil princess. If allowed to rise to become their leader, his Great Jihad will cover the world in the blood of a thousand kingdoms. The boy is evil incarnate and the Dark God''s Champion who is here to sow chaos in the world.''''


    Darya stiffened, ''''How do you know all this, Bibi?''''


    "I am Nubian. For generations, we have battled the Saharaelians. Yet, there was a time of peace when some of them visited our homeland, and some of us, including myself, journeyed to one of their cities on the border of our empire,'''' the old woman explained before telling her more.


    Afterward, the old Nubian woman shared all she knew about the prophecy with Darya, inspiring her to delve deeper into history as she searched for clues on how to stop the rise of Azhar''Zul.


    ***


    [Zara Al-Zahiri''s POV]


    Zara Al-Zahiri, a captain in the Ghaziyan Warrior Legion, sat atop a karst just outside Megara. Gazing across the vast blue desert, a breeze sent her short purple hair flying everywhere. Her piercing yellow eyes spoke of a lifetime of fighting.


    She turned her attention to the Dreambloom Mushroom in her hand, which glowed like the desert with a feint blue color. This rare plant thrived only in the deepest reaches of the Blue Dunes, cultivated exclusively by the Asadani people.


    ''I will find out the truth, then I can decide,'' she thought.


    Zara understood the risk involved; things could deteriorate rapidly if it reacted poorly with her body. However, she was determined to discover whether Azhar''Zul was the true messiah for her people or a pretender who would lead them to their doom.


    Without wasting any more time, she swallowed the Dreambloom, which caused her eyes to roll back as she collapsed backward. Soon, she blacked out, only to find herself on the edge of the Blue Dune that bordered the Achaemenid Empire.


    ''The Deathlands, many of my people have died here defending the desert against our enemies,'' Zara thought.


    She turned around, only to have her jaw drop open. Zara spotted millions of her people watching a young man with a fanatical expression, standing on a rock surrounded by a group of serious-looking girls and an army of devoted guards.


    He stepped forward in his scorched silk armor, his demeanor more intense, as if something profound had changed him. At the same time, she gazed at the young man with beautiful white hair and glowing azure blue eyes.


    Zara spotted something black lying behind him, which caused her eyes to open wide. ''The prophecy is accurate. He tamed an Azhar Tiger as written.'' The large black cat was lying against him like it always wanted to touch him, which she found adorable.


    She was brought back to reality when he passionately shouted, "Long live the fighters!"


    The Saharaelians erupted into fanatical cheers, echoing the phrase. Zara observed Azhar''Zul signaling to a redhead she instantly recognized as her best friend, Soraya Al-Muharib, who nodded and led the other girls away.


    ''He''s real! The believers were right all along,'' she internally thought.


    That''s when her vision changed. Everything went white, and her senses were muddled as she reappeared on the World''s Edge Mountains, which separated the desert from the Achaemenidians.


    She saw the enemy army forming across the grasslands and spotted Azhar''Zul casting a powerful spell. As he released the spell, the Dreambloom ran out, and she woke up to see Desert Eagles circling above, ''Damn rats with wings.''


    Zara raised her hand and cast a spell to deal with the flying monsters, ''''Gravity Bomb.''''


    The Desert Eagles halted, time seeming to freeze for an instant. Then, the air around them shifted, and they erupted into a blood mist. As the last monsters fell, a slow clap echoed behind Zara.


    Turning swiftly, she saw Soraya and Circe standing there, smiles on their faces. Zara''s face lit up with a radiant smile, and she sprinted towards the redhead and hugged her while speaking, ''''Aya! I''ve missed you.''''


    Soraya giggled before returning the hug. ''''Sorry, I haven''t come down south in a while. I''ve been training with the Blades of Azhar''Zul. More believers have been joining the Path, Al-ladhi yushir al-tareeq,'''' she said.


    Zara shook her head but whispered, ''''I''ve seen him, Aya! I took a Dreambloom Mushroom, which showed me two visions of him, and he''s real.''''


    Soraya''s blue eyes glowed excitedly when the words left her lips before she dropped to her knees to pray. This caused Circe to roll her eyes, ''''What did you say to her, Zara? Is it about her Dajjal again?''''


    She glanced at the green-haired girl and rolled her eyes. "He''s not the Dajjal, Circe. Azhar''Zul is real as written."


    Circe chuckled, "You know what the Dreamblooms do, right?'''' she explained with a knowing grin. ''''They show you what you want to see, not the future."


    After praying, Soraya stood up and retorted, "You will become a believer once we meet him."


    "No, I won''t," Circe replied firmly. "I do not follow the Path. My hope lies with our warriors, not some outsider."


    Zara quickly interrupted to stop an argument breaking out, ''''We need to gather supplies before leaving,'''' she said while stepping forward. ''''Plus, how can we find Azhar''Zul? Valoria is a big world.''''


    ''''He will be in Thalassar during the first month of Solaris,'''' Circe revealed. ''''It will give us enough time to get there.''''


    ''''How do you know that?'''' Zara asked.


    Circe laughed again before replying, "The Great Mother told me; she said I should be the first to know."


    She smiled at this while Soraya''s expression turned to anger. Sensing the tension, Zara addressed her best friend, "There must be a reason the Great Mother didn''t tell you directly."


    Turning to Circe, Zara continued, "When we leave the Blue Dune Desert, we''ll only have each other to rely on, so we need to be at least civil."

 Chapter 35 - 35: Hiding In A Tree

    Atlas gazed around with interest, noting how the arena resembled a Greek amphitheater with seats that gradually rose until they disappeared from view and murky swamp water that reached up to his ankles.


    As he took in the surroundings, a bell chimed, startling him as torches came to life as they lit up one by one. That''s when Atlas noticed a ten-foot black gate beginning to open, accompanied by the echoing sound of heavy footsteps.


    He spotted a large and more vicious-looking Swamp Creeper, which made his skin crawl. It stood seven feet tall and was covered in muck, vines, and damp vegetation. A foul odor hit his nose, causing him to recoil in disgust.


    ''That smells so bad, makes me want to throw up,'' he thought while gagging.


    Atlas held his nose and covered his mouth with a scarf he pulled from storage. Once safe from the smell, he used Void Sight on the monster.


    [Bog Fiend]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''Well, this is going to be hard,'' Atlas thought. ''It''s not nearly dead like the White Warden I killed before, which will make it much harder to defeat.''


    As he watched the monster, it let out a primeval roar as another bell chimed, announcing the start of the boss battle. Atlas yelped as the Bog Fiend closed in on him and swung a giant mossy fist.


    Atlas jumped to the side as it slammed into the floor; he got to his feet and cast several Void Arrows at the monster. The azure blue sliced through the air and connected with its body, causing miniature explosions.


    The Bog Fiend roared in agony, but Atlas spotted something. As small blue flames broke out on the spot, his spell hit, which caused his eyes to gleam, ''It''s weak to fire!''


    While thinking the monster sunk into the swamp water, ''Where did it go!'' he started to panic internally.


    Something told Atlas to protect himself, so he cast Void Guard as the Bog Fiend''s fist slammed into his torso. Pain overloaded his body as he flew across the amphitheater and crashed into the lower seats.


    [Health: 182/258]


    Atlas clenched his teeth as his Regeneration kicked in, allowing him to cast a barrage of Void Bullets and Arrows at the creature. It attempted to evade into the water, but the shimmering azure arrows found their mark.


    The creature bellowed in agony, thrashing about as flames licked across its form, consuming a layer of moss. Atlas''s smile of satisfaction faltered, replaced by a grimace of pain as he struggled to rise on unsteady legs.


    He downed one of the better Health Potions, allowing him to start moving normally despite the pain. Atlas quickly jumped forward as the Bog Fiend appeared behind him, but he unleashed ten Void Bullets this time.


    The projectiles struck the monster forcefully, eliciting a pained recoil. Sensing an opportunity, Atlas leaped up and dashed towards its legs. He drew his dagger and sliced it into its mossy ankles.


    As Atlas slashed its ankles, the Bog Fiend collapsed with a tremendous splash, drenching him in filthy water. Seizing the opportunity, he unleashed a barrage of Void Arrows into the creature''s body.


    The arrows buried deep before exploding, inflicting significant damage on the creature. Despite growing lightheaded, Atlas continued casting until he stumbled. With his final ounce of strength, he cast one more Void Bullet before everything went black.


    Hours later, Atlas woke up with a scream, shivering as he found himself mostly submerged in the filthy water. Frantically, he looked around for the Bog Fiend but saw only a baseball-sized, glowing green Monster Core and a pile of loot that caught his attention.


    Atlas got up while shaking his head and stretching his body, causing all the bones in his body to snap. Following that, he approached the pile of loot and saw ten silver coins and a yellowish potion that sparkled as the light hit it.


    He threw the coins into his storage while examining the potion.


    [Advanced Antidote Potion: Heals most poisons known to the world]


    ''Oh this will be useful one day,'' Atlas thought while storing it away.


    After that, he glanced around for an exit, which he spotted. It was a glowing door that led to the jungle outside. Atlas sighed in relief before stepping through it while readying his dagger for more attacks.


    But nothing came as he stepped out the door and felt the hot air brush against his face. When outside, Atlas looked around and couldn''t see anything, so he climbed up a tree to get the lay of the land.


    It took him five minutes to rush up the tree and finally get a look out of the jungle, covered in mist and flying monsters passing by. That''s when Atlas spotted a lone mountain where he was meant to reach the girls were nearby.


    The trees around Atlas started to shake, and he could hear roars, howls, and other strange noises from monsters below could be heard. Atlas stiffened as he saw the Jungle King again, but it was heading in his direction this time.


    Atlas quickly descended into the canopy and hid below the leaves just as an explosion rang out from the nearby mountain. He panicked as that''s where Amethyst and Artemis were waiting for him.


    He poked his head out of the canopy to see a purple explosion tearing up the summit, but that''s when he spotted something flying away from the mountain, causing him to release a breath of relief.


    Following that, the tree he was in started to shake, which confused Atlas. He started climbing lower, only to stop when a sea of monsters passed, ''Guess I''m hiding in a tree.''


    Atlas looked up at the sky and noticed it was late afternoon, which meant the sun would be setting in a few hours, ''I need to find somewhere to sleep safely and check the mountain where the girls were.''


    He climbed down the tree until he was ten feet above the ground and noticed the swarm of monsters slowing down. Atlas waited for another hour, and he saw nothing before climbing down.


    When his feet touched the ground, Atlas looked around and saw nothing. After that, he searched for a place to sleep, and after a couple of hours of searching, he soon found a cave with an overhang, which was out of the way of the monster trail he was on.


    Atlas slowly approached the cave as he readied a spell but found nothing but a dry space. Realizing everything was clear, he wrapped his cloak around him before pulling out some bread. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He began eating while observing the jungle, bathed in a pink glow from the setting sun. The light illuminated the mist, creating a strange, enchanting haze as the beautiful scene captivated his interest.


    Soon after, he got comfortable in the corner of the cave, drifting off to sleep to the soothing sounds of the outside world. The night passed by as Atlas was hidden in the shadows, which he unintentionally did, but it hid him from the monsters that investigated.


    The following morning, Atlas slowly opened his eyes as he yawned, only to jump out of his skin when he saw a little monster resembling a Honey Badger glaring at him with white and black fur and glowing yellow eyes.


    He slowly stood up while holding his hands out to the side, but the creature had other plans and lunged at him. Atlas yelped as he tried to dodge the angry badger who swiped at him with its sharp claws.


    Atlas fell backward as the thing bit into his ankle. His scream echoed through the cave as he started to thrash his leg, launching the creature across the chamber with a hiss. ''What the hell! Where did this thing come from!''''


    Once it was at the cave entrance, Atlas scrambled to his feet, but it lunged at him again. This time, he was ready and cast Void Guard, which caused the monster to crash face-first into the azure shield, but that didn''t do much apart from daze it for a few seconds.


    He took his chance and sprinted out of the cave, but the crazy badger was on him. It started to chase Atlas through the jungle while letting out a deep growl. As he jumped over a branch, the thing caught up to him and slammed into his back.


    Atlas was sent flying, but that''s when the badger bit into his shoulder, causing him to let out a scream of pain as they hit the ground with a crash. He tried to get the thing off, but it was clinging to him.


    ''''Get off me, you little shit! Why are you attacking me!'''' Atlas shouted at the badger, intent on teaching him a painful lesson.


    It then used its claws to slice through his skin, which felt like hot knives, causing him to scream out. Atlas gritted his teeth as the pain was worse than anything he had experienced so far.


    The two were wrestling, but the badger was determined to hang on by digging its claws and teeth deeper into his skin, ''What is this crazy thing! I did nothing to it!''


    He was flailing around like a madman, but that''s when something caught his attention, causing Atlas to forget about the badger as a monster towered over them with a look of malice in its black eyes.


    The newcomer was massive and covered in a greenish-black hide with a row of razor-sharp teeth the size of him. Atlas noticed the only difference between its Earth counterpart. ''Now a damn Tyrannosaurus! What the fuck is with this jungle!'' he internally panicked, but used Void Sight on it.


    [Drakaroth]


    [Rank: A+ - 1000 Ex]

 Chapter 36 - 36: Arzuros

    Growing increasingly frustrated by Atlas''s lack of response, the badger ceased its biting assault. Instead, it caught sight of the newcomer and charged toward it with menacing growls.


    Atlas watched the Drakaroth grunt before hitting the badger with its enormous tail like it was swatting an annoying fly. The little monster was sent flying in the opposite direction like a football, causing him to chuckle at it, but that''s when it turned its attention to him.


    He gulped before getting to his feet as it took a step forward, spurring him to run through the jungle. The Drakaroth gave chase but wasn''t as fast because the trees and giant roots blocked the monster''s path, allowing him to get a headstart.


    While running, Atlas spotted the badger charging at the giant monster and thought with a growing smile, ''This thing is crazy! It just won''t stop.''


    After thinking that, Atlas noticed it got in between him and the monster; he was baffled because the badger looked like it was defending him, which caught his interest as the thing was chasing before meeting their mutual enemy.


    The little creature''s antics caused the Drakaroth to stop and look at it with amusement. He watched as the massive monster tried to stomp on it, but the badger dodged to the side and went for its ankles, which made Atlas laugh as he hid by a nearby tree.


    He continued to watch as the little creature went mad. Its actions further irritated the Drakaroth, which stepped back and swung its tail again. Oblivious to the danger, the crazy badger lunged forward, but it was struck and sent flying in his direction.


    Aware that another attack could prove fatal for the reckless creature, he sighed and unleashed a barrage of a dozen Void Arrows and Bullets as the monster got closer. They sliced through the air with deadly precision, striking the Tyrannosaurus''s face and forcing it to stagger backward.


    Upon witnessing the scene, Atlas hurried over and scooped the badger into his arms but yelped when it sank its teeth into his arm as he resumed running. Frustrated, he glanced down at the creature and gave it a firm smack on the head.


    "Don''t bite me, you stubborn monster! I''m trying to help you," he scolded, causing the badger to stare at him but soon stopped giving him problems. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas sensed the Drakaroth was closing in on them, the ground trembling beneath their feet. His heart raced with urgency, but he found a glimmer of hope when he spotted a path leading up the mountain where he was supposed to meet the girls.


    He darted toward it, only to be bitten again and yelped, but ignored it as he scrambled up the pathway. The dinosaur burst out from the nearby trees, sending some falling to the ground with a smash.


    Without looking back, Atlas ascended the mountain as the Drakaroth tried following them but soon fell off as it was too big to climb. When seeing that, he slowed down and bonked the angry badger on the head, ''''Stop biting me, you stupid creature! I was only helping you.''''


    Once Atlas scolded the little monster, he put it down while continuing, ''''Once that demon goes, we can go our own way. You don''t know how to be grateful to the person that saved you from being eaten.''''


    The badger eyed him with its yellow eyes before growling, causing Atlas to throw up his arms, ''''See! You''re an angry monster that needs to calm down.''''


    After that, Atlas trekked to the summit and found a firepit with monster bodies everywhere. He approached one of the corpses and studied it; the creature looked like a chimpanzee but was much smaller and had more humanoid features.


    Once Atlas finished examining the corpses, he retrieved his dagger and carefully extracted an orange Monster Core, a task that brought a satisfied grin to his face. Moving swiftly, he harvested twenty more cores and stored them away.


    Atlas rose to his feet and gazed over the jungle, struck by its breathtaking beauty. Towering trees reached skyward, and flocks of birds darted across the expansive canopy, pursued by larger monsters in flight.


    "This place is more beautiful than Earth," he mused, momentarily feeling admired. However, his daydreaming was shattered when the head of the Drakaroth suddenly appeared around the ledge above.


    The badger startled and lunged at the monstrous head, crashing into it with fierce determination. Atlas watched as the Tyrannosaurus-like monster plummeted to the ground below with a deafening crash,


    Atlas turned towards the badger, approaching him with a defiant gleam in its yellow eyes. He rolled his hand as the creature lunged, but he swiftly sidestepped and delivered a sharp chop to its head, only to find it growing even more furious.


    They began grappling on the summit, where the honey badger sank its teeth into Atlas''s limbs and clawed at him. With confusion etched on his face, he exclaimed, "Are you crazy? Stop attacking me!"


    The tiny creature halted its assault, allowing Atlas''s Regeneration to start healing the wounds it had inflicted. Once he saw the sliced skin stitching together, he sighed before looking at the angry creature staring at him with rage-filled eyes.


    Atlas, unsure how to proceed, uttered, "Can we stop fighting?"


    The Arzuros stared at him, prompting Atlas to examine it using Void Sight.


    [Arzuros]


    [Rank: D+ - 300 Exp]


    ''It''s strong for its size,'' Atlas thought to himself.


    Just then, the Arzuros closed in, swiftly moving within arm''s reach and squaring up. Atlas sighed before bopping it on the nose, but this proved the wrong move as it lunged at him and started biting.


    However, the bites were gentle this time, like nibbles, making Atlas laugh. The sound of his laughter seemed to excite the Arzuros even more, prompting it to attack him with renewed enthusiasm playfully.


    When the Arzuros grew tired of nibbling him, it lay in his lap like a house cat, amusing him. He pampered his hand through its surprisingly soft fur while watching shooting stars streak across the sky above the jungle.


    Atlas soon realized the little creature was a girl, which surprised him. She had been nipping at him whenever he suggested male names, but when he tried "Lilith," she made an excited noise before curling up and falling asleep.


    Feeling his exhaustion setting in, Atlas gently stood up and headed towards the firepit where the girls gathered. That''s when he saw a message scratched into the ground next to a bench, which caught his attention.


    [Azhar''Zul, we may have to flee due to the monsters, but if we''re not here when you arrive, meet us at the Port city of Setoria. Artemis and I will be waiting for you there]


    ''I''m glad they''re safe,'' Atlas thought, wrapping himself and Lilith in his enchanted cloak, earning another bite from her, causing him to smile.


    He looked at the small black-and-white creature and hugged her as the wind picked up, eventually drifting off to sleep. Something jumped on his chest the following morning, and Atlas was awakened.


    His eyes opened to see Lilith standing over him with a naughty twinkle in her eyes as she quickly leaned down and bit his ear. This caused a shock to run through his body and made him laugh before pushing the silly badger off him.


    Lilith started pacing back and forth while squeaking, which Atlas found adorable, but he spoke, ''''What''s wrong?''''


    She gestured dramatically towards the cliff''s edge, prompting Atlas to peer down. To his dismay, he spotted the Drakaroth gazing up at them with an appetite that could rival a starving wolf.


    "Seriously? Can''t you find a salad or something?" Atlas hollered indignantly, waving his arms at the giant lizard.


    Unimpressed by his protest, Atlas unleashed a volley of Void Bullets. They zipped through the air like angry fireflies and smacked the Tyrannosaurus in its smug face, causing it to roar in pain before it scuttled back into the jungle.


    Atlas turned his gaze northeastward, where a dark river wound through the dense jungle. The river eventually opened into a vast lake, its tranquil waters embracing an island at its center.


    With relief, Atlas scanned the area below and found no trace of the bothersome creature. He spoke, ''''Climb onto me, Lilith.''''


    Lilith nodded eagerly, then scrambled up Atlas''s body, clinging to his clothing with her claws. She playfully nibbled his neck, a signal that she was prepared. With a daring leap off the edge, he landed on a slope and began to slide down.


    ''Hopefully that annoying monster doesn''t appear,'' Atlas mused but cursed himself shortly after.


    That''s when the annoying Drakaroth appeared at the bottom of the mountain, looking excited as it waited for them, but Atlas tried something and cast a Void Bullet below him, sending them flying through the air.


    Atlas hurtled towards the monster''s gaping maw, taking quick aim and firing a bullet right at its snout. The creature shook its head in surprise, momentarily thrown off balance, creating a perfect opening for him.


    Seizing the moment, he crashed into its head and tumbled across its rough surface, desperately clinging to one of its long spines to halt his slide before he could regain his footing.


    Before Atlas could stop her, Lilith launched herself off his chest and scrambled up the monster''s body, targeting its eyes with a fearless determination, ''Damn Honey Badger!''


    He chased after Lilith, scrambling over the thrashing body of the Drakaroth. Despite the beast''s wild attempts to dislodge them, she clung tenaciously to its face, tearing into flesh and causing blood to spray in all directions.

 Chapter 37 - 37: Tidebreakers

    Atlas finally reached the creature''s head, determinedly placing his hand on its skull. Without hesitation, he unleashed a barrage of Void Arrows, their azure glow illuminating the chaos around them as they tore through the monster''s hide at close range.


    The Drakaroth roared in pain and continued to thrash around. Atlas realized he couldn''t kill it, so he quickly grabbed Lilith before leaping off the rage-filled monster and hitting the jungle floor.


    Atlas started dashing through the trees while heading Northeast. He jumped over branches and fallen logs. Lilith wriggled out of his arms and started running beside him, emitting an adorable growl.


    They raced through the jungle until they reached the river Atlas had spotted from the summit. When Atlas halted, Lilith didn''t brake, launching into the water with a spectacular splash and paddling across without a hint of concern.


    Emerging on the opposite bank, she had an enormous leech clinging to her. Atlas quickly scanned it with Void Sight.


    [Poison Leech]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    Before he could react, Lilith tore the leech off and devoured it in a couple of bites. Then, with a shudder, she collapsed. Atlas peered at her, tongue lolling out and looking like a drunk college student at spring break.


    He was worried about the little devil and started searching for a way to cross the dangerous river full of monsters that made his skin crawl. While walking, Atlas scanned the water because he felt something watching him.


    [Swamp Drake]


    [Rank: E - 200]


    Atlas stopped walking while raising his hand and casting three Void Arrows into the water. This caused a mini explosion as the water erupted just as the monster lunged at him, but he was ready and cast Void Guard.


    The monster slammed into his shield and pushed him backward, allowing him to retrieve his dagger. The Swamp Drake attacked again, but Atlas was ready, so he quickly sidestepped the monster before stabbing it in the eye.


    It roared in pain and tried to free itself, but Atlas cast a Void Arrow directly into its eye through the dagger, which caused the thing''s head to explode. Following that, he walked along the riverbank until he found a way across.


    By the time he reached Lilith, she was out cold and looked drunk, which made him laugh as he scooped her up. Atlas continued to travel through the jungle without being bothered by any more monsters.


    Soon, as the sun began to set, he started searching for a place to settle down for the night. Finding no suitable spot, he crawled under a bush, curling up and cuddling Lilith for warmth and comfort after wrapping the cloak around them.


    The night passed, and Atlas was well hidden so that none of the stronger night monsters could see or sense him, thanks to the enchanted cloak. But that didn''t stop Lilith from waking up.


    She panicked but soon realized Atlas was hugging her. The angry Arzuros looked at the young boy, who recoiled with an uncertain expression before she nudged his head with her own and curled up closer.


    As the sun rose and lit up the jungle, Atlas stirred and woke up, the warmth of the morning light bringing him back to consciousness. He crawled out of under the bush while cradling Lilith.


    Atlas looked around and saw dozens of massive monster prints. While examining the scene, he heard two loud roars, which caused him to look up as something flew past, causing a mini earthquake.


    He rushed to a tree and started climbing, but Lilith lunged at something. Atlas quickly looked to see her fighting a medium-sized snake. The honey badger-like monster was vicious, savaging the serpent with relentless ferocity.


    In the meantime, Atlas starts climbing up the branches until he reaches the canopy, only to see two massive monsters fighting each other. One was the Jungle King and the other looked like a giant Allosaurus.


    The giant dinosaur lunged at the ape, but it sidestepped the attack before striking its head with a hammer fist. Atlas heard the loud crunch when its fist crushed the monster''s skill before two more joined the fight.


    ''Ouch, one punch kill must have hurt,'' he internalized while watching the fight. Atlas realized they were getting closer, which caused him to quickly descend the tree after grabbing Lilith.


    When he hit the ground, he started sprinting through the jungle as everything shook. Atlas managed to flee the area, and, thanks to the Titan''s fight, the monsters all hid, allowing him free travel across the jungle. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He made good time and ended up in a clearing covered with monster bones, which caused him to think, ''What did this?''


    While standing there, Atlas heard a primal and haunting sound reverberating across the clearing. It began as a low rumble, akin to distant thunder rolling across the plains, building in intensity with each reverberation.


    As it rose in pitch, the growl transformed into a piercing shriek, sharp and menacing, cutting through the air like a blade, ''I wonder what monster it is now?'' he sighed.


    A ten-foot-tall culprit stepped into the clearing, allowing Atlas to see the monster. Its green feathers and back helped it blend into its surroundings, but what unnerved him were its glowing yellow eyes.


    Its massive hooked beak looked deadly. When Atlas saw this newcomer, he gulped, ''Oh god. Why is something like this here?''


    Atlas quickly scanned it with Void Sight.


    [Terror Bird]


    [Rank: E+ - 300 Exp]


    As he did that, Lilith growled before wiggling out of his arms and dropping to the ground. She made herself look bigger before charging at the Terror Bird and attacking it, which shocked Atlas, who quickly followed.


    The monster roared in anger and rushed forward. When Atlas saw how fast it was, he cast Void Guard as its massive claws struck the shield, causing him to fly backward, but that''s when Lilith bit down on the Terror Bird''s side.


    Atlas wouldn''t let her get the kill and started casting dozens of Void Bullets at its large body. When the projectiles connected, the monster tumbled over and crashed to the ground, allowing the Honey Badger to swarm over it.


    He rushed forward just as the creature was about to bite Lilith, grabbed its head, and instantly Void Arrow into its skull, causing it to burst like a watermelon, allowing the experience to flow into his body.


    ''''Ahhh, that always feels good,'''' he mumbled.


    Atlas shook his head before looking at Lilith, chewing at the corpse. She was ripping pieces of flesh off the Terror Bird. Confused at the girl''s behavior, he pulled out his dagger and cut out the orange Monster Core.


    Once he had done that, he stored the message in his storage: ''''Come on, Lily. Stop eating the bird.''''


    She looked at him with narrowed eyes; he knew what she would do and warned her, ''''Don''t you dare attack me! We''ve spoken about this, you demoness.''''


    Just as the last words rolled off his tongue, she pounced. All Atlas saw was black and white flying toward him until she clung to him like a face hugger; he fell backward as Lilith nibbled every part she could get hold of.


    The Arzuros kept attacking him, and if Atlas managed to free himself, Lilith would do it again until she was sitting on his chest with a look of triumph on her little face. This made him laugh, but he pushed the little devil off him while standing up.


    Lilith scrambled up his body and slumped on his shoulders like a sloth, causing Atlas to shake his head and press on through the dense jungle. Occasionally, she gave him a lick or a playful nibble, sending a shiver down his spine.


    Suddenly, the demoness''s head shot up, her gaze fixed on the south. She swiftly jumped off him and darted into the bushes. Atlas sighed and hurried after the mischievous creature, who led him to a beach nearly an hour''s trek away.


    Arriving there, he gazed at the stormy sea and quickly noticed a landmass further north. Atlas quickly realized that the beach stretched to that distant shore. He glanced at Lilith, who was prancing around in the sand and grinned.


    Atlas began walking down the beach, but suddenly, something exploded from under the sand, sending him stumbling backward as Lilith lunged. He shook his head and saw a dog-sized crab with two large pincers holding the angry badger as she went wild.


    This caused him to chuckle before scanning the monster.


    [Tidebreaker]


    [Rank: F - 100 Exp]


    "Not too strong," Atlas mused. "Let''s clear them out for the experience."


    He rushed forward just as Lilith freed herself from the Tidebreaker''s claws and tried attacking the monster by jumping onto its back. However, the creature''s shell absorbed the impact, leaving it unharmed.


    That''s when Atlas cast Void Bullet at its face. The projectile pierced the Tidebreaker''s soft flesh and exploded inside the shell. Lilith yelped and quickly jumped off as the creature collapsed to the sand below.


    Then, even more Tidebreakers popped out of the sand and started attacking. Atlas cast Void Guard just as one of the monsters slammed into him. Spinning around, he cast Void Arrow into its face, the azure projectile hitting its mark with deadly precision.


    Atlas''s spell exploded, flinging the crab away just as Lilith rushed in and bit down on one of the monster''s legs, ripping it out with a strong tug. He swiftly plunged a blade into the soft flesh, finishing the creature off.


    The battle continued for a few more minutes until all the Tidebreakers lay lifeless on the beach. Atlas, breathing heavily, counted ten monsters before sitting down to catch his breath.

 Chapter 38 - 38: Jungle Boar

    Atlas rose and began pulling out the ten white Monster Cores, storing them carefully with every piece of edible meat he could find. Then, inspired by an idea, he used his dagger to slice off slabs of meat to try.


    He searched for sticks to make a campfire, and after finding some, Atlas started a fire by casting a Void Bullet at it. After five minutes, it roared to life, causing him to smile before grabbing two slabs of crab meat, stabbed to stick into them, and hung them over it.


    When the flames touched the meat, it sizzled, causing Atlas''s stomach to rumble as Lilith walked up and plopped beside him while watching their meal cook. As he sat there, he checked his status.


    [Level Up: 35¡ú36]


    [Experience: 950/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1500]


    [Health: 258¡ú266]


    [Mana: 1140¡ú1150]


    [Strength: 238¡ú242]


    [Stamina: 240¡ú244]


    [Intelligence: 236¡ú240]


    [Core Points: 15400¡ú16750]


    [Core Points Gained: 1350]


    [Void Bullet: 1¡ú2]


    Happy with his gains, Atlas watched the Tidebreaker meat cook and turned it around when one side was done. After that, he gave the first piece to Lilith, who started chewing on it after making an adorable noise.


    It took him another half an hour to finish cooking, and Atlas got excited as the crab meat smelt delicious, causing his mouth to water just as his stomach growled. Without wasting any more time, he started eating it.


    There was no seasoning, but the meat was still delicious and tasted like chicken, which Atlas loved. After that, they traveled along the beach, eating his piece of meat, which he thoroughly enjoyed and left wanting more. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They didn''t encounter any more monsters on their way to another river. Lilith was sitting on his shoulder before launching herself into the water and swimming across, making Atlas shake his head.


    He started searching for a cross, which he soon found as a fallen tree bridged the river. Atlas cautiously traversed the bridge-like tree, his steps deliberate to avoid any misstep into the water below.


    Suddenly, Lilith growled, startling him so much that he almost lost his footing. Shaking his head in frustration, he gestured towards the creature. "Shut up, Lily! You nearly made me fall," he exclaimed.


    Grumbling, he hurried across the tree trunk while Lilith appeared to be stifling laughter at his expense. When he finally reached solid ground, he couldn''t resist giving her a playful bonk on the head.


    She growled, but Atlas ignored her as he spoke while looking toward the beach, ''''We''re not far from the Everglade Kingdom where Amethyst and Artemis are.''''


    Following that, the duo continued to walk the beach while avoiding the jungle, only for Tiebreakers to appear again. Atlas killed eighteen of them and collected the cores and meat while basking in the feeling of leveling up.


    Following that, the duo had to enter the jungle when the beach ended. Once he stepped into the treeline, Atlas checked his new status.


    [Experience: 750/1000]


    [Experience gained: 1800]


    [Core Points: 16750¡ú18550]


    [Core Points Gained: 1800]


    Pleased with the gain, Atlas picked Lilith up and stroked her soft fur. However, being the hyperactive badger she was, she attacked his fingers, but he ignored her as he continued walking through the jungle.


    While trekking through the jungle, Atlas encountered only a Blue Viper hidden among the vines. He wouldn''t have noticed it if Lilith hadn''t lunged at the small monster and started eating it.


    It was only Rank G, but it gave Atlas a bad feeling, prompting him to leave the area quickly. As he continued through the jungle, the surroundings became less damp, and the smell of smoke hit his nose, causing him to stop abruptly.


    Atlas crept closer and saw a camp of soldiers who looked like they were hunting monsters. They had a mix of metal and leather armor with the crest of a tree. He scrambled into a nearby bush when he heard noises nearby.


    That''s when Atlas saw several tiger-looking monsters creeping up on the camp, causing him to use Void Sight on them.


    [Wraithclaw]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    ''Hope they don''t spot me,'' Atlas thought while a chill ran down his spine.


    The Wraithclaws stalked up to the soldiers'' camp before exploding from the bushes and charged in, panicking them. As Atlas watched this, Lilith struggled out of his arms and darted after the powerful monsters.


    Atlas was shocked, but he couldn''t leave her to die. He rolled out of the bush just as an explosion rang out. Hearing it, he dashed after the demoness, drawing his dagger as he entered the camp where the soldiers were fighting the tigers.


    That''s when he saw Lilith on the back of one of the monsters, which roared in anger as she mutilated it. Atlas rushed forward and skidded to a stop as a tiger swiped at him. Dodging the attack, he got close to the one the angry badger was attacking and cast a Void Arrow into its face.


    His spell only annoyed the monster, making his heart drop. Atlas was torn between helping Lilith and running, knowing the tigers were too strong to fight. He decided to flee while shouting, "I''m leaving, Lily! They''re too strong!"


    After that, he fired more Void Arrows at the monsters before fleeing into the jungle, climbing over the soldiers'' wall. Seeing this, Lilith stopped attacking the Wraithclaw, dashed after him, and jumped on his back.


    Atlas smiled when he felt this. ''''Thank you for listening, girl; I don''t want you to get hurt,'''' he said while fleeing the chaos.


    He ran for another hour until he came to a peaceful-looking lake. Trees lined the shore, their branches extending over the clear water. Atlas looked into the sky and noticed it was still afternoon before putting Lilith down.


    The badger wandered the lake, scanning for anything to attack, but her nose found nothing. She shuffled back to Atlas, who was preparing to start a fire by gathering some dry sticks and using stones to create a firepit.


    Lilith settled in comfortably, her gaze fixed on Atlas as he meticulously arranged a circle of stones and placed the sticks inside. He cast a subdued Void Bullet into the firepit, igniting a gentle azure flame.


    The warmth embraced Atlas''s exposed skin, eliciting a sigh of relief from him. After that, he pulled out some meat, which caught Lilith''s attention. This caused her to jump up and wander off into the jungle, confusing him.


    He ignored the silly creatures and skewered two large chunks of crab meat to cook over the fire. As the meat began to sizzle, Lilith bounded back carrying a pile of leaves, which she dumped beside him.


    Curious, Atlas picked one up and recognized it as a bay leaf. Using the butt of his dagger, he started crushing the leaves in his palm. After cooking for a few minutes, he dumped the dust on the sizzled crab meat, giving off a delicious aroma.


    Once the meat was cooked, Atlas handed a piece to Lilith. She chirped happily as she began to eat, joining him in the meal. They sat by the lake''s edge while the duo ate, the fire warding off the encroaching cold air.


    It didn''t take the two of them to finish the food, and when they did, something moved in the lake, causing Atlas to jump back, followed by Lilith as a tentacle slammed into the firepit he made.


    Atlas didn''t want to face the monster, so he rushed into the treeline as the tentacle swung toward them. Fortunately, they escaped and continued their journey through the increasingly sparse jungle without encountering more creatures.


    As they continued walking, Atlas was drenched in sweat. When the humid air finally vanished, he felt relieved since the sweat had irritated him. While walking, he thought he heard something in the distance.


    Curious, he turned and headed in that direction as Lilith crawled up to his shoulders and looked around with narrowed yellow eyes. They soon reached a clearing where six people were battling a massive, enraged boar.


    The beast slammed into a towering man with a large shield and a greatsword. ''People!'' he thought, examining the adventurers. The defender was a big man with blonde hair and blue eyes in plate armor.


    A blonde woman with pointed ears, likely an elf, fought beside him by casting spells over the group. Two humans¡ªan archer and a warrior¡ªfought alongside a wolf woman who guarded their flank.


    However, it was the last woman who captured Atlas''s attention. She had green skin, short black hair, and glowing green eyes. Atlas found her stunning, with a warrior''s physique and wielding a spear like a master, which held his gaze while she struck out at the monster.


    The group of six initially fought the powerful monster easily, but the tide of battle shifted when a smaller, similar creature appeared. One of them charged at the green-skinned woman who was fighting the bigger one.


    She quickly spotted it and threw something, causing it to become dizzy after a loud, shrill sound confused the monster. Seizing the opportunity, she swiftly rushed forward and plunged her spear into the monster''s forehead, ending its life in an instant.


    Intrigued, he decided to scan the larger monster to gauge its strength and was shocked at the results.


    [Jungle Boar]


    [Rank: A+ - 1000 Exp]


    ''Strong,'' Atlas thought as he looked at the Boar before turning to the adventurers. ''They must be on a quest.''


    Atlas stepped forward, grasping the excited Lilith, who bit at his arm, prompting him to yelp and release her. She dashed eagerly towards the battle, earning a sigh from Atlas. "Little demoness wants to be in the middle of everything."


    Drawing his dagger, Atlas hurried towards the larger creature the little monster had pounced on, his internal frustration simmering. ''I swear, one day she''s going to get me seriously hurt.''


    While he and Lilith were caught up in trouble, the other women had just begun their journeys or were about to start. Despite the chaos, everything seemed to fall into place, even without their knowledge.

 Chapter 39 - 39: Distrustful & Soft Noble

    [Grishna''s POV]


    Grishna walked south to complete the Raider Ants quest. It took her half an hour to reach the farming village and find the quest giver. Before getting the information, she had to show her Adventurer''s Badge and the quest paper to a suspicious old woman.


    ''Damn humans! Always distrustful,'' the Orc girl thought.


    She guessed it was because this side of the Thalassia Empires hated Orcs, thanks to all the previous wars between the two realms, which ended in a peace treaty. After thinking, Grishna questioned the quest giver and discovered the monsters had a colony on a nearby hill.


    Following that, she made her way there and took out her spear. Grishna then saw her first Raider Ant. It was the size of a large dog and looked mindless as it dragged a monster''s corpse toward a large hole in the side of a hill.


    ''The Workers are Rank G while the Warriors are Ranked F, easy peasy,'' she thought as her excitement grew.


    Grishna grinned before quickly casting an Earth Bolt as the creature, a cone of solid stone, formed above her. She sent it flying toward the ant, who finally paid attention, but the monster was too late as the projectile annihilated it.


    ''Yes! Ma magics is growing stronger!'' she internally celebrated.


    The Raider Ant dropped to the ground, its body curling up in death, triggering a chorus of chittering and clicking mandibles from the nest. Grishna smiled before pulling out a marble-sized piece of metal.


    She cast Silver Shriek on it just as the first Warrior Ant rushed out of the entrance, then threw the metal at it. The projectile flew through the air and struck the monster on its head, emitting a shrill noise that confused the ants.


    Grishna giggled at their reaction before bursting into motion. She rushed toward the entrance, casting Razorwind Blades that soared through the air, slicing through any ant they touched and cutting them in half.


    Once she cleared the entrance, Grishna approached it, but several ants appeared on top of the hill and charged at her. She smiled before blocking several attacks and sidestepped another as she plunged her spear into the monster''s head.


    In the meantime, even more Warriors Ants appeared, causing her smile to widen as she used Iron Fist to punch one of the monsters who tried to sneak up on her. Due to the impact, the creature exploded into chunks of meat and splattered over the other enemies.


    Afterward, Grishna invoked Body Enhancement, enveloping herself in a shimmering aura of brown and silver. With renewed vigor, she proceeded to methodically slaughter every Raider Ant that emerged from the nest, employing a combination of Iron Fists, Metal Bullets, and her spear.


    Once the flow of Raider Ants stopped, Grishna approached the nest entrance while taking out more metal balls. Before entering the cave, she readied her spells, but nothing appeared, causing her eyebrows to raise.


    Grishna slowly moved through the monster tunnels, ensuring she could defend herself when attacked. But all she found were empty chambers until she reached the last tunnel, which descended further into the colony.


    By the time Grishna was halfway down the tunnel, the chittering of dozens of ants had echoed around her, causing her predatory smile to widen. ''Let''s see how you critters deal with this,'' she thought, retrieving more metal marbles from her pouch.


    She cast Silver Shriek on them just as she reached the entrance to the queen''s chamber. As she stepped over the threshold, she scattered the marbles across the room. Each marble struck a surface, emitting an ear-piercing shrill that left the Raider ants and their queen dizzy and disoriented.


    ''Let''s go!''


    Seizing the opportunity, Grishna unleashed a barrage of Razorwind Blades and Earth Bolts into the densely packed horde, creating chaos among the ants. She then charged forward, her spear and enhanced body moving in deadly harmony.


    With swift, precise strikes, she tore apart the warrior ants, effortlessly dodging a bite from the queen with agile ease. She pointed her hand at the larger ant and struck Earth Bolt down.


    The queen dropped to the ground with a crash, allowing Grishna to ready her spear and attack every ant she could see until the colony was empty. Following that, she went around collecting 30 Black Monster Cores and all the mandibles she could fit in her space bag.


    Afterward, Grishna left the cave after securing her spear and eating some jerky as the sun hit her face. She covered her eyes as she spoke, ''''Should I hit Goblin Nest? Would be a good exercise to kill some of the little fuckers.''''


    With her mind made up, she collected the Guild Coin from the quest giver before heading toward the level one dungeon. Grishna wanted to run it before heading for the train station to meet Throne and his harem.


    It took her several hours of running to reach the dungeon west of Suncrest City, situated alongside the banks of the Aurora River and nestled next to a mountain. A Thalassian stronghold fortified the area.


    Inside the fort was an Adventurers Guild that functioned almost like a small town in its own right.


    ***


    [Estelle Argonia''s POV]


    Estelle watched the landscape fly back as the train sped through the Thalassia Empire. Along the route, she saw dozens of towns and villages, which intrigued her because the Argonia Kingdom wasn''t this big.


    Thinking of home, Estelle grimaced, thinking of her fate if she were to stay back in her homeland, ''No way I''m marrying a soft noble,'' she thought.


    While sitting there, she heard her five guards praying and looked toward them in their private room. They were kneeling and mumbling words.


    ''''Messiah of Heaven, hear our prayers, Guide us through the shadows of life. Carry us to the blessed land, Where peace and harmony reign.''''


    Estella watched Marie continue her prayers before saying something she''d become used to hearing with these women, ''''The one who points the way.''''


    She didn''t believe in their The Chosen Messiah. It was foretold that they would lead the knight kingdom to victory against the conquerors. ''Why did father assign me a group of hardcore fanatics,'' she thought.


    All she knew was that the Battle Sisters were from the Church of the Messiah. They were responsible for finding Le Messie ¨¦lu and becoming his shield in dark times. She respected their dedication as they swore off all vices and lived the life of a Lame Choisie.


    Estelle shook her head and returned to looking out the window as Maria joined her. ''''My Lady, I know you hate me talking about this, but you must take the prophecy seriously. It foretold that the Messiah would need a guardian, and ever since your birth, all the signs point to you.''''


    ''''I''m not his wife, Maria! I will only marry a man stronger than me, and by the time he comes along, I will be the strongest knight in Argonia.''''


    The older woman shook her head before explaining, ''''You cannot run from fate, Estelle. You were meant to be The Chosen One''s shield against the fire trying to cleanse the world; you will be beside him when the Great War starts with the Desert Warriors of the South.''''


    Estelle narrowed her eyes and retorted, ''''Prove it, show me this great warrior!''''


    ''''Pray to our Lady Luxia; she will show you how,'''' Maria and the other guards bowed.


    She shook her head and started praying to the head goddess, and that''s when the world around her turned black. Estelle wasn''t worried when she heard a majestic voice, ''''Little knight princess. Watch what my champion will become if the future comes true.'''' S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That''s when the scene changed again, and she was now standing on a rock surrounded by a group of women she couldn''t make out because they were vague. She shook her head and looked at the form standing above them.


    Estelle noticed he was clad in distinctive blue armor that covered most of his body and came with a scarf to protect himself from the brutal sun. He stood tall, his snow-white hair contrasting with glowing azure eyes.


    She quickly noticed his elf-like ears and whiter-than-usual skin, which caught her interest. After that, she gazed across the sea of warriors; she couldn''t help but gulp. ''Saharaelian Warriors! Rumors claim they''re the strongest fighters in Valoria, surviving the death trap known as the Blue Dune Desert.''


    While thinking, she was brought back as the boy raised a glowing Azarakhsh Blade and passionately shouted, ''''Long live the warriors!''''


    The Saharaelians responded in kind, and Estelle felt the warriors'' fanaticism. She shook her head as the scene changed to a massive battle on the edge of the desert, where the Desert Warriors were battling with the Achaemenidian Imperial Army.


    She heard chanting, ''''Azhar''Zul! Azhar''Zul!''''


    Estelle turned around to see a million-strong army charging toward the Achaemenidians. Soon, she was pulled back into the darkness as a woman''s voice was heard, ''''See, little knight, that is one of many futures the boy can take if the right people, including yourself, surround him.''''


    She nodded, ''''This gives a lot to think about, Goddess Luxia; thank you for hearing my prayer.''''


    ''''You''re welcome Estelle,'''' the goddess replied before concluding. ''''Now enjoy your rest, Estelle Argonia, Azhar''Zul''s shield against Chaos.''''


    Following Luxia''s words, she was sent back to the train, where she woke up as the moons were high in the sky. She quickly noticed they were traveling through a forest and didn''t know where they were.

 Chapter 40 - 40: Believer & Adventurer

    [Nuliajuk Sivuraq POV]


    Nuliajuk stood on her ledge overlooking the Northern Wastes as a Monster Wave was underway. She turned her gaze to the south, where the mountains blocked the way to the Summerlands.


    The two moons lit up the sky, and thanks to the cloudless night, she could see everything below. She saw thousands of monsters heading west where The Northern Trade City was, causing her to think, ''Will the soldiers be able to hold them off? Luckily, the village is in the mountains, and Frostbear Warriors will guard the way, but that won''t stop those creatures.''


    Following that, she was urged to travel south but dismissed it while walking back into the cave as it was getting cold. Just as she approached the entrance, the creepy howling started, causing her to turn back around.


    ''I wonder where they came from,'' she thought, her blue eyes glowing briefly before she shook her head. ''There''s no point in speculating. They''re here and won''t be leaving anytime soon.''


    As she stood there, a sound reached her ears. Nuliajuk quickly walked to the entrance and moved the boulder in front of it. Just as something reached the ledge, it slammed into the large stone, causing it to shake.


    Nuliajuk walked into her living room, where Atek sat while watching the entrance. He growled before standing up and walking over. She ran her hand through his beautiful white fur as his eyes were stuck on the outside world, causing her to comment, ''''The Monster Wave is underway; they are heading west.''''


    ''''Don''t worry, you silly cat, they won''t be able to get in here, and I blocked the entrance already,'''' Nuliajuk said while making her way to bed.


    She crawled under the covers before falling asleep, only to wake up when a woman''s voice was heard, ''''Little Nulia.''''


    When the Frostbear girl heard this, her eyes flew open, and she found herself on the Eastern Shore. Nearby, a woman stood by the wall, smiling at her. Nuliajuk was stunned when she saw her.


    "Goddess Sedna," she whispered.


    ''''Yes, child,'''' Sedna''s smile grew even more. ''''It warms my heart that not all my children have forgotten about me.''''


    Nuliajuk''s eyes widened. ''''The Frostbears have lost their way. The new chief has delusions of conquest to the south, leading them to steer away from the Path you set out, but I have not.''''


    The Goddess nodded in understanding, ''''Yes, they have a child, but I brought you here because I have a mission for you.''''


    ''''A mission?''''


    ''''Yes, little one, the Chosen One has finally arrived, but danger is approaching him from all sides. Many gods and goddesses hate his presence in this world,'''' the Goddess said with a concerned voice.


    When Nuliajuk heard this, her eyes widened, and she dropped to her knees and started praying, '''' Messiah of heaven, hear our prayers, lead us through the shadows of life. Carry us to the blessed land, where peace and happiness abound. The one who shows the way will guide us to the Summerlands.''''


    ''''A true believer, I see,'''' Sedna said with a beaming smile. ''''You''re a true Frostbear; your ancestors would be a proud little one.''''


    Nuliajuk stood up and nodded, ''''Of course I am. That and Atek were the only things that kept me sane while living in the Northern Wastes.''''


    ''''Good child, but I''m here to inform you that you must travel to the Summerlands to find the Hinn Utvaldi. He will need your help on his adventures,'''' Sedna revealed.


    When Nuliajuk heard the Goddess''s words, her eyes widened. She shook her head and asked, ''''How can I find him? I heard the Summerlands are endless.''''


    Sedna smiled, ''''He will be in a city called Thalassar in an empire called Thalassian when the first days of Solaris start,'''' she said.


    Nuliajuk nodded, ''''Will you show me what he looks like, and when should I depart?''''


    ''''During your journey, I will show you in a dream because I used too much of my power to bring your soul here,'''' Goddess Sedna said. ''''You must wait a week or two; more Monster Waves will cover the Northern Wastes.''''


    "Thank you, my Goddess, for bestowing such an honor upon me," Nuliajuk replied, bowing her head before awakening back in her cave.


    ***


    [Grishna''s POV]


    Grishna stared at the Thalassian Fort, its size a testament to its role as a bulwark against Monster Waves that plagued the southern part of the empire. She approached the gate, knowing she needed to register at the Adventurer''s Guild before delving into the dungeon.


    ''Damn rules! I don''t see why I must tell the guild I''m diving! I know they hate their adventurers dying and try to rescue them, but that''s not the point,'' she thought.


    Several merchant caravans waited outside as Grishna approached the gate, eager to enter. The soldiers seemed unusually tense as she joined the queue into the fortress. Standing in line, she overheard nearby traders discussing a Monster Wave ravaging the western part of the empire, which troubled her deeply.


    However, they also mentioned that the Demon General of Thalassia and the Silvershield Company had joined forces, successfully pushing the monsters back. Grishna stopped listening and checked her status, as she was third in line now.


    [Level Up: 106¡ú107]


    [Experience: 1420/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 1500]


    [Health: 896¡ú900]


    [Mana: 2490¡ú2500]


    [Strength: 2150¡ú2152]


    [Stamina: 1418¡ú1424]


    [Intelligence: 390¡ú392]


    [Razorwind Blades: 1¡ú2]


    [Silver Shriek: 1¡ú2]


    ''Ah nice, ma stats have increased a little, but it''s getting harder to do,'' Grishna thought. ''I''ll crack more skulls on my journey west.''


    Ten minutes passed, and the guards let her into the fortress when they saw her guild card. Grishna stepped in and saw dozens of buildings clustered in the center while a large space circled it.


    She saw hundreds of soldiers and mercenaries training while adventurers practiced their spells. Grishna didn''t bother watching any longer and went down the cobbled streets. ''There are loads of shops in this fort,'' she thought while glancing around.


    After a brisk walk, she spotted a general store ahead. "I should buy some food. I don''t want to eat disgusting monster meat again," Grishna muttered to herself.


    Entering the bustling store, Grishna began scanning the crowded shelves. She carefully selected items ranging from spices to Elven Waybread and other long-lasting foods before walking to the counter, where an older woman stood serving people.


    Once Grishna reached the counter, she put all the food down as the woman started counting it before speaking, ''''That would be 64 silver, young lady.''''


    She nodded while taking out a gold coin and handing it to the worker before receiving 36 silver coins as change, ''''Thanks for shopping at Old Teds General Store.''''


    Grishna nodded as she stowed all the food in her space bag. Leaving the store behind, she approached the Adventurer''s Guild. It was a quick ten-minute walk, and upon arrival, she found dozens of adventurers milling about.


    Disregarding the curious glances, Grishna confidently pushed her way into the guild. She made a beeline for the counter, where a woman stood available, not occupied with any other adventurers.


    The woman looked up with a smile. "Hello miss, how can I help you today?"


    "I want to explore the Goblin Nest to clear it for my rank-up test," Grishna replied.


    "Alright, please give me your guild card," the woman requested. "I need to record your entry so the empire''s soldiers are aware you''re inside the dungeon during your expedition."


    Grishna nodded, handing over her guild card. Its brown color indicated her Rank G status. After five minutes, the receptionist handed it back, ''''You can head to the Goblins Nest; I assume you know the way?'''' sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yeah, I know how to get there; thanks for the help," Grishna said before leaving the building. She made her way towards the Aurora River, where the dungeon was situated.


    She knew of its location between the cities of Barter''s Bay to the south and Waterfalls Piers to the north, with a road running from north to south. The fortress stood just off this road, opposite the dungeon''s position.


    Grishna walked away from the fortress and made her way to the dungeon twenty minutes from its gates. She soon saw the entrance, which the Thalassian Army guarded. The soldiers wore a mix of leather and metal armor that covered all their weak spots.


    ''I can see why the Berserkers loved fighting the Thalassians and their weak armor,'' Grishna mused with a smile.


    Each soldier carried a sword and shield, numbered nearly one hundred. They guarded the Adventurer''s Guild shop and the other stores outside the Level 1 dungeon. Grishna had always found it fascinating how small villages could spring up around such dangerous places.


    That''s when she noticed a soldier rushing out and stopping her from continuing, ''''Halt! Do you have your Guild Card, young lady?''''


    Grishna handed her card to the man. "Here you go, got my permission from the Adventurer''s Guild."


    The man nodded and handed the card back. "Be careful if you go below the 3rd floor, miss. There have been reports of powerful Goblin Shamans spawning."


    Her eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Why hasn''t the kingdom dealt with them? Are you not strong enough?"


    The nearby soldiers chuckled. "No, miss. Whenever we raid the dungeon, they vanish. It seems they only go after small groups and solo adventurers."

 Chapter 41 - 41: Hot Food & Gobbos

    [Amethyst and Artemis''s POV]


    While waiting for Atlas, Artemis was looking over the edge only to panic when she saw the Jungle Apes climbing in their direction with rage in their red eyes. The two narrowly evaded the Monster Wave as it surged towards the summit.


    Panicked, the Phoenix Girl seized Artemis and leaped off the ledge, causing the older girl to scream and carry them far before landing in a clearing far enough away from the mountain. As Amethyst touched the ground, her purple wings vanished, and she dropped to her knees due to the mana overuse; she was breathing heavily.


    Artemis brushed the dust off her dress as she spoke, ''''Thank you for helping us. We would have been in trouble if we stayed.''''


    ''''Shut up, Fish! I need to catch my breath and recover my mana,'''' the phoenix girl retorted, making the older girl smile.


    ''''I see you''re okay. Recover, and we can reach Setoria City before sunset,'''' Artemis said while scanning their surroundings.


    Amethyst finally felt better and stood up. She looked around but saw nothing with her Cosmic Sight. ''''I''m ready, let''s go.''''


    They traveled through the jungle and only encountered a few Jungle Wolves. The Artemis dealt with them using her slingshot to take them out. Amethyst used Cosmic Bullet to kill several monsters.


    When the duo reached a clearing in the dense jungle, they rested for a few minutes. The trees acted like a wooden wall that circled them, and there was a small clear pond in the center with all kinds of beautiful flowers littering the area.


    Amethyst let out a breath before sitting down and checking her status.


    [Level Up: 31¡ú34]


    [Experience: 970/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 3800]


    [Health: 276¡ú280]


    [Mana: 1236¡ú1292]


    [Strength: 296¡ú300]


    [Core Points: 2700¡ú6600]


    [Core Points Gained: 3600]


    ''Nice, leveled up three times,'' Amethyst internally thought.


    While the phoenix was studying her stats, Artemis did the same after scanning the surrounding jungle.


    [Experience: 4640/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 3400]


    [Health: 1330¡ú1334]


    [Mana: 2100¡ú2120]


    [Strength: 2400¡ú2408]


    [Stamina: 2100¡ú2104]


    [Core Points: 9750¡ú13750] sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Core Points Gained: 4000]


    [Arc Lightning: 1¡ú2]


    Artemis smiled when she saw her upgrades before turning to Amethyst. ''''Little Bird, when we get to Setoria City, we will register as adventurers to earn some coin.''''


    The purple-haired girl nodded in agreement, ''''We can rent out a room; I bet Azhar''Zul will be tired by the time he reaches the city.''''


    ''''Yes, but we need to use a coin for that,'''' Artemis said. ''''We can gather some monster parts before leaving for the city. Hopefully, Jungle Termites are lurking around; their antennae and mandibles will get us a lot at the guild.''''


    Amethyst smiled in reply before jumping up and stretching. Artemis followed suit, and the two walked back into the jungle to search for any monsters they could farm for parts to sell. It didn''t take too long until they found their prey.


    Artemis dragged the phoenix girl behind a tree as the lion-sized monsters roamed the jungle, ''''Jungle Termites! We can hit them with magic and my sling. Are you ready, Little Bird?''''


    ''''Of course, I am,'''' Amethyst replied with a beaming smile. ''''We can buy some hot food.''''


    After speaking, the two rushed out as Artemis took out her sling and started hitting them with explosive mana shells that startled the monsters. Amethyst could see the Termites moving around the jungle thanks to Cosmic Sight.


    She aimed her hand at the approaching Jungle Termites and unleashed Cosmic Bullets upon them. The two girls coordinated seamlessly, cutting down the creatures as they tried to sneak up on them.


    Dozens of Termites fell before the onslaught, forcing the rest to retreat into their colony. As the immediate threat passed, Artemis caught her breath and pulled out a knife, handing it to Amethyst.


    "You cut off the antennae while I gather the mandibles and Monster Cores," she instructed.


    The phoenix girl nodded resolutely and approached the nearest Termite. As she got closer, she realized the creature towered over her, its size daunting. Undeterred, Amethyst shrugged off her initial surprise and swiftly sliced off the antennae, piling them up efficiently.


    It took them a solid hour to fill Artemis''s space bag with the valuable insect parts. After securing their loot, the two continued through the jungle, noticing that the dense foliage was beginning to thin out.


    Soon, the distant sound of voices caught their attention. They cautiously approached and soon spotted a group of lumberjacks chopping down trees. Artemis readied her sword as the men smiled when seeing them.


    One of the lumberjacks swaggered forward with confidence, his voice laced with a creepy undertone. "What are two beautiful girls doing wandering around a dangerous jungle?" he asked, his tone unsettling.


    The other men nearby tried to intervene, sensing the inappropriate nature of his comment, but before they could act, Amethyst reacted swiftly. She pointed her hand and unleashed a Cosmic Blast at the lumberjack''s head.


    Artemis jumped before spinning around, ''''Why did you do that? she demanded.


    ''''The way that filth was looking at us, only Azhar''Zul can give me those sorts of eyes,'''' the phoenix girl declared while pointing her finger at the other men.


    When the lumberjacks saw this, they panicled before dropping to their knees and pleading with her. Amethyst smiled, but Artemis spoke, ''''As long as you don''t try anything like that idiot, then we won''t have an issue.''''


    The leader nodded. "Rest assured, Little Ladies, we are married and faithful men. The Temple of the Eternal Flame teaches us never to harm those who mean us no harm."


    After speaking, the men whispered in unison, "May the Messiah Azarus bless our path forward and shine bright in the coming darkness."


    When the two girls heard this, their eyes widened in shock, but Amethyst smiled, ''''Legends of Azhar''Zul are all over Valoria Fish.''''


    ***


    [Grishna''s POV]


    The Thalassian guards granted Grishna access to the dungeon''s entrance after signing a form acknowledging the risks involved. As she approached the gate, marked by a shimmering blue portal, she couldn''t help but scoff inwardly, ''Stupid humans. Gobbo''s could never never take me down.''


    She confidently strode through the portal and emerged on the other side in a dense forest. Immediately, Grishna readied her spear and grasped several metal marbles just as a group of Goblins emerged from the bushes.


    They charged at Grishna, who was already smiling as she met them head-on. She swung her spear, slicing through two Goblins effortlessly, then threw one of the marbles into the middle of the monsters.


    ''Hera ya go Gobbo''s.''


    The marble emitted a shrill noise, causing the remaining Goblins to drop to the ground, clutching their ears and screaming in pain. Grishna moved swiftly, finishing them with precise thrusts of her spear through their chests.


    She moved like the wind as more Goblins rushed out. She slaughtered them with skillful spear thrusts and powerful spells, leaving a trail of dead monsters in her wake. Each Goblin that dared to attack fell swiftly, unable to match her lethal prowess and agile movements.


    Grishna knew that Level 1 Dungeons had four floors, with a Goblin boss waiting on the final level, a challenge she eagerly anticipated. ''I hope it''s a Shaman Gobbo! They give good experience,'' she mused.


    She unleashed her Razorwind Blades as the battle raged, deftly dodging the shabby arrows aimed at her. Her spells sliced through the enemies with deadly precision, cutting two Goblins cleanly in half.


    Once Grishna started fighting, she was consumed by bloodlust, slaughtering her way down to the third floor. There, she encountered the formidable Goblin Warriors. The Orc girl paused, taking a moment to plan her attack.


    ''If I use Silver Shriek and use the distraction to get in close I can wipe them out with ma Iron Fists,'' she thought before taking out another marble.


    With a smirk, Grishna hurled the object towards the charging Goblin Warriors. Upon impact, a shrill sound erupted, disorienting them momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, she dashed forward, her fists enveloped in a luminous glow from her Iron Fist spell.


    Closing in on the first warrior, it swung at her, but she swiftly ducked under the blow. With precise timing, Grishna unleashed a devastating punch that struck the monster''s chest, sending it hurtling into its comrades among the Goblin Warriors.


    She moved across the battlefield with the grace of a Death Dancer, swiftly dispatching every creature within reach of her spear with well-placed stabs. When the last of the Goblins fell, Grishna leaned on her weapon, taking a moment to catch her breath.


    While resting, Grishna did the math and calculated that she earned 1000 experience from the twenty G-Rank Goblins while getting 1500 from the fifteen Goblin Warriors. After that, she checked her status.


    [Level Up: 107¡ú108]


    [Experience: 2420/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 2500]


    [Mana: 2500¡ú2520]


    [Strength: 2152¡ú2156]


    [Stamina: 1424¡ú1428]


    [Intelligence: 392¡ú394]


    ''Nice! Only a slight boost to the attributes, but it''s better than nothing,'' Grishna mused before making her way to the boss floor.


    She had gathered dozens of copper and silver coins and some Health and Mana Potions. Luckily, Grishna owned a regular space bag that easily accommodated the 10 Black and 15 White Cores without issues.


    Grishna finally reached the boss floor and saw a large amphitheater with a tall Goblin clad in black knight''s armor. Her excitement grew as she readied her spear and marbles for a good fight.


    She stepped forward and pointed the tip of her spear at the Goblin Knight, ''''Fight me, Gobbo! Give me a good fight!''''


    Following that, she burst forward and swung her weapon while throwing the marble that erupted, causing the monster to stumble back. Grisha raised her hand and cast Razorwing Blades at it.


    The three silver blades sliced through the air, but the Goblin Knight deflected them with his Greatsword. Grishna''s excitement grew as she charged forward and dodged his attack. She struck out and pierced a gap in its armor.


    ''Got ya! Now ma magics will ware you down!'' she mused.

 Chapter 42 - 42: Thirteen Trials & Cut Off Your Head

    TRANSLATIONS:


    [Div-e Afsan - Demons of Legend]


    [Al-Mawt al-Aswad - The Black Death]


    ***


    [Soraya''s POV]


    Circe guided them to Megara, nestled within a towering mountain. The formidable Al-Sahraa Guardians guarded its entrances. Each sentinel offered a respectful salute to the green-haired elf as she strode past them.


    When they entered one of the caves, it stretched deep into the mountain until it stopped at a bridge that bridged a massive gaping abyss. Soraya knew the Easterners found this place and made it their home to hide from the Achaemenidian armies that invaded the desert.


    The bridge was a vital connection, fashioned from dry wood sourced from the World''s Edge Mountains encircling the Blue Dune Desert. Should the Achaemenidians breach the mountains, the Rahbar commanded every tribe in the east to retreat to Megara. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After that, the fighters burned the bridges to keep the enemy away from the capital. Once Soraya took this all in, she followed Circe across without looking down, which gave her the creeps.


    When the desert elf crossed, she started to see the underground city stretching out as far as the eyes could see. All the buildings on the street level were made from blue stone from the desert above, which Soraya found interesting.


    She stopped walking and took in the second level, which stretched toward the ceiling. Walkways and bridges crisscrossed the city, which amazed her. Soraya noticed it was made from Starwood harvested from the Southern Moonwood Jungle.


    The city was busy with all kinds of Saharaelians going about their business. Soraya even spotted a group of Asadani Warriors escorting a noble down the main street, lined with all sorts of shops.


    Soraya had been to the Eastern Capital a few times when her Nonna traveled with her, but she tended to stay in the West. Thanks to her attire, which consisted of blue scorched silk armor and a scarf that covered her fair hair, only leaving her eyes visible.


    While she looked around, Circe''s voice reached her ears, ''''Soraya, come on. You will get lost in Megera if you''re not careful.''''


    She looked at the green-haired girl and nodded before following behind her. Circe led her down the main street until they reached the city square. When they arrived, Soraya spotted a group of men and women praying.


    Circe spoke as they maneuvered through the crowds; she spotted some people praying in the corner of the square, ''''These are the followers of the Path. They''ve constructed temples throughout the city, and the citizens seem to regard them as skilled warriors.''"


    Soraya nodded in understanding, on the verge of replying when her gaze was drawn to a mesmerizing sight: a towering pyramid looming before her. Its majestic form exuded a palpable aura of potent mana, captivating her completely.


    Entering the pyramid alongside Circe, they were met by the Div-e Afsan, renowned as the second-best fighters in the Blue Dune Desert. The Companions only surpassed them¡ªelite warriors personally trained by her father.


    Soraya halted her thoughts as she followed the girl through corridors that twisted and turned, eventually arriving at a spacious meeting room dominated by a large table in the center.


    She was drawn to a tall, muscular man with Circe''s distinctive green hair. ''Is that her Father? The leader of the Eastern Tribes of the desert? ''


    Just as Circe was about to speak, the man introduced himself to Soraya before questioning her, ''''I am Youssef Al-Darkhan; you''re the Great Mother''s Granddaughter, correct?''''


    Soraya nodded in affirmation, prompting him to speak further, though his voice now carried a noticeable sadness. "Was your father Caspian Al-Muharib, leader of the Companions?"


    "Yes, my father led them in battle against the invaders," Soraya replied solemnly, causing Circe''s eyes to widen in astonishment. "But he fell during the Western Wars against the Nubians."


    The green-haired girl exclaimed, "That means your mother is the Al-Mawt al-Aswad."


    ''''Yes, that was her name; now she protects Azraq City against the monsters running wild,'''' Soraya answered.


    Following that, Soraya and Circe were led into a meeting hall where the eastern council was amassing. When inside, she spotted Zara, who waved at her before the meeting was underway.


    The council informed the two girls that Azhar''Zul would face thirteen trials to determine whether he was the Chosen Messiah. Soraya was shocked but accepted it because the Eastern and Southern Tribes would have slain him when he stepped foot in the Blue Dune Desert.


    Once the meeting was over, Soraya and Zara were led to the Al-Darkhan Mansion, where the three would stay before leaving on their journey.


    ***


    [Grishna''s POV]


    Grishna quickly jumped back while casting Body Enhancement and Iron Fist before she rushed in again. The Goblin Knight recovered enough to swing again, but it was useless as she caught the blade with her left hand while throwing a devastating punch on the right.


    A resounding boom echoed when her fist connected with the Goblin''s head. But Grishna wasn''t done yet; she quickly cast several Razorwind Blades and an Earth Bolt at her foe¡ªthe spells sliced through the air, striking the creature with precision.


    Though the Warrior Goblin was incapacitated, it wasn''t dead yet. Grishna swiftly drew her spear, lunged forward, and plunged it into its skull, ensuring its demise. When the Goblin Warrior vanished into particles, leaving behind a pile of silver coins, a gold amulet, and a Boss Token, which could be traded for 5 silver.


    This caught her attention, and she picked it up. However, she couldn''t figure out what else to do with it, so she put it in her space bag along with the coins and a bundle of Blue Grass, which is used in creating Mana Potions.


    Following this, Grishna saw a portal to the outside open up; she stepped through it and appeared in front of the dungeon, shocking the surrounding soldiers. This caused her to smirk before heading back to Suncrest City.


    It took her an hour to run back, and the sun was setting when she reached the Guild. When Grishna entered the building, she spotted Throne and his women waiting at the bar, but she ignored them and made her way over to Callie behind the counter.


    The woman''s pink eyes lit up. "Grish! You''re back so quickly. Did you complete the quest and dungeon?" she said with a big smile.


    Grishna nodded while taking out the Quest Coin and the Boss Token as proof, causing Callie''s smile to grow even wider. The receptionist shook her head, asked for her Guild Card, and marked down the completed quest and dungeon.


    The two spoke briefly before Grishna approached the Slayers, who turned to face her. Throne smiled and commented, "You truly are an Orc, aren''t you, girl?"


    "Shut up, human! What are ya waffling on about?" Grishna retorted, sitting next to the wolf demi-human Mia, who smiled at the exchange.


    "You do what you want when you want, even though you agreed to meet us this morning," the big man said in an amused tone.


    That''s when the elf woman commented with narrowed eyes, ''''I don''t see why you''re so smitten with such a savage Darling.''''


    Mia cringed while Jenna slunk back as Grishna''s eyes locked onto the brown-haired elf. "You''ve never introduced me to your two newest members," she said with a growing grin, turning her attention to Throne.


    The big man gulped before replying, "The elf is our healer, Mei Greenleaf." He pointed to the woman who had just spoken and then motioned to the human, "And this is Sophia, another attacker like Mia."


    Grishna nodded as she swiftly got up, casting Body Enhancement. In a blur of movement, she circled the table and placed a knife at Mei''s neck, shocking the elf. "If you ever say anything about me again," Grishna hissed, "I will cut off your head and feed your remains to the monsters."


    The elf went pale, but Throne quickly intervened. "Grish, she''s new to the harem and doesn''t know you. I promise she or Sophia won''t say anything about you again."


    Mei nodded frantically, like a scared chicken, prompting Grishna to release her. "Let''s go get the train south. I want to kill some monsters," Grishna said curtly.


    With that, she left the Guild behind, striding purposefully toward the Suncrest Train Station. The Slayers followed, arguing among themselves as they trailed behind her. When Grishna reached the station, she paid the 4 gold coins for a ticket south.


    After that, Grishna sat in the station waiting for the train as the Slayers joined her. Mia spoke up while sitting beside her, "I have a quest from Suncrest City. A top merchant''s brother went missing in the Darkheart Jungle; it''s said he had a store in Setoria City."


    "Why are you telling me this?" Grishna questioned.


    "If you help us with it, we''ll split the reward. Six gold spilt two ways," Mia explained. "Plus, you''ll be able to kill monsters in the jungle. Rumors speak of Monster Waves and overpopulated dungeons."


    Grishna''s interest was piqued, and she nodded just as the train pulled into the station. The group entered after showing their tickets to the Morozov Guards, who allowed them on board.


    Following that, the journey continued without a hitch. Mei apologized, and Grishna accepted it. When they reached Greenglade City, the two moons of Gorath and Drakkar hung high in the sky.


    The city was lively, resembling a Western medieval town with a fantasy touch. The buildings were crafted from beautiful white stone, and glowing Elderwood illuminated the streets with Gorath''s silver light.


    Throne suggested, "Let''s get a carriage down to Setoria first thing tomorrow morning. We can complete our quest before hitting the dungeons."

 Chapter 43 - 43: The First Fist

    [Gro''shak na''golga''k ¨C The one who points the way]


    [Grak''Thar Gromog''ar - The Chosen Messiah]


    ***


    [Grishna''s POV]


    Grisha found herself sitting in a carriage traveling down one of the trade roads that led from the capital to Setoria City, the biggest trading city in the Everglade Kingdom. While looking out the window, she saw dozens of farming villages littering the landscape.


    What shocked her, though, were the Waystations that dotted the road. She saw many knights guarding the road while others patrolled. Sophia saw her interest and spoke, ''''The Everglade Army is always recruiting due to their wars with the Argonians to the north.''''


    She turned to the brown-haired woman and asked, ''''Aren''t they allies with the Moonhare Kingdom? I thought those two keep the knights in check?''''


    Sophia nodded, ''''They did, but a natural disaster struck the southern part of their kingdom. The sea gods caused a tsunami that washed over the land and killed thousands. Their queen deployed the army, which allowed the Argonians to attack their northern border.''''


    ''''How come the trains are still running?'''' Grishna questioned.


    Mia and Jenna giggled, earning them a look, but the wolf woman explained, ''''The Morozovians are shutting down the route here. War is breaking out, and this part of Astoria will become chaotic.''''


    Grisha''s green eyes glimmered with determination, yet silence fell over the carriage as everyone readied their weapons and potions for the journey across the Everglade Kingdom, which wouldn''t take long because they were traveling quickly.


    While they sped down the trade road, Grishna saw thousands of soldiers marching northwest, poised to aid their allies. At that moment, her thoughts turned to her rival. ''I hope you stay safe, blondie,'' she mused.


    After a peaceful journey, they reached the outskirts of Setoria just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The group resolved to resume their quest the following day. Grishna secured lodgings at the inn nearest to the western gate.


    Inside, she spotted two girls dining in a corner. One, with brown hair, was clad in adventurer''s armor. At the same time, the other wore identical armor and had a mysterious black blindfold concealing her eyes.


    Ignoring the two girls with their laughter and striking features¡ªa brown-haired adventurer in armor and her companion with purple hair and elf-like ears¡ªGrishna rented a room from the innkeeper and grabbed a quick dinner.


    Returning to her room, Grishna settled to eat, eager for the upcoming monster hunts that promised more experience and levels. Fatigue settled in as she finished her meal, and she drifted into a deep sleep.


    Grishna was jolted awake by the clamor of panicked voices outside her window. She quickly rose, peering out but unable to discern the cause of the commotion. After gathering herself, she started the day with a brisk breakfast before meeting the Slayers at the western gate as planned.


    When Mia and Jenna spotted Grishna, their faces filled with concern as they hurried toward her. "Grish! Have you heard the rumors?" Mia exclaimed urgently. "The Southmen have discovered a route through the Sands of Sorrow and launched an attack on the Wildheart Kingdom."


    Grishna''s eyes widened in alarm at the news. The Wildheart Kingdom lay south of her homeland, a journey of several months'' travel. However, she knew well the determination of the Southmen to unify Astoria and Zarandar Continent.


    ''''Let''s ignore the rumors for now and complete your quest,'''' she said to the Slayers. ''''I want to level up and kill some monsters.''''


    They all agreed as Throne led the way through the countryside before seeing the Darkheart Jungle in the distance. Grishna noticed several Everglade Forts where the soldiers would patrol the nearby area.


    The group traveled north until they passed the last fortress before Mia stopped walking and sniffed the area, ''''There was a battle here. I can smell our merchant.'''' Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her eyebrows lifted in surprise, prompting Jenna to elaborate, "His brother provided us with fragments of his clothing to aid Mia in tracking him."


    Grishna nodded in understanding before Mei interjected, "Jungle Apes ambushed them, and those who survived were dragged into there,'''' she pointed into the tree line.


    Throne stood upright, drawing his greatsword and shield, and addressed the group. "Grish, Mia, you''re with me up front. Sophia, Mei, Jenna, guard our rear. We cannot afford to be ambushed by Jungle Apes."


    The group traveled into the jungle following Mia, who tracked the kidnapped merchants. Grishna heard something approaching them and called out, "Something''s coming!"


    As predicted, a massive Jungle Boar burst from the nearby bushes and charged Mia, but Throne swiftly intercepted, positioning himself to block the monster''s attack. Grishna reacted swiftly, casting Earth Bolt at the creature''s flank, eliciting a pained roar.


    The skirmish intensified as additional Jungle Boars emerged. Amidst the chaos of battle, Grishna noticed a small creature darting out of nowhere and leaping onto the Boar she and Throne were engaged with.


    Several ominous blue spells streaked out from the jungle amidst the chaos, striking the Boar with deadly precision. Grishna''s attention snapped toward the origin of the magic, intrigued by this unexpected intervention.


    That''s when Grishna spotted a young boy bursting out of the bushes, clutching a dagger. Her eyes widened in shock as she watched him dart toward the Jungle Boar, attacking its legs and causing the massive creature to drop.


    She watched in awe as the black-and-white monster fiercely chewed at the Boar''s throat, blood pouring out like a waterfall. The boy appeared completely wild, with snow-white hair and elvish ears.


    Despite his small stature, barely reaching her chest, something about him captivated her. As she eyed him, she sensed something unique about his aura, prompting her to murmur, "It''s Grak''Thar Gromog''ar."


    As Grishna witnessed the unfolding scene in the Darkheart Jungle, a revelation struck her with a thunderclap. ''Goddess Grumm''ka was right! He is here and real. This boy is the one who will lead the Orc Legions to victory.''


    ''Gro''shak na''golga''k,'' she prayed


    Her green eyes were ablaze with shock and awe. Fate, it seemed, had orchestrated this meeting as if it were written in the stars. An instinct surged within her, compelling Grishna to acknowledge the boy''s destiny.


    Without hesitation, she moved forward, her every step resonating with purpose. As the boy battled the ferocious Jungle Boar, Grishna cast a swift and lethal spell, piercing the beast''s brain and bringing it crashing down.


    The boy turned to her as she knelt before him; Grishna spoke with unwavering conviction and belief, "Grak''Thar Gromog''ar! Bless Goddess Grumm''ka, for she has guided me to you."


    Her eyes, filled with determination, met his piercing blue gaze as she pledged, "I will be your First Fist, and together, we shall confront the darkness that threatens our world."


    ***


    [Back To Atlas]


    Atlas gazed at the green-skinned woman, startled as he observed a shimmering blue line extend from her and link with him. Uncertain of what to make of this strange connection, he couldn''t help but think, ''Another one! How many names will I be given?''


    Nevertheless, he smiled while introducing himself, "That''s a new one for me, but I go by Atlas. And you are?"


    When the connection was completed, she looked up and answered, ''''I''m Grishna Brokentooth, warrior of the Bloodfang Kingdom and now your First Fist.''''


    His eyebrow rose as he spoke, "It''s nice to meet you, Grishna, but can you stand up, please? Also, could you tell me what a Grak''Thar Gromog''ar and a First Fist are?"


    Before she could answer, the rest of her party rushed to her, only to spot Atlas standing there. He watched the big man approach while looking at Grishna but questioned him, ''''Boy, what are you doing out here? It''s dangerous for a child your age.''''


    Atlas felt offended and retorted while Lilith joined him, ''''I''ve traveled for miles through this nightmare. I must go to a nearby city to find my girl and a friend.''''


    The man nodded and was about to speak, but Grishna interrupted, "I''m traveling with the boy and showing him the ways of the world Throne."


    As she finished speaking, the man and the four women tried to protest, but Atlas noticed the look she gave them. The man relented and said while giving him a dirty look, "Well, it was good traveling with you, Grish. We need to get back to our quest."


    Atlas watched as Grishna nodded, replying, "Be careful out there. The Southmen are invading the north, and the continent will become a hellhole soon."


    Soon, the adventurers left them behind after collecting all the monster materials from the Forest Boars, causing Atlas to grow confused. "Weren''t the five of them in your party?"


    Grishna shook her head. "No. I was traveling with them, but now that I''ve met you, I''ve found my true place, so there''s nothing to worry about."


    ''''Okay,'''' he said baffled. ''''Why do you want to be in a thirteen-year-old''s party?''''


    ''''Because you''re the Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, and I must protect you until you''re strong enough to fight back,'''' Grishna revealed.


    Atlas nodded in understanding, ''''You didn''t answer my previous question?''''


    The young woman smiled before speaking, ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar means the Orc''s Chosen Messiah and a Fist is what we call a guardian.''''


    ''''Okay, what makes you think I''m this Grak''Thar Gromg''ar?'''' He asked.


    "Your mana is unique and gives off an empty yet strong aura," Grishna commented, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Your class is Voidwalker, correct?"


    Atlas nodded, ''''Yes.''''


    ''''You''re not a half-elf or elf but a Voidborn?''''


    ''''Yes. How did you know that?'''' Atlas grew concerned and confused.


    Grishna''s face lit up, ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar!'''' she declared before hugging him.


    Atlas, feeling lost, asked, "What was that blue string connecting us?"


    The Orc woman''s eyes lit up with a smile as she answered, releasing him, "Let''s walk and talk.''''


    After that, he nodded before going to the nearby road as Grishna answered. ''''What you saw is the Blue String of Fate Grak''Thar Gromog''ar."

 Chapter 44 - 44: Titanfang Tarantula

    ''''Interesting, I''ve heard of something like this before,'''' Atlas said as they traveled toward the city; he brought up something else. ''''If you like, you can call me Azhar''Zul.''''


    Grishna nodded, "Okay, Azhar''Zul." However, her eyes widened as she grasped his shoulders and asked, "Isn''t that the name revered by the Saharaelian Desert Fighters?"


    Atlas shrugged, ''''That''s what Amethyst told me before we were separated,'''' he answered.


    After talking to Grishna, Atlas picked up the Arzuros and introduced her, ''''This little demoness is Lilith. We''ve been traveling together since I found her.''''


    Grishna''s eyes widened in shock as she spoke, ''''That''s a Jungle Devil! Why is she following you around?''''


    When Lilith heard the woman''s words, she growled, causing Grishna to hold up her hands, ''''Don''t have a stab at me; that''s what the people call ya! I didn''t come up with the name.''''


    Atlas chuckled at Lilith, who climbed onto his shoulders while scanning the road they were on. He quickly introduced the Arzuros, ''''This is Lilith. I found her in the jungle, and we became friends after she kept attacking me.''''


    The orc girl started laughing before asking another question, ''''Where did you come from Azhar''Zul?''''


    ''''I came from the Echo Isles to the north, but me and Amethyst were captured by Slavers and put on a ship sailing to Slavers Bay until a Kraken attacked us,'''' Atlas said while the two dodged a merchant caravan.


    ''''Then why were you in the Darkheart Jungle? It''s a dangerous place that most people don''t travel through,'''' Grishna questioned.


    ''''I washed up there,'''' Atlas replied while scanning the landscape. ''''I was trying to find my friends, but they were lucky and could fly away from our meeting spot just as a Monster Wave hit the mountain they were on.''''


    Grishna nodded in understanding, ''''What do they look like? Your friends, I mean?'''' she asked.


    ''''One wears a blindfold and has beautiful purple hair, and the other has brown, but she''s older than us,'''' Atlas answered as he spotted a city in the distance.


    He was taken aback and stopped walking as this was his first time seeing a living city, not a dead one like Wildwood Port. This one sat on the jungle side of the river but was protected by a massive wall at least ten meters tall.


    The city beyond reminded Atlas of the Western medieval cities he saw in the history books back on Earth, but this one had a fantastical look as white and blue banners hung from the wall.


    Atlas could even make out the giant cannons sitting atop the wall as specks traveled along it. Grishna soon noticed he wasn''t moving and asked with a concerned expression on her pretty face, "Is everything okay, Azhar''Zul? Have you sensed any monsters?"


    The Orc woman whipped out a dangerous-looking spear, causing Atlas to laugh and shake his head. "No, it''s just my first time experiencing such a city Grishna."


    Her confused expression grew, and she looked unexpectedly adorable. While the two of them stood there, it gave him enough time to examine the woman closer. Atlas had to admit he loved everything about her; she had a bob cut of jet-black hair that framed her striking features.


    Grishna''s piercing green eyes captivated him, and they held a mesmerizing depth. Her facial features were impeccably carved, each contour emphasizing her charm and strength. He had to admit she looked like an Olympic athlete with a warrior figure.


    Atlas admired the sculpted muscles beneath her smooth, emerald-toned skin, which reflected power and grace in every movement. He noticed she was clad in leather armor that covered all her vulnerable parts ¡ª her torso, arms, neck, thighs, and shins.


    The armor sat atop pants resembling leggings that hugged her muscles, paired with a modest shirt. Atlas thought, ''First a Phoenix girl and now a beautiful Orc, what''s next, a supermodel Tiger?''


    He laughed to himself, causing Grishna to shake her head, ''''What do you mean the first time? Didn''t you say you''re from Thalassia?''''


    Atlas continued walking when Lilith licked his face before jumping off his shoulders and went off hunting. While traveling down the road, he replied with a smile, ''''It doesn''t matter for now. We can look for the girls, but then I want to sign up as an adventurer to go to a normal dungeon.''''


    ''''Normal dungeon? What do you mean?''''


    ''''When I was in the jungle, I was caught by the Wild Human but managed to escape but then fell into a hole which led to a swamp dungeon,'''' Atlas commented. ''''I fought my way through it, but it was a nightmare.''''


    Grishna''s eyes widened, ''''You must have found an undiscovered Level one dungeon,'''' she said excitedly.


    Atlas chuckled, but his amusement faded when he noticed Lilith staring intently into the jungle, growling. Following her gaze, he saw the trees in the distance rustling. "Is that a Monster Wave?" he asked aloud.


    She turned around, her expression shocked. "I think it''s a wandering Titan. We won''t make it to the city, but we have to find cover before it arrives."


    Atlas nodded in agreement and wasted no time. He started running down the road, where merchant carriages were already speeding towards the walls, seeking the same refuge. Lilith rushed toward the jungle, but he scooped her up.


    She struggled, but Atlas scolded her, ''''Stop it, Lily! That''s a Titan, not a random jungle monster, and we must find somewhere to hide.''''


    While running, Grishna called out in relief, ''''Azhar''Zul! A bridge is coming up; we can hide there until the Mayor deals with the monster.''''


    Atlas followed the orc woman swiftly, ducking under the bridge alongside half a dozen others seeking shelter. He sighed, settling down briefly, but curiosity drove him to peek out. From his vantage point, he could observe the jungle beyond and the hurried carriages crossing the bridge.


    Suddenly, a tree soared through the air, crashing dangerously close. Atlas instinctively ducked as splinters sprayed out, peppering the surroundings. When he dared to glance up again, his eyes widened.


    A colossal spider emerged from the jungle''s depths, sending a chill down Atlas''s spine. Despite his fear, he didn''t hesitate to employ Void Sight.


    [Titanfang Tarantula]


    [Rank: Titan - 20000 Exp]


    ''Oh god! How many Titans are there,'' Atlas thought before turning to Grishna, holding a spear in her right hand while messing with a metal marble in the other. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He shook his head before questioning, ''''How many Titans roam Astoria? And are they all hostile?''''


    Grishna shook her head, ''''No one knows how many there are Azhar''Zul. But they come from chasms and ravines that lead to the Underworld.''''


    Atlas was about to speak, but Grishna touched his lips as she whispered, ''''The Titanfang is approaching the city. Stay quiet as it will hear us thanks to its extraordinary hearing.''''


    He nodded solemnly, then returned to the Titan rampaging nearby. It had already crushed a helpless carriage under its colossal weight. Watching the destruction unfold, Lilith struggled to break free from his embrace.


    "Stop it, Lily! You can''t fight a Titan! And if you try to escape, I won''t chase after you like I did before," Atlas exclaimed urgently.


    Lilith ceased her struggle, sensing the sincerity in his words. She realized he genuinely cared for her. Without hesitation, she clung to his body, playfully nibbling his neck, causing him to shiver involuntarily.


    Grishna chuckled at the scene before her, remarking casually, "She truly cares for you, Azhar''Zul. This is the first time I''ve seen a Jungle Devil refrain from attacking something."


    Lilith growled softly at the comment but quickly resumed nibbling on Atlas''s neck. He responded with a hint of amusement, "I''m honestly surprised. We did clash when we first met. I think I inadvertently took over her territory, and she wasn''t too pleased about it."


    As Atlas continued speaking, Grishna suddenly yanked him back just as the destroyed carriage collided with the bridge. She swiftly cautioned him, "The Titanfang is near! Stay low."


    He nodded, but before they could react, a hairy spider leg emerged next to the bridge, eliciting screams from bystanders and drawing the monster''s attention. Atlas and Grishna braced themselves for a fight when, suddenly, a whistling noise cut through the chaos.


    Grishna''s eyes widened in realization. She grabbed Atlas and cast a protective spell, enveloping them in a shimmering metal shield. "Ironclad!"


    Explosions erupted all around them, throwing the area into further turmoil. Terrified people scrambled into a nearby pipe for cover, while others, unfortunate enough to be caught out in the open, were burned by the firestorm that erupted.


    The Titanfang screamed in pain but rushed toward the city as the defenders fired even more mana shells at it. Grishna dismissed her shield as the two dropped to the ground. Atlas spotted some people walking out of the pipe, looking shell-shocked.


    Lilith jumped off him and sniffed the area before chirping at him. Atlas looked in the direction she was pointing as a being appeared above the Titan. When Grishna saw this, she spoke in awe, ''''It''s the Everglade''s Supreme Master. Watch it destroy the monster.''''


    Atlas gazed towards the figure and observed as they unleashed a powerful spell. An ominous red beam descended from the sky, striking the Titanfang Tarantula and eliciting hisses of agony from the creature.


    The Titan''s body trembled, but in an instant, the newcomer materialized before it and delivered hundreds of punches. The spider''s tough carapace fractured under the onslaught until it erupted in a burst of debris.


    While this was happening, Lilith went crazy, causing Atlas to look toward the jungle as an army of man-sized spiders rushed toward them. His eyes widened in shock before he turned to Grishna, ''''A Monster Wave!''''


    The orc woman nodded and warned everyone to run toward the walls while the defenders and Supreme Master covered their retreat, but that''s when Atlas saw several webs flying in their direction.

 Chapter 45 - 45: They Are Bonded

    [Gro''shak na''golga''k ¨C The one who points the way]


    [Tol us khazru - Lead us to paradise]


    ***


    The Evergladian Supreme Master battered away the webs just as another Titanfang Tarantula appeared alongside thousands of other monsters, but this one was much bigger. Grishna grabbed Atlas''s hand and sprinted toward the city as the smaller spiders closed in on them.


    They ran through the grassland marked with craters due to the defender''s cannons. Atlas saw Grishna speed up as she let go of his hand to take out an incoming spider with an Earth Bolt.


    While running, Atlas made sure Lilith clung securely to his back. After confirming she was safe, he noticed a pack of monsters closing in on them. As they neared the city, they pounced on the survivors and slowly took them down individually.


    As the monsters were busy with the people, he had a chance to scan one of the monsters up close.


    [Wolf Spider]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''Damn, they are creepy looking, they belong in a horror movie,'' Atlas thought while taking in the giant spiders that looked the same as the ones on Earth.


    That''s when he noticed one of the creatures heading straight for Grishna, who just sped up to clear the way. Atlas quickly pointed his hand at the Wolf Spider and cast several Void Bullets that all but one missed, which connected with one of the bigger monsters.


    As it turned towards Atlas, causing him to yelp in surprise, the Wolf Spider closed in rapidly. Just as it lunged forward, Lilith appeared out of nowhere and pounced on it. She barreled into the creature; the crazy Honey Badger used her sharp claws and teeth to tear it apart.


    Atlas saw even more heading in their direction, and he started casting Void Arrows to slow the creatures down while rushing toward the one Lilith was fighting. The massive spider reared up as he arrived, allowing him to ram his dagger into its torso.


    The blade sank deep into the creature''s flesh; Atlas then unleashed a torrent of spells, causing it to explode in a burst of chaotic mana. Swiftly, he spun around and cast Void Guard just as a massive spider crashed into him, pinning him to the ground.


    Atlas grunted as he wrestled with the monster, holding its fangs at bay by gripping them tightly. Suddenly, the spider thrusted its sharp legs into his body, causing blood to spatter violently in all directions.


    This sent pain shooting throughout his body; he let out a pain-filled grunt. During this chaos, a rage-fueled Lilith leaped at the spider, launching a fierce assault to defend him as she put herself between it and Atlas.


    While this was happening, several shrills erupted, causing the creatures to recoil in pain and quickly back off. Lilith leaped off the Wolf Spider and hurried over to Atlas as he started coughing up blood.


    He was still aware and retrieved a potent Health Potion and swiftly consumed it before pouring the remainder over his wounded torso.


    ***


    [Grishna''s POV]


    When Grishna saw Atlas injured, she panicked and swooped in, lifting him gently into her arms before she dashed toward the wall. Lilith followed closely behind, her piercing yellow eyes fixed on Atlas.


    She sprinted across the grassland while glimpsing mana shells flying over her, creating a beautiful trail as they exploded amidst the oncoming Monster Wave. Grishna stumbled briefly but swiftly regained her balance.


    As Grishna started running again, she spotted a group of spiders charging straight at them as they closed in on the wall. Before the creatures could draw near, a sudden purple blast annihilated them.


    At that moment, two familiar figures emerged. They were the two girls she had seen at the inn earlier. The purple-haired one dashed towards her, speaking urgently as she fussed over the unconscious boy, "How did he get injured? And why does he look so wild?"


    "Not here, Little Bird. Let''s get back to the city," the brown-haired girl interjected, her tone resolute as she suddenly appeared, catching Grishna off guard.


    "Follow us, and don''t drop him!" the purple-haired girl instructed Grishna, casting a wary glance at Lilith, who growled in response.


    Grishna nodded as they sprinted toward the city''s wall with speed. She kept close behind the two girls while Lilith kept up with them. After ten minutes of straight running, they reached a lift just as it was hoisted up.


    As they ascended, spiders slammed into the wall below, only to be repelled by a powerful shock. Reaching the top, soldiers quickly helped them over the wall and guided them down the city''s bustling streets.


    The brown-haired girl turned to the group, her voice calm but firm, "Let''s head back to the inn and properly introduce ourselves."


    Grishna followed until they arrived at the familiar inn, where the group of three entered and made their way to the biggest room on the third floor. She noticed the two girls were looking back at Lilith while gossiping, who was marching alongside her.


    The little monster wouldn''t take her eyes off Atlas, making Grishna smile as she mused, ''She truly cares for the boy.''


    After a five-minute walk, they arrived at a door the brown-haired girl opened and held open for her with a smile, ''''Join us; I''m sure he wouldn''t want you somewhere else.''''


    Grishna smiled and entered, carefully laying Atlas on the nearest bed. Lilith promptly jumped up and nestled beside him, shielding his body with her own. Seeing this heartwarming scene, Grishna couldn''t help but giggle.


    She turned around and noticed the two sitting comfortably, settling in for rest. The brown-haired girl spoke first: ''''I am Artemis Olympaea.'''' She then pointed at the other girl: ''''This is Amethyst Flameheart, Atlas''s little lover.''''


    Grishna beamed as Amethyst''s cheek went red, ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar is lucky to have such a powerful mate,'''' she said to calm the younger girl down.


    That''s when Artemis''s eyes widened, and Amethyst started jumping up and down with a smile, ''''I told you, Fish! Azhar''Zul is known all over Valoria. He is the Messiah who will bring us to paradise.''''


    As Grishna heard this, she smiled and mumbled, ''''May the one who points the way take us to paradise.''''


    All the orc warriors recited it as a prayer before battle or for those who followed the Path. Afterward, Artemis glanced at Lilith, whose eyes widened as if she suddenly remembered something.


    ''''What''s a Jungle Devil doing here?'''' she exclaimed.


    That''s when Artemis pulled out her sword, and Amethyst jumped up while readying her spell, but Lilith let out a growl while standing over Atlas like she was protecting him. Grishna got in the middle and revealed, ''''They are bonded! She now belongs to him just like he does to her. It''s the way of the Arzuros.''''


    "Arzuros?" the two girls questioned in unison, confusion etched on their faces.


    Grishna approached Lilith, who snarled at her. But that didn''t bother her as she reassured the little creature, "You know I won''t harm him, girl. Stop being overprotective."


    She gently stroked the angry Honey Badger. "This pretty girl is an Arzuros. That''s the name of their race. They are proud and loyal creatures once they bond with their mate. Only one person has ever bonded like they have, and that''s just a legend."


    As she finished speaking, both girls raised their eyebrows. Shortly after that, Artemis giggled, "You mean the Jungle Devil thinks Atlas is her lover?"


    Grishna nodded with a smile as Lilith growled again. "I suspect so," she said, gazing at the purple-haired girl. "Come here, Amethyst. Try to kiss him."


    Amethyst turned bright red, shaking her head in embarrassment. Undeterred, Artemis approached the sleeping Atlas, leaning in to kiss him. But Lilith snapped at her, growling fiercely.


    The three girls burst into laughter before they all sat down as Grishna asked in a severe tone, ''''So it''s us three protecting Grak''Thar Gromog''ar? Many kingdoms will see him as a demon and hunt him.''''


    ''''I assume you''ve spoken to him about joining?'''' Artemis responded.


    Grishna reavealed, ''''We bonded. I am his First Fist and will defend him with my life.''''


    Both girls looked at her with strange expressions, causing her to smile, ''''The Bloodfang Kingdom is a client state of the Thalassians. We haven''t been free for a long time, and every orc wants freedom,'''' she said with conviction.


    She looked at Atlas before continuing, ''''The Grak''Thar Gromog''ar will bring the long-awaited freedom at the end of an Azarakhsh Blade.''''


    ''''Are you a believer of the Path Grishna?'''' Amethyst asked with excitement bubbling up.


    ''''I didn''t follow it fully as I was concerned about leveling up and growing stronger,'''' she answered with an honest smile. ''''But since meeting Atlas, things have changed, and now I want to follow the Path.''''


    After speaking, she prayed, which caught the other two off guard, ''''Gro''shak na''golga''k, Tol us khazru.'''' S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Is that the orc''s prayer? Many kingdoms have their own,'''' Amethyst questioned.


    Grishna looked at the phoenix girl before replying, ''''Yes. My mother taught me it as she was a warrior before retiring to raise her children.''''


    After their conversation, the three girls continued talking under the glow of the twin moons overhead. They drifted off to sleep one by one, leaving the room in silence. Yet, someone remained awake.


    "Lilith," Atlas murmured, his voice tinged with amusement, causing her body to tremble with excitement.


    She leaned in closer, her affection evident as she continued showering him with gentle licks. Atlas couldn''t help but smile wider, and he playfully nipped at her, eliciting adorable noises of delight from the honey badger.

 Chapter 46 - 46: Shaytan al-Kharab

    [Shaytan al-Kharab - Devil of Ruin]


    ***


    Atlas continued paying Lilith attention before picking her up and hugging her, saying, "Thank you for helping me when the Wolf Spider attacked me."


    Lilith chirped adorably, almost as if she were telling him not to worry about it. After that, he glanced around the room, drawing attention to a balcony door. He crossed the room and stepped outside to get some fresh air.


    When he was on the balcony, the cold air brushed against his skin, causing him to shiver, but Lilith climbed onto his shoulders and wrapped herself around his neck before licking his cheek to keep him warm.


    Following that, Atlas looked out over the city bordering the Darkheart Jungle, which was strange to him as the treeline was only a mile away, and it was a nightmare there. While doing this, he spotted hundreds of torches dotting the grassland outside the walls.


    Atlas saw people rushing around like ants as they harvested the monster''s bodies. He sat down and got comfortable while wrapping the cloak around them both, who was now curled into a ball in his arms.


    While doing that, Atlas checked his status as he killed a few spiders on their run to the city.


    [Level Up: 36¡ú37]


    [Experience: 550/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 600]


    [Health: 266¡ú270]


    [Stamina: 244¡ú248]


    [Core Points: 16750¡ú17200]


    [Core Points Gained: 450]


    ''Nice, I leveled up,'' he thought, stroking a happy Lilith.


    While doing that, Atlas fell asleep. The roof above kept most of the wind out while his cloak blocked the rest. As the two slept, the world outside fell to chaos as the Achaemenid Empire marched north.


    The Wildheart Kingdom to the south was their first stop, but they weren''t alone in the sudden war. The empires and kingdoms of Astoria answered their call for help and sent armies south to halt the Achaemenidian advance.


    As this happened, the realm they were currently in was fighting the Argonians alongside the Moonharians. The following morning, Atlas woke up to shouting and screaming from the street below, which caused him to jump to his feet.


    He rushed to the balcony to see a column of soldiers marching toward the northern gate and the bridge crossing to the mainland. While watching that, Artemis and Amethyst walked out with radiant smiles once they spotted him.


    The Phoenix girl rushed forward and hugged him tight. ''''It''s so good to see you, Azhar''Zul,'''' she said, burying her head into his chest while continuing. ''''I''ve missed you.''''


    Atlas smiled before replying, ''''I''ve also missed my Pigeon.''''


    Amethyst punched him but giggled; once she let go of him, Artemis hugged him, though this one was more platonic. The three sat down as he recounted everything, from the Wild Humans to the Titans, which amazed the two girls.


    As the sun began to rise, lighting up the world, Artemis said, "We should get you signed up at the guild. I took Amethyst there yesterday before the Monster Wave appeared."


    Atlas nodded. "That sounds good to me. Is Grishna still asleep?" he asked with a smile.


    The two girls nodded as Amethyst commented while watching the marching soldiers below, ''''What will we do about the war? What if we get dragged into it?''''


    ''''I doubt we will. The army usually ignores adventurers due to the income they bring in, but that won''t stop rouge bands of mercenaries that roam the land,'''' Artemis replied. ''''If that''s the case, then we must fight.''''


    Amethyst nodded determinedly, and Atlas smiled as the three entered the room. Spotting Grishna curled up in bed brought a smile to his face, and he carefully relocated the sleeping Lilith to another bed before heading to breakfast.


    After ensuring Lilith was comfortable, Atlas departed the room with Artemis and Amethyst and went to the dining hall together. When they walked downstairs, an older woman smiled and warmly greeted them, ''''My darlings! Do you want some breakfast?''''


    Artemis nodded with a smile of her own, ''''Yes, Sue. Can we have the special?'''' S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Of course,'''' Sue said before her gaze met Atlas, causing her smile to grow as she teased the purple-haired girl. ''''Is this little Amethyst''s lover?''''


    The phoenix girl''s face reddened, causing the other two to laugh as Artemis guided them to a free table, causing Sue to laugh as she walked back to the kitchen; they sat down as he questioned, ''''What''s the special?''''


    ''An English Breakfast! Who knew they had those here,'' he thought, excitement building.


    The trio waited eagerly for their food, but a loud bang suddenly caught their attention. Atlas heard hurried footsteps descending the stairs and couldn''t help but laugh when Lilith appeared at the bottom, surveying the dining hall.


    Spotting Atlas, she dashed over and climbed into his lap, curling up contentedly. The unexpected sight amused the two girls, who burst into laughter along with others in the hall, amused by the monster''s antics.


    Amethyst''s laughter subsided as she asked, "How did you two meet?"


    He smiled while stroking Lilith''s soft fur before recounting the story of them fighting and helping each other, which earned him a bite, causing him to boop the honey-badger on her head.


    They continued to talk for ten minutes until a young man brought out two plates, followed by Sue carrying the last three mugs. The two placed everything on the table as the older woman commented, ''''That will be 6 silver, my darlings. It would be 12, but I''ll do a discount because I like you both.''''


    Artemis smiled before handing over the coins and tucking into her food. Atlas noticed the young man staring at the brown-haired girl, who was ignoring him while eating some of her eggs.


    He smiled briefly before turning his attention to his plate, which was piled high with sausages, bacon, and some unfamiliar meats, accompanied by beans and mushrooms. Atlas took a moment to admire the spread before diving into his meal.


    As soon as the food touched his tongue, his stomach growled audibly, eliciting laughter from Artemis and Amethyst. Ignoring their amusement, Atlas ate with the voracity of someone who hadn''t eaten in days.


    Recognizing his hunger, the girls ordered more food. Before Artemis could settle the bill, Atlas placed four silver coins on the table while eating some bacon as the two girls spoke to each other.


    He took some meat and fed Lilith, who happily ate it. Atlas finished his food just as the girls expressed their desire to go wash, which he also wanted to do. The three of them walked upstairs and separated into the proper bathrooms.


    When Atlas entered, he initially thought he had walked into a gym''s shower room, with stalls lining the walls. With a shrug, he entered one, stripped off, and had a shower, which made him feel much better.


    ''Ahhh, after washing off all the dirt and blood, I feel fresh,'' he mused.


    Atlas spent ten minutes in the shower, then retrieved a shirt and pants from his storage. After dressing, he stepped into the corridor. Finding that the three girls weren''t ready, he knocked on the female bathroom door and told them he was going for a walk.


    They nodded in agreement, cautioning him not to stir up trouble. Atlas chuckled as he exited the inn, the chill of the morning streets hitting him, with Lilith following closely behind. He glanced up and down the quiet street and observed only a handful of early risers.


    Strolling towards the city center, Atlas admired the architecture around him. The buildings were constructed from dark grey stone blocks interwoven with jungle wood, evoking a medieval charm.


    The district''s cobblestone streets wound past shops that seemed plucked from a fantasy tale. As Atlas walked, Lilith leaped onto him and climbed to his shoulders; she got comfortable as he searched for a spellbook shop.


    Unable to find anything, Atlas approached one of the city guards standing on the corner. "Excuse me," he said. "Where can I buy a spellbook?"


    The guard looked down at him and replied, "End of the street on the left, boy."


    Atlas thanked the man and followed his directions. Soon, he spotted a shop on the corner that exuded an aura of magic, surprising him. Above the door, he read the sign that declared, ''Spellbound Treasures.''


    Atlas stepped into the shop and noticed several people already browsing the spells. He began scanning the shelves, but nothing caught his attention. The only spell he recognized was Fireball, but his interest lay in mastering Void magic.


    After ten minutes of fruitless searching, Atlas grew frustrated until a voice spoke from behind him, "Can''t you find anything, young devil?"


    Startled, Atlas whirled around to face an old man with a large white beard and a bald head. The stranger, clad in black mage robes, radiated an aura of intelligence and wisdom as he swiftly positioned himself beside Atlas.


    "I know who you are. There''s no mistaking the Voidwalker: pale white skin, glowing blue eyes, and hair as white as the clouds above," the old man remarked. "And then there''s your eerie affinity. It feels like nothingness surrounds you and makes you its home."


    Atlas looked at the stranger with narrowed eyes before responding, ''''Do you tend to approach young boys acting all creepy? You don''t have a white van outside?''''


    As he said that, Lilith woke up and observed the old man whose eyes bulged as he exclaimed, ''''A Jungle Devil!'''' he stepped back as his face paled. ''''You are the Shaytan al-Kharab.''''


    ''What is this crazy old man talking about,'' Atlas mused before asking, ''''Well, we''ve already established that old man. Now, do you know where I can buy void spells?''''

 Chapter 47 - 47: You Little Shit

    Atlas watched the old man gulp before speaking, ''''There''s a shop on the border of the slums in the southern part of the city that has one for sale, Shaytan al-Kharab. Now I''ve helped you. Will you not bring ruin to Setoria as my family lives here.''''


    ''''Stop being overdramatic; I won''t destroy anything,'''' he replied before leaving the shop.


    Once outside, Atlas looked at Lilith and said, ''''I come to this world as Luxia''s champion but also the devil. This is going to get annoying, girl.''''


    Lilith chirped cutely and licked his cheek, eliciting a smile from him. After that, Atlas headed south, walking for twenty minutes until he finally spotted the shop in a gloomy alley. He shrugged and entered, making his way towards the shop.


    That was when he was intercepted by two men wearing menacing grins who looked down at him. ''The city robber troupe, I wonder what else will happen?''


    The two of them were your stereotypical slum dwellers in tattered clothing, filthy skins, and a haunted look in their eyes. Before he could react, Lilith launched herself at the tallest man, tearing his face apart with her razor-sharp claws.


    The second robber, shocked by the sudden attack, was swiftly brought to the ground as Atlas sliced through his ankles using his dagger. Once the man was down, he thrust his blade through his throat, causing the man to gargle as blood spilled from his mouth.


    ''No wonder people get addicted to this,'' he mused while pulling his blade from the man''s throat.


    When Atlas saw this, a shiver ran through him as he became used to killing. This feeling was different, but a sudden jolt brought him back. Turning to Lilith, he smiled, "Sorry, Lily. It felt right killing him, and the experience felt nice."


    The little monster looked into his eyes and shook her head. Confusion washed over Atlas, prompting him to scoop her up and enter the shop, leaving the bodies bleeding in the alleyway.


    As he stepped inside, an old, musky smell assaulted his nose, causing him to recoil. That''s when a woman''s raspy voice was heard, ''''Shaytan al-Kharab, what brings the Devil of Ruin to my store?''''


    ''Do I have a damn arrow over my head announcing my many names!'' Atlas thought.


    ''''I want to buy the void spell you''re selling,'''' he responded.


    ''''Oh, so the Shaytan al-Kharab is also the famous Voidwalker, interesting,'''' a middle-aged woman stepped out.


    Her long grey hair hung like wisps of smoke, framing a face etched with lines of suffering and eyes burning with a furious red glare. As Atlas laid eyes on her, a chill crept down his spine, his gaze widening in dread realization. ''She looks like a witch!''


    ''''The old man seemed to know I''m both,'''' he responded. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Old Rowan isn''t mistaken, young devil. You bear all the hallmarks of the Voidwalker, nearly forgotten by Valoria save for those of us who delve into ancient histories," she divulged, approaching him with two dusty books.


    As she arrived at a nearby table, the witch introduced herself, "I am Zarina. I will offer you these spellbooks for 2 gold each, as only you can use it as the Void affinity is ancient magic, but I implore you, when returning to the Everglade kingdom in the future, forgo bringing ruin to this city."


    He nodded at the woman and then took 4 gold coins from his storage, handing them to Zarina. She thanked him as she passed over the books. Atlas wiped the covers to read the spells, "Voidfire Blast and Void Step."


    ''These are good spells, but I can only use one,'' he thought. ''What one do I choose?''


    Atlas shrugged before putting them in his Dimension Storage before thanking Zarina, ''''Thank you for the deal on the spells.''''


    She nodded. "You''re welcome, Shaytan al-Kharab. May your travels spare other lands from ruin."


    When Atlas heard that, he rolled his eyes and left the store, only to see a dozen city guards standing around the robber''s body. He was about to leave, but Lilith growled, causing the men to turn around.


    Everyone saw him covered in the man''s blood and instantly knew they had their suspect as he tried to cover the stains with a fake smile. But when Atlas realized it wasn''t working, he gulped and spoke, ''''They tried to rob me while I was visiting this store to buy some spells; I had the right to kill them.''''


    The guards looked shocked while looking down at him. An older man stepped forward and spoke sternly, ''''You will come to the barracks with us while we investigate the crime. It is Everglade law regardless of age or race, boy.''''


    Atlas sighed and turned to Lilith. "Cause chaos, my demoness. We need to escape."


    The little monster growled and lunged at the older man, tearing into him. The others reacted by drawing their weapons, but Atlas cast Void Bullets at them, causing the sword to fly out of their hands.


    Explosions echoed as the beautiful azure projectiles struck the guards before they could move toward him. Following that, Atlas started running as he shouted to the honey badger, "Lily! On me now, girl!"


    Lilith ceased her attack on the guards and sprinted after Atlas, leaping onto his back as they raced through the streets of Setoria toward the inn where the girls were staying. As they reached the square, he encountered a row of guards blocking their path.


    Without hesitation, Atlas cast a dozen Void Bullets, which struck the guards'' shields and sent them flying as explosions caused chaos, clearing a path for him to dash through. As he crossed their lines, one guard attempted to grab him.


    Atlas dodged the man''s grasp, slicing him with his blade before casting a Void Bullet into the guard''s face. Afterward, he rushed toward the inn and crashed through the door before seeing two soldiers chatting to Sue.


    He knew they were stronger than him, but he had Lilith, who lunged at one. This distracted them, allowing Atlas to close in, and he slipped his dagger through the other guard''s armor and stabbed into the man''s flesh.


    This caused the man to go into shock as the angry honey badger annihilated the first guard. As this was happening, Artemis and Grishna rushed downstairs. When the orc girl saw him fighting the guards, she rushed forward while taking out her spear.


    She killed both of them while plunging her weapon through their hearts as Artemis demanded, ''''You little shit! What''s happened?''''


    ''''No time! The guards are after me; we must escape the city,'''' Atlas said while catching his breath.


    The two older girls looked at him with anger shimmering in their eyes, but that''s when Amethyst came down and informed the group, ''''There are hundreds of soldiers heading in our direction.''''


    When Grishna heard this, she nodded, ''''Artemis, you take the rear; I''ll cover the front while the children go in the middle.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' Artemis answered while taking out her sword.


    Following that, the group rushed out of the inn and made their way to the city wall after Grishna said she had a plan. While running, Atlas spotted more soldiers ahead, which the orc girl dealt with by casting a spell and throwing a metal marble at the enemy.


    A deafening shrill noise erupted when it hit, causing the soldiers to stumble. This allowed Grishna and Artemis to take them down easily. The group soon reached the northern gate but noticed they were almost surrounded.


    Artemis pointed her sword at the top of the wall as she spoke, ''''Get to the top. I''ll take Grishna,'''' she said before looking at Amethyst. ''''You take Atlas and Lilith. We will meet at the Everglade.''''


    The phoenix girl nodded with a determined smile as they rushed toward the stairs. Grishna cleared it from the city guards who tried capturing them. Once the group reached the top, they saw a long drop to the rough waves below.


    Atlas hesitated momentarily, then Artemis grabbed the orc girl and leaped off while casting Gaia''s Glide. This spell formed a sloping path of earth that connected smoothly with the cliffside.


    He watched as she slid down the side of the cliff, landing near a distant bridge and making it look easy. Afterward, Atlas turned toward Amethyst, but he spotted a spell hurtling toward them before he could react.


    Quickly, Atlas shoved the phoenix girl aside and invoked Void Guard, but the spell hit him, propelling him off the wall. He plummeted towards the sea below, clutching Lilith tightly. As the wind rushed past, a scream pierced the air.


    Suddenly, he felt someone catch him, the force causing both of them to grunt as they continued to fall. Atlas saw Amethyst struggling to regain control, and after a tense moment, she managed to stabilize their descent.


    She flapped her wings before ascending to the bridge where Artemis and Grishna were waiting. When the two saw them, they cheered as the phoenix girl reached the ledge and collapsed due to exhaustion.


    Artemis took out a green potion and gave it to Amethyst while Grishna rushed over to him, ''''Are you okay, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar?''''


    ''''Yes. Let''s get going before the city guards catch up,'''' Atlas said while standing up.


    The group dashed across the bridge, and the train tracks ran alongside. When Atlas saw this, he was confused but ignored it as a horn rang out from behind them, causing him to spin around as soldiers rushed toward them.


    He smiled before pointing his hand at the bridge and spamming Void Arrows and Bullets that hit the stone, causing a massive explosion that destroyed at least ten meters of bridge and track, allowing them to escape.

 Chapter 48 - 48: The Chosen Messiah

    Atlas and the girls dashed across the stone bridge but were abruptly attacked as arrows and spells flew at them. Perplexed, he questioned the situation, only for Artemis to explain, "It''s the Bigonia town guard¡ªthey''re Evergladians, so they would attack us as we''re the enemy."


    Understanding the threat, Artemis took the lead after speaking, casting an Earth Spike to shield their advance. As they sprinted forward, Atlas spotted guards on the town walls and unleashed Void Bullets, causing explosions that sent them reeling.


    Drawing nearer, Artemis wielded her sling, peppering the defenders with mana bullets that caused chaos when they hit their target, while Amethyst unleashed Cosmic Blast to clear their path toward the town.


    Grishna used Ironclad to block most of the spells coming their way before casting Razorwind Blades at the defenders. The guards were wiped out within moments as the spells washed over them.


    As the orc girl approached the gate blocking their path, she swiftly cast Earth Bolt several times while Atlas sent twenty Void Arrows toward it simultaneously. The combined force shattered the entrance.


    Debris scattered in all directions, sparking chaos and panic within the town. The group rushed into the town while Grishna and Artemis took the brunt of the attacks, but Atlas and Amethyst started casting spells as he darted through the entrance, stabbing guards whenever he got the chance.


    Once the enemies dropped to the ground, he stabbed them through the hole in their helmets while casting Void Bullets at the reinforcement. Following that small battle, they rushed through the city only to see a bright light coming from a nearby train.


    Atlas halted abruptly, a sudden compulsion urging him to aid the besieged townspeople. Sensing his intention, Artemis attempted to pull him away, but he broke free and sprinted towards the train. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As they ran, Grishna relayed, "The tracks lead to the Twilight Forest. We can hide there."


    Approaching the train stations, they witnessed a fierce battle unfolding¡ªa group of women bravely fighting off hundreds of Evergladian soldiers. Seeing their plight, Atlas charged towards the station with his dagger drawn.


    Spotting him, a man and woman lunged forward. Atlas deftly sidestepped, driving his dagger into the large man''s thigh. Simultaneously, he unleashed a Void Arrow at the female''s face, eliciting a pained scream.


    The girls collided with the enemy soldiers while battling toward the train, as Archer wielded his dagger and magic to attack their foes.


    ***


    [Estelle Argonia''s POV]


    Estelle and the Battle Sisters had to disembark at the town of Bigonia because the war was breaking out. While in their cabin, Maria rushed in and, panicked, said, ''''My Lady. The Evergladian passengers know your identity and are trying to force their way in.''''


    ''People are stupid. I have nothing to do with Father''s invasion, but thanks to being an Argonian Princess, they would target me.''


    She shook her head, growing concerned, but nodded before walking out, only to see the Battle Sisters blocking the entrance. Estelle took out her beautiful silver shield while approaching her friends. ''''Stand back, ladies. I will block their approach,'''' she said.


    The women stepped aside as Estelle''s shield grew as big as a door. Then, she slammed it into the floor, and the passengers broke through. She didn''t give them a chance and used Shield Bash to send them flying back as she took out her sword.


    Without mercy, Estelle struck out and cleaved an Evergladian fighter in half with a powerful swing. When the people behind the man she just killed become furious and charge forward again.


    Estelle stood firm as the Battle Sisters used their weapons to attack the enemy from above, using her shield as cover. She realized they would soon be overwhelmed if they didn''t get off the train.


    ''''Maria! Find a way off the train,'''' she ordered the older woman who saluted.


    Following that, she cast Solar Slash twice. The searing hot slash easily cut through flesh and metal. Estelle moved forward while using Shield Bash to keep the Everglades at bay. They moved forward ten feet before Maria shouted, ''''My Lady! We can get out here.''''


    She turned back and saw the other Battle Sisters forcing a door open, but she noticed the azure blue explosion erupting all over Bigonia. ''Is the town under attack?'' Estelle thought while backing up.


    As she scanned the chaotic scene, Estelle noticed a boy effortlessly dispatching two soldiers before boldly charging into the midst of the growing crowd. His azure-colored bullets exploded on impact, stunning her with their power.


    Focusing on the advancing soldiers, Estelle swiftly took action. She used her skill Shield Bash and Ground Pound to weaken their ranks while her Battle Sisters efficiently dealt with any enemies she missed.


    ''This should slow them down,'' she thought after using her two skills.


    Following that, Estelle left the train carriage while the Evergladians surrounded them. Soon, however, the enemy was struck from behind by blue and purple explosions that illuminated the area.


    When Maria saw the boy, her eyes widened in shock as she mumbled, "It''s The Chosen Messiah, My Lady. He''s here!"


    Estelle glanced at the newcomers and saw three girls and a boy attacking the soldiers, but the boy caught her attention. His gorgeous white hair was the color of snow, and she could see his glowing blue eyes.


    That''s when the two groups met up in the middle and stared at each other, but that''s when she heard a familiar voice, ''''We rescued the blonde bitch? Why did the goddess bless me with bad luck, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar.''''


    Her eyes landed on an orc she despised. "Look who it is, the green-skinned menace and lousy adventurer."


    Grishna got angry and started to step forward, but the boy stopped her. "Grish, not now. We have more important things to deal with."


    ''What is she doing with The Chosen Messiah? Why is he traveling with such a savage!'' Estelle internally complained.


    Estelle watched as the orc girl nodded before the boy turned to her. "Let''s get going. We can use the tracks to get out of town. It seems the Evergladians are hunting both our groups."


    Everyone agreed and rushed toward the trains, dealing with any soldiers or town guards who got too close. She watched the boy as he fought like a wild beast, darting in between the enemies while stabbing them.


    ''He''s wild but I like the effort he puts into his attacks,'' Estelle thought.


    She smiled and was thankful for their intervention as they jumped onto the tracks while the Battle Sisters covered their retreat as more soldiers appeared.


    ***


    [Back to Atlas]


    They sprinted across the tracks when the blonde girl caught up with them. Suddenly, an explosion caused the rails to wobble. Atlas turned to see the station, and several tracks erupt in flames.


    ''What are they using? Won''t the Morozovians be angry?'' Atlas pondered but soon stopped as he cast spells at the enemy below.


    He watched as the knights accompanying Estelle fell to the ground below. One older woman locked eyes with him before she dropped, calling out, "Look after the princess, The Chosen Messiah. Get her back to the Argonia Kingdom, we will meet you there."


    She landed just outside the town walls, surrounded by Evergladian town guards. Along with the other girls, Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets and spells, clearing a path through the enemy.


    The women fought forward, and Artemis urged everyone to keep running, but Atlas noticed the blonde girl wasn''t moving and kept her eyes on the four below as they escaped the enemy.


    Atlas hurried over, seizing her arm urgently. "Come on, they''ve gotten away. We need to move, or we''ll be cornered."


    She met his gaze, nodding solemnly, her French accent distinct as she replied, "Okay,The Chosen Messiah. Lead the way."


    After rushing along the train tracks, the group reached a hill and swiftly descended. As Atlas skidded down, he caught sight of distant mountains encircled by an expansive forest.


    The forest lay miles away, a daunting distance ahead of them. Upon landing, Grishna''s urgent command echoed, "Run to the forest! They''re sending riders after us."


    With those words, the group sprinted across the picturesque grassland, scattered with rolling hills in every direction. Atlas spotted several villages they avoided as Grishna and Artemis led the way.


    It took them more than an hour to approach the forest, but as they neared the treeline, a barrage of spells erupted around them. Atlas spun around and spotted approximately a hundred knights on horseback closing in.


    They were covered in shining silver armor that covered their whole body and was trimmed with red accents. Atlas raised his hands, unleashing dozens of Void Bullets and Arrows that streaked through the air.


    The azure projectiles struck the enemy, but their advance continued unabated. Suddenly, a rider surged forward, charging directly at him. Atlas attempted to evade, but the knight cast a spell that immobilized him on the spot.


    Atlas felt a surge of panic as the knight bore down on him. As he prepared to evade, the blonde girl appeared, chanting something. Her shield expanded as she drove it into the ground, thrusting her sword forward in a decisive motion.


    The knight and his mount collided with the shield, eliciting a grunt from her, yet to Atlas''s astonishment, she held her ground without struggling. Because of her action, the enemy soared over the shield and crashed nearby.


    Turning to Atlas with a serene smile, she extended her hand, saying, "Come, We must make our escape."

 Chapter 49 - 49: So Righteous And Holy

    Atlas seized her hand, feeling reassured by her presence as she pulled him to his feet. Grishna killed the knight in the chaos with a stab to the neck. Together, they sprinted into the looming forest, leaving their pursuers behind in a blur of foliage and fading echoes.


    Once they hit the forest, the land changed, and the canopy above blocked out most of the sunlight. Atlas looked around while they dashed through the trees but soon noticed Lilith chirping.


    She worriedly glanced to the north. ''''Don''t worry, girl, we will only stay here for a while,'''' he reassured the worried honey badger.


    The group ran for another twenty minutes until Grishna called out, urging them to stop running as they reached a small clearing. When Atlas finally stopped, he fell to the grass and breathed heavily.


    Artemis and Amethyst looked at him and laughed while Grishna approached with an annoyed expression, ''''Why did you cause trouble, boy? Are you an idiot? We needed to sign you up as an adventurer so we could take some quests.''''


    When Grishna said this, Lilith lunged at her, but Atlas caught the angry honey badger, which shocked the surrounding girls. But he ignored their reactions and quickly spoke to calm the little monster down, ''''Don''t worry about it, Lily. She is right, after all. I was the one who attacked the guards first.''''


    Atlas stood up, catching his breath, before explaining what had happened when the two men attempted to rob him and how he had responded by taking their lives¡ªan action that shocked most of the girls present.


    Most nodded in understanding, processing the gravity of the situation. However, Estelle spoke next, her French accent coloring her words. "You did the right thing, Atlas," she affirmed firmly. "They were scum for trying to rob a child. Grishna, you know this is true."


    Grishna turned sharply towards the blonde girl and snapped, "Of course you would think that, Estelle. You Argonians think you''re so righteous and holy."


    "We follow Lady Sol on the Path," Estelle retorted firmly. ''''I admit Father is a zealot when it comes to our lady, but most knights of Argonia just want to help the commoners.''''


    The orc girl visibly seethed angrily, but Atlas stepped in before the tension escalated. "It seems you two know each other well."


    Estelle nodded in acknowledgment. "I''m close friends with the Bloodfang Princess and Draga''s best friend, who happens to be Grishna''s big sister."


    ''''Yes, you may be friends with them, but that doesn''t change the fact that you''re an uptight bitch who thinks she''s right all the time,'''' Grishna responded.


    "You can continue calling me names, but it was you who failed the Brokentooth Family. Everyone in the academy knows it," Estelle shot back sharply. "Even Draga acknowledges that you let down your siblings."


    Atlas noticed Grishna''s growing anger and stepped forward, speaking with firm resolve, "Don''t insult her, Estelle. She''s a formidable warrior, and I''ve seen it firsthand. I don''t know what standards the orcs have, but if they aren''t satisfied with her, then they don''t deserve to have her."


    Turning to Grishna, who looked at him with wide green eyes, Atlas continued, "I would gladly have her by my side during a battle. If you have a problem with that, you''re free to leave. We rescued you from the Evergladians, but I won''t tolerate insults toward her."


    Afterward, Atlas strode deeper into the forest, with Lilith trotting faithfully at his heels, leaving the others behind. As he distanced himself enough, he scanned for a secluded spot to unwind.


    Spotting a fallen tree, Atlas climbed atop it and settled in, finding a comfortable position to rest while scanning the surroundings before checking his status.


    [Level Up: 37¡ú39]


    [Experience: 790/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2240]


    [Health: 270¡ú274]


    [Mana: 1150¡ú1180]


    [Strength: 242¡ú248]


    [Stamina: 248¡ú260]


    [Charisma: 304¡ú308]


    [Intelligence: 240¡ú246] S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Core Points: 17200¡ú19200]


    [Core Points Gained: 2000]


    [Void Arrow: 1¡ú2]


    [Dagger Mastery: 1¡ú2]


    Atlas was pleased with his small gains, but a rustle to his left caused him to take out his dagger, only to see Grishna standing there. The orc girl smiled at him, ''''Thank you for defending me, Azhar''Zul.''''


    ''''You''re welcome, Grish,'''' he replied as she climbed up the tree and sat beside him.


    The two sat silently as Lilith jumped down, chirping, causing Atlas to reply, ''''Be careful, Lily. We don''t know what monsters are out here.''''


    Lilith''s confident noise elicited laughter from Atlas and Grishna as the honey badger marched into the tree line. Once the spirited creature was out of earshot, Atlas turned to Grishna with a curious expression.


    "What did she mean by letting down your family?" he asked.


    Grishna''s demeanor shifted slightly as she looked down and sighed before responding, "In the Brokentooth family, we are renowned Warrior Shamans. It''s our birthright. My siblings all inherited spirit affinities, but I was born with earth and metal affinities, which are considered taboo."


    "Why though?" Atlas remarked. "I''ve seen what you can do, and it''s amazing, especially those little metal things you use that screech like an angry woman."


    The orc girl chuckled softly at his question before responding, "There existed a formidable tribe among orcs known as the Earthsong Tribe," she began. They sparked a hundred-year war that reduced our people to mere pawns in the hands of the Thalassians and other nations."


    That''s when she looked down and avoided eye contact. ''''Like me, they wielded earth and metal, but their mastery was unparalleled. They could devastate armies and reduce cities to rubble with a single spell.''''


    He felt sorry for Grishna, who would have been shunned due to her affinities in orc society. When Atlas saw the depressed look on her face, he spoke, ''''Well, I think you''re amazing, Grish. Does it matter what anyone thinks? You know your strength and can prove them wrong.''''


    The orc girl looked at him and replied in a quiet voice, ''''You''re not scared I''d cause problems for you?''''


    Atlas chuckled, "The Evergladians dubbed me Shaytan al-Kharab, the Devil of Ruin. I imagine other nations have their own versions," he mused. "Then there''s Amethyst and Artemis, who insist on calling me the one who points the way in their own peculiar fashion. It''s always been a bit puzzling to me."


    Grishna burst into laughter and suddenly hugged Atlas, her voice warm and earnest. "There are many legends about you, my Azhar''Zul, but I know you''re not a devil or a demon who brings ruin. You''re just a boy who wants to explore the world and be loved."


    Atlas felt his cheeks flush, but Grishna paid it no mind and pressed on. "I''ve noticed how you look at Amethyst. Even though you''ve only known her for a short time, I can tell you''d do anything for that bird girl."


    His voice trembled with a raw ache as he nodded, his words heavy with the weight of abandonment. "I''ve spent most of my life alone. My mother left me at an orphanage, promising she''d come back, but she never did. I think she found a new family and just... forgot about me."


    Every word carried a shattered hope that echoed through the stillness of the forest, laying bare the loneliness etched deep into his soul. Grishna tightened her hug and spoke, ''''You can talk to me, Azhar''Zul.''''


    "I don''t understand why none of the parents adopted me," Atlas mumbled, his voice tinged with lingering hurt. "I was never lazy always helped the other children and adults, but I was always ignored. All I wanted was a family, like the children outside the orphanage I used to see walking to school."


    Grishna released her hold on him and spoke earnestly, "I think maybe the reason you weren''t adopted is because it brought you here. You already have Amethyst, and I''m sure you''ll meet many more ladies who will be happy to love you."


    When Atlas heard that, he smiled before teasing her, "Does that include a certain orc girl?"


    She laughed before gently pushing him away, "You cheeky devil. But who knows what the future holds? I may fall in love with you once you grow up, or we may remain comrades. Fate is mysterious, Azhar''Zul."


    After their conversation, Grishna descended from the tree and returned to where the other girls waited. "Come back when you''re ready," she called to Atlas. "Artemis is preparing some meat, and we all need to eat before we travel north."


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment. "I''ll join you shortly. I''m just going to find Lilith first."


    Grishna smiled warmly before departing, leaving Atlas alone in the clearing. He leaped down from the tree with a soft thud and set off in the direction Lilith had scampered off to, determined to locate the honey badger.


    He held his dagger and readied Void Bullet while stepping through the thick foliage, down trees and bushes bigger than himself. Atlas continued trekking until he heard a battle that caught his interest.


    As Atlas approached, he spotted Lilith in a fight with three Wild Orcs attempting to capture her. Despite their efforts, the badger''s agility prevented them from seizing her. When nearing them, he used Void Sight to scan the monsters.


    [Wild Orc]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''Not too bad,'' he mused with a wicked smile. ''I can surprise them and get the upperhand.''


    With a solid plan, Atlas burst out from behind the bush, catching the monsters off guard as his Void Bullets slammed into them, causing the creatures to stagger back in shock at the sudden attack.

 Chapter 50 - 50: Estelle Argonia

    Quick and agile, Atlas closed the distance, dagger in hand, before slicing through the tendons of a Wild Orc, sending it crashing to the ground. Witnessing him joining the fight, Lilith lunged at another creature, tearing into its face with ferocity.


    As the last remaining monster swung its wooden club at him, Atlas dodged the attack. In a fluid motion, he leaped forward, driving his blade deep into the creature''s chest. He cast a Void Bullet through the weapon with a surge of power.


    The Wild Orc was burned from the inside out, causing it to bellow in agony, but it dropped dead. Atlas jumped off the monster''s corpse and looked for Lilith, who suddenly appeared covered in blood while carrying an orange Monster Core in her maw.


    Atlas chuckled at the sight, causing her to drop the orange orb at his feet. He bent down to grab it just as Lilith moved to get the other two cores from the other two bodies. Her claws made quick work of the orc hides.


    Soon, the honey badger brought two more to Atlas, who stored them away. After that, he got an idea and told Lilith, ''''We can cut off some of the orc meat. I bet it tastes nice.''''


    The tiny creature nodded, and Atlas began slicing meat from the carcass, storing it in his Dimensional Storage. Afterward, they returned to camp, with Lilith lazily perching on his shoulders.


    Atlas smiled, shaking his head at her blood-stained state. It took only five minutes for the delicious aroma of cooking meat to reach them, prompting him to quicken his pace. When the four girls saw them, their eyes widened.


    Grishna leaped up. "Why are both of you covered in fresh blood?"


    Atlas glanced at his clothes and realized only then that some of the orc''s blood had splattered on him. His gulp caught her attention as he looked from Grishna to the stains and didn''t know how she''d react.


    Approaching with narrowed eyes, the orc girl questioned, "What did you kill? I left you twenty minutes ago, Atlas."


    "Um, Lilith was fighting some Wild Orcs, and we took care of them," he explained.


    Grishna beamed, "Great! Did you manage to grab some of their meat? It''s perfect with a Dwarven Roll."


    Atlas stared at her in disbelief, which immediately caught her attention. She grinned mischievously, "Did you think I''d be offended just because they share my name?"


    He nodded sheepishly, prompting laughter from the other girls. Artemis said, "Atlas, Wild Orcs aren''t like Grish here, an evolved Orc with shared ancestors. They''re from a different branch that evolved to be more humanoid as mana seeped into their very souls, as you can see."


    "Are they really that different?" Atlas asked.


    "Yes, so don''t worry about killing my cousins Grak''Thar Gromog''ar," Grishna commented before taking a seat.


    Atlas joined them when Amethyst patted the seat next to her. Lilith leaped off him and hurried toward the fire to get comfortable as he settled down. When he did, Estelle said, "If I may, I''d like to stay with you, Le Messie ¨¦lu, but I won''t be friends with this disgraced orc. That''s a deal-breaker for me."


    He was about to respond when the orc girl interrupted, "Oh, I feel the same way about you, blonde bitch. The only reason we''re not fighting is because Grak''Thar Gromog''ar needs our help to grow stronger," she said with a smile that annoyed Estelle.


    "Enough, both of you!" Artemis cautioned, her tone firm. "We can''t afford to argue while escaping the Everglade Kingdom."


    Estelle huffed audibly while Grishna shot a mischievous smile at the blonde knight. Meanwhile, Amethyst announced, "The food is ready."


    Artemis swiftly turned her attention to the meat, deftly removing it from the skewer. She precisely cut the cooked meat into five portions and gave a piece to each of them. Atlas thanked the brunette before eating.


    While doing that, he rechecked his status.


    [Level Up: 39¡ú40]


    [Experience: 190/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 400]


    [Core Points: 19200¡ú19500]


    [Core Points Gained: 300]


    As the group ate, Estelle spoke, ''''If we can reach the Argonia border, the Evergladians won''t chase us like Big Brother''s armies marching south.''''


    Everyone looked at her, but Amethyst questioned, ''''If you knew this was going to happen, then why come here?''''


    Estelle smiled before revealing, ''''My friends are from a church set up to follow the Le Messie ¨¦lu, but they are also tied to the Argonian Royal Family due to my father marrying the head priestess who leads the Church of the Messiah.''''


    Once the blonde girl finished speaking, she mumbled an Argonian prayer, ''''The one who points the way will lead us to paradise.''''


    Atlas and the girls were confused, but he recognized the language as French. He shook his head and asked, ''''So what does this have to do with me?''''


    Estelle smiled before eating some of the meat. As she swallowed the mouthful, she explained, ''''In Argonia, there are two religions: the Church of the Messiah, who worship you, and the Zarathrulians, who worship the God of Darkness known as Zarathrul. They hate the Le Messie ¨¦lu, who they believe is the doom of Argonia.''''


    Everyone listened intently as Estelle continued, "But Le Messie ¨¦lu is the bringer of Sol''s light, while Zarathrul''s champion is the Evil One. He is destined to cover the world in blood and ignite a holy war that will kill millions."


    Once she finished speaking, Atlas asked with a curious tone, "What if I''m not messiah but the opposite? What would you do then, Estelle Argonia?"


    The blonde paused and replied, "I honestly don''t know. But I don''t believe you are the Evil One. Someone from the darkness wouldn''t have helped me, but you did."


    Atlas nodded thoughtfully. "Only time will tell who I truly am. For now, let''s focus on eating and getting our strength back before we move on." Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The group continued to eat while Grishna and Artemis set up traps to keep them safe as the sun began to set. Estelle and Amethyst started collecting firewood, and Atlas took out the spell books he had gotten from Zarina.


    While examining them, he realized Voidfire Blast was a Level 2 spell, which he couldn''t learn until he ranked up. So, he decided to focus on Void Step and started reading.


    A notification popped up as the sun vanished, and the two moons shone overhead.


    [Void Step Learned]


    [Alert: No more spells can be learned until you reach Apprentice]


    Atlas smiled at his accomplishment but couldn''t resist the urge to test out the new spell. He looked in Artemis''s direction as she set up a trap between two trees. Without wasting any more time, he cast Void Step.


    Instantly, Atlas vanished from his spot and reappeared a few meters away from the brunette. Artemis, startled, spun around with her sword at the ready. He was dizzy and wobbled slightly but quickly cast Void Step again.


    This time, he disappeared in a blur. Artemis caught off guard and attempted to dodge, but before she could react, Atlas reappeared above her. Despite her efforts to evade, it was too late.


    Atlas landed clumsily on top of Artemis, and they both tumbled in a heap, ''''Malakas! What nonsense are you up, Aetos? Get off me,''''


    Now that he paid more attention to her, he noticed her thick Greek accent, which he found irresistible. The freckles on her face and her brown eyes mesmerized him until Artemis bonked him on the head.


    ''''Stop staring at me like that, you little pervert,'''' Artemis said with a giggle.


    Following that, the two of them walked back to the camp after she set the trap, only to see Amethyst sitting on a log while Grishna sharpened her spear, and Estelle tended to the fire as it roared to life.


    Atlas sat down next to Artemis, who looked at him with a knowing smile as she leaned in and whispered, ''''You''re way too young, little Aetos, so get any thoughts of us out of your head until you grow up.''''


    His grin widened even further before he quickly kissed the older girl''s cheek, prompting her to exclaim, "Malakas! Enough of your games, child, or there will be consequences!"


    The other girls glanced at her, causing Grishna to tease Artemis as Atlas settled between her and Amethyst. "It looks like you enjoy his teasing, Arti. Why not admit it?" the orc girl quipped.


    "Shut up, Grish. He''s a scoundrel! I know he will grow up to be a playboy," Artemis shot back, eliciting laughter from the rest.


    Grishna draped an arm around Atlas''s shoulder and proclaimed, staring teasingly at the brunette girl, "Well, if you''re not interested, Arty, I''ll gladly take second place."


    Artemis stiffened, prompting Amethyst to stifle a giggle. The brown-haired girl responded, "You''re third in line, you greedy orc! No cutting!"


    Laughter erupted all around before Atlas whipped out some orc meat. Artemis jumped in to cook, with Estelle lending a hand. While they did this, the others kept watch as Lilith woke up, growling into the darkness.


    While standing there, a twang was heard, but Grishna dodged by leaning back and catching the arrow before exclaiming, ''''Bandits!''''

 Chapter 51 - 51: Respect The Dead

    Atlas and the girls braced themselves as bandits surged out of the darkness, encircling them. Artemis and Estelle''s swordsmanship proved crucial as they engaged in swift combat, dispatching their adversaries.


    Grishna wielded her spear like a master while using Metal Bullets to puncture through bandits with lethal accuracy. Meanwhile, Amethyst provided cover by killing any foes that appeared from the rear.


    Atlas''s excitement surged as he cashed Void Step to teleport behind the assailants. He struck their exposed backs with Void Bullets and Arrows before closing in with his dagger. Dodging any attack sent his way while targeting their legs.


    His attacks brought them down, allowing him to deliver fatal blows to their skulls by driving his blade into them. Atlas looked around and noticed Lilith was fighting two men, causing him to use Void Step again. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas disappeared and appeared behind the men attacking the honey badger. Without thinking, he cast a Void Arrow into one man''s back while plunging his dagger into the side of the second, eliciting a cry of pain as Lilith lunged for the man''s throat.


    Moving quickly, Atlas darted across the battlefield, stabbing with frenzied excitement. He brought down numerous bandits, slashing throats with a grim thrill. However, in a moment of vulnerability after his last attack, he was caught off guard and struck by a war hammer.


    He flew across the battlefield and crashed into a nearby tree with a loud thud before dropping to the ground. Atlas looked up to see the bandit leader approach him with a furious look.


    Atlas gulped down a Health Potion, grimacing as pain shot through his body, but he managed to push himself upright. The bandit leader closed in, swinging his hammer. Atlas locked eyes with a spot behind the man and executed Void Step just as the hammer arced toward him.


    In a blink, Atlas vanished and reappeared behind the bandit leader. With a desperate leap, he clambered onto the man''s broad back, stabbing wildly. Blood sprayed, painting the scene around them crimson.


    Lilith rushed forward, slamming into the back of the leader''s legs, sending the big man crashing to his knees. Atlas continued his relentless assault, driving his dagger home until the bandit slumped lifeless beneath him.


    After the leader fell, the bandits began to crumble. Estelle dispatched several with quick cuts, while Grishna used Silver Shriek to disorient those who remained before stabbing them with her spear.


    Amethyst and Artemis swiftly dealt with the remaining foes, aided by Atlas using magic. Once the battle subsided, the girls hurried towards him, but he waved them off as his Regeneration kicked in, swiftly healing his wounded body.


    He moved about, cutting the coin pouches from the fallen bandits, prompting confusion among the girls. Estelle voiced her concern, "Why are you taking their belongings? The Path teaches us to honor the dead."


    Atlas met her gaze with a narrowed look. "The dead have no use for coins or potions. They would only go to waste if left untouched."


    After gathering every pouch he could find, Atlas walked over to the girls sitting at the fire and started to count the loot, which amounted to 3 gold, 20 silver, and 236 copper coins.


    ''''Why don''t you care about stealing from the dead?'''' Estelle questioned.


    He was about to answer, but Grishna quipped, ''''Those are bandits, Blondie; they don''t deserve the respect.''''


    With a lofty air, Estelle declared, "The Path insists we respect the dead, but let''s face it, those scoundrels don''t deserve any respect in death."


    Grishna, her orcish temper flaring, retorted sharply, "Pipe down, Bitch. Save your lectures for someone who cares."


    Amethyst interjected, trying to keep the peace, "Enough, you two! You''re squabbling like alley cats in enemy territory. Can we focus on not getting skewered?"


    The two older girls nodded in agreement, causing Atlas to laugh. Their narrowed glares directed at him only fueled his amusement as he stood up. "Don''t give me that look," he chuckled, waving them off. "You all are acting like a bunch of feisty cats. Can''t a man catch a break around here?"


    Atlas wandered over to a tree while Artemis shouted, "Shut it, kid! You''re thirteen, not twenty!"


    He glanced back at her, only to be met with laughter from the others. Shrugging it off, Atlas climbed up to a nearby branch. Lilith followed, curling up in his lap before drifting off to sleep.


    The girls soon noticed he was out cold and started settling down. Estelle offered to take the first watch, which the other two agreed to¡ªafter that, the night passed with no problems. The forest came alive around them, but the blonde knight kept them at bay.


    When Atlas woke up and forgot where he was until he saw the sunlight, he remembered everything, causing him to sigh, sit up, and stretch before jumping out of the tree, followed by the energetic Lilith.


    He approached the girls, who were already awake, but quickly noticed something odd. Atlas stopped walking and asked, ''''Where are the bodies?''''


    They looked at each other, but Estelle was the one to answer, ''''The Dark Ones took them.''''


    ***


    [Royal Palace - Evergreen City - Capital of the Everglade Kingdom]


    King Royce Everglade was in his study when a panicked knock rang out, causing him to shout, ''''Stop banding god dammit! Come it.''''


    Following that, the door flew open, and a young man who was his advisor named Marcus entered, speaking, ''''Your Majesty, the Shaytan al-Kharab has been spotted in Setoria City, and reports speak of him aiding the Argonian Princess.''''


    Upon hearing this, Royce felt a deep realization wash over him, recalling his father''s poignant words from his deathbed, ''Do not pursue the devil. Let the creature go and live to see your grandchildren reign over Everglade, my son.''


    Royce fixed his gaze on the young man, his expression resolute. "Set them free! Order the army to halt the pursuit of Shaytan al-Kharab." Drawing out a parchment, he inscribed the decree, pressing his seal firmly into the wax.


    "Let it be known throughout our lands, Marcus," he declared solemnly. "This decree carries the force of the king''s law. In our kingdom of many faiths, I implore all: do not provoke the devil, lest he return leading a formidable army and cover our lands in blood."


    "A wise decision, Your Majesty," Marcus bowed. "Your father''s legacy shines through your actions."


    Once the young man was gone, Royce thought, ''I hope the nobles don''t do something stupid. We won''t be able to survive a wave of Saharaelians washing over my kingdom.''


    He stepped onto his balcony, looked over his capital, and wondered what the future held. That''s when he resolved to bring the Argonians to the table in an alliance to fight against the Shaytan al-Kharab.


    ***


    [Sometime in the future - Secret location in the Everglade Kingdom]


    A group of nobles met secretly to discuss the rumors of the Shaytan al-Kharab''s appearance in our kingdom. They were excited as a woman stood in front of them all and declared, ''''If we can kill the devil while he''s young, he cannot return to Everglade.''''


    ''''I respect and love King Royce, but he doesn''t see the danger that our great noble houses do,'''' the woman riled up the crowd before continuing. ''''The Shaytan al-Kharab will bring ruin on us. With the war taking our sons and daughters to the pirates raiding our coasts, our luck will change if we bring down this devil.''''


    That''s when a man spoke, ''''If he reached the Blue Dune Desert, he will unite those devils and begin the Great Jihad that the Achaemenidians warned us about many moons ago.''''


    Following that, the noble houses of Everglade came together to kill the devil that lurked in their kingdom. Thanks to the war, they couldn''t deploy their armies, but they raised another ten thousand soldiers from the veterans and sent them after the boy.


    The soldiers headed straight for the Twilight Forest, where they reported their last sighting of him. Some nobles followed behind the army and wanted the glory and fame of killing the devil.


    ***


    [Honorhall City - Capital of the Argonia Kingdom]


    King Louis Argonia stood on his balcony watching an army leaving the capital. The second Princess Camille led them. They were ordered to conquer the Moonhare Kingdom''s main island, where their royal family was sheltered.


    His spymaster Andr¨¦ appeared behind him and spoke in a low voice, ''''My Brother. Rumors are spreading like wildfire, claiming the Le Malin has risen and Princess Estelle is traveling with him.''''


    Louis looked at his younger brother. ''''It doesn''t surprise me; her mother is the leader of the L''¨¦glise du Messie, but that won''t stop ¨¦lise from hunting the boy. What do you suggest?''''


    ''''Capture the boy and sell him to the Achaemenidian Slavers,'''' Andr¨¦ replied. ''''Or we can make him an ally of the kingdom if the right terms are offered.''''


    ''''Terms? Speak your mind, brother,'''' Louis said in a frustrated tone.


    ''''If he and little Estelle get on, offer her hand in marriage, and I''m sure the boy will accept, and that will allow us to have a powerful tool at our disposal,'''' Andre suggested, but that''s when the voice of reason interrupted.


    "Don''t try to shackle the Le Messie ¨¦lu. This will only backfire on us," cautioned Isabelle Argonia, the first queen and mother to Estelle. "Let our daughter handle the boy; she has a certain charm about her."


    Louis nodded in agreement, much to the frustration of Andre, who stormed off in a huff, causing the royal couple to shake their heads.

 Chapter 52 - 52: Whats The Third Option

    Atlas looked at the blonde girl confusedly, ''''Dark Ones? What are they?'''' he questioned.


    Estelle looked at the others, but Artemis commented while sharpening her blade, ''''It''s clear he doesn''t know about them; you tell him blondie.''''


    He waited for someone to start speaking, which happened seconds later when Estelle looked at him, ''''Dark Ones are cruel monsters who have infested Valoria; they hunt during the night and tend to stay away from towns and cities, but they do attack small villages,'''' she explained while glancing as the tracks all around their camp.


    Atlas followed her gaze only to shiver when she noticed the claw marks in the ground, which looked like a wild animal had gone crazy and slashed the ground. ''''What do they look like?'''' Amethyst asked as she was listening intently.


    "The monsters are tall and gangly, twisted remnants of what were once humans, now corrupted by the Dark Gods," Estelle said, her voice trembling. "They haunt the deepest shadows of the forests and the blackest corners of the world. Their skin is sickly, ashen gray, stretched taut, making them look even worse.''''


    Atlas noticed the horror in her blue eyes, which remained briefly before it vanished as she continued. ''''Their dark eyes are voids of darkness, soulless and empty. Their teeth... a horrific maw of razor-sharp fangs, perfect for ripping flesh from bone. They devour everything that gets their claws on."


    ''''And they were here last night? Why didn''t they attack?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Estelle pointed at the fire and then at the traps the others set up that circled them, ''''Instead of being useless as usual, Grishna set up traps that keep them away.''''


    ''''Shut up bitch,'''' the orc girl retorted while throwing a stick at the knight. ''''At least I know how to keep the creatures away, unlike some.''''


    The blonde knight dodged the stick before ignoring Grishna and continuing, ''''It is said diabolical cults kidnap villagers to sacrifice them in a strange ritual that turns them into a Dark One who answers to the Dark God Vorkoth and his minions.''''


    "Why haven''t the kingdoms or empires done anything about them?" Atlas inquired.


    Artemis was the one to answer, "They have tried, but it''s futile. These creatures flee to underground caverns, old mines, and countless other places where numbers are useless. Some royal families hire powerful adventurer parties to clear out their nests when found."


    That''s when Amethyst jumped while exclaiming, ''''Azhar''Zul will fight the Dark Ones and banish them back to their master''s realms.''''


    Atlas gulped when he heard this, but he was curious: ''''I want to stay up tonight and look at them.''''


    All the girls looked at him as Grishna replied, ''''Why? They give me the creeps, always prowling in the shadows like perverts.''''


    While they were chatting, Atlas felt Estelle looking at him. He smiled at the older girls before speaking, ''''Why are you staring at me?''''


    ''''You remind me of an old family that lived on Aridonia; it''s an old wives tale that the scholars believe was told to deter betrayal,'''' Estelle explained while still putting a teapot on the fire as the others did their own thing.


    The blonde knight said, ''''Want to listen while having tea? It''s an Argonian specialty.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Yes, please.''''


    Estelle smiled as she tended to the fire, deftly arranging two cups and gathering various ingredients. "Before the Achaemenids swept into Aridonia," she began, her voice soft and reminiscent, "there existed a powerful realm in the Northeast known as the Aurelian Empire.


    Their fair and capable emperor was bolstered by a noble house of great renown¡ªthe legendary monster slayers known as the Pendragon Family."


    After speaking, Estelle poured some sweet-smelling tea into one of the cups before handing it over to Atlas, ''''Legends speak of their valor in defending the empire during its darkest hours, sacrificing themselves so that the imperial line might endure. They hunted the darkest monsters of the knight and terrible necromancers that plagued the world."


    She sat down and looked at Atlas with a gleam in her blue eyes, ''''The Pendragons were renowned for their snow-white hair and devilish good looks; at their lowest, the Aurelian Imperial Family took them in and boosted them into legend, but like everything good, it ended thirteen moons ago.''''


    Atlas was entranced in the tale and sipped the delicious tea before talking, ''''What happened? Why aren''t they around anymore?''''


    Before Estelle could speak, the other girls chimed in, Artemis smiling warmly. "I''ve heard this tale," she said, her voice nostalgic. "Mother used to tell it to me when I was younger. Arthur was a true warrior and laid down his life for the Aurelians."


    The blonde girl nodded, her smile reflecting the story''s gravity. "When the Achaemenids invaded, the entire Pendragon Family rushed to the capital. They arrived just in time to reach the imperial palace as the enemy breached the city days later."


    Everyone sipped the tea Estelle had poured for them before she continued, "During the final days of the empire, the Pendragons held the line against the Immortals so that the Imperial Family could escape.


    They were nearly caught until Arthur Pendragon, the young master of the family, rumored to be in love with a maid who worked in the palace, sacrificed himself by detonating his Mana Core to ensure their freedom."


    ''''Are the Aurelians still alive? And why did you say I remind you of the Pendragons?'''' Atlas inquired.


    Estelle shrugged nonchalantly. "They vanished thirteen years ago, and no one''s seen them since," she disclosed before addressing his second question. "You bear a resemblance to Arthur Pendragon, though he was human with white hair, and you''re clearly of a different race."


    Atlas nodded solemnly, but their moment of reflection was abruptly interrupted by a resounding roar. This prompted Grishna to take charge, her voice cutting through the tension. "Alright, time to strategize, people. We''ve got three routes through the Everglade Kingdom, each with its pros and cons. Let''s decide together."


    The orc girl jumped up and pointed south, ''''We can follow the coast until reaching Navagrono Port City, where we can hope to hire a boat to sail us to the Moonhare Kingdom where the Evergladians won''t chase us.''''


    Everyone listened intently as Grishna continued, ''''Or we can travel north through the Twilight Titan Mountains to lose our pursuers and cross the Twilight River before following the coast to Port Wildreach, where smugglers will take us to the Sea City of Volantis, which is in the Argonia Kingdom.''''


    ''''What''s the third option?'''' Amethyst said with a smile as she sat next to Atlas.


    "Then there''s the riskiest option, but it''ll help Atlas level up even more. We rush east, crossing straight through enemy territory. We''ll have to fight all the way, but once we reach the Moonhare Kingdom, they''ll stop," Grishna concluded with a wild smile.


    When Atlas saw her expression, he knew what he wanted to do as his excitement soared. "We go east. I need to level up, and it''ll improve our teamwork."


    Amethyst looked nervous, and Atlas sensed her unease. He turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry, my Pigeon. You''re strong and can handle the upcoming fights."


    The phoenix girl nodded with a determined smile. As the group stood up, Atlas took charge. "If we get surrounded, Estelle, you take point with your shield. Grishna and I will follow behind. Artemis and Amethyst, you two take the rear."


    Everyone nodded as Grishna put out the fire, and the others kept a lookout as even more roars rang out across the forest. Atlas walked over to the sleeping Lilith and poked her belly, causing the honey badger to wiggle.


    Lilith''s head shot up as her yellow eyes landed on him; the little monster jumped up and climbed up his body before nibbling on his neck, causing a shiver to run down his spine as he ran his fingers through her silky fur.


    While doing that, Atlas checked his status as he felt something during last night''s fight, and when he saw the gains he had earned, he got excited.


    [Level Up: 40¡ú41]


    [Experience: 390/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 1200]


    [Health: 274¡ú324]


    [Mana: 1180¡ú1384]


    [Strength: 248¡ú300]


    [Stamina: 260¡ú314]


    [Charisma: 308¡ú330]


    [Intelligence: 246¡ú298]


    [Core Rank: Mid Novice¡úHigh Novice]


    [Core Point: 19500¡ú100]


    [Core Points Gained: 600]


    Once Atlas had given his instructions, he wanted to check on Estelle and Grishna''s status before setting off. He walked over to the blonde knight, who was cleaning her tea equipment in a nearby stream. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hearing his approach, Estelle turned and smiled, her French accent adding a charming lilt to her words. "What can I do for you, Le Messie ¨¦lu?"


    ''''Can I see your status, please?''''


    The blonde knight nodded and replied, ''''Certainly, here, take a look.''''


    Name: Estelle Argonia


    Age: 23


    Race: Human


    Class: Solar Guardian


    Level: 125


    Rank: Adept


    Experience: 4340/5000


    Affinity: Light


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 1148


    Mana: 3900


    Strength: 1218


    Stamina: 1102


    Charisma: 960


    Intelligence: 750


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Solar Slash (5) Lv-2: Light Blast (2) Lv-3: Radiant Strike (1) Lv-3: Dawns Wrath (0)


    Defence: Lv-1: Holy Barrier (6) Lv-2: Solar Shield (1)


    Support: Lv-1: Healing Light (4)


    Utility: Lv-3: Vigilant Watch (1)


    ___


    Skills: Swordsmanship (7) Archery (3) Hunting (2) Hand-to-Hand (5) Cooking (10) Brace (2) Shield Wall (1) Ground Pound (4) Vigilant Watch (2) Shield Bash (2)


    "Oh, you''re strong," Atlas mumbled, a smile spreading across his face. "You have Level 3 spells; you must show me them one day."


    Estelle nodded, her expression serious. "I will, Le Messie ¨¦lu, but now''s not the time. We have to get moving before the Evergladians find us," she said.

 Chapter 53 - 53: Five Ways

    Following his chat with Estelle, Atlas made his way over to the orc girl who was scanning the forest. When he arrived, Grishna said without taking her eyes off the trees, ''''Little Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, are you ready to move?''''


    ''''Yes, Grish, but can I see your status before we go?''''


    The orc girl''s green eyes turned to him, her eyebrows raised, and she replied with a smile, ''''A bit bold to march up to a girl and ask for her secrets, but yes, you can look.''''


    Name: Grishna Brokentooth.


    Age: 18


    Race: Orc


    Class: Warrior


    Level: 113


    Rank: Adept.


    Experience: 4920/5000


    Affinity: Earth ¨C Metal


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 932


    Mana: 2820


    Strength: 2216


    Stamina: 1528


    Charisma: 590


    Intelligence: 412


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Iron Fist (8) Lv-1: Metal Bullet (7) Lv-2: Earth Bolt (3) Lv-3: Razorwind Blades (2) Lv-3: Silver Shriek (3)


    Defence: Lv-1: Ironclad(7)


    Support: Lv-1: Body Enhancement(10) Lv-1: Dust Cloud(2)Lv-1: Minor Healing (4)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Hand-to-Hand Combat (7) Spearmanship (6) Survivlist (9) Cooking (10) Tracking (6) Intimidation (7) Shield Mastery (5) War Cry (4) Lock Picking (7) Ransack (1) Hunting (3) Trapping (2)


    ''Grishna''s strong, weaker than Estelle but not by much,'' Atlas thought before instructing her to check on the other two.


    Atlas went to find Artemis, chatting with Amethyst about the surrounding forest and its monsters. Once the two noticed him, the brunette turned to him and asked in her unique Greek-like accent, "What''s up, Aetos?"


    "Can I see both of your statuses, please? I want to compare them against mine to gauge my strength to see where I am," he asked.


    Both girls nodded, and Artemis showed hers first, followed by the phoenix girl.


    Name: Artemis Olympaea


    Age: 17


    Race: Siren


    Class: Argonaut


    Level: 123


    Rank: Adept


    Experience: 4640/5000


    Affinity: Earth ¨C Thunder - Water


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 1334


    Mana: 2120


    Strength: 2408


    Stamina: 2104


    Charisma: 500


    Intelligence: 1050


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: High Novice


    Core Points: 13750/30000


    Body Tempering Level: Bronze Body


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Lightning Bullet (7) Lv-1: Water Arrow (7) Lv-2: Thunder Punch (5) Lv-2: Aqua Bomb (3) Lv-2: Earth Spike Lvl-2: Lighting Slash (5) Lv-3: Arc Lightning (2)


    Defence: Lv-3: Gaia''s Embrace (2) Lv-3: Shockwave (1)


    Support: Lv-1: Gaia''s Glide (8) Lv-2: Enhancement (4)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Swordsmanship (7) Survivlist (4) Hand-to-Hand Combat (9) Foraging (6) Stealth (5) Eaglevison (2) Lockpicking (0) Appraisal (2) Treasure Sense (2) Sling Expertise (8) Leviathan''s Call (0)


    ''She''s strong for her age and would be able to defend our rear and Amethyst,'' Atlas mused. He took a moment to examine their statuses, feeling more confident about their chances during their adventures.


    Name: Amethyst Flameheart


    Age: 13


    Race: Cosmic Phoenix


    Class: Cosmic Mage


    Level: 36


    Rank: Novice


    Experience: 300/1000


    Affinity: Space


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 312


    Mana: 1524


    Strength: 334


    Stamina: 568


    Charisma: 326


    Intelligence: 264


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Low Novice


    Core Points: 9600/10000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Cosmic Bullet (2) Lv-1: Stellar Arrow (3) Lv-2: Cosmic Blast (4)


    Defence: Lv-1: Cosmic Barrier (4)


    Support:


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Phoenix Form (Locked) Cosmic Wings (2) Cosmic Sight (1)


    When Atlas saw Amethyst''s status, he was amazed, realizing she would become even more powerful as she aged. He hugged the phoenix girl, who melted into his arms, speaking quietly, "I''m glad the others joined us; now we can explore most of Astoria."


    Atlas nodded with a smile before kissing her on the forehead, which sent her scuttling back with a bright red face. Then, Grishna called out for them to leave. The group left their camp and traveled east.


    After a few hours, Atlas took point because he wanted to kill some monsters to level up. The group was soon at the base of the Twilight Titan Mountain, where Atlas felt something watching them.


    He spun around and sput dozens of cave entrances littering the side of the mountain, making him shiver. Lilith raised her head and growled while looking at the closest cave. The girls stopped walking when they noticed Atlas staring into it.


    Grishna approached and touched his shoulder, "Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, never step into a cave without us. Many of the world''s nightmares dwell in the dark."


    ''''It feels like something is watching us, Grish,'''' Atlas said while turning to the orc. ''''Can you sense it?''''


    "I do, little one. But don''t get too close; they might be Dark Ones waiting to pounce," Grishna cautioned before they continued.


    Amethyst appeared beside Atlas, speaking nervously, "There were two monsters inside the darkness. They were watching you, Azhar''Zul, and gave off the same feeling as the Lost Prince."


    ''Are they part of the Chaos Army? Maybe the king sent forces ahead of the main force,'' Atlas mused as he took Amethyst''s hand.


    The five pressed on through the forest, encountering three Rank E Forest Boars that charged at the group. Atlas swiftly drew his dagger and launched several Void Arrows at them. As the monsters closed in, he sidestepped their charge and lunged forward, plunging his dagger into the largest boar.


    Atlas dragged the blade across the creature''s body, swiftly ending its life. In the meantime, his Void Arrows found their mark, striking down the other two boars. Once the monsters were dead, he looted the 3 orange Monster Cores and some meat that Grishna pointed out.


    They continued trekking through the thick forest until they reached a clearing. Grishna motioned for them to stop moving, but Atlas crept forward and saw a small camp of twenty soldiers.


    Estelle knew who they were and whispered, ''''Those are Everglade mercenaries. Maybe the king hired them to track Le Messie ¨¦lu, as they only see him as a devil.''''


    The other girls nodded, but Atlas commented excitedly, ''''Let''s attack them. What rank are they?''''


    "Most are Apprentices, while a few are Adepts like me, Grish, and blondie," Artemis remarked with a smile.


    "My name''s not blondie! It''s Estelle," the blonde knight protested.


    Everyone chuckled before Atlas stroked the hyperactive Lilith. "Me and the demoness will hit from the north. Grish, you take the south," he directed, then turned to the remaining three girls. "Amethyst, you stay here and sling spells at them. Artemis, attack from the west, and Estelle, come in from the east."


    Atlas looked at the four girls, who nodded in agreement as he continued, ''''I will rush in with Lilith and cause chaos. When I''ve got their attention, you rush in and attack from the rear.''''


    ''''Good plan, little one,'''' Grishna said before heading south.


    The other girls agreed and went to their spots. Atlas and Lilith went north and saw several men passing by as they patrolled the edge of the camp. Once the honey badger spotted her first victim, she darted out as the excitement was too much.


    Lilith lunged at the shocked man as Atlas sliced the second man''s ankles before firing a Void Bullet into his skull. The little monster tore the first soldier''s throat out, and blood splattered over everything.


    Following that, the duo stormed into the Evergladian camp. Lilith lived up to her namesake and became a demon that brought death to the soldiers. Atlas spammed Void Bullets while stabbing and slicing the surprised soldiers, but they soon regrouped.


    They finally pushed him back using their advantage of numbers, only to have a Cosmic Blast fall upon them, causing a massive explosion. He skillfully used Void Guard to block incoming attacks while dodging and parrying strikes with his dagger.


    Once this happened, the other girls charged in. Grishna threw a marble that shrieked as it hit the unsuspecting enemies, causing some soldiers to clutch their ears. She then moved in with her spear and killed them with several powerful thrusts.


    Artemis burst out from a bush while using her sling to send mana stones slicing through the air. When the projectiles connected with the soldier''s bodies, they looked like Swiss cheese before the brunette took out her sword and finished off the rest.


    The Phoenix Girl rained down more Cosmic Blasts and Cosmic Bullets, peppering the enemy soldiers. Meanwhile, Estelle''s shield bashed two of them, throwing the bandits off balance and allowing Atlas and the girls to take the rest out.


    By the time they were finished, Atlas was breathing heavily before collapsing to the ground as he felt the experience pouring into him. Amethyst appeared from the forest and approached him with a smile.


    When Atlas saw this, he returned the smile with one of his own before speaking, ''''How was the fight, Amethyst?''''


    ''''It was nerve-racking but also exciting at the same time,'''' she responded while holding her hand for him.


    Atlas took her dainty hand and helped him up just as Grishna and Estelle approached, their eyes scanning the surroundings. The orc girl remarked, "What''s the plan for the spoils?"


    "We split it five ways," Atlas replied with a smile. "It''s only fair since we''re a team now." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Afterward, the group scattered to loot whatever they could find. While Artemis and Estelle collected coin pouches, Grishna gathered a bundle of decent swords to sell at the next city. Amethyst discovered a stash of potions she found hidden in a barrel.


    Atlas sat down to rest, watching the others work, when Lilith limped over to him. He jumped up and gently scooped up the injured honey badger, who yelped in pain. Quickly, he pulled out one of the better Health Potions, coaxed her to drink it, and then poured some on her injury.


    The wound began to heal almost immediately, causing him to release a breath of relief and pull Lilith into a tight hug that she happily accepted. That''s when Amethyst approached them with a smile, ''''You truly care for her, don''t you?'''' she said.


    "Of course I do, just like how I care about my pigeon girl," Atlas said with a cheeky smile, earning a half-hearted punch from the phoenix girl, who giggled as a smile appeared.

 Chapter 54 - 54: The Chasm Pit

    After messing around with Amethyst for a little while, the group moved out and left the soldier''s camp behind while trekking through the forest. Atlas found their surroundings beautiful as the forest stretched out all around them.


    ''I wonder if there are any forests the size of Darkheart Jungle,'' Atlas internally mused.


    He could hear all kinds of monsters chirping or roaring off in the distance. Lilith was sitting on his shoulders, scanning their surroundings as Artemis found a monster trail they started traveling down.


    The narrow path forced them to travel single-file until it widened after about a mile. Eager to lead the way, Atlas took the point to remove any monster that came close. As they continued, Grishna approached him, holding out a pouch.


    "I''ve got your share of the loot¡ª20 silver and 100 copper. Should keep us going for a while," she said with a smile while handing it over.


    ''''Thanks, Grish,'''' Atlas said while putting the coins in his Dimensional Storage before questioning. ''''In the next city, can Amethyst and I sign up to be adventurers?''''


    The orc girl smiled before answering, ''''Yes, but we must wait until we reach Volantis.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied, excited about exploring a normal dungeon.


    Atlas went first, followed by Grisha as they passed over a dark chasm by walking across a fallen tree; when they reached the other end, the group continued for a little while until Artemis stopped them, ''''Everyone hide! People are coming down the trail,'''' she warned.


    The group rushed to the side, and Atlas skidded under a bush just as a horse rushed past them. He watched a dozen knights travel down the monster trail they had been on, and the group hid because they were turning around at the crossing.


    While lying there, Atlas felt himself slipping as the enemies passed by again. He looked back and realized he was at the top of a steep drop. He tried to grab hold of something and found a root.


    Glancing around, he saw the girls clinging to anything they could grab while slipping down the slope. More horsemen rode past, making the ground unstable and causing them to start sliding into the darkness below.


    When Atlas saw this, he let go and fell with the girls, skidding down and falling into the darkness for minutes until slamming into the ground below with a thud. Lilith was on his back; her little paws dug into his skin as she avoided stepping in the sticky mud.


    Atlas soon came to as his head was spinning and stood up as Grishna shouted from nearby, ''''We fell into a deep chasm, guys. It''s like a swamp down here.''''


    He shook his head before casting a Void Bullet, which lit up their surroundings with a blue glow, allowing him to see the other girls. Amethyst was beside him, trying to get the mud off her hands with a disgusted expression.


    Estelle was helping Artemis out of the mud, and Grishna was heading toward them. That''s when Atlas scanned their surroundings, seeing holes dotting the chasm walls covered in vines and a sticky-looking substance.


    ''It looks like that insect pit in that King Kong film back on Earth,'' Atlas thought while glancing at the swamp-looking ground. The group gathered together as they heard a chittering noise from around them.


    They stayed close to each other while getting covered in the thick muck. Atlas looked up to see a slither of sunlight that made it into the darkness, but thanks to his Void Bullet floating above him, it lit up everything.


    Artemis glanced up before speaking, ''''I''ll use Eaglevision to find a way out, but I''m vulnerable, so protect me.''''


    Following that, Atlas heard her mumble before she went still. They encircled her, and Amethyst said nervously, ''''I see monsters approaching us from all sides.''''


    That''s when the ground around them started moving as if alive, which made Atlas shiver. He cast a Void Arrow into it, causing a small explosion that sent worm-looking creatures flying across the chasm.


    When seeing the monster, Atlas quickly scanned it.


    [Carnictis]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    "Oh god," he muttered, instantly recognizing the creature when he saw its name.


    It looked like a faceless worm with a dark brown body that glided through the muck, but Atlas had no time to react as another appeared next to him, its circular mouth thrusting from a hole and attempting to bite him with a row of dirt riddle teeth.


    Acting swiftly, he cast Void Bullet at the monster, causing it to explode before getting closer. The creatures gave him the creeps as they were much bigger than any of them, and when the girls saw this, Grishna warned, ''''Chasm Worms! Don''t let them touch you!''''


    After speaking, the orc girl launched an Earth Bolt, which slammed into one of the monsters, impaling it. Amethyst was almost grabbed, but Estelle stepped in front of her, raising her shield just in time to block the worm''s creepy mouth.


    The Carnictis crashed into Estelle''s defense, but with a swift and precise strike, she sliced through its heart. Meanwhile, Artemis deftly used her sling to pepper the incoming worms with explosive pellets; each shot creating a fiery burst that sent chunks of the creatures flying.


    ''''There''s no way out by foot; we need to climb out of here!'''' Artemis revealed. ''''There are vines on one side of the chasm wall. Atlas sighed before casting several Void Bullets that struck a horde of the creepy worms and sent them flying.


    As this happened, Lilith started growling at something to the right, causing him to scan the newcomers as his face paled.


    [Arachno]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    A massive spider with two large pincers and six creepy legs helped them traverse the chasm walls. They had a black carapace with beady red eyes that locked onto the group, giving Atlas a shiver.


    ''''Arachno''s coming from the walls! Be careful,'''' he shouted in warning before casting Void Arrows into the creepy spiders that annihilated them without much effort. Chaos erupted around them as the group pushed toward the vines.


    Amid the commotion, a buzzing noise echoed above them, growing louder and more ominous. Atlas looked up to see dog-sized flies swooping down on them and quickly used Void Sight to scan them.


    [Blightwing Devourer]


    [Rank: F ? 100 Exp]


    As the monsters closed in, Amethyst cast a Cosmic Blast, incinerating every creature that got close. Meanwhile, Grishna, Artemis, and Estelle fought off the Arachnos and Carnictis, battling fiercely to keep the swarm at bay.


    Atlas joined the battle by using Void Bullets and Arrows at all the monsters that came close, causing chaos as the giant insects surged. The group battled their way through the chasm.


    They saw a body of water, and Atlas shouted in warning, ''''Do not step in the water! There are monsters inside.''''


    Grishna stopped short, turned her spear toward the water, cast Ironclad on herself as a leech lunged out of it, and tried to bite her, but her defense spell held up. The orc girl was covered in a metal skin that blocked the creature''s teeth.


    She grabbed the leech and threw it in the air before blasting it with Metal Bullet. As she fought off the leeches, Atlas spotted and fired a Void Arrow as an Arachno snuck up on her by climbing out of a nearby hole.


    When Atlas saw they were overwhelmed, he took charge: "Artemis! Use your sling on the Blightwings. Estelle defends Amethyst while she casts her magic. Grishna, take point and lead us to the vines."


    After saying that, something stabbed into his leg, only to see a smaller Carnictis biting him. Atlas sliced it in two using his dagger before limping after the group. The wound was burning, but he ignored it while casting a dozen Void Bullets that pushed the horde of insects trying to get them.


    Explosions rocked the chasm as Artemis, Amethyst, and Grishna cast their spells alongside his while Estelle kept them safe with her light magic. Atlas finally caught up and heard the blonde''s sweet accent, ''''Healing Light.''''


    Atlas felt a soothing energy wash over him, healing the worm''s bite. He glanced at Estelle, who winked at him before swiftly blocking a sneaky Arachno''s attack aimed at Grishna''s rear; the knight cut the monster in half along with several other creatures.


    The group fought through the chasm while killing any monsters that came close. Atlas spammed spells at the crowds of Arachnos, who poured out of the holes in the walls but were wiped out by the azure projectiles.


    Artemis wielded her sling with precision, killing dozens of Blightwings. After an hour of relentless action, they finally reached the vines. When there, Atlas shouted, "Grishna and Amethyst, you two go first. Estelle and Artemis, follow. I''ll cover your retreat until you can do the same for me."


    Everyone nodded before the orc and phoenix started climbing as Atlas targeted the monsters, trying to attack the girls. Still, his azure bullets easily destroyed them until Amethyst''s Cosmic Bullets joined the fray, allowing the other two to climb. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas remained at the bottom as Arachnos and hundreds of Carnictis swarmed toward him, chittering and snapping their claws. He was forced to use Void Guard to avoid the teeth and talons while decimating the insect hordes.


    Blue fire engulfed the horde, scattering the monsters and granting him precious moments to ascend after the girls while they provided cover. Blood flowed from numerous wounds across his body, his clothes shredded to tatters.


    As Atlas looked up, he sighed heavily. They were so far down that only a faint speck of sunlight pierced the darkness, marking the daunting distance they had to climb.

 Chapter 55 - 55: You Talk Nonsense

    [Aft¨®s pou de¨ªchnei ton dr¨®mo ¨C the one who points the way]


    ***


    Atlas and the four girls climbed up the vines, using magic to keep the monsters off them until they reached a certain height, at which point they stopped chasing them. Grishna called out, ''''They hate the sunlight, look.''''


    She pointed up, and the sunlight illuminated the vines and surrounding walls. Atlas breathed a breath of relief as his heart pounded due to the situation. He continued to climb until a hand reached over and grabbed him.


    Estelle smiled and pulled him up before dropping to the ground to catch her breath. Atlas looked at the blonde. ''''Thanks,'''' he said.


    The knight nodded while resting as she leaned against a tree. He did the same thing as Lilith, who stopped clinging to him. Atlas looked around and realized they were in a small clearing that bordered the chasm.


    Trees enveloped them, adorned with hundreds of colorful flowers. Bushes sprouted up between the trunks. It was then that Atlas caught something darting from tree to tree not far away from them.


    The creature was tall, really tall, and had grey skin and hair, and Atlas didn''t know how it moved because it would vanish only to reappear behind another tree. He noticed it peeking out with creepy red eyes that gleamed with intelligence.


    This caused him to sit up and scan the area with Void Sight quickly, but he saw nothing that spooked him out, as no creatures were lurking around. Grishna noticed his expression and asked, ''''What''s wrong Grak''Thar Gromog''ar?''''


    Atlas pointed toward a distant tree, ''''A tall creature was out there watching us, but it''s gone now.''''


    The orc girl looked into the distance, but Artemis spoke to no one in particular, ''''Wood Devils. Scholars believe they''re creatures protect the forest and are usually friendly.''''


    When the other four heard this, Amethyst retorted, ''''What do you mean friendly? Are they going to share a picnic with us, Fish? You talk nonsense.''''


    This made Atlas laugh as her British accent flared up when she was annoyed, but that''s when Artemis answered, ''''Don''t blame me, Little Bird, it was the Achaemenidian scholar from the famous city of learning called Samarkand that''s west of their capital Babylon. They believed one of the Gods of Light created them to watch over the land.''''


    Atlas nodded understanding before speaking to the group, ''''Let''s get going. We still have a week or two until we reach Volantis City.''''


    Following that, everyone prepared to continue their journey as Atlas checked his status.


    [Level Up: 41¡ú46]


    [Experience: 240/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 5050]


    [Health: 324¡ú334]


    [Mana: 1384¡ú1430]


    [Strength: 300¡ú312]


    [Stamina: 314¡ú334]


    [Charisma: 330¡ú334]


    [Intelligence: 298¡ú310]


    [Core Points: 100¡ú4350]


    [Core Points Gained: 4250]


    [Void Guard: 1¡ú2]


    ''Five more levels then I''ll rank up and unlock the Void Realm,'' Atlas mused.


    A snapping twig caught Atlas''s attention, making him spin around and cast Void Bullet. The dark projectiles hurtled through the air, striking a tree and causing it to explode into splinters that shot out in all directions.


    The girls swiftly ducked down, activating their defense spells to shield themselves from the flying debris. Once everything calmed down, Artemis turned on him, ''''Aetos! What are you doing? Stupid mal¨¢kas!''''


    Atlas chuckled nervously, "A twig snapped behind me, and I assumed it was those Wood Devils sneaking up on me."


    "Don''t go casting spells at close range," the brunette complained, her Greek accent on full display, adding a melodic edge to her words. "It''s dangerous for all of us, including yourself, Aetos."


    "Sorry, Artemis. It caught me off guard," Atlas apologized, his voice tinged with regret.


    Her expression softened, and she approached him, enveloping him in a comforting hug. "You don''t need to apologize," she whispered gently. "You startled me, especially after everything we''ve been through in that creepy chasm."


    After that, the group continued until sunset, when they found a cave to camp inside. Once inside, everyone got to work. Artemis started setting a fire while Estelle and Amethyst went for some wood.


    While the girls did this, Lilith jumped off him and started prowling outside the cave, ensuring their safety. Atlas kept an eye on everything but soon started watching Grishna chanted a word that lit up the entrance, causing him to ask, ''''Could you teach me that one day, please?''''


    The orc girl stopped what she was doing and turned back, ''''I will come here.'''' sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas approached as Grishna explained, ''''This is the Trapping skill; it allows me to set traps for small monsters and Runes that keep the Dark Ones away from the cave. Now watch as I send mana into my fingertip to draw it.''''


    He nodded as a green glow appeared, and Grishna started drawing a picture of a star with several scribbles. Then she waved her hand, and the Rune sunk into the ground, hidden from sight.


    Once doing that, Grishna turned back, ''''It''s all about concentration, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar,'''' she said while motioning to a new spoke. ''''You try; just copy what I did while focusing on the mana flowing to your finger.''''


    Atlas stepped forward while trying to send his mana to his hand; at first, he couldn''t do it, but when shaking his head, a blue glow appeared on his fingertip, causing him to beam as Grishna praised him, ''''Well done Little One. Now copy the Rune I created, and you should unlock the Trapping skill.''''


    Then, Atlas crouched down and started drawing the Dark One trap as the sun created a beautiful purple hue over the forest. It took him ten minutes to make the Rune, which pleased Grishna, who hugged him.


    He was trapped between her soft mountains, which sent his mind reeling, but she declared, ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar! You learn quickly; I have many things to teach you.''''


    While saying this, Artemis shouted, ''''Grishna! You''ve trapped the boy between your boobs, girl; he cannot breathe.''''


    ''''Oh my bad,'''' the orc girl said while letting him go as she changed the subject. ''''Now, once the sun completely goes, the Dark Ones come out, so get some rest, and I''ll wake you up.''''


    Atlas smiled, ''''Okay Grish.''''


    Afterward, he retrieved a blanket from his storage and curled up. Lilith rushed over and settled beside him, finding a comfortable spot. As he relaxed, Atlas observed Estelle and Amethyst gathering wood for Artemis to start a fire.


    The Phoenix girl approached him quietly. "Can I join you, my Amore?" she asked.


    Atlas lifted the blanket, eliciting a smile from Amethyst as she climbed in beside him. She became the little spoon as he hugged her close. Soon, the couple fell asleep as Lilith was lying on them both.


    This scene caused the older girls to smile; Artemis watched the two while keeping the fire alive, ''''Everything those two have been through, they seem rather happy to be exploring. Aetos didn''t panic when we were in the chasm,'''' she said with a shiver.


    Grishna laughed, ''''I was scared; those Chasm Worms are dangerous monsters.''''


    The other two agreed with a nod, but Estelle soon spoke, ''''Where does he come from?''''


    Artemis told the two girls about Atlas, including that a noble family had adopted her in the Thalassia Empire. When Grishna heard this, she spoke, ''''Do you think he has something to do with the Pendragon Family? I mean, they did say the males of that family were extremely handsome and had beautiful white hair just like he does.''''


    ''''Not possible; all records claim the youngest Pendragon was twenty-one when the family was wiped out,'''' Estelle revealed.


    ''''A shame; if that was true, he could have united the Aurelians in Aridonia and fought the Achaemenidians who will be here in a year or so, depending on how the other kingdoms fight in the upcoming war,'''' Artemis said while watching the sky go dark.


    ''''Do you think another continent-wide war will happen again? I was five when the last one broke out, and that''s when the Achaemenidians wiped out the old empire of Astoria and made landfall on Aridonia by decimating Aurelia,'''' Grishna remarks.


    The three girls grew quiet for a couple of hours as Atlas and Amethyst slept, but Estelle spoke as the outside world went pitch black: ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu is someone that the goddess Sol sent to us in our time of need; he is more important than a fantasized lost prince of a dead empire.''''


    ''''You never know, who knew we would find Aetos? My people believe he will be the light of Valoria when the darkness comes,'''' Artemis said before praying. ''''Aft¨®s pou de¨ªchnei ton dr¨®mo.''''


    Grishna stared at the brunette and smiled, ''''I didn''t know you were a devout follower of Grak''Thar Gromog''ar and the Path. Thought you were more straight-laced Artemis Olympaea.''''


    Artemis giggled, ''''I see how the boy looks at us three; if I start showing him that I follow the Path, it will give him the wrong impression. I''d rather get to know him before making a decision.''''


    ''''And what if he doesn''t choose you? Being a bit vain thinking Le Messie ¨¦lu will choose you for a wife?'''' Estelle commented while putting her shield down. ''''Once the boy grows powerful enough, he can have any woman he wants.''''


    Grishna stood up and started speaking, which shocked the other two as she recited a well-known poem that the Path teaches children.


    ''''In the depths of Azhar''Zul''s boundless night,


    Where darkness weaves with threads of light,


    Thirteen stars, in constellation bold,


    Their stories ancient, yet untold.


    Each a beacon in the endless sky,


    From realms unseen, they draw the eye,


    Azurite sparks, with silver hue,


    Their constellations, secrets imbue.


    Starlight whispers in the cosmic dance,


    Of empires lost and dreams askance,


    Legends woven ''cross celestial dome,


    In Azhar''Zul, they find their home.


    So gaze upon those stars on high,


    Where myth and truth entwine and lie,


    In Azhar''Zul''s celestial sea,


    The thirteen stars, forever free.''''


    "The boy is Azhar''Zul or Grak''Thar Gromog''ar as I know him as. The thirteen stars symbolize the wives of the messiah, and I believe the four of us are just the beginning. But I never expected him to be so young," the orc girl concluded.


    Estelle was taken aback before blurting out, "The savage pays attention in class! Well done!"


    "Shut it, bitch," Grishna shot back sharply. "Go wake up Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. The Dark Ones are outside."

 Chapter 56 - 56: Eaglevision

    Atlas was comfortable sleeping while cuddled up with Amethyst. The two were pressed against each other for warmth, and Lilith was lying on them. He was woken up by Estelle whispering, ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu. Wake up.''''


    His eyes opened to see the blonde knight looking down at him with a smile. Atlas yawned before moving Lilith onto Amethyst as he spoke, ''''What''s wrong, Estelle?''''


    ''''The Dark Ones are lurking outside,'''' she said. ''''You wanted to see them, correct?''''


    ''''Oh yeah,'''' Atlas mumbled while standing up. ''''Are the others asleep?''''


    ''''Yes. I volunteered for the first watch when Grishan reminded me to wake you up,'''' she explained as he stumbled toward the cave entrance.


    He gazed into the darkness but saw no monsters, ''''There''s nothing out there.''''


    ''''Put one foot over the Rune, then wait, Little One. They will come, then you will see the monsters who haunt the darkness,'''' Estelle commented.


    Atlas glanced back at the blonde knight and found her sitting on a stone close to the fire, ''Has she seen these creatures that much that she''s unfazed by them?'' he thought.


    He shrugged his shoulders before putting one foot over the Runes, which caused him to hear a rustling noise as something charged out of the shadows. Atlas jumped back when he heard a growl.


    That''s when he finally spotted the monsters that plagued the night, and Atlas knew precisely what they were, ''Wendigo''s.''


    Atlas was shocked as the creature stalked outside on all fours, its black eyes glued on him as they moved with jerky, unnatural movements that creeped him out when seeing it. This sent a shiver down his spine as the atmosphere changed.


    But he reacted without thinking and cast a Void Bullets at its head as something inside told him to put it out of its misery¡ªthe azure projectile shot from his hand, piercing the Wendigo''s head.


    The creature collapsed, lifeless, but that''s when Atlas saw something leaving the body before shooting into the sky. He watched this and heard a feint male voice that sounded exhilarated, "Thank you for freeing me, my fellow countryman."


    Atlas was lost and didn''t know how to feel, but that''s when he returned to reality. More Wendigos appeared from the surrounding darkness, who howled in fury. Estelle sprang to her feet, "Le Messie ¨¦lu! What are you doing?"


    ''''Something told me to free it,'''' he replied, not taking his eyes off the creatures he felt connected to. ''''There was a voice that spoke to me, Estelle. I want to fight them and end their suffering.''''


    ''''No, you can''t! They''re two ranks above you,'''' Estelle protested, but Atlas had already moved by taking out the dagger and stepping over the Runes.


    He quickly scanned the creatures before making a move.


    [Dark One]


    [Rank E - 200 Exp]


    When Atlas stepped outside, all the Dark Ones turned to him with hunger in their eyes, but he wasn''t affected as these creatures gave off the same feeling the first one did. Without wasting any more time, he used Void Step.


    He vanished from the spot, which confused the creatures, but Atlas reappeared next to one of them and plunged his dagger into its skull, causing light to emanate from the wound. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They dropped dead, but then a translucent mass left its body, and this time, a woman spoke, ''''Thank you, little one. Many of your people have become these vile creatures.''''


    After speaking, the mass vanished just as a Dark One lunged and swiped. Atlas cast Void Guard, which deflected the creature''s claws, allowing him to cast Void Arrow through its skull, but this time, no voice came.


    Atlas then used Void Step while constantly stabbing them, who were baffled by a dozen of them falling dead; he didn''t stop until a dangerous aura washed over the area, causing Estelle to shout in panic, ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu! A stronger one is coming; get back here now.''''


    He listened to the knight and rushed back to the cave entrance as a bigger monster crashed out of the nearby treeline. The newcomer ran after Atlas, who just passed the Runes, forcing the creature to stop.


    It stared at Atlas lying on the ground, he looked back at the Dark One as the creature stared at him with hate in its black, lifeless eyes. Estelle cast a Light Blast at it, causing it to rush back into the darkness.


    Once it was gone, she spun on Atlas and scolded him, ''''What were you doing! They could have killed you.''''


    ''''Two of them spoke to me when I killed them; they said we were a part of the same people,'''' he explained while a look of confusion crossed his face.


    Estelle calmed down and crouched before him, ''''Don''t go out there fighting them alone again as the stronger ones normally lurk nearby when they spot prey.''''


    Atlas nodded before standing up and yawning, ''''I understand.''''


    The blonde knight hugged him, ''''Get some sleep and ensure you''re ready to travel tomorrow, Le Messie ¨¦lu. We must reach Volantis to find peace and sleep in a real bed.''''


    ''''Night, Estelle,'''' he replied with a smile before climbing under the blanket with Amethyst and Lilith, causing the two to cling to him due to the cold air.


    Atlas soon fell asleep as howling started outside the cave, just as Estelle laid down after checking on the Runes. The following morning, he woke up when something was licking his cheek.


    His eyes opened, and he saw Lilith standing on his chest, staring at him with her beautiful yellow eyes. Atlas smiled, ''''Morning girl.''''


    The honey badger monster got excited and started biting his neck, which caused him to laugh before hearing the other girls walking into the cave. That''s when Atlas heard Artemis''s voice: "Wake up, Aetos. Breakfast is nearly done."


    Atlas sat up as Lilith climbed on his shoulders before he stood up and stretched, ''''Morning Artemis,'''' he said with a smile.


    Afterward, he left the cave to see Estelle and Amethyst sitting by a fire while Grishna appeared from the nearby forest carrying a few Horned Rabbits. Atlas smiled when seeing the girls and greeted them all before sitting down.


    ''''So, what did you think of the creatures?'''' Grishna questioned as she handed the rabbits to Artemis, who started preparing them.


    ''''They are creepy looking,'''' Atlas answered without revealing he killed a dozen or so last night.


    Ten minutes later, Artemis was done with the rabbits before she stuck them on sticks. Following that, she put them above the fire. After doing that, the brunette spoke, ''''I will use Eaglevision to see the best path to take,


    Everyone agreed with a nod while Atlas checked his status due to leveling up the night before, thanks to the Dark Ones.


    [Level Up: 46¡ú48]


    [Experience: 640/1000]


    [Experience Gained: 2400]


    [Core Points: 4350¡ú6150]


    [Core Points Gained: 1800]


    ''I will level up soon,'' Atlas mused.


    He studied their surroundings and realized an old tree blocked the cave entrance; Atlas felt like he was being watched but couldn''t see or hear anything apart from birds chirping and a monster roaring in the distance.


    Twenty minutes passed, and Atlas was returned to reality by Amethyst handing him two of the cooked rabbits, ''''Here, my Amore. You and Lily need to eat before we start traveling.''''


    Atlas looked at the purple-haired girl and smiled, ''''Thanks, Amethyst. Have you eaten yet?''''


    The phoenix girl held up her rabbit. "I was waiting for yours to finish before starting."


    As the two began eating, Amethyst gave Lilith her one, which made the little monster extremely happy. She jumped off Atlas''s shoulders before eating the juicy meat; Artemis finally broke the silence. "The Evergladian nobles have surrounded the forest. They''ve amassed a large army and are waiting for us."


    They all grew nervous, but the brunette continued, "The blockade is weaker to the northeast because the camps are too stretched out. We could break through there and head north to the crossing, then blow up the bridge to slow them down."


    Everyone agreed that her plan was the best one. With their course set, they finished eating before setting off through the forest. Atlas led the way, followed by Estelle and Grishna, with Amethyst and Artemis bringing up the rear.


    The group didn''t encounter any monsters, which was surprisingly refreshing. They didn''t have to fight while trekking, and soon, they came to the forest''s edge. Atlas saw a beautiful grassland that stretched out until it reached a river.


    Atlas spotted a stone bridge with an army camp in front of it, and soldiers patrolled the surrounding areas. Grishna broke the silence, ''''We should take out the soldiers on the road before hitting the camp.''''


    ''''We should just hit the camp and rush through,'''' Estelle suggested.


    He agreed with the orc girl and voiced his concerns, ''''If we do that, then the soldiers on the road will hit us from behind; we should split up and take out as many enemies as we can before meeting up outside the camp.''''


    The girls looked at him and agreed, ''''Good idea, Aetos, I''ll stay with Estelle while Grishna and Amethyst could be another,'''' Artemis commented.


    Atlas nodded, ''''Lilith and I will travel further along the road while you girls go the opposite way. By the time we meet, I would have ranked up already,'''' he said with determination burning in his eyes.


    All four girls looked at him wide-eyed, but Grishna embraced him, saying, ''''I know you will become strong, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar.''''


    He smiled before returning the hug, and the groups split up and headed to opposite sides of the road. Artemis and Estelle went to the northern part, while Grishna and Amethyst took the western one.

 Chapter 57 - 57: We Need To Cross

    Atlas and Lilith made their way to the southern road with the little creature barreling through the bushes until they were half an hour away from the others. He spotted half a dozen soldiers marching, which caused him to stop.


    ''Here they are,'' he thought when seeing them. ''This should be easy as I can hit them with a few spells before charging in as they are confused.''


    The Twilight Forest bordered the road on one side, and grassland stretched to the river, blocking their way to Volantis City. Atlas watched soldiers and merchant caravans passing by.


    After watching, Atlas rushed ahead, crouching by a bush as Lilith tried to jump off his shoulder and rush toward the enemy. He quickly grabbed her and whispered, "Stop, Lily. We can plan this out better and hit them from two sides."


    ''''You will run further down the road and cross when out of sight of the soldiers,'''' Atlas revealed his plan. ''''Follow them until I start attacking; then, you will strike them from the rear, which will cause chaos.''''


    Lilith nodded; her yellow eyes gleamed excitedly before he let her go, and she rushed off. Atlas watched the little honey badger cross the road, shocking a nearby merchant caravan and the adventurers guarding it.


    One of the women in the group stepped toward Lilith, but she growled at the stranger before vanishing into the long grass. Atlas followed the soldiers while hiding in the forest and soon came to what looked like a Waystation.


    ''What is this? A rest stop along the road?''


    It was a small fort guarded by even more soldiers who patrolled the top of the walls. Atlas managed to see inside when the gates opened; smaller buildings that looked like barracks or hotels were built inside.


    Traders went about their business while regular Evergladians manned stalls and shops, baffling Atlas. However, he pushed aside his confusion and grew more cautious as more soldiers joined the ranks, causing him to be more careful.


    When they started traveling down the road and got further away from the Waystation, Atlas decided to attack. He aimed his hand at the group and cast a dozen Void Bullets that sliced through the air and slammed into the soldiers.


    Explosions rang out, causing Atlas to cast Void Step and appear in the center while holding his dagger. He jumped onto one soldier before stabbing him in the neck as Lilith rushed out of the long grass.


    She lunged at the closest soldiers and tore the poor man apart as he was in shock. When Atlas saw this, he aimed his hand and cast Void Arrow at the enemy that went to hit the honey badger who was too busy attacking her victim.


    The azure blue arrows pierced the soldier''s chest, and the rest managed to regroup and form up to fight Atlas, who was smiling at them. Three enemies rushed toward him, but he cast Void Step and vanished.


    He reappeared in the middle of their formation, allowing him to cast another dozen Void Bullets into the soldier''s backs. The explosions tore them into meat chunks as Atlas basked in the flow of experience pouring into him.


    Lilith was on her third soldier, reducing the poor woman to mincemeat. At the same time, Atlas plunged his dagger into the remaining enemies, mercifully ending their suffering as they writhed in agony from the burns inflicted by his spells.


    Once the fighting ended, Atlas noticed his low mana, causing him to take out a potion and down it. After cleaning his blade, he felt refreshed and looted the bodies by cutting off their coin pouches.


    Atlas counted out 15 gold, 200 silver, and 1000 copper, which excited him. He stored the loot in his Dimensional Storage before approaching Lilith and started pampering the honey badger who loved it.


    The duo continued down the road and heard explosions in the distance, which caused him to think, ''It seems the girls have already started.''


    It took Atlas twenty minutes of walking to spot the bridge they needed to use to cross. There was an army camped on this side, which blocked their way forward. When he saw this, he thought, ''Maybe Lilith and I could attack it? Use the element of surprise?''


    While thinking, a group of soldiers rushed down the road where the other girls were coming from, causing Atlas to smirk before scanning the three enemies he could see.


    [Aldric]


    [Level: 97]


    [Rank: Apprentice - 200 Exp]


    [Balin]


    [Level: 78]


    [Rank: Apprentice - 200 Exp]


    [Cedric]


    [Level: 117]


    [Rank: Adept - 300 Exp]


    and say, ''''Want to clear the camp with me, Lily? Let''s surprise the others.''''


    Lilith let out a fierce growl in reply, causing Atlas to approach the gate while readying his dagger, and when the soldiers spotted him, they sounded the alarm, causing dozens to run out and making him rethink his plan.


    But without waiting, Lilith jumped and started charging at the soldiers. Atlas rolled his eyes when he saw this and cast Void Step, only to vanish when the closest enemy neared. He reappeared in the middle of them.


    Atlas unleashed a frenzied assault, slashing at the soldier''s legs and toppling them to the ground. The sudden brutality shocked the remaining enemies, but Atlas wasted no time. He conjured Void Bullets that erupted into explosions among them.


    Screams rang out as Lilith slashed and bit any soldiers she came in contact with; Atlas started slashing while casting Void Bullets and Arrows into the remaining enemies, who were baffled.


    As Atlas attacked one guard, one stronger soldier stepped forward and swung a giant sword, but he cast Void Guard just in time. When the blade struck him, he was sent flying and crashed to the ground with a thud.


    While recovering, Atlas scanned the newcomer.


    [Falkor]


    [Level: 175]


    [Rank: Adept - 300 Exp]


    ''Oh shit,'' he thought when seeing the man''s level and rank. ''I should''ve waited for Grishna and the others.''


    As the man advanced, fury etched on his face, he rose to his feet. The man swung his sword, prompting Atlas to cast a Void Bullet at the blade, deflecting it and enabling him to evade. A tense cat-and-mouse exchange ensued.


    Atlas evaded Falkor''s assaults while simultaneously launching Void Arrows into the backs of the Evergladian soldiers engaged in combat with Lilith. Atlas couldn''t evade all attacks, and whenever he got struck, he cast Void Guard to protect him but was sent flying.


    Just as he hit the ground, a shrill noise erupted, confusing everyone, even Falknor, who held his ears but was struck by a Cosmic Blast that Amethyst cast as she appeared from the treeline.


    Artemis and Estelle slammed into the Evergladian soldiers. While this was happening, Grishna appeared, but Atlas waved her away, "I''ve got this. Go!" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The orc girl looked at him with narrowed eyes but nodded proudly. Once she left, Atlas stood up and shook his head to clear the dizziness before rushing toward the dazed leader, who swung his weapon.


    He skidded under the blade and slashed through the man''s ankles, causing him to crash to the ground. With the commander incapacitated, he cast Void Step and reappeared on Falkor''s back before plunging his dagger into his throat.


    Following that, the girls cleared the remaining soldiers, and Grishna approached before placing a hand on his shoulder, ''''Come Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, we need to cross the bridge.''''


    Atlas nodded as he stood up, shaking off the dizziness before rushing toward the bridge. Lilith climbed up his body and wrapped around his neck. Together, they made it to the bridge and quickly crossed as soldiers appeared.


    They started casting spells at the group while crossing. Atlas looked to the side and saw a riverboat targeting them. When they reached halfway, explosions hit the bridge, shaking the stone.


    Atlas and Amethyst trailed behind as the bridge began to collapse. The phoenix girl quickly summoned her wings, grabbing him just as the structure plunged into the river. With powerful flaps, she saved them both from falling in.


    She flew them safely to the other side and gently landed beside the other girls. Atlas aimed his hand at the riverboat and cast several Void Arrows at it, causing it to explode and giving them enough time to escape.


    They all rushed further inland as the remaining soldiers fired spells at them, but it was too late, as the group got away. After running for an hour, the group came to a hill where they started to rest.


    Amethyst dropped to the ground while breathing heavily, and the others sat around a tree as Grishna commented, ''''Did you hear what those soldiers were talking about?''''


    Artemis nodded, ''''Yes, the Argonia''s have conquered the Moonhare Kingdom and everything east of the Burrow Mountains.''''


    ''''Father and my brothers moved quickly. They called it a lightning war where the heavy knights charged across the borders along with the artillery legions and seized every fortress they came across with the help of the Mage Core.''''


    ''''Why is the king attacking Moonhare and Everglade kingdoms?'''' Artemis questioned the blonde knight.


    ''''Land, people, and resources,'''' Estelle answered. ''''Argonia is overcrowded, so Father started recruiting soldiers and trained them over Goldenfall to invade during Frostwinter to catch the two kingdoms off guard.''''


    Everyone nodded as Grishna responded, ''''It''s the way of life now; wars are breaking out all over Astoria, well, except for the north, but all that''s up there are dungeons and monsters.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his azure blue eyes glowed, causing the orc to quickly retort, ''''No, we''re not going there, you little shit. It''s dangerous, and Frostbears roam the tundras.''''

 Chapter 58 - 58: I Will Cook It For Us

    Atlas laughed at Grishna''s response as the group rested beside the hill covered in trees, which kept them hidden from the outside world. While lying there, Estelle said, ''''We can stop off in Tavarovou City to get supplies and let Le Messie ¨¦lu become an adventurer.''''


    Everyone agreed as Atlas questioned, ''''Why stop off there? Won''t there be Evergladians there?''''


    Grishna shook her head, ''''They won''t bother searching for us as the Argonians are coming, which scares them more, I guess,'''' she said while checking their surroundings. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas nodded before the group continued toward Tavarovou City. While they were talking, he checked his status because he ranked up during the fight with the soldiers.


    [Level Up: 48¡ú53]


    [Rank Up: Novice¡úApprentice]


    [Experience: 40/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 3400]


    [Health: 334¡ú436]


    [Mana: 1430¡ú1550]


    [Strength: 312¡ú414]


    [Stamina: 334¡ú438]


    [Charisma: 334¡ú354]


    [Intelligence: 310¡ú364]


    [Core Points: 6150¡ú7850]


    [Core Points Gained: 1700]


    [Void Realm accessible]


    [Void Step: 0¡ú1]


    [Health Regeneration: 0¡ú1]


    ''I can finally use Void Realm; when we stop for the night, I''ll check it out,'' Atlas thought after checking on his gains from the rank up.


    Someone grabbed his hand while he was busy with his status, causing him to return to reality. He saw Amethyst smiling at him as she spoke, ''''Are you okay, Amore?''''


    ''''Yes, I''m fine. I was checking my status,'''' Atlas replied. ''''I ranked up from Novice to Apprentice, which has allowed me to use a skill called Void Realm.''''


    When Atlas said that, he noticed her eyes rise under her blindfold as she questioned, ''''What''s that?''''


    "It''s a realm the Voidwalker visits to conquer an army to battle against the Chaos Army, but I''ve never seen it myself, so I don''t know what to expect," Atlas admitted.


    "Can I come with you?" Amethyst asked suddenly.


    Atlas was surprised but nodded. "Yes, I''ll bring you and Lily with me."


    Just as he mentioned the honey badger, Lily came plodding out of the long grass they were passing by. The couple looked at her and laughed as she carried a horned rabbit covered in blood.


    She started walking alongside them, causing Estelle to giggle. "The Jungle Devil seems to love you, Le Messie ¨¦lu. Earning her affection proves that you''re the messiah."


    Atlas was confused and asked, "How?"


    Artemis answered, "Lilith''s race is elusive and extremely rare. They have been in hiding since the last Monster War where the alliance turned of them, forcing them to flee into the forests and jungles of Valoria."


    He nodded before the group fell silent as they traveled the dirt road. Only two caravans passed, heading west to escape the Argonia Kingdom invasion beyond the Burrow Mountains.


    Thanks to the wind and bad weather, the armies had to pause at Trader''s Pass due to the snow covering the Moonhare realm and the eastern part of Everglade Kingdom. When Atlas heard this, he questioned the blonde about how she knew all this.


    Estelle grinned, ''''I interrogated one of the Evergladian commanders who happily told me everything he knew to save his head.''''


    ''''But the brutal bitch killed him anyway,'''' Grishna said over her shoulder, causing the blonde knight to huff.


    Atlas and Amethyst were playfully messing around as they walked down the long road. He teased her by calling her a pigeon, which made her fire Cosmic Bullets at him. He dodged deftly and started mimicking a bird, prompting her to chase after him.


    The older girls laughed at their antics while Lilith growled at Amethyst, trying to defend Atlas. After a few hours of trekking, Grishna called out as she pointed out a large hill off to the right, ''''We can camp on top of those and set up traps that encircle us.''''


    Everyone agreed before turning toward the hill, and when they arrived, another group was there. Estelle informed them it was an Adventure Guild testing party with a few officials and twenty low-ranked adventurers out taking a ranking-up test.


    When the large group saw them, a middle-aged woman who looked like a mage and a man with salt-and-pepper hair and glasses approached. Atlas stepped forward as the woman spoke, "I''m Maria, an official for the guild tests. Are you young people adventurers?"


    ''''Me and my girlfriend aren''t, but the other three are,'''' Atlas answered, surprising the two adults. ''''We are in an adventurer''s party together.''''


    The man stepped forward with a device and looked at the older girls before speaking, "I''m Felix, the head guard at the Tavarovou Guild. Can I see your guild cards? For security purposes due to having fake ones circulating in the Everglade Kingdom."


    Atlas watched as Grishna took a Brown card and handed it over. The man used the device to scan it, then nodded and returned the card. Estelle took out a grey card, surprising the orc girl.


    "You''re a Rank E already? How?" Grishna exclaimed, causing the blonde knight to laugh in response.


    Estelle handed over her card, leaving only Artemis with a grey one. Atlas watched as the man nodded and returned the card while Maria suggested with a warm smile, "We''d be delighted to have you join us for our journey back to the city."


    Atlas and the girls nodded in agreement before setting up camp away from the adventurers, who kept glancing at them. When he saw them eyeing up the four girls, he became jealous, which confused him.


    Amethyst felt this and turned to him with a smile. She quickly sat in his lap and leaned forward until her lips touched his ear. ''''Don''t get jealous, my Amore; all three girls are waiting until you''re older; I''ve heard them gossiping.''''


    Just as the Phoenix girl finished speaking, two younger men approached Artemis and Estelle, who were starting a fire. Atlas watched as the blue-haired man spoke to the two, ''''Hello, beautiful ladies, I''m Uther Lockwood. Would you like to join us for dinner?'''' he motioned to the other boy. ''''Micheal makes a delicious stew that I think you''ll love.''''


    ''''What makes you think we''re those types of girls?'''' Estelle questioned with narrowed blue eyes, causing Uther to step back and raise his hands.


    ''''There''s no underlying meaning; it''s just food as we''re the same age and could get on,'''' Uther said in an attempt to convince them.


    ''''No, thank you. We''d rather eat with our boy and not some strangers with ulterior motives,'''' the blonde knight replied as she smiled at Atlas before starting a fire.


    Uther and Michael looked offended, but Artemis expressed, "Go away; we don''t want your secret offers. We do not need your attention or compliments. Ain''t that right, ladies?"


    All four girls nodded in agreement, prompting the two young men to leave. Grishna giggled and said, "Adventurers think they''re so special."


    Everyone agreed before the orc girl turned to Amethyst, sitting on Atlas''s lap while resting, ''''Little Bird, are you enjoying your lover''s lap?''''


    They all watched the Phoenix girl''s cheeks go bright red, but he held her in place by wrapping his arms around her waist, causing her to be stuck, so she buried her head into his shoulder.


    Atlas chuckled before playing with her purple hair, saying, ''''Should we cook some of that Wild Orc meat?''''


    Grishna nodded as she held her hand out, ''''Gimme, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. I will cook it for us.''''


    ''''Aren''t you a cannibal? You''re eating your people,'''' Estelle commented.


    Atlas gave Grishna the meat before she spun on the blonde knight with a fire in her green eyes, ''''My people? Shut up bitch; Wild Orcs are like any other monsters, while Orcs evolved into what we are during the last era.''''


    Estelle laughed in response before Grishna started preparing the meat. Lilith finally woke up and bit Amethyst, causing the girl to jump up as she yelped. The honey badger climbed off Atlas and marched toward the nearby treeline.


    ''''Where is she going?'''' Artemis questioned.


    He shrugged, ''''Probably gone hunting. Remember when she returned with the Horned Rabbits?''''


    They all nodded before returning to their tasks. He watched as Amethyst jumped up and helped Estelle collect some wood while Artemis aided Grishna in preparing the food. Once the two girls finished their task, the orc girl placed the pot on the fire before setting up the Dark One traps around their part of the hill.


    Atlas watched with interest until Grishna said with a smile, "Get up and help me, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. You know how to create the runes."


    He grinned before standing up and helping her encircle their camper with green and azure runes that would protect them. When Grishna saw this, a radiant smile appeared as she praised him.


    ''''Amazing! You learn so quickly; I can''t wait to see what else my future husband is good at,'''' she said mischievously.


    Atlas''s imagination ran wild as Artemis joined the conversation, ''''Stop terrorizing him, Grish. We all laid claim to him, and once he turns sixteen, we will make things official,'''' she teased.


    Grishna nodded, ''''We will ward away any other girls that come close to him, but the blonde bitch has to go; we cannot have the same husband,'''' she said with determination.


    When Atlas heard the orc girl, he felt excited about being with them. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he smiled, "I will be the one deciding who I marry and no one else."


    ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, fate has her sights set on you. It wasn''t random that us four girls met you; all of us are connected to the thirteen stars of the Azhar''Zul Constellation,'''' Grishna said.


    Atlas looked skeptical, but the orc girl continued, ''''Look at Artemis, how do you meet a banished princess from Aridonia? The free-spirited knight who doesn''t want to be a princess so fled her homeland?''''

 Chapter 59 - 59: The Void Realm

    Grishna jumped up and continued as her passion soared, ''''Then there''s us. We randomly met in a jungle when you appeared out of nowhere and helped with the boar. It was fate that had me join the Slayers and travel here.''''


    "It''s just a coincidence," Atlas responded as their conversation continued, but Artemis chimed in, pointing at the phoenix girl, who was chatting with Estelle as the two were putting up the group''s tents.


    "How do you explain bonding with her? They are notoriously distrustful and avoid contact with anyone outside the Blue Dune Desert," the brunette remarked before continuing. "And then here comes Aetos, saving the Little Bird, who could be a descendant of Zenithra, a famous Cosmic Phoenix from history, and guess who she was married to?''''


    ''''The last Voidwalker?'''' Atlas commented. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Exactly," Artemis exclaimed with a smile. "Cosmic Phoenixes will do anything for their partner. It seems Amethyst has chosen you, just as Zenithra chose the last Voidwalker."


    Atlas nodded before the group settled down. Estelle and Amethyst returned to the fire after setting up three tents. The phoenix girl sat beside him with a tired smile and complained, "It''s so hard setting those things up. But at least we have our own."


    Grishna then started cooking the Wild Orc meat before taking out some spices and dosing them on the food. This caught Atlas''s attention as the delicious aroma hit his nose, causing his mouth to water.


    It took another ten minutes until the food was done, and Atlas watched Grishna hand out the meat before everyone started eating. While enjoying his food, he spotted the other adventurers cooking their meals while others patrolled the perimeter.


    While eating, Maria approached the group and said, ''''I see you young ones are from Astoria. I come from the Wildheart Kingdom in the south.''''


    ''''Aren''t they fighting the Achaemenidians? Rumors say the empire is moving north,'''' Estelle questioned when finishing a mouthful of meat.


    ''''It''s the truth,'''' Maria said with a frown. ''''The kingdom has fared well, but the Dwarves refuse to fight while only the Thalassians and Aethyrians have sent aid, but they''re being pushed back as we speak.''''


    ''''So the Achaemanidians will take Astoria in the end?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Everyone shook their heads, ''''The Thalassians will be able to hold them back at the Emperor''s pass that leads into their empire, but if the Acdaemanidians find a way through, then yes, they will finally conquer the continent.''''


    The group fell silent until the older woman stood up and said, "The Argonian conquest becomes meaningless if the armies of the Southmen sweep over the land."


    Maria mentioned she could register Atlas and Amethyst when they arrived in Tavarovou. They thanked her before she returned to her group. Once she was gone, the group began to relax around the fire.


    Atlas wanted to enter the Void Realm but was interrupted by a fight erupting in a nearby bush. Everyone jumped up as Lilith rolled out while fighting a Giant Tree Snake. When he saw this, he rushed forward, but she growled at him before continuing the fight as the two monsters rolled around.


    The honey badger took a few bites from the snake''s fangs, but she slashed it using her claws. Blood splattered everywhere as Lilith tore the monster apart before it went still, and she dropped to the ground and started spasming.


    Amethyst went to jump up, but Atlas grabbed her arm, ''''Wait and see what happens,'''' he said, causing the others to turn to the unconscious Lilith.


    That''s when she suddenly jumped up and shook her body before grabbing the snake and making her way towards them like nothing happened. The four girls turned to him with questioning expressions, causing him to chuckle.


    Atlas smiled. ''''She''s an Arzuros, and they''re tough monsters. Most creatures find it hard to deal with them as they can withstand most poisons and toxins that would kill anything else. It happened once before while traveling through Darkheart Jungle,'''' he said.


    They all nodded as Lilith plopped down by the fire, noisily eating the snake. Estelle turned to the little monster and said, "Can you stop making so much noise, Lily?"


    Lilith growled at Estelle, causing everyone to laugh before continuing with their meal. After finishing, Atlas and the girls retired to their tents. Amethyst joined him and asked with a smile, "Are you going to try out the Void Realm?"


    He nodded, ''''Yes, do you still want to join me? I don''t know what to expect, but could I try it first, and then we can go in tomorrow?''''


    ''''I want to come with you, Amore,'''' Amethyst declared. ''''We can do this together and grow stronger.''''


    Atlas smiled before activating the skill as she clung to him. Their consciousness started to fade when Lilith appeared and jumped on them. The next thing they knew, they woke up in a forest surrounded by a sea of trees.


    When Atlas regained consciousness, he saw a grey sky above him, prompting him to sit up and survey his surroundings. Bushes and foliage obstructed his view, but he noticed the world around him was devoid of life, washed in shades of grey.


    As he looked around, Amethyst and Lilith came too. The honey badger rushed over to him and made adorable noises that put a smile on his face. Atlas picked her up as the Phoenix girl stood up.


    She looked around and said, ''''I can''t see anything; mana is coming from the surrounding nature but no other life.''''


    Atlas was about to speak, but notifications popped up.


    [Welcome, Voidwalker. If you''re reading this, it means you''ve become an apprentice, granting you access to the first level of the Void Realm. Here, you will encounter the Void Raptors, vicious creatures with an insatiable appetite for violence and blood]


    He was confused, but another notification appeared.


    [Defeat the Void Raptor King to conquer the creatures and progress to the second level. Good luck in your first trial; we anticipate great things from you, Little One]


    ''Okay, so we have to locate some monsters and defeat their leader to gain control over them,'' Atlas mused.


    Afterward, he informed Amethyst and Lilith, who listened intently. The phoenix girl declared they would hunt down the monsters and eliminate them, which made Atlas smile at their enthusiasm.


    Atlas led them through the forest until roars echoed through the trees, prompting the duo to halt. Amethyst prepared to cast a spell while Atlas scanned their surroundings to locate the source and found them dashing toward them.


    He scanned them using Void Sight.


    [Void Raptor]


    [Rank: E]


    As he did, the purple-haired girl informed him, "Three monsters rushing toward us from the west, Amore."


    Spinning around, he readied his Void Bullet just as the creatures emerged. He was shocked to see they resembled Velociraptors from Earth''s past, albeit slightly smaller. Excitement surged through Atlas as he cast the spell at one of them.


    Amethyst joined in and started casting Cosmic Blasts toward the three monsters that were taken by surprise as the spells slammed into them, but what happened next shocked the couple.


    The corpse broke down into azure motes before floating into the air. That''s when Lilith jumped off his shoulder and started crawling through the underbrush while Atlas and Amethyst trekked through the forest.


    Atlas checked his status and realized he wasn''t earning experience from the kills, which confused him, but a notification cleared it up.


    [The Void creates copies of the monsters for you to fight. If you pass this level, then you have access to all the Void Raptors, who you can call upon at the cost of 400 mana per portal that summons a pack of six monsters led by a warrior to aid you, but it will cost even more mana to keep them in the world]


    Once Atlas saw this, he thought, ''Hopefully, this will be easy.''


    As the trip got deeper into the forest, more Void Raptors charged at them, but they managed to deal with the monsters until there were too many to count that appeared from behind trees.


    Even when Atlas used Void Step, they would catch him off guard and strike with their long tails before clawing at them. The first to be taken out was Lilith, who charged at a group of three.


    Lilith pounced on one, but the others managed to deal with her. Then, Amethyst was taken out by an ambush when they crossed a small stream, leaving him alone as he used Void Guard to block most attacks.


    An hour passed, and Atlas reached a clearing with a path on the opposite side. As he walked towards it, dozens of Void Raptors suddenly pounced on him, tearing him apart and causing him to wake up abruptly.


    Atlas looked around to see Lilith sleeping while curled up in Amethyst''s lap. The Phoenix girl smiled, ''''That was tough, but I know we can do it, Amore; together, we can do anything.''''


    He nodded with a smile before leaning forward and kissing her without any warning, but she quickly returned it. After a minute, they separated before lying together and cuddling up as the two moons shone down on the world.


    Atlas drifted off; he heard the howls of the Dark Ones rising from the bottom of the hill, causing some adventurers to panic. Despite the commotion, he ignored it and let himself succumb to sleep.


    As the young couple slept peacefully, chaos erupted outside. The Dark Ones targeted the adventurer group but left theirs alone, deterred by the protective Runes encircling their tents and firepit.


    The next day dawned with an eerie silence settling over the hill. The lingering scent of blood hung in the air, yet it wasn''t enough to rouse the group from their slumber until Atlas finally crawled out of the tent.

 Chapter 60 - 60: The War

    When crawling out of the tent after waking up, Atlas shook his head. Once outside, his eyes opened wide in shock when he noticed the area outside their protective Runes was covered in blood.


    Following that, Atlas glanced around, thinking, ''Where is everyone? Why didn''t we hear anything?''


    Atlas stepped past the Runes and felt a sudden dread wash over his body, which caused him to look around. Lilith wandered out of the tent and joined him by making a chirping noise that put a smile on his face.


    He guessed she wanted to be picked up. With a roll of his eyes, Atlas put the little monster on his shoulder while he explored the hilltop and saw the adventurer''s tent, but most were covered in blood.


    After that, Atlas looked around and noticed tracks similar to Dark Ones. ''Did the adventurers set up Runes? It makes no sense,'' he mused while approaching the edge and saw something at the hill''s edge on the opposite side of their camp.


    Atlas approached one of the Runes and noticed a tiny slash through it; he remembered Grishna telling him they would fail if they were damaged. ''Someone inside the adventurer''s camp was on the other side?''


    The whole scene confused him. Atlas didn''t know what to think and approached their tents just as Grishna exited her and Artemis''s. The orc girl smiled when she spotted him, ''''Morning, Grak''Thar. How long have you been awake?''''


    He looked at her before answering, ''''Not long, but we have a problem. The Dark Ones wiped out the adventurer group.''''


    When Atlas finished speaking, Grishna''s eyes widened, ''''Show me.''''


    Following that, he showed the orc girl, who grew concerned as she confirmed his suspicion, ''''There was a traitor in the camp. Someone is working with the creatures.''''


    Atlas was about to reply when the other three girls joined them. Each one stroked Lilith, who loved the attention. Estelle smiled at him, ''''Morning, Le Messie ¨¦lu. I heard you explain it to the runt. Father suspected the Evergaldian Guild had been taken over by a group named the Cult of Eternal Night.''''


    ''''I''ve heard of them; they plague the Graecoria Empire, but the twin empresses have cracked down on them,'''' Artemis revealed as she joined them at the hill''s edge.


    ''''Who are they?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Everyone shrugged, but Amethyst spoke while staring at the Runes, ''''I believe they worship a being known as Pazuzu. It''s said he will bring bloodshed and ruin to the world. They want to aid him during his Great War against the kings and empires of Valoria.'''' S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He noticed the phoenix girl shivered when talking about this being, and the others looked concerned, but he wondered who it was. Without wasting any more time on it, the group went on to make breakfast.


    Atlas walked to the edge that overlooked the road they had to take to Tavarovou City. Nothing caught his attention apart from specs out to sea miles away. When he noticed this, he called out to the brunette, ''''Artemis, can you come here?''''


    Seconds later, the older girl appeared next to him with a smile. ''''What do you need, Aetos?'''' she said.


    ''''Can you use your Eaglevision skill to check out what that is?'''' he asked while pointing north.


    Artemis narrowed her eyes before slapping his back, ''''Wow, how did you spot that Little One? I can barely see it.''''


    Atlas shrugged, causing the brunette to mumble a chant before she went still, and a translucent blue eagle shot out of her and flew north. He lost sight of the bird and then had to wait a little while.


    Ten minutes passed until Artemis came to and shook her head, ''''It a Ravencrest Mercenary Fleet. I think they are invading the northern part of the kingdom. From the rumors I''ve heard, they serve one realm with extreme loyalty, which means the situation has worsened.''''


    ''''What have the Evergladians done to deserve this?'''' Amethyst questioned with a concerned tone.


    Atlas also wondered why before Estelle revealed the answer, ''''They have been raiding the Achaemenidians'' trade routes. It was a matter of time until they responded, but who knew it would be during their invasion of Astoria.''''


    Following that, the group started to eat. When Artemis and Estelle finished their breakfast, Atlas remembered he had space to learn four more spells. Excitedly, he declared, "Once we reach the city, I''m going to see if I can buy some new spells."


    The four girls nodded, but Grishna spoke, ''''We have to be careful on our way to the city as the Ravernians are ruthless and will try to enslave us or worse.''''


    Atlas noticed everyone looked concerned, but he suggested, ''''Why not travel through the hills and avoid the road? We can stay one step ahead of the armies.''''


    They all gazed at him until Grishna agreed, ''''That''s a good idea, Little One. It may take us longer to reach Wildreach, but at least we''ll be safe.''''


    With that suggestion, the party left the hilltop and traveled across the Everglade hills, where they witnessed the citizens fleeing to Greenglade in the south. They paid them no attention, but Grishna and Estelle were cautious.


    Atlas and Amethyst took the middle while Artemis covered the rear with her sling. The group continued like this and only stopped when they saw a plume of black smoke reaching into the air.


    The orc girl stopped walking while speaking, ''''Mana Cannons! The mercenaries are besieging Taravorou City.''''


    After everyone heard that, they sprinted to a nearby hill where a dozen people stood at the top. When Atlas stopped climbing, he witnessed an army firing small cannons that lit up before sending a chaotic blast at the walls.''''


    When Estelle saw this, her eyes widened as she spoke, ''''Argonians are with them! How can a Father be working with the Achaemenidians.''''


    While the group watched the siege, Artemis spoke, ''''To be honest, I can''t blame your father for surrendering. Emperor Cyrus offers good terms to any kingdom that submits and aids them in their conquests.''''


    The brunette stepped forward before continuing, ''''I wouldn''t be surprised if the invasion were due to the Argonians getting aid from the Achaemenidians. After all, their empire is the biggest in Valoria and stretches across several continents.''''


    ''''They must have trillions of subjects,'''' Atlas muttered. ''''How did they become so big?''''


    ''''Cyrus believes in letting the peoples of his conquered regions worship their gods. Honestly, life only gets better once the Achaemenidians take over; they stop the bandit raids, the non-stop wars that plagued Zarandar and Southern Astoria.''''


    ''''So they''re the good guys?'''' Amethyst questioned in an annoyed tone.


    Artemis shrugged, ''''Who truly knows? Let''s take Aetos, for example; every realm has many names for him,'''' she said while looking at Atlas. ''''The Evergladians call him the Shaytan al-Kharab, while the Achaemenidians named him the Dahaka. Some people see things differently, Little Bird.''''


    ''''Shut up, Fish,'''' the phoenix girl snapped back.


    ''''Will the Immortals appear during the war?'''' Atlas asked the group.


    When he heard this, he noticed the four girls stiffen, which caused him to grow curious, but Grishna commented, ''''No. They only appear wherever the emperor points. Otherwise, the normal Achaemenid army deals with the fighting.''''


    ''''Don''t forget about the Nightowls. They give me the creeps,'''' Artemis commented while the other people on the hill started leaving.


    "Who are they?" Atlas inquired of the brunette as they journeyed eastward, leaving Tavarovou City behind.


    Artemis explained that the Nightowls were Cyrus the Great''s covert army. They served solely under his command and that of the imperial princess Darya Safavi; units of them were dispatched worldwide to assassinate or capture targets designated by the emperor.


    Estelle added that they were adept at infiltrating most locations, with even their lowest-ranked members being at least at the Journeyman level. Upon hearing this, Atlas felt uneasy, but he soon found comfort in Amethyst''s reassuring hand and Lilith''s affectionate kisses.


    They continued eastward for a few days while caring for themselves as they camped at night. Atlas and Lilith found several remains of refugee groups fleeing through the hills. Pools of blood and the occasional limbs told him that the Dark Ones hunted the people and dragged them off.


    This routine continued for a week, during which they encountered only a few goblins and plains wolves, all swiftly dispatched by the group, when Atlas spotted a Wildreach City on the coast of the Stormwrath Sea.


    Atlas halted at the final ridge overlooking the city gates. Lilith leaped off his shoulders and dashed downhill towards the forest as a barrier between the hills and the city. Grishna joined him, but he noticed she was tired.


    Without thinking much, he suggested, ''''Why don''t we rest for the rest of today, then head into the city tomorrow? The Evergladians are too busy dealing with the invading armies to be looking for me.''''


    The orc girl agreed with a nod before Atlas turned to the others and asked the same question. They all nodded in agreement, and the group began setting up their tents while he started a fire to cook the last of the wild orc meat.


    As Atlas started the fire, Estelle approached him with a smile and spoke in her French accent, which he had grown to love, "Le Messie ¨¦lu. I noticed you love to use a dagger. I was taught to use one when growing up; if you like, I could teach you a few things. "


    ''''I can teach him to use a short sword. There''s a training one in my storage ring,'''' Artemis exclaimed.


    He looked at the blonde knight and nodded, ''''That would be good. Thank you.''''

 Chapter 61 - 61: Furry Girlfriend

    Atlas was following Estelle away from the camp to train as there wasn''t enough space, and the blonde said they needed peace. While walking, his eyes trailed down the young woman''s well-trained body crafted through years of knightly training.


    ''She''s drop-dead gorgeous,'' he mused while admiring the strong knight.


    Estelle was the definition of a beautiful woman with perfect facial features and enchanting blue eyes that glowed when the afternoon sun hit them. Atlas thought while looking at her, ''''She had a face that could launch a thousand ships.''''


    But Atlas loved the two dimples on her cheeks that appeared whenever she was happy. Atlas admired her athletic hourglass figure, which any woman on Earth would be jealous of. Still, he had noticed her muscles were firm due to her life of rigorous training and hunting monsters throughout the Argonia Kingdom.


    Due to being around Grishna, Estelle, and Artemis, who were older than him, he had developed a preference for older girls. Even Amethyst was closer to his age and a few months his senior.


    Atlas noticed her blonde hair was cascading down to the small of her back. This drew his eyes to her toned behind, forged over many years. Estelle suddenly stopped walking while he was watching, causing him to walk straight into her.


    He felt her firm behind hit his chest, and a flush of embarrassment washed over him. When she noticed what he was doing, a grin appeared on her pretty face, ''''What do you think you''re doing, Le Messie ¨¦lu?''''


    "Admiring you, Estelle," Atlas quipped with a smirk. "What did you want to teach me?"


    Estelle shot him a playful glance. "Admire all you want, but don''t overstep. Just because you''re the Le Messie ¨¦lu doesn''t mean I''m yours for the taking. First off, you''re way too young for any romance. And second, you''ve got a long way to go to catch up to me if you want a chance, but I will wait until you become stronger,'''' she replied with a knowing smile before taking out her sword and shield.


    ''''I respect that, Estelle, and won''t overstep any boundaries until I''m older and you''re ready,'''' Atlas stated before continuing. ''''But I must ask, how old should I be?''''


    ''''Seventeen,'''' she answered instantly. ''''Once you turn seventeen, we will fight to see whose stronger.''''


    Atlas beamed before taking out his dagger, asking, ''''Can I use magic?''''


    Estelle nodded, ''''Yes, but don''t complain if I use it.''''


    With no hesitation, Atlas unleashed several Void Bullets toward the blonde knight. She expertly sliced through them, but their explosive impact created a split-second distraction that Atlas used to dash forward, blade poised for action.


    Closing the gap, Atlas launched a rapid barrage of a dozen Void Arrows, each striking Estelle''s shield with force as she raised it to defend herself. Sensing an opportunity, he executed a flawless Void Step, disappearing from view only to appear behind her.


    Atlas''s slash aimed at Estelle''s legs, hoping to catch her off guard, was met with unexpected resistance as he heard her voice ring out, "Solar Shield."


    His blade struck her leg, only to be deflected, and in that moment, a retaliatory slash grazed his chest. Startled, Atlas scrambled backward, eyeing Estelle, who wore a confident smile. She swiftly readied her sword and calmly declared, "My turn."


    With a burst of determination, Estelle charged forward, prompting a startled yelp from Atlas as he hastily blocked her attack with his dagger. Simultaneously, he cast Void Guard and unleashed a Void Bullet.


    The azure projectile streaked toward Estelle, but she deftly dodged to the side, her blade connecting solidly with his weapon in a clash of metal. He felt his arm vibrate due to her power in the strike.


    He quickly backed away to create distance from Estelle, who relentlessly pursued him, her sword thrusting toward his torso. Despite his Void Guard successfully intercepting the attack, the impact force still jolted through his body, causing Atlas to stagger backward.


    The blonde knight halted her assault, allowing Atlas a moment to recover. She spoke calmly, her tone instructive yet firm, "You''re fast, Le Messie ¨¦lu, but speed alone won''t win battles. You need to consider where and how you strike your enemy."


    Confusion flickered across Atlas''s face, prompting Estelle to elaborate with a patient gesture, "Focus on vulnerable points, where the enemy is weakest. It''s not just about hitting hard, but hitting smart."


    Atlas nodded as she continued, ''''You need a second blade to follow up on your first strike, as people''s shields normally last one strike at such a range. With an additional weapon, I think you would be even deadlier.''''


    "Okay. I''ll buy one along with some spells when we get to Volantic," he replied, earning a proud nod from the blonde knight. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Your Void Bullet spell is effective; it explodes on impact. Meanwhile, Void Arrow is an armor-piercing spell, ideal against heavy armor and knights like myself because it punches a hole through most metals," Estelle added, smiling at him as she spoke.


    Her beautiful smile caught him off guard, but Atlas shook his head and spoke, ''''Do you want to continue? I want to see if I can land a hit on you.''''


    Estelle giggled with a mischievous glint in her blue eyes, ''''If you manage to touch me, then I''ll give you a prize,'''' she challenged.


    Atlas agreed, and the duo continued fighting, causing Lilith to wander over to see what he was doing. When the honey badger noticed he was training, she laid down to watch them with her curious yellow eyes.


    Lilith watched Estelle lead Atlas around, encouraging him to think of new attacking methods. By the time he dropped to the ground and breathed heavily, he had never managed to touch her.


    The blonde knight stood above him with a smile, declaring, "Maybe next time, Le Messie ¨¦lu. The prize is still on offer, but let''s call it a day with the training." She began to walk away but glanced back over her shoulder. "Come and get something to eat before you rest."


    Atlas sprawled out on the hillside, panting heavily, when Lilith sauntered over and launched herself onto him. "Hey, Lily! Can''t you see I''m beat?" he groaned, trying to fend off the honey badger''s playful nips at his ears and neck. "Seriously, stop with the surprise attacks!"


    The two of them started wrestling, but Lilith overwhelmed him due to being tired and stood on his chest with a victorious glint in her eyes. Atlas noticed she looked down at him before lovingly licking his cheek while chirping.


    This made him chuckle as he began to stroke her, but it only encouraged Lilith even more, and she launched another playful attack. Atlas surrendered and let her have her way, but then she started tickling him relentlessly.


    Soon, a voice cut through the laughter, "Aetos! Stop making love with your furry girlfriend, and join us ladies to eat! Grishna cooked a delicious soup," Artemis shouted at him.


    Lilith stopped playing games and let Atlas pick her up as they returned to the camp that had already been set up. After that, everyone started eating, and as the sun set, they painted the landscape a beautiful pink color.


    While sitting in front of the fire, Atlas shivered, causing him to wrap his enchanted cloak around his body. Amethyst looks at him with a smile, ''''Frostwinter is upon us. The nights will grow colder, and the snows will come soon.''''


    ''''Is it bad?'''' he questioned while drinking some tea Estelle made.


    "Depends on where in Astoria you are, my Amore," Amethyst explained, leaning against him. "North of the Sands of Sorrow, the snow can get pretty bad. Some years it blocks the trading roads for days. But south of the desert, it might only reach your ankles."


    Atlas nodded. "Thank you," he said, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her into his cloak. "I don''t intend to head south anytime soon. Looks like we''ll be tackling snow-capped mountains on our way to the Thalassia Empire."


    Following that, the group planned out the next days while eating their dinners; the plan was simple: find a boat at the docks and sail toward Volantic, where they would be welcomed, thanks to Estelle being the fifth princess.


    Before long, the two moons hung high in the sky, shining upon the hills, and Amethyst pulled Atlas into the tent, eliciting giggles from the older girls. Once inside, the couple settled under the covers the phoenix had set up earlier.


    As they got comfortable, Atlas turned toward Amethyst and noticed her soft, pink lips looked inviting. Unable to resist, he leaned forward to kiss her. She initially stiffened but quickly returned the kiss, pulling him closer in a warm embrace.


    The young couple continued kissing until they eventually separated and drifted asleep. Lilith watched with jealous eyes for a moment before crawling on top of Atlas and snuggling in between them, joining them in dreamland and ensuring a peaceful night passed by.


    Atlas was awoken to explosions and screaming, causing him to rush out only to see Estelle blocking several spells as Grishna and Artemis fought mercenaries. They wore midnight black armor with skull-shaped helmets that sent shivers through his spine.


    Most stood as tall as six feet and looked menacing as their armor reflected the morning light, but soon Atlas got over it and rushed forward while readying his dagger when he closed in on the closet mercenary and cast a Void Arrow at the man.


    The enemy raised his shield, blocking the spell. In response, Atlas swiftly cast Void Step, vanishing from sight and reappearing behind the soldier. With a decisive thrust, he drove his blade through the man''s ribs.

 Chapter 62 - 62: Ravenians

    Atlas felt his dagger sink into the mercenary''s flesh, which was the signal to cast a Void Bullet into his body, causing the man to make a strange death noise before falling to the ground.


    Following that, he aimed his hand at the group of soldiers fighting the three girls. He released a dozen Void Arrows, and thanks to what Estelle told him, he aimed for the enemy''s torsos, knowing the spells would give the ladies a fighting chance.


    The azure projectiles lit up the area in a beautiful blue color as they sliced through the air like homing missiles and pierced the Ravenian''s armor like a hot knife cutting through butter, causing them to stagger back as blood poured out of their wounds.


    When Artemis and Grishna saw this, they attacked the soldiers with renewed vigor. The two older girls hacked and slashed at the shocked enemies. As this happened, Atlas scanned the soldiers to grasp the enemies'' strength.


    [Marcus]


    [Human]


    [Level: 102]


    [Rank: Adept]


    [Rafael]


    [Wolf Demi-Human]


    [Level: 76]


    [Rank: Apprentice]


    [Tristan]


    [Half-Elf]


    [Level: 71]


    [Apprentice]


    ''This will be hard, but I can do it if I do what Estelle said,'' Atlas mused before rushing toward Marcus.


    He noticed the leader was a mountain of a man who spotted him and got ready to swing the massive war hammer he wielded. When Atlas saw this, he fired several Void Bullets that exploded on contact, causing the weapon to veer off course.


    When the ground next to Atlas exploded, he scrambled to his feet and rammed his dagger into a gap between Marcus''s thigh armor. As the blade pierced the big man''s flesh, he noticed that a large hand approached his face.


    Atlas ignored that while casting Void Guard to protect himself before sending a Void Bullet into the man''s legs that exploded instantly. The blast sent him flying while blowing the leader''s leg into the shreds of dangling meat strips.


    While Atlas flew through the air, he cast Void Step to appear near Lilith and Amethyst, who joined the fight. The honey badger attacked a Ravenian while the phoenix girl peppered the enemy with Cosmic Blasts and Bullets that disrupted their movements.


    In the meantime, Estelle blocked several spells aimed at Artemis and Grishna as they dealt with the soldiers pouring onto the hilltop. The three older girls worked together to push the enemy back.


    Grishna used her Shrill Shriek spells to confuse them while Artemis hit them with a dozen mana bullets she fired from her sling before pulling her sword back out to block a slash from behind.


    ''These girls can fight,'' Atlas thought while watching the three older ladies. ''But they''ve also trained for years.''


    The orc girl used her spear like a master and kept the Ravenians back while Estelle hit them with a Light Blast that sent a few soldiers flying off the hill. When Atlas saw this, he got low to the ground and started sprinting through the battlefield.


    He stabbed and slashed the legs of the enemy, bringing them to the ground with a thud before he plunged his dagger through their skull, thanks to the weak spots. The mercenaries wouldn''t be killed so easily if they were higher ranked and would take extra effort to deal with.


    Atlas noticed the leader was still alive but saw several Ravenians between him and his target. Without wasting more time, he sprinted toward Marcus while casting a dozen Void Bullets that exploded just in front of them.


    ''Hopefully, this works,'''' he thought.


    This caused a dust cloud to erupt, sending Atlas several Void Arrows at the mercenary''s chests. The azure projectile flew through the air before slamming into the enemies and boring a hole through their armor and flesh.


    He rushed into the cloud while slashing at any legs he saw before spotting the down Ravenian leader, causing his smile to widen as he drove his blade into the man''s forehead and instantly felt the experience pouring into him.


    ''This feels so good, got to love leveling up.''


    Atlas was preoccupied as a mercenary rushed up to him and took a swing, but Lilith barrelled into the man. The little monster tore the enemy''s throat out before jumping off the falling body. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following this, the group worked together to decimate the attacking Ravenians until Atlas was out of breath and covered in fresh blood. He found himself at the bottom of the hill, leaning against a tree with the body of a mercenary he chased a few feet away.


    ''I do love fighting but I''m young and can''t keep up with the older people,'' Atlas thought before falling to the ground.


    While lying there, Lilith walked up to him and started licking his face. Atlas smiled when he felt this before dragging the furry monster into a cuddle, which she happily accepted as he stood up.


    Atlas ascended the hill and witnessed Grishna swiftly dispatching the injured mercenaries. He intervened, calling out to her, "Grish! Spare one."


    Upon hearing his request, the orc girl beamed with understanding. She spared the last remaining Ravenian, a bloodied figure missing an arm. Atlas approached the man and questioned, ''''Why did you attack this hill, and how did you know we were here?''''


    ''''An Evergladian woman came to our camp to tell us that the Koshai was here to attack, so we struck first,'''' the dying man looked at Atlas in fear. ''''White hair and blue eyes heralds the coming of the Devil who brings death to Ravencrest.''''


    ''''Koshai? That''s new,'''' Atlas said before plunging his blade through the man''s skull and reveling in the experience that poured into his body.


    While doing that, Lilith bit his leg, bringing Atlas back to reality as she growled. He shook his head and noticed the four girls looking at him, ''''What''s wrong?'''' he questioned.


    Estelle stepped forward with a concerned expression as Lilith went off to hunt, ''''Do you get pleasure from killing people, Le Messie ¨¦lu?''''


    The others nodded in agreement and waited for his answer. After cleaning his dagger, Atlas stepped away from the body as he spoke, ''''No. When experience flows into my body, it gives me a warm feeling which is strange but comforting.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' the blonde knight responded with relief lace in her voice. ''''Try not to get lost in that feeling, Little One. It can be dangerous if you are fighting a group.''''


    ''''I''ll be careful,'''' Atlas said before making his way to a nearby tree after the older girls said they would travel to Wildreach in an hour.


    While relaxing, he checked his status. After working out, he killed two Adept Ravenians and five Apprentice Ranked soldiers.


    [Experience: 1980/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 1800]


    [Mana: 1550¡ú1560]


    [Strength: 414¡ú416]


    [Stamina: 438¡ú442]


    [Charisma: 354¡ú356]


    [Intelligence: 364¡ú366]


    [Core Points: 7850¡ú9300]


    [Core Points Gained: 1450]


    ''Nice. I''ll level up soon,'' Atlas mused before turning to the girls looting the Ravenian mercenaries.


    He stood up and approached Grishna, who was trying to tie a collection of weapons together, making him laugh. "I can put it in my storage, Grish. It saves you carrying it to Wildreach," he offered.


    "You won''t keep ma stuff?" the orc girl questioned with a raised eyebrow.


    Atlas shook his head. "No. I''ll carry it for you. I don''t want anything; it''s yours after all."


    Grishna beamed before handing him it. Atlas quickly stored it in his Dimensional Storage just as she stepped forward and pecked him on the cheek. His whole body stiffened when he felt her soft lips, and his cheeks reddened.


    ''Oh wow that felt good,'' Atlas thought while watching her walk away.


    The orc girl giggled, ''''You''re adorable when embarrassed. I hope this doesn''t change my future Navara,'''' she said before walking toward Artemis and Amethyst, who were planning a way to the city.


    Then, he heard Estelle''s voice behind him, ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu. We will be moving out once the others finish looting. Do you know where Lilith''s gone?''''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''I''m not sure, but she will find us before we leave.''''


    Following that, the group proceeded to Wildreach while dodging roving bands of mercenaries chasing Evergladians. While trekking, Atlas spotted an army heading toward the city, which gave him a bad feeling.


    Atlas turned to the group, ''''I think the Ravenians will attack Wildreach. We need to get there before they do,'''' he said.


    They all agreed and started speeding up. It took them a few hours of traveling, but by the time the afternoon sun was high in the sky, they reached the outskirts of the city, which was in chaos.


    When Atlas arrived at the top of the hill, Amethyst was waiting for him. Estelle told the group, ''''We must get into the city before they spot the army.''''


    After that, they sprinted toward the entrance. Atlas, worried about Lilith, suddenly saw her appear to their right. She sped up and launched herself at him, but he was ready and caught the little monster, causing the others to laugh.


    It took them another ten minutes to reach the line that led into the city. Once in the queue, Atlas spoke, ''''How will we travel to Volantis? Isn''t it in the middle of the ocean?''''


    Everyone looked at Estelle, who smiled. "Correct. It''s a city my father is proud of because many nations trade there. It brings in so much tax that the kingdom stationed a veteran army there."


    She looked around before continuing, ''''I know a smuggler who can get us to Volantis for a price, but he''s always in Wildreach looking for work.''''


    ''''How much?'''' Atlas inquired.


    ''''For all five of us? Maybe 50 silver because he has been protected by the Argonian Navy many times,'''' the blonde knight revealed.

 Chapter 63 - 63: Worthless To Anyone

    Atlas and the girls stood in line as panicked citizens and traders sought refuge at Wildreach. While waiting, he gazed at the city''s massive protective wall made from Sea Stone that gleamed in the afternoon sun.


    The walls rose nearly one hundred meters high, adorned with numerous cannons and towers spaced every ten meters. Atlas couldn''t discern anything beyond the imposing fortifications from his vantage point on the road outside.


    He noticed hundreds of guards atop the wall looking like they were preparing for something by loading the weapons. Atlas turned to Estelle, ''''Can the smuggler get us out of the city?'''' he asked nervously.


    The blonde nodded, ''''Yes, Le Messie ¨¦lu. There''s no need to worry; we will be in Volantis by tomorrow afternoon.''''


    Atlas nodded with a smile but soon noticed they were next in line when the alarm started blaring as a soldier above shouted, ''''The Ravenian army is here! Rumors say Cataphracts and the Bow Devils are with the mercenaries.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he looked at the girls, who looked just as confused until Amethyst informed them, ''''The Bow Devils are the best horse archers on Astoria, Zarandar, and Aridonia. The Achaemenidians use them to harass the Nubians and to protect their Sandcrawlers.''''


    Everyone nodded, but Estelle spoke, ''''That means the Ravenians are working with the Achaemenid Empire to conquer Astoria. Maybe the Thalassians will be attacked from the west, diverting the armies from the Wildheart Kingdom.''''


    ''''Why does it matter? War is war, blondie,'''' Grishna said while the guards rushed the merchants in front of them through.


    Before Estelle could retort, the Evergladian guards turned their attention to Atlas, who had his hood up. They exchanged glances and were about to speak when explosions erupted a few meters behind them.


    The group darted through the gate, prompting the guards to chase them. However, they halted when they noticed others outside doing the same. Atlas paused at a nearby side street and glanced back at the massive city gate slowly lowering behind them.


    After twenty minutes of searching, the group hid in an inn Grishna found not far from the docks where Estelle said the smuggler was. While inside, Artemis ordered food while the orc girls spilled the Ravenian loot on everyone.


    ''''Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. You get 3 gold, 31 silver, and 7 bronze coins. I split it fairly like you said,'''' she commented while handing over the loot.


    Atlas stored the coins while leaving the gold needed for their passage. He handed them to Estelle, saying, ''''This is for our ride to Volantic.''''


    Artemis smiled, showing off her beautiful freckles, saying, ''''We can pay for ourselves. You don''t have to do it, Aetos.''''


    He shook his head before responding, ''''It''s okay. Pay for my food, and we''ll be even.''''


    They all nodded gratefully and thanked Atlas. Ten minutes later, an older innkeeper brought out five plates brimming with food and carefully set them on the table. The group wasted no time and began eating while discussing who would accompany Estelle.


    After another ten minutes passed without a decision, Atlas spoke up. "You all go with Estelle. I''m going to find a shop that sells spellbooks," he announced decisively. The others agreed, and once they finished their meal, the girls bid him farewell, instructing him to meet them back at the inn as Lilith climbed on Artemis''s shoulder.


    The four left him alone on the table they were all sitting at, causing the inn''s owner to laugh while collecting the plates, ''''Partying with a group of feisty girls, young man. I feel sorry for you.''''


    Atlas chuckled, ''''They''re not that bad; I love spending time with them.''''


    The older man laughed in reply, ''''Wait until you''ve grown up, boy; they will be fighting to share your bed,'''' he said before walking away.


    He felt his cheeks going red when the lewd thoughts came to mind, but he shook his head before approaching the counter and questioning the owner, ''''Are there any local shops that sell spells?'''' S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''No, but you will find a few in Volantic, but it looks like the city will be on lockdown by the morning,'''' the old man informed him. ''''You could try Mother Delphi''s shop that sells random stuff; a spellbook pops up there occasionally.''''


    Atlas nodded gratefully to the innkeeper and bid him farewell before stepping out into the bustling streets of Wildreach. He asked for directions to the shop selling spellbooks and set off toward the city square, his eyes scanning the surroundings in search of a market.


    After fifteen minutes of walking, Atlas finally spotted the market and approached it, eager to find the shop he was looking for. The inn owner said he had to look for a pub and enter the opposite alleyway.


    Soon enough, Atlas spotted the shop he was looking for and entered. Inside, he found Mother Delphi''s shop at the end of the aisle. As he approached, he noticed the shop was filled with a mishmash of antique items and random curiosities strewn about.


    While he browsed, taking in the peculiar assortment of monster skulls and other oddities, a woman''s voice suddenly broke the silence. "What is a handsome young lad doing in such a peculiar shop?" she asked warmly.


    Atlas spun around to see a young woman with chocolate brown hair and big green eyes that glowed under the torches. To him, she looked to be in her late teens or early twenties, but she was dressed like someone working in a shop.


    He shook his head before answering, ''''I''m looking for any void spells. It''s a rare affinity to find, but I find the backstreet stores always have goodies for sale.''''


    The young woman gave him a worried smile before speaking, ''''So the rumors are true; Shaytan al-Kharab is real and is in my family''s store.''''


    Atlas rolled his eyes, ''''Yes, the Devil who brings ruin. I''ve heard it enough times now. So that you know I''m not evil or bring destruction to Wildreach,'''' he said in a fed-up voice, making the woman laugh.


    ''''That''s what the Shaytan al-Kharab would say, eh,'''' the woman said with an amused smile. ''''My name is Amy, and you''re are in luck, devil boy. Father has a void spell that an old master sold when he realized it was worthless to anyone.''''


    She hurried into the back of the shop after instructing him to wait, which Atlas excited since he was eager to find more attack spells. It reminded him that he could potentially learn Void Blast, though he would have to wait until the group reached Volantis to pursue it.


    Soon, Amy reappeared, holding a ratty-looking book covered in thick dust, which made him raise his eyebrow. The brown-haired woman quickly spoke, ''''Don''t look at me like that boy. Father bought it many years ago.''''


    Atlas nodded as she pushed it toward him, saying, ''''10 gold and I''ll throw in two Utility spells.''''


    ''''What''s it called?'''' he inquired while looking at the void spell.


    ''''Hold on a second, let me get it,'''' Amy said before vanishing into the back again.


    When he brushed the dust off, he read the title, ''''Void Wave.''''


    ''An area of attack spell, this will be extremely useful in the future,'' Atlas thought while taking out the gold coins needed to purchase the spellbook and placing them on the counter.


    A few minutes passed when the young woman appeared holding a baby blue book and a white one. She placed them on the counter while speaking, ''''Aqua Lung and Light. Very useful spells to an adventurer like yourself.''''


    He nodded before taking the books and storing them away. Amy took the gold coins and spoke, ''''Thank you for shopping in Mother Delphi''s Shaytan al-Kharab.''''


    Atlas shook his head before leaving the store and returning to the inn. While strolling through the city, he felt he was being watched, but Void Sight found nothing. After that, he smelled something he thought he''d never smell again.


    ''Chocolate!''


    He scanned the street corner and spotted a quaint, sweet shop. The owner appeared to be closing up, but Atlas approached the man and woman at the counter and spoke politely, "Hello. I know you''re closing, but I''d like to purchase as much chocolate as you have available."


    The woman turned around with a concerned impression as she looked down and spotted him, ''''Why would you want sweets at such a time, young man?''''


    ''''I haven''t had chocolate in many years,'''' Atlas replied, taking out two gold coins to show he had the funds to buy them.


    The couple exchanged a glance, and then the man nodded. "Fill up three bags with all our remaining stock. We''ve sold a lot this week, but there''s plenty of chocolate left for you, lad."


    Atlas smiled gratefully as he handed over the coins, and the woman hurried inside to gather the chocolates. As he waited, he began to hear distant whistling noises approaching the city, but they abruptly ceased.


    Suddenly, explosions ripped through the northern part of Tidereach. The man started to panic, but the woman reappeared just in time, holding the bags of chocolate. She handed them to Atlas before the couple hurried inside the shop.


    As the man moved to lock the door, the woman turned to Atlas and asked, "Young man, would you like to join us? We have a bunker under the shop."


    Atlas shook his head resolutely. "No, thank you. My girls are waiting for me. Thanks for the chocolates and the offer, but I must go now."


    He hurried back to the inn, the sound of explosions echoing behind him. When Atlas arrived, the group was already gathered and waiting for him. Lilith spotted him and rushed toward him, climbing onto him eagerly.

 Chapter 64 - 64: We Lost Our Homeland

    As Atlas approached the group while carrying Lilith, he saw Estelle rushing toward him, equipping her shield and wrapping an arm around his shoulders before casting a spell, ''''Holy Barrier.''''


    A white barrier enveloped them moments before an explosion shattered the street. The two were sent flying, but Atlas grabbed the blonde knight while casting Void Step, only to crash through the inn''s entrance.


    The rest of the girls hurried to their side, but Estelle jumped up and quickly cast Healing Light on both, prompting Atlas to exhale with relief. He sat up, rubbed his head, and said, ''''Thanks for that blondie.''''


    ''''Don''t call me that, you little shit,'''' Estelle said with a smile. ''''Luckily, I saw the mana shell heading straight for the spot you were standing and reacted in time.''''


    Atlas nodded as the owner quickly locked the door and activated some Runes that lit up the wall. The older man turned to them and offered, ''''You young ones may rent out a room, and I''ll do it for half price as the city is under siege by the Southmen''s slaves.''''


    The group accepted and rented a room until morning. As they approached the chamber that was theirs for the night, Atlas turned to the blonde knight and asked, "When are we meeting your contact?"


    ''''Tomorrow before the sun rises,'''' she answered. ''''He wants us to meet them at the last dock in the military quarters. I have five passes, but you''ll need to hide Lily in your shirt while we enter the place.''''


    Atlas smiled and stroked the furry monster, who let out a happy chirp and climbed into his shirt, flattening against him to prove she could fit. Estelle''s eyes widened as she spoke while staring at Lilith, who was poking her head out of his shirt, "She understood?"


    "Yes, Lilith is brilliant and understands most things. For example, she bites me when I kill because she doesn''t like it when I lose myself to it," Atlas explained, prompting a nod from the honey badger.


    Estelle nodded, ''''That''s understandable, though, because the void is known as dark magic, but that''s what the churches across Valoria want you to believe. It''s the person and not the evil affinity.''''


    ''''I agree. I''m not evil, but I''m not a hero either, as I would kill my enemies and not let them live like the good guys do. It always backfires.''''


    The blonde knight smiled, ''''Get some rest; we will be in Volantis tomorrow, and I''ll take you to a few weapon shops to get you some new blades,'''' she said.


    ''''Thanks, Estelle; when can we train next?'''' Atlas asked while getting to his feet and putting Lilith on the bed, which caused her to curl up before falling asleep.


    ''''Not yet. We can''t use the garden because of the risk of mana shells landing on us,'''' she replied with a frown.


    Atlas shrugged, ''''So what? I need to get better, and I have you to protect me if any do appear.''''


    Before the blonde could reply, Grishna spoke up, ''''Why don''t we all train? He can''t fight each of us to get a different experience.''''


    His eyes gleamed when hearing this, but Estelle was going to reject the idea until Artemis commented with an amused voice, ''''I''m down for that; the little shit needs a good beating.''''


    Everyone agreed and went downstairs, with Lilith eagerly chasing after them. Atlas approached the owner and asked for access to the garden. He nodded and led the group outside.


    When stepping out, Atlas noticed a stone wall encasing the inn''s garden, but the black smoke covering the sky made visibility difficult. A small fire was starting in the back corner, prompting Artemis to cast Aqua Bomb to extinguish it.


    Estelle saw this and spoke, ''''We have to be careful. I think the siege is intensifying. I recommend staying out here for a couple of hours.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me,'''' Atlas commented before turning to the four ladies, ''''Who am I fighting first?''''


    Amethyst''s hand flew up as she announced, ''''Me!''''


    Atlas nodded, but Estelle stepped forward with a knowing smile, ''''I will join her in fighting you as you have someone on your side.''''


    He was confused before gazing down and spotted Lilith standing beside him while growling at Amethyst and Estelle. This made Atlas laugh, but they nodded at the blonde before the four of them faced each other.


    The match began shortly after that as Atlas aimed for Estelle and sped towards her while swinging his dagger, but the knight deflected it before stepping forward and kicking him in the chest, which caught him off guard.


    Atlas flew backward only to see Lilith nibbling Amethyst, who was too busy giggling at the silly monster attacking her. Artemis and Grishna were too busy laughing so much that they had to hold their stomachs, making Estelle smile.


    The group continued to battle, but the blonde knight ultimately overcame him. She then turned her attention to Lilith, stunned to suddenly find herself beside a groaning Atlas. Grisha and Artemis moved forward, but the brunette shouted, "Everyone, move now!" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Atlas heard this, he jumped up while grabbing Lilith, only to look up and see a wave of mana shells heading for the garden. Estelle quickly moved to cast Holy Barrier around the group just as they struck the inn.


    A massive explosion threw them into the stone wall at the back of the garden with a crash as the inn rose in flames. Atlas and the girls were coughing while getting back to their feet while coughing.


    ''''The Ravenians are using explosive shells! We need to find cover until the morning,'''' Artemis said while brushing the dust off her dress.


    Everyone agreed before rushing out of the garden to see most of the buildings around them either destroyed or on fire. Lilith led the group through the smoke as Atlas shouted, ''''Follow me!''''


    They made their way through the chaotic city as fires raged everywhere. When Estelle saw this, she shouted, ''''Head to the docks, everyone! We need to find the smuggler before this place falls.''''


    Atlas and the girls turned toward the main street that led to the military quarter, where they had to meet their contact. While running, he noticed the explosive shells stopped falling, which allowed the people to try to put out the fires using water magic.


    When Atlas saw this, he thought, ''Are they looking to destroy the city? Don''t they want to occupy it?''


    It took them ten minutes to reach the meeting place, and Atlas saw a tall man and woman waiting around the last pier. Estelle took point and approached the couple, who turned to her before bowing, ''''Princess. I knew you would come now. We are ready to leave.''''


    Estelle nodded, causing the couple to lead them to a big rowboat as the man spoke, ''''We have to use this to get past the sea wall. Our ship is anchored in a hidden bay just up the coast.''''


    The group boarded the rowboat as the man and woman took opposite sides before activating a Rune that got the vessel moving. Atlas wondered what it was, but as soon as they started speeding through the water, he thought, ''It''s a magic speedboat!''


    Following that, the man and woman didn''t speak but drove the boat out of the harbor before they sailed along the coast. The Ravenians'' cannons started firing again, but it was much worse this time as the city walls were brought down.


    The woman spotted this and spoke, ''''You see that, Gareth. I told you we should have left earlier; the mercenaries are rushing to take Wildreach due to the Achaemenidians arriving in the next few days.''''


    When Atlas heard her, he questioned, ''''They are coming this far north already?''''


    She nodded, ''''Yes, Little One. The Emperor has sent his Nightowls north to deal with the stronger fights from the Everglade and Moonhare Kingdoms.


    ''''Yes, boy. They have sent the Cataphracts, Bow Devils, and the Nightowls north to pave the way for the main force that will be here in a few months once they deal with the southern realms.''''


    ''''Juliette, you''re forgetting that the king has an alliance with the Achaemenidians that will allow the Argonia Kingdom to avoid invasion, but they have to join the war effort by invading their neighbors.''''


    ''''Why would your kingdom ally themselves with the Southmen?'''' Grishna questioned Estelle.


    The blonde shrugged, ''''No doubt to keep its independence as a nation.''''


    Grisha was about to speak, but Amethyst cut in, saying, "Cyrus the Great is known for being a fair ruler. If you surrender to the empire, they let you keep ruling as before, but you have to pay taxes to the empire and send soldiers to fight in the Achaemenid armies."


    ''''Then why won''t the desert people submit to the empire?'''' Grishna questioned with a curious expression.


    Amethyst turned her head toward the orc girl before answering, ''''We lost our homeland to the devils; we were forced into the desert after the emperor sacrificed himself to fight the Achaemenidian ancestors who drove us from the Zarandar Continent.''''


    The phoenix girl turned away from the group and continued, ''''My ancestors found a home on Aridonia far from the growing Achaemenid Kingdom. When they cornered our people with their allies, our Emperor detonated his core, which created the Blue Dune Desert, but we believe Luxia also had a hand in it.''''


    ''''How long have your people been in the desert?'''' Atlas asked while taking Amethyst''s hand, which caused her to smile.


    ''''I''m not entirely sure, to be honest,'''' she answered. ''''I know the elders speak of the Red Stars that passed over Valoria.''''

 Chapter 65 - 65: Youre My Girlfriend Amethyst

    When Atlas heard Amethyst''s answer, he grew curious and asked, "What''s Red Stars?"


    Everyone laughed at his innocence, but the man soon explained, "The last recorded incident happened thousands of years ago, in a world very different from today. It''s said that thousands of stars that were red streaking across the sky signaled the beginning of the turmoil Valoria endured during those times."


    ''''How do people know what happened so long ago?'''' Atlas commented once hearing the man''s explanation.


    ''''Mana Stones or preserved books found in the lost cities that adventurers come across while exploring Valoria''s unchartered lands,'''' the older man answered.


    Following that, their boat sped along the coast as the explosions faded. They traveled for twenty minutes until they reached a bay where a large metal trireme-looking warship was anchored.


    Atlas admired the massive vessel, noting how it dwarfed their small boat. However, its lack of oars or sails caught his attention most. Instead, he noticed hatches along the ship''s sides, presumably where the cannons would emerge.


    As they approached, the man expertly maneuvered their boat alongside the warship. Two metal ropes extended from the larger ship, connecting to their boat and lifting it onto the deck.


    A dozen soldiers awaited them there, snapping to attention and saluting as soon as they saw the couple. When everyone saw Estelle, they knelt in respect, causing the blonde knight to sigh in frustration as she mumbled, ''''Must they do this everywhere.''''


    The woman started laughing, ''''Can''t blame the men, princess. You rescued most of them from slavery during the Emberfall War.''''


    Atlas wondered what they were discussing and asked, ''''What is the Emberfall War? I''ve never heard of it.''''


    When the couple heard this, they turned to him like he was an idiot before Estelle answered, ''''I''ll explain later, Le Messie ¨¦lu, but let me introduce our hosts.''''


    She motioned toward the man, ''''This is Uncle Pierre and Aunty Juliette. They are my mother''s brother and sister-in-law.''''


    Atlas and the girls looked at Estelle, who giggled, but he questioned, ''''Why did you tell us they were your relatives? And why are they charging you coin for passage?''''


    ''''We still got a business to run and sailors to pay, boy. Even if Stella is my niece, she still has to pay,'''' Pierra responded defensively.


    Estelle shook her head before introducing the girls, ''''The orc is Grishna Brokentooth, the brunette is Artemis, and the last one is Amethyst. They are a part of my party, and we all met under special circumstances.''''


    The older couple greeted the group with a smile, and Juliette commented, ''''Did you call this young man Le Messie ¨¦lu? How do you know it''s truly him?''''


    Pierre''s gaze landed on Atlas, who nodded in response before speaking, ''''I use void magic, which Estelle said proves that I''m this messiah she speaks of.''''


    ''''Prove it,'''' the woman demanded as her brown eyes never left Atlas.


    He rolled his eyes and extended his hand towards the sea, conjuring a Void Bullet. The azure projectile streaked across the sky and detonated over the open ocean, creating a beautiful light show that surprised Estelle''s relatives and the sailors.


    The girls cheered with delight. Amethyst hurried over and embraced him, planting a kiss on his cheek. Meanwhile, Lilith''s curious head peeked out from his shirt, her yellow eyes scanning the surroundings before retreating inside.


    Following that, Pierre and Juliette looked at him with wide eyes and jaws hanging up. The older man shook his head, ''''You''re the Le Messie ¨¦lu; the L''¨¦glise du Messie priests and bishops must hear about this when we reach Volantis.''''


    While Pierre spoke, Juliette prayed, which caught Atlas''s attention, ''''Celui qui montre le chemin nous m¨¨nera au paradis.''''


    ''''What does that mean?'''' he asked the older woman.


    The older blonde smiled, ''''The one who points the way will lead us to paradise, Little one,'''' she said in a friendly tone.


    Then Pierra rushed them on board as a Ravenian warship approached, ''''Julietta will show you your rooms. I must deal with the mercenaries, which shouldn''t take long.''''


    The group was led down a set of stairs and along a walkway as the woman spoke, ''''We have an Imperial Pass from the Achaemenid High Command that allows us to operate during their invasion. It''s one of the reasons we can take you to Volantis.''''


    ''''How did you get the pass so fast? They''ve just launched their invasion,'''' Artemis commented.


    Juliette nodded, ''''Well, the negotiations went well, and the king and his council agreed to most commitments but wanted to take Moonshare and Everglade Kingdoms for themselves, which the Achaemenidian diplomats accepted if they paid slightly more taxes and even offered aid in their conquest,'''' she explained as they arrived at a dead end.


    Atlas watched her hit the wall, and a door appeared, shocking the group, but she hurried them inside while speaking, ''''Stay here until I return and try to be quiet; the Ravenians may want to search the ship.''''


    Everyone agreed before she hid in the doorway while everyone else sat down to get comfortable. As they settled in, Atlas asked the group, "What does ''Koshai'' mean? The Ravenians call me that, just like the Evergladians call me ''Shaytan al-Kharab.''''


    "The Butcher," Estelle revealed. "Many kingdoms see you as a devil because of the stories."


    Atlas nodded as the group continued to chat, allowing him to try to learn the new spells he had before trying the Void Realm again. He pulled out Void Blast and started reading while the world around him faded.


    While reading, Atlas realized that magic requires imagination, which he had in abundance. This allowed him to quickly learn Void Blast, as he visualized Amethyst''s spell but swapped the cosmic element for his void, and then the notification popped up.


    [Void Blast Learned]


    [Alert: Three spell slots left]


    Following that, Atlas started on Void Wave, but before he could read, Amethyst sat next to him with a smile. "Learning some new spells? It takes a while, but you''ll get the hang of it, Amore."


    He smiled back. "I''ve learned Void Blast and now I''m moving on to the one I bought in Wildreach."


    "An hour already? You''ve been engrossed for so long," she muttered.


    Atlas chuckled at her surprise, then shared, "I use my imagination to visualize spells, which helps me learn them quickly. You should give it a try once we reach Volantis; I''ll buy a spell for you to practice."


    "You can''t do that, spells are expensive," Amethyst protested.


    "I have plenty of coins for now, and I''ll always earn more," Atlas answered. "You''re my girlfriend, Amethyst. It''s the least I can do."


    She beamed at his words, leaning her head on his shoulder as the ship rocked gently from side to side, and Atlas returned to his reading. Another notification popped up an hour later, letting him know about his new addition.


    [Void Wave Learned]


    [Alert: Two spell slots left]


    After that, Atlas shook his head and noticed Amethyst and Artemis sleeping on the bed in the back of the room. He glanced around and heard Grishna being sick in the bathroom, which made him smile.


    ''She''s seasick,'' he mused.


    That''s when he spotted Estelle sitting at a table reading while Lilith was stretched out in front of a fireplace. Atlas wondered what this room was, but the blonde spoke, ''''This is the government cabin. Usually, my uncle and aunt shuttle diplomats around, so this place would have been theirs.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''What happened to the Ravenians?''''


    ''''They searched the ship but found nothing, so the soldiers left once they realized the ship was Argonian,'''' Estelle answered, looking up at him and giving him a beautiful smile.


    ''''Okay,'''' Atlas said, trying not to be charmed by the blonde.


    He decided to try the Void Realm and got comfortable before activating the skill, which sucked his consciousness into the strange world. Atlas appeared in front of the forest where the Void Raptors lurked.


    Atlas looked at the trees but jumped as an announcement popped into his vision.


    [Voidwalker! You''re back and want to give level 1 another go. I wish you well]


    ''''Who are you?'''' he asked out loud.


    [Pass level 1, and I''ll give you a clue, Little Voidwalker]


    ''Okay. Let''s go,'' Atlas hyped himself while walking into the forest.


    As soon as he stepped foot inside, loud calls erupted from all around him. Atlas couldn''t pinpoint anything, so he readied his dagger and magic as something exploded from the nearby bushes.


    Atlas cast Void Guard before trying Void Blast, which erupted from his outstretched hand and slammed into the monster with such force that it sent it flying. He was shocked at the power but checked his mana after using it.


    [Mana: 1540/1560] S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''It used forty mana, not bad,'' he mused.


    Then, Atlas continued deeper into the forest, but the Void Raptor constantly ambushed him; he used Void Arrow and Blast to keep them away. But twenty minutes passed, and he was surrounded by a group of six.


    They were growling, but this made Atlas smile before he cast Void Wave. This new spell sent out a wave of volatile azure mana that sent the monsters fleeing, but he chased after them while stabbing each one.


    Atlas had slain countless Void Raptors, leaving his arms aching and his body screaming for rest. "If this isn''t my body, why do I feel like this?" he mused aloud.


    Shaking his head, he spotted a log that overlooked a river. Climbing atop it, he settled down and took a moment to rest, gazing at the flowing water below. While watching, something launched itself at him.


    He quickly cast Void Blast at the creature only to realize it was a Void Raptor sneaking up on him from the water.

 Chapter 66 - 66: My Head Is Hurting

    After Atlas dealt with the Void Raptor that lunged at him from the river below, which splashed back into the water, alerting even more monsters, he rolled his eyes before darting into the forest, thinking, ''What is the objective of this place? Kill all the creatures? Find the boss?''


    While mulling that over, a notification popped up, causing him to trip over a root he couldn''t see before falling flat on his face.


    [1. Defeat Void Raptors - 966/1000]


    [2. Defeat four Void Raptor Warriors - 4/4]


    [3. Locate the Death Valley and kill the monsters guarding the entrance - 1000/1000]


    [4. Defeat the King Void Raptor to unlock them for use in the outside world - 1/1]


    ''Void Raptor Warriors! Death Valley! What is this hateful place,'' he internally complained before asking it something, ''What happens if I die? Does it carry over?''


    [Yes, Voidwalker, if you fail the run, your total carries over. Do not worry and conquer the first level of the Void Realm]


    Afterward, Atlas journeyed through the forest, relentlessly attacking any Void Raptors he encountered. After slaying dozens, his arm grew weary, and his chest heaved with exhaustion, causing him to look for a place to rest.


    While sitting down, Atlas checked the total number of monsters he killed.


    [Void Raptors - 881/1000]


    ''This is going to take ages,'' he thought while sitting there.


    While resting, a noise caused his ears to twitch. Atlas looked to the right where it was coming from, only to see a large Void Raptor. This one was black with azure blue markings down its body.


    Seeing this creature sent shivers down his spine, but Atlas still managed to scan it using Void Sight.


    [Void Raptor Warrior]


    [Rank: D]


    ''Oh god, what is this nightmare,'' he thought while scrambling to his fight as the monster lunged at him.


    He yelped but quickly used Void Step to dodge the first lunge before casting Void Blast into the creature''s side. This caused it to let out a pain-filled roar, which encouraged the monster to attack even faster.


    Atlas had trouble keeping up with the sudden burst of speed, and whenever the chance appeared, he tried to cast Void Blast. The warrior dodged it before latching onto his left arm, and when he felt its teeth, he screamed.


    The pain overwhelmed him, but Atlas still managed to cast Void Wave in a pointless attempt to get it off. To his surprise, the Void Raptor Warrior ripped his arm off with a quick tug of its head, causing him to go into shock.


    Soon, it jumped on him again, but Atlas plunged the dagger into its eyes this time before casting Void Blast through the weapon and blowing the creature''s skull apart, causing it to vanish into the mist.


    Atlas dropped to the ground while trying to recover, but the pain was overwhelming. He glanced at his arm and was shocked as he witnessed his skin stitching together and creating more.


    It was reconstructing his arm from the cells up, which was a pleasant surprise. Then, Atlas stood up and shook his head while his Regeneration kicked in, which baffled him, but soon howling and roars could be heard.


    He scanned his surroundings, seeking a spot to ambush the approaching monsters. Spotting a high branch, Atlas ascended it as he could, but his missing arm slowed him down. Atlas still managed to get high enough to avoid the first Void Raptor that burst out of a nearby bush.


    The creature sprinted towards him like a hound dog, tracking him by scent. He panicked and cast a Void Blast at it, which tore them apart, but even more appeared below him. They started climbing the tree, causing Atlas to go higher as the monsters reached the branch he was on.


    While doing this, Atlas constantly spammed spells into the horde of monsters closing in on him. Explosions erupted once he started using Void Bullet, but he messed up and destroyed the tree he was in.


    As it began to fall, Atlas swiftly leaped to a nearby tree. However, a Void Raptor lunged at him, sinking its razor-sharp claws into his back. Despite the pain, he reacted swiftly, casting Void Wave, which killed the creature and freed him from the pain.


    Exhausted and injured, he crashed to the ground, darkness enveloping him, which meant he failed. When he regained consciousness, he found himself back on the ship. Opening his eyes, he saw Estelle sitting beside him, gently playing with his hair.


    ''''Were you having a nightmare, Le Messie ¨¦lu? You screamed a few times,'''' she said with a worried smile.


    Atlas sat up while shaking his head, ''''I was in the Void Realm and failed,'''' he said confusedly. ''''I''m still not used to it, but I''ll get used to it.''''


    ''''Whats that?'''' Estelle questioned.


    He explained everything about the Void Realm, which amazed the blonde knight. She offered to assist him on his next visit. Upon hearing her offer, Atlas smiled warmly before embracing the older girl.


    Estelle returned the hug and suggested, "We can do it together. Why not try it now?"


    Atlas nodded in agreement before taking Estelle''s hand and activating the Void Realm. Instantly, they collapsed onto her bed. A deep fatigue washed over his body when he reappeared, causing his shoulders to sag.


    ''Why do I feel so sluggish?'' he wondered, stretching his body to alleviate the weariness.


    [If you use the Void Realm too soon after failing the level, fatigue will be added as a penalty]


    This caused Atlas to roll his eyes before turning to Estelle, glancing around the forest with wide eyes, ''''Why does this place feel so creepy, Le Messie ¨¦lu?''''


    ''''I''m not sure, but I''m sure our souls are no longer in Valoria,'''' he revealed. ''''Be careful, though. The Void Raptors are sneaky.''''


    Following that, he pulled up the totals and saw he was nearly a quarter of the way there for the Void Raptors.


    [Void Raptors - 857/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 3/4]


    ''A quarter of the way there,'' Atlas thought. ''Hopefully this fatigue goes away.''


    Atlas shook his head wearily and yawned, prompting Estelle to ask, "Why are you so exhausted?"


    "It''s a penalty for jumping back into this place so soon," he replied as the distant roars echoed through the forest.


    Anticipating the impending danger, he readied his spells while Estelle stepped protectively before him, raising her shield and casting Healing Light to bolster him, ''''Is that the Void Raptors?''''


    Atlas nodded just as he cast Void Bullet at an approaching monster that blew it away. Estelle blocked a slash from another creature''s claws, causing sparks to fly as it hit the shield, but she slashed at it using her sword that cut through its body.


    A chaotic battle erupted as more Void Raptors charged at them. Atlas rushed forward while trying to push the tiredness away while slashing at the monster''s leg, bringing it to the ground with a thud before casting a Void Blast at another.


    Estelle managed to kill a few more before a group of four jumped her, kicking the blonde knight out of the Void Realm and leaving Atlas alone. When all the monsters turned to him, he gulped and quickly cast Void Blasts into the group.


    This sent the raptors flying, but some were protected by the others and pounced on him, causing his world to go dark. Atlas woke up in the room with a raging headache; he got off the bed while walking toward the door, ''''I''m going to get some fresh air; my head is hurting.''''


    The blonde knight didn''t answer. She looked shocked, and Atlas walked out of their quarters and saw sailors doing business. He walked toward the stairs at the end of the hallway and stepped onto the deck as the ship sailed across a dark ocean.


    Atlas couldn''t see more than a few feet from the ship. He walked towards the railings and leaned against them while looking at the pitch-black sea. Without thinking, he used Void Sight to see if any sea monsters were nearby.


    [Razorhide]


    [Rank: A - 1000]


    ''Oh boy what kind of monster is that,'' Atlas mused while trying to spot the thing but saw nothing.


    That''s when Pierre''s voice rang out from behind him, ''''Razorhide''s are horrible monsters that follow ships and leap up to grab sailors from the deck.'''' S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas turned around to ask, ''''What do they look like?''''


    ''''A mix of Blood Sharks and a Swamp Drake, they reach about five meters long and are intelligent compared to other monsters that lurk under the waves,'''' Pierre joined him by leaning against the railing.


    The older man looked at him with a curious expression before asking, ''''I wonder who you truly are? Maybe the Le Messie ¨¦lu or the Le Malin are the same?''''


    Atlas shrugged. ''''All I want to do is live a life of adventure and happiness. I''ve experienced a lot in my young life and want to have fun,'''' he revealed.


    ''''Do you have any ambitions of ruling a kingdom?'''' Pierre asked.


    He shook his head before answering, ''''No. I want to explore the world and dive into dungeons.''''


    ''''You''re a free spirit, I see,'''' the older man commented. ''''They are entertaining to be around; most I''ve met have explored the jungles to the east, deserts to the south, and the grasslands of Demecia.''''


    ''''Haven''t heard of any of them, but I''m sure I''ll find myself there one day,'''' Atlas answered, causing Pierre to nod in agreement.


    Atlas and the older man went quiet until he was summoned below deck, leaving him alone on the dark deck lit by a few torches. While standing there, he checked the amount of Void Raptors he''d killed so far.


    [Void Raptors - 787/1000]

 Chapter 67 - 67: I Can Smell Land

    When Atlas saw the number of Void Raptors left to kill, he was pleased as it lowered. He knew it would take a few more times to clear, but he knew he had to keep trying to complete level one to be able to use the Void Raptors.


    He then turned his attention to the calm sea and witnessed Zahidul and Azadul lighting up the world. It was quiet and peaceful, making Atlas want to chill out, so he started looking for somewhere to relax.


    That''s when he saw a few crates nearby and sat against one, looking up at the beautiful moon as he spotted something silently passing over the ship and heading north, which confused him.


    ''UFO? No way that is a thing here,'' he mused while watching the small dot vanish into the night sky.


    Atlas continued watching the night sky as colorful stars lit up the world. After that, he remained outside for another hour until fatigue set in, prompting him to return inside and join Amethyst and Lilith, who were still asleep.


    As he slipped under the sheets, both instinctively held onto him and settled comfortably. Atlas soon fell asleep, and the following morning, he was awoken by numerous explosions that shook the ship. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He looked around and noticed that no one was in the room except Lilith, who was still sleeping beside him. Atlas stood up and stretched, then set out to find the girls. As he stepped out of the room and went to the deck, cannons rang out, making his ears ring.


    Atlas struggled up the stairs only to see Artemis at the top looking down at him with a smile. ''''Aetos! We have a chance to test out our ranged spells. A pirate fleet is attacking, and the cannons can only hold them back for so long.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he said before rushing up and stepping onto the ship deck, only to see a dozen ramshackle ships surrounding them.


    Without wasting time, Atlas rushed to the ship''s edge before casting Void Blast at the closest pirate vessel, causing the azure projectile to slam into the metal hull and rip through it with some effort.


    After that, Atlas started casting Void Bullets that peppered the damaged ship, causing explosions to rip the metal apart; while doing that, he noticed Artemis running toward the ship''s gunwale before leaping over.


    She transformed into her Siren form and splashed into the water as the battle raged around them. Atlas shook his head and looked for the other girls, only to spot Amethyst soaring overhead while casting Cosmic Blasts and Bullets into the pirate ships.


    While those two were busy, Atlas looked for the others and found Estelle defending the sailors from the spells raining down. Grishna targeted the pirates using Earth Bolts and Metal Bullets, which caused chaos on the other ships.


    Atlas watched the unfolding battle while casting his spells, just as something slammed into the ship they were on. Sudden screaming was heard as dozens of pirates poured onto the deck.


    When seeing this, he scanned the closest ones to gauge their strength.


    [Bob]


    [Race: Human]


    [Level: 72]


    [Rank: Apprentice]


    [Cedric]


    [Race: Human/Orc]


    [Level: 99]


    [Rank: Apprentice]


    [Rico]


    [Race: Wolf Demi-Human]


    [Level: 121]


    [Rank: Adept]


    He whipped out his dagger and went to work, using Void Step to appear in the middle of the enemy formation. When Atlas reappeared, he cast Void Wave, which sent them all flying forward in shock.


    Atlas rushed after them and stabbed the pirates as the Argoinians, Estelle, and Grishna joined the melee. The orc girl skillfully dodged many attacks while striking out with her spear before throwing one of her metal marbles at another group of men.


    A shrill erupted, which caused the pirates to hold their ears as Estelle slammed into them using Shield Bash that sent most stumbling, allowing Atlas to move into the group while stabbing and slashing their legs.


    Enemy fighters dropped all over the deck while he stabbed one pirate after another while rushing toward their ship and leaped onto as Lilith joined him. The duo landed on the enemy''s deck, shocking all the sailors who spotted them.


    With an evil smile, Atlas started spamming Void Arrows at any person he spotted, and the azure missile pierced dozens of men''s and women''s torsos, which sent them flying backward as they were hit with Void Bullets that exploded on impact.


    The battle continued for a while. Pierre and Juliette managed to push the pirates off the ship, which helped Artemis destroy even more vessels as the enemy panicked; while this was happening, Amethyst burned any enemies she could see.


    Once it was over, the four girls rested on the deck, with Lilith in the middle of them, covered in blood as she slept. Atlas sat on the edge overlooking the ocean below, cleaning his dagger while waiting for the ship to start sailing again.


    As Atlas ran a cloth over the blade, it snapped in two, causing him to frown, ''Why has it broken already!'' he thought.


    He stored the broken weapon in his Dimensional Storage and checked his status after killing fifteen Apprentice and ten Adept pirates.


    [Level Up: 53¡ú59]


    [Experience: 980/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 6000]


    [Mana: 1560¡ú1580]


    [Strength: 416¡ú424]


    [Stamina: 442¡ú444]


    [Intelligence: 366¡ú368]


    [Core Points: 9300¡ú12550]


    [Core Points Gained: 3250]


    [Void Sight: 0¡ú1]


    ''Amazing, but I''ve noticed the higher rank and level I go, the slower its going to take,'' Atlas mused. ''That''s why there are monsters; I can just kill even more.''


    While the group rested, they noticed Pierre and Juliette approaching them with grateful expressions as the older man said, ''''Thank you, young ones. Without your help, the pirates would have taken the ship with the numbers they had on their side.''''


    Estelle smiled, ''''No problem, Uncle. We all benefited from the fighting and leveled up from all the kills. Especially Le Messie ¨¦lu, who went up six levels,'''' she said while motioning toward Atlas.


    He nodded, which shocked Pierre. The man was just about to speak, but Juliette interrupted, ''''What level and rank are you, Atlas?''''


    ''''Level fifty-nine and apprentice, why?'''' he answered.


    ''''Seems you''re determined to level up,'''' the blonde woman said. ''''Only those with the drive to get stronger level up as quickly as you have.''''


    Atlas looked baffled, but Estelle explained, ''''I told her that you started with a fresh status due to nearly dying.''''


    ''''Yes. I''ve been killing monsters and other people since leaving Ironclad Pass on Echo Isles,'''' he said with a chuckle.


    Following that, the group went to the galley to get something to eat after Pierra shooed them away so the sailors could clean up the deck, but Atlas broke away and started looting the pirates he killed.


    Ten minutes later, he rushed into the ship and met the girls and Lilith in the galley, causing them to laugh at his greed. Atlas managed to get 13 gold, 20 silver, and 147 copper coins that he quickly stored away.


    As they started eating, Juliette appeared and said the ship had to divert because of a storm that appeared between the Everglade Kingdom and Volantis. Thanks to the mana engines working overtime, Atlas discovered it would take a few days to reach the city.


    The days passed slowly as the vessel dodged storms and other pirate fleets that roamed the Stormwrath Sea. While traveling, Atlas learned the Aqua Lung and Light skills, which he found useful.


    Atlas was resting one afternoon when he heard the girls stir as they played card games. Amethyst stood up as she declared, ''''I can smell land!''''


    The brunette Artemis nodded, ''''So do I, Little Bird.''''


    Following that, the group made their way to the top deck; when Atlas stepped into the sunlight and saw Volantis, he was in shock as it was an island city with a large wall circling it, but he noticed it was built in the water, which he found odd.


    They were made from beautiful white stone gleaming under the afternoon sun and towers dotted with mana cannons positioned to defend against attacks. Atlas was amazed until he saw a gigantic metal sea door that allowed ships to pass through.


    Atlas noticed the thousands of knights patrolling the walls while keeping an eye on their vessel. Their black armor looked durable and covered all the vital points, allowing them to move quickly.


    They all used a combination of sword and shield like a standard knight, while he looked at them Estelle leaned forward and whispered in his ear, ''''Those are soldiers of the Argonian Army, some of the best knights on Astoria, its the reason we won the Emberfall War.''''


    He turned to the blonde with sparkling blue eyes and questioned, ''''What is this war? You said you''d explain when it was brought up before.''''


    Estelle explained that the Thalassia Empire had invaded northern Argonia through the Emberfall Wastelands. After regrouping, the kingdom launched a counterattack, pushing the Dark Elves back into the wasteland and driving them off, thanks to the efforts of their knights.


    ''''You should get some books from a shop to learn about the lands you''ll find yourself in Le Messie ¨¦lu,'''' she said with a kind smile.


    Atlas nodded, ''''I will once we dock in Volantis; I also need to buy some new weapons.''''


    ''''There''s plenty of stores in the city,'''' she informed him. ''''Make sure you don''t cause any trouble; the Argoina city guard will throw you in a cell for a few days.''''


    ''''I won''t cause any trouble, Estelle. All I want to do is explore dungeons and become an adventurer to complete quests,'''' Atlas commented as the city gates opened once the guards spotted Pierre.

 Chapter 68 - 68: You Cannot Help Yourself

    Atlas was amazed as they passed through the city gates of Volantis. The ship passed through a massive archway with guardposts inside and soldiers watching them. Once they were on the other side, he noticed there was enough space between the wall and the city for several vessels to sail side by side.


    Amethyst and Grishna looked around in fascination as tiny houses were built onto the inside of the wall with wooden walkways between them. Atlas spotted people sitting outside while fishing.


    Artemis couldn''t contain her excitement and told the others she was going for a swim before jumping overboard while transforming into her Siren form. She dived into the water with a splash, and when Atlas saw this, he went to jump in and test out his new skill.


    But Estelle stopped him with a hand on the shoulder, ''''Monsters still roam under the surface; Artemis can look after herself, but you only have Aqua Lung and no way of moving,'''' she said in a concerned tone.


    ''''What if I use the explosions from Void Bullet to propel myself through the water? I could be a dolphin,'''' he reasoned with a cheeky smile, but Lilith bit him in protest as she was on his shoulders.


    ''''Too Dangerous, you silly boy. You may attract unwanted attention from the monsters roaming the sea''s bottom. They don''t come to the surface because the wall will attack them, but I''m certain the creatures would attack you,'''' Estelle explained. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas nodded before watching the passing city and was amazed. The buildings were made of beautiful white stone trimmed with orange wood. They were no bigger than five stories tall, but he saw different establishments everywhere.


    There were streets lined with shops, streets with only houses on, and a section of the city where taller buildings stood with signs on the top in the distance: ''I guess they the guilds. Hopefully, Amethyst and I can become adventurers.''


    After that, Juliette approached them and said quietly while looking at Atlas, ''''Rumors say that the Sisters of Light are in the city looking for Le Malin. You must be careful in Volantis; the fanatics won''t believe he is the Le Messie ¨¦lu as they believe the Messiah will come from the Argonia Kingdom.''''


    Estelle looked startled when she heard the woman''s news but quickly shook her head. "How do you know this, Aunty?" she questioned.


    The blonde knight looked at him thoughtfully, ''''Do not cause any trouble, Le Messie ¨¦lu. The sisters are stronger fighters and are on the warpath when the Le Malin is discovered in the Everglade Kingdom, known as the Shaytan al-Kharab.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened before sighing, ''''They''re going to think that''s me, right?''''


    The three girls nodded as Grishna commented, ''''We could get you a disguise ring, but higher-ranked fighters can see through them.''''


    ''''White hair isn''t rare, is it?'''' Amethyst questioned.


    ''''In Astoria, yes, but in Aridonia and Zarandar, a few families have natural white hair like Grak''Thar Gromog''ar,'''' the orc girl revealed as the ship started docking.


    Atlas scanned the bustling dock and noticed an empty pier where workers hurriedly unloaded cargo from two other merchant ships. As their vessel came to a halt, Artemis leaped over the side with a broad smile, her excitement evident.


    Pierre and Juliette approached them, weaving through the crowd of activity on the ship as the sailors started preparing to leave for the shore. The older man smiled at the group, ''''If you guys stick around for a few days, we will sail south to Honorhall, and you can join us. I know brother would be happy to meet your party, Estelle.''''


    He watched the blonde knight nod, ''''We will think about it, Uncle. We''re staying in Volantis for a few days and may explore the Seashell dungeon,'''' she said.


    ''''I''ve heard it''s good for beginner adventurers,'''' Juliette commented. ''''It would be perfect for you guys.''''


    The girls turned to Atlas, who smiled, ''''Yes, we can go there, but I need some new weapons and to register at the Adventurers Guild.''''


    ''''Let''s sign up as adventurers first,'''' Amethyst said excitedly. ''''Once we''re signed up, we can find an inn as it will be nighttime soon.''''


    Everyone agreed before thanking Pierre and Juliette before leaving the ship. When the group stepped onto the docks, Estelle said, ''''Follow me and don''t get lost; Volantis is full of alleyways and side streets.''''


    Following that, the blonde knight led them through the harbor, where men transported goods to the waiting vessels as merchants barked orders in shrill voices. Atlas saw one man rushing around just before he fell flat on his face.


    Atlas started laughing, and when Amethyst saw this, she caught the merchant''s attention. The fat man struggled to get up without his guard''s help, which made the young couple hold their stomachs.


    Estelle, Grishna, and Artemis turned around to see them laughing, and then the man approached them with his bodyguards. The orc girl rolled her eyes, ''''We haven''t been in the city for five minutes, and someone has already found trouble.''''


    The others agreed as the brunette stepped in front of the merchant and spoke in her Greek accent, ''''Before you try anything, the boy will kill you without thinking; he''s a bit wild and still in training.''''


    Atlas felt offended and was about to protest, but Lilith bit him again; he booped the honey badger on the head, ''''Stop biting me! I didn''t do anything wrong.''''


    Lilith looked at him, but Estelle stepped in, ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu, try controlling yourself. Merchants are nosey creatures and love to complain to the city guard.''''


    ''Their Karens!'' Atlas internally complained, but that''s when he heard one of the older man''s guards insulting Artemis.


    When this happened, he vanished from the spot, only to reappear behind the aggressive group. Atlas took out his broken dagger before stabbing the two guards in the legs and punching the merchant in his crown jewels.


    Then Lilith started attacking him in frustration, and the older girls were all wide-eyed except Amethyst, who was giggling. Estelle sighed, ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu! You cannot help yourself, can you? Let''s get out of here before the guards get here,'''' she said frustratedly.


    The group then left the area as Juliette appeared with a smile before he finished off Atlas''s victims and threw them into the water. She pulled out a necklace and contacted someone, ''''Dahaka''s in the city commander; he will be here for a few days.''''


    In the meantime, the group made it to Sea Road, the main street of Volantis City, which led to separate harbors servicing the city. Once there, Estelle spun on Atlas and scolded him, ''''You cannot attack everyone who argues with us, Le Messie ¨¦lu!''''


    Atlas watched the blonde knight look down at him and got annoyed, ''''If anyone talks to my girls like that, I will deal with them. It''s disrespectful, especially when Artemis was being civil,'''' he retorted.


    When the group heard that, they all smiled, and Amethyst giggled as she spoke, ''''I told you he likes you three. You never believed me, but here he calls us his girls.''''


    Grishna beamed as her green eyes glowed, ''''So Grak''Thar Gromog''ar, do you want to be my Navara? If so, fight me when you''re sixteen, and if you beat me, I''ll become your woman, but not a second before, understand, handsome?''''


    Atlas nodded while giving the orc girl a charming smile before Artemis said, ''''Aetos, you''re adorable but too young right now. I''m not saying no, but we shall see what the Sisters of Fate decide when the time is right.''''


    Then, all eyes turned to Estelle, who sighed softly before speaking again, "Maria always called me La femme du Messie, which means Messiah''s wife in Argonian. But as Artemis said, you''re still too young; there''s a ten-year age gap between us. If you''re still interested when you come of age, I''d be open to giving it a try."


    Afterward, Atlas smiled warmly at the three older girls. Amethyst hugged him tightly, prompting a growl from Lilith, but she playfully booped the honey badger on the head. "No need to growl, Lily, I already know he''s yours as well."


    The group shared a laugh before Estelle redirected their focus, "Let''s go sign the two Little Ones up as adventurers and then find an inn. The sun will set in an hour," she suggested, and everyone readily agreed.


    They traveled down the Sea Road, and Atlas admired the beautifully built streets paved with the same gleaming white stone used for the buildings. People navigated around their group while doing their business.


    After walking for twenty minutes, the group came to the Adventurer''s Guild, a tall building in the guild district. It was built from blue stone and decorated with the same orange wood the city used.


    Atlas noticed the sign above the door: a shield with a sword and axe crossed. Under the symbol, there was some writing he couldn''t understand. Amethyst grabbed his hand with a sweet smile as he examined the sigh.


    ''''Soon we can do quests together, Amore,'''' she said.


    He nodded as Estelle turned to them and was about to speak, but Grishna beat her to it while smiling at Atlas, ''''We will go inside and sign you two up as adventurers.''''


    Following that, the group entered the guild and noticed there weren''t many people inside aside from a dozen adventurers and the staff. Atlas looked around and noticed the open layout, with the quest board to the left and the counters to the right.


    He spotted a set of stairs leading upstairs. In the back of the building, several stalls and a guild shop were bustling with activity. Estelle led them to one of the counters, where an older woman sat behind it.

 Chapter 69 - 69: I Love The Name AzharZul

    When Atlas and the girls arrived at the counter, they had to wait as another party talked to the woman. It took five minutes until the group arrived in front of the receptionist, who raised her head and said, ''''Hello youngsters, I''m Adelaide. How can I help you today?''''


    Atlas stepped forward while holding Amethyst''s hand, ''''We want to sign up to become adventurers,'''' he said.


    Adelaide smiled at them, ''''Are you both thirteen?''''


    They nodded, causing the woman to take two pieces of paper and hand them to the duo with a pen. Atlas and Amethyst started filling it out and had to put their hometowns, affinity, and what class they were.


    When Atlas came to the name, he didn''t know what to put, but that''s when Amethyst''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Azhar''Zul.''


    ''That will be my adventurer''s name. It''s unique, and people all over will come to know it,'' he thought before handing the paper back to Adelaide, whose eyes widened in amazement.


    She looked at him and then back to the paper, but Estelle spoke up while glancing around, ''''Yes, he''s the Le Messie ¨¦lu. Are you a follower of the L''¨¦glise du Messie?''''


    The older woman smiled as she looked at the blonde knight and was shocked, ''''Princess Estelle, sorry for being rude. I didn''t recognize you.''''


    Atlas watched the knight wave her away, ''''We''re here for Le Messie ¨¦lu and Amethyst. Don''t cause a fuss, Adelaide.''''


    ''''Of course, My Lady,'''' she said before turning to Atlas and Amethyst. ''''Let me sort out this paperwork and prepare your guild cards. You can sit by the bar and wait until I call you both over.''''


    He nodded with a smile before the group approached the closest table, but Atlas made his way over to the quest board, which caught his interest. He started going through the available quests the guild had to offer.


    [Rank H - Sewer Clearance: Kill all the Blood Rats in the city''s sewers - Reward: 3 silver coins on completion - Proof: Rat tails]


    [Rank G - Tidebreaker Chaos: Kill all the Tidebreakers that have infested the southern beach - Reward - 10 silver coins on completion - Proof: Claws]


    [Rank H - Herb Collection: Collect Blue Seaweed from the Southeast beach - Reward: 2 Silver coins on completion - Proof: Several bundles of Blue Seaweed]


    ''Interesting, me and Amethyst could do these when we have some time,'' Atlas mused as Artemis spoke up from behind him.


    ''''Looking for quests already?'''' she said in her exotic accent that sent shivers down his spine.


    Atlas turned around with a smile, ''''Yes. I found three that Amethyst and I could do to get some experience under our belts,'''' he answered while handing over the three sheets of paper.


    The brunette took it and went through them before speaking, ''''These are good apart from the Blood Rats, their horrible creatures.''''


    He noticed she shivered when mentioning the monsters, but the duo returned to the table where the other three girls were chatting. Atlas told Amethyst about the quests which she agreed to complete with him.


    When the other three heard this, they smiled, and Grishna commented with a teasing smirk, ''''Do you want us three to babysit you, Navara?''''


    ''''No, thank you,'''' Atlas said with a chuckle. ''''You can join us or do your own thing. I want to experience my first quest.''''


    They all nodded before Estelle spoke, ''''We have some stuff to take care of; I need to buy some potions, Grish needs to buy more metal for her screaming spell, and Artemis wants to go swimming again.''''


    ''''You and Grish are bestfriends now?'''' Amethyst exclaimed with a big smile. ''''Good!''''


    ''''No, Little Bird. We have to get on because we need to make sure Le Messie ¨¦lu doesn''t die before he''s strong enough,'''' Estelle answered as the orc girl nodded in agreement.


    ''''She''s still a blonde bitch who stuck up,'''' Grishna commented with a grin.


    Estelle giggled, ''''And you''re a no-good orc who let down her family.''''


    Everyone started laughing and waited for Adelaide to sort out their guild cards. The older woman reappeared ten minutes later before calling for them to return to the counter where she held two brown cards.


    Atlas took one while Amethyst took the other as Adelaide started speaking. ''''Put your thumbprint, and it will connect with you. It serves as a form of ID that allows you to enter most cities in Valoria.''''


    She took out two small booklets with the guild symbol on them and continued, ''''These are the rules and other information you need to know, but I''m sure these three young ladies will explain everything to you both.''''


    Then, Atlas examined the brown card and noticed it was shiny. It had his name and guild rank on it; that''s when he saw his name glowing at the top, ''Azhar''Zul.''


    After that, Atlas put his thumb on the bottom right corner and felt a prick. Once he pulled his thumb back, the card glowed before settling down. Once Adelaide saw this, she smiled before exclaiming, ''''Welcome, Azhar''Zul and Zulia. I hope you two do great things and your names are celebrated across Astoria.''''


    He smiled, and Amethyst was happy, but the three older girls were confused, causing Artemis to comment, ''''Why have both of you used different names? Changing them takes a long time if you ever choose to.''''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''It felt right; I love the name Azhar''Zul.''''


    The three older girls smiled at him before turning to the phoenix girl who had red cheeks. She revealed, ''''I wanted something similar to my Amore, and Zulia was the one I came up with.''''


    Artemis beamed, ''''How come the two youngest have found love already? It''s unfair to us older girls,'''' she mockingly complained.


    Grishna giggled, ''''Especially Estelle; she''s twenty-three already and nearly old enough to be Grak''Thar Gromog''ar''s mother.''''


    ''''Shut up, you goblin!'''' The blonde knight retorted. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, Atlas took the three quests to Adelaide alongside Amethyst as the others waited, who smiled while taking them, ''''Is it you and Zulia doing these?''''


    He nodded, ''''Yes. I want to try my first quest. How many do I have to complete before ranking up?''''


    he older woman thought briefly before explaining, "To reach Rank G, you must complete twenty-five quests and pass a Combat Trial issued by the guild. Once you do this, we will change the color of your card."


    As Adelaide finished speaking, she took the young couple''s guild cards and put them through an odd-looking machine that emitted a bright light. After completing the process, she returned the cards to Atlas and Amethyst.


    ''''You have three days to complete all the quests, Azhar''Zul,'''' the older woman said before returning to work.


    The group left the guild as Estelle spoke, "I know an inn called The Wandering Wyvern. We can stay there tonight and do your quests in the morning before going shopping."


    Before anyone could reply, Grishna announced, "You both can deal with the monsters and seaweed. We''ll be there if anything else shows up to eat you two.


    While the four followed Estelle, the blonde pulled Atlas aside and spoke, "We''ll train when we get to the inn. I want to help you get stronger and faster."


    Atlas nodded, excitement swelling within him. "There''s no doubt I have to be the strongest, Estelle. I have a feeling I''ll be dragged into something big."


    "You will, Le Messie ¨¦lu. You will change the world at the tip of your blade, and I''m here to ensure you achieve that," she said with a smile.


    Not long after that, they arrived at the Wandering Wyvern and noticed it was quiet. Atlas and the girls entered the establishment to see half a dozen people sitting around while eating and drinking.


    The blonde knight led them to the counter, where they booked the largest room and dinner for all six, including Lilith, who made her complaints known. This elicited laughter from everyone, and Atlas promptly ordered food for the group.


    "Well, young ones. If you like, I can have your food sent up to your room, or you can dine in the hall," said the owner, a burly bald man with an infectious smile. ''''It''s sausage and mash straight from the Thalassian farms. I had a shipment arrive this morning."


    After the man finished speaking, Atlas approached the nearest table and sat down, with Amethyst to his left and Artemis to his right. The older girls sat opposite them as Estelle started telling them about Volantic.


    Atlas discovered that the city had been founded on a small island, which Nova Mages had expanded using earth magic. They created additional land and erected the protective wall that surrounded the city.


    ''''Are Nova Mages rare? Because Artemis, Amethyst, and I have a core. Does that mean we''re one?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Estelle and Grishna looked at the other three with wide eyes before the orc commented, ''''Who would have thought I would be in a party with three Nova mages? Well, two unwakened ones and a beginner, but that''s still good.''''


    Atlas looked at the brunette, who shrugged and said, "Uncle got me a basic Mana Core Pill from somewhere up north that allowed me to unlock Bronze Body, which gave me a big boost."


    "We need to get you and Little Bird some pills so you can unlock Body Tempering for both of you," the blonde knight revealed as the inn owner appeared with their food.


    The older man placed it on the table before dismissing himself as the group started to eat. Atlas enjoyed the meal, which reminded him of the orphanage''s dinners whenever guests visited and the staff put on a show.

 Chapter 70 - 70: Dont Get Into Trouble

    Atlas and the girls started eating while they spoke, but he remained quiet, thinking about everything he''d been through, ''This life is already better then the one I had on Earth,'' he thought while glancing at everyone.


    The first person he met was Amethyst, and they quickly became close. When he met Grishna, he felt a connection with her but couldn''t explain it, just like Artemis and Estelle. He looked at each one while thinking, ''I'', connected to them? It was weird how we all met.''


    Atlas shook his head and continued eating as the owner brought over five mugs. The older man placed them on the table, ''''Some Firebrand Ale, it will keep the cold out and wet your palette. Now enjoy young ones.''''


    Following that, the group took another ten minutes to finish eating. Artemis, Amethyst, and Grishna jumped up, but Estelle dragged Atlas outside after telling the three that he needed training.


    Lilith escaped and ran toward the Phoenix girl, who scooped her up and took the honey badger upstairs. Once outside the inn, the blonde let him go as she spoke, ''''Remember our bet? If you can touch me, I will give you a prize.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened, but he nodded, ''''Today I will get my present. You watch Blondie.''''


    ''''Stop calling me that, you little shit!'''' Estelle retorted.


    While walking, Atlas admired the city and noticed even though the sun had set, people were still going on the street. It took them ten minutes to reach their destination, a training field used by the guild.


    Estelle pointed at a nearby rack, ''''Scan your guild card and select your weapons, Le Messie ¨¦lu.''''


    He approached the rack and opened it to see hundreds of training weapons. Atlas couldn''t decide until he spotted two that caught his attention: a gladius and a long knife that he picked up, causing Estelle to beam.


    ''''Perfect weapons for you,'''' she said, taking a wooden sword from her storage ring before continuing with a glint in her blue eyes. ''''Get ready to fight, boy.''''


    Atlas prepared to fight while standing opposite the blonde knight, who charged forward and swung at him. He ducked until the swing before thrusting at her torso with his knife, but she battered it away and sent a kick toward his chest.


    With a grin, he sidestepped the kick and slashed at her with his short sword, but Estelle quickly stepped back while leaning back to evade the attack. Atlas was shocked and cast a Void Bullet at the ground in front of her, which caused a cloud of dust to erupt, covering the training field.


    Following this, Atlas cast several Void Bullets at her, but Estelle suddenly lunged from the dust and swung her blade as they sliced through the air at his throat with a glint in her blue eyes.


    Atlas spotted it and let out a yelp, swiftly casting Void Step to evade. He disappeared, but the blonde knight pursued him relentlessly. She swung her sword as he reappeared behind her, and despite Atlas managing to deflect a few strikes, he soon succumbed to her relentless assault.


    The pain became unbearable, causing him to lose grip on his knife. In desperation, he unleashed a Void Blast aimed at Estelle, hoping to create enough distance between them, but it wasn''t enough as she closed in.


    She dropped her sword and unleashed a flurry of punches at him. Atlas attempted to block and parry the rapid strikes, but the knight''s speed overwhelmed him. A sudden punch to the chin caught him off guard, sending him reeling and spinning through the air.


    As Atlas plummeted, he instinctively swung his blade, striking Estelle''s firm thigh, which shocked her, but she backed off to let him recover so the fight could continue for another two hours.


    By the time they were done training, Atlas was breathing heavily while lying on the dirt covered in dirt while Estelle stood above him. He looked up to see her dress and commented with a stupid smile, ''''Nice green panties, Blondie. I wonder what they''d look like on my floor.''''


    Her eyebrow raised, ''''What floor do you own, boy? You''re homeless as far as I remember, and also, stop being a pervert. It''s unbecoming of the messiah to look up a woman''s dress, you naughty goblin,'''' she said with a smile.


    ''''Technically, I''m not, as I was adopted into a noble family in the Thalassia Empire, but I have no plans to return there just yet,'''' Atlas said while trying to stand up. ''''Do you have to beat me so hard, Estelle? Can''t you take it easy on your future husband? This is domestic abuse.''''


    ''''No can do Le Messie ¨¦lu,'''' the blonde shook her head with a giggle. ''''I will have to show you true abuse; that will increase your health, strength, and stamina.''''


    Atlas shivered, but something clicked, ''''Okay. We can do it tomorrow and check on the increase while using your torture training.''''


    Estelle laughed as the two walked into the Wandering Wyvern and made their way to their room, where they found the other three girls playing cards while Lilith was sleeping on Grishna''s lap as the orc stroked her.


    He smiled at this before commenting, ''''Seems like the little demoness is starting to like you girls.''''


    ''''After we all pampered her with strokes and treats, but she won''t lick or nibble us,'''' Artemis commented in an amused tone. ''''That''s reserved for her mate, you, Aetos.''''


    Atlas chuckled and shrugged, "I love the silly girl anyway, so I''m happy to receive her bites and nibbles."


    No sooner had he spoken than a pair of yellow eyes snapped open and locked onto him. A growl rumbled through the room, and Lilith launched herself at Atlas. "Don''t attack me, Lily! I''m tired and hurting all over!" he protested.


    But it was too late. She barreled into him like a furry cannonball, pinning him to the floor and assaulting his face and ears with a barrage of licks and playful nips.


    "Get off me, you gremlin!" Atlas exclaimed, trying to pry the creature off him. But Lilith was dug in and latched onto his ear. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A shiver ran down his spine, but her adorable noises distracted him. Resigned, Atlas submitted, letting the honey badger do whatever she wanted. The four girls laughed as Amethyst quipped, "Imagine what she''d be like with a human form? She''d jump him at every opportunity."


    Everyone agreed with a nod. Lilith continued her attack and, when she was finished, stood proud on his chest before lovingly licking his face as she shuffled off to one of the beds to sleep.


    Atlas lay on the floor with a bright red face and ears; he shook his head, ''''Damn, demoness loves to attack me.''''


    ''''Whatever you did to that Jungle Devil made her truly love you, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar. Don''t ruin that trust because she would die for you if it comes to it,'''' Grishna revealed while getting comfortable.


    He looked at the orc girl before asking, ''''How do you know? I know she cares, but I doubt it''s love.''''


    ''''It''s what they do with their kind, Aetos,'''' Artemis interrupted. ''''Scholars believe that when a female Jungle Devil finds a mate, she playfully attacks him as Lilith does to you.''''


    Atlas didn''t know how to feel about that but shoved it aside as he said aloud, ''''It''s a shame she doesn''t have a human form. I would love to ask why she attacked me in that cave when we first met.''''


    The four girls snickered at his remark, but Lilith''s little head popped up as she chirped a few times before approaching Atlas, curling into his lap and falling asleep like he was her bed, which made everyone laugh.


    ''''It was most likely a mate fight as she liked the look of you; if the female continues to attack you, it means that she has chosen you,'''' Artemis informed the group. ''''Female Jungle Devils are extremely aggressive. They are the ones adventurers hate meeting in the wild.''''


    Atlas nodded before standing up and placing Lilith on the bed, who looked at him like he was ditching her, but he reassured the honey badger. "I need a bath, or I''ll stink," he told her, earning a loving chirp.


    After tending to Lilith, he informed the girls of his plans, and they all laughed and said, "Don''t get into trouble!"


    Rolling his eyes, Atlas left and went to the bathroom that came with their room, following Estelle''s directions and entering. Once inside, he locked the door, stripped off his clothes, and sank into the large jacuzzi-like bath.


    The hot water washed over his body, causing the pain and aches to fade away slowly, but that''s when the door to the bathroom flew open, and Estelle strode in with a shit-eating grin on her beautiful face.


    She locked the door and turned to him, "I owe you a prize, Le Messie ¨¦lu, and I''m here to pay up. But no touching. Agreed?"


    Atlas nodded, eyes widening as she began to take off her dress, letting it drop to the floor. She stood before him in green panties and a bra that struggled to contain her ample chest. Her hourglass figure was flawless, and her white skin was smooth and blemish-free.


    A sly smile crept across Estelle''s face as she approached the bath and sat opposite him. Atlas''s gaze was glued to her every move, captivated by her flawless hourglass figure. Her perfect bubble butt was both firm and soft-looking, driving him mad with desire.

 Chapter 71 - 71: A Short Sword And Long Knife

    [Addaam reshii a-zaanta - Long live the fighters]


    [Al-ladhi yushir al-tareeq sayaquduna ila al-jannah, Azhar''Zul sayakun an-n¨±r fi az-zulamah-zulamah - The one who points the way will lead us to paradise; Azhar''Zul will be the light in the darkness]


    ***


    Atlas shook his head and cleared his head of the lust because he knew he was too young at the moment, ''''Are you into teasing me now, Blondie?'''' he taunted with a knowing smile.


    Estelle shook her head and muttered with a red cheek, ''''I''ve only done this with you, Le Messie ¨¦lu, and I''ve been called the La femme du Messie, which means I will be your wife in the future, and we''ll have to look after each other.''''


    He smiled when he heard this and asked, ''''Is that something you want, though? I wouldn''t force you to marry me; that''s wrong and not something I agree with.''''


    "I know you wouldn''t, Atlas; you seem like a lovely and decent boy whom I can''t wait to see grow up into a handsome man who will do amazing things," Estelle said, smiling warmly. "I was born when Nurani blazed across the Azhar''Zul constellation in the south.


    That''s when the believers of the L''¨¦glise du Messie proclaimed that I was destined to be with the Le Messie ¨¦lu''s wife and become his shield against the darkness that takes over Valoria."


    Atlas, still puzzled, continued washing his body as he asked, "How do they know this, though? What makes them think it''s you?"


    Estelle glanced down thoughtfully for a moment. Then, taking a deep breath, she dried her hands, retrieved a book from her storage ring, quickly flipped through the pages until she found the one he was looking for, and handed it to him. "Look at this picture."


    He took it and looked at the page she pointed out for him. There was a picture of a beautiful woman who looked familiar to Estelle; Atlas looked between the blonde knight and the picture and spoke, ''''Is this your mother or another relative? You look like a younger version of the woman, only with a bigger chest and longer hair.''''


    Once Atlas finished speaking, Estelle splashed him with the water while giggling before she explained, ''''That is the wife of the previous Le Messie ¨¦lu who lived thousands of years ago. Rumors say she was the start of the Argonia Family.''''


    His eyes widened, ''This is the previous Voidwalkers wife? Is Estelle a descendant of this woman? Seems more than likely as they share the same blonde hair and blue eyes,'' he mused while looking at the picture.


    That''s when his world went black, and he witnessed a vision of the Great War that began in his name. He saw millions of warriors chanting his name while raising banners with a blade surrounded by thirteen stars with an azure background.


    ''The stars again! Why is everything connected?''


    They were in a beautiful blue canyon that could fit the uncountable number of warriors staring in his direction. However, his attention was redirected when he saw himself, but older, dressed in cool blue armor and a scarf covering his face.


    But the one thing Atlas could see was his glowing blue eyes as he stepped forward and held up the same blade on the banner as his older self shouted, ''''Addaam reshii a-zaanta!''''


    The warriors chanted in unison, their voices shaking the ground beneath them. Atlas couldn''t fathom why he witnessed this, but the scene suddenly shifted, transporting him outside a city engulfed in flames.


    Amidst the chaos, soldiers lay butchered, their bodies forming mountains of corpses. He recognized that warriors standing around facing toward someone wore the same distinctive blue armor he had seen his older self in.


    Atlas was confused and disgusted, but that changed when he witnessed the blue armored warriors leading thousands of chained-up people through the city gates and crying with happiness as they started chanting, ''''Azhar''Zul! Azhar''Zul!''''


    ''Am I a savor of these people? They do look like slaves,'' he thought.


    That''s when they all dropped to their knees, and Atlas spotted his older self surrounded by seven beautiful women. ''It''s them, but Amethyst is older, and the other three look the same,'''' he thought.


    A group of elders started chanting, ''''Al-ladhi yushir al-tareeq sayaquduna ila al-jannah, Azhar''Zul sayakun an-n¨±r fi az-zulamah.''''


    Just as Atlas heard this, he returned to the bath, and Estelle shook him with a concerned expression. ''''Le Messie ¨¦lu, are you okay? You just zoned out,'''' she said.


    All he could see was her giant boobs in his face, and they were nearly slipping out of her soaked bra. Atlas shook his head, ''''I''m fine; I just had a vision of the future.''''


    ''''What was it about?'''' Estelle questioned while sitting down.


    Atlas divulged everything, causing Estelle''s concern to escalate. "We''ll intensify your training!" she declared. "Starting tomorrow afternoon, we''ll run around the city before our fight to boost your stamina."


    He gulped nervously but nodded in agreement. Before he could speak further, the blonde knight kissed him on the cheek and gracefully exited the bath. Atlas''s cheeks were red, but he smiled as he sank into the hot water.


    After that, Atlas got out of the bath, put on some fresh clothing, and decided to buy some armor while getting new weapons. Once dressed, he returned to their room, where he found Artemis, Estelle, and Amethyst sleeping while Grishna was still awake.


    The orc girl turned to him with a big smile, ''''Handsome! Do you want to go out and have a few drinks? They fell asleep just after you left,'''' she pointed at the others.


    Atlas chuckled before nodding, ''''Let''s go Grish.'''' S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Hold on, let me freshen up,'''' Grishna said while jumping up and leaving the room. ''''Meet me outside, but don''t stab or hurt anyone, Little One.''''


    ''''I haven''t got any weapons; my dagger broke in the last fight, and I need to get new ones,'''' he retorted.


    Then, Atlas went downstairs and stepped onto the street outside, only to feel the cold wind brush against his skin. He quickly put up his hood and wrapped his cloak around his body as he shivered.


    Atlas watched the city, now lit with mana lamps spaced out down the street; he noticed the shops were dark and closed for the night. There were food stalls posted at random points, which intrigued him.


    Grishna reappeared wearing a woolen coat, warm pants, and sturdy boots. Atlas couldn''t help but admire her appearance and complimented her, saying, "You look great, Grish."


    The orc girl beamed at him. "Thank you, my Narava."


    After that, they found a tavern where they could drink and get food. The duo wandered through the streets and soon found a half-empty restaurant that caught their attention, ''''Should we try that place out?''''


    He nodded in agreement before the couple headed toward the front door and entered, only to have the places other customers turn to them with curious glances but shifting back to their meals.


    It looked like a normal restaurant, with tables all over the place and pictures of certain parts of Volantis City. That''s when a waitress approached the two with a smile, ''''How can the Golden Fox serve you both? We have today''s special and Firestone Ale.''''


    Atlas was about to reply, but Grishna was quicker, ''''Can we have a double special and a keg of ale, please?''''


    The waitress looked skeptical, but Atlas pulled out some gold coins, which caused the woman to nod, ''''Yes, Young Master and Mistress, I''ll bring it straight away and will tell the cook your order,'''' she said with a smile.


    She rushed off as the duo took a seat; as they got comfortable, Grishna questioned, ''''Do you know what weapons you want to purchase?''''


    ''''Yes, a short sword and long knife,'''' Atlas answered with a smile.


    ''''Good weapons for speed and fast striking,'''' Grishna explained. ''''I''ve seen your training with the blonde, and you''re quick.''''


    Atlas smiled as the conversation shifted to Volantis and the Seashell Dungeon, topics that piqued his interest. Grishna mentioned that the dungeon was teeming with weak sea monsters, which he found intriguing.


    Eager to explore the dungeon, he was told by the orc girl that the group would venture there once they had got him some new weapons. Atlas beamed just as the waitress brought their food to the table.


    He spotted two bowls of delicious-looking stew, and soon, the sweet smell of the meat hit his nose, causing his stomach to rumble. This made Grishna giggle as she spotted his azure eyes glowing with greed.


    Soon, the duo thanked the woman and started eating, which they found hot and spicy. Atlas''s tongue started burning, making the orc girl laugh at his reaction. The two of them continued once he got over the hotness.


    Atlas loved the soft, easy-to-chew meat. It took the couple half an hour to eat all the food. He also loved the Fireheart Ale, which was refreshing after washing down the food. By the time they were done, Grishna was leaning back on her chair and holding her stomach.


    The waitress returned with the bill shortly after handing it to Atlas. The meals cost 1 gold, which surprised the two of them, but he handed over the needed coin with a few silver coins as a tip, which made the older woman smile with gratitude.


    The duo got up and left the restaurant behind; when they stepped outside, Grishna spoke, ''''Want to go on a walk, Grak''Thar Gromog''ar? It''s cold but refreshing to feel the cold air on my skin.''''

 Chapter 72 - 72: Voidstalkers

    Atlas agreed, and the two started walking through Volantis. The city was quiet, as fewer people were on the street. While strolling, Grishna spoke, ''''Are you excited about doing your first quests?''''


    He nodded before responding, ''''Yes, I''m looking forward to it. I''ve never done one before, so it''s new to me, but I''m also excited.''''


    The orc girl nodded, ''''Being an adventurer is something special as we see things that normal people would never believe; I''ve loved being one and can''t wait to rank up,'''' she said excitedly.


    Following that, the duo continued traveling around Volantis and admired the sights they encountered. Soon enough, no one was on the streets, so they returned to the inn. It took them ten minutes to get back and enter their room.


    Everyone was still asleep, and Grishna walked toward her bed and collapsed before falling asleep. Atlas laughed at the older girl and joined Amethyst. The Phoenix girl snuggled up to him while Lilith climbed on his feet, making Atlas smile as he fell asleep.


    Neither knew that people were following them through the city, keeping watch. As Atlas slept, he dreamt of three young elf women engaged in the battle against monsters in a vast blue desert, mirroring the vision he had seen earlier.


    They wielded stunning blades that shimmered with an azure glow, much like his own eyes. While watching that, three stars slowed overhead, which confused Atlas. He watched their journey across the land until they reached Thalassar City, the capital of the Thalassia Empire.


    Something told him to head there to meet them, but he had no clue how to get there. That''s when the dream changed to one of an icy wasteland that stretched as far as his eyes could see.


    While looking around, Atlas spotted a massive polar bear monster rushing across the landscape. A sabertooth tiger chased behind her as another star shone high in the sky, causing him to think, ''Stars again? Maybe they''re part of the thirteen stars of the Azhar''Zul Constellation.''


    Soon enough, Atlas woke up only to notice the sun wasn''t up, and he felt refreshed. While lying there, he decided to try the Void Realm again. Without wasting any more time, he activated the skill.


    His consciousness was sucked into the strange realm, and he reappeared in the forest. Atlas shook his head before checking the total of Void Raptors and Warriors he needed to kill before searching for Death Valley to deal with the guards.


    [Void Raptors - 787/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 3/4]


    [Death Valley monsters - 1000/1000]


    [King Void Raptor - 1/1]


    ''This is going to take a while, but at least I can get experience using my spells and skills,'' Atlas mused as the Void Raptors roars rang out through the forest.


    He glanced around only to see a group of ten rushing toward him, their black eyes gleaming with malice. Atlas raised his hand and cast three Void Blasts that sliced through the air and slammed into the monsters.


    A small explosion erupted, but Atlas pressed on, unleashing Void Bullets that wreaked havoc on the Void Raptors, transforming them into azure motes. Suddenly, more monsters emerged, accompanied by a towering warrior raptor.


    He managed to use Void Sight on the warrior.


    [Void Raptor Warrior]


    [Rank: D]


    Despite the new threat, Atlas remained poised. He cast Void Step, disappearing and bewildering the creatures. Instantly, he reappeared amidst them, unleashing a devastating Void Wave attack that caught the Raptors off guard.


    Chaos erupted as the Void Raptors lunged at Atlas, who used Void Step to avoid the attacks while casting his spells at them. The azure projectiles tore through the monster''s bodies before exploding in front of the creatures behind them.


    Atlas battled against dozens of Void Raptors, converging from all directions. Despite his agile dodges and counterattacks, several managed to land blows, including one monster clamped down on his shoulder, causing him to let out a pained scream.


    He blew the monster''s head off using Void Bullet but destroyed his left arm, which was out of service. The Void Raptor Warrior swiped at him with its tail, but Atlas braced himself while casting Void Guard.


    An azure shield suddenly appeared and deflected the attack, sending Atlas skidding back with an ache in his joints but not injury. Three Void Raptors lunged at him, but he cast a Void Wave that annihilated the creatures.


    Atlas continued killing the monsters while dodging the warrior''s sudden attacks until the raptors stopped coming. He was breathing heavily before checking the total after destroying so many.


    [Void Raptors - 775/1000]


    ''Nearly halfway there; shouldn''t take too long to clear this counter,'' he mused before facing the Void Raptor Warrior as the bigger monster charged at him.


    It rushed forward while letting out a menacing growl. As it got closer, Atlas cast Void Step, only to vanish as the monster crashed into the spot where he was just out. He reappeared above the warrior and dropped on its back.


    The monster was startled, thrashing wildly as it realized Atlas was clinging to its back. Undeterred, he maintained his grip and swiftly cast a Void Arrow into the warrior''s head, causing it to stiffen in place. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seizing the opportunity, Atlas continued his assault, unleashing a barrage of Void Blasts until the creature''s body disintegrated into azure motes, dissipating into thin air. Exhausted, he took a moment to catch his breath, lying down briefly to recover.


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 2/4]


    Then, Atlas jumped up once he felt better and continued traveling deeper into the forest while keeping an eye on his surroundings; as he was walking, his arm was already regrowing thanks to his Regeneration, which was healing him.


    After doing that, Atlas killed off many Void Raptors who tried to ambush him along the way. Thanks to Void Guard and Void Blast, he quickly dispatched them whenever they appeared. Once all the creatures were dead, he checked out the number needed to complete the first objective.


    [Void Raptors - 702/1000]


    Following the battle, Atlas continued until he came across a clearing where he spotted a Void Raptor Warrior surrounded by the usual raptor. All their heads snapped in his direction, which made him step back.


    But Atlas steeled his determination and unleashed a barrage of Void Blasts and Bullets into the horde, plunging the scene into chaos as the monsters charged forward. He swiftly dodged one of the Void Raptors, and despite all that, another crashed into him, knocking him off balance.


    He quickly recovered his feeding before dashing around the clearing while peppering the second warrior. The monster tried to dodge the spells, but he was one step ahead of the smarter monster and sent some Void Arrows in the path it took.


    The azure projectiles pierced through the warrior''s body, causing it to turn into motes that returned to where it came from.


    [Void Raptors - 668/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 1/4]


    ''Not long before I can move onto Death Valley and the monsters that guard it,'' he mused.


    After that, Atlas continued through the forest and saw a mountain in the background, which beckoned to him. He approached it, but when getting close, something erupted from a nearby bush while attacking.


    ''Oh shit what is this thing!'' he thought before using Void Step to get out of the way and allowed him to scan it.


    [Voidstalker]


    [Rank: F]


    The monsters, with their black hides and glowing yellow eyes, reminded him of Troodons from Earth. As Atlas backed away, the creatures began letting out calls, alerting every nearby Voidstalker.


    Reacting quickly, Atlas cast Void Blast, obliterating one of the creatures with ease. However, ten more burst through the bushes, charging at him in a wild frenzy. He panicked and started spamming spells, but it was too late as they lunged at him and ended his go at level one.


    Atlas woke up in bed next to Amethyst and noticed the phoenix girl had just woken up along with the others. After yawning, Artemis said before leaving the room, ''''I will order breakfast for us while you get ready. I want to go swimming soon before taking some quests with Grishna.''''


    ''''I have to see the city mayor; he knows I''m here with my party and has requested a meeting to help out with refugees flooding into the city from the Everglade Kingdom due to the king allowing citizens passage,'''' Estelle said while walking into the room with wet hair.


    Amethyst and Grishna joined them while Atlas checked his current progress.


    [Void Raptors - 600/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 1/4]


    [Death Valley monsters/Voidstalkers - 997/1000]


    ''Won''t be long now until I can use these monsters, but what are the conditions,'' he wondered.


    Seconds later, several notifications popped up.


    [You''ve reached the third section of level one and have met the Voidstalkers. I can give you relative information that you''re entitled to see]


    [Summon a group of Void Raptors to assist in battle. The pack comprises six members led by a leader who prioritizes your safety over their own. Each summoning portal requires 400 Mana and lasts for ten minutes. Extending their presence costs an additional 200 Mana for another ten minutes]


    [Summon a group of Voidstalkers to aid in battle or scout an area. Each summoning portal costs 300 Mana and remains active for ten minutes. Extending their duration requires an additional 150 Mana for another ten minutes]


    There were two more notifications, which were blurred out after Atlas checked his status.


    [Health: 436¡ú444]


    [Mana: 1580¡ú1592]


    [Strength: 424¡ú432]


    [Stamina: 444¡ú454]


    Pleased with his small gains, Atlas got out of bed while pushing a sleeping Lilith off his legs before standing up as Estelle turned to him with a piece of paper, ''''Take this, Azhar''Zul. It''s directions to several weapon stores I know.''''


    Atlas looked puzzled, ''''You''re calling me Azhar''Zul?

 Chapter 73 - 73: Rat King

    Atlas watched Estelle nod with a smile. ''''Well, it''s easier than calling you five different names, so we all agreed on Azhar''Zul to simplify things.''''


    He nodded before looking at all four ladies, ''''Thank you, girls; it was starting to become confusing, especially when all the different kingdoms and empires have various names for me.''''


    The blonde knight smiled before turning to Amethyst, ''''Do you want to join me after completing your quests with Azhar''Zul?''''


    Amethyst nodded excitedly, ''''Yes, please. I want to see the government buildings from the inside; they are beautiful,'''' she revealed.


    Grishna suddenly stood up and announced, ''''I will pick out some quests for Artemis and me while she gets breakfast.''''


    Once she spoke, the orc girl left the room, leaving Atlas, Amethyst, and Estelle baffled at her sudden actions. The three started chatting about the Seashell Dungeon they planned to visit tomorrow before leaving the city.


    They all noticed Lilith was still asleep, curled up in the spot Atlas slept, making them all smile at her behavior. It took Artemis a little while to return, and when she did, Grishna appeared five minutes later, exclaiming that she had given her and the brunette some good quests just before the group started eating.


    Atlas glanced at the food and noticed it was an omelet-looking food that tasted nice as he gobbled it down, causing the girls to laugh. Following breakfast, the group left the inn with Artemis and Grishna, who were going to complete their quests.


    The four split up as Atlas pulled out the first sheet once outside after leaving Lilith in their room. Estelle suggested with a smile, ''''Should you two do the rat quest first? Because the other two are in the city''s southern portion, and the sewers are nearby?''''


    "Good idea, Blondie. We crawl around in the sewer, deal with the Blood Rats, then head south," Atlas said, and the two agreed.


    That''s when he got bonked on the head, ''''Stop calling me blondie! It''s Est or Estelle,'''' she declared.


    Amethyst giggled, and Atlas blew her a kiss before they followed Estelle, who led them to an access pipe guarded by two Argonian soldiers who saluted the blonde when they approached.


    Estelle looked at them and spoke, ''''These two are here to deal with the Blood Rats'' quest for the commander.'''' S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The soldiers nodded and opened the gate, allowing the trio to enter. The guard commander then asked, ''''My Lady, why are you going in there?''''


    ''''Keeping an eye on my party, we shouldn''t be too long,'''' Estelle answered while walking into the sewers.


    When Atlas saw the place, the first thing that came to mind was, ''Why''s this place so clean?''


    He couldn''t see any dirt, muck, or anything else from the odd piles of bones, which Estelle said were from monsters who fell into the pipes that led to the sea and traveled until the Blood Rats killed them.


    Following that, they continued down one tunnel until Atlas started hearing a weird, jiggly noise, causing him to stop walking. He used Void Sight and found the culprit at the end of the path they were on.


    [Slime]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    ''Slimes!'' he thought.


    ''''There are slimes down here; I will take them out,'''' Atlas informed the group.


    Amethyst giggled at his reaction while Estelle explained, ''''Don''t Azhar''Zul, they clean the sewers for the city; the mayor tames them to help him keep the place spotless.''''


    Atlas nodded before they continued walking through the tunnels while passing the slimes; he noticed they paid no attention to them, allowing the group to pass by without any problems until a scuttling noise was heard.


    ''''Three monsters are heading in our direction,'''' Amethyst called out as a group of dog-sized dark red rats with little beady black eyes.


    He quickly scanned them.


    [Blood Rat]


    [Ranl: F - 100 Exp]


    They hissed at Atlas, who showed no mercy and cast a Void Blast at them, lighting up the tunnel in a beautiful azure glow before annihilating the creatures, leaving behind three black Monster Cores.


    ''''This will be easy,'''' Atlas said before walking to pick up the cores, only for a rat to lunge from a crevice.


    The Blood Rat latched onto his arm, making him yelp in pain before bashing it over the head until it went limp, ''''What the hell! Where did it come from?'''' he complained.


    Estelle laughed before casting Healing Light on him while explaining, ''''Blood Rats are ambush monsters who love to jump out on their victims, but as you saw, they''re weak.''''


    Atlas felt his skin stitch back together, causing him to grimace as more scuttling could be heard. Amethyst stepped forward and let her Cosmic Blast tear through the horde of rats rushed toward the group.


    The purple burst burned dozens of rats to ash as Archer started casting Void Bullets. These bullets caused explosions to ring out, sending the creatures smashing into the walls with splats as they exploded into blood mist.


    While the two were doing that, Estelle spoke, ''''Young ones, don''t forget to keep moving as the Blood Rats will find a way around you.''''


    The trio continued their trek through the tunnels, clearing them of any creatures they met. Atlas managed to kill dozens of the rats, which allowed them to travel fast. After twenty minutes, they arrived at a massive chamber with dozens of tunnels leading in all directions.


    That''s when Atlas felt something rushing from one of the nearby openings, and a massive rat appeared, making Amethyst yelp in fright. Estelle laughed and spoke, ''''Scan it Azhar''Zul.''''


    [Blood Rat King]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''It''s strong,'' Atlas thought before turning to the phoenix girl, ''''Attack it from a distance while I get up close,'''' he said with an excited smile.


    She nodded as Atlas dashed toward the giant rat who lunged at him, but he used Void Step to avoid the attacks while casting Void Blast into its flank, causing the monster to roar in pain.


    Atlas kept pelting it with magic while Amethyst closed in after summoning her wings and flying around the chamber, casting Cosmic Blasts and Bullets into the horde of Blood Rats rushing out of a nearby tunnel.


    The Rat King went berserk, its speed increasing rapidly, forcing Atlas to use Void Step to evade its attacks repeatedly. The monstrous creature lunged at him, pinning him to the ground.


    In a desperate move, Atlas cast Void Blast and fired an arrow into its chest at point-blank range. The impact of the projectiles sent shockwaves through the Rat King, but he was caught in the blast as well, feeling the force ripple through him.


    That''s when the phoenix girl shoulder-checked the giant rat, sending it flying off Atlas. The rat lay on the ground, covered in blisters and severe injuries. Estelle moved to cast Healing Light, but he raised a hand to stop her.


    "Don''t. My regeneration will heal me and level me up," he said, his voice strained.


    While he rested, Amethyst and Estelle collected the cores and rat tails, dividing the loot between them. The blonde knight declined any share, insisting it belonged to them. Meanwhile, Atlas lay on the sewer floor, his body gradually repairing itself as the phoenix girl watched over him.


    It took him twenty minutes to heal fully, a sight that left both girls in awe. Amethyst asked curiously, "How did you heal so quickly? It''s shockingly fast."


    Estelle nodded in agreement, her eyes wide with amazement. Atlas shrugged, "I''m not sure, to be honest. I unlocked this ability when I kept getting hurt, and it''s come in handy ever since."


    Following this, the trio left the sewer, ensuring no more Blood Rats lingered in the Volantis tunnels. After searching for a little while they arrived at the entrance, a carriage was sitting not far away, and a group of knights was waiting.


    He became concerned and readied his spells alongside Amethyst, which caused Estelle to giggle. ''''These are soldiers of the Volantic Mayor Azhar''Zul, but I must go,'''' she said before glancing at the Phoenix girl. Are you coming?''''


    Amethyst looked at him, but Atlas spoke before she could. "Go and enjoy yourself. Make sure to meet me at the inn when you''re done; I''ll have your half of the quest rewards."


    She beamed and then hugged Atlas, causing him to smile. He returned the hug, and Amethyst kissed him before heading off with Estelle as they entered the carriage. Once they were gone, Atlas turned and started walking southward toward the beach.


    Atlas didn''t know where he was going, so he asked a nearby stall owner, who pointed him in the right direction. It took an hour to cross the city, and when he entered the southern part, it looked more like a grassland.


    Finally, he saw the beach in the distance and approached it while keeping an eye out for the Tidebreakers that infested the area. Atlas used Void Sight on the nearby sand, and soon, dozens of alerts popped up.


    [Tidebreaker]


    [Rank: F - 100 Exp]


    He looked around and found a stone he threw onto the beach. The moment it landed, the monsters roared to life. Atlas began casting Void Bullets into the Tidebreakers, each explosion ringing across the beach and cracking their shells.


    They were quickly killed from a distance as Atlas kept away from the giant crabs he didn''t want to get near without any weapons. The Tidebreakers spotted him and started scuttling toward him.


    Atlas chuckled at their strange movements and found it funny before casting Void Blasts into the creature''s face, causing them to recoil or die as the azure flames burned their exposed flesh.

 Chapter 74 - 74: Try To Defend Against This

    Atlas still dashed around like a rabbit while dodging the Tidebreaker''s pincers. He started casting Void Blasts into the monsters'' bodies, which sent them flying as the spells were too much for the creatures.


    It took him an hour to clear the crabs from the beach, which allowed him to collect all the twenty-five Rank F mana cores he could find. Atlas looked over the carnage and wondered where the monsters came from, ''Maybe a sea dungeon? The book did say they exist all over Valoria.''


    Once he had collected all the cores and stored them away, Atlas remembered the quest item with a sigh, ''''I''ve got to grab some of the claws to prove to the guild I completed the mission,'''' he muttered while approaching the first monster.


    With that, he started pulling the claws of the Tidebreaker''s corpses before sending them to his storage. It took him some time to find more, but he cut off a lot of meat from the still-intact crabs once he found enough.


    Then, Atlas headed southeast to collect the Blue Seawood for the last quest. He soon made it to a road toward the street the inn was on. he started traveling down and saw dozens of merchants traveling along it while minding their own business.


    It took him thirty minutes to reach where the seawood was, and the beauty and eeriness of the landscape took him aback. Atlas glanced at the beach, covered in hundreds of tidepools with the waves lapping nearby; the whole scene was nice but soon started to give him an eery feeling.


    Atlas shook his head before stepping onto the soft sand. He felt himself sink slightly into the ground with each step but maintained a steady pace, careful not to linger in one place for too long.


    His eyes sharpened as he approached the first pool of water. ''This should be easy,'' he mused.


    Activating his Void Sight, he thoroughly scanned the area, ensuring no hidden threats. Satisfied with nothing, he quickly stepped into the water and pulled the seaweed. It was a dark blue and smelt sweet, confusing Atlas, but he ignored it and stored it before collecting the rest.


    It took him minutes to collect a heap of seaweed, meaning he only had to gather a little more. While doing that, Atlas heard a horrifying scream that belonged in a horror movie, which made him jump out of his skin.


    He spun around to see a creepy humanoid figure crawling out from one of the tidepools. ''What the hell are these things? Why is it always me finding the creepy monsters?''


    The creature was taller than him and had long black seaweed-like hair that obscured its face. Atlas was spooked, but he scrambled out of the tide pool as it approached. He noticed its sickly blue skin, which looked rotten, and some parts were covered in fish scales.


    That''s when Atlas spotted the creature''s claws flexing like it was getting ready to attack, which caused him to use Void Sight on the monster to find its strength.


    [Sea Hag]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''Oh god,'' he thought before casting a Void Blast at it.


    The thing raised its hand and blocked the spell with a wall of water that appeared out of nowhere, taking him by surprise. Atlas rushed forward, wanting to catch the creature off guard, which he did.


    As he closed in on it, he cast Void Step and vanished; the Sea Hag was bewildered, frantically scanning the surroundings. Confused, the creature failed to see the azure arrow streaking through the air just as it struck its torso with a forceful impact.


    The spell burrowed through its scaled body and flew out of the other side, causing blood to splatter the sand below. Atlas managed to kill the Sea Hag, but then a powerful spell hit him, violently crashing across the ground and skidding across the sand until he collided with a dune.


    ''Aghhh! What was that,'' he thought while sitting up and rubbing his head, only to see a second Sea Hag creeping its way over to him while making a bizarre chittering noise. As it got closer, Atlas saw the creature''s red eyes full of malice and cruelty that sent chills down his spine.


    Atlas cast a Void Blast, anticipating the beast would block it. That''s when he sent a dozen Void Arrows behind the first spell him, surprising the creature, ''Try to defend against this!''


    When the Sea Hag brought up its water wall, which blocked the Void Blast, when the spell vanished, it instantly dropped the shield, only to be peppered with several azure arrows that punctured its body, causing it to let out a death screech.


    Atlas exhaled while standing on wobbly legs, making him feel like a baby giraffe. He stretched his body before approaching the Sea Hag to find its Monster Core, but with no knife, he couldn''t loot them, so he left them behind.


    With an achy body, he collected even more Blue Seaweed before returning to the nearby road that led back to the guild. While walking, Atlas pulled out the paper Estelle gave him to look at the weapon store''s address and decided to buy something new as he had enough gold coins.


    Following that, he walked toward the city''s main square and spotted a street where the weapon shop was. Atlas walked down it and finally saw the generic fantasy store that would be found in any novel or anime. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas paused to observe the entrance, which featured two large windows flanking a central door. People were constantly going in and out. ''It looks busy; hopefully, they have what I need,'' he thought as he approached the door.


    After a couple had left, he entered the shop and was amazed by the inside, where racks of countless weapons, including swords, spears, and many others, were displayed. Atlas started looking around for short swords and knives that he could use.


    While searching, Atlas glimpsed a group of adventurers a little bit older than him looking at one of the displays, excitement radiating. He shook his head before finding the section with the short swords and saw a dozen blades on the weapon rack.


    Atlas started searching for something he''d like and found nothing; he continued to look for ten minutes until a woman''s voice said, ''''What are ya looking for, boy?''''


    He spun around and noticed a dwarf standing there who was taller and more muscular than him even though she was a woman; this sight shocked him and showed on his face, causing the woman to chuckle, ''''First time seeing a dwarf, ay? Ya been living under a rock, elf?''''


    She had short brown hair and yellow eyes; he noticed the woman was wearing overalls and was covered in soot. ''They look exactly like the ones from all the media on Earth, but she didn''t have a beard,''


    Atlas thought before shaking his head and answering. ''''I''m looking for a short sword I could use.''''


    The woman nodded with a smile, ''''I see. Why do ya want one of those? Dual-wielding?''''


    ''''Yes. I also want to use a knife, and I''m not an elf despite the ears,'''' Atlas replied.


    She didn''t answer and stared at him with narrowed eyes before commenting, ''''Your eyes are unique. I''ve never seen a glow like that.''''


    Atlas was baffled as that statement came out of nowhere, but the dwarf woman continued, ''''What race are you then? Half-elf?''''


    ''''Voidborn, I''ve been told it''s rare,'''' he answered.


    The woman looked confused as she spoke, ''''I''ve never heard of it, but I know there is a combination I could recommend. It would be a good fit for ya, boy.''''


    Atlas nodded, prompting the dwarf to head to a rack and select a sword resembling a gladius. He watched as she moved to another rack filled with knives, chose a longer blade, and walked back to Atlas.


    She handed over the weapons, saying, ''''These will be useful to ya as they are built to endure and fit perfectly with someone who uses speed like I assume ya do little one.''''


    When Atlas examined the weapons, one in particular caught his attention: a Gladius with a bone handle. What intrigued him most was its blade¡ªa beautiful blue shade that seemed to glow under sunlight, adding to its appeal.


    Next was the knife that resembled a bayonet combat knife with the same bone handle and a blue similar to the Gladius, which caused him to ask the dwarf, ''''What''s with the blue metal and bone handle? They are beautiful.''''


    She beamed before explaining, ''''Star Metal and the bone is from an elder dragon. Ma Grandfather was a renowned Blacksmith in the Wildheart Kingdom, ya know, but he saw the writing on the wall many years ago and left to settle here in Volantis.''''


    Atlas nodded before looking at the two weapons in his hands and felt something just as a blue glow radiated off them, shocking the dwarf woman as the blades connected with him somehow.


    The bright glow caught everyone''s attention, including an older dwarf man who shouted, ''''Darla! Bring the boy to the backroom.''''


    ''''Come on,'''' Darla said while grabbing his arm and dragging him across the shop floor as he couldn''t keep his eyes off the blades.


    Soon, he found himself standing in a stockroom with stacks of crates as the older dwarf man pointed at him with narrowed eyes, ''''Ya have the Voidwalkers Class, don''t ya boy?''''


    Atlas stared at the old man before nodding, ''''Yes. How did you know?''''

 Chapter 75 - 75: Eight Runes

    ''''You''re known to some dwarves as D?mragaz, which means the Evil One that brings doom to Astoria,'''' the older dwarf explained as he stepped back with a worried expression before continuing. ''''While the Runestone lot know ya as Khadun Khazkur, the Chosen Messiah.''''


    The old dwarf looked at Darla and then back at him before concluding, ''''Which of the two are ya, boy?''''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''I don''t know, but I have no intention of being evil or becoming some sort of messiah,'''' he responded while Darla stared at him with a smile.


    ''''Legends say the D?mragaz wields the powerful void magic that spilled the continents into what they are today during the Great War that changed the world forever, while it''s told in the stories that the Khadun Khazkur uses the same affinity, which is why it is hard to tell which one you''re,'''' the old man said.


    ''What is it with all these damn names!'' Atlas shook his head. ''I''m either a savor or devil according to this world.''


    ''''My Name is Azhar''Zul; I''m no evil being or gallant hero. I want to explore the world and level up,'''' he said while looking at the two dwarves.


    Once Atlas finished speaking, the blades glowed even brighter before gradually dimming, leaving the older dwarf visibly shocked. Glancing at the weapons, the dwarf remarked, "It looks like those cursed things chose ya, boy. That''ll be 22 gold for the pair."


    "Make it 20, and throw in the sheaths for both," he countered, his tone firm.


    The old dwarf scowled but eventually nodded. Atlas grinned, taking out 20 coins from his storage and handing them to Darla, who accepted them with an even bigger smile. Once the transaction was complete, he left the shop when the owner wanted nothing to do with him.


    When Atlas was outside, he spotted a stall selling meat boxes with many other dishes. A few people were waiting in line. He joined the line while strapping the Gladius to his left side and the knife to his right.


    ''It''s like the stalls back in London, tourists queuing up for mediocre food,'' he internally chuckled.


    Once in line, he heard the couple in front say this stall was the best food on Sea Road, which surprised him. Atlas was intrigued and wondered what kind of meals the place had to offer, causing his stomach to rumble.


    It took him ten minutes to reach the front, where a young man and woman worked behind the counter. Atlas looked at the duo but then turned to the menu with several meals that caught his attention.


    *Griffon Meat Box topped with Southern spices*


    *Forest Boar Meat Box topped with Northern sweet sauce*


    *Dragon Meat Feast topped with Thunder Peppers and Fire Salt*


    *Orc''s Delights seasoned with Sylvan Sage Leaves*


    ''So many different dishes, should I get the girls some? They might like them,'' he thought.


    Atlas chuckled at the names, which caught the couple''s attention as they looked over the counter. The man''s eyes widened, ''''Little Boy! How can Hugh & Cath''s Stall help you? Are you lost?''''


    He answered before giving them his order, "I''m not lost; I need ten separate meals for each of the first four menu items. What''s the cost?"


    ''''2 silver per meal, which comes to 1 gold, boy,'''' the woman responded. ''''Are you sure you''ve got that kind of coin?''''


    He chuckled before taking out the gold and handing it over with a smirk, ''''Here you go. I have to buy some armor, and then I''ll be back.''''


    The man smiled, ''''Return in an hour; I''ll start cooking your order now,'''' he said in a friendly tone.


    Atlas nodded before walking down the street to look for an armor store but couldn''t find one. After ten minutes, he saw a group of Argonian city guards guarding one of the city''s banks; he approached the one at the gate.


    When Atlas got close, they reacted by gazing at him, but he ignored their confused expressions as he asked the closest one, ''''Where can I buy armor? I''m new to the city, and my party is busy.''''


    ''''Little elf, what are you doing walking around alone?'''' one of the guards questioned. ''''You do know the gangs would sell you to some depraved mistress if the wrong people saw you.''''


    Atlas shrugged, "If they try to kidnap me, I''ll kill them, which is rather simple. Besides, I''m not alone; my group is in the city, and I''ll be meeting up with them soon," he said with a smile which unsettled the guards.


    The one who spoke shook his head before pointing down one street, ''''Dragonforge Armory is the best in the city, little elf. Though their prices are high, their work is worth it.''''


    He nodded before thanking the man, ''''Thank you for the help.''''


    Following the directions, Atlas soon arrived at the store he sought. "Here we go, time to buy some armor," he mused before stepping inside.


    The shop greeted him with scattered dummies across the floor and a bored-looking young man seated behind the counter at the rear. Atlas approached, causing the worker to look up with wide eyes.


    ''''Young Master, I''m Terrence. How can I help you?'''' the man said professionally.


    ''''I''m Azhar''Zul; I''ve come here because I need some armor that won''t affect my movement as I use speed,'''' Atlas answered.


    Terrence jumped up and commented, ''''There are a few pieces on show that you may like, Young Master. Follow me.''''


    The young man led Atlas around the store and showed him many armor sets, ranging from cloth to metal and everything in between, but Atlas was uninterested in all of it, and Terrence could see that.


    He sighed before revealing, ''''There''s a piece that my Grandfather created, but it''s expensive, and many adventurers have said it gives them a bad feeling.''''


    Atlas beamed, ''''Show me it. It may be the one for me,'''' he said.


    Terrence nodded and led him towards the back. As they entered, Atlas spotted an armor dummy adorned with a set of black armor over a black gambeson. The central part resembled overlapping dragon scales covering it, offering robust protection with white trimming along the edges.


    The armor covered the neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and all vulnerable spots on the legs. It included a helmet that concealed the face, leaving only the eyes visible. Atlas said, ''''Have you got this in a smaller size?''''


    The young man laughed, ''''It will refit itself when you put it on; the owner added a few perks to the armor, which included extra defense with a Shield Rune, the Refitting Runes, which I just mentioned.''''


    Atlas grew interested and questioned, ''''What other Runes are on it?''''


    ''''Vitality, Camouflage, Speed, Deep Sea Adaptation, Repair and a Flame Ward, which will protect you against fire spells,'''' Terrence answered.


    ''Seven Runes that will be useful for my adventurers,'' he mused. ''I bet it''s stupidly expensive, though.''


    Atlas shook his head before asking the price, ''''How much? And what is it made from?''''


    ''''105 gold coins, Azhar''Zul; the price is so high because of the rare materials used along with the Runes, which will last for centuries,'''' Terrance answered honestly.


    ''''The gambeson underneath is made from a combination of Elderhorn Ram and Giant Mammoth wool, while the armor is made from the scales of a Swamp Behemoth known for its perfect defense alongside extremely rare and expensive dragon scales Grandfather bought from the Thalassia Empire.''''


    When hearing the man''s explanation, Atlas became excited, causing him to ask, ''''Can I try it on before purchasing it?''''


    Terrence nodded, ''''Yes, Young Master. Father told me to try to sell it, but the price tag scares a lot of adventurers and guards away.''''


    Without a word, Atlas approached the armor and reached to touch it. As his hand made contact, a jolt of energy surged through his body, but he held firm, refusing to release his grip.


    The young man rushed to help him take it off the display and held it while Atlas put the gambeson on. Once he put it on, the soft armor instantly refitted itself to his body until it was perfect, causing him to smile.


    Atlas grabbed the armor and slipped it on, only for it to glow and fit perfectly, causing Terrence commented, ''''It seems to be made specifically for you, Young Master. Most people can''t approach it due to the aura it gives off, but it seems you don''t share the same problem.''''


    Then, he put on the rest of the armor, including the arm, shin, and thigh pieces that refitted to his body. Once all the armor was on him, a bright glow radiated, causing the white trim to turn blue, just like his eyes, which shocked them both.


    Terrance looked at him with wide eyes full of shock, ''''This is the first time I''ve seen armor react like this.''''


    ''''What does it mean?'''' Atlas questioned.


    ''''All armor and weapons bonded with their owners. For example, only you could take off your armor, but if you wished, others could do it,'''' Terrance explained. ''''You''ve already bonded with the blades you''re carrying, so now it''s the armor''s chance.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he remembered he could use Void Sight on the new gear. First was his armor, then the Gladius, and last was the knife.


    [Nightfall Armor]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 5]


    [Night Blade] S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 2]


    [Blood Knife]


    [Rank: Uncommon]


    [Level: 5]


    ''Oh, they have names,'' he mused. ''Looks like I''ve got some gear that will last until I level up even more.''


    Following that, Atlas left the shop, and as he did, he got an idea. He imagined the armor being sucked into his Dimensional Storage before he thought about it appearing on his body, which it did within seconds.

 Chapter 76 - 76: Why Pinch Ma Bum

    Atlas stepped out of the armor shop as the afternoon sun shone overhead, but there was a chill in the air. He returned the armor to his storage with a single thought while deciding what to do, ''I need some clothes, more food and a canteen before going back to the stall to get my order.''


    With that in mind, he began searching for a general store, deftly navigating the crowds of people hurrying past. It was then that he noticed two men and a woman tailing him. "Part of the gang the guards mentioned?" he mused aloud.


    A grin played on his lips as he swiftly turned down a nondescript street and immediately caught sight of a nearby store. Atlas approached it while watching the trio following him, ensuring they didn''t close the distance as he entered.


    When Atlas stepped into the shop, he saw shelves full of all kinds of stuff, from food to gear and tools. Nothing caught his attention, but soon, a man spoke, which caught him off guard, ''''How can I help you, young man?''''


    ''''I need a lot of travel food, ropes with a grapple, a comfortable tent with a sleeping bag, and anything I''d need to survive in the middle of nowhere,'''' Atlas gave the man his order.


    The shopkeeper was shocked but started laughing, ''''Very good boy! Adventurers who are prepared survive the longest and grow to become legends.''''


    Atlas smiled as the man went to collect his order, just as he spotted the three goons outside waiting for him. When seeing this, ''Wait until I get out there, you will know not to stalk a young boy like perverts.''


    It took the man ten minutes to return with a massive heap of goods. The shopkeeper commented while picking up a book-sized bundle, ''''This is the Wilderness Tent. It will keep you hidden from monsters and roaming bandits as it blends in with the surroundings and isn''t that tall.''''


    The man explained that the tent had a bedroom and sleeping bag to protect him from cold nights. Atlas watched him take out six months'' worth of travel rations, which he explained included all kinds of dry foods.


    There were fire starters, cooking utensils, and many other things to set up a came. What caught Atlas''s attention was drawn to the six runestones the man placed down, which caused him to ask, ''''What are those things?''''


    ''''Security runestones to protect you from the Dark Ones at night if you can''t find a place to hide. They are a popular purchase for people who can''t create the Runes,'''' the shopkeeper answered before moving on.


    There was a map of the five continents, a compass, which Atlas found useful, two lengths of rope, and some grapples. After seeing all this, he questioned the man, ''''How much for all this?''''


    The shopkeeper rubbed his chin before revealing the price, ''''1 gold and 20 silver for the lot, little one; I''ll throw in some more rations,'''' he said before reaching over and grabbing some more food.


    ''Not a bad price,'' he thought to himself. ''The things will be useful for a while.''


    Atlas handed over the coins and then carefully stored his new supplies. With a nod and a word of thanks to the shopkeeper, he stepped out of the store, ready to retrieve his order from the couple on the stall.


    He began walking down the street towards the stall, noticing the same three goons still tailing him. Now, an additional four had joined them. Instead of fear, an unexpected thrill coursed through him, leaving him slightly perplexed by his reaction.


    ''Why am I feeling like this?''


    Without thinking about it, Atlas placed his hand on the Night Blade, knowing he would get into a fight sooner or later. While walking, he spotted a random stall selling charms, and when the woman behind it saw him, her eyes widened.


    She motioned him over, which Atlas found strange, but he walked toward the stall with a curious expression as the woman spoke, ''''Young man, do you have someone you like and who likes you back?''''


    ''What? Why would see ask a child that?'' Archer thought.


    He shook his head before answering, ''''Yes, but why are you asking me this?''''


    The woman took out two bracelets and showed him, ''''This is the lover''s band; the creator said once a day they can send a message to the other that will appear in the wearer''s mind, which is useful in certain situations.''''


    Atlas raised an eyebrow in curiosity and asked, "How much for these? And why did you single me out of the crowd?"


    "Your eyes," the woman replied. "I''ve never seen anything like them. Something tells me you''re different. I''ll sell the pair for 1 gold, but remember this when we meet again.''''


    Though puzzled, Atlas handed over the coin and took the bracelets. As she began packing up her stall, the woman''s satisfied expression left him even more baffled. He said goodbye and walked away, the encounter lingering in his mind.


    Atlas continued walking until he reencountered Hugh & Cath''s Stall. When the man spotted him, he started calling him over, ''''Boy! Get your orders; it''s all done.''''


    He walked over to the stall and handed over the gold coin before taking the food, but Atlas wanted to try one and decided on the Griffon Meat Box. He took a fork from the camping kit and ate while walking to the Adventurer''s Guild.


    As Atlas walked, he remained aware of the people following him but focused on his meal. The food was delicious; the meat was soft and tender, perfectly seasoned, and accompanied by a serving of rice, which surprised him.


    It took him twenty minutes to reach the guild, which was bustling with activity. Ignoring the crowd, he finished his meat box and tossed it into storage before entering the building. Atlas spotted dozens of adventurers milling around.


    Most were at the bar, while some were queuing to see one of the receptionists. While scanning the room, he spotted Grishna and Artemis standing in line. He walked over to the two girls only to hear the brunette speaking.


    ''''Where is that little shit gone to? He was seen wandering around the shopping district, but we couldn''t find him.''''


    Grishna laughed before replying, ''''Ya worry too much, Azhar''Zul may be wild, but he isn''t stupid.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he internally chuckled before stepping behind the two and pinched the orc girl''s toned bum, causing her to yelp as Artemis spun around while holding her sword only, but he saw her eyes widen.


    ''''Atlas! Where have you been? Estelle has been worried about you,'''' Artemis questioned.


    Grishna was rubbing her behind as she commented, ''''Ya little shit, why pinch ma bum? It hurt.''''


    Atlas laughed at the orc''s red cheeks but noticed she was smiling before he answered Artemis, ''''I did my quests, bought new weapons, armor, and other stuff along with some food for you girls.''''


    When Grishna heard this, her green eyes sparkled, ''''What ya get, Narava?'''' she inquired with a beautiful smile.


    ''''I''ll give it to you when we get back to the inn,'''' Atlas said as he felt someone watching him.


    Atlas turned to find the two men and woman who had been tailing him now ogling the girls with lewd stares, a surge of anger rising within him. He quickly spoke, ''''I will be back shortly; I forgot an order, but wait here.''''


    Once Atlas finished speaking, he left the guild, and the three followed. He deliberately led them down an ally this time and waited at the dead end. When the gang reached him, they were all smiling as more appeared behind them.


    Ten of them worried Atlas, but he readied his weapons by taking them out and summoning his armor while speaking. The helmet covered his head and face, leaving his glowing azure eyes on show.


    When the gang saw this, they rushed forward and tried to capture him, but Atlas quickly sidestepped one of the men''s lunges. As that happened, he plunged his knife into the man''s neck while casting a Void Arrow into another chest.


    They both dropped dead just as Atlas burst forward and dodged the attacks as he kept slashing and stabbing. One of the female gang members appeared behind him and swung her sword, but he quickly blocked it.


    Atlas quickly pushed the weapons aside before slashing the woman''s ankle and bringing her to the ground with a thud. Just as that happened, more gang members appeared, but a sudden onslaught of attacks appeared from behind.


    That''s when he noticed Grishna and Artemis attacking the other foes from behind, which allowed Atlas to kill even more until the alleyway was covered in blood and bodies. He was breathing heavily and saw the brunette approaching him while looking annoyed. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Azhar''Zul, what were you thinking? Those people could have been the kidnappers from Volantis! What if they had captured you? I would have lost you!" she demanded, her voice tinged with concern. "You can be reckless sometimes, but I''m relieved you''re alright."


    Atlas felt a pang of guilt, softened by her tight embrace. She held him close, her words mixing gratitude with worry. "You fought bravely, Azhar''Zul, but please promise me you won''t take such risks again."


    After Artemis released him, Grishna emerged triumphantly, clutching the gang''s bulging coin pouches. "Let''s get out of here before the guards swarm in," she declared with a broad grin.


    The trio dashed out of the alleyway and sprinted back to the guild. Upon arrival, Atlas glanced over his shoulder and saw a swarm of guards converging on the scene. Dismissing his armor with a nonchalant gesture, he ignored the startled reactions of onlookers nearby.

 Chapter 77 - 77: Monster Vault, Sol Necklace And Books

    Atlas, Grishna, and Artemis stood in line, waiting to register their completed quests. While they waited, the orc girl spoke, ''''Your armor is beautiful, Azhar''Zul. It suits you well and complements your fighting style.''''


    He nodded before answering, ''''Yeah, it feels right to wear it when we first bonded like the two blades.''''


    Grishna beamed, ''''That''s good. It means the armor will grow with you, and depending on what rank it is, sometimes it boosts the wearer''s status,'''' she revealed.


    When hearing this, Atlas remembered he needed to check his status. He had slain numerous monsters and eleven criminals during the day, but he had been eager to equip the armor to see what boosts it provided.


    [Level Up: 59¡ú63]


    [Experience: 1480/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 8500]


    [Health: 444 (50)]


    [Mana: 1592¡ú1600]


    [Strength: 432¡ú436]


    [Stamina: 454¡ú460 (100)]


    [Charisma: 356¡ú358]


    [Intelligence: 368¡ú374]


    [Core Points: 12550¡ú20600]


    [Core Points Gained: 8050]


    ''The armor gave me a boost to health and stamina alongside all the gains I received,'' Atlas thought just as the group arrived at the front of the queue as he finished checking his status and dismissed his armor.


    That''s when the queue grew smaller, and the trio reached the counter. Grishna and Artemis stepped in first while Atlas waited. He watched the girls hand over the guild coins they had earned from the non-guild quests.


    Once the two girls finished with the receptionist and received their reward, Atlas stepped forward. A young man behind the counter greeted him, ''''Young man, can I have your card, please? And are you here to take a quest or register a completed one?'''' he questioned.


    ''''Register the three quests I just finished,'''' Atlas replied while handing over the card. ''''I''ve got the proof for the kills.''''


    Then he took out the Blood Rat Tails, Tidebreaker Claws, and bundles of Blue Seaweed. It shocked the young man and two girls behind him when it was all on the counter. When Grishna saw this, she had a bright smile on her pretty face before speaking, ''''Ya never cease to amaze me.''''


    He grinned before winking at the orc before turning back to the man, scanning his guild card, and handing it back with 15 silver coins as the reward, ''''The three quests have been marked on your record. Congratulations on completing your first quests, Azhar''Zul.''''


    Then, Atlas and the two girls left the guild and headed toward the inn where they were staying. While walking, Artemis asked him, '''' How were your first quests?


    ''''It was good, but I fought two Sea Hags that attacked me while I was collecting the seaweed, which made me jump,'''' Atlas chuckled. ''''They looked freaky while shuffling in my direction, but I killed them thanks to my magic and some quick thinking.''''


    Grishna laughed while Artemis shook her head and explained, "You should have been more careful. Sea Hags are devious creatures. They may be weak, but if their claws touch you, they can poison you, regardless of your level or rank."


    ''''That''s why it flexed them. It confused me,'''' Atlas responded while thinking. ''''They were creepy looking and appeared from nowhere.'''' S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two girls nodded as Grishna commented, ''''Were you near tidepools or a swampy beach?''''


    ''''There were tidepools there; I did notice the creature did crawl out of it,'''' he said.


    Grishna smiled, ''''The Sea Hags live at the bottom of those and react when they sense someone in the area,'''' she informed him.


    Following that, the trio returned to the inn, where Estelle and Amethyst were sitting at a table when they entered. The phoenix girl jumped up and rushed toward Atlas before hugging him with a beautiful smile.


    ''''My Amore! You''re finally back; where have you been?'''' she questioned once, letting him go.


    She dragged him toward the table where the two were sitting. He explained everything he had been up to and showed them the weapons and armor he had bought, which pleased Estelle. ''''Very good buy, Azhar''Zul. It must have cost quite a bit of coin,'''' she commented.


    Atlas nodded before replying, ''''Yes. I used all my gold to buy it, but I think it was worth it because I kept getting injured and thought armor would be useful.''''


    The blonde knight agreed with a smile before the inn owner brought over some food, ''''Here you go, young ones, Beef Brother, for a cold day.''''


    Once the group started eating, Atlas stopped before giving Amethyst the lover''s band he had bought from the woman. The purple-haired girl beamed happily as she accepted the gift while he explained its functions.


    Amethyst looked at him with a bright smile. ''''Thank you, My Amore. It means a lot to me,'''' she said while touching the bracelet.


    That''s when Estelle spoke up, ''''Are you going to give them the gift? We didn''t look around the market for an hour for nothing, Little Bird.''''


    The Phoenix girl nodded before taking out a red orb and explaining, ''''This is a Monster Vault; you can put Lilith in it so she can rest and grow stronger. As long as you''re connected with it, she will earn some experience as you kill monsters.''''


    Atlas got excited when he saw this and quickly hugged Amethyst in thanks, which caused her cheeks to go red. She quickly returned the hug. ''''Thank you, Ame. It''s the best,'''' he said with a smile.


    When the older girls noticed this, they smiled warmly. Estelle then retrieved a necklace and gently laid it on the table. "This blessed necklace boosts your health stat by one hundred. They are commonly found in the Temples of Sol, our kingdom''s goddess," she explained. I bought it for you. It will enhance your health while you wear it."


    Atlas felt a wave of unfamiliarity and nervousness wash over him. He wasn''t accustomed to receiving gifts, which made him uncertain how to react. Gathering his thoughts, he shook his head slightly and met Estelle''s gaze with a sincere expression.


    "Thank you," he said softly. "I''ve never really received gifts before, so this means a lot to me."


    Just as Atlas was about to eat, a smiling Artemis pushed three books toward him. As she spoke, ''''Grishna and I went to get you something. It''s a text of legends and myths from the five continents. I noticed you were intrigued whenever we spoke about the world, so we thought you''d like this.''''


    Atlas picked up one of the thick books, its size reminding him of an encyclopedia from Earth. He ran his fingers over the cover and read aloud the title, "Legends and Myths of Valoria."


    He thought to himself, ''This looks interesting.


    After that, Atlas looked at the brunette, who smiled as he thanked her. ''''Thank you, Artemis, but you didn''t have to buy me anything as I''ve done nothing for you,'''' he gratefully commented while storing away the books and putting on Estelle''s necklace.


    Artemis waved him away with red cheeks. ''''Don''t worry about it, Azhar''Zul. It''s thanks for welcoming me to the party,'''' she said.


    The group continued to eat and talk as Atlas questioned everyone, ''''How do we start a party?''''


    As he said that, the four girls turned to him with wide eyes, but Estelle took out her guild card along with the others, and Grishna spoke, ''''Azhar''Zul put your card on ours and decided on a name as your leader.


    When Atlas heard the orc girl, a cheeky smile appeared on his face, which caused Artemis to protest, ''''Don''t make it a stupid name, boy. This will be with us for years.''''


    Just as he was about to speak, Amethyst proclaimed, "The Voidwalker''s Harem!"


    The declaration shocked everyone, yet no one contested the name. Atlas was particularly surprised, noting a glow emanating from their guild cards. As it dimmed, he examined his black card, finding nothing visible until Grishna said, "Look at the back, handsome; everything''s there."


    Atlas turned over the card only to see a button, which he pressed, and a notification popped up.


    [The Voidwalker''s Harem]


    [Members: 5]


    [Party Leader: Azhar''Zul]


    [Mage: Amethyst Flameheart]


    [Attacker: Grishna Brokentooth]


    [Attacker: Artemis Olympaea]


    [Defender: Estelle Argonia]


    ''Oh, this is cool,'' Atlas thought as the girls put their cards away while he stored the Monster Vault.


    Atlas was about to speak, but a city-wide alarm blared, causing everyone in the inn to look towards the door. Atlas glanced at Estelle, who looked nervous. "The city is being invaded! We need to see what''s happening."


    The group nodded, quickly jumping up and heading out the door. They saw the Argonian city guards rushing south as they spoke about a sudden Evergladian naval invasion. While outside, the streets were quiet, causing them to ready their weapons.


    Atlas called forth his armor, drawing his blades swiftly. That''s when the door to the inn flew open, and Lilith barralled out before jumping onto his back. Grishna''s voice carried concern, "I think the Nightowls snuck in alongside the Evergladians."


    "How do you know that?" Estelle demanded, her voice sharp with urgency.


    The orc girl pointed towards a nearby roof, prompting Atlas to look up. He spotted figures dressed entirely in black, seamlessly blending into the shadows with featureless white masks.


    Seeing this, the girls formed a protective circle around Atlas. Amethyst spoke urgently, "They''re here for you, Azhar''Zul. The Acheadmenids want to capture you."


    Atlas gulped but was ready to fight, as were the others; when the Nightowls saw this, they jumped off the roof and initiated their attack. He rushed forward to defend against an assassin that was going for Amethyst.


    Their blades connected, but Atlas battered them to the side and cast a Void Blast into the Nightowl''s chest, sending the enemy backward. A battle erupted in the middle of the street as explosions rang all over the city.

 Chapter 78 - 78: Soul Damage

    Atlas noticed a dozen Argonian guards rushing in their direction, but they were cut off by a group of Everglade soldiers who blocked the way. When he spotted this, he cast Void Blast into the group of men, catching them unaware.


    An explosion erupted, sending the enemies stumbling as the Argonians slammed into the soldiers. While this was happening, the girls circled Atlas, and the blonde knight exclaimed in a concerned tone, ''''Head for the harbor! We need to escape.''''


    ''Good idea, we won''t last long out here,'' Atlas thought while blocking a spear aimed at his throat as he saw the worry on Esetlle''s face.


    Everyone agreed before taking off down the street as mana shells rained from the sky and caused the surrounding buildings to explode around them. Debris and large chunks of stones flew everywhere.


    Atlas had to use Void Arrows to take out a few heading in their direction, but that''s when a group of Evergladians appeared, trying to block their way. He couldn''t stop running as Lilith leaped off him and swiftly joined the fray.


    He could tell the honey badger was excited to fight as she let out growls. Together, they unleashed a barrage of attacks on the soldiers. Atlas sliced through their armor with precise strikes, aiming for vulnerable joints to bring them down with resounding thuds.


    Each strike was followed by a piercing thrust through their helmets, swiftly killing the threat that blocked their escape. The girls arrived, and Grishna used Silver Shriek to disorient the enemy before skillfully using her spear to attack the confused soldiers.


    Atlas retreated as Artemis and Amethyst entered the fray. Artemis seamlessly blended elements, launching an Aqua Bomb that sailed through the air, detonating amidst a cluster of Nightowls.


    Immediately after, she unleashed a Thunder Slash that strengthened the explosion, electrifying the foes who collapsed in a heap. Atlas watched the happiness on the brunette''s face as she combined the two spells to do extra damage.


    Once, Artemis noticed two Evergladians rushing at her, but thanks to being a skilled warrior, she butchered the men quickly. Meanwhile, Amethyst wasted no time, barraging the area with Cosmic Blasts and Bullets, streaks of purple energy cutting through the chaos.


    Her relentless assault ensured no enemy could evade their combined onslaught. Atlas noticed Estelle using Solar Shield to send the spells the enemy casters aimed at them whenever their attacks flew at the group.


    While doing this, Lilith went wild and took out soldiers with her sharp claws and teeth. Blood soaked the streets as bodies started to pile up all around them, but Atlas rushed to help the blonde knight, who was now fighting several soldiers who suddenly appeared to stop her using her shield magic.


    When Atlas got closer, he cast Void Step and vanished, only reappearing in the middle of the men to take the pressure off Estelle. He started to wildly slash and stab everything around him, causing panic to erupt among the Evergladians.


    Then, he was hit by a punch from one of the Nightowls, who suddenly appeared. A dozen of them engaged with the girls. Three of them were fighting Grishna, who was holding her own despite being at a lower level.


    Amethyst took to the sky while peppering them with cosmic blasts, but she was brought to the ground when one of the Nightowls used gravity magic on the phoenix girl. When Atlas saw this, he rushed forward and dodged attacks.


    Atlas managed to kill the assassin with Amethyst trapped, but he soon noticed Artemis and Grishna were being separated, which worried him. He tried to rush toward the two girls but was blocked by several Nightowls.


    ''They''re separating us!'' he instantly knew what they were doing.


    He turned toward Estelle, surrounded by Evergladians but holding her own. Still, Atlas rushed in her direction and cast several Void Blasts into the enemy soldiers, causing another explosion to scatter the enemy.


    In a sudden burst of chaos, Estelle was engulfed by a searing mana shell, hurling her through the air. Amethyst lunged to catch her, but a stealthy Nightowl slipped out of the shadows before she could catch her falling form.


    With a vicious strike, the assailant knocked Amethyst aside, sending her sprawling. The blonde knight lay motionless, injured, and unmoving. Atlas, watching in horror, felt panic surge through him like a torrent.


    ''Please be okay,'' he thought while looking at Estelle.


    Every second she remained motionless intensified his dread; that''s when he noticed Amethyst springing to her feet with a frown and unleashing a barrage of spells at the ambusher, who dodged each onslaught.


    Before the Nightowl could react, Lilith, who crashed into the enemy assassin, blindsided it. The honey badger tore into the surprised enemy, buying precious moments for Atlas to dash forward. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His blade found its mark with precision, piercing the enemy''s skull. But as the Nightowl fell lifeless, realization struck hard¡ªAtlas stood alone now, surrounded by chaos and carnage while cut off from the girls.


    As Atlas glanced around, he saw Amethyst scooping up Estelle and soaring into the sky after summoning her wings, leaving him alone. He glanced around and realized another assassin had appeared, striking Lilith while she was engaged with the first one.


    The small creature screamed in pain and was sent flying before crashing to the ground. He sprinted towards her, pulling out a good health potion and pouring it over the creature, but the wounds were severe.


    Atlas looked up and spotted the Nightowl, quickly scanning the assassin and its deadly blade.


    [-----]


    [Level: 239]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    [Cursed Blade]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 5]


    Atlas''s eyes widened as he unleashed a dozen Void Blasts at the Nightowl. Scooping Lilith into his arms, he sprinted away, knowing he couldn''t face this assassin head-on. As he fled, he desperately scanned the small creature.


    [Soul Damage: Lilith''s soul was grievously wounded and requires healing from a Soul or Spirit Mage. She will slip into a deep, unconscious sleep in the meantime]


    ''Oh no, where will I find a Soul Mage?'' Atlas thought, heart racing as he dashed down the narrow street.


    Amidst the chaos, he spotted Amethyst crashing to the ground nearby, clutching Estelle in her arms. Racing towards them, Atlas arrived just in time to find the two girls surrounded by Nightowl Assassins, their blades menacingly held to the girls'' throats.


    Grim determination set his jaw as he swiftly retrieved the Monster Vault. With a heavy heart, he gently placed Lilith inside, securing her safety before turning to face the looming threat. But a commanding voice cut through the tension with a Persian accent before he could move.


    "Lower your weapons, Dahaka, and we''ll release your companions unharmed. Refuse, and their blood will stain these streets."


    As Atlas heard the demand, he knew they had him. With a swift thought, he dismissed his armor and weapons into his Dimensional Storage, which visibly startled the assassin.


    "Hand over your weapons. They''ll make fine gifts for our emperor," the man demanded.


    "No," Atlas replied calmly, though his smile betrayed underlying nerves. "If you seek a reward, you''ll have to end me for it."


    The man sighed heavily before he let out a sharp whistle. Behind Atlas, he heard swift footsteps approaching. In a blink, someone had clamped cold shackles around his wrists and hoisted him effortlessly over a broad shoulder.


    Atlas watched as they let the girls go before they dashed through the city streets while the battle raged across Volantis. He watched helplessly as the phoenix girl grew smaller in the distance.


    He bounced roughly on his abductor''s shoulders as they hurried through the winding streets of Volantis. Atlas wondered what the assassins had planned, but before he could ponder further, they reached the city walls.


    With a quick chant, the assassins cast a spell that allowed them to float effortlessly to the top of the city wall. Once there, a group of Evergladians tried to stop their escape, but the Nightowls swiftly eliminated them.


    Atlas was shocked by their efficiency, but he had little time to process it before the assassins leaped off the wall. Chanting again, they glided through the air until a ship sailed into view.


    The assassins altered their course, heading straight for it. Moments later, they landed on the deck with a solid thud. Atlas was thrown to the deck as the commander said, ''''Take this devil to the hold and make sure he can''t escape.''''


    Two sailors grabbed him by the feet and dragged him along the deck. This sudden situation made him chuckle, ''Am I in a comedy movie?''


    Before long, they arrived at a door leading into the belly of the ship. Without warning, one of the men opened the door and pushed Atlas down the stairs. He hit his head on each step with an alarming thud until he crashed into the floor below.


    [Health: 424/444 (50)]


    Atlas''s head was spinning as he felt blood trickling down, but this time it wasn''t healing, which worried him, ''Is it because of these shackles?'' he thought while looking at his hands.


    Eventually, when the pain subsided, he noticed a small cage tucked away in a corner. The men walked down before hauling Atlas towards it and dumped him inside. He lay there, catching his breath amidst murmurs and distant voices.


    As Atlas glanced around, he saw dozens of other people confined in similar cages. It made him wonder, ''I wonder who they are?''


    While doing that, a man''s voice reached his ears, ''''They finally caught Dahaka; I can''t believe their boogeyman was a little boy.''''

 Chapter 79 - 79: They Caught Me

    [Al-ladh¨© yursheed al-tareeq- The one who points the way]


    ***


    [The Girl''s POV]


    Amethyst watched as the Nightowls abducted Atlas. Her heart sank when they turned the corner, and she lost sight of her Amore''s mana. ''No! The Achaedmenids have got him. They will try to execute him because they believe he is the Dahaka,'' she thought internally.


    While staring at the street, she heard a moan, which caused her to look at Estelle, who was coming to. Amethyst moved towards her as she spoke, ''''Are you okay? How injured are you?''''


    The blonde knight grimaced as pain shot through her body, eliciting a yelp. Swiftly, she cast Healing Light upon herself and sighed in relief as the pain faded. Once Estelle was better, she spoke with a frown, ''''Where is Azhar''Zul? He was fighting the Nightowls.''''


    Amethyst frowned before revealing, ''''They abducted him once he surrendered when the assassins had knives to our throats.''''


    When the phoenix said this, the blonde knight was frustrated before speaking, ''''Let''s find Grishna and Artemis. What about Lilith? Where is she?''''


    ''''Azhur''Zul put her in the Monster Vault due to being injured,'''' Amethyst replied as the two girls started looking for the others.


    It took the duo half an hour to find Artemis and Grishna, who were being tended to by the Argonian healers. Estelle rushed over and spoke, ''''Azhar''Zul has been captured by the Achaedmenidians! They will try to execute him for being the Dahaka.''''


    The orc stared at her while a woman healed a slice across her face; once the healer was gone, she spoke, ''''What does that mean? He has dozens of names across Astoria, blondie.''''


    "Bringer of Chaos," Amethyst disclosed. "The Achaemenidians believe he will topple their realm, overthrow the emperor, and seize control of the empire through blood and fire.''''


    That''s when the three girls looked at her with curious expressions as she continued, ''''Azhar''Zul is the Chosen Messiah of my people, and the gods chose him to lead the Great Jihad that will bring the Saharaelians to paradise, but the emperor would want to capture him once finding out he arrived on Valoria.''''


    Once Amethyst finished speaking, she let out a small prayer, ''''Al-ladh¨© yursheed al-tareeq.''''


    ''''Do you think he wants to be their messiah?'''' Artemis questioned the phoenix girl.


    Amethyst shook her head, ''''I don''t think so, but when destiny started to mess with us mortals, there''s nothing we can do. Just look at the name he picked, Azhar''Zul; the fanatics from the Blue Dune Desert call him that,'''' she informed the three older girls.


    The group hushed until Grisha said, "Did Azhar''Zul give you the Lovers Band he mentioned? He said they can communicate once a day."


    Upon hearing this, the phoenix girl lifted her wrist, beholding the exquisite blue necklace, and silently thought, [Are you alright, my Amore? When you receive this, please send me a message as soon as possible]


    Amethyst waited for a while but got no reply, so Estelle stood up and spoke, ''''We should head to Honorhall and travel east to the Wyldheart Kingdom. Once Azhar''Zul replies to Little Birds'' message, we can tell him to head there.''''


    Everyone agreed with a nod before heading for the harbor as the Evergladians were defeated and pushed out of the city. While walking down the quiet streets, corpses littered the way.


    Grishna covered her nose while speaking, ''''I hate the smell of death; I could never get used to it.''''


    Following that, the girls had to wait for a ship to the mainland but secured passage on a guild vessel once they showed their cards and paid 2 silver.


    ***


    [Back to Atlas]


    Atlas spotted an older man with long blonde hair and green eyes who looked to be a noble of some sort. This caught his interest. ''''What does Dahaka mean? I heard the Nightowls call me it.''''


    The man laughed before introducing himself, ''''I am Tristan, son of the warrior empress Tomyris of the Graecoria Empire on the Aridonia Continent.''''


    ''A prince,'' Atlas thought.


    He shook his head and questioned, ''''What is a prince of an empire doing on a Nightowl ship in captivity?''''


    Tristan chuckled, ''''They caught me when I was visiting my fiance on Demacia. Our ship was attacked by the Achaemenidian fleet, which overwhelmed our escorts, and here I am,'''' he said with an annoyed tone.


    Atlas nodded while holding the shackles and wondered what they did; he turned to his neighbor, ''''Do these block spells?'''' he questioned.


    ''''Yes, Little One, but some skills can be used, but it''s hit and miss on what ones,'''' Tristen replied before the ship started moving.


    Following that, he felt his stomach rumble and tried to pull out some chocolate; when the delicious treat appeared in his hand, he got excited and quickly ate it, which caught Tristan''s attention.


    ''''What you eating, boy?''''


    Atlas handed over more chocolate through the bars, and Tristan scrambled to grab it. Upon realizing it, he burst into laughter but ate it eagerly nonetheless. Then he asked, "Where did this come from? Do you have a storage skill?"


    ''''Yes,'''' Atlas answered before eating some as the ship bounced up and down.


    Some other prisoners mentioned they were enduring a storm, but the ship seemed durable enough to stand against the waves. Still, Tristan informed Atlas that it would intensify further before the ship reached the Burrow River, which served as the gateway to the Elysian Sea.


    From there, Tristan told him their journey would continue southward until they reached an island known as Titan Crest, where they were detained before eventually being transported to the Zarandar Continent.


    Upon hearing this, Atlas felt excitement about discovering new lands and seeing new things. Yet, he wanted to be with the girls but found himself alone in this new world that seemed to see him as a messiah or devil.


    Atlas would head north once the chance presented itself. He checked his status after killing the Everglade soldiers and some weaker Nightowls.


    [Level Up: 63¡ú66]


    [Experience: 180/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 2800]


    [Mana: 1600¡ú1608]


    [Strength: 436¡ú446]


    [Intelligence: 374¡ú378]


    [Core Points: 20600¡ú23400]


    [Core Points Gained: 2800]


    While Atlas checked on his gains, the ship started to shake due to the stormy sea outside, causing the prisoners to fly all over the cages. However, it soon calmed down as some sailors entered the hold with food.


    ''Smells like shit,'' he mused.


    A man dropped a bowl of porridge-looking food, which he didn''t grab, but Tristan spoke, ''''Boy, can I have that?''''


    Atlas didn''t reply and pushed the bowl toward the prince before sitting down to get comfortable. He pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box and the fork he bought from the general store back on Volantis and started eating.


    The aroma swiftly filled the cramped hold, drawing the gaze of the other prisoners engrossed in their porridge. Ignoring their curious glances, Atlas relished the warmth of his steaming boar meat as the ship swayed on the turbulent sea.


    After taking his time to savor every bite, Atlas retrieved a blanket and settled down. Activating his Void Realm skill, he let his consciousness slip into its comforting depths as he reappeared in the forest.


    Atlas glanced around and heard no Void Raptors before he started walking. While doing that, he checked the amounts he needed to kill.


    [Void Raptors - 600/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 1/4]


    [Voidstalkers ¨C 997/1000]


    [King Void Raptor ¨C 1/1]


    "Three hundred and twenty-nine more raptors to dispatch before I can turn my attention to the Voidstalkers," Atlas pondered. "Perhaps they can lend me a hand once we''re ashore."


    With that idea in mind, he retrieved his armor from storage. In an instant, it materialized onto his body, accompanied by the Night Blade and Blod Knife appearing at his belt. As Atlas did that, he heard weird chirps and other noises heading in his direction.


    Readying his weapons, Voidstalkers rushed out of a nearby bush, causing Atlas to sidestep one of the monster lunges, allowing him to plunge his blade through its skull as another jumped on him from behind before biting down on his shoulder.


    This caused Atlas to scream in pain, but he cast Void Wave, which sent an azure blast from his body; the spell sent the Voidstalker flying into the forest. He bobbed and weaved around the creature''s claws and bites as they started their gang attack.


    He used his Night Blade to slice through the monster''s thick hide, causing them to turn into azure motes that floated away. Atlas continued slaughtering the Voidstalkers while taking some of their attacks to his body.


    Atlas killed nearly one hundred creatures an hour later, prompting him to check on the total.


    [Voidstalkers ¨C 903/1000]


    ''Hopefully, we can get the total under half by the time I die,'' he mused before continuing through the forest. He came to a stop as the Void Raptors'' calls rang out through the trees, causing him to prepare.


    The first monster burst out from the bush and went to bite down on his outstretched arm, but Atlas cast Void Bullet that slammed into the raptor''s head, causing an explosion to erupt, which sent him and the monster flying.


    Atlas crashed to the ground with a crash but quickly jumped up to his feet while readying his weapons as another Void Raptor pounced on him. He sidestepped the attack before plunging the Night Blase into the chest of the monster and piercing its heart.


    More of the void creatures attacked him without mercy, covering his body and armor with slash marks and blood, but Atlas managed to kill so many that he lost count by the time they stopped coming.


    sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 80 - 80: This Place Is Too Big

    Atlas lay on the ground, his body healing after the battle with the Void Raptors. The forest went quiet, giving him time to catch his breath before checking the number of monsters he needed to kill.


    [Void Raptors - 573/1000]


    ''Only three hundred and seventy six left to kill,'' he thought while standing up once his wounds healed.


    Atlas looked around but didn''t see anything, so he carried on while keeping an eye on his surroundings. It took another half an hour, and more raptors appeared and charged at him with malice in their black eyes.


    ''They give me the creeps,'' he mused while looking at the dinosaur monster.


    The monsters lunged at him, but he moved to the side as a Void Raptor flew past him. Atlas stabbed his Night Blade into the side of the creature and sliced along its body until it turned into azure motes.


    Another appeared, but he cast Void Arrows at it before stabbing a third through the eye until another tackled him to the ground with a thud. Atlas felt the creature''s claw pierce his chest, causing him to scream in agony, but he quickly touched the thing''s body and blew it away using Void Blast.


    Atlas and the Void Raptors continued their battle for a straight hour as explosions and roars rang across the forest. He was battered and bruised when the monsters stopped appearing while leaning against a tree with heavy breaths.


    ''''Hopefully, this shouldn''t take too long; these monsters will be my escape plan as soon as the opportunity arises,'''' Atlas muttered as he recovered.


    He was covered in dinosaur blood, and one of his arms was hanging limp after a surprised bite he received from a Voidstalker; his Regeneration was healing every injury, but all he had to do was wait.


    ''Damn it still hurts,'' Atlas thought while looking at a large chunk of flesh that was missing from his leg.


    Atlas observed as his armor seamlessly repaired itself, and his muscles gradually stitched back together. Taking advantage of the moment''s rest, he surveyed his surroundings: a vast expanse filled with hundreds of trees and thick clusters of bushes.


    He glanced upwards and saw a deep azure sky adorned with stars that shimmered like vibrant brushstrokes on a serene canvas. Nearly twenty minutes passed before he could stand again, but just as he rose, a Void Raptor Warrior lunged at him from a nearby bush.


    ''Oh crap!''


    The massive creature pinned him to the ground, its jaws snapping dangerously close. Atlas quickly cast Void Guard, blocking the razor-sharp teeth, then unleashed a Void Blast into the warrior''s chest, burning straight through it.


    Atlas pushed the Void Raptor Warrior off him while casting Void Step


    [Void Raptors - 311/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 0/4]


    [Voidstalkers ¨C 875/1000]


    [King Void Raptor ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not many raptors left to kill, and the warriors are already taken care of,'' Atlas thought as he stood up.


    He traveled around the forest, methodically hunting down the remaining Void Raptors. However, the Voidstalkers were proving to be a significant challenge, constantly ambushing him from all directions.


    Some even lunged at Atlas from the tree branches above, making him jump after hours of relentless attacks that had taken their toll. He made a critical mistake at one point, allowing the monsters to swarm him.


    Desperate, Atlas unleashed a Void Wave to push them back, but their numbers were overwhelming. He spammed spells into their ranks while using the surrounding trees to break the monsters up, but he struggled to keep the relentless horde at bay.


    Atlas had killed hundreds of Void Raptors and Voidstalkers monsters at this point, but it was driving him crazy. When they stopped attacking, he checked the totals and rested for a few seconds.


    [Void Raptors - 0/1000]


    [Voidstalkers ¨C 513/1000]


    ''Not long before I have to fight the Void Raptor King, at least I''ve cleared the Void Raptors,'' he mused. ''First, I must deal with the Voidstalkers, then look for the boss.''


    Then Atlas continued walking through the forest as he approached the mountain he saw in the distance. While traveling, he killed even more Voidstalkers who kept up with their ambushes, which annoyed him.


    ''This place is too big,'' he mused while glancing at his surroundings. ''I wonder what the second level is like.''


    Following that, Atlas resumed his journey, but he soon found himself battling even more Voidstalkers. Frustration and fatigue mounted as he fended off the cunning creatures. This time, he was too exhausted and sluggish, and they overwhelmed him, bringing his run in the Void Realm to an end.


    Atlas returned to reality and noticed everyone was asleep before he saw the night sky through the window at the end of the hold. The ship was calm, which meant the sea wasn''t rough anymore, but he heard people rushing above and wondered what was happening.


    Mana Cannons rang out, causing the other prisoners to wake up as their captures battled sea monsters trying to attack the ship. The journey continued across the sea for days, allowing Atlas even more time in the Void Realm.


    He was now standing at the entrance of the boss area after dealing with the remaining Voidstalkers. While standing at the entrance to the valley, he pulled up the totals of the first level.


    [Void Raptors - 0/1000]


    [Void Raptor Warriors - 0/4]


    [Voidstalkers ¨C 0/1000]


    [Void Raptor King ¨C 1/1]


    ''I bet the king is much stronger than the others,'' Atlas thought as he was getting nervous. He checked his status due to small gains from all the fights with the remaining Voidstalkers.


    [Mana: 1608¡ú1630]


    [Strength: 446¡ú450]


    [Intelligence: 378¡ú380]


    ''Nice, my mana shot up by twenty-two,'' he mused as a notification popped up.


    [Well done, Voidwalker! You cleared all the monsters and now have to defeat the Void Raptor King to unlock the skill that allows you to use the Void Monsters. Good luck with your boss fight] Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas asked whoever was talking to him, ''''Can you give me the name of the skill? And bring up everything available about the Void Raptors.''''


    [Call Of The Void - Summons monsters from the void to aid the caster in battle - Each creature varies in mana cost, so select which ones you want to bring forth - No list available for monsters; complete the first level to unlock this feature]


    [Group One: Summon a pack of twelve Voidstalkers to aid in battle or scout an area. Each summoning portal costs 200 Mana and remains active for ten minutes. Extending their duration requires an additional 100 Mana for another ten minutes]


    [Group Two: Summon a pack of Void Raptors to assist in battle. The pack comprises eight members led by a Void Raptor Warrior who prioritizes your safety over their own. Each summoning portal requires 400 Mana and lasts for ten minutes. Extending their presence costs an additional 200 Mana for another ten minutes]


    [Group Three: Summon a pack of Six Void Raptors Warriors led by the Void Raptor King to assist in battle. The monsters prioritize your safety over their own. Each summoning portal requires 2000 Mana and lasts for ten minutes. Extending their presence costs an additional 1000 Mana for another ten minutes]


    ''Interesting. There are three different options, but the third is expensive. I can''t summon them yet, but the second will be enough time to escape; the perfect moment must come,'' he mused before entering the Void Raptor Kings arena.


    Atlas got nervous as he walked the path descending into the valley, sensing a foreboding aura that seemed to press against his very being. Steeling his resolve, he pressed onward until he emerged into a small forest encircling a spacious clearing.


    Ancient stone walls marked the arena''s perimeter, their weathered surfaces hinting at a history lost to time. As Atlas set foot within, arcane blue lights flickered to life along the edges, casting eerie shadows that danced across the ground.


    Gripping his blades tightly, Atlas braced himself as a monstrous figure materialized in the arena. When he caught sight of the creature, his jaw dropped in disbelief. "A Megaraptor! How can I defeat this thing?" he muttered.


    The Void Raptor King loomed twice the height of the warriors, and its midnight-black hide was decorated with sinister blue stripes that suited the void. He noticed its limbs ended in razor-sharp claws as big as his legs.


    Atlas shivered when seeing this thing, but he paled when hearing a deep, menacing male voice sounding in his head, ''A new Voidwalker has been born.''


    He watched the Megaraptor close in before its giant head sniffed him. ''I can smell the void on you, boy. My last master was a powerful warrior, but you''re a baby. Why has the Void Goddess sent you to me?''


    ''What? I was brought here by Luxia and Nyx, whose this Void Goddess you speak of?'' Atlas finally spoke.


    The monster circled him but ran one of its claws down his back as it replied, ''She will show herself in time, youngling. Do you want to fight me, or would you prefer to level up even more? It only makes sense as I''m a much higher rank.''


    Atlas used Void Sight on the Megaraptor.


    [----]


    [Level One Boss]


    [Race: Void Raptor]


    [Rank: C+]


    ''So strong,'' he thought with a gulp. ''I''d have to be sneaky in defeating him.''


    ''Haha. I feel your fear, youngling; we can postpone our fight until you''re stronger,'' the monster said while walking away from him. ''I won''t think any less of you, Voidwalker, it''s the way of life.''


    Atlas shook his head and readied himself for a fight, ''That is noble of you, but I have no choice. I need to defeat you because I''ve been captured by an enemy who wants to execute me. So your help is required.''

 Chapter 81 - 81: If I Can Help

    ''Very well, youngling. We shall fight, and I hope you do defeat me so that I may aid you in the unfortunate situation you find yourself in,'' the Void Raptor King said.


    Atlas readied his blades as the armor fixed the remaining damage just as he stepped forward. His armor covered all the weak spots but allowed him to move quickly to dodge any incoming attacks.


    ''Hopefully, I can defeat this monster and move onto level two,'' he thought.


    Following that, a horn rang out, announcing the beginning of the fight as the Raptor King charged forward, getting ready to swipe at him, but Atlas was ready and cast several Void Bullets that hit the ground in front of the monster.


    When Atlas saw this, his nerves grew, ''Oh god, this is going to be difficult.''


    The spells exploded, causing chaos all over the arena, throwing the creatures off course and allowing Atlas to duck under its claws. After that, he unleashed a Void Blast at the Raptor King''s chest, causing it to roar in pain.


    When it was distracting, he cast Void Step and materialized on the creature''s back. He intended to drive his blade toward the Raptor King''s skull, but the beast suddenly bucked his aim, causing his strike to graze its tough hide.


    The creature then threw him off its back and managed to strike him with its tail, but Atlas threw up Void Guard and took the brunt of the impact. He was still sent flying before crashing across the arena''s ground.


    Atlas stopped when he hit the arena''s wall; his head spun, but he looked up only to see the Raptor King''s foot closing on him. He quickly cast Void Step again and vanished as a dust cloud erupted when it swung its massive claws, causing the monster to become momentarily blind.


    When he reappeared on the other side of the arena, Atlas quickly got to his feet. The monster turned to face him, its azure blue eyes gleaming excitedly. ''Little one, you are amusing, but you cannot run forever. Death is right behind you, and I will deliver it,'' the monster spoke in his mind before it charged at him.


    Atlas unleashed a dozen Void Blasts and Bullets. The King Raptor barreled through the attacks, but that''s when he noticed injuries beginning to cover its body. He continued to fling spells at the monster, but it never slowed it down.


    The battle continued for an hour, with Atlas dodging around the arena while the creature relentlessly attacked with its claws and tail. Growing more confident, he Void Stepped onto the monster''s head and cast a Void Blast directly into its skull.


    The Raptor King proved more cunning than anticipated, swiftly dropping its head to dislodge Atlas, who tumbled off its back. It snapped its jaws shut, swallowing him whole. That''s when the monster''s voice echoed as darkness enveloped him, "Perhaps next time, little one."


    Then Atlas just woke up as his abductors dropped his dinner in front of the cage. While looking at it, Tristan spoke up hopefully, ''''Boy, can I have that food, please?''''


    He spun on the man and spoke, ''''My name is Azhar''Zul, not boy. But yes, you can have it.''''


    After speaking, Atlas pushed the bowl over Tristan''s cage as the man thanked him, ''''It''s nice to meet you, Azhar''Zul, and thanks for the food.''''


    Atlas nodded before pulling out some chocolate and one of the books that the girl got for him. He wanted to read one about the Zarandar Continent and saw hundreds of stories that caught his attention.


    He recalled their destination: Titan Crest, once a part of the Wildheart Kingdom, now under the rule of the Achaemenid Empire. Rumors hinted at tales surrounding the mountains on the island''s western part.


    Following that, he skimmed through the book while eating some chocolate until he found a particular story about a scream that echoed through the Titan Forest and frightened the locals, with some going missing.


    ''Banshee maybe?'' Atlas mused. ''Maybe its some kind of monster hunting?''


    An eyewitness account describes a group of three hunters spotting a monster roaming through the forest before they were attacked by it. Only one survivor made it to Crestpoint Town on the southern part of the island.


    The story caught Atlas''s attention. ''Why are there monsters everywhere in the world? First, it''s blue goblins, then sea monsters,'' he complained internally. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The survivor said it was tall, hairy, and looked like a human, which made Atlas rant even more, ''''First a Yeti and now a Bigfoot? What''s next, the Loch Ness Monster or gnomes?''''


    Atlas pondered as he contemplated the journey to the Zarandar Continent beyond the Dragon''s Deep Strait, separating the island from the mainland. Thoughts raced through his mind, ''Could this strait be my escape from the island? I have Aqua Lung, but how long does it allow me to breathe underwater?''


    He pulled up the skill and started reading through the information.


    [Aqua Lung: Allows used to breathe underwater for ten minutes - Time increases as the skill is leveled up]


    Following that, he read about local legends, consisting of man-eating trolls roaming the Titan''s Fist Forest on a peninsula leading to the mainland. There was Tajariyah, a city built on the side of a mountain.


    ''What the hell? How is a city built there?'' Atlas thought before turning to Tristan, who was now trying to sleep.


    ''''Prince, what is this Tajariyah City? Why is it on the side of a mountain?'''' he questioned.


    Tristan commented on the city, saying it used to be free, but the Immortals conquered it a few generations ago. The founders carved out a mountain to build inside it, and they sustained themselves by growing food using planters.


    The city is renowned for its dungeon, rated as level two. It attracts thousands of adventurers every week, arriving by ship from all corners of the world. Then, Atlas questioned the Graecorian Prince, who bargained for the information; he gave the man chocolate and bread, which got him talking.


    Tristan told him that Zarander''s northern coast was full of pirates, bandits, and mercenaries who worked for the Achadmenidian army. Atlas told the prince that he needed to get north, but Tristan advised against it due to the higher-ranked scum roaming that region.


    This didn''t deter him, and when he voiced this, his new friend waved him away. ''''If you come to the Graecoria Empire, I''m sure Mother and my aunt Gorgo would be able to smuggle you to the Wildheart Kingdom,'''' Tristan suggested.


    He looked at the man and said, ''''I''ll think about it as your homeland is on Aridonia, and I need to make it to Astoria, but I guess you want me to help you get out of here?''''


    ''''Yes, Azhar''Zul, but I have no doubt Mother is organizing something now,'''' Tristan said. ''''I activated my Life Token, and a few of my guards escaped the slaughter when the Nightowls bundled me back onto their ship.''''


    Atlas looked at the disheveled prince before nodding, ''''If I can help, I will.''''


    Tristan smiled as he started questioning Atlas about his life, but there wasn''t much to tell as the old memories were fractured and broken. All he knew was his adoptive family was from the Thalassia Empire, and they found him when he was a baby.


    Following that, Atlas continued reading through the different legends and myths of Zarander, only to find creepy stories and haunting tales. Once he finished the book, he put it back into storage while pulling out a Dragon Meat Feast.


    He began to eat, prompting Tristan to glance at him with pleading eyes; this caused Atlas to chuckle. He then tossed a piece of food to Tristan, drawing the attention of the other prisoners.


    With a sigh, he decided to share the meal with them. Afterward, Atlas sat down and got comfortable as the journey continued for another week. During this time, he tried to fight the Void Raptor King, but the monster always managed to beat him.


    Tristan was waffling on about his fiance who lives on Demacia and how beautiful she was, which caused Atlas to ask where she was, only to find out that the guards that were spared the ambush managed to protect her and would have been taken to the empire.


    While the two were talking, a horn rang out, causing the other prisoners to panic. This confused Atlas, but soon, the sounds of seagulls could be heard, making him realize, ''Land is nearby; let''s see where they take me.''


    Then, Atlas put away the book he was reading just as the Nightowls appeared with their creepy white marks and black bodysuits. They approached his cage while holding a chain and shackles.


    He looked at the Nightowl, who started to open the cage, and noticed her figure was womanly, causing him to speak, ''''Why do you think I''m this Dahaka?''''


    Atlas was dragged out by two of the assassins before the one he assumed was a woman slapped the shackles on him; a feminine voice answered, ''''You''re the bringer of chaos and blood. It is foretold by the elders that you will cover the empire in the blood of innocents.''''


    ''So they believe I''m so sort of demon king?'' Atlas mused.


    ''''Do you think I''m a Demon King? It sounds like it,'''' he questioned.


    The female Nightowl pushed him forward as the others parted ways, ''''You''re the much worse devil,'''' she said.


    Atlas chuckled, but that''s when he heard Tristan''s voice ring out, ''''Azhar''Zul! We will meet again. Thanks for all the help.''''

 Chapter 82 - 82: Revenge

    Atlas was pushed toward the stairs leading to the deck above; the Nightowl pushed him along without saying a word. He stumbled up the stairs because his legs were weak from being in the cage for so long.


    ''''Get up, devil! It''s not hard to walk,'''' the Nightowl female barked out.


    ''''Shut it, woman, I''ve been in that damn cage for over a week without standing up,'''' Atlas retorted while getting to his feet. ''''If you want to go quickly, how about carrying me, miss?''''


    The Nightowls stiffened, and the ones behind went to react, but the woman stopped them, ''''Just move; otherwise, I will shock you,'''' she demanded.


    Atlas chuckled but shut up when a horrible shock rushed through his body, causing him to yelp in pain, ''''Oww! What was that for!''''


    ''''Keep moving, devil, and stop trying to prolong things,'''' the woman commented.


    He could tell she was smiling, so he got back up and replied, ''''One day, I will wipe that smile off your face, woman.''''


    Atlas was shocked again, causing the Nightowls to laugh, but the woman leaned forward and spoke in an amused tone, ''''I would like to see that, Dahaka.''''


    Following that, he was led outside, where the ship was docked in a fortress. Atlas glanced around and saw hundreds of soldiers patrolling or guarding the harbor. He examined the nearest soldier, who was wearing bronze-looking armor covering his torso, limbs, and face.


    They were wielding spears or curved swords, and the soldiers reminded Atlas of the Persian soldiers from Earth''s history. After examining them, the Nightowls led him off the ship and through the fortress''s streets, only to be greeted by the people''s hatred.


    Atlas stumbled painfully through the crowded streets, his heart sinking with every jeer and every thrown object. The crowd, fueled by fear and hatred, hurled insults at him, calling him the Dahaka, their voices blending into a cacophony of scorn.


    Amidst the chaos, the Nightowls watched with cold amusement, their faces hidden in the shadows of their hoods. While walking, the woman stepped closer and swiped his feet from under him.


    He hit the ground hard, grunting in pain, but that was when another wave of random stuff hit him, and the surrounding people started cheering. Atlas''s rage was building, causing his azure eyes to glow due to his emotions.


    Atlas rose to his feet, his chest heaving with fury as he faced the mocking Nightowls. His voice crackled with pent-up rage as he unleashed his threat.


    "One day," he growled, his eyes burning fiercely, "I will make you watch as I raze this place to the ground. I''ll stack these people''s severed heads outside these damn walls!"


    After he uttered those words, the woman''s hand lashed out, striking him with a force that sent his world into darkness. It took an eternity for consciousness to return, and when his eyes finally fluttered open, he was met with a chilling sight.


    A brown-skinned man with grey hair and glowing yellow eyes, adorned in wealthy clothing crowned with gold, glowered at Atlas with seething hatred, sending a chill down his spine as he felt this person''s power.


    Shaking his head to dispel the fog, Atlas sat up slowly, only to discover himself surrounded by a ring of armed soldiers. Their spears were pointed directly at him, ready to strike at any sign of defiance.


    Atlas was in a large hall where he spotted dozens of nobles watching him with fear or hatred in their eyes. He let out a bitter laugh in this man''s face before speaking defiantly, "Does an innocent child strike fear into the hearts of the Achaemenid Empire?"


    He winced as the butt of a spear struck him, eliciting a sharp yelp before he instinctively cradled his side. The man with the glowing yellow eyes rose to his feet, an evil smile twisting his features as he advanced towards him.


    "You will be taken to Babylon City when the weather permits," the man declared, his voice laced with malice. "Once there, you will be executed for all to witness."


    Atlas met the man''s gaze defiantly, but a young woman''s voice cut through the tension before he could respond. "Father, why not make him a slave?" she suggested casually. "I could use him as a guard, or perhaps Auntie needs a toyboy?"


    Atlas gazed at the girl. Her wild pink hair cascaded down to her chin, complementing her piercing yellow eyes, similar to the men. Her face was captivatingly beautiful, embodying a blend of innocence and allure.


    The older girl''s features were delicate yet captivating: a small button nose, full plump lips that hinted at a mischievous smile. He noticed she was wearing a pink satin dress that hugged her curves, accentuating her alluring figure.


    As his gaze lingered on her, captivated by her beauty, the soldiers around him noticed and reacted. Without warning, he was struck again, this time by the commander himself. "Do not lay your lecherous gaze on the princess, devil," the commander barked, his voice laced with disdain and authority.


    Afterward, the man silenced the surrounding soldiers before speaking, ''''I am Cyrus the Great, the God Emperor of the Achaemenid Empire and soon the whole of Astoria. I must thank you for making it easy to capture you, but now I have decided what I will do with you.''''


    ''''And what is that, oh great emperor?'''' Atlas sarcastically replied with a smirk, which annoyed everyone.


    A soldier hit him again, but this time, he didn''t complain as the emperor spoke, ''''You will be put into a the boats to suffer for eternity because a devil deserves no less,'''' he stood up and looked at the gathered nobles, ''''With this I''ve ended the threat of the Dahaka toward our empire. Now continue with the Wildheart Invasion and kill that Thalassian general who is holding our army back.''''


    When the emperor said this, Atlas started laughing, catching everyone''s attention as he declared, ''''You might as well execute me now, Cyrus, because I will escape and come back for my revenge after your Nightowls hurt Estelle.''''


    A soldier moved to hit him, but that''s when the princess moved forward and laid a heavy punch on his chin. Atlas crumpled unconscious. As the emperor commanded, "Lock him up securely. Ensure he cannot escape," the surrounding soldiers promptly saluted.


    They then dragged Atlas towards the dungeons, watched intently by the onlookers.


    ***


    [Darya Safavi''s POV]


    ''I knew Dahaka was this young but he looks like a little boy compared to the picture we saw before,?'' Darya mused before thinking about something else. ''What if he does escape and bring ruin to the empire? The Immortals or Nightowls will be able to deal with him.''


    Once they were gone, her father spoke, ''''Darya, make sure to cast your spells to keep an eye on him.''''


    Darya looked at her father, ''''Couldn''t any of my siblings have done it? They all know the same spell,'''' she said confusedly.


    ''''You''re the strongest out of all my children, apart from Kian, but he is busy with the alliance now. So you must do this, my eldest daughter,'''' the emperor replied.


    She nodded before following the soldiers dragging the boy along the fortress corridors. Darya didn''t know why they were at the frontline, but she assumed it was her father''s excitement at catching the Dahaka.


    Soon, they arrived at the dungeon, where no one else was inside. That''s when Darya saw the tiny cage with the cell. ''Are they putting him in there? It''s good; at least he won''t escape.'' she thought.


    Afterward, the soldiers forced the boy into the cage amidst his curses and foul-mouthed protests. When the opportunity arose, He even tried to bite one of the guards but was swiftly struck down like a wild monster.


    ''He''s so rude,'' she thought.


    Once the soldiers had secured Dahaka inside, Darya approached as they locked the cage. They bowed to her, but she halted them with a command, "Remain here for a moment. I must set up a spell under the emperor''s orders."


    The soldiers nodded and stood off to the side while she cast the spell, but the boy spoke again, ''''You''ve got a mean left hook, woman. My jaw is still hurting.''''


    ''''Shut up, devil, do not speak to me,'''' Darya responded, causing him to laugh, which irritated her.


    ''''One day you won''t be saying that, Princess,'''' Dahaka said in an amused tone.


    Darya spun on him with narrowed eyes, but he caught her off guard and spoke again: ''''But having an enemy like yourself will be fun. Hopefully, it''s you they send after me once I escape.''''


    ''''Shut up,'''' she retorted. ''''You will not be escaping. Unfortunately, there are thousands of soldiers between you and freedom, so unless you have a secret we haven''t discovered, you are out of luck, Dahaka.''''


    After addressing her task, Darya proceeded to weave the spells, enabling her and her father to monitor the boy. Once the magic was complete, she left the dungeon and encountered her older cousin, Commander Farah Bahrami, a night owl with short brown hair, smooth brown skin, and striking green eyes.


    ''''Cousin Darya! How are you, girl? Did you lock up that devil?''''


    She smiled, ''''I''m fine, Farah, but I hate being on this island. I understand why Father brought me here, but I still don''t like it.''''


    ''''At least we caught the Dahaka; he was driving the emperor crazy,'''' Farah replied before the two strolled to the dining room. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 83 - 83: You Will Be Left In The Dark

    Atlas spotted the Achaemenid Princess leave the dungeon, causing him to glance around and soon realize he was inside two prison cells that were inside each other. The one he was in now had enough room for him to sit up, but that''s all. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Beyond the bars of his enclosure lay another set made of a foreboding black metal so dark that it absorbed all light, leaving Atlas perplexed. Following that, he looked around the room and found himself in a dark and gloomy one.


    ''Maybe I''m deep underground? It''s a shame they knocked me out,'' he thought while glancing around.


    That''s when he spotted guards patrolling the room. ''They are scared of me this much? It''s like they''re securing a Demon King,'' Atlas mused.


    He turned his attention to one of the soldiers and grinned while speaking, ''''Where can I go to the toilet? There''s no bucket in here.''''


    The commander stopped walking and stared at him with hatred, but he detected fear in his gaze before the soldier answered, ''''Use the floor, devil. We''re not cleaning up after you.''''


    Atlas looked at him, ''''Okay when I shit, I''m going to throw it at you, commander. I will dirty your shiny armor.''''


    ''''If you even think about it, I will kill you, Dahaka,'''' another soldier spoke.


    His threat made Atlas laugh as he pulled out some chocolate and started eating, which confused them. The commander barked out, ''''Where did that come from, Dahaka? Do you have a storage skill?''''


    ''''No comment. Until I get a toilet, I will ignore you until it''s time to throw shit at you,'''' Atlas replied before pulling out the Monster Compendium he got from Wildwood City back on Echo Isles.


    Atlas wanted to discover what monsters called the Zarandar Continent home and soon learned of many monsters, from trolls to slimes. He was getting excited to explore Zarandar but hoped the girls were okay.


    When thinking about Amethyst, he remembered the bracelet and pulled it out, only to realize the shackles blocked it. Atlas got angry but soon calmed down as the soldiers started laughing.


    ''''Shut it, humans; once I''m out of here, I will turn you into meat paste,'''' Atlas said to the guards'' commander.


    He was a tall man with a bald head and a black goatee. Atlas hated his face as he spoke: ''''I will be the one to put you into the boats and feed you every day, so watch your mouth, Dahaka.''''


    Atlas was going to speak, but then the emperor said he would put him in the boats, which caused a shiver to run all over his body. He remembered that the Persians from Earth put prisoners between two ships and covered them with honey and milk.


    The staff would attract insects and all sorts of creepy crawlers that would eat and lay eggs in the body while the guards kept the prisoner alive. When Atlas thought about this, the thought of such torture scared him.


    ''No I will unlock level one and get the Void Raptors to escape but how will I remove these shackles?'' he mused as the lights went out.


    In the pitch-black darkness, Atlas''s eyes illuminated the room, revealing even more soldiers pouring in, causing him to think, ''They are scared.''


    With a snicker, he took out some chocolate and took a bite before throwing it at one of the soldiers who passed by the cell. It hit his helmet with a tinge, causing the man to get angry, but the commander spoke, ''''Ignore the devil. He''s trying to annoy us during our rotation.''''


    Following that, Atlas decided to try to fight the Void Raptor King again and activated the Void Realm. He reappeared in the area while the monster was relaxing and sitting down like a chicken, which made him laugh.


    ''Why are you laughing, Little One? Do you find me amusing?'' the Raptor King''s voice rang out in his mind.


    Atlas laughed again before waving the monster away, ''''It''s nothing; let''s fight.''''


    He prepared his weapons as the king charged at him. Atlas dodged the tail swipe this time instead of Void Stepping and rolled to evade the flying claws. Simultaneously, he unleashed several Void Blasts at the creature''s ankles.


    The spells struck true, eliciting a roar of pain from the Raptor King. This prompted Atlas to press his attack even harder by driving his blade into the monster''s leg and casting a Void Bullet through the weapon, causing a chunk of flesh to get blown away.


    Atlas tried to use Void Step to escape, but the Raptor King struck him with its tail; he was sent flying across the arena before crashing into the wall with a thud. He fell to the floor while his head spun.


    He quickly recovered thanks to Regeneration, only to see the monster limping toward him while speaking, ''You''re a pain in the ass Little One, my foot is hanging off.''


    ''Got you, wait until I bring you down, Mario,'' Atlas said while standing up and wiping blood from his lip. ''''You will be my escape from the prison I found myself in.''


    ''Defeat me, I will make sure my children get you out, because of your lack of mana I cannot appear to help,'' the Raptor King said while getting close.


    Atlas raised his hand and cast several Void Arrows, but his hand was more to the right before following up with a dozen Void Blasts. The spells sliced through the air, but the monsters jumped to the left.


    ''Dammit!''


    He dashed forward, but the Raptor King was ready and swung its claws in his direction. Atlas used Void Step to appear on its back. The monster bucked its giant body, but Atlas stabbed it, running the blade down its side.


    Blood rushed out, causing Atlas to slip and crash to the ground below before he understood what had happened. He looked up only to see the Raptor King''s foot crush him, which ended his run in the Void Realm.


    Atlas came to his little cage as the lights were back on, causing him to glance around and spot the emperor standing at the prison door. He grinned before speaking, ''''What do you want? You''ve got me trapped like a monster, aren''t you happy? Or do you like making little boys suffer?''''


    Cyrus twitched with anger as he snapped, ''''You''re a monster! You will kill millions on your Great Jihad. Don''t think I haven''t read the report about the three desert warriors traveling across Aridonia.''''


    ''''What does that have to do with me, old man?''''


    ''''It proves to me that you''re in league with the Devils of the Desert and plan to overthrow me,'''' Cyrus said before wrapping a cloak around himself.


    Atlas beamed, ''''I wasn''t planning any Great Jihad, old man, but now I will, and to make it even worse,'''' he teased the emperor.


    He watched the man''s eyes widen, so Atlas twisted the knife, ''''She will give me many children who will inherit your throne. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity, father-in-law.''''


    The emperor sneered at him before turning around and leaving the dungeon, causing Atlas to laugh at the man even more, which rubbed salt in the wound. Once alone, he pulled out his enchanted cloak and wrapped it around himself.


    Atlas grew tired and got as comfortable as he could before falling asleep while the guards watched him with strange expressions. When Atlas woke up, the outer cell door opened, causing him to throw the blanket back into his storage and gave the newcomers a shit-eating grin.


    The Princess addressed him with a sneer, "Get prepared for tomorrow. You''ll be transported to the capital. We''ll be traveling by ship to ensure there''s no chance of escape."


    ''''Okay, I hope the journey is peaceful,'''' Atlas answered.


    He could see the woman was getting annoyed and retorted, ''''The Boats will show you not to mess with us, Dahaka.''''


    Atlas looked at her like an idiot, ''''You''re the one who attacked me! Are you stupid, Princess? I was minding my own business, and your creepy assassins appeared out of nowhere.''''


    ''''Shut up, you demon; you would have come for us in no time,'''' she commented before turning around and exiting the cell. ''''You will be left in the dark until we leave. Hopefully, I can postpone it so you linger here longer.''''


    He chuckled before teasing the enemy princess, saying, ''''That''s fine. I like the dark; it''s comforting.''''


    When the woman heard this, she sputtered and didn''t know how to reply. Atlas watched her turn to a guard, ''''Cut the light and make sure he''s in the dark,'''' she ordered before leaving.


    Atlas found himself perplexed. ''Why is she acting so petty?'' he pondered.


    With a nonchalant shrug, he withdrew a piece of bread and began to eat as he gazed into the darkness, illuminated only by his eyes. As days passed, Atlas continued attempting to fight the Raptor King, yet each defeat only deepened his growing frustration.


    When Atlas was allowed to enter the Void Realm, he did so only to hear the Raptor Kings ringing in his mind, "Little One, you''ve done brilliantly. I do hope this time you beat me so I''m able to aid you."


    He nodded before readying his weapons and charging toward the monster while targeting its ankles. The King Raptor dodged it, but Atlas sent a dozen Void Bullets that connected with its flesh and exploded.

 Chapter 84 - 84: Head There Boy

    Atlas watched as the Void Bullets tore through chunks of flesh, eliciting a pained roar from the monster. Undeterred, he pressed on, utilizing Void Step to reappear on its back, and drove his blade deep into its body and cast Void Blast through its body.


    The Raptor King started thrashing its body around, but Atlas held on tight and continued to cast spells. He was thrown off and crashed to the ground with a thud, causing him to look at the creature''s eyes that were locked onto him.


    This made Atlas shiver, but he jumped to his feet as the monster hobbled toward him. He continued rushing forward, dodged a swipe from the monster, and slashed with both blades, slicing right through its hide.


    Covered in the Raptor King''s blood, Atlas watched triumphantly as the creature collapsed, its proud voice echoing in his mind, ''You did it, Little One! I''m proud of you and I also my old master would also be proud of your achievement.''


    Afterward, the monster dissolved into azure motes, and Atlas found himself abruptly back in the real world. Happiness surged through him as he opened his eyes, the exhilaration of victory coursing through his body.


    That''s when the notification popped up, bringing a smile to his face.


    [Well done, Voidwalker! You completed Level One and have moved on to Level Two. You may use the three Void Raptor options]


    [Call Of The Void Unlocked: Allows the Voidwalker to summon monsters from whatever level you unlocked - Void Raptors]


    ''This is brilliant; now I can escape when the time comes,'' Atlas thought. ''I wonder what the next level will be.''


    Following that, Atlas pulled out an Orc''s Delights Meat Box and started eating, which confused the surrounding soldiers, but they ignored him. He wanted to recover his energy so he could check out level two.


    Once Atlas was finished eating, he checked his status.


    [Health: 444¡ú448]


    [Mana: 1630¡ú1650]


    [Strength: 450¡ú454]


    [Stamina: 460¡ú466]


    [Intelligence: 380¡ú384]


    [Void Step: 1¡ú2]


    [Call Of The Void Unlocked]


    Atlas smiled when he saw the small increases, which were better than nothing. While looking at the status, his stomach rumbled, ''I''m hungry. Hopefully, they will try to transport me soon so I can escape.''


    Following that, he pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box and started eating while watching the guards patrolling the dungeon. A few more days passed until the princess returned with the Nightowls.


    He instantly noticed the woman assassin and smiled at her before speaking, ''''I still haven''t forgotten about our little promise. I do hope to see you again one day.''''


    ''''Shut it, Dahaka, we made no promise,'''' the Nightowl woman said.


    Atlas watched the princess step forward and say, in a severe tone, ''''Come now, demon. We will take you to the ship.''''


    He nodded as the soldiers opened the cell and approached while warning him, ''''Do not do anything, Dahaka, or I will knock you out again.''''


    ''''I will be good,'''' Atlas responded with a fake look of resignation. ''''There''s no way I can escape, so I might as well try to prove my usefulness to the empire.''''


    As he said that, the princess raised her eyebrow as a curious expression appeared on her beautiful face, ''''Why would a Father want a devil to serve him?'''' S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas shrugged, ''''There''s no point in trying to fight at every chance I get; I''ll just be knocked out,'''' he said.


    The princess said nothing but connected a chain to the shackles before dragging him out of the dungeon and leading him through the fortress. Atlas spotted a practical place with no decorations, but the debris everywhere looked like a battle was taking place in the halls and corridors.


    While glancing around, the princess commented, ''''We took this fortress from the Wildheart Kingdom a few days ago. When Father received the message that the Nightowls were closing in on you, he came here on the imperial airship.''''


    Atlas didn''t reply but kept walking until the smell of the sea hit his nose, causing him to smile as it was nearly time to test his new skill. The group traveled for another ten minutes until they reached the fortress''s harbor.


    As the Nightowls escorted him outside, Atlas couldn''t help but notice the hundreds of guards lingering, their eyes fixed on him with unwavering hatred. This made him smile as he finally spoke, ''''Princess, it was a pleasure to meet you, but I must go now.''''


    Afterward, Atlas activated Call Of The Void and summoned Group Two¡ªthe Eight Void Raptors, led by a powerful warrior. When the surrounding soldiers, Nightowls, and the princess saw this, their eyes widened in fear as a blue portal opened behind him.


    That''s when the eight Void Raptors surged out and lunged at the enemies; the Nightowls quickly rushed the princess out of the way as the dinosaurs tore into the surrounding soldiers, who were slow to react.


    While this was happening, Raptor Warrior rushed out just as an arrow slammed into Atlas''s shoulder, causing him to scream out in pain, but he managed to jump on the monster''s back before shouting, ''''Escape!''''


    The monster started sprinting through the harbor as spells landed all around them, but the fast dinosaur dodged everything as they spotted the fort walls looming in the distance. Atlas noticed dozens of soldiers closing in on them, which caused him to summon Group One and another Group Two using Call Of The Void again.


    A portal suddenly opened, unleashing twelve Voidstalkers, eight Void Raptors, and an additional Warrior who swiftly attacked the nearby soldiers, their screams echoing as they were torn apart.


    More Achaemenidians and Nightowls appeared; hot on Atlas''s trail, they managed to hit him a few times as the attackers appeared out of nowhere. The warrior he was riding reached the wall only to shock everyone as it started running up and reached the top within seconds.


    Atlas watched as the monster swiped at a group of soldiers who tried blocking its way before it leaped off the top and hit the ground below. He laughed and smiled as they left the fortress behind and sprinted toward the mountain in the distance.


    The void monsters left behind caused chaos to distract the enemy. Atlas rode the warrior for a while but had to spend another two hundred mana, which left him low enough to keep the monster in this realm.


    As they got further away from the fortress, he spotted a forest in the distance and pointed toward it, ''''Head there, boy!'''' he instructed the creature.


    When Atlas spoke, the Raptor Warrior let out a call in response. It darted swiftly through the dense forest, deeper and deeper, until it finally stopped. The intensity of his wounds overwhelmed Atlas, causing him to tumble off the creature.


    Three arrows protruded from his torso, and one had lodged into his left leg. Atlas grimaced, his gaze shifting from the shackles binding his wrists. He wondered how to get them off until a terrible idea appeared.


    Atlas took out two of the good Health Potions and placed them in front of him before he held his hands out and spoke nervously, ''''Boy, can you bite them off? It''s the only way to use magic and be free of these things.''''


    The Raptor Warrior appeared horrified, yet it nodded resolutely as it snapped through Atlas''s wrist, rendering him momentarily silent. He stared at the bloody stumps, bracing himself as searing pain surged through his body.


    "Gah, this hurts," he grimaced.


    Atlas noticed his Regeneration kicked in and stopped the bleeding, allowing him to use his stumps to pick up one of the potions. He downed it and felt it working by rebuilding his hands.


    The pain was something else and nearly made him black out, but the horn in the distance caused the Raptor Warrior to chirp at him in a warning. Atlas stood up and climbed onto the monster''s back, allowing it to flee deeper into the woods.


    He spent more mana to keep the creature out, but it made him dizzy. Atlas shook his head and spoke quietly, ''''Find somewhere to hide me, boy; I need some rest.''''


    Following that, the Raptor Warrior rushed through the forest until reaching the base of the Titan''s Skull Mountain. The monster searched for a place and soon found a crevice under a pile of boulders.


    The creature chirped, alerting Atlas, who climbed off its back and crawled into their hiding place. When he was inside, the raptor followed behind and wrapped its body around him for protection.


    Atlas smiled before using four hundred mana to keep it summoned as he fell asleep. The monster was there for twenty minutes, allowing the creature to cover the entrance with dirt using its claws.


    The following day, Atlas awoke to a roar reverberating through the ground. Sitting up, he found himself momentarily confused, trying to remember where he was. Then, in a rush, all the memories flooded back, prompting a broad smile to spread across his face.


    Glancing down at his hands, he saw they had regenerated. With a smile, Atlas surveyed his surroundings; he noticed the entrance was now blocked off, and that was when he remembered the Void Warrior Raptor.


    Atlas shook his head and began digging his way out, only to find himself staring up at the night sky high above. "How long had I been sleeping?" he wondered.


    "I can''t travel at night; it''s too dangerous," he muttered before retreating inside the crevice.


    Soon, he realized the space was large enough for his tent, so he settled in and relaxed for a while.

 Chapter 85 - 85: Here We Go

    While Atlas was hidden in the crevice, he ate a Griffon Meat Box and recovered his strength from overusing his mana. Once he was finished eating, he decided to try level two of the Void Realm and activated the skill that pulled his consciousness into the strange domain.


    Atlas found himself standing on a mountain ledge, overlooking a sea of mountains that stretched as far as the eyes could see; they also pierced the clouds. ''Oh, what is this place? I wonder what monster will be here. Maybe wyverns?''


    He gazed around only deep ravines and mountain ledges hanging over steep slopes that dropped into a dark chasm. Atlas spotted a pathway down and summoned his armor while readying weapons; he noticed the chest piece was still ripped, but the material started repairing itself.


    ''So handy to have a repairing rune,'' Atlas mused. ''Glad I bought this armor; it will be useful for years.''


    Following that, Atlas pulled out the Night Blade and slowly made his way down the side of the mountain path until he reached some foothills. He glanced around and saw a waterfall crashing into a massive lake in the distance, reminding him of a tundra.


    ''This place is quiet but looks peaceful,'' he mused while looking around. ''But the monsters will appear sooner than later.''


    Absently, Atlas approached the crystal-clear water and caught sight of his reflection. He was taken aback, as his appearance never failed to surprise him. He looked both ethereal and exceptionally handsome with his strikingly short white hair, pointed ears, and glowing azure eyes.


    ''There was no one like me on Earth, not even close. But I prefer this look over my old one,'' he thought.


    While admiring himself, Atlas saw a notification pop up with a message.


    [Welcome to level two, Voidwalker! I hope you beat this level, but I must warn you that it will be harder as the monsters are stronger than the Void Raptors]


    After reading that, he heard a bellowing roar echo across the landscape and bounced off the surrounding mountains, making him spin around in alarm while looking at all the peaks, but he saw nothing.


    The foothills appeared empty, but something inside Atlas told him that the Void Realm''s second-level monsters were closing in on his position, ''I think the creatures want to fight me and are rushing in my direction,'''' he pondered with a smile.


    Atlas readied his blades just as he noticed a sea of rubble falling close by. He looked up and was shocked when spotting a group of bears sliding down the mountainside while eyeing him like their dinner.


    ''Damn bears! This is going to be tough,'' Atlas thought while readying to fight them.


    They were the size of black bears from Earth but looked more vicious and savage-looking. The creature''s fur was as black as the night sky, and its body had glowing blue stripes, causing him to become shocked at its ferocious nature.


    He noticed their glowing blue eyes piercing through the dim light of the mountain shadows that overshadowed the foothills. ''They look strong and share the same colored eyes as me,'' he thought with concern.


    That''s when he spotted the monster''s sharp claws as they dug into the stone beneath them, causing sparks to fly as the creatures moved. One unleashed a roar that sent a shiver down Atlas''s spine, ''Oh god, it looks like I''ll have to get used to fighting monsters now.''


    Regaining his composure, Atlas quickly scanned the newcomers to see how strong they were.


    [Savage Void Bear]


    [Rank: E+]


    ''Let''s go! I need to get stronger to survive in this world,'' Atlas psyched himself as the first bear reached him.


    The monster swung its claws to remove his head, but he leaned back before quickly counterattacking. Atlas moved to the side as he lunged at the monster''s chest; he plunged the Night Blade into it and cast a Void Blast into its body, causing it to explode just as the others reached him.


    Atlas constantly used Void Step to dodge the bear''s attacks while striking the savage bears with his blades and magic. A battle soon erupted in the foothills as he butchered the crazy monsters rushing at him.


    By the time he finished the last Savage Void Bear of the group, Atlas was out of breath and low on mana but was happy with the outcome as a notification popped up.


    [Savage Void Bear: 4994/5000]


    [??????]


    [??????]


    [??????]


    ''Bears! It had to be Winnie the Pooh''s evil cousins, but I have to discover the other three monsters to get the information,'' he snickered.


    Atlas resumed traveling through the foothills and had to climb back up the mountains. As he did that, a noise caught his attention. This caused him to look up, only to jump in fright as a massive blue bear fell toward him.


    He tried to cast Void Step to escape, but the bear let out a horrifying roar that stopped his body from moving. The monster slammed into him like a truck, kicking him out of the Void Realm as his first go at level two failed, which he found amusing.


    His eyes opened only to see the boulder above him and the tent to his right. ''It had to be bears, but this will be fun. I can''t wait to see the three other monsters, bet they will be much stronger than the Void Raptors.''


    Once Atlas thought that, he decided to start a fire due to it being cold outside as the air was making him shiver even through his enchanted cloak; following that decision, he began to dig a small hole before poking his head out of the hole to check if the area was clear.


    When he realized nothing was around, he crawled through the forest and looked for wood to start a fire. Soon, he realized he was in another forest, with tall trees, dark green leaves stretching out in all directions, and thick foliage.


    Bushes blocked the view thanks to growing all over the place. ''Hopefully, the Achaemenidians aren''t nearby; I don''t want to fight those stupid Nightowls,'' he thought while searching.


    Following that, Atlas started collecting an armful of dried wood and returned to his hideaway to get warm. While strolling through the trees and bushes, he spotted a torch in the distance, which worried him, but that was when he realized the enemy was nearby.


    The lights were slowly closing in on the crevice he was staying in. He narrowed his eyes as he equipped his helmet from storage and stashed the wood in his hiding spot for later. Atlas guessed they would find it as they were determined to capture him again.


    Atlas knew he needed to confront the threat before they could discover his location, ''This isn''t good; I need to deal with them before they find me.''


    Once he had done that, he rushed into the bushes and slowly approached the soldiers searching for him with paranoid expressions. It took him ten minutes to reach the large group of enemy troops.


    That''s when he managed to get a better look at the thirty Achaemenidians walking down a Monster Trail as they scanned their surroundings. They were clad in leather armor and helmets that shielded their vital areas.


    ''Hunters most likely, but they are heavily armed to be normal people.''


    Most carried curved swords and shields, though a few wielded spears and slings as they looked around nervously. All the enemy soldiers towered over Atlas at a height that worried him for a second, but then an idea came to him.


    But this would mean he must aim for their lower halves when attacking. While sitting there, Atlas watched as they started to pass the bush he was hidden in, which made him internally chuckle, ''They don''t even know I''m here.''


    He readied the Night Blade and Blood Knife as the last soldier was closing in on his position. When the Achaemenidian came close, he burst out. The soldier''s eyes widened in shock as Atlas severed his ankles with a quick slash, sending him crashing to the ground with a pained cry.


    ''Now to kill him before he can alert the others,'' Atlas thought before driving his blade through his neck, which silenced them. With the sound of footsteps approaching, he quickly vanished into the underbrush, his movements smooth and deliberate as he melted back into the shadows.


    The other soldiers appeared with panicked expressions as the commander looked at his dead comrade. He watched them from another bush as the man angrily shouted, ''''Split up in groups of three and find the demon! The emperor personally sent us to capture or kill him.''''


    Atlas watched as the soldiers split up and started to walk through the forest as he waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. While there, he used Void Sight on some enemies to check out their strength.


    [Farid]


    [Level: 113]


    [Rank: Adept]


    [Rostam] S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Level: 189]


    [Rank: Adept]


    [Omid]


    [Level: 143]


    [Rank: Adept]


    ''Not too strong, but they aren''t weaklings either,'' he thought as the excitement soared. ''I will ambush them to get the upper hand.''


    When thinking that, Atlas watched as the soldiers vanished into the forest before rushing after the first group while keeping low to the ground. As he came close to the three enemies, he readied his weapons.


    ''Here we go!''


    Atlas swiftly slashed through two soldiers'' ankles before launching a Void Arrow at the third, who was caught off guard. The spell quickly pierced the metal armor, sending the man crashing to the ground alongside his stunned comrades.

 Chapter 86 - 86: Its Me Or Them

    ''Not too hard,'' Atlas mused before he lunged at the remaining Achaemenidians, driving his blades through the narrow slits in their helmets. He felt the bone shatter beneath his weapons, an unsettling crunch that made him gag, ''Still haven''t got used to this but it will take time.''


    He forced himself to ignore the negative feelings and focus on the fight, ''It''s me or them; the emperor had no problem planning to torture me in the Boats. I must accept that Valoria is full of death,'' he thought while calming down as he prepared to go after the other enemies.


    Afterward, Atlas melted into the underbrush, shadowing the remaining soldiers before climbing a tree and rushing across the branches. He quickly took down the smaller groups, making his strikes precise and efficient.


    Many fell to his arrows and blades because they weren''t paying attention to their surroundings and were lost in the peaceful atmosphere of the forest, ''It''s easy getting the jump on the soldiers, but it won''t always be this easy,'' he thought while cleaning off a blade.


    Using stealthy ambushes and his deadly Void Arrows, he decimated the remaining hunters by hiding among the trees and bushes before moving on. However, when reaching the last group, he sensed the commander was stronger than the soldiers he had already killed.


    Atlas watched as the last group searched a small clearing. Like idiots, they split up, allowing him to hunt each one before attacking the leader. He tracked one of the soldiers, who was prodding the nearby bushes with his spear.


    ''Hopefully, if this goes well I can kill the two men before fighting the leader,'' he mused excitedly.


    Amused by the soldier''s cautious approach, he leaped from branch to branch until he was directly above one of them. As the soldier began to turn away, Atlas descended silently, driving his blade into the man''s neck with no mercy.


    The soldier gurgled before collapsing with a thud, but Atlas quickly cast Void Step to vanish from sight, and the leader rushed over. He dashed toward the last enemy, who was on the opposite side of the clearing.


    When Atlas got closer, he spotted the man and cast Void Arrow at his target''s head. The azure blue projectile sliced through the air before piercing through the hunter''s skull, causing him to drop dead.


    He felt the experience flowing into his body, which made him smile. The leader appeared and shouted with uncontrolled rage, ''''Come out here, Dahaka! Fight me in a fair battle.''''


    ''Is this human stupid? He brought thirty hunters here to kill me and expects mercy when their all dead now?'' Atlas thought with a snicker.


    He got close to the leader and replied, ''''You''re hunting me and want a fair fight? Funny, aren''t you?''''


    Before jumping down, he checked his status to see the gains he earned thanks to leveling up due to all the kills.


    [Level Up: 63¡ú66]


    [Experience: 180/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 6000]


    [Health: 448¡ú460(50)]


    [Mana: 1650¡ú1700]


    [Strength: 454¡ú462]


    [Stamina: 466¡ú474(100)]


    [Intelligence: 384¡ú388]


    [Core Points: 23400¡ú26400]


    [Core Points Gained: 3000]


    ''Nice, three levels and a small boost to my attributes,'' he thought with a smile. ''If this carries on I will be much stronger when I reunite with the girls. Then I can beat Estelle during training.''


    After that, Atlas jumped to the ground with a thud to confront the last hunter. He used Void Sight on the Leader to see the man''s power.


    [Mehrdad]


    [Level: 188]


    [Rank: Adept]


    ''Oh a powerful enemy; hopefully, this will be fun as I could use the experience in fighting stronger people,'' he thought before rushing toward Mehrdad.


    The leader readied his curved sword and swung it at him; when Atlas spotted this, he dropped to the ground and started skidding before slashing into his opponent''s exposed ankles, which caused the man to stumble back.


    Atlas sprang to his feet, his resolve burning brighter than ever. Determinedly, he renewed his assault; each blow was a deliberate strike of his short sword and knife. The Achaemenidian, initially steadfast, began to falter as panic seized him, and the attacks got faster.


    His ankle bled profusely, and his body was soon riddled with deep cuts. Amid the chaos, Atlas couldn''t help but revel in the thought, ''Death by a thousand cuts, this will slow you down human.''


    The Achaemenidian, now consumed by rage, roared, "Fight me like a man, demon! Stop this trickery!"


    He responded with a thunderous laugh that echoed like a storm, ''''You come with soldiers to capture me and expect me to show you mercy? Are you a comedian?''''


    After speaking, he finally unleashed Void Step and turned into a blur of motion, striking the man hundreds of times in the blink of an eye, causing the leader to falter. He materialized in front of the Achaemenidian.


    His blade sliced through the man''s armor before he vanished, only to reappear and strike again. The battered and disoriented commander struggled to comprehend the relentless assault he was subjected to.


    Atlas stopped attacking once he realized the man was beaten; he aimed his sword and said, "You are but the first of many that will fall to me. The Southmen will soon tremble in fear as I hunt them down and dismantle your empire brick by brick."


    Without thinking, he severed the leader''s head with a single swing, his azure eyes blazing with fierce determination and excitement. That''s when his senses warned of an immediate attack, causing him to cast Void Guard.


    The azure shield blocked several darts, causing Atlas to spin around and spot three Nightowls. He got nervous but pushed that away and readied his blades as a notification popped up.


    [Skill Update: Dagger Mastery¡úDual Wielding]


    ''Perfect timing,'' he beamed before exploding forward and using Void Step to become a blur.


    The Nightowls were shocked, but their instincts kicked in. They raised their weapons to defend themselves, and Atlas materialized next to the one on the right and struck out like a lightning bolt, causing the enemy to protect themselves.


    However, that didn''t work, as he cast a Void Arrow. The spell slammed into the Nightowl''s shoulder, sending them flying into the bushes as the others attacked. The middle one lashed out with a dagger, but he used the Blood Knife to dodge the attack as he counterattacked.


    Hundreds of clangs rang out as Atlas battled with the two remaining enemies, as he stood his ground against the assassins, but this time, he wasn''t alone and used Call Of The Void to summon the Voidstalkers that rushed out of the azure portal that appeared next to him.


    Along with his little raptors, he overwhelmed the three assassins with a relentless barrage of gleaming blades, razor-sharp teeth, and vicious claws. The enemy struggled desperately against the onslaught. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The battle died as the Nightowls fell to his blade and the Voidstalkers, who circled him. He used one of them to rest, but Atlas sent the monsters to engage the new threat. However, the foe proved more formidable than anticipated, cutting down the creatures quickly and effortlessly.


    Unbothered, Atlas steeled himself for the fight. He activated Void Sight to scan the last Nightowl to check their rank and level.


    [Farah Bahrami]


    [Level: 202]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    ''This will be a learning moment to fight someone stronger,'' Atlas thought as his excitement soared.


    He pointed the Night Blade at the last Nightowl, ''''Farah," he called out, ''''give me a fight worthy of my time. The others were too easy.''''


    As Atlas spoke, he quickly noticed the assassins closing in around him, realizing, ''''Damn, they''re trying to trap me.''''


    He summoned Group Two using Call Of The Void; in response, a portal materialized, and a Void Raptor Warrior leaped out. Atlas mounted the creature just as the Nightowls screamed about his escape.


    Atlas directed the raptor towards the crevice, where he retrieved the tent and stored it away. Without hesitation, he remounted the raptor and commanded it to charge southward, leaving the encircling assassins behind.


    The Nightowls couldn''t keep up with the creature, which pleased Atlas, but they soon reached a beach that forced them to stop fleeing. He looked across and noticed a massive forest bordering a mountain range that looked creepy.


    ''I could use Aqua Lung to travel under the water,'' Atlas thought.


    He dismissed the warrior after thanking it. Before stepping into the cold water, Atlas heard the Nightowls shouting in the distance. When deep enough, he cast Aqua Lung and hid behind underwater rocks to watch the surface.


    While doing that, dozens of enemy soldiers and assassins appeared on the beach where he was, ''So lucky I learned this skill; they would have caught me if not.''


    After looking at them, Atlas turned around only to be shocked by the underwater world, which looked like an alien planet. Strange trees and plants dot the seafloor, ''I wonder what monster''s wonder here.''


    There were boulders and other debris he could hide behind while traveling, but he had to return to the surface or find an air pocket to recover his breath; it was better than being captured by the empire.


    Atlas shivered at the thought of being put in the Boat. Then he turned around only to scream as a massive fish stared at him curiously. He quickly scanned the monster as his heart calmed down.


    [Giant Grouper]


    [Rank: A+ 1500 Exp]


    ''Oh, it''s strong but seems friendly,'' Atlas thought, reaching for the fish. But before he could grasp it, the Giant Grouper swiftly latched onto his arm.


    Startled, Atlas barely had time to react as the fish began pulling him away. Just then, an explosion rocked the area where he had been moments before.

 Chapter 87 - 87: It Left Me Behind

    Atlas watched as a barrage of powerful spells struck the water and seafloor where he hid, erupting into a blinding cloud of dust and debris. The explosive force blurred his vision as he struggled to escape.


    ''The Nightowls are casting spells non-stop.'' While shielding his eyes from the searing light and chaos, he thought, ''They must have seen me to be spamming so much magic in my direction.''


    While watching the explosions, the Giant Grouper grabbed him by the arm and dragged him away from the scene until he could finally see again, and the stinging stopped. As the monster did this, Atlas''s sight returned, allowing him to see a beautiful world below the Dragon''s Deep Strait.


    The same underwater trees littered the seafloor while other creatures went about living their lives as the swishing of the current filtered by. After swimming for a few minutes, the Grouper let go of him beside a cave entrance, which caused him to swim into it to get out of the open.


    ''Hopefully, nothing is inside. I need to sit down and rest for a little while. Maybe I can eat again; I feel empty,'' Atlas mused as he approached the opening.


    When Atlas entered the dark hole, he found an air pocket, which allowed him to relax for a moment. The inside was peaceful and looked like any other cave he used to see in documentaries back on Earth.


    It was a welcome relief from the oppressive water outside with all kinds of monsters lurking around, but that''s when he realized the unsettling feeling lingered. Just as Atlas began to relax, his new friend, the Giant Grouper, surfaced momentarily to check up on him.


    Before he could fully process this, the water exploded as an unseen foe attacked the fish. Atlas watched as the battle calmed down, and only blood was left behind. He saw nothing, and Void Sight couldn''t spot anything.


    While looking, he saw a leathery tail swimming away from the cave''s entrance. ''Oh no, don''t tell me there are crocodiles wandering around outside.''


    Atlas shook his head before glancing around the air pocket and noticing it was warm in some parts while cold in others. He started to feel sweaty, so he dismissed the Nightfall Armor, revealing a dirty shirt and pants, which caused him to grimace at the smell.


    He took them off before throwing the filthy clothing across the cave, removing fresh ones from his storage, and putting them aside. Once Atlas had done that, he pulled out the camping gear he had bought from the general store.


    That''s when Atlas realized he had stored the wood he had collected from the forest. He pulled it out before piling it up. He used the lighter-like contraption to start a fire to get warm as it was slowly getting cold.


    All he needed to do was channel mana into the metal square, igniting a fire Atlas found quite handy. Once the fire was going, he set up the tent and sleeping bag. Afterward, he checked the clothes he had put on earlier and was pleased to find they were nice and warm.


    Atlas put them on as the fire heated the small air pocket. While sitting there, he pulled out a Griffon Meat Box and started eating while he decided to check his gains from killing the Achaemenidian leader.


    [Experience: 480/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 300]


    [Mana: 1700¡ú1708]


    [Strength: 462¡ú464]


    [Stamina: 466¡ú472]


    [Intelligence: 388¡ú390]


    [Core Points: 26400¡ú26550]


    [Core Points Gained: 150]


    Happy with the gains, Atlas continued eating and enjoyed the spicy meat while watching the water that Grouper vanished into. ''I wonder what I have to deal with once I leave this place,'' he pondered while finishing the meal.


    Following that, he grew tired and climbed into the tent before getting into the sleeping bag, and instantly fell asleep due to the comfort. Atlas slept for hours, and the outside world was chaotic as a storm started.


    Atlas woke up the following day feeling refreshed, but something caught his attention: the water was going crazy. ''Is there a storm going on?'' he thought.


    He ignored that while putting the camping stuff back into his Dimensional Storage before turning to the rough waters and muttered, ''''I do need to go back out there, but damn, I don''t want to face any crazy monsters.'''' S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''I need to be cautious as I travel along the bottom,'' Atlas thought. He equipped his armor and blades before leaping into the water with a splash. Sinking to the cave''s floor, he activated Aqua Lung and walked toward the entrance.


    Atlas was worried about the monsters lurking outside, but he saw nothing apart from a storm above that was churning the water due to the storm above. Without wasting any more time, he started walking south.


    While traveling, Atlas used the underwater trees and foliage to hide from monsters. When he felt something approaching him, he readied his magic, but that''s when the Giant Group appeared.


    The giant fish nudged its head against his body, causing Atlas to smile, but that''s when dread washed through him. He quickly used Void Sight and spotted the culprit.


    [Deepfang Crocodile]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    ''Oh shit,'' Atlas thought before moving the Grouper out of the way while casting Void Blast at the incoming monster.


    The giant fish realized what he was doing and reacted by quickly swimming away, leaving Atlas in shock, ''It left me behind!''


    Following that, he concentrated on the incoming Deepfang Crocodile. Atlas readied his blade as the dark brown twelve-foot monster closed in on him with glowing red eyes. It opened its maw, but he used Void Step to dodge.


    He reappeared nearby, cast it again while pointing the Nightblade at the creature''s body, and dashed forward before thrusting it into the crocodile''s thick hide. The attack caused it to roar in pain, but Atlas didn''t stop as he dragged it down its side.


    The attack only left a sallow wound, but the Deepfang thrashed around and lashed out with its tail. Atlas ducked the first thing and snapped its jaws; while fighting, he was hit by magic that sent him shooting through the water.


    ''What just happened? Who just cast a spell at me!'' he thought while confusion overwhelmed him.


    Atlas crashed into a nearby coral reef, causing the monsters inside to flee as his head rang. Thanks to his Regeneration, his body started to heal as he spotted the crocodile swimming toward him, trailed by blood.


    It lunged forward when it got in attacking range, but Atlas used Void Step to appear behind the monster. He started casting Void Bullets that sliced through the water and peppered the creature''s body, causing explosions to erupt.


    While doing that, Atlas tried to escape, but the Deepfang was onto him, and as he had to stop using Void Step due to mana, he turned around only to see the monster get taken out by the Giant Grouper that slammed into its body and bit down.


    Atlas watched the large fish fight the Deepfang Crocodile. Thanks to being a much higher rank and stronger, the ain''t fish decimated the monster, causing a feeding frenzy once it was dead.


    Once the fish was sure the monster was dead, it swam over to him and bumped into his body, ''What is it with this fish? Why is it so friendly?'' Atlas thought as it signaled him to grab a hold of it.


    Instead of swimming south, the fish traveled east to the open ocean, causing him to panic, ''What is this crazy thing doing?''


    They continued traveling along the sea floor, but that''s when Atlas saw hundreds of creatures pass them. He used Void Sight on everything to get an idea of how strong the monsters down here were.


    [Blood Shark]


    [Rank: E+ - 250 Exp]


    Atlas spotted blood-red sharks that prowled above them, but they never approached the Giant Group and actively avoided the crazy fish.


    Following that, he spotted a massive shell crawling along the bottom, and when he scanned it, his eyes widened in shock.


    [Nautilit]


    [Rank: S+ - 3000 Exp]


    ''So strong but slow,'' he mused before spotting one last monster.


    [Riptide Behemoth]


    [Rank: SS - 9000 Exp]


    The behemoth was a massive whale at least two hundred feet long and dark blue, which caused it to blend in. Atlas was amazed and only saw it because the Grouper had pointed it out.


    Atlas then turned to his new friend and admired the beautiful blue scales and glowing yellow eyes. The giant fish was as big as a small family car and gave off an attitude of not caring about the monsters around them.


    This made him think, ''When I get onto dry land or another air pocket, I''ll check the monster book I have in my storage.''


    In the meantime, Atlas noticed that Aqua Lung was running low, so he tapped the Grouper and signaled for it to surface. Its yellow eyes flicked toward him before it shot up so quickly that it caught him off guard.


    However, it paused just long enough for him to catch his breath. After that, the monster dived, and soon enough, Atlas spotted a shipwreck in the distance, causing him to think, ''Treasure!''


    The monster fish swam ahead and entered the massive metal ship just as Atlas cast a Light spell, illuminating their surroundings. Atlas saw a hold packed with barrels and chests while skeletons clad in rusted metal armor were scattered throughout the ship.


    As Atlas scanned the surroundings, he noticed the giant fish observing him intently. The creature then pointed to a hole in the wall before swimming through it, leaving him puzzled and unsure of its intent.

 Chapter 88 - 88: Its Clear He Loves Her

    Atlas followed behind Giant Grouper and realized that this place was its home, and its eggs floated around as the giant fish started tending to them. However, something struck him as he noticed the mana was off and felt sickly, which worried him.


    ''This feels like the Lost Prince that Amethyst and I met,'' he mused. ''Maybe Chaos is affecting the underwater world?''


    He grabbed one of them, which caused the giant fish Mom to spin on him with narrowed eyes, but Atlas explained, ''''Your babies need mana. I''ll provide it, but you must protect me from monsters while I work. After all, you''ve helped me¡ªthis is the least I can do in return.''''


    The giant fish looked at him before nodding and swimming to the entrance while keeping an eye on him. Atlas smiled at the friendly fish as he sent mana into the egg, causing it to glow. His mana started decimating the chaos-like essence that lingered inside.


    [Mana: 1658/1708]


    ''Only fifty mana per egg, but there are hundreds of the things here,'' Atlas pondered before moving on to another.


    The first egg began to glow softly, and moments later, a tiny Giant Grouper, no larger than a small plate, emerged and swam toward the entrance. As the newborn approached, the mother''s eyes widened in surprise and delight at seeing her healthy offspring.


    Following that, Atlas continued tending to the eggs while listening to the peaceful sounds of the water, which put him at ease, but that''s when a battle erupted by the entrance. He spun around to see the Grouper mother fighting a giant eel.


    ''What''s going on now?'' he thought with a sigh.


    When seeing the intruder, Atlas quickly scanned it to determine its rank.


    [Trench eel]


    [Rank: B+ 850 Exp]


    ''Is every creature down here strong!'' he internally complained.


    Atlas noticed the massive, pitch-black monster with glowing red eyes fighting with the Giant Grouper and wrapping around her body. The fish was struggling, but he let go of the egg he was holding before dashing toward the fight.


    He drove the Nightblade into the eels and unleashed Void Bullets. Moments later, an azure glow emanated from its body, building in intensity until it erupted in an explosion. Infuriated, the Trench eel lunged at him with fierce rage.


    Without thinking, he cast Void Step to avoid its teeth before casting a Void Blast at the monster''s head, causing it to spasm, which gave the Giant Grouper enough time to attack and get the upper hand in the fight.


    Atlas kept attacking the Trench eel, who started to panic as spells and the giant fish ganged up on it until the monster was on the death''s door, and the mother Grouper looked at him as if you offered the last strike, which he took.


    He thrust the Nightblade into the creature''s head before casting a Void Blast through the weapon, which blew the eel apart into chunks of disgusting meat the Group and her baby started collecting.


    ''At least it''s dead now,'' he mused with a tired smile.


    Following that, Atlas spotted a blue Monster Core the size of a football floating around the entrance. He stored it away before tending to the eggs but soon realized he had a minute''s air left.


    Before he could turn around, the Giant Grouper was there and looked up, causing him to look and see a light not far away. Atlas glanced at the fish, saying, ''''I''m going to look up there and get some air once I run out of mana.''''


    Once Atlas finished talking, he continued healing the eggs before running out of mana. This caused dozens of baby Groupers to explode and swarm their mother, who looked happy, causing him to smile, ''So monsters aren''t all brutes and bloodthirsty murderers.''


    Atlas swam toward the light, realizing he had another minute left of Aqua Lung, only to discover that a large part of the ship was an air pocket. He saw a corridor with many doors on either side, which caused him to grow curious.


    ''Hopefully, there isn''t a zombie or some form of creepy creature lurking down here,'' Atlas thought.


    He used Void Sight but found nothing before moving down the corridor, readying his blades for any attack, and approaching the first door. Atlas opened it and peeked inside only to see bunk beds.


    ''This is where the crew must have slept,'' Atlas thought as he entered the room. ''The beds are dusty but look comfortable.''


    Eight bunkbeds ran along the walls, with a table and chairs in the center of the room. He noticed the two chests under each bed, so he approached the closest and pulled it out.


    Atlas noticed it was covered in a thick layer of dust, but that didn''t deter him from opening it and seeing articles of clothing, trinkets, and other things the crew needed. He dug through the stuff and found a pouch full of gold and silver coins.


    He tossed the bag onto the table and resumed his looting. Amidst the scattered items, he discovered a set of armor adorned with an unusual emblem. "I wonder which realm this is from?" he mused.


    Afterward, Atlas stashed the armor in storage, planning to consult the girls later. He then continued to explore the other chests, finding more of the same type of items. By the time he finished with the room, he had collected a dozen pouches of gold, silver, and copper coins.


    Two dozen Minor, High Health, and Mana Potions were alongside the pouches. Atlas stored everything away before leaving the bunkroom. He headed toward the door opposite, only to see a broom cupboard.


    He checked the others and found more bunkrooms with fewer coin pouches; Atlas soon found a storage room with all kinds of things. The stuff looked like some typing machines but was rusted due to the dripping water.


    While walking down one of the aisles, Atlas spotted another chest and pulled it out, only to be filled to the brim with Blue Stone Cores, ''Wow. There must be hundreds in here; Amethyst said that the empires of Aridonia struggle to collect these things from the Blue Dune Desert.''


    Without thinking, he swiped the chest and stored it in his Dimensional Storage, only to feel a clink go off inside his mind, causing a notification to pop up.


    [Dimensional Storage: 0¡ú1]


    ''Oh nice, I can store more stuff now.''


    Then, Atlas counted the coins he looted from the bunkrooms and ended up with 175 gold, 345 silver, and 2004 copper coins, ''This is a good haul, maybe there''s more in the ship.''


    Afterward, Atlas continued his search of the ship, finding only an empty bunkroom, a kitchen, and an engine room. Now standing in the corridor, he had just two more rooms left to investigate: one down a side corridor and the other up a set of metal stairs.


    He tackled the closer room first, heading down the corridor and stepping into what appeared to be the captain''s quarters. Atlas noticed there were suitcases placed all over the floor alongside skeletons.


    They were all covered in dust, but one stood out. A skeleton in a beautiful-looking dress held a book in its arms while slumped in a chair in the opposite corner of the room, causing Atlas to walk toward it.


    Atlas gently took the book and wiped the dust off it only to read, ''Princess Arianna''s Dairy.''


    He was taken aback but stored the information in his memory for later. He stared at the skeleton and wondered who she was. ''Well, it seems you passed away surrounded by your family,'' Atlas said as an unknown sadness washed over him.


    A man and woman lay on the bed holding hands, which made him smile as the couple died in each other''s arms. But that''s when something caught his attention. The female skeleton had strands of white hair.


    ''Other people with white hair,'' Atlas mused. ''The girls told me It''s a rare trait, so these people must be important.'' S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, he covered them with blankets he found in the room before searching the room while only finding personal items and rotted food. Atlas soon found a picture of an older married man and woman who were nobles due to their expensive-looking clothing.


    What caught his attention was that everyone in the portrait shared the same striking white hair and glowing purple eyes. Beside the older couple, a young man in his twenties stood out, wrapping his arm around a beautiful woman with silver hair and blue eyes.


    Atlas observed that she looked profoundly happy as she cradled her stomach. ''They seem like a beautiful couple,'' he thought. ''It''s clear he loves her.''


    While other figures were in the portrait, his gaze was drawn to these two, but he couldn''t figure out why. Then, Atlas noticed a young woman holding the very book he now possessed. "I wonder who this family is?" he muttered. ''''Maybe the girls will know."


    Afterward, he settled into an empty chair, pulled out the diary, and opened to the first page. His jaw dropped as he read the title, "Arianna Pendragon, 4th Light Day of Suncrest, the season of Solaris, year 113 of Dawn''s Chronicle."


    ''According to memory, today is the 3rd Lightning Day of Frostfall, the season of Winterfrost, year 127 of Dawn''s Chronicle,'' Atlas thought.


    As he contemplated this, Atlas reflected on how the calendar functioned in Valoria. He remembered that a week there comprised eight days, with each month divided into four such weeks. The months were named to align with their seasonal positions.


    Winter, or Winterfrost as it was known, was split into four months consecutively named Frostfall, Snowdrift, Everglaze, and Frostwane.

 Chapter 89 - 89: Is It Another Tower

    Atlas sat in the room, piecing together the details of Valoria''s calendar and the remaining seasons. He remembered that after Winterfrost came to Springbloom, four months with months named Everbloom, Blossomwind, Zephyrath, and Verdana.


    ''I wonder where these names come from,'' he mused with a smile. ''Maybe their famous Nova Mages from history.''


    Following Springbloom was Solaris, the summer season, which included Solstaria, Sunfire, Goldray, and Suncrest. He found the names captivating, each evoking the essence of the season.


    Finally, he recalled the last season, Goldenfall, which had four months: Harvestfall, Glimmerfall, Emberfall, and Harvestmoon. Atlas then went over it again just to be sure, ''Winterfrost, Springbloom, Solaris then Goldenfall. Easy enough to remember.''


    Atlas shook his head and decided to read Alisha''s journal when he wasn''t at the bottom of the sea while looking after the Gaint Gruper eggs. After that, he stood up and went to the last place to check.


    ''This must be the bridge,'' Atlas thought while stepping up the stairs and opening the door, blinded by darkness.


    He cast Light that illuminated the large bridge that had everything needed for sailing the ship, but Atlas noticed the dead bodies littered the place. They had holes burrowed through their rusted helmets.


    ''What did this?'' Atlas thought while getting closer to the nearest body, and when doing that, he got the same feeling from them that the eggs gave off. ''Was chaos involved in their deaths?''


    Atlas didn''t know what to think but looked around and found nothing; the maps were rotten and eaten by the many tiny insects. After that, he left the place behind and returned to the water.


    He quickly activated Aqua Lung before jumping in and was face to face with a baby Giant Grouper, who nudged his body in a friendly gesture. To the mother''s excitement, Atlas followed behind and continued to heal the eggs.


    ''This shouldn''t take too long now,'' he thought while burning through his mana.


    Dozens of babies were swimming around the ship''s hold, which caught Atlas''s attention, but something gave him a bad feeling. Atlas rushed toward the entrance, which caught Mother Grouper''s attention.


    When Atlas arrived, another Trench eel slammed into his body while biting down, but its teeth couldn''t penetrate the armor. He raised the Nightblade and thrust it into the monster''s head as it thrashed around the hold.


    He stabbed it before sending a Void Blast through its body, causing it to slow down and allowing the Giant Grouper Mother to attack it from the rear. The fish took minutes to kill it, but the monster''s jaws opened once it was over.


    Atlas swam out but was headbutted by the mother, who thanked him. As she did that, a chest caught his attention. ''Let''s loot this thing.''


    After the fish finished thanking him, Atlas swam over to the chest, used his blade to break the lock, and opened the lid only to be hit with a wave of mana. Even the Groupers sensed it and bunched up for protection.


    He went through it and found a weird sheet of paper that started shaking as it approached him. Atlas cast Void Guard to defend himself against it, but it flew right through it and hit his chest.


    [Subject is perfect for The ******* ******** Skill]


    That''s when Atlas''s world went black, and he appeared in a black room, which confused him, ''Where am I now? What did that paper do?''


    While looking around, he heard a woman''s voice, ''''So the Voidwalker stumbles into my domain, interesting.''''


    The scene changed, and he was sitting in a chair with a figure sitting opposite him, but Atlas couldn''t make them out apart from the outline, ''''Who are you? You''re not Luxia or Nyx.''''


    A laugh reached his ears before the stranger answered, ''''You could say I''m a caretaker of the universe. I brought you here because you''re what I''ve been searching for and only recently appeared, making it even better for me.''''


    ''''Another chosen one?'''' Atlas said in a strained voice as he rolled his eyes.


    The woman giggled before answering, ''''In a way, yes, but all it requires you do is something you already had planned, which is perfect because the family who used to wield such power has been gone for many years.''''


    Atlas was confused and questioned, ''''How can I use the skill if this family was the ones who used it?''''


    ''''Your past is clouded in a strange fog; it seems a powerful god is watching over you. So I can''t answer that,'''' the stranger commented.


    ''''Huh? Isn''t that Luxia and Nyx?'''' Atlas asked.


    The figure shook its head, ''''There''s more than just the Valoria gods, boy. The universe is a big place.''''


    ''''So what does this skill do?'''' Atlas changed the subject because he didn''t want to get a headache.


    ''''It''s a boost to your little Void Realm; those monsters alone won''t be enough when the World Eaters appear,'''' the stranger said while standing up. ''''All you need to do is conquer a dungeon to unlock the skill, and all will be shown to you.'''' S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas looked confused yet again, but this caused him to reply, ''''Is it another tower?''''


    The figure shook its head. "No, that''s not it. Simply complete a dungeon and place your hand on the core. Once you do, you''ll be guided. They''re aware you''re awake now and want you to accept their help."


    ''''Dungeons are living beings?'''' Atlas commented.


    ''''In a way, yes, but not in the way you''re alive. Now return to the real world and check your chest when you wake up *********,'''' the stranger said before he was sent back.


    Atlas felt a pulling sensation and woke up in front of his chest, with the Giant Grouper babies swarming him. He sat up, rubbed his head, and said, ''''I''m fine, but I need some air to finish your eggs, girl.''''


    The giant fish looked at him with appreciation as he swam to the air pocket before reactivating the skill just as he felt it level up.


    [Aqua Lung: 0¡ú1]


    ''Oh nice, hopefully, it keeps increasing,'' Atlas thought.


    He finished tending to the last egg with a sigh of relief. He searched the hold as the Giant Grouper Mother cared for the newborns. However, he found little of interest aside from some decaying cargo.


    Then, Atlas swam back up to the air pocket to set up his tent to rest and eat a Dragon Meat Feast before eating and recovering from the tiredness that washed over his body. Once he finished eating, he remembered the stranger''s words and checked his chest to see a small star tattoo that gave off a little glow.


    Afterward, he settled down to get some rest before heading south. Atlas dozed off as soon as his head hit the soft pillow, but he didn''t notice the chaos outside that was happening, causing waves to sweep away everything in its path.


    Luckily, the ship was well dug into the seafloor, which routed it in place. The following day, Atlas woke up and climbed out of the tent only to realize the light had gone out, causing him to cast Light to illuminate his surroundings.


    Atlas packed the camping stuff before using Aqua Lung and jumped into the water. The hold was empty when diving below, causing him to think, ''Where did the Giant Groupers go?''


    He shrugged before swimming out of the shipwreck to see nothing; no monsters were lurking around. Atlas was baffled but ignored it before traveling south while being careful; it took him a few hours to see the ground slowly rising, which meant the shore was close.


    "Not long now until I''m back on dry land," Atlas mused, but a sudden instinct made him turn around.


    To his surprise, he saw a fierce battle between a Trench eel and a Deepfang Crocodile. Shaking his head in frustration, Atlas hurried toward the shore. When he finally touched the shoreline, he let out a deep sigh of relief.


    That''s when Atlas spotted a sea of trees in front of him, but that wasn''t all. Several older people led a group of young men and women. They were staring at him with wide eyes and opened jaws.


    ''Who the hell are these people?''


    Atlas shook his head before speaking, ''''Where is the nearest city? I was in a shipwreck miles from here and need somewhere to rest.''''


    After speaking, he watched one of the older men step forward and say, "To the east is Tel Habair, a bustling trade city. Alternatively, you could join us on our journey to Tajariyah, the mountain city to the west, which is where we''re headed now. Would you like to come with us?"


    He nodded in return before the younger group members looked skeptical. Still, the man held his hand and introduced himself, ''''I''m Marcus Steelway, Professor of Potions and Herbology at the Zarathian Academy of Magic in Tajariyah City.''''


    Atlas took his hand while responding, ''''I''m Atlas, adventurer, and explorer.''''


    Marcus nodded, and the two walked away from the group. The older man continued, "Atlas, my boy, you must be careful in the Achaemenid Empire. You stand out significantly on the Zarander Continent, and slavers will likely be enthusiastic to capture you."


    "Thank you for the warning," Atlas replied, then asked about Tajariyah.


    Marcus delved into details, explaining that the city was constructed on the mountainside and within its caverns, allowing for impressive expansion. Atlas was intrigued and eager to see it, but the man informed him it would take a couple of days to reach.


    Following that, the older man probed into Atlas''s origins but dodged most questions, only fabricating a story about fleeing the Moonhare Kingdom when the Argonians invaded weeks back.

 Chapter 90 - 90: Night Demons

    Marcus continued chatting until one of the students called for him. Once the man was gone, Atlas was thankful for the silence. While walking, he checked his status to see if he had made any gains after returning his armor to his storage.


    [Class Unlocked: ******* ********]


    [Experience: 1330/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 850]


    [Mana: 1708¡ú2208]


    [Core Points: 26550¡ú26850]


    [Core Points Gained: 350]


    [Skill Unlocked: ******* ********]


    ''The figure said I had to conquer a dungeon to unlock these. But why did my mana get a big bump? Maybe it''s the new class or skill?'' he thought while looking at his status screen.


    Atlas and the academy group continued walking down the beach as the waves lapped up against the shore. A storm lashed the open ocean, causing the salty air to brush against his face.


    Looking out to sea, Atlas barely spotted the island he was imprisoned on; it was a tiny dot in the distance. He then admired the scenery and admitted that Zarandar was beautiful.


    The beach was stunning, and the trees stretched high into the sky, causing them to shade everything around them, backdropped by towering mountains, ''This place is beautiful, but I''d rather be alone or with the girls than some random students who keep looking at me like I''m a devil,'' Atlas thought.


    Following that, Atlas examined the area and the sea but saw no signs of the enemies, ''Hopefully, the Nightowls don''t realize I''m here, so I can get a head start due to vanishing into the sea; otherwise, they would be here by now,'' he mused with a smile.


    ''Once I reach the city, I''ll make my way to the heart of their empire, where they''d never expect me to be, and learn about my enemy to understand them,'' Atlas continued thinking.


    While thinking to himself, he noticed a female knight clad in leather and metal armor, clearly a member of the academy''s security team, stepping forward with a hand resting on the hilt of her sword.


    She was the same age as Marcus, and the students were older teenagers. "We''ll set up camp here for the night due to the incoming storm," she announced to the group, her voice steady and authoritative.


    The knight continued glancing at everyone, "Once rested, we will enter the forest at sunrise and return to the path home."


    As everyone nodded in agreement, Marcus approached him, accompanied by the knight who had spoken. When they were close, the older man asked in a concerned tone, "Atlas, I was wondering, do you need a tent? We have some spare gear packed as a precaution.''''


    Marcus didn''t wait for Atlas to respond. "We''ve got plenty of spare tents in the academy''s storage necklace. It''s part of the unwritten code among travelers here in Zarandar¡ªlooking out for each other on the road.''''


    ''''I have one already, but what about the Dark Ones? Won''t they come at night?'''' he questioned curiously.


    They exchanged puzzled glances, but Marcus''s expression suddenly shifted to one of alarm. "Night Demons," he expressed, his voice tight with uneasiness. "Or Shayatin al-Layl, as they''re known in the Persian tongue. We have Runes and other artifacts to keep them at bay."


    Atlas nodded before walking away from the group and finding a small hill to set up his camp. He pulled out his tent and wondered, ''Why is he being so kind to a stranger?''


    Afterward, he set up the Runes Grishna, who taught him to keep the Dark Ones at bay since the monsters gave him the creeps. The camp was simple, with a tent and fireplace just in front of it.


    To finish it off, several Runes would protect him for the night. Following that, Atlas wanted to eat some fresh meat and looked at the sky only to realize he had an hour left of sunlight and wanted to go hunt.


    He quickly stood up and approached the treeline, equipping his armor and readying his blades. As Atlas stepped into the forest, the humid air clung to his body, making him sweat profusely as he traveled through the dense undergrowth. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas continued for another ten minutes until he came across some monkey-looking monsters. They were relaxing in a small clearing, causing him to use Void Sight on the creatures.


    [Thalrax Monkey]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''Not too strong,'' he pondered until spotting a bigger Thalrax that was twice as big as the normal. ''Oh is their leader?''


    Atlas scanned it.


    [Alpha Thalrax Monkey]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    ''I''ll attack that one first before going after the others,'' he mused.


    He equipped his helmet and readied his weapons as he cast Void Step and vanished from the spot, only to reappear in front of the Alpha Monkey. Atlas quickly struck and plunged his blade into the creature''s head before casting Void Bullets.


    The azure projectile blew its head apart, causing blood and brain matter to showered the other Thalrax monkeys who tried to scatter. He dashed around the clearing while slashing and stabbing the monsters.


    ''Easy once you get the drop on them,'' he mused while dealing with the monsters.


    Blood flew everywhere as he managed to kill several of the monkeys, thanks to getting to drop on them and the shock of losing their leader, but the others escaped into the trees because they were fast.


    Atlas watched the remaining monsters flee while he dragged the nine normal Thalrax Monkey bodies and Alpha into the center. He used his Blood Knife to cut out the 10 Green Monster Cores, which let off a beautiful glow.


    Afterward, he stored the cores and pressed on through the forest, intent on finding fresh meat. It took him half an hour of searching before he spotted a Forest Boar grazing at the base of a tree.


    Without wasting time, Atlas scanned the creature, ''I wonder how strong it is,'' he pondered.


    [Forest Boar: E+ - 250 Exp]


    He crouched low, carefully closing the distance. With a steady aim, he extended his hand toward the boar and cast Void Arrow. The azure projectile sliced through the air with pinpoint accuracy, striking the boar and sending it crashing to the ground, lifeless.


    ''Yes! The perfect shot and the meat will last for a while,'' Atlas mused, approaching it with his knife to carve off some.


    As Atlas finished slicing and storing the meat, he saw the sun dipping below the horizon. A shiver ran down his spine as he thought, ''The Dark Ones will be here soon.''


    He hurriedly completed his task, but eerie howls echoed through the forest just as he was about to leave. Spinning around, Atlas saw the ominous glint of dark eyes emerging from the shadows as the creatures closed in on him.


    Atlas readied his blades while letting the Dark Ones get closer before he cast Void Wave. A blast of azure mana sent some creatures flying, allowing him to stab a few just as he started sprinting.


    Without looking back, Atlas continued to run but soon started hearing the monsters right behind him. It took ten minutes to get back to his camp, and when he burst out of the forest, Marcus and the female knights spotted him.


    They started shouting for him to get behind the Runes as more Dark Ones appeared. The creatures were encircling him, but Atlas used Void Step to avoid their trap before crashing into his camp.


    When the creatures saw this, they let out howls of rage, while the closest ones stared at him with dark eyes and growled. Atlas shivered as he heard that, but he cast Void Bullet into its face, forcing them to flee into the forest.


    Because the Dark Ones couldn''t get Atlas, they rushed toward the academy group but stopped short when the Runes glowed, which made them back off and caused the creatures to rush back into the forest.


    Once they were gone, Atlas relaxed before starting a fire. As the flames came to life, he pulled out some boar meat and started cooking it while watching the stars above shine like a beautiful canvas.


    Atlas''s stomach growled as the tantalizing aroma of the Forest Boar meat filled the air. After a few more minutes, the meat was ready. He used his short sword to cut a steaming piece and began eating, all while gazing out at the sea.


    Dolphin-like creatures occasionally leaped from the water, their sleek forms shimmering before crashing back down. "This world is both incredible and dangerous," Atlas mused.


    He finished the boar meat, feeling a deep sense of contentment. As exhaustion set in, he dismissed his armor and climbed into his tent. Settling into his sleeping bag, he drifted off to sleep as the storm outside grew increasingly violent.


    While Atlas slept, his dreams carried him back to a poignant memory from his past. He found himself reliving a Wednesday morning on Earth. He was curled up on the couch, engrossed in cartoons, eagerly anticipating the start of another school day.


    Suddenly, his mother appeared in the doorway, accompanied by her boyfriend, Darren, who he had never liked, "When are we leaving for school, Mom?" he asked, his voice filled with innocent curiosity.


    His mother''s expression was a mixture of sadness and resolve. She looked at him with eyes that seemed to carry the weight of unspoken decisions. "You''re not going to school today," she said, her tone firm yet tinged with regret. "You''ll be staying somewhere while Darren and I go on holiday."


    ''''Will I be going to Aunties?'''' Atlas questioned once again.


    She shook her head before rushing him out of the house, only for him to notice a suitcase was in the back of their car, which caused worry to swell up inside. Atlas looked at his mother, who avoided looking at him, while Darren smirked.

 Chapter 91 - 91: Marcia Valemont

    Atlas was ushered into the car by his mother, and as the dream continued, his anxiety soared. Her boyfriend Darren started driving away from their home, and Atlas, paralyzed by fear, tried to speak but found no words came out.


    Each mile felt like a stab to his heart as he thought, ''This is the day she left me at the orphanage.''


    The car turned onto the motorway, and Darren''s voice cut through Atlas''s mounting dread, boasting about the holidays they would be taking. The conversation seemed foreign, a jarring discord in his memories. ''I thought we were going on holiday. How na?ve I was. If I had asked her why, things wouldn''t have been so bad.''


    Finally, Atlas croaked out, "Why are you abandoning me, Mom? Don''t you love me anymore?" His voice trembled with the weight of his fear and confusion.


    His mother''s face stiffened at his question, but Darren''s frustrated voice answered, "We''re not leaving you, boy. Your mother and I are attending a business meeting in another country. The place you''re staying in is meant to care for children."


    Hours later, they arrived at a town outside London where the orphanage was situated. The car stopped, and his mother, with tears streaming down her face, pulled out his suitcase. She whispered, "I''m sorry, honey, but this needs to be done; he told me it''s the only way to ensure you''re safe."


    Atlas was bewildered by her words and the sight of her tears. She approached two women, Pamela and Sarah, who respectfully welcomed him. His mother gave him one last bittersweet smile and said, "Atlas, my love. I will come back for you. I can''t explain now, but this is the only way."


    The next eight years unfolded in a blurred haze of sadness and abandonment. The pain of being left behind by the one person he loved most buried itself deep within him, resurfacing with each painful memory of his lonely days at the orphanage.


    The scene slowly faded, and Atlas drifted into a deeper sleep, only to be jolted awake by a sudden, piercing scream. He rushed out of the tent and saw explosions all over the grassland, which confused him.


    Atlas couldn''t see what was happening but soon noticed bandits fighting the knights protecting the students. He summoned his armor and weapons before dashing into the fray while slashing at the enemy''s legs as the smell of smoke and blood hit his nose.


    His attacks brought them to the ground, allowing Atlas to plunge into the bandit''s skulls before moving on and slashing out as he sped past. Soon enough, the enemies were put down thanks to the combined efforts of the knights, but that''s when he realized it was still nighttime.


    The knights retreated to their camp as Marcus screamed for him to move, but it was too late. A Dark One lunged at Atlas, who yelped before quickly using Void Step to avoid the creature''s claws an inch away from his face.


    Atlas cast Void Blast at the monster, causing it to be sent flying into the forest as more of them appeared. They swarmed toward him, and he started sprinting toward his camp but was tackled as he crossed the Runes by a sneaky creature that appeared out of nowhere.


    He went to defend himself, but the Dark One was burning until it turned into ash, allowing it to flop to the ground. As more monsters circled his camp, Atlas ignored them and started cooking more of the boar meat.


    While sitting there, he pulled out the Lover''s Band and instantly received a message, [Are you alright, my Amore? When you receive this, please send me a message as soon as possible]


    ''Amethyst,'' Atlas thought when seeing the writing pop into his vision before he replied, knowing he had one message.


    [Amethyst, I''m on the Zarandar Continent and will travel toward the Wildheart Kingdom, where the war has stalled. The Nightowls are chasing me, but I''ve managed to lose them for now]


    Atlas smiled, knowing he could keep in contact with the girls. Once done, he started eating the meat he cooked but soon noticed the female knight approaching. She entered his camp and handed over something, ''''Here''s some Hearthfire Allspice to make your meat taste better.''''


    He looked at the older woman before taking the offering with a smile while thanking her, ''''Thank you, but why are you giving me this?''''


    ''''A small gift for helping us; not many adventurers would risk themselves to fight bandits when they''re not in danger,'''' she explained before holding her hand out. ''''I''m Marcia Valemont, Captain of the Everlasting Shields.''''


    ''''Azhar''Zul,'''' he took her hand as he asked, ''''Whats the Everlasting Shields?''''


    Marcia smiled, ''''May I sit with you, Azhar''Zul?''''


    Atlas nodded while moving over to make room for her. Marcia sat beside him, giving him a good view of the mature woman. He found her beautiful. She had wavy brown hair and gorgeous blue eyes that glowed when the fire hit them.


    He noticed she was a curvy woman with a well-endowed chest and fat in all the right places, which caused him to question, ''Older women are something else internally.''


    ''''The Everlasting Shields is a group of warriors who came together to defend the common people that the nobles forget about, especially in the Achaemenid Empire where we protect towns, villages, and cities across Zarandar and Aridonia.''''


    Atlas was fascinated and offered Marcia some meat, which she happily accepted as he asked, ''''So you''re a hero to the commoners?''''


    Marcia giggled, which he found adorable before she answered while shaking her head, ''''I''m no more than a soldier and no less. I''m fighting to show the small folk that there are people who will protect them from the world''s evils.'''' S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''A noble goal,'''' Atlas replied with a smile.


    She nodded before the two of them started eating while watching the stars as the Dark Ones screaming could be heard in the distance. Marcia looked at him with narrowed eyes, ''''Are you the Dahaka? The Achaemenidian Devil?''''


    Atlas was taken aback when he heard Marcia''s question and momentarily at a loss for words, but she pressed on. "Personally, I don''t believe you''re the Bringer of Chaos, but who can say for sure?"


    He looked around for a way to escape, which caused the mature woman to laugh as she continued, ''''So you''re him! You''re the one who points the way to paradise.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he got nervous, which showed, causing Marcia to put her hand on her chest while reciting something, ''''On this world mana and may the Goddess Sol be my witness, I will never reveal your true identity to anyone, Azhar''Zul.''''


    A slight glow was seen as he was confused, but something inside him said he could trust this woman. Without thinking, Atlas spoke, ''''Do you want to fight? I''ve got an itch that needs to be scratched.''''


    Marcia''s blue eyes gleamed with excitement as she replied with a grin, ''''Trying to win a woman''s heart, Dahaka?''''


    After speaking, she stood up and readied her sword while extending the protective Runes so they would have enough room to fight. The brunette approached the center, with Atlas following behind.


    He took out his blades and prepared to fight, and when Marcus saw them, he panicked, ''''What are you two doing? It''s dark and not time for a fight!''''


    ''''Don''t worry, Marcus, the Night Demons have vanished and won''t reappear,'''' Marcia replied just before they started.


    Atlas dashed forward but used Void Step to vanish. The brunette was ready and spun around while raising her blade to block his slash, causing his arm to vibrate. Marcia grinned as she went to kick him.


    He raised his weapon to intercept her kick, but the force behind it hurled him backward, slamming him into the ground with a resounding thud. Atlas gasped for breath, quickly regaining his footing.


    As Atlas leaped up, he unleashed a Void Blast in her direction to distract the older woman and scanned her to check her rank.


    [Marcia Valemont]


    [Level: 303]


    [Rank: Expert]


    ''Damn, she''s strong,'' he thought, still catching his breath as he prepared for the next move.


    Atlas smiled before rushing at Marcia again, who prepared for his strike. He swung again, but as it got close, he vanished again, only reappearing behind her. The mature woman giggled while using her bracer as she counter-attacked.


    He was shocked by her sudden move, but Marcia spoke, ''''I see you use speed, which makes sense for your age.''''


    She battered him away while continuing, ''''You need to focus on precision, Azhar''Zul. You''re small and delicate, so quickly strike at the weak points before getting away from the opponent before they can retaliate.''''


    Atlas nodded and tried again when she was ready to fight. He exploded forward but didn''t use Void Step this time. His blades clashed against Marcia''s sword, and they started trading attacks while dodging others.


    Her holding back annoyed him, but it made sense, ''Marcia would demolish me.''


    While thinking that, the brunette struck out and swiped his feet from under him as she spoke, ''''You got distracted, boy! This isn''t good.''''


    Atlas looked up to see her staring down at him with a smile, ''''If you would be willing to travel with me, I could train you, boy.''''


    He saw up her dress and noticed she was wearing pink panties, but Atls cleared that lewd thought before answering, ''''That would be good, I do need to learn more to get stronger. But Is there a soul or spirit mage on the route?''''

 Chapter 92 - 92: The Empire Is Here

    [Aquele que aponta o caminho nos levar¨¢ ao para¨ªso - He who points the way will take us to paradise]


    ***


    Marcia looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Why are you searching for a Soul Mage?" she asked.


    Atlas took out the Monster Vault where Lilith was resting and showed Marcia. ''''This is Lily. She saved me during a fight, and I want to heal her from the soul damage she received,'''' he explained.


    When the mature woman heard this, her expression changed to surprise, ''''Why would you go that far for a monster? It will be costly to heal her and cost you something dear.''''


    ''''What''s that?'''' Atlas questioned.


    Marcia frowned, ''''Part of your soul will be mixed with hers so that the mage can heal the damage, but that means if you die, she will follow the same fate as you will be her anchor.''''


    ''''That''s not a problem; I''d do anything for her,'''' Atlas replied while watching the honey badger sleeping, but she was unconscious and couldn''t wake up.


    The older woman sighed, ''''Well, if that''s the case and what you truly want, we can travel to the Nubian Capital, Carthage, to visit their Soul Mages and heal your little monster.''''


    Atlas gazed at her with narrowed eyes before speaking, ''''Why would you travel with a stranger? Especially one you''ve just met?''''


    Marcia looked at him before speaking, ''''Azhar''Zul; you will be one of the most wanted people on the Zarandar and Aridonia Continents. You could try to travel yourself, but you will be captured between the Immortals and Nightowls.''''


    ''''You never answered my questions?'''' he replied.


    ''''I know you are the Saharaelian''s Chosen Messiah and many people''s hope,'''' Marcia explained as the two returned to his camp. ''''I follow the Path Azhur''Zul and couldn''t believe it was you when you first said your name.''''


    After speaking, she said a prayer Atlas was becoming familiar with, ''''Aquele que aponta o caminho nos levar¨¢ ao para¨ªso.''''


    ''''To live is to fight Azhar''Zul, and when I''m finished with you, your potential will be unlocked,'''' Marcia declared.


    Atlas nodded with a smile that soon changed, ''''Thank you for your help.''''


    ''''Don''t thank me, boy, the Achaemenids wiped out my homeland and put it to the torch along with my family. I want you to help me with my revenge,'''' she said with determination as her eyes became wet. ''''I''m a wife to a murdered husband, mother to a murdered daughter, and I will have my vengeance in this life or the next.''''


    ''Sounds like Gladiator,'' Atlas mused before replying with conviction. ''''It looks like destiny had a hand in our meeting as I plan to fight the empire for what they did to Estelle. I will help you get your revenge, Marcia Valemont?''''


    ''''Thank you Azhar''Zul. Once we reach Tajariyah City and drop off the students, we can travel south and get a ship to Aridonia,'''' Marcia said as she put her sword by the tent before removing her armor.


    Atlas nodded while watching her remove her armor until she was in a tunic that clung to her hourglass figure. He had to shake his head, but what happened next shocked him. She crawled into his tent without a care in the world.


    ''Is she crazy!'' he thought while approaching.


    ''''What are you doing?'''' Atlas questioned.


    ''''Get in here, boy! I need a cuddle because it''s cold, and you''re the perfect body pillow,'''' Marcia replied pleasedly.


    ''Did she just want me to hug at night?'' Atlas mused but shrugged while dismissing his armor and weapons.


    When he entered the tent, Marcia drew him into the sleeping bag. She wrapped her arms around him, gently resting his head on her plentiful chest, which felt like a pair of cushioned pillows.


    She gently stroked his hair while he relaxed and murmured with closed eyes, "You remind me of an old friend of mine. Why is it that you feel so familiar yet so different?"


    Atlas was about to answer, but dread and horror suddenly overwhelmed him. He shook his head and said, ''''If we get separated, meet at Thalassar City in the north. Something is going to happen, Marcia.''''


    Just as Atlas said, a long, gangly arm grabbed his ankle before dragging him outside, causing his panic, but he didn''t forget to summon his armor and weapons. Atlas raised the blades to block a swipe of vicious-looking claws.


    Explosions erupted, causing Marcia to rush into battle as he scanned the creature on top of him.


    [Wendigo]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    ''What the fuck is this,'' Atlas thought while casting Void Blast, then Void Step to vanish out of the Wendigo''s grasp.


    He reappeared near the tent as Marcia was fighting two of the creatures while the other knights defended the student. The brunette turned to him concernedly, but Atlas smiled at her, ''''Remember! Thalassar City in the Thalassia Empire, look for the party called Voidwalkers Harem! '' Stay alive so we can get your revenge.''''


    Just as Atlas said, a group of Wendigos lunged at him. He managed to bat away a few of them using Void Bullet and Blast, but one of the creatures grabbed his ankle and pulled, causing him to crash to the ground with a thud.


    Atlas was then dragged into the forest as the battle intensified. He pointed his hand at the Wendigo and blew its head off using Void Arrow while blocking a slash from another creature, causing sparks to fly.


    He started battling with the remaining monsters that he struggled to fight due to their ranks, and Atlas noticed a dozen more Wendigo''s charging at him. When he saw this, he fled the forest but wasn''t fast enough as the creepy creatures were closing in on him from all sides.


    After that, Atlas used Call Of The Void to summon the pack of Void Raptors and a warrior who quickly approached him; he jumped on its back before it started rushing into the distance as the others engaged with the Wendgios in a fierce battle.


    The chase was on as the Raptor Warrior weaved around the trees and jumped over bushes as the Wendigos were catching on to them. Atlas turned around and started peppering the creatures with Void Bullets that exploded on contact.


    This continued for another hour after Atlas poured mana into the Call Of The Void, causing it to level up. Atlas stopped casting magic before speaking to the warrior, ''''Turn around and head for the beach boy.''''


    Following that, the dinosaur monster rushed through the forest until Atlas heard the sound of waves hitting the shore and arrived at the beach but was further east. He traveled along the sane until he spotted smoke in the distance.


    Atlas ordered the warrior to rush there, but once they got close, the void creature vanished, causing him to crash into the warm sand. He got up while shaking his head and noticed the sun rising on the horizon.


    When it lit up, the scene in front of him was carnage; students, professors, and knights lay dead all over the beach. But what caught Atlas''s attention was the pirates mixed in with the corpses.


    ''Did we get attacked by two different forces? What is it with Zarander, monsters, bandits, Dark Ones and now pirate,'' he thought while looking for Marcia''s body but couldn''t find the older woman.


    Atlas packed his tent and other things before following the survivors'' tracks. It took him an hour to find the first survivors, but only a dozen were attacked by more pirates when he got closer. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He spotted several ships out at sea, but soon, they were attacked by the Achaemenid Navy, which swiftly demolished the pirate vessels. Despite his concern, Atlas set it aside and hurried toward Marcia.


    When reaching the pirates, he started stabbing them while darting around the chaotic battlefield; the older woman spotted him, and a big smile appeared as she spoke, ''''Azhar''Zul! Pirates are attacking the northern part of the empire. I would suggest that you run before the Immortals get here.''''


    Atlas cast a Void Blast at a group of pirates before turning to the brunette as the battle died down, ''''Aren''t we traveling together?'''' he questioned.


    Marcia regretfully shook her head, ''''Now the empire is here. They will deploy the Everlasting Shields to other cities to protect them from raids and Nubian attacks, plus our commander ordered us to return.''''


    He watched her take out a small charm and hand it to him, ''''I noticed your bracelet is some sort of communication device; if you add this to it, we can talk once a day, but let me send you the message first in case any officers are around.''''


    Atlas nodded as the survivors approached the shoreline, and a dozen boats approached them. Panic set in as he saw the approaching vessels, but Marcia quickly guided him toward the mountains.


    "When you reach Tajariyah City," she instructed, "head to Jaspers Spellbook store in the shopping district. Purchase a disguise skill¡ªyour eyes and hair make it too easy for people to recognize you. We will most likely run into each other while there but be careful as not everyone is a follower of the Path Azhur''Zul."


    Marcia pushed him into the forest, ''''This isn''t goodbye, boy; I will see you at Thalassar City as my contract ends in a few months. Now flee before the Immortals capture you.''''


    Atlas smiled at the older woman and said, ''''It was nice meeting you, Marcia.''''

 Chapter 93 - 93: Savage Void Bears

    Atlas dashed through the trees as the Achaemenids appeared on the beach to help the survivors, and Marcia approached them while ensuring he was out of sight. He crouched in a nearby bush, his heart racing, but luck was on his side as they hadn''t seen him.


    When he spotted the soldiers, they wore eerie devil-looking masks that sent chills down his spine. Their all-black armor looked menacing and foreboding. Seeing them filled him with a sense of dread.


    ''They''re creepy,'' he thought; Atlas quickly scanned the closest Immortal who was watching.


    [-----]


    [Level: 349]


    [Rank: Expert]


    ''Better not let them see me; it would be game over if they did,'' he mulled before fleeing toward the distant mountains where Tajariyah City was.


    Atlas fled deeper into the forest, allowing him to hear the birds chirping in the trees above. The afternoon sun shone through the tree branches as the wilderness grew denser the deeper he got.


    The smell of nature reached his nose, causing him to relax. While climbing over a fallen tree, Atlas mentally mapped out his journey, ''First, he would travel to Carthage to heal Lilith. Then, he would head north to meet the girls in Thalassar City or the Wildheart Kingdom.''


    After that, Atlas continued trekking as he approached the mountain, looking for a path to make his trip to the city easier and prevent him from being attacked or ambushed by anything. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''If not for Marcia, they would have captured me again,'' Atlas thought as he crossed over a stream where a group of deer-like monsters were grazing nearby.


    He walked for a couple of hours only to find nothing. After climbing up a hill, he came to a clearing and bumped into a group of goblins; by the looks on their creepy faces, they were just as shocked as he was.


    It looked like they were out hunting because of the shabby-looking weapons they held and the Forest Boar corpse they stood around. These goblins looked like your typical green instead of the blue ones he''d met.


    Atlas shook his head before lunging forward and ramming the Blood Knife into the closest creature''s skull just as the others attacked. He used Void Step to dodge most attacks, but a few hit him.


    ''Ouch!''


    However, Atlas counterattacked by casting Void Bullets into the group. His attack sent the enemies tumbling into the nearby bushes, and he sprang into action. He charged at the closest opponent, driving his sword through its skull with a fierce thrust.


    In quick succession, he decapitated two more of the grotesque creatures. The battle raged on for a few more minutes until the clearing was strewn with the lifeless bodies of goblins. Breathing heavily, Atlas surveyed the aftermath of the fierce fight before cutting out the 12 Black Monster Cores.


    ''I need to find a way to increase my speed and stamina,'' Atlas thought. ''Maybe I can train myself by running?''


    Despite the goblins being Rank G monsters and yielding only 600 experience points, he was satisfied and checked his status.


    [Level Up: 66¡ú68]


    [Experience: 980/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 3650]


    [Health: 460¡ú472]


    [Mana: 2208¡ú2238]


    [Strength: 464¡ú476]


    [Stamina: 472¡ú522]


    [Charisma: 358¡ú362]


    [Intelligence: 390¡ú398]


    [Core Points: 26850¡ú29450]


    [Core Points Gained: 2600]


    [Void Blast: 0¡ú1]


    ''Close to getting the Mana Core benefits, but I need information on the Body Tempering,'' he thought.


    He soon noticed that Void Blast leveled up, which made him happy with his gains. After checking his status, Atlas continued walking until he reached the base of the mountains but didn''t know where to go until he spotted a pathway up.


    Following that, he started to climb up the mountain. There, he encountered no monsters but noticed the wind was getting worse. It was causing a screaming sound to echo all over. This caused him to shiver as it bit into his skin, forcing him to take out the Enchanted Cloak and wrap it around him and his armor to keep warm.


    However, it only managed to keep out some of the wind. While trekking up the mountain path, Atlas looked to the right only to see a sea of trees stretching to the east, ending in hilly grasslands.


    ''Interesting. It doesn''t seem to go on forest like the Darkheart Jungle I was in before,'' he mused.


    After that, Atlas continued traveling up the mountain until he reached a ledge with a tiny foothold entrance that would give him some sense of security. While standing there, he realized the sun was starting to set.


    Without much thought, he set up his camp and started a fire using the camping gear he bought from the general store as the air was cold, causing him to shiver while pulling out an Orc''s Delights Meat Box.


    The scent hit his nose, making his stomach rumble before he started eating. He enjoyed the soft meats, spices, and other ingredients. Looking out at the mysterious landscape, he thought, ''I wonder how long it will take to get north.''


    While contemplating, Atlas pulled out the map, started looking for Zarandar, and soon noticed a little blue dot on the paper that represented him. ''Is that a marker for me? Must be as it is an expensive-looking world map embued with several Runes,'' he mused.


    Following that, Atlas continued to eat until the meat box was empty, causing him to remember that he could send Amethyst a message. [Amethyst, meet me at Wildheart Kingdom. If you cannot travel there, meet me in Thalassar City in the Thalassia Empire. I have to travel to the capital of the Nubian Empire to find a Soul Mage that can heal Lily before I turn back north]


    It took seconds to receive a reply from Amethyst, [Azhar''Zul, we''re currently on route to the Wildheart Kingdom to aid in the war effort as all adventurers have been asked to help the Asotria Realms push the Southmen back across the Sands Of Sorrow. More importantly, how did you get to their homeland? Make sure to get a disguise skill and stay out of their way unless you want to be captured again]


    Atlas smiled when reading the Phoenix girl''s words, but Marcia''s message shocked him next.


    [Boy! They know you''re on Zarandar and have sent a small army of Nightowls and Immortals to find you. Get to Tajariyah City and get that skill; once you do that, you will be somewhat safe unless you come across a high ranker who can see through it. I do hope to see you soon]


    ''Glad I left the beach now,'' Atlas thought. ''They would have found me otherwise, I don''t want be captured again and executed.''


    After that thought, he watched the two moons beginning their ascent. Zahidul bathed the world in a silver glow while Azadul''s golden light illuminated the sky, revealing a stunning display of stars sparkling above.


    Atlas pulled out the map and spotted his marker on the side of the mountain. He started looking for the city on the opposite side of the range. ''I can travel through paths; I doubt soldiers or Immortals will be traveling around here.''


    Once he was done planning his trip through the Titan''s Fist Mountain Range to Tajariyah City, he crawled into his tent and activated the Void Realm Skill and was sucked into the strange realm only to wake up on a mountain ledge.


    Following that, Atlas checked the amount of Savage Void Bear counter.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4994/5000]


    ''Only managed to kill six before that flying bear took me out,'' he chuckled when remembering the scene.


    Atlas started his journey by readying his weapons and looking for a pathway down while being careful. He soon found one and started slowly walking down as roars rang out from all around him.


    ''They are already onto me,'' he thought. ''I''ll use magic for now.''


    Without thinking, Atlas glanced up just in time to see two Savage Void Bears plummeting from the sky toward him. His heart pounded as he let out a startled yelp, barely having a moment to react.


    He unleashed a Void Blast that roared through the air, striking them with a devastating force. The explosion sent them hurtling through the air, their massive forms colliding with the mountainside before crashing into the gorges below.


    Atlas then checked his total when he felt something change after killing the monsters.


    [Savage Void Bear - 4992/5000]


    Afterward, he continued down to the foothills, facing and defeating another ten savage bears along the way. Atlas traveled for an hour and soon realized he was in a valley surrounded and blocked by massive mountains.


    ''What''s the point of trapping me here just to fight savages?'' he wondered, dispatching three more bears that had attempted to ambush him from behind some boulders.


    Atlas soon discovered a cave entrance, the only escape from the valley without climbing the mountainside. Glancing up, he saw distorted reflections of the two moons, which struck him as odd, but he stepped into the dark tunnel without hesitation.


    ''I hope there aren''t any creepy insect monsters,'' he thought as a shiver ran up his spine.


    ***


    Atlas''s current status. (Won''t be seen for a while)


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 13


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: Voidwalker/??????? ????????


    Level: 68


    Rank: Apprentice


    Experience: 980/2000


    Affinity: Void


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 472 (50)


    Mana: 2238


    Strength: 476


    Stamina: 522 (100)


    Charisma: 362


    Intelligence: 398


    ___


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: High Novice


    Core Points: 29450/30000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ___


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (2) Lv-1: Void Arrow (2) Lv-2: Void Blast (0>1) Lv-2: Void Wave (0)


    Defence: Lv-1: Void Guard (2)


    Support: Lvl-1: Void Step (2)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Void Realm (0) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (1) Dual Wielding (2) Health Regeneration (1) Dimensional Storage (1) Aqua Lung (1) Light (0)Call Of The Void (1) ??????? ???????? (0)

 Chapter 94 - 94: The Weather Is Terrible

    Atlas continued down the dark tunnel, and he could see thanks to his Light Skill, but just after he entered, a group of five Savage Bears rushed in to attack him. Using Void Step, he dodged the attacks effortlessly while his blades found their mark, sinking deep into monster flesh.


    The bears roared in anger, and the pain he inflicted sent them into a rage. The fight was close quarters, as the tunnel was twelve feet wide, and the bears were clambering to get to him while trying to bite and swipe at him.


    He quickly dealt with the Savage Bears, piercing their skulls with his blades. Once they were dead, he checked the total as the monsters turned into azure motes and vanished into the Void Realm.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4977/5000]


    ''This will take a while before I clear the first hurdle. I won''t be able to use them as I travel across the Titan Fist Mountains,'' Atlas pondered as he took a break before continuing walking down the tunnel; he soon noticed the air was getting colder the deeper he got.


    After trekking for twenty minutes, Atlas came upon a large chamber with monster bones littering the floor, which made it look like an underground graveyard. There were large claw marks gauged into the ground and chamber walls.


    ''Something lives here, it seems,'' he thought.


    Seeing all the signs caused him to ready his weapon just as he heard a defeating roar that shook the ground. The sound bounced off the walls, changing the atmosphere to one of dread. ''What kind of monster is this?'' he thought.


    That''s when a massive Grizzly Bear-looking monster charged out of the shadows. Its dark fur hid it in the darkness, while its glowing blue eyes were the only thing he could see fully. The monster was the size of a car, and its massive paws ended in claws the size of a man''s hand.


    Atlas quickly used Void Sight on the creatures while preparing for the fight.


    [Void Cave Bear]


    [Rank: D]


    ''D Rank! This will be tough as it''s two ranks above me,'' he thought as the Grizzly Bear closed in on him.


    The Cave Bear lunged forward, snapping its massive maw. Atlas quickly cast Void Blast, slamming it into the monster''s face before it reached him. Then, he jumped to the side and thrust his blades into the creature''s side.


    When they pierced the skin, Atlas went to cast Void Bullet, but the bear''s paw swung in his direction, causing him to cast Void Guard to take the brunt of the attack. Regardless, he was sent flying back down the tunnel before crashing onto the ground, which gave him enough space between himself and the monster.


    Atlas got to his feet just in time to see the Cave Bear rushing forward and swiping at his torse. He quickly leaned backward as the tip of the monster''s claws scrapped against the armor, causing him to feel the air against his face, ''Too close!''


    He quickly counterattacked by slashing the creature''s paw, which sent blood splattering against the wall while he fired a Void Bullet in its face. The explosion reverberated through the tunnel, causing the Cave Bear to stagger in agony.


    Seizing the moment, Atlas lunged forward, quickly driving the Nightblade deep into the bear''s skull. At the same time, he released a Void Arrow through the weapon. The azure projectile sliced through the skull, emerging from the other side just as the creature dissolved into motes of light.


    Atlas exhaled deeply, his breath coming in heavy gasps as he bent over, hands on his knees, catching his breath and savoring the hard-earned relief. While doing that, a notification popped up.


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1999/2000]


    ''Level two is so much harder, I just need to get stronger,'' Atlas thought before continuing down the tunnel where the bear came from.


    This continued for another hour until two of the monsters appeared and attacked him. Thanks to being under five feet tall, Atlas dodged most swipes and bites of the Cave Bears, but he managed to kill one with a void Arrow through the head. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The monster vanished as the last one barrelled into him, but he managed to impale the bear with the Nightblade. Atlas heard two snaps as his arms broke, and the body flopped down on him, putting its total weight on him.


    Atlas struggled to push the Cave Bear off him with broken arms, but he did it after putting extra effort into it. Once free, his Regeneration repaired the bones before stitching the skin together.


    He got to his feet before continuing down the tunnel while checking on the Void Bear total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4977/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1997/2000]


    ''Nothing comes for free in life,'' Atlas mused as he saw light in the distance but was cut off by another group of Cave Bears blocking his way.


    This time, five Cave Bears charged at him, their blue eyes blazing with fury. Atlas felt a gulp catch in his throat as he faced the onslaught. He managed to take down two of the bears swiftly, but before he could react further, the remaining three leaped onto him, suddenly ending his turn at level two as they tore into his bodies.


    Atlas woke up to the tent''s ceiling shaking all over the place, thunder boomed overhead, and rain poured down like a flood. The sun hadn''t risen yet, covering the world in darkness, and he thought, ''The weather is terrible. I''m lucky I bought this thing to keep me hidden from the rain.''


    He sat up and pulled some chocolate while checking the void monster tally.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4977/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1995/2000]


    After doing that, Atlas pulled up his status to see if he had gained anything from fighting the Void Bears.


    [Health: 472¡ú474]


    [Mana: 2238¡ú2242]


    [Strength: 476¡ú480]


    [Stamina: 522¡ú532]


    [Intelligence: 398¡ú400]


    [Health Regeneration: 1¡ú2]


    Following that, Atlas waited until the sun rose before continuing his journey through the mountain, but when it did appear, the storm blocked it out, causing his trek from the ledge he was on to become even more dangerous.


    While traveling, he saw dozens of thunderbirds that flew overhead, screeching in happiness as thunder and lightning lashed the mountain peaks. Atlas noticed a forest on one nearby hill was on fire.


    Black smoke billowed high, causing him to think, ''This is chaos; I need to get to the city as soon as possible.''


    Atlas pressed on, dodging the encroaching blaze that crackled and roared as it spread. Glancing at his map, he pinpointed his location and noted that he was near a pass leading to the route toward the city.


    He looked up and saw the flames rapidly closing in, forcing him to sprint toward the escape route. Acting instinctually, he activated Void Step, propelling himself across the landscape with blinding speed and narrowly outrunning the fire.


    As he burst through the pass, the flames surged behind him, engulfing the trees and underbrush and sealing off the route he had just crossed. ''I''m glad I made it; it should take a couple of days to reach Tajariyah,'' Atlas thought with relief.


    He continued his journey, navigating carefully across a gully. Suddenly, a roar jolted him, causing rubble to cascade down from above. Atlas looked up and saw a massive bear descending the cliffside.


    Atlas quickly scanned the creature, bracing himself for the impending confrontation.


    [Mountain Bear]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    When Atlas saw this, he sighed, ''I have to deal with them in the real world as well,'' he thought while readying his blades.


    The Mountain Bear crashed into the spot he was just in; while using Void Step, he avoided the creature before attacking. He dashed forward just as it swung its claws at him, but Atlas ducked that while peppering the monster with Void Bullets.


    Explosions erupted all across the bear''s body, causing it to stumble. This allowed him to cast Void Step and appear behind the monster while slicing the back of its thick legs, bringing it crashing to the ground.


    Atlas plunged his blade into the bear''s skull and ended its life; he felt the experience pouring into his body before cutting out the green Monster Core and storing it in his Dimensional Storage.


    Atlas pressed on until he spotted a narrow pathway ascending the side of the mountain. After an hour of steady climbing, he took the path and reached a breathtaking vantage point. From the summit, the forest below stretched out endlessly, dotted with villages and punctuated by the outlines of towns and cities in the distance.


    ''I can''t wait to explore this place,'' Atlas thought, marveling at the expansive view.


    Descending into the valley, he encountered and fought off five more Mountain Bears, each battle leaving him more tired. As he examined his map, he noticed that the path to the city was now within reach.


    Realizing the sun was setting, Atlas knew he needed to find a safe place to rest for the night, ''I can''t be bothered to keep fighting these damn bears that keep appearing; it''s bad enough I have to fight them in the Void Realm.''


    Soon enough, he found a small cave with nothing inside. Atlas entered after setting up the Runes to keep him safe throughout the night. Once that was done, he put up his tent and cooked some of the Forest Boar Meat.


    Atlas placed it on fire while adding the spice Marcia had given him, which gave off a delicious smell. This caused his stomach to rumble; he noticed the meat was cooking beautifully and only had to wait a little longer.

 Chapter 95 - 95: Only Ten

    Atlas watched the wind and rain batter everything around him, but his hideaway protected him from getting wet. He sat there and ate the Forest Boar meat as the storm uprooted trees and flew debris everywhere.


    He spotted boulders crash against the mountainside, causing the ground to shake thanks to the multiple impacts, some coming perilously close to him due to the wind blowing them in his direction.


    The debris caused him to activate the spell Void Guard to shield himself from the debris that flew through the air, ''This isn''t getting any better,'' he thought while glancing at the landscape around him. ''Maybe I could kill some Void Bears until the storm stops.''


    Atlas shook his head, shivering as the cold air seeped into his bones. He decided to escape the cold and head into level two of the Void Realm. After making up his mind, he crawled into the tent he had set up in a small crevice that shielded him from the storm.


    Once out of the storm, Atlas got comfortable by getting into his sleeping bag before activating the Void Realm skill. His consciousness was sucked out of his body and reappeared in the tunnel where the bears had killed him the previous time.


    ''This is going to get boring quick. Hopefully, the other levels offer different challenges,'' Atlas mused.


    He glanced around but saw nothing as he readied his blades and equipped his armor with a single thought, causing them to appear from his storage. Within minutes of starting the level, he heard two roars reverberating through the ground from a few meters down the tunnel.


    ''They''re here,'' Atlas thought with an excited smile. ''I want to kill a few hundred today to knock the total down so I can use the bears in battle.''


    While listening, he prepared to fight as two angry-looking Void Cave Bears were charging in his direction; their large bodies made the ground tremble with every step, causing him to cast several Void Bullets at them to try to slow the angry creatures down.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air before slamming into the monsters, followed by explosions, which erupted and injured one of the bears, but the first one wasn''t affected much.


    ''The spell got one of them,'' he thought. ''I just have to dodge the bear''s claws.''


    That''s when the second bear collapsed, its damaged paw buckling under its weight. Seeing this, Atlas dashed forward and evaded the uninjured bear''s swipe by ducking just before he rammed the Nightblade into the injured one''s skull, causing it to go still.


    ''Now for the last one, it should be on top of me by now,'' he pondered as he pulled out his sword.


    Its body turned to azure motes as the first Cave Bear rushed at him, enraged. Atlas dodged all the wild strikes while cutting the giant creature''s body. He ducked under one swing and blasted it with a Void Blast, causing the monster to stumble back.


    Then, Atlas lunged forward and used Void Step to appear above it. He fell toward the bear before impaling it through the head using his blades. Following that he jumped off as the monster turned into motes.


    ''This is getting easier,'' he ponders while walking. But it''s only the first two monsters. I wonder what the others are like.''


    He continued his journey down the tunnel until the light got closer, which excited him because it meant getting out of the damp, dark underpass. However, he had to fight three more bears before reaching the outside world, as he checked the Void Bear totals.


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1990/2000]


    ''Only ten!'' he thought as the light washed over his body.


    Atlas was on a massive plateau covered in trees that created a small forest in the cloud; foliage littered the ground, and many Savage Bears probably hid there. Even with that, though, he still found the landscape beautiful.


    ''This place is something else; I''ve never seen anything like it,'' he mused with a smile.


    Odd-looking flowers decorated the bottom of the trees as vines hung between the branches, making them look ancient. Atlas stepped forward only to jump when ten Savage Bears charged out of the brush and headed straight for him.


    ''I called it!'' he thought.


    Atlas readied his blades as the first one swung at his torsos, but he deflected it with the short sword while stabbing the bear through its eye, causing the monster to shudder before collapsing dead.


    He started fighting the other nine and slowly killed them while darting around the trees and using the bushes to tangle the monsters up. Atlas''s tactics tripped some of them, allowing him to stab the bears through the skull until there were three left.


    The remaining Savage Bears stood opposite Atlas, smiling before charging at them. When the monsters spotted this, the one in the middle lunged forward while swiping at him, but he deflected the creature''s claws.


    Atlas quickly stabbed the Savage Bear in the head while moving past it and casting Void Wave when the other two lunged at him. The azure mana wave shot out of his body and slammed into the monsters.


    The spell cut one in half, sending the remaining one flying into the bushes before turning into motes. Atlas started traveling through the forest, moving around the trees and foilage as he checked the Void Bear totals.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4967/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1990/2000]


    ''Is this even worth it? And where do I do?'' Atlas thought just as a message popped up.


    [You will grow in strength as you progress; check your status when back in the other world - Follow the signs, Little One; it will lead the way while killing the Void Bears]


    He nodded before continuing through the forest, killing over one hundred Savage Void Bears. Atlas started getting used to fighting the bears by using speed and fast strikes to put the monsters down.


    Afterward, he discovered a pathway winding down the side of a mountain, bathed in an unusual glow. While looking at it, he wondered, ''Could this be the sign the message mentioned?''


    As he approached, a roar shook as he spotted a few Cave Void Bears seconds leading an army of smaller Savage Bears. They slid down the mountain face while letting out enraged roars and looking to kill him.


    He started casting Void Bullets and Void Blasts into the swarm of monsters. Atlas watched as the explosions ripped the bears apart, but that didn''t slow any of them down as the first Cave Bear reached him.


    Atlas dodged the bear''s bite and quickly cast a Void Arrow, which pierced through the creature''s skull, slicing through flesh and bone before obliterating its brain. As the monster dissolved into motes, a new group of ten smaller bears emerged in its place.


    When the monsters got close, Atlas started battling the Savage Bears by avoiding their attacks and striking with metal and magic. His attack caused the monsters to drop dead before turning into motes.


    It took him at least ten minutes to fight, leaving him breathless while he checked the total while resting.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4857/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1987/2000]


    ''Slowly going down,'' he mused as he pressed up the pathway despite the relentless attacks from more Savage Bears.


    He effortlessly evaded numerous claw swipes and bites, though a few strikes found their mark while ripping open his skin. Atlas''s armor withstood some blows, but only their sharp claws could pierce and slice through his flesh. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas gritted his teeth as pain surged through his body. With a final burst of strength, he unleashed a Void Wave to finish off the remaining bears before collapsing to his knees as his Regeneration kicked in and stitched the injuries closed.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4805/5000]


    Following that, he stood up and stretched out, causing his bones to click, which made him feel better. Atlas continued up the mountain until he came to a glacial valley, ''What is his crazy place?'' he pondered.


    He noticed a hill with an arena in the valley''s center, causing him to start walking towards it, but he was attacked by even more Savage Void Bears that ambushed him from the underbrush and branches above.


    Atlas managed to kill the monsters without taking much damage while using his weapons and Void Guard to defend himself. He took out over three dozen bears were taken out, and once he had done that, a loud and earth-shaking roar rang out from the valley center.


    ''What the hell was that? It sounds even more ferocious than the Cave Void Bears,'' Atlas thought.


    He continued across the open landscape until he came to a huge amphitheater with a massive bear that resembled a polar bear on steroids. The bear''s glowing blue eyes and bright white fur glowed under the light, which appeared from nowhere.


    Atlas gulped when seeing this beast and scanned it using Void Sight.


    [Void Brute Bear]


    [Rank: C]


    ''It''s one whole rank above me,'' Atlas thought.


    He went to back off, but a woman''s voice reached his ears, ''''Come forth, Voidwalker. The queen sent me here to challenge you in the first valley.''''


    Atlas was confused and replied in a shakey tone, ''''First valley? How many are there?''''


    ''''Eleven Little One with our queen at the end of the Valley Challenges,'''' the Void Brute Bear replied. ''''Now, let''s battle and see how well you''ve grown since level one.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he readied his weapons before stepping into the amphitheater. A forcefield blocked them inside, and blue torches lit up the arena.

 Chapter 96 - 96: Exploring Zarandar

    The Brute Void Bear stood on her back legs, towering at least twelve feet tall, with a tank-like build and massive paws capable of crushing him. Her claws, Atlas''s forearm size, and beautiful white fur with light blue stripes made her an imposing figure.


    He noticed her claws, which were the size of his forearm. She had beautiful white fur with light blue stripes running down their body. The monster''s eyes gleamed as her eyes fixed on him, making Atlas wonder, ''Is this Polar Bear a battle maniac? She looks thrilled about the upcoming fight.''


    Following that, a bell chime rang out, which was the start of the fight; Atlas watched the Void Brute Bear charging forward, causing the ground to shake, which threw him off, but as she closed in on him and swiped, he used Void Step to dodge.


    When Atlas appeared behind the bear, its claws smashed into the ground, which felt like a small earthquake. He watched this and wondered how he would defeat the monster, ''How can I beat this thing?''


    ''''Oh, so you use speed to fight Little One,'''' the bear woman''s voice rang out. ''''I do enjoy chasing Thunder Rabbits.''


    Atlas was shocked when hearing this, but he shook his head before replying, ''''I''m not a Thunder Rabbit!''''


    The bear laughed as he dashed forward, aiming his Nightblade at his ankles and firing a Void Blast. It soared toward his foe, but she dodged out of the way before returning the attack with one of her own as three blue claws flew toward him.


    ''She can use magic! What the hell are these bears,'' he thought as the spell struck him.


    Atlas was sent flying back by the Brute Void Bears sudden attack and crashed into a wall before falling to the ground with a thud. The armor took most of the attack, but it slipped through and ripped his chest into a bloody mess.


    He tried to get up, but his body was aching, and the pain caused his vision to blur. However, Atlas pushed through and stood up as the bear spoke again, ''''Very good Little One. You''re still alive while others would be dead.''''


    ''''Barely, my body is screaming in pain, and my Regeneration has just started healing the injuries,'''' Atlas replied while wiping blood from his mouth. ''''I dread fighting your queen if she''s strong like you.''''


    The bear woman laughed as she replied, ''''I like you, Little One. But I must inform you that the queen is much stronger than the us generals.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding before spamming Void Bullets at the bear, followed by a dozen Void Arrows that peppered the monster''s body as he rushed forward and slashed at its ankles, which sliced deeply into the flesh.


    After his attack, the Void Brute Bear swung one of its claws at him, which left no time to dodge. Atlas was kicked out of the Void Realm as his run ended, thanks to the first boss he came across.


    ''Damn, the Void Realm isn''t easy; I have to get stronger,'' he mused while staring at the ceiling of the tent that was shaking due to the wind.


    Atlas crawled to the entrance and opened it, only to see that things had worsened. Between the wind and rain, he couldn''t see past the ledge he was on. ''Things are bad, but at least it gives me enough time to try to complete level two.''


    Following that, he pulled out a meat box and started eating while taking a mouthful of water from his canteen, which the man from the general store sold him. Once Atlas finished the food, he decided to watch the weather.


    The two moons loomed overhead, their light dimmed by the storm clouds. Atlas wrapped himself in the blankets and drifted into sleep. When he awoke the following day, he found that the storm had finally subsided.


    Atlas climbed out of his tent and put it in his Dimensional Storage while equipping his gear. Once that was all sorted, he made his way across the ledge until reaching a Plateau with large bushes dotting the landscape.


    ''There''s monsters lurking inside those things,'' he thought while taking out his blade and scanning the bushes.


    [Wild Mutants]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''Mutants? I wonder what they look like,'' Atlas mused while approaching the closest bush.


    As he pondered this, a humanoid figure suddenly emerged from the bushes. It resembled the Dark Ones but was smaller and more skeletal in appearance while covered in dark hair that covered their bodies.


    The creature lunged at him, its eyes glowing with a malevolent red hue and a row of jagged, yellowed teeth bared in a snarl. Its razor-sharp claws swung at him, forcing Atlas to lean back in a narrow escape.


    With a swift thrust, he drove the Nightblade into the creature''s head, silencing its advance as more of its kind emerged from the underbrush. Atlas danced around the incoming attacks, his movements a blur as he countered with bursts of magic.


    Void magic swept over the monsters, causing them to collapse lifelessly. He finished the onslaught using Void Step to materialize behind the remaining foes, dispatching them with precise strikes.


    Thanks to using speed so much, Atlas became used to it and slaughtered all the Wild Mutants quickly until fourteen of them lay dead on the ground. He was sitting in the middle and took off his helmet, which had a long scratch along the front of the metal.


    ''''That was close; those creatures were exactly like the Dark Ones but much weaker and dumber,'''' Atlas muttered while standing up.


    While fighting, he felt himself level up but decided to leave it until later. As he crossed the plateau, he spotted a manmade staircase on the other side. ''Oh, it looks like the city is close. Maybe I can sleep in a comfortable bed,'' he thought.


    Atlas started walking down and didn''t encounter any monsters but noticed dozens of footprints littering the bottom of the stairs. He looked around and saw a pathway leading around a bend he traveled down.


    A bad feeling overwhelmed him, but he shrugged it away before following it until someone grabbed him and held a blade against his throat. Atlas was confused but noticed several adventurers surrounding him as a young woman held the knife.


    ''''Who are you, and how did you travel through the Titan''s Fist Mountains?'''' a man in his thirties with blue hair and red eyes questioned.


    ''''I''m an adventurer exploring Zarandar after being washed up after a shipwreck,'''' he answered. ''''And I was careful as many monsters lurked in the shadows, and I had a mountain bear ambush me on one pathway.'''' sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Upon hearing this, a mature brunette woman with coffee-colored skin and striking green eyes¡ªdressed in mage attire with a pointy hat¡ªspoke in a Persian accent, "Show us your guild card, boy."


    Atlas retrieved the black card from his pocket, and the woman accepted it, reading its contents before returning it to him. As the younger woman withdrew the blade, allowing him a better look, he noticed her distinct features.


    The woman had short brown hair and piercing red eyes. Her Amazonian build was complemented by smooth, light brown skin. She resembled the man and woman and was assumed to be the leader. ''daughter, perhaps?'' he wondered.


    As Atlas surveyed the area, he noticed five figures hidden in a narrow pass¡ªtwo men and three women¡ªeach observing with a wary interest. The final man was dark-skinned, bald, strong, clad in knightly armor, and wielding a massive greatsword.


    The last woman, older than the others, had short blonde hair and glowing yellow eyes. She was dressed in a blend of leather and metal armor, resembling a seasoned warrior. Atlas shook his head before questioning the group, ''''Where are we? I was traveling to Tajariyah City to get some rest.''''


    The man stepped forward at that moment, extending his hand in greeting. "I''m Kaelus Vexmoor, leader of the Rank A party Crimson Vanguard," he introduced himself.


    Atlas took it and responded, ''''Azhar''Zul.''''


    Kaelus smiled before introducing the other four, ''''The mage is Elysia Vexmoor, my fiance and our spellcaster.''''


    The mage smiled at him while giving him a small wave before the man continued, ''''The big guy is Eli Stormrider, who fights alongside his wife, Aurora Stormrider.''''


    When Kaelus finished speaking, the couple greeted him with a smile before introducing the last member: ''''This little demoness is Aria Vexmoor, mine and Elysia''s daughter.''''


    Atlas greeted them as the mage woman spoke up. "To answer your earlier question, we are stationed here to guard this pass, known as the Dreadmist, against an ongoing Monster Wave threatening Tajariyah. The governor has hired us to remain here for a week, which concludes in a few days."


    ''''Can you point the way to the city? I need to buy a few things and sleep in a bed,'''' Atlas asked, dismissing his armor but leaving the weapons on his belt.


    ''''No can do, lad, it''s not safe for you out there,'''' Kaelus replied. ''''A Rank S Cycolps is lurking along the path. Rumors speak of a Rank S party a day away from here. The empire hired them from the Astoria Continent before the war broke out.''''


    Atlas was disappointed, and it showed as Aria spoke, ''''We''re heading back to the city in a few days as Mother already stated; you can join us then, boy.''''


    ''Boy? She''s only a few years older than me,'' he thought as the group returned to whatever they were doing before he arrived.

 Chapter 97 - 97: Back Off

    After that, Atlas used Void Sight on the Crimson Vanguard''s to determine their level and ranks. He first started with the leader, Kaelus, and was impressed with what he saw but knew he had to be careful in case they were loyal to the empire.


    If so, they would try to capture him because he knew the emperor would pay a fortune for him, and any adventurer would happily trap and take him to Babylon City. This information caused Atlas to become guarded around them.


    [Kaelus Vexmoor]


    [Age: 43]


    [Race: Human]


    [Level: 397]


    [Rank: Expert]


    Next was his mage wife, and when he scanned her level, it shocked him, increasing his paranoia, ''Are they all high rank and levels? They have to be involved with the Southmen,'' Atlas mused curiously.


    [Elysia Vexmoor]


    [Age: 39]


    [Race: Human]


    [Level: 351]


    [Rank: Expert] Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, he checked the last four party members who were going about their business of guarding the pass.


    [Aria Vexmoor]


    [Age: 23]


    [Race: Human]


    [Level: 253]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    Kaelus''s daughter was impressive in her own right, though not quite as formidable as the other party members. Given her age, this difference in strength was only to be expected but he did not doubt that she would grow stronger.


    [Eli Stormrider]


    [Age: 44]


    [Race: Half-Orc]


    [Level: 320]


    [Rank: Expert]


    ''A half-orc? He certainly looks strong, but he''s the third most powerful here. Kaelus is the strongest, followed by Aurora in second place. Elysia ranks third, Eli fourth, and Aria, while still formidable, is the weakest of the group,'' Atlas pondered before turning to Aurora.


    [Aurora Stormrider]


    [Age: 34]


    [Race: Barbarian]


    [Level: 389]


    [Rank: Expert]


    ''Oh wow, their all-powerful adventurers,'' he mused. ''I should be careful while with them.''


    ''''A piece of advice, Little One, don''t pry into people''s secrets with that skill of yours,'''' Aurora commented while sharpening her weapon without taking her eyes off the blade.


    Atlas nodded, ''''Sorry, I was just curious how strong you guys are. I''ve only met bandits and random adventurers, but they weren''t as high-ranked as you,'''' he explained.


    "It makes sense," Aurora said, her voice carrying a note of reluctant admiration. "Not many have the drive to push beyond the Journeyman rank. It requires immense dedication and effort."


    Her gaze sharpened as she continued, her suspicion evident. "But there''s something more. I recognize those eyes of yours. Back in my homeland, there are tales of a boy with azure blue eyes destined for great things," She paused, her scrutiny deepening. "They match those described in the stories."


    "Where''s your homeland, if you don''t mind me asking?" Atlas asked the older woman while pulling out some chocolate.


    He started eating while waiting for her answer. Aurora soon glanced at him with narrowed eyes, ''''The Ravencrest Kingdom on Demacia Dahaka,'''' she answered with a knowing voice.


    Atlas stiffened when she heard this, causing the older woman to laugh, ''''So you''re the demon of the empire. You shouldn''t worry about that too much; in Ravencrest, you''re a hero, so I''d suggest escaping and heading west.''''


    She leaned forward to whisper, ''''All of them, apart from my Eli, are from the Achaemenid Empire and are extremely loyal to the imperial Safavi Family. They hate the Dahaka so much that I''m surprised the three of them didn''t recognize you.''''


    Atlas observed the group, noting Elysia whispering to Kaelus while Aria''s gaze fixed on him with growing hostility. He swallowed nervously and scanned his surroundings, spotting a precarious drop just a few feet away.


    Rising from his seat, he cautiously moved towards the edge, his senses alert for any sudden moves from the Crimson Vanguard. The big man stepped closer and spoke, ''''Azhar''Zul; you must escape before the others realize who you are. Aurora already knows, but it won''t be long until they realize.''''


    He nodded, but something caught his interest, ''''Why are you two helping me when you''re at a party? It doesn''t make sense.''''


    ''''You''re the one who points the way to paradise and will lead the world against the darkness that is coming to Valoria in the future,'''' Eli revealed, but that''s when Kaelus and Elysia approached with hate in their eyes.


    The adventurer couple halted a few feet away, their weapons drawn and ready. Atlas''s eyes darted around, noticing Aria circling them with a hostile intent. However, Aurora stepped in front of her, blocking her path.


    "Back off, girl," the blonde commanded firmly.


    Aria looked confused alongside her parents, which made Atlas laugh as the blue-haired girl spoke in a confused voice, ''''What are you two doing? That''s the Dahaka, the bringer of chaos to our homeland.''''


    Following that, Atlas realized it was time to make his escape. He glanced at the edge and dashed toward it with a burst of speed. As he leaped, he summoned his armor and weapons and quickly put them on.


    Atlas skidded down the side of the mountain, the ground beneath him giving way as he raced to distance himself from the Crimson Vanguard. While doing that, spells started flying in his direction, causing him to bob and weave around them.


    By the time he crashed to the ground below, he had summoned Group Two of the Void Raptors and climbed on its back before the monster sprinted across the foothills, leaving the adventurers behind.


    He channeled additional mana to sustain the creatures he''d summoned, which were engaged in a fierce struggle against a pack of Mountain Bears that had attempted an ambush. Seeing the commotion, Atlas unleashed a Void Blast at the nearest bear, sending it crashing.


    Once the immediate threat was neutralized, Atlas sought refuge in a nearby cave. With the moon high in the sky and the Dark Ones prowling outside, he worked swiftly to set up protective runes before pitching his tent.


    He ensured the area was secure, hoping the adventurers would not track him down. After Atlas set up everything, he pulled out Griffin Meat Box and started eating as he spotted the Dark Ones crawling around outside.


    ''These creatures are creepy,'' he thought while chewing a soft and juicy piece of meat.


    After eating, he had some water before retreating into his tent to rest for the night. Atlas curled up in the sleeping bag before falling asleep as the monsters outside roared and howled.


    Atlas ignored all this while he was warm and comfortable inside his hideaway. The next morning, thunder woke him up. He looked out of the tent entrance and spotted dark clouds hanging over the mountains.


    But what shocked him was that there was no rain, which he found confusing. The rugged mountains loomed around Atlas as he trudged through the uneven terrain, the chill of the high altitudes biting at his skin.


    After getting out of the tent, he packed up his stuff before leaving the cave behind and moved cautiously, each step deliberate, as he followed a narrow, winding path carved into the rock.


    The path was treacherous, flanked by sheer drops and jagged outcrops, but Atlas''s sharp eyes remained vigilant. As he rounded a bend, the landscape began to change. The rocky path widened, giving way to a series of stone steps that ascended steeply up the mountainside.


    His breath misted in the cool air as he scanned the area ahead. Atlas''s gaze fell upon a group of soldiers at the base of the staircase. They were clad in striking red armor that gleamed even under the moon''s pale light, and their swords were sheathed but within easy reach.


    The soldiers stood in a disciplined formation, their eyes scanning the surroundings with boredom and vigilance. The armor''s vibrant shade and the detailed designs carved into their breastplates marked them as city guards.


    Atlas paused, taking in the scene from behind a boulder. He noted the soldiers'' precise movements and how they maintained a steady watch over the staircase, which seemed to lead to a fortified structure or a hidden stronghold.


    The guards'' presence suggested that whatever lay beyond the staircase was his destination. Atlas needed to find a way past them, but confrontation would be risky. As the wind howled around him, he began to devise a plan.


    He scanned the mountainside for alternative routes or weaknesses in the guards'' defenses. The red-armored soldiers remained steadfast, oblivious to the intruder concealed in the shadows of the mountain.


    ''I''ll use the raptors again to jump them while stabbing each one when I get the chance to,'' he thought while taking out his blades.


    Atlas used Call of The Void to summon the same raptors but, this time, ordered them to attack the Achaemenids. The monsters rushed out of the portal and pounced on the unaware enemies torn apart.


    This allowed him to sprint past and up the stairs leading to Tajariyah City, which soon appeared in the distance and made him think, ''Finally, I can buy a disguise skill to hide my features whenever I''m around people.''


    Atlas ascended the steep staircase, each step echoing with his growing frustration. At the top, a massive gate loomed before him, its imposing structure a stark barrier to the city beyond.


    His eyes narrowed as he noticed a more convenient path nearby, bustling with people making their way into the city easily. A wry smile tugged at his lips. Of course, I had to choose the most difficult route, he mused, shaking his head.


    He joined the traders and travelers, winding their way towards the entrance. Momentarily lost in the spectacle, Atlas refocused and settled into the slow-moving queue.

 Chapter 98 - 98: Someones Been Busy

    [Habibi - my dear]


    At last, Atlas reached the front of the queue but was stopped by a tall man in Achaemenidian armor. The stern and vigilant guards requested a silver entrance fee, which he paid. As the gate creaked open, he stepped through and was met with a breathtaking view.


    The city sprawled across the mountainside, blending with its natural surroundings. Some buildings basked in the morning sun, their light grey stone facades gleaming warmly. Others were embedded within the mountain, their structure appearing as though it had grown from the rock.


    ''So beautiful. There''s no city like this on Earth,'' he mused while looking around.


    Cobblestone streets went in all directions, their surfaces smooth and well-worn. Atlas noticed that the homes and stores were constructed from the same spotless stone, which gave the area a harmonious and inviting appearance.


    Sunlight danced off the clean surfaces, creating a soft, shimmering glow, ''Did they carve these buildings directly from the mountain? How intriguing,'' Atlas mused, his gaze sweeping over the bustling square that greeted him.


    The unusual blend of natural and constructed elements was fascinating and striking, ''I need to find Jaspers Spellbook Store to buy a disguise spell so at least I can travel normally without being recognized all the time,'' he thought.


    Atlas glanced around and spotted several nearby stalls where he could ask someone for directions. Approaching one, he saw a kind-looking elderly woman stirring a pot of aromatic, mouth-watering food.


    He shook his head to refocus, reminding himself not to get sidetracked, ''''Habibi, how can I help you?'''' she asked cheerfully.


    ''''Can you point the way to Jaspers Spellbooks, please?'''' he requested politely.


    The old woman nodded with a warm smile, ''''Yes,'''' she pointed down the street. ''''When you see The Mirage Maker, take a right and continue walking; it will be on the corner. It shouldn''t take a young one like you long.''''


    Atlas smiled at the woman and thanked her before following the directions, ''''Thank you for your help.''''


    He looked around and admired the strange but beautiful fantasy-like city.''Valoria is amazing; I can''t wait to see the rest of the world,'' he mused as he spotted the Mirage Maker store near his destination.


    Atlas thought it came straight from a novel, which he found amusing while passing it and taking the first right. Once he did this, he spotted a few soldiers patrolling the street, forcing him to avoid them if they recognized him.


    When he got close he quickly noticed the front of the shop was made from beautiful blue wood, which sparkled as the morning sun hit it. He spotted drawings of scrolls, books, and other objects he didn''t recognize.


    He shook his head and approached the store before entering, only to see shelves and counters lined with hundreds of spells. While looking around, a man''s voice reached his ears, ''''What is a young boy doing in my shop?''''


    Atlas spun around in surprise, as he didn''t spot anyone when entering. That''s when he spotted a bald man who looked to be the owner, causing him to answer, ''''Marcia sent me here to buy a disguise skill.''''


    When Atlas answered, the man''s eyebrows raised in surprise, but he soon smiled, ''''How is that silly niece of mine? I haven''t seen her in a while.''''


    ''''The empire is deploying the Everlasting Shields to another city,'''' he replied before continuing. ''''Do you have the skill or something like it?''''


    ''''Yes, boy, let me fetch it, but I must warn you it''s expensive due to its rarity,'''' the shopkeeper commented.


    Atlas nodded, ''''I''ll take it.''


    After that, the man disappeared into the backroom. Atlas waited for ten minutes, his anticipation growing. When the shopkeeper finally reappeared, he carried an object wrapped in white cloth.


    Setting it gently on the counter, the shopkeeper looked up and said, "This will cost twenty gold coins. Do you have the funds? Because if not I must warn you not to touch it."


    Atlas retrieved the required coins and placed them on the counter. As he picked up the object¡ªa black orb¡ªhe felt a sudden jolt as a notification appeared before him, startling him.


    [Maskweaving skill learned]


    ''Nice, I instantly learned it, which is odd,'' he thought before turning to the shocked shopkeeper with wide eyes.


    The older man shook his head while taking the gold coins, ''''So quick.''''


    Atlas was confused but thanked the man before leaving the shop after storing the spell orb. Once outside, he looked for a nearby alley and found one before rushing into it and activating Maskweaving.


    As his features began to shift, Atlas experienced a peculiar sensation. He noticed a nearby window and quickly glanced at his reflection. To his astonishment, he now had hair as dark as the night, piercing green eyes, and olive-toned skin.


    ''They won''t find me now,'' Atlas snickered to himself before leaving the alley after dismissing his armor.


    When stepping onto the street, Atlas headed for the adventurer''s guild to take some quests and sell some of the Monster Cores he had collected. He walked for a while until spotting it on the edge of the mountainside overlooking the drop below.


    Atlas entered the guild and noticed it was busy, but no one had paid attention to him. He approached the quest board only to see hundreds of requests, and he started going through them before picking out three that caught his attention.


    He started reading the ones he chose.


    [Rank D - The Missing Scouts: A group of mountain scouts has gone missing while exploring a newly discovered cave system. Try to find any signs of them or what happened ¨C Reward ¨C 60 Silvers completion ¨C Proof: Anything related to the scouts]


    [Rank D - The Forbidden Quarry: An abandoned quarry sealed off centuries ago has been reopened, and now strange, aggressive creatures are emerging. Deal with the monsters and see what is causing it ¨C Reward 2 Gold on completion ¨C Proof: Anything which shows you went there]


    [Rank E - The Skybridge Protection Detail: Join with city guards and adventurers in defending the Skybridge against monster attacks as it is being built to the new portion of Tajariyah ¨C Reward 40 Silver on completion ¨C Proof: Report to the commander]


    ''Hopefully, they let me take higher-ranked quests; I don''t want to look for someone''s cat or bake bread in the local bakery,'' he thought.


    Atlas approached the counter where a young man was attending to a group of three adventurers. He waited patiently in line, and within just a few minutes, the man called out to him.


    ''''Come forward, young adventurer; I''m Ronan and will be helping you today,'''' the young man said. ''''Can I see your guild card, please?''''


    He handed it along with the three quests, causing Ronan to look at them both before glancing up from the paper, ''''Are you sure you want to go high so fast, Azhar''Zul? Don''t you think it''s too risky?''''


    Atlas shrugged as he replied, ''''It''s okay; I will retreat if things become too dangerous.''''


    ''''Okay, but so that you know, the guild won''t take responsibility for anything?'''' Ronan informed him while registering the three quests on his card.


    ''''That''s fine, it''s my choice, Ronan,'''' Atlas said with a smile that reassured the man.


    Ronan returned it just as a group burst through the door and declared, ''''The Dahaka has been spotted in Tajariyah. Reports say he''s here hunting for someone; every adventurer should keep an eye out for him and report it to the city.''''


    ''I am? That''s new to me,'' Atlas thought with a grin before turning to Ronan and asking, ''''Where can I sell Monster Cores?''''


    The man pointed to one corner of the guild hall where a store was sitting, ''''Find Robert; he''s the Guild Quartermaster of this branch and will purchase them,'''' he answered.


    Atlas nodded before walking over to a small shop and entered only to see shelves lined with beautiful Monster Cores; purple ones were glowing until the mana lights above alongside a silver one.


    Afterward, he went to the counter and saw Robert, a portly man in a guild uniform. As he approached, Atlas said, "Excuse me, Ronan mentioned that you buy Monster Cores. I have quite a few to sell."


    Without looking up at Atlas, the man slid a piece of paper across with the prices. He looked for the cores he had in storage and found the price.


    [Black Monster Core - 5 copper]


    [White Monster Core - 10 copper]


    [Orange Monster Core - 20 copper]


    [Green Monster Core - 10 silver]


    [Blue Monster Core - 50 silver]


    ''Better than nothing,'' Atlas thought before speaking to Robert. I have hundreds. Is there anywhere I can store them?''''


    The man looked up while taking out a small box and placing it on the counter before explaining, ''''This is a Guild Storage Box. Deposit the cores inside, and I will be able to see the total.'''' sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas nodded before pushing out all the cores from his storage, which consisted of Ninety-four Black cores, eighty-six White cores, thirty-eight Orange cores, twenty-four Green cores, and finally, two Blue cores netted him two hundred and thirty copper, fifty-nine silver, and one gold.


    Robert was shocked and smiled, ''''Someone''s been busy, but I''m happy to see so many cores. The Crafters Guild will love all this.''''


    ''''What are they used for?'''' Atlas questioned in curiousity.


    The man looked at him with a twinkle in his eyes before motioning for a nearby chair just as he started explaining, ''''You see, little adventurer cores can be used to craft gear, artifacts, and many other magic items, but what is truly valuable is the Blue Core Stones which are used to power everything.''''

 Chapter 99 - 99: Morozov Train Card

    When Atlas heard Roberts''s explanation, it made sense why the empire sent Sandcrawlers into the Blue Dune Desert. He knew they were large machines that crawled through the sand, looking for Blue Core Pockets below the surface.


    ''''Blue Core Stones are prized materials and only come from that dreaded desert where those devils live,'''' Robert said with hate laced in his voice.


    Atlas smiled, thanked the man, and left the guild without looking back; he wanted to do a quest but had to decide which one. As he stepped outside, the blare of an alarm pierced the air, and soldiers hurried toward the city''s edge.


    ''What''s going on now? Hopefully, it''s a fight; I need one to grow stronger,'' a thrill of anticipation bubbled up inside him.


    Quickly summoning his armor and weapons, Atlas was stunned to see his black armor morphing into silver and green, ''Is it camouflaging with me?'' he wondered, bewildered by the sudden change.


    ''Maybe it was the Maskweaving Skill,'' he thought before quickly pulling up the description.


    [Maskweaving: A spell that conceals the caster from sight and detection by other individuals and from magical scanning or detection spells. It also alters the appearance of the caster''s clothing or armor, allowing for seamless camouflage]


    Atlas ignored that and started running through the city; he soon noticed the Wild Mutants attacking terrified innocent people as they tried to flee into their homes or the nearest shop but were too slow as the creatures closed in on them.


    ''Damn, monsters are attacking everything! But they will be good experience,'' Atlas thought while killing two by stabbing them through their eyes.


    He acted instantly and sped up as he saw a little girl about to be pounced upon, but he lunged and plunged his blade into its head. While doing that, another went to swipe at the girl.


    When Atlas quickly saw this, he used Void Step to appear between them and deflected the creature''s claws before blasting it with a Void Bullet that blew its head off. Without thinking, he dashed around the street, slaying every Wild Mutant he encountered.


    After ten minutes, he saw a noble family''s guards being taken down by a wave of creatures as they protected an expensive-looking carriage. Still, Atlas noticed they differed from the Achaemenid soldiers and looked Russian.


    Atlas rushed forward while casting several Void Arrows, which blasted the mutants away and gave the guards room to breathe. He fought the mutants until a bigger one appeared from a side street.


    ''A new enemy, this will be fun,'' he thought excitedly.


    The creature struck Atlas in the stomach, sending him flying into the nearest building and slamming into its stone walls. He crashed to the street below but quickly got to his feet while readying his weapons and scanning the new threat.


    [Wild Mutant Brute]


    [Rank C - 500 Exp]


    It stood nine feet tall and was built like a bodybuilder with creepy grey skin and red eyes full of malice, ''This is going to be hard,'' Atlas thought as his excitement erupted.


    He pointed the Nightblade at the Brute, his voice echoing with resolve. "I will become the strongest on Valoria, and you''re the first step in that journey. Prepare yourself¡ªshow me a fight worthy of legends!"


    Without wasting more time, he dashed forward while dodging two other mutants that tried to attack but decapitated the creatures as he dodged their claws and slashed through their necks before he reached the Brute.


    ''Here we go; this will be a proper fight that makes my blood boil with excitement,'' he thought with a smile as he ran.


    As Atlas dashed past the ornate carriage, his gaze briefly locked with that of a woman inside. Her wide blue eyes were filled with a mix of fear and curiosity. Despite the chaos, Atlas smiled reassuringly before leaping nimbly to evade a deadly swing from the Brute.


    ***


    [Ksenia Morozov''s POV]


    Ksenia Morozov had come to Tajariyah on her father''s business, but the sudden assault by Wild Mutants had thrown her plans into disarray. Her guards scrambled to escort her to the safety of the Mana Airship, but a monstrous new threat abruptly blocked their path.


    A hulking Brute had emerged from a side street, cutting off their escape and forcing them into a desperate standstill. She gazed out the window and spotted a boy with black hair and piercing green eyes darting through the chaos outside.


    He eliminated two mutants, evading their attacks before severing their heads in a single, practiced motion. ''What is this boy doing? He will die,'' Ksenia thought as the Brute went to punch him, and panic surged through her.


    To her astonishment, the boy leaped onto the Brute''s massive arm, scaling it with remarkable agility. He aimed to drive his blade into the creature''s eye but was swatted away like an irritant.


    As the boy was hurled through the air, he unleashed a flurry of spells that struck the Brute''s hide with explosive force. Enraged, the creature bellowed and charged at the boy, who now seemed to flicker in and out of existence.


    ''A mage who fights in close combat! Not many choose that path,'' she thought as the excitement surged when he held his own against the stronger creature.


    Despite his unpredictable movements, the boy continued relentlessly attacking the massive beast. Ksenia watched as his blades sunk into the Brute''s flesh before he quickly retreated as it went to stamp on him.


    ''Who is this child? He''s skilled but its clearly self taught as it reminds me of a crazy monsters movements,'' she thought as her friend Anatasia tapped her.


    ''''Ksenia, will we make it to the Airship?'''' she asked.


    She turned to the blonde and responded, ''''A strange boy is fighting the Brute and standing his ground. I will tell Rostok to aid him so we can get going before more monsters appear from the mountains.''''


    Following that, Ksenia stuck her head out the window, ''''Ros! Aid the boy in his fight; we need to keep moving,'''' she ordered.


    The knight nodded, but the boy appeared and pointed a short sword at them, ''''Do not get involved in my fight! This creature is mine.''''


    ***


    [Back to Atlas]


    After speaking to the knights, Atlas rushed forward while casting Void Blast at the Mutant Brute''s ankles, causing the monster to buckle and drop to one knee. Seeing this, he cast Void Step to reappear above it.


    Atlas lunged downward, aiming the Nightblade at the Brute''s head. The creature tilted its head at the last moment, causing his sword to impale its shoulder instead. Frustrated, he unleashed a Void Bullet into its body, igniting a powerful explosion.


    He was blown away, and the creature dropped to its back. Atlas crashed to the street with a thud, but he quickly jumped back up and rushed toward the downed Brute. Finally, he could drive his blades into its head while casting a Void Blast.


    The azure blast tore through its head, which caused its body to drop lifelessly onto the street. After that, Atlas stood there for a second before killing the remaining Wild Mutants while giving some Minor Health Potions to the injured guards.


    Once Atlas was done, he went off, but a voice reached his ears: ''''Thank you for your help. Take this as a thank you for what you did for me and my guards.''''


    He turned around and spotted a woman with dark brown hair, crystal blue eyes, and wearing a fur cloak that she wrapped around her body. Atlas shook his head and noticed the card in her hand.


    She introduced herself with a deep Russian accent that immediately captured his attention, "I''m Kseni, ambassador from the Morozov Federation."


    Atlas met her gaze and responded, "I''m Azhar''Zul, an adventurer and explorer."


    The brunette stepped forward with a grateful smile. ''''Take this Morozov Train Card. It will allow you to board any train for free all over Valoria. Once again, thank you for the help, but we need to catch an Airship back to the homeland.''''


    ''''Thank you for this,'''' Atlas said with a smile. ''''I may visit your realm one day as I''m traveling around Zarandar.''''


    Ksenia nodded, ''''You will love the Federation; the food there is delicious. If you''re ever there, show that card, and they will bring you to me,'''' she said smilingly before returning to the carriage and vanishing down the street.


    Atlas shook his head before continuing his hunt for the Wild Mutatns. He killed a dozen more before the chaos died, and a group of guards came to his aid by killing the rest of the creatures.


    A woman with red hair and red eyes crouched in front of Atlas with a proud smile, ''''We saw you helping the people, boy, and we''re extremely grateful for your aid. Rest, Little One, and use soldiers will clean up.''''


    Afterward, Atlas nodded in acknowledgment and found a nearby bench to rest on while watching the guards clear the bodies. Fatigue began to set in, causing his eyes to drift closed, but he snapped them open again and decided it was time to find an inn.


    It took him ten minutes to find one just off the main street, and he entered it, only to notice it was empty. He approached the counter, where an older woman stood smiling while cleaning some dishes. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atas smiled tiredly as he spoke, ''''Have you got a room for the night? I need to sleep.''''

 Chapter 100 - 100: Hosseinis Family Inn

    The inn owner laughed while turning around to take a key off the hook and handing it to him with a warm smile as she spoke, ''''Yes. Please take room three and pay me in the morning. It isn''t busy today and shouldn''t be a problem.''''


    Atlas took the keys with a tired smile before walking off to find the room, which only took five minutes. When he did, he collapsed onto the bed and crawled under the sheets, dismissing his gear.


    He sank into the warm, soft bed and drifted off while thinking, ''This is so comfortable¡ªfar better than sleeping out in the wilderness.''


    As Atlas slept, the weather outside battered the mountains above, causing a slight rumble echoing across the city. Thunder exploded as rain lashed against the buildings and wood walkways that stretched across the dark chasms below.


    The following morning, Atlas woke up with a yawn and noticed the room was bright due to the morning sun. He sat up and stretched while muttering as the morning sun shone through the window.


    ''I had a great night''s sleep and feel refreshed. I''m tempted to stay here a few more days before heading out,'' he thought.


    While lying there, his stomach rumbled, causing him to climb out of bed and head downstairs for breakfast. As he passed the mirror, he was taken aback by his reflection. It took him a moment to remember the Maskweaver skill he needed to stay safe in the empire.


    Atlas left the room and walked down the busy hallway, dodging some other guests who had left their rooms before going downstairs. He noticed the place was beautifully decorated with light brown wallpaper and paintings of what he guessed were famous events in the Achaemenid Empire.


    ''How old is the empire because these paintings look old? I''d have to ask the girls when I see them again,'' Atlas thought while gazing at the artwork.


    When reaching the common area, it was bustling with activity, and the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast wafted through the air. As Atlas descended the stairs, the owner''s eyes lit up as she saw him.


    With a warm smile, the woman said, "Good morning, young one! You''re up at last. Please, have a seat and make yourself at home. I''ll bring you some breakfast."


    He nodded and moved toward the nearest table while scanning the Inn''s common area, sitting to wait for his food. Ten minutes later, she reappeared with two trays and tankards of ale, which smelt delicious, causing his stomach to rumble.


    She placed them on the table and sat across from him, her smile as inviting as ever. "I''m Mitra Hosseini, the owner of Hosseini''s Family Inn," she introduced herself warmly.


    He returned the smile and replied while replying, "I''m Atlas, a new adventurer from Astoria, though I seem to have found myself in Zarandar on an unexpected but welcomed journey."


    Mitra''s eyebrow arched in curiosity, "A northerner in Zarandar?''''


    Atlas shook his head. ''''I was traveling to the eastern part of Astoria with my party to try some dungeons that popped up, but a sea monster attacked our ship. The sailors drove it away, but it was too late, as the waves swallowed the vessel.''''


    The woman frowned, "Were you, by any chance, sailing across the Titan Sea?" she asked in a curious voice. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Yes, I remember the captain mentioning the name just before the ship sunk,'''' Atlas lied to cover his tracks.


    Mitra smiled as she pushed the trays of food toward him. "Eat your breakfast, Atlas, and when you''re done, come find me so we can settle the bill."


    With that, she stood and returned to her work as she tended to the other patrons. Atlas glanced at the meal, a hearty stew with chunks of bread, and began eating. He savored each mouthful, dipping the bread into the rich, savory stew and enjoying the comforting flavors.


    Once Atlas was finished eating, he grabbed the trays and brought them over to the counter where Mitra was standing behind sorting out the Inn''s books. The older woman looked up with a smile.


    ''''How long are you staying with us? And will you be wanted breakfast and dinner?'''' she inquired.


    He thought about it, wondered if there was a dungeon in the city, and asked, ''''Is there a dungeon nearby Mitra?''''


    ''''Yes. There are two dungeons; the first is Level One, and the other is a Level Three, called Silverpeak Swamp and Shattered Chasm,'''' she replied. They are popular, but the adventurers here love running them for the experience and spoils that come from them.''''


    Atlas nodded before deciding, ''''How much is two weeks? With breakfast and dinner included.''''


    Mitra smiled as she replied, ''''That would be three gold and twenty-six silver, which includes a pass to the bathhouse down the street; there wasn''t enough room to build it in the inn, so we partnered up with them.''''


    He counted out the necessary coins and handed them to her, who accepted them with a smile before taking the trays. Eager for a bath, Atlas asked for directions and received a pass from her.


    With that, he left the Inn and went to the bathhouse. Ten minutes later, he stood outside and saw people exiting and laughing. Atlas got a towel out of his storage before entering the place and noticed a young man and woman sitting behind the counter.


    The man was reading a book but looked up and smiled as he spoke, ''''Greeting customer. Did the Inn send you here?''''


    Atlas nodded before handing over the pass as he spoke, ''''Yes, Mitra gave me this.''''


    Afterward, the worker-led him to the open-air bath with several pools inside, and he returned the pass before unlocking the door. Atlas stepped inside, undressed, and eased himself into the hot, steaming water.


    The warmth washed away the grime collected from his travels. As he relaxed in the bath, he glanced at his reflection in the water. Despite his youthful appearance, his physique was well-defined, with a chiseled six-pack and toned arms.


    ''My body is different from the one on Earth; I feel much stronger and faster as well,'' he thought.


    Once Atlas stopped admiring himself, he thoroughly cleaned himself. After drying off, he emerged from the steam-filled room and prepared to embark on his first quest: locating the scouts in the cave system.


    Atlas left the Inn and summoned his gear from the Dimenionsal Storage before remembering the directions to the cave system in the under-mountain part of the city. He navigated through the bustling crowd of people heading to work and, twenty minutes later, arrived at a large iron door, where a dozen guards stood watch.


    An imposing man stepped forward, and Atlas guessed it was the commander, ''''Are you an adventurer? Do you have the quest paper?'''' he said sternly.


    He nodded while taking out the piece of paper and the guild card before the man signaled for the other men to open the gate. Meanwhile, the other soldiers readied their swords in case any monsters charged out.


    A few minutes later, he stepped into the dark tunnel and felt a cold breeze brushing against his skin. Atlas started walking down the tunnel after equipping his helmet and readying his weapons while checking his status.


    [Level Up: 68¡ú70]


    [Experience: 80/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 3100]


    [Health: 474¡ú582]


    [Mana: 2242¡ú2692]


    [Strength: 480¡ú190]


    [Stamina: 532¡ú654]


    [Charisma: 362¡ú394]


    [Intelligence: 400¡ú506]


    [Mana Core: Novice¡úApprentice]


    [Core Points: 29450¡ú250]


    [Core Points Gained: 1100]


    ''Oh wow, lucky to get such a boost while taking this quest,'' Atlas thought as he passed a crossroads.


    After checking his status, something in his gut told him to raise his weapons to defend himself as claws suddenly connected with the blades. Atlas was shocked and jumped back to get some space, only to see a creepy little creature scuttling back into the darkness.


    ''What the hell was that?'' he thought while casting a Void Bullet into the shadows. The projectile lit up the tunnel, giving him the perfect view of the monster.


    A chill raced down his spine when he glimpsed the creature again. It was a small red humanoid, grotesquely reminiscent of a frog man, and was a walking nightmare. Its face was twisted, and its large mouth was shaped into a grotesque grin lined with needle-like teeth that seemed to leer in anticipation.


    ''Horrifying! What is it with this world and creepy creatures lurking in the shadow,'' Atlas pondered while trying to calm down.


    The creature hopped in place with unsettling enthusiasm. Hunger radiated from its black frog-like eyes, emitting a guttural, laughter-like sound that sent shivers through his spine, causing him to tighten his grip on his weapons.


    Atlas''s heart pounded as he shook off the creeping dread and activated Void Sight to see how strong the monster was.


    [Yara-ma-yha-who]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''What is this weird creature? But I can deal with it,'' Atlas thought.


    It hopped on the spot, waiting for the perfect chance to attack, but something shot out of the shadows behind the first monster. Atlas quickly reacted and sliced through the slimy tongue, causing the creature to screech in pain.


    The first monster hissed at him before lunging forward in an attempt to bite Atlas. He swiftly dodged its attack by sidestepping its attack and drove his knife through the creature''s eye, causing it to go still as its body went motionless.


    Just then, another monster emerged from the shadows and instantly attacked by dashing toward him. Atlas yelped and went to cast a spell, but the monster crashed into him, and the two were entangled as the Yara-ma-yha-who bit down on his shoulder with its needle teeth piercing through the gaps in his armor.

 Chapter 101 - 101: Drop Bears

    Atlas screamed in agony as the pain coursed through his body. Acting quickly, he unleashed a Void Arrow, shattering the creature''s head into meat paste. He then snatched a High Health Potion from his storage, downed it quickly, and poured the remaining liquid over the bite wound.


    The sensation was like a thousand needles piercing his flesh, but the puncture wounds sealed up as he climbed to his feet. Atlas noticed another monster lunging toward him and swiped its claws across his helmet.


    ''Damn! That nearly got me!'' he internally panicked just as he dodged in time.


    As Atlas moved away from the monster''s corpse that attacked him, he cast Void Blast directly at its head and killed it. Once the creature was dead, he leaned against the wall to recover.


    He removed the helmet and saw three scratch marks across the front, ''Thankfully, I got this armor; it''s always saved me a few times,'' Atlas mused as the metal repaired itself before he put it back on and activated the Light skill.


    The white light illuminated the tunnel as a bright orb appeared above him. As that happened, Atlas heard scuttling not far from his position, which made him smile as the creatures fled into the darkness.


    Atlas continued down the path while watching for the monsters, ''They will try to ambush me,'' he thought excitedly. ''They will help me level up.''


    He shivered as the cold air seeped into his bones, a deep sense of foreboding settling over him. The environment was imbued with an eerie aura of death and decay. The ground beneath him was a mix of damp, uneven dirt, while the walls were solid grey stone coated in a thick layer of blue moss that seemed to pulse with a life of its own.


    After walking down the same tunnel for twenty minutes, he came across a massive underground forest, which caused him to think, ''Oh no. Those Yara-ma-yha-who will be hiding in the trees and bushes?''


    Atlas readied his spells, and as the Light Orb floated next to him, he spotted dozens of human and creature footprints leading into the nearby treeline. ''It looks like I have no choice but to follow them,'' he groaned internally.


    While standing there, Atlas waved his hand while casting Call Of The Void to summon the Voidstalkers. Twelve small raptor monsters rushed out of the azure portal that appeared nearby and greeted him with head nudges.


    ''''Find any monsters in the forest and lead them to me,'''' Atlas ordered. ''''They may be hiding, so be careful.''''


    Following that, the Voidstalkers chirped before rushing into the trees as he waited behind. Five minutes later, the first raptor flew out of the bushes while three large humanoids chased it.


    The newcomers were covered in brown matted fur, dirt, and blood. Their red eyes glowed with hatred as the lead creature released a woop. They were chasing after the little raptor that chirped, trying to capture it, but the dinosaur was too fast.


    Atlas scanned them to find out what they were.


    [Yowie]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    The Voidstalker bounded right toward him, ''Its bringing them here!''


    As the Yowies spotted him, he readied his blades and charged toward him as the little raptor readied to fight. Atlas darted forward and quickly moved to the side as the closest monster went to attack.


    Atlas cast a Void Arrow at the creature''s torso, which caused it to stumble due to the pain it was inflicted with. The creature crashed to the ground and was injured as the other two jumped over it.


    One tried to punch him, but he deflected it using his sword while activating Void Step to avoid the second monster''s fist. When he reappeared, Atlas plunged his blade into Yowie''s skull while casting Voids Blast at the first, which sent it crashing against the tunnel''s wall.


    The second got close and kicked him, but Atlas quickly cast Void Guard to block the attack just before he cast Void Bullet at the creature''s head, which exploded on contact, sending the monster crashing to the ground.


    Atlas leaped into the fray, swinging his weapon furiously at the last Yowie. Although he dodged most of its attacks, a few strikes landed, leaving dents in his armor. He quickly used Void Step to get behind it.


    He plunged his Nightblade into the monster''s back and cast a Void Bullet, which blew its back apart and caused it to drop to the ground; after that, Atlas tried to kill the last one remaining by stabbing it in the head.


    The Voidstalker was eating one of the dead Yowies before he ordered it to search for the scouting party. Then, Atlas looted the three Green Monster Cores before returning to get the three he had left behind.


    Once that was done, he entered the forest and followed the trail the scouts left behind. Atlas continued for a while but started to feel his Voidstalkers being taken out by other monsters and wondered what happened.


    ''What''s out there now?'' he thought to himself.


    Atlas continued down the monster trail and soon found the first body. It was slumped against a tree; it was a woman covered in blood, and it looked like some monster had shredded her apart as the armor was in pieces.


    As Atlas examined the corpse, a sudden chirping noise made him glance around. Something dropped from above before he could fully react and landed squarely on him. Instinctively, he cast Void Step, but the creature remained stubbornly perched on him.


    He quickly drew his Blood Knife, stabbing the beast repeatedly. Then, with a decisive flick of his wrist, he unleashed Void Wave, sending the creature crashing to the ground. Atlas spun on his heel, using Void Step to close in on the injured foe.


    Atlas scanned the new monster before finishing it off.


    [Drop Bear]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''Is this an Australian horror forest?'' he pondered before lunging forward and thrusting his blade into the monster''s head.


    After doing this, more of the bears dropped out of the branches above, causing Atlas to deflect several claw swipes, but he ended up using Void Guard to defend himself against the sudden attacks.


    Atlas started battling the Drop Bears, who moved quickly. He was faster and managed to deflect many attacks. His armor stopped most of the damage as he started stabbing and slashing, causing the monsters to die.


    He used Void Step to avoid the creatures before casting his magic or striking with his blades, causing the bears to roar in agony as the metal bit deep into their flesh. Atlas was a blur and continued to move faster while striking at the monsters.


    It took him ten minutes to finish the Drop Bears off, but as the last one died, he felt the experience pouring into his body. Once the battle ended, Atlas counted five bears and looted the cores before moving on.


    Atlas trekked along the trail and saw puddles of blood littering the ground, causing him to think, ''They must have kept getting ambushed.''


    While studying, Atlas saw several tongues shoot out of the bushes around him and trap his limbs. He was stuck in place and couldn''t move, so he decided to wait for the monsters to appear, as he knew what spell to use. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After that, five Yara-ma-yha-who appeared while letting out creepy laughs and chittering among themselves. The monsters closed in on Atlas, who laughed himself just before casting Void Wave.


    The azure wave rushed out of his body and slammed into the creepy frog monsters. Once they were confused, Atlas dashed forward and started slaughtering them with multiple stabs that pierced their fragile bodies.


    Atlas decapitated the last creature, who was stuck to the spot. Following the fight, he cut out all the cores before continuing down the path, only to find a cave the tracks led up to. He stepped across the threshold and had to block an arrow that flew at his face with Void Guard.


    A resounding clang echoed as the arrow struck an azure shield. The man in charge swiftly ordered the archer to cease fire. Atlas turned to face him and saw a tall Black man with glowing green eyes clad in imposing metal knight''s armor.


    Beside him stood a young archer in modest leather armor, gripping his bow. Two others completed the group: a blonde mage and a Black woman with silver hair and pointed ears who appeared to be a healer curing an injured man.


    Atlas took out a Minor Health Potion and threw it to the healer, who quickly fed it to the man. Then, he turned to the so-called leader and said, ''''Are you the missing scouts? There was a quest to find you down here.''''


    The man nodded, ''''Yes, lad. We were trapped down here by those frog men who killed many of our teammates,'''' he answered with a frown.


    ''''I know; they infest the forest,'''' he said while handing out more potions to the man. ''''I''m Atlas, a wandering adventurer who took the quest to save you guys.''''


    ''''I''m Arash, part of the Cave Wanderers,'''' the man said with a smile before pointing to the silver-haired woman, ''''That''s my wife, Homa.''''


    Arash pointed at the last two, ''''Arnold and his wife, Natasha. They are new explorers who recently joined the Explorer Guild.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Well, stay here, and I will clear a path to the exit, a trek through the forest littered with Drop Bears, Yowies, and Yara-ma-yha-who''s.''''


    The man nodded, ''''Be careful out there, Atlas. Those monsters are dangerous.''''

 Chapter 102 - 102: Addaam Reshii A-Zaanta!

    Atlas dashed back into the forest, readying his weapons as the foilage around him grew thicker. Soon, a Drop Bear tried to fall on him from above, and it let out a growl, which made him jump.


    It was sudden, but he sidestepped the creature and slashed across its body before casting Void Blast at it. The explosion rocked the monster, sending it skidding across the ground as it bellowed in pain.


    He dashed forward and cast a Void Arrow into the Drop Bear''s skull, causing it to explode into blood and bone, ''Now to loot the core,'' Atlas mused with a smile as his loot goblin activated.


    After that, he collected the Monster Core before hunting for creatures around the cave where the scouts were recovering. Soon, Atlas encountered more Yara-ma-yha-who''s, who tried to ambush him from the surrounding foilage as he entered a dark valley.


    ''I''m starting to hate these creepy frog monsters,'' he complained.


    The creatures assailed him using the trees and bushes, but Atlas dodged the surprise attack before using Void Wave to destroy the foilage and force the monsters into the open. He deflected numerous slashes, though a few grazed his chest, leaving stinging cuts between the armor''s gap.


    ''Ahh, that hurts,'' Atlas thought, gritting his teeth in pain. ''These little devils are annoying.''


    He retaliated by casting a barrage of Void Bullets, each striking true and sending half a dozen creatures reeling. As Atlas grew more adept at fighting them, he darted around with the agility of a rabbit while slashing at his foes with swift strikes.


    His blade tore through the Yara-ma-yha-who''s flesh, and his spells caused explosions to light up the forest around them. The battle lasted twenty minutes, and then all the creatures died to his blade. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas breathed heavily as he leaned against a tree. He dismissed his helmet while taking out a canteen and downed a mouthful of water, which made him feel better. He pulled out the Blood Knife and cut out six green Monster Cores before throwing them into storage.


    Afterward, Atlas returned to the cave once he couldn''t find any more creatures to deal with. Another Drop Bear attacked him when he approached, but thanks to Void Guard, he deflected the claws.


    This time, he could get a full view of the monster, which looked like an evil koala bear with razor-sharp teeth and claws. Its eyes were blood-red, and its fur was dark brown with black patches around its face.


    The bear hissed at him before launching at his face. Atlas chuckled and unleashed Void Wave, sending the creature sprawling into the distance. He then walked toward the cave, where the four survivors prepared to depart.


    Stepping forward, he spoke while sheathing his blades after cleaning the blood off them, "Are you all ready to go? I''ve taken out a few monsters and will have some of my monsters guarding us."


    Hearing this, Atlas activated Call of the Void, summoning Group Two. An azure portal opened, and a Void Raptor Warrior, accompanied by six other raptors. He turned to the scouts and commanded, "Mount their backs; they''ll get us to the entrance."


    Following that, the raptors growled at the four survivors, who quickly complied and jumped on the backs of the monsters before they started sprinting through the underground forest until reaching the tunnel.


    While running, Atlas continued to cast multiple spells at the Yowies that appeared around them. He heard their footsteps rushing through the underbrush while letting out screams and howls that scared the scouts.


    Atlas noticed that whenever the Void Raptors killed any of the monsters, he would gain experience. The group hit the tunnel just in time as the Void Creatures faded, causing the scouts to drop to the ground with a thud.


    Arnold looked up with anger and was going to say something, but Atlas pointed his blade at him, ''''Don''t look at me like that human; without me, you would be dead,'''' he warned with an eery smile.


    The scout''s leader, Arash, quickly stepped in and calmed the situation down, ''''We''re grateful for your help, Atlas. We lost six members of our party and were about to be killed by those creepy frog creatures, but thanks to you, we made it back to the tunnel to the surface.''''


    Atlas looked at the dark-skinned man and nodded but stopped moving as he spotted something behind Arash''s wife, Homa. He cast Void Step and reappeared in front of the woman before raising his Nightblade to block a Drop Bear''s claw swipe, causing sparks to fly.


    Due to the impact, he grunted but cast Void Wave to kill the bear and send its corpse crashing into the other monsters. Atlas noticed more monsters charging at them and quickly activated Call Of The Void to summon the Void Raptors again, who joined the battle with teeth and claws.


    Atlas turned to the injured group of explorers and shouted, ''''Travel up the tunnel; the Tajariyah city guards should be there.''''


    After that, Atlas fought fiercely with the Yowies and Drop Bears, who began assaulting the group. The Void Raptors summoned to guard them, held the line, and prevented the monsters from closing in or getting him from behind.


    Atlas skillfully dodged several incoming attacks but couldn''t evade all of them. He braced himself by crossing his blades to block the blow. When the Yowie''s massive fist made contact, he felt a jolt of force reverberate through his arms.


    ''Come on! You can do this, Atlas! You need to become the strongest,'' he hyped himself.


    Even more monsters surged toward him; he unleashed a Void Wave, sending them sprawling through the air with a powerful surge of energy. Atlas pointed his blade at the monsters, casting Void Bullets and Void Blasts into the group.


    An explosion rippled through the small clearing, sending the monster flying everywhere before crashing to the ground, but they were still alive. Without wasting the opportunity, he rushed forward while stabbing the creatures through the skull.


    While doing this, dozens of Yowies and Drop Bears appeared ready to join the fray as Atlas slaughtered their kin.


    ***


    [Arash''s POV]


    ''He''s a demon in human form,'' Arash thought. ''How can a young boy fight so well without any techniques or formal training?''


    ''''Husband, we should get to the entrance before they overrun the boy,'''' Homa said in a scared voice.


    Arash turned on her as his green eyes glowed in anger, ''''He saved us, Homa! We would never see the twins again without him,'''' he exclaimed.


    He took out his sword and continued, ''''Ready your magic; we''re going to help.''''


    ''''I don''t think the demon needs it,'''' Arnold commented with disdain. ''''There is something not right about him; a darkness lurks within him.''''


    Natasha agreed while gripping her staff; Arash saw this and was shocked, causing him to think, ''Cowards! All of them. This boy is a true warrior.''


    After that, Arash refocused on the battlefield, observing Atlas as he darted around like a nimble jackrabbit, his blade slicing through the monster''s flesh. When he saw this, he charged forward and swung in a wide arc, cleaving two Yowies in half with a single powerful blow.


    Catching Atlas''s approving smile and nod, Arash felt a surge of confidence. Together, they finished the remaining creatures, their combined efforts clearing the way. With the last of the monsters dispatched, they returned to the tunnel.


    While walking, he looked at the boy, who looked menacing in his armor, which revealed his glowing green eyes. Arash raised his hand to fist bump Atlas, who responded by bumping his fist, and when he did, a shock ran through his body.


    A vision appeared; he stood among thousands of the Blue Dune Desert Sand Devils. Arash looked around and noticed everyone staring at a boy with white hair and glowing blue eyes staring out at the warriors before shouting as he raised a blade in the air, ''''Addaam reshii a-zaanta!''''


    The people around returned to chant the same words in unison while raising the famous Azarakhsh Blade that glowed in the desert sun, ''''Addaam reshii a-zaanta!''''


    ''Azhar''Zul!'' he thought in shock as the scene returned to the tunnel where he stood looking at Atlas.


    Following that, he looked at the boy and thought, ''He doesn''t have the glowing blue eyes like the Path says.''


    ***


    [Back To Atlas]


    Atlas looked at Arash, who was acting weird just as they bumped fists, but he shook his hands and spoke, ''''Let''s continue to the entrance before any more monsters appear.''''


    The group started to travel up the dark tunnel, but Natasha cast a light spell that lit up the tunnel. While they were walking, Arash kept asking him questions he had to dodge because it would have exposed his true identity, which he wanted to avoid.


    A scream echoed as they closed in on the cave system entrance, causing Atlas to spin around and notice a Yara-ma-yha-who pinning Arnold to the ground. He burst forward and ran his blade across the monster''s neck.


    The Nightblade sliced right through its flesh like a hot knife through butter, which instantly killed the creature. Arash and Homa attacked the remaining creepy monsters, who fled back into the darkness after losing several of them.


    Following that, Atlas led the group up to the large metal gate, which he banged on with the butt of his sword to signal the soldiers on the other side. A minute later, it opened, and a dozen Achaemenidians rushed in and covered the tunnel as they got ushered outside as the sun hit their eyes.

 Chapter 103 - 103: Freebies

    Atlas and the scouts exited the dark tunnels just as the sun hit their faces, causing the others to celebrate as the gate was closed behind them. He was thankful to escape the creepy underground and continue the last two quests.


    He watched the guards tend to the lost scouts while a healer checked them. After ten minutes, Arash approached him with a piece of paper that he handed over: ''''Take this as proof of you completing the quest. The guild will know the Explorer Guilds mark.''''


    He nodded while taking the offering, ''''Thanks, Arash. Are you guys being taken by the guards?''''


    The dark-skinned man smiled, ''''Yes, the mayor wants to see us, and the commander said he wants all the details about the underground and its monsters.''''


    ''''Okay. It was good meeting you, but I will be off now to prepare for my next quest, which will be guarding a bridge against monsters,'''' Atlas said before walking away as the older man watched.


    ''''We will meet again Azhar''Zul. May you continue pointing the way,'' Arash said with a smile.


    He stopped walking and turned to the man with a smile, ''''Maybe so, look after yourself out there, old man.''''


    Afterward, Atlas put on his helmet and set off toward the city, the morning sun casting a warm glow over his path. As he walked, he took out the second quest paper and reviewed the details of his next task.


    [Rank D - The Forbidden Quarry: An abandoned quarry sealed off centuries ago has been reopened, and now strange, aggressive creatures are emerging. Deal with the monsters and see what is causing it ¨C Reward 2 Gold on completion ¨C Proof: Anything which shows you went there]


    Maybe I can do this before completing the last tomorrow. He read the directions and realized the quarry was inside the mountains to the east. Atlas started walking through the streets and noticed dozens of stalls lining the street.


    Atlas walked through the city for ten minutes until he spotted a weapons & armor shop called the Wanderer''s Arsenal and checked what sort of stuff they sold. He stepped inside and noticed it was busy with several adventurer parties browsing the shelves.


    The place looked like a typical fantasy weapon shop. The inside was decorated with Achaemenid battle murals, and swords hung on the walls. The counter where an older woman stood was made of blue oak wood cut down from the forest he traveled through.


    Atlas started glancing around and found a shelf with large marble-looking objects behind protective glass; they caught his attention and caused him to read the signs.


    [Thunderclap Bombs 5 silver coins]


    A yellow light shone, reminding him of lightning and thunder waiting to be unleashed. ''I wonder how they get the elements inside.''


    [Inferno Bombs 4 silver coins]


    The next one Atlas looked at was a reddish one that resembled flames, which caught his interest. ''This would be good in a confined space to deal with crowds,'' he mused with a curious expression.


    [Frostfall Bombs 5 silver coins]


    ''This one looks like a snowstorm ready to be unleashed,'' Atlas mused, loving the bomb''s bluish-white color.


    [Gravity Bombs - 8 silver coins]


    ''Plain, but I can feel the power radiating off this one,'' he thought while looking at the black-colored orbs.


    [Smoke Bombs 3 Silver]


    ''Clear white, makes sense as their smoke bombs.''


    [Flashbang Crystals - 7 Silver]


    ''These look like jewelry.''


    ''Oh, these are all useful,'' Atlas mused with a smile. ''I should buy as many as the store can sell; I''m sure they will save me during my journey.''


    After that, he approached the counter but noticed something in a robust protective case that radiated mana. Atlas glanced at it and noticed eight colorful pills that called to him, but when he spotted the price, ''Eighty gold! What are these things?''


    He shook his head as the older woman turned to him, ''''Welcome to the Wanderer''s Arsenal, young man; I''m Laleh, and this is my son Omid. How can we help you today?''''


    ''''I want to buy as many bombs and Flashbang Crystals as you can sell,'''' Atlas replied with a smile.


    Omid turned to the woman, who laughed and gave him a friendly slap on the back. "I told you they''d sell my boy," she said with a grin. "Gather them all while I figure out the total for him."


    Her son nodded and hurried into the back, excitement etched on his face. The older woman''s gaze shifted to the newcomer, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "You''re a Nova Mage, aren''t you? I can sense your aura growing stronger."


    Atlas smiled, ''''Yes, but I haven''t learned much about them yet,'''' he answered honestly.


    Laleh looked at him before a big smile appeared on her face as she took out a stack of papers tied into a booklet and slid it across the counter, ''''Take this; it will tell you everything you need to know about Level One Body Tempering and the eight pills that come with it.''''


    He took the papers and noticed they were an instruction manual. Atlas stored the manual in his Dimensional Storage before asking about the colorful pills. ''''I guess those are Body Tempering Pills?''''


    ''''Yes, but they are expensive; many people can''t afford them,'''' Laleh said with a frown.


    ''''How much?'''' Atlas inquired.


    ''''Eigthy gold, 10 per pill as made by a Legendary Mater Alchemist my husband saved from a bandit raid,'''' Laleh revealed. ''''He gave us a dozen sets of pills as a thank you, and we decided to sell one to raise funds for Omid so he could attend the Royal Magic Academy in Babylon City.''''


    Once Laleh finished speaking, she started writing a total for the purchase, and Atlas was shocked when he saw the total.


    [35 gold for 2000 Flashbang Crystals]


    [15 gold for 2000 smoke Bombs]


    [24 gold for 2000 Gravity Bombs]


    [16 gold for 2000 Inferno Bombs]


    [20 gold for 2000 Frostfall Bombs]


    [20 gold for 2000 Thunderclap Bombs]


    ''With the Body Tempering pills, it will use all but two gold and ten silver, but I can always run the dungeons and complete the quests to earn more,'' Atlas thought while taking out most of his wealth in a large pouch.


    Atlas dropped it on the counter as he spoke, ''''I''ll take the pills as well.''''


    Laleh''s eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself, carefully counting the coins from the pouch. A smile spread across her face as she securely stored the money in her ring. Then, stepping around the counter, she wrapped him in a warm embrace, as a mother would her son.


    "Thank you, young man," she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "You''ve done more for our family than you might realize. I''d even say you''ve helped save the shop with your purchase."


    Atlas was surprised, but Laleh spoke, ''''Let me give you some freebies that will help you on your adventures, Habibi.''''


    The woman disappeared for a few minutes and returned with two objects. She put them on the counter before opening the Body Tempering Pills case. When Laleh took them out, Atlas could see the eight colorful pills.


    ''''Here, boy, take a look at the pills so you know which ones you''re taking,'''' she said with a smile. ''''And take off your helmet so I can add the Night Eye Rune, allowing you to see in the dark.''''


    [Fire ¨C Red]


    [Water ¨C Blue]


    [Wind ¨C Green]


    [Earth ¨C Brown]


    [Lightning ¨C Yellow]


    [Dark ¨C Black]


    [Light ¨C White]


    [Metal ¨C Grey]


    Atlas''s smile widened as he carefully stored the pills in his inventory. Removing his helmet, he handed it to Laleh with a gesture of respect. She took the helmet and began to explain the final gift.


    "This," she said, holding up an old-looking map, "is the Map of the Hidden. It reveals secret passages and concealed rooms. It was one of my father''s greatest creations, and something tells me it belongs with you."


    Atlas took the map, noting its intricate details. As he examined it, he saw that it displayed every room in the store. His eyes widened when he spotted a trapdoor behind the counter leading to a hidden passage extending into the mountains.


    He glanced up at Laleh, who met his gaze with a nod. "Yes, that''s an escape route we share with the general store," she confirmed. "It''s been a well-kept secret for a long time."


    The woman engraved the Night Eyes Rune onto the helmet and returned it to Atlas. As he examined the helmet, he had to admit he was impressed. It was adorned with intricate patterns that decorated its surface yet remained streamlined with no dangling attachments.


    Atlas loved the helmet''s design, which revealed only his eyes while granting him a perfect vision¡ªan elegant blend of functionality and style. He put it back on and felt comfortable before Omid returned with a massive box.


    The young man started unloading it, and Laleh took out a belt pouch with eight pouches and gave it to Atlas. ''''This is a basic adventurer''s belt; each pouch will allow you to carry twenty bombs, potions, or other things.''''


    ''''How much?'''' Atlas questioned with narrowed eyes, causing the mother and son duo to laugh.


    ''''Twenty silver,'''' Laleh quickly answered, causing him to get the coins out of storage.


    Once the woman had the coins, Atlas put the belt on as Omid organized the boxes. He explained, ''''There are boxes of one hundred bombs; I see you have a storage skill, so store them away so I can unload the others.''''


    Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 104 - 104: Chaos Scum

    Atlas saw the six boxes of bombs and started loading twenty into the pouches before putting health and mana potions in the remaining two. Following that, he said goodbye to the duo before leaving the shop.


    He noticed it was still early and decided to explore the quarry in the east, so Atlas started walking that way and saw ordinary people doing their business. It took him an hour to reach the area where the quarry was located.


    Before approaching the gate, he checked his status as he leveled up again.


    [Level Up: 70¡ú72]


    [Experience: 580/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 4500]


    [Health: 482¡ú504]


    [Mana: 2692¡ú2832]


    [Strength: 490¡ú500]


    [Stamina: 554¡ú610]


    [Charisma: 364¡ú370]


    [Intelligence: 406¡ú420]


    [Core Points: 250¡ú3850]


    [Core Points Gained: 3600]


    [Void Bullet: 2¡ú3]


    [Void Arrow: 2¡ú3]


    [Void Blast: 1¡ú2]


    [Void Wave: 0¡ú1]


    [Void Step: 2¡ú3]


    [Dual Wielding: 2¡ú4]


    [Dimensional Storage: 1¡ú2]


    [Maskweaving: 0¡ú1]


    ''Oh, nice. That was a nice upgrade,'' Atlas thought as the excitement boiled up inside him.


    There was a guardpost that led into a steep drop that a gate blocked. When the soldiers spotted him, they stepped forward as one of them spoke, ''''Young adventurer, what brings you to this haunted place, and can I see the guild card?''''


    When Atlas heard this, he grinned before answering confidently and determinedly, ''''To grow stronger, I must put myself in a dangerous situation. I''m here to clear the quarry and level up.''''


    ''''Many have tried and failed. The quarry is unforgiving, and even seasoned adventurers struggle,'''' another soldier said with a laugh. ''''Look at the party who entered earlier; they won''t last much longer once the Crawlers get them.''''


    ''''I''m not going there to die. I''m going to find out if I''m really alive,'''' Atlas responded while handing the commander his guild card. ''''Now let me pass so I can complete my quest.''''


    The soldiers moved out of the way as the commander unlocked the gate. He looked at Atlas and spoke, ''''We''ve lost dozens of adventurers, boy. I have a feeling about you, and know that if you can reach the entrance, we will do our best to help you.''''


    After speaking, the commander returned Atlas''s guild card and watched as he stepped into the cold, echoing quarry. As the gate clanged shut behind him, the path ahead was swallowed by darkness.


    Atlas''s Night Eyes soon adjusted, revealing the shadows in sharp relief. He found himself on a broad pathway that gradually descended into the abyss. Peering over the edge, Atlas saw nothing but a yawning chasm, its walls alive with the fluttering of bats.


    A chill ran down his spine as he wondered, ''What horrors lie below?''


    He started walking down the only path forward while readying his blades in case any monsters attacked. As Atlas walks, Amethyst sends him a message through the lover''s band, [We''re headed for the Wildheart Kingdom to help Grishna''s sister, who is leading the Bloodfang Orcs against the Southmen who beat the last Wildheart army who was holding the King''s Pass. I do hope you''re okay, Azahar''Zul]


    Atlas smiled before quickly replying, [I''m going to be traveling south to heal Lilith, then will get a train north as I have Morozov Train Card that some woman gave me for slaying bandits attacking them. I''m in a city named Tajariyah that''s built into some mountains. I miss you girls and will send you a message tomorrow morning]


    Continuing down the path, Atlas deflected a projectile aimed at his head with his helmet. A dozen more whizzed towards him as he steadied himself, only to rebound harmlessly off his armor.


    He scanned the new monsters, which bore a striking resemblance to giant cockroaches. Their stone-like color blended seamlessly with the cave walls, but their appearance was far from harmless; these creatures exuded a menacing, predatory aura.


    [Stone Crawler]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    When Atlas saw this, he fired a Void Bullet at the monster that blew it into pieces; the only evidence of its existence was an orange Monster Core that he threw into his storage before continuing.


    Atlas eliminated four more Stone Crawlers as they lunged at him from the shadows, but he had no problem dispatching them before reaching a tunnel that reeked of decay. "What is that awful smell?" he muttered.


    As he stepped across the threshold, a screech reached his ears as a humanoid sprinted out of the shadows and swiped at Atlas, who leaned back before casting Void Blast into the creature''s chest.


    The spell hurled the monster to the ground, allowing Atlas to rush forward and drive his blade through its skull. As the creature fell lifelessly, he looked closer at the new enemy, and a shiver ran down his spine.


    ''This thing belongs in a horror novel,'' Atlas thought. ''Where are they coming from?''


    It had once been human but had been grotesquely warped into a nightmare. Its body was a dark, blood-red hue, marred by deep, gnarled scars that covered every inch. Its eyes were hollow and black, the last vestiges of humanity fading into its monstrous form.


    Something radiated from it, which made Atlas cringe as he recognized that feeling, ''Chaos! Who are they?''


    While contemplating, footsteps could be heard, causing him to raise his blades to defend against a set of claws. Atlas''s arms felt the strain, but he pushed past that and cast Void Wave to get the creatures away from him.


    This gave him a chance to scan them.


    [Dreadfiend]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    ''Experience farms,'' Atlas thought as his excitement grew.


    He dashed forward, ducking under a swipe, before driving his blade through the creature''s jaw and piercing its brain. He then cast a Void Blast at another creature, getting close, which blew it away.


    Atlas engaged the Dreadfiends with precise agility, deftly weaving through their attacks while delivering a flurry of slashes, stabs, and spells. Chaos erupted throughout the tunnels as he fought, but his armor absorbed most of the damage, allowing him to remain largely unscathed amidst the fray.


    ''I''ll continue fighting until my muscle hurts,'' Atlas thought with a smile while stabbing a Dreadfiend through the eye as it tried to bite him.


    He spun around when feeling another behind him and plunged his Blood Knife into its chest before casting Void Bullet. The spell caused the creature to explode from the inside out and covered him in bits of flesh.


    Atlas shook his head and dispatched the remaining monsters with a flurry of Void Arrows. Each arrow pierced through their bodies, and they fell to the ground, lifeless. He sheathed his Nightblade and used the knife to cut out the Monster Cores.


    ''Eight green cores,'' he thought while storing them away. ''I''ll continue to collect these.''


    Atlas continued down the tunnel until he entered a vast underground chamber. Scanning the area, he spotted a descending path that led into the encroaching darkness. "The creatures must be coming from this way," he mused.


    A rattling noise echoed through the chamber, piquing his curiosity. As he turned to investigate, a sudden barrage of arrows struck, forcing him to leap back. He quickly cast Void Guard, shielding himself from the onslaught.


    ''What the hell!'' he thought while spotting the culprits, which were skeletons, but they were his size, ''Dead dwarves?''


    [Dwarf Skeletons Miners]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    Atlas shook his head and noticed the undead were marching up the path he needed to take. With a smile, he started casting Void Blast, which collided with the skeletons, causing explosions to send them flying into the darkness below.


    He dashed forward and started striking the surviving enemies; his attacks shattered their skulls. Atlas made his way down the path while spamming spells into the crowds of skeletons that wiped them out.


    It took him close to an hour to reach the bottom, where an entrance to an unexpected dungeon was overflowing. More Dreadfiends rushed out of the entrance, forcing Atlas to dodge their attacks before blasting them away with Void Blasts.


    Having dispatched the creatures, Atlas crouched down, startled by a chilling chuckle echoing through the entrance. Reacting swiftly, he sprang to his feet and activated Void Scan, quickly spotting a monster lurking nearby.


    [Forgotten Lurker]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    ''What kind of monster is this,'' Atlas pondered while readying for another fight as his breath was heavy.


    The creature crawled out of the shadows on all fours, which made him gulp. It moved like a spider but was humanoid, with two arms and legs that ended with sharp claws. Its body was covered in strange scales that he knew would be tough to break through.


    ''This is going to be tough,'' he thought, gripping his blades tightly.


    It let out another chuckle as its black eyes pierced Atlas''s soul. Its mouth was shaped into a creepy smile with shark-like teeth. The monster suddenly shot forward like a rocket, causing him to yelp while casting Void Step.


    He vanished from the spot just as the Lurker slammed into it. This gave him enough time to pepper the monster''s body with Void Bullets and Void Arrows, which caused it to screech in pain.


    Atlas grinned behind his helmet, ''This creature won''t go down easy,'' he thought while getting ready to attack.


    Without thinking, he burst forward like a bullet and started striking the Lurker with dozens of attacks, hitting it with Void Bullets that exploded on contact and confused the monsters. He rushed in, skidded under it, and ran his blades down its torse, causing it to spasm before dropping to the ground.


    He rose to his feet, the Nightblade aimed squarely at the monster''s skull. With a voice crackling with fierce excitement and unyielding resolve, he declared, "Chaos scum. This time, we will end this eternal game once and for all. I will become strong enough to frighten the Dark Gods."


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

 Chapter 105 - 105: Death Knight

    Atlas cast a Void Arrow into the Lurker''s skull, causing it to go lifeless before a green Monster Core popped out. He picked it up and stored it away while looking at the dungeon entrance as explosions rang out.


    ''More adventurers,'' he sighed before moving into the dungeon. ''Hopefully, they''re friendly.''


    When Atlas stepped inside, the atmosphere instantly changed to horror and dread that seeped into his body, causing him to shiver. But that wasn''t all, as a mist blocked the path forward; even the Night Eyes couldn''t see through it.


    As he walked down the cold tunnel, a bad feeling seeped into his body; when Atlas got further in and passed across a stone bridge that spanned a darkness-filled cavern, something launched at him from the shadows, ''Oh, crap! What is this thing,'' he thought.


    He quickly crossed his blades as something slammed against them and felt the impact through his arms, sending him stumbling back. This allowed Atlas to spot the monster, a dog-sized black spider that looked horrifying with a black carapace covered in black hair.


    Once he got his footing, the spider scuttled forward and tried to jump on him as its beady eyes locked onto his body, but Atlas raised his hand and cast Void Blast into its face, causing it to screech in pain as it started thrashing around.


    ''Die!'' he internally shouted. ''I hate spiders.''


    As another blast struck the monster, it collapsed to the ground, giving Atlas the opening he needed. He sprang up, avoiding the monster''s flailing legs, and drove his blade through its head with deadly precision.


    Just as he finished, the eerie scuttling of more creatures echoed through the passageway, their furious hisses reverberating off the damp, shadowy walls. He jumped up and noticed three more spiders rushing at him while chittering and making other creepy noises.


    When he saw this, Atlas quickly scanned them to find their names while preparing to fight them. As he saw what they were, his adrenaline started to rush through his body, causing him to smile.


    [Death Spiders]


    [Rank: E+ - 250 Exp]


    Atlas cringed but quickly spammed Void Bullets at creepy arachnids before lunging at the one on the right as explosions shook the tunnel. He sidestepped its lunge while counterattacking by slicing off two of the monster''s legs.


    The Death Spider reared up in pain as the other two bolted at Atlas, who chuckled as he cast a Void Wave that discharged from his body, slammed into the monster''s, and sent them flying across the tunnel before smashing into the walls.


    Atlas followed up and rammed his blade into another spider before casting Void Arrow into the creature''s torso. The azure projectiles burrowed through the monster''s internal organs and cooked them from the inside, causing it to drop dead with a dying hiss.


    Once he finished the Death Spider, he quickly launched a Void Blast at the last one, trying to retreat deeper into the dungeon. But Atlas was faster; he unleashed a barrage of Void Arrows, each projectile piercing through the spider''s body before it had a chance to escape.


    The creature was obliterated before it could make its move. Exhausted, Atlas collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily as the battle came to an end, ''Damn spiders! I hate them,'' he thought while flicking his blades to get rid of the blood.


    ''What else is this dungeon hiding? It doesn''t matter because I''ll fight regardless,'' he psyched himself up before standing up.


    After that, Atlas continued down the tunnel until he came to a mining chamber with metal trolleys everywhere. He felt weird when stepping inside, which caused him to prepare his blades. ''It''s as if something was watching me from the darkness,'' he said.


    As the thought flashed through his mind, he swiftly raised Nightblade to parry a sudden strike just as something ambushed him. He unleashed Void Wave in response, sending the encircling creatures sprawling and breaking their trap.


    Continuing his advance, Atlas deflected the incoming projectiles until he came face-to-face with humanoid jackal-like creatures who tried to ambush him. With a quick scan of the threat, he prepared to strike back.


    [Death Jackals]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ''I''ll show them what true doom looks like,'' Atlas roared within, launching himself forward with unstoppable force, a living harbinger of destruction.


    He cleaved through one of the jackals with a savage slash to the throat, then spun like a storm, evading a flurry of arrows that hissed past him. He drove his blades into the remaining foes with relentless accuracy, his movements a blur of deadly grace.


    In a final, explosive surge, he unleashed a Void Blast, sending the jackals hurtling through the air. That''s when even more creatures rushed forward and attacked him with wild abandon while letting out excited howls and yips.


    ''This is going to earn me so much experience,'' he smiled.


    Atlas deflected the shabby spears while stabbing and slashing the attackers. Their bodies were falling, causing the others behind them to trip, allowing him to decimate many of them with Void Bullets and Void Blasts.


    Blood pooled on the dungeon ground as monsters dropped left and right as Atlas passed them. He rushed toward a group, but one of the Death Jackals intercepted him by getting in his way.


    Atlas flashed a fierce grin, then feigned a sprint to the left, only to pivot sharply to the right. The maneuver bewildered the monsters, giving him the opening he needed. He leaped onto one of them, carefully driving his blade through its eye.


    Rolling forward seamlessly, he drove his sword into another and unleashed a Void Blast that obliterated a third monster. As he reveled in his triumphant triple kill, a war hammer suddenly soared toward his face.


    Instinctively, Atlas raised his blades to block, bracing himself for the impact. When the weapon struck, he felt his muscles buckling under the impact, but he gritted his teeth and held on as an amused voice reached his ears.


    "Another challenge so soon! The others may have bested me by chance, but you, little boy, have no such luck," the figure declared with a cold, mocking tone before leaping back into the shadows.


    As the knight retreated, Atlas''s gaze fell upon the mysterious foe. Clad in ominous black armor, the knight''s red eyes glowed menacingly from behind the helmet, piercing through the darkness like twin embers of malevolence.


    Atlas quickly scanned the newcomer.


    [Death Knight]


    [Floor One Boss]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    "Perhaps, but who can predict what the future holds?" Atlas declared, his eyes flaring back to their usual azure as his excitement surged.


    The tunnel illuminated with a fierce glow as he leveled his Nightblade at the dark figure. "I''m not afraid of you; this thrills me to my core. Bring it on and give me a fight that pushes me to the brink of death. I want to feel truly alive!"


    After that, Atlas burst forward and struck the knight, who blocked his attack and went to swing, but he ducked under it while pummeling the enemy''s chest with Void Bullets before slashing.


    The stronger creature blocked many of his attacks and returned the favor, causing Atlas to focus on dodging; one swing forced him to jump over the blade, barely missing the sharp edge.


    ''That was close!'' he thought.


    He used magic to redirect many attacks while landing dozens of his own, slowly breaking the knight''s armor. Atlas kept getting faster until he was a blur. He used Void Step to strike and then moved until he became invisible.


    Atlas was burning through mana and felt it emptying when he blocked a swing that sent him flying across the chamber, ''''Enough of this!'''' the Death Knight declared,


    When Atlas hit the ground, he skidded to a stop before getting to his feet and looking at the knight who seemed to have powered up out of nowhere, ''This just got even harder,'' he mused with a smile.


    The Death Knight rushed forward and swung his sword in an arc, causing Atlas to dodge, but the blade changed directions. He quickly cast Void Guard to block, and when the weapon connected, he was sent flying across the mining chamber. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Oww. lucky I used Void Guard,'' he thought while crashing into a trolley covered in ores and slumping down as pain riddled his body.


    Atlas shook his head and let out a pain-filled groan as he finally sat up when Regeneration healed enough; while doing that, the knight thrust its sword at him. He quickly used Void Step to avoid the attack before casting several Void Blasts.


    After that, he took out some Mana Potions and downed them, thinking, ''This is going to be hard.''


    He launched another speedy attack at the knight, relying on his velocity. However, the knight responded by stamping firmly on the ground, causing a shockwave that unbalanced Atlas and made him stumble.


    ''''Not so fast now, are you, child,'''' the Death Knight spoke confidently.


    The knight seized the moment and lunged forward, driving his sword toward Atlas. Panicking, Atlas fired a Void Bullet at the ground beneath him, propelling himself upward just as the knight''s blade struck the spot where he had been.


    As Atlas descended, he unleashed a flurry of Void Blasts, bombarding the Death Knight with explosive energy. Following that, he drove the Nightblade through the gap in the knight''s helmet.


    ''''I''m faster than you,'''' Atlas replied with a smirk.


    To finish, he cast Void Wave and Void Bullet, resulting in a powerful explosion that rocked the mining chamber. The Death Knight screamed in pain but evaporated into nothing, just like the other creatures, leaving behind a beautiful red Monster Core.

 Chapter 106 - 106: It’s Too Dangerous Out There

    Once the Death Knight was dead, Atlas threw the red Monster Core into his storage before taking off his helmet to wipe away the sweat, ''That was tough, but it was exciting,'' he thought with a smile.


    He pulled out his canteen before taking a mouth, putting his helmet back on, and checking his status.


    [Level Up: 72¡ú75]


    [Experience: 830/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 6250]


    [Health: 504¡ú514]


    [Mana: 2832¡ú2860]


    [Strength: 500¡ú516]


    [Stamina: 610¡ú644]


    [Core Points: 3850¡ú8050]


    [Core Points Gained: 4200]


    ''Not long until I rank up again,'' Atlas mused before continuing down the tunnel.


    Explosions rang out nearby, but he didn''t rush toward them while he prepared for another fight. It took him another ten minutes to see the lights of the spells being cast as roars shook the ground.


    Atlas grew curious and sped up, only to see gorilla-like monsters fighting with four people; he noticed two men were distracting the creatures while two women behind were casting several spells at them.


    He watched this with fascination and looked around, only to notice they were in a mining chamber, and Atlas was just above them, waiting for the right time to intervene. The battle went on as one of the men was battered away.


    The man, a defender by the looks of it, carried a large shield. Seeing this, Atlas quickly assessed the surrounding monsters. Without thinking, he leaped into the air, unsheathed his blades, and descended to the ground, immediately launching his attack.


    [Death Gorilla]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    Atlas surged forward, slashing at the ankles of two gorillas and sending them crashing to the ground. He then spun around, using Void Step to vanish just as a pair of massive fists slammed into the spot where he had been.


    Laughing, he reappeared above one of the Death Gorillas, descending swiftly. His blades pierced through its throat, instantly killing the beast. With the creature dispatched, Atlas moved on to continue his relentless assault.


    ***


    [The Red Band Party]


    When the adventurers saw this, they were shocked when someone appeared and decimated the Death Gorillas, who ambushed them from above. Roderic, a knight and leader of the Red Band Party, turned to the women, ''''Keep the shields up; the monsters are busy with the newcomer. Sable! Keep up the attack spells; there aren''t many left.''''


    Sable, their attack mage, continued casting spells along with Alina, who was shielding the two men. Roderic turned to the second man, ''''Marcus, hold the line while I take out the remaining monsters to help the boy,''''


    Marcus nodded, but a blue explosion erupted in the chamber before they could act, causing them to shield their eyes as the ground rumbled. The blast sent the Death Gorillas rocketing in all directions, their lifeless bodies slamming into the walls before falling to the ground.


    As the dust settled, the adventurers spotted a small figure approaching¡ªbarely five feet tall but the four had the same thought, ''A Silver Demon!''


    Despite the figure''s small size, its aura sent chills down their spines. Instinctively, Roderic and Marcus stepped in front of their wives, their protective instincts kicking in. The figure halted as they moved, sheathing their blades¡ªa knife and a short sword.


    Now able to get a closer look, Roderic noticed that their savior wore silver armor, covering all vital points. Beneath the armor was a black gambeson. However, the striking green eyes fixed intently on them captured everyone''s attention.


    Aline smiled before speaking nonconfrontationally, ''''I''m Alina Anderson, and this is my party. I must thank you for your help.''''


    The four watched the small being as it suddenly removed its helmet to reveal a young boy no more than fourteen with black hair and an olive skin complexion. When Sable and Roderic saw this, their eyes widened in shock.


    ''''That''s not Davis''s husband,'''' Sable whispered behind Roderic. ''''He died many moons ago.'''' S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Roderic nodded as spoke, ''''Thanks for the help boy. What are you doing down here, though?''''


    The newcomer looked at each one before replying, ''''Took a quest to clear this place out, but never would have guessed it was an active dungeon.''''


    As the boy spoke, Sable quickly shouted a warning, ''''Behind you!''''


    That''s when they witnessed the newcomer quickly dodge the swipe of a set of claws before blasting it with unknown blue magic that burned a hole right through the Death Gorilla before the boy decapitated the monster.


    Following that, they aided the boy in fighting the four creatures that appeared in the nearby tunnel. Marcus and Roderic blocked the way as the two women rained spells down while carefully considering their new ally.


    But all the boy did was move quicker than they''d ever seen. Roderic was shocked as the newcomer cut down dozens of monsters and dashed around the battlefield like a rabbit. Once the monsters were dealt with, Sable approached the boy and smiled, ''''Would you like to join us in the safe zone?''''


    ***


    [Back to Atlas]


    Atlas nodded at the blonde woman in her late twenties, who regarded him with inquisitive grey eyes. He noticed the entire group was staring at him at one point or another, which annoyed him. The woman who had spoken seemed like a warrior mage, giving him a "big sister" vibe.


    The other woman was shorter, with green-cropped hair and glowing yellow eyes. She was dressed in mage robes and wielded a staff. After taking in their appearances, Atlas turned his attention to the two men.


    There was the leader, named Roderic, who was unmistakably a knight. His armor and longsword marked his status, and his short brown hair and blue eyes made him stand out, especially with his height of six feet.


    Atlas then glanced at the last man, who was built like a giant, but his demeanor softened when he glanced at the green-haired mage. With blue hair and green eyes that sparkled with warmth, he reminded him of a friendly teddy bear.


    He shook his head as the group descended the path and ended up in a small chamber with another way down on the opposite side. Atlas felt the shield that blocked the monsters from attacking while they rested.


    Once inside, Atlas noticed two more people waiting in the safe area; these two looked like scouts and thieves. The man had silver hair with pointed ears, while the woman had green eyes and blonde hair.


    The leader then turned to him and held out his hand while introducing himself and the group, ''''I''m Roderic Silvershield, and the blonde is my wife, Sable; she is a powerful fire mage.''''


    Atlas nodded at the woman, who gave him a motherly smile before Roderic turned toward the second couple, ''''This is Marcus and Aline Lightfoot; they are our defender and healer.''''


    They smiled at him, but it was more friendly than Sable''s. That''s when the last two introduced themselves before Roderic could do it, ''''I''m Modric, and this is my sister Fiona.''''


    "I''m Atlas, a current solo adventurer who is heading to meet my party," he introduced himself while standing up and brushing the dirt off his armor.


    Sable looked confused and spoke concernedly, ''''Where are you going Atlas?''''


    "This dungeon will be my first, and I''m excited to complete it," he answered before approaching the exit.


    As Atlas began to move, Sable stepped in front of him, her expression filled with concern. "We need at least a day to rest," she urged. "It''s too dangerous out there."


    Atlas''s eyes gleamed with unshakable confidence as he replied, "Doesn''t matter to me, the closer to death I am the more alive I feel, I need to do this to grow stronger and protect the ones I care about."


    Before the older woman could speak, Atlas vanished down the tunnel, leaving the adventurer party behind. As he got deeper, howls and screeches could be heard. He slowed down before reaching a bridge that spanned across a deep chasm.


    ''Oh god. This is bad. One wrong move and I could be sent falling to my death,'' Atlas thought while looking into the darkness.


    As he did that, a swooping noise could be heard, forcing him to use Void Step to dodge as a large monster''s claws crashed into the ground. Atlas spun around and scanned the newcomer.


    [Blood Bat]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    Atlas aimed Nightblade at the Blood Bat, unleashing a barrage of Void Bullets. The chamber erupted into chaos with each explosion, sending debris and dust flying as the impact of the blasts tore through the cavernous space.


    The racket drew more giant bats into the fray, their black fur rippling in the dim light and their red eyes glowing ominously against the azure explosions. Surveying the swarm, Atlas saw the sheer number of these monstrous bats¡ªtoo many to handle.


    Atlas activated Void Step, weaving through the relentless onslaught of attacks. Despite his evasive maneuvers, one of the creatures managed to grab him and lift him high above the chasm.


    As the monster prepared to bite down on him, Atlas drove his blade into its head. The creature convulsed and fell, dragging him with it into the abyss. Plummeting into the darkness, Atlas spotted a swarm of Blood Bats descending toward him.


    Seizing one of the bats, he grasped it tightly, desperately trying to control his descent into the horrors below. The fall sped up, and the other monsters stopped following, but the one he was on was screeching in pain.


    Atlas prepared to cast Void Guard, but something slammed into him just as he was about to. It snatched the Blood Bats from beneath him in a blur, leaving him to plunge into the icy water below.


    He freefell into the dark depths, his thoughts lingering on the four girls waiting for him. Just as darkness closed in and he lost consciousness, his Aqua Lung skill activated, allowing him to breathe underwater.

 Chapter 107 - 107: The Astoria Conquest (1)

    [The Girl''s POV]


    While Atlas was stuck in the dungeon, the four girls were sitting on a Morozov train traveling across the Everglade Kingdom or what''s left as the Argonians and Achaemenidians washed over the land.


    Amethyst looked out the window as Artemis spoke, ''''Grish, why do we need to involve ourselves in this war?''''


    The orc girl looked at her with a smile. ''''To grow stronger and gain experience, plus the Wildheart Kingdom is paying a fortune for powerful adventurers to help push the Southmen back south,'''' she said.


    ''''Rumors speak of the Demon of Thalassia holding them back at the King''s Pass, but who knows what the truth is,'''' Estelle commented as she sharpened her blade.


    ''''Do you think Azhar''Zul will meet us there?'''' Amethyst asked as she looked at the group.


    Artemis smiled, ''''It will be a while before we see him again. Aetos is wandering around Zarandar trying to find a Soul Mage to help that fluff ball, but I''m sure it will be a few months until you reunite with your lover, Little Bird,'''' she said.


    "Shut up, fish! I have a bad feeling about this all," the Phoenix girl replied with a frown. The world will search for him once they realize he''s the Voidwalker."


    ''''Azhar''Zul will be fine, little one,'''' Grishna smiled. ''''I''m sure he''s hidden and safe; I spent time with him and know he''s a free spirit. He wouldn''t be stopped from having the grand adventurer he always talked about.''''


    Amethyst nodded in agreement as Estelle''s voice cut through the hum of conversation, her tone grave. "Look out the window," she said, pointing to the right. "Oakenshield and Wildheart are burning."


    The group fell silent, their eyes following Estelle''s gaze. Through the carriage window, they could see the distant land consumed by flames, an inferno that spread across the horizon. The fiery devastation marked the advance of the Achaemenidians as they swept through Astoria, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake.


    When the women saw this, their hearts dropped as black smoke billowed into the sky, scorching the beautiful green landscape. ''''Weren''t we heading for Wildheart? I wonder where is the frontline now?'''' Grishna inquired in frustration.


    ''''My guess is the Malduhr River in the Oakenheart Kingdom, as they are allied with the northern realms and Wildheart,'''' Estelle informed the group. ''''Once we reach the frontline, we must report to the local guild for our orders.''''


    "Why do we have to fight? It''s a realm far away from Argonia. Couldn''t we just hunker down in northern Astoria and wait for Azhar''Zul?" Amethyst asked, her voice laced with worry.


    Grisha turned to her and smiled, ''''Little Bird. When you become an adventurer, you agree to aid in times of war. Due to their power, the Southmen use their adventurers as shock troops to hit well-defended positions.''''


    Following that, the journey took close to a week to reach the Thalassia Empire and get a Mana Airship to the front lines. The women found this out when meeting in the guild, and they were assigned to a group of twenty who would be assaulting Blood Bridge to push the Southmen back and establish a beachhead in the Wildheart Kingdom.


    When the four girls heard this, they agreed to it and met up with the sixteen other people who seemed friendly apart from one group. The leader approached them and tried to charm them until Grishna beat him up, claiming they all had the same husband.


    The orc girl beat him black and blue while cursing several generations of his family; she only stopped with Estelle, and Artemis dragged her back, which made Amethyst and the adventurers giggle at the scene.


    After that, they were instructed to attack the Blood Bridge and the Southmen, trying to fortify it. Their group commander was a grizzled veteran named Rollo, who had fought in many wars across Astoria and was an old friend of Grishna''s father.


    He ordered the adventurers to charge across but stopped the four women and a few others as the Southmen mages blasted them to pieces, causing the commander to laugh. Amethyst looked horrified and spoke, ''''Why did you sacrifice them?''''


    Rollo revealed the truth with a satisfied smile, ''''They were Achaemenidian spies sent to gather information but were meant to cross the other bridge.''''


    The older man turned to Grishna, ''''Show us what the Voidwalkers Harem can do,'''' he said mockingly.


    This angered the four women, as Artemis declared, ''''The other adventurers are unnecessary. Unlike you, old man, we can take that bridge with no losses.''''


    Rollo roared with laughter as he glanced at Grishna. "Why does she remind me of your mother, Zulgra?" he boomed.


    Grishna''s gaze shifted to Artemis, who was limbering up and drawing her sword with focused precision. Meanwhile, Estelle readied herself with her sword and shield, and Amethyst began to channel her cosmic magic, each preparing for the impending battle.


    ''''They are ma party, Uncle Rollo,'''' she admitted with a smile. ''''Even the blonde bitch whose judgemental but has calmed down.''''


    The older man laughed before slapping her on the back, ''''You sound like your mother, Vorga, just not as scary,'''' he smiled as he replied.


    Grishna gave him a dirty look, ''''Wait for our signal before crossing, old man,'''' she grinned at the human.


    Following that, the four women approached the bridge entrance, guarded by the Oakenheart Dwarves. They were heavily armored and wielded powerful cannons to ward the Southmen back from their side of the Malduhr River.


    On the other side of the bank, chaos reigned as a force of Southmen hunkered down while waiting for an attack. Amethyst could see their mana all over the fortress and spoke to the group, ''''There are about three hundred soldiers in the fort; most are footsoldiers, with some commanders.''''


    After the Phoenix girl spoke, they spotted the commander. When the dwarf saw them, he turned around with a cheerful smile. ''''Four beautiful ladies to fight the Southmen; I wonder if old Rolloa has lost his marbles,'''' he said in a happy tone.


    The other dwarves chuckled, but Grishna responded, ''''The old man needs to be shown what real warriors are, so we offered to take the bridge.''''


    "Just the four of ya? Are ya crazy, orc?" the dwarf commander said with worry.


    Grishna and the other three waved them away before stepping on the blood-covered path that led to the bridge. As they passed, Estelle said, ''''I will defend you three girls while attacking where I can. Amethyst, if you can get behind them and attack them from the rear, that would be perfect.''''


    The phoenix girl nodded with a determined smile, ''''Got it, Blondie.''''


    Estelle bristled before turning to Artemis and Grishna, ''''Fish; you attack with your sling before scaling the wall with the goblin.''''


    Grishna threw something at the blonde knight, ''''Shut up bitch; it''s not the time for jokes,'''' she snapped back with a smile, ''''What happens to you once we''re on the wall?''''


    ''''I will follow you up the wall once Little Bird clears the top,'''' Estelle said with a determined smile.


    Following that, the three women looked at Amethyst as Grishna commented, ''''Kick things off, girl, cause an explosion to throw the soldiers off guard.''''


    Amethyst nodded as Estelle prepared to defend her; Artemis took out her sling and readied explosive pellets. When the phoenix girl, the blonde knight, stepped in the open only to have a wave of spells and projectiles flying toward them.


    Estelle cast Solar Shield, deflected many attacks, and sent them soaring back at the attackers just as Amethyst cast a dozen Cosmic Blasts at the Southmen. Purple mana blasts slice through the air and hit the walls with devastating impacts.


    The bridge shook, but Estelle signaled for them to attack. Artemis stepped forward and fired off a dozen explosive pellets that peppered the survivors as Grishna threw several metal balls embued with Silver Shriek.


    When the balls hit the Southmen, loud shrills ripped through the air, allowing the women to rush across the bridge. While running, Estelle shouted, ''''Go, Little Bird!'''' S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amethyst jumped up on the wall, summoning her wings, and dived off the bridge before soaring into the air. When she was high enough, she fired a dozen Cosmic Bullets at the Southmen, who were getting to their feet.


    The projectiles pierced their bodies, giving the women a head start. Following that, a volley of arrows forced Amethyst to fly off, which caused the enemy to turn toward the other three and attack.


    Estelle was in front and cast Solar Shield to block the attacks. Thousands of arrows and spells hit the bridge, but the blonde knight held firm as Artemis fired off several explosives while Grishna cast Earth Bolt and Razorwind Blades at the surviving soldiers.


    As the three women below started climbing, Amethyst swooped over the Southmen, who went to attack by casting Cosmic Bullets and Stellar Arrows on top of them. Explosions rang out, but soon, she had to descend to the others as the counterattacks were coming too quickly for her to block or avoid.


    A few attacks managed to get past her Cosmic Barrier; one of the arrows buried itself in her shoulder and exited through her back. Amethyst screamed in pain, but another hit her thigh and foot.


    She managed to control her descent as she crashed down behind Estelle, who cast Healing Light on Amethyst after Grisha broke the arrows, allowing the blonde to pull them out before the wounds healed.


    The four women climbed while Grishna cast Earth Bolts at the Southmen as Artemis sent several Aqua Bombs that hit the soldiers at the top. When the explosions erupted, some enemies were sent into the water below.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 108 - 108: Death Serpent

    Atlas woke up when he felt something chewing at his armor, which was growing annoying, ''What is this feeling, and why am I so cold?'' he groggily pondered while shivering.


    When he snapped back to reality, Atlas looked up to find a nightmarish fish, straight out of a horror film, sinking its teeth into his leg, causing pain to shoot through his body. Reacting quickly, he raised his hand and unleashed a Void Arrow at the creature''s head, obliterating it in a burst of mana.


    Once the fish was dead, Atlas shook his head and glanced around, only to realize he was underwater as the cold water brushed against his skin, which caused him to panic. ''How did I end up here?'' he thought.


    That''s when he remembered falling into the chasm after being attacked by the Blood Bats while crossing the bridge, causing him to mutter, ''''I find myself in another nightmare, but why does a dungeon have an underwater world?''''


    Atlas looked around and saw the underwater world he was in, which was covered in boulders and thick seaweed. He got to his feet before spotting a light above and decided to swim toward it, ensuring no monsters were nearby.


    Thanks to the Night Eyes Rune, he could see in the darkness, allowing him to see the school of dog-sized fish swimming nearby. An eel was hunting crab-like monsters littering the seafloor by snapping them with sharp teeth. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After ten minutes of struggling due to the cold and aching body, Atlas finally broke through the surface and gasped as fresh air filled his lungs. He found himself in a vast cavern, its expanse dominated by a massive underground lake.


    Atlas spotted a stretch of dry land ahead as he took in his surroundings. He started making his way toward it by slowly swimming across the surface, but that''s when a feeling of dread washed over him like a predator had locked onto him.


    This caused Atlas to turn around, and something glided toward him; it was hidden within the shadows, so he could only see small parts of it. Seeing this unknown monster, he gulped while scanning it using Void Sight.


    [Death Serpent]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    ''Oh fuck! This monster is coming straight for me!'' Atlas internally panicked.


    He quickly swam toward the ledge as the predator was heading for him. His heartbeat sped up as he felt the monster''s aura bearing down; Atlas climbed out before taking off his helmet and letting out a breath of relief just as a splash was heard.


    Atlas turned around only to spot a giant serpent slithering through the water. It had black scales and glowing red eyes, and it glanced at him before diving back under the surface, causing him to shiver.


    ''This world is full of all kinds of horrifying monsters; I should be getting used to it,'' he panicked internally.


    He put his helmet back on while standing up and soon realized the Nightblade was missing. Atlas started panicking, but as soon as he thought about it, only the weapon appeared in his hand, causing him to grow confused.


    ''It bonded to me; maybe that''s why it returned to me,'' he pondered.


    Following that, Atlas glanced around and saw dozens of monster bones littering the ground, ''Is this a creature nest? Maybe,'' he thought.


    Reaching that conclusion, he walked toward the only visible tunnel. As Atlas neared the entrance, a chilling howl echoed from behind him. He spun around just in time to see Blood Bats descending upon him from the shadows.


    Atlas started casting Void Blasts at the flying monsters, who couldn''t dodge the spells that exploded upon contact. They let out pain-filled screeches, but he didn''t stop casting magic at the creatures.


    The Void Blasts killed four bats, and three fell into the water, only to be eaten by the Death Serpent. When Atlas saw this, he chuckled before approaching the flying monster''s corpse, cutting the green Monster Core, and storing it away.


    He entered the passageway, using Void Sight to ensure nothing would ambush him. But the route was free from any more monsters, so he started walking. All he could hear was the sound of his footsteps as he traveled down the tunnel, only to reach a spiral staircase that went up.


    ''''Found my way back to the upper levels, it seems,'''' he muttered.


    Atlas stepped onto the first stone stairs and waited for a trap or something to happen, but nothing happened. He continued to climb while keeping his blades at the ready, and when he reached the top, he realized he had made it to a chamber.


    It was a massive ledge that overlooked the chasm, with a small path leading back to the bridge he had been on before. Atlas stepped onto it and heard the Blood Bats screeching; thanks to Night Eyes, he could see them.


    He started casting Void Bullets and Void Blasts into the crowd of flying monsters while using Void Step to dodge their swoops. Atlas made it to the bridge after killing several bats, which caused them to go wild.


    Atlas targeted them with Void Arrows that burrowed through their bodies; some monsters crashed into the bridge while others fell into the darkness below. He approached the three corpses and cut out the three green Monster Cores he threw into his storage before moving on.


    After twenty minutes of walking, Atlas reached a massive chamber, where a dozen Death Jackals met him, and a swarm of Death Spiders crawled all over the walls. When he saw this, he cringed as the monsters looked at him.


    ''What is it with spiders!'' he internally complained upon hearing the chittering of their legs.


    When they saw him, the jackals started yipping in excitement before charging forward, causing Atlas to use Nightblade to block the closest monster''s attack and counterattack with the Blood Knife through its eyes.


    He cast Void Wave when he noticed the Death Jackals surrounding him. The azure wave crashed into their bodies, sending them flying all over the chamber. Then, they vanished back into the dungeon.


    Green glows lit up the surroundings, allowing Atlas to see the Death Spiders launch their attack. Some of them fired a strand of wed at him, but he used Void Guard to block the sticky string before sending Void Bullets back to the monsters.


    Explosions erupted among the spiders that tried to avoid the spells, but they were swept in the azure flames. Atlas dashed toward the biggest spider, four times the size of the normal creature.


    As he got closer, he scanned it before launching his attack.


    [Queen Death Spider]


    [First Mini-Boss]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    ''A mini-boss! I wonder how many floors this place has,'' Atlas mused excitedly.


    Atlas closed in on the queen, who reared up and thrust two of its legs at him. He jumped out of the way and sent a Void Blast into the spider''s carapace, causing it to scuttle back, but Atlas chased it.


    One of the legs shot out toward him, and Atlas didn''t have time to dodge as the tip pierced through his armor and shoulder, causing him to let out a pain-filled scream before chopping off the limb, which freed himself.


    He stumbled backward while he activated Call Of The Void and summoned Group Two. The Void Raptor Warrior lunged out of the azure portal, followed by six normal ones, and the dinosaurs ganged up on the giant spider.


    Atlas jumped up and spammed Void Blasts at the queen spiders before charging in. The mini-boss swung a leg at him, but he raised Nightblade and sliced through the carapace, causing the monster to screech in agony.


    The spider had already killed three Void Raptors, but the other four managed to tear off three more legs, causing the queen to slow down dramatically. This allowed Atlas to increase his attacks, which nearly brought it down.


    While he was fighting, a hundred Death Spiders appeared from a tunnel, causing Atlas to cast a dozen Void Bullets into the swarm. He then ordered the remaining dinosaurs to deal with them while he killed the queen.


    Atlas faced the half-dead mini-boss with a smile before using Void Step to vanish and strike at the monster''s body. When the queen responded by spinning around, he disappeared once more and appeared behind it.


    He cast Void Blast directly at the creature''s rear, causing it to hiss in anger, but Atlas continued to strike the boss and finally broke its carapace by using Nightblade to pierce it and fire several Void Bullets into its inside.


    The Queen Death Spider thrashed around in pain and crushed many of its kind, but soon, it collapsed lifelessly, causing the remaining two Void Raptors to jump at the shocked monsters before tearing them apart.


    Atlas joined in and slaughtered the remaining spiders until the ground was littered with thirty green cores and a beautiful red one. When he saw all the loot, his inner goblin woke up, causing him to go around collecting everything.


    Along with the Monster Cores, Atlas discovered 5 gold, 20 silver, 100 copper coins, and a peculiar rusty key. He carefully stored these items in his Dimensional Storage and retrieved a Mana potion.


    As he walked, he reflected, "This place feels like a cross between an underground crypt and an old mine."


    The dark tunnel Atlas was in now had holes in the wall where human skulls sat, giving the impression that they were staring, which gave him the creeps. As he saw three ways he could go, he thought, ''This place reminds me of the Catacombs of Paris.''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 109 - 109: Dreadfiend Knight

    Atlas continued down the tunnel and stopped at a four-way junction, only to be confused. He looked at the tunnels and couldn''t decide which one to take, ''A maze of all mazes. What else could be lurking in here?'' he internally complained.


    ''''I bet there is a horde of monsters on the other end of the wrong paths, but I guess it will get even more experience,'''' Atlas muttered with a chuckle.


    He eventually took the path to his right, and after an hour of walking, he stumbled upon an underground town that left him perplexed, "What on earth is this nightmarish place doing down here?" he spoke.


    Old, rundown buildings lined the street leading to the tunnel entrance. The road had weeds and grass growing through it while the wild half reclaimed the structures, but even this confused him.


    ''How did a town get down here? Or did the dungeon create it?'' Atlas pondered while studying the biggest building in the center.


    He stopped thinking and continued down the street, scanning the buildings, as the feeling of being watched hit him. Atlas readied his blades and knew an attack was coming as howls echoed throughout the town.


    Atlas readied himself as Dreadfiends rushed out of their hiding places and lunged at him while trying to bite. He slapped the creature''s claws to the side and thrust his knife into its head before dealing with the others.


    Without thinking, Atlas started spamming Void Step, turning into a blur as he rushed across the street, taking out the enemy at every opportunity. While killing the Dreadfiends, he felt something targeting him.


    ''Something else is attacking!''


    He turned to face it and held the Nightblade in front of him as a sword connected, causing sparks to fly. Atlas gritted his teeth as he gripped his weapons with both hands and his arms strained.


    ''What is this enemy!'' he flicked his wrist to the right, sending the sword flying that way and embedding itself in the wall.


    As that happened, more swords flew at Atlas, causing him to jump, duck, and use Void Step to block them. After that, he spotted the culprit and rushed toward him while skillfully leaping over the blades.


    While doing this, he cast several Void Blasts at the new foe, which he managed to scan.


    [Dreadfiend Knight]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    Atlas''s excitement skyrocketed when he saw this and sped up, which created a sonic boom as he swung at the armored creature who blocked his attack with a shield, but he wasn''t deterred and cast a Void Blast at it.


    The explosion rocked the town, sending the Dreadfiend Knight flying backward. When Atlas saw this, he dashed forward and kept striking with his blades, causing the enemy''s armor to crack under the precise attacks.


    While attacking, Atlas received a warning, causing him to back away. A spear pierced the space he was just in, and another knight appeared. ''Two against one seems fair,'' he thought with a smile under his helmet.


    Following that, he started attacking the second while the first recovered. He managed to get the upper hand using his speed and magic, but when the Dreadfiend Knight slammed its spear on the ground, Atlas backed off.


    He looked at the two enemies, who looked worse for wear, and said excitedly, ''''This is what I wanted! Give me more! Show me what this dungeon can do.''''


    Once the last words left his mouth, Atlas burst forward and cast Void Blast at the first knight while the second thrust his spear toward him. He quickly cast Void Guard to defend himself before attacking with Void Wave.


    The two knights were knocked back, allowing Atlas to drop-kick the first''s knee. This brought the foe to the ground so his Nightblade could plunge through the creature''s skull as the second swung the spear in an arc.


    When Atlas saw this, he used Void Step to appear behind the Dreadfiend Knight, who thrust his spear backward so the butt hit him in the stomach. This sudden attack sent him flying back and crashing through a shop front.


    ''That hurt!'' he internally complained. ''I should have been careful.''


    He was seeing stars but managed to open his eyes just as a spear was a few feet away from his head. Atlas tilted his head just as the sharp edge ripped through his helmet and sliced his cheek, causing blood to explode outward.


    Atlas jumped to his feet and went to snap the spear, but it vanished just as more flew toward him. He dodged most of them but used Void Guard to defend himself from the last one that pierced the azure shield.


    ''Close!''


    The second knight charged at Atlas, aiming a punch that Atlas narrowly avoided by leaning back. In response, he unleashed a Void Blast, shattering part of the knight''s armor. The attack didn''t finish the creature, which only fueled his frustration.


    He continued to press his attack and broke more of the Dreadfiend Knight''s armor, causing the creature to crash to the ground. Atlas went to finish it off, but the enemy kicked him in the chest.


    When the knight''s foot connected, he felt some of his ribs snap in half as he flew backward and crashed into another building, bringing the rubble down on him. Atlas was dizzy, and every time he took a breath, a burning pain racked his body.


    Then, Atlas pushed the rubble off, allowing him to get two health potions from his belt pouch, and downed one before pouring another over his body. While doing that, he heard the rubble being moved.


    ''This knight is persistent!'' he internally complained.


    Atlas dug himself and finally saw the Dreadfiend Knight; he pointed the tip of the Blood Knife at the creature before casting a Void Bullet at it. An explosion rang out, pushing the enemy back and allowing him to use Void Step to get out.


    Once Atlas was free from the rubble, he continued assaulting the knight by using his speed against the creature, struggling to keep up with his attacks. By the time Nightblade pierced the armor, he was exhausted and wanted to end the fight.


    He cast Void Blast and Void Bullet into the creature''s insides, causing explosions to ripple as the knight slumped to the ground. Both enemies vanished into the dungeon, leaving behind a pile of loot.


    Atlas struggled to stand but shuffled over to the two glowing red Monster Cores sitting on the ground, calling to him. He shook his head and picked them up before throwing them and the coins into storage.


    Following the fight, Atlas looked for a place to rest and noticed a Safe Zone in the town hall, which he limped toward. The injuries sent pain through his body, but Regeneration soon kicked in and slowly healed him.


    He stepped into the decrepit building and observed the sparse furnishings: a row of benches and a few threadbare beds aligned against the walls, with a crumbling fireplace dominating the hall''s center.


    Atlas approached one of the seemingly worn but inviting beds and sat down, dismissing his helmet and allowing the cold air to hit his skin. ''That feels nice,'' he thought before lying down.


    A small mana lamp softly illuminated the room, glowing gently over the worn furnishings. Atlas settled into the bed, feeling a sense of security washed over him as he drifted to sleep and the warm air wrapped around his body.


    He was jolted awake a few hours later by a thunderous roar reverberating through the building, shaking the walls around him. Atlas jumped up while thinking, ''What is it now? Damn dungeon always wants to throw something at me.''


    Atlas sat up, his heart racing from the roar that had disturbed his sleep. He retrieved a box of Forest Boar Meat from storage and began eating, savoring the hearty, energy-restoring sustenance.


    After the grueling battles and the draining use of mana, the hearty meal was a much-needed boost, restoring his waning strength. As he enjoyed the food, Atlas took a moment to check his status, curious about the gains for defeating the higher-ranked monsters.


    [Age: 13¡ú14]


    [Level Up: 75¡ú80]


    [Experience: 1630/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 10800]


    [Health: 514¡ú550]


    [Mana: 2860¡ú2940]


    [Strength: 516¡ú546]


    [Stamina: 644¡ú744]


    [Charisma: 370¡ú380]


    [Intelligence: 420¡ú438] S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Core Points: 8050¡ú15000]


    [Core Points Gained: 6950]


    Atlas was taken aback when he realized it was his birthday. He shrugged it off, thinking, ''It doesn''t change anything.''


    Once he finished the meat box and took a swig from his canteen, he stood up, steeled himself, and went toward the eerie town exit to confront whatever had made that thunderous roar. Atlas stepped out and noticed a horrible aura invading his body.


    He gritted his teeth as pain surged, but it quickly dissipated as his aura pushed it back. Atlas scanned his surroundings, but nothing was in sight. With a determined nod, he equipped his helmet, which enhanced his vision in the dim light of the cavern, and pressed on.


    Atlas walked through the town as the ominous buildings loomed over him. He thought he was being watched and jumped out of his skin as Dreadfiends rushed around the corner, screeching with a horrifying voice.


    When spotting them, Atlas cast several Void Bullets at the horde of creatures, causing explosions to erupt everywhere. This threw the group of monsters off guard, allowing him to move in while stabbing and slicing through the Dreadfiends ankles.


    This brought many of them to the ground, which Atlas took advantage of and lunged forward while thrusting Nightblade through their skull, causing blood to splatter the ground below.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 110 - 110: The Astoria Conquest (2)

    Amethyst cast several Cosmic Blasts that killed a group of Southmen who tried to attack Grishna as she neared the top. The four climbed up the fortress walls as the archers and mages covered them from the other side.


    Explosions, screams, and black billowing smoke caused chaos all across the bridge as arrows struck everything. It took the group ten minutes to reach the top, and when they got up, the three women skillfully dispatched the enemy soldiers, allowing them to fight for control of Blood Bridge.


    Grishna used her spear to keep the warriors out of reach as Amethyst peppered them with powerful cosmic magic. While they did this, the blonde knight blocked a berserker''s hammer just before she sliced off the man''s legs and thrust her sword through his face.


    In the meantime, Estelle blocked many attacks aimed at the group as Artemis darted around the wall and stabbed the Southmen while weaving around the enemies, thudding them to the ground.


    The battle continued for another ten minutes until the enemy retreated as Grishna decapitated their fiercest warrior. The four started casting spells at the Southmen below, who backed off after a while.


    Amethyst watched the surviving Southmen retreat to the nearby fortress while more soldiers and adventurers appeared on their side of the bridge. Rollo walked up to them with a big smile and slapped Grishna on the back, ''''Powerful just like your mother! Sorry for doubting you and your friends, girl.''''


    The orc girl smiled as everyone spoke to the older man about the upcoming plans for the war. The four women rested on the right side and relaxed for an hour or two as the allied soldiers secured the bridge against an Achaemendian counterattack.


    Meanwhile, Artemis was leaning against a wall while using her Eaglevision to scout the enemy base. The mana bird soared across the landscape and arrived above the fortress as her keen eyes spotted the enemy preparing for another assault with fresh soldiers.


    Artemis quickly turned to the group and, while taking out her sword, warned, "They''re gearing up to retake the fort. We need to brace ourselves for the incoming wave, ladies."


    Rollo responded with a nod and cast a spell that burst into the sky like a flare. Moments later, reinforcements arrived, and the alliance soldiers began fortifying their defenses. Amethyst extended her wings, ready for action, while Artemis spun her sling, prepared for the next attack.


    Estelle and Grishna took their positions at the forefront, their resolve unwavering. The alliance soldiers drew their bows and readied their spells, their focus intense. The tension in the air was palpable, and then a resounding horn blast cut through the commotion, signaling the imminent battle.


    Seconds later, a sea of arrows and spells appeared in the air, causing Estelle to shout, ''''Girls to me know now!''''


    Amethyst, Grishna, and Artemis dashed toward her as she cast Holy Barrier, which shielded them from the destructive explosions that wiped out most of the allied soldiers with one swoop.


    As the dust began to settle, Grishna''s sharp eyes saw a woman in a menacing mask moving toward them from the right. With no time to lose, she charged forward to intercept her. She swung, which the masked stranger managed to block, but the clash quickly escalated into a fierce exchange of blows.


    Meanwhile, Artemis took advantage of the chaos below, launching explosive pellets from her sling with precise aim. Each projectile erupted in a burst of fire and debris, sending shockwaves through the horde of Southmen.


    Amethyst summoned her wings before soaring into the sky and casting Cosmic Bullets and Cosmic Blasts into the enemy ranks, causing some of them to fly into the river below while others were defended by their mages.


    Grishna reappeared, her earlier clash with the masked stranger seeming to be at a stalemate. Just then, Artemis seized the opportunity and, with precise timing, drove her dagger into the woman''s back.


    The sudden, unexpected attack left the stranger vulnerable, allowing Grishna to deliver a series of brutal blows that reduced her to a crumpled mess. As the orc girl finished, she swiftly turned, her green eyes narrowing with renewed focus.


    She charged at another assailant threatening Estelle, delivering a powerful kick that sent him sprawling. Following that, the group continued pushing the Southmen back, and soon enough, they stopped attacking a few days later.


    While peace descended upon the Malduhr River frontline, the four women stayed atop the wall for another week, but one morning, Amethyst convinced them to take a break in the nearby dwarven town of Vurndor to sleep in a real bed and eat nice food.


    Estelle and Grishna agreed while Artemis followed behind. The phoenix girl walks ahead of the group while admiring the scenery. The blonde knight asked what she saw, and the young girl explained that it was like seeing a painting of all different colors.


    Amethyst compared it to normal sight, which was just colorful. The three older girls nodded in understanding as they let a column of Thalassian soldiers march past. When Grishna saw them, she got annoyed and muttered, ''''Damn dark elves think they''re better than everyone else.''''


    Artemis marveled at the intricately crafted silver armor worn by the elves. Their sleek and elegant helmets shielded their faces, leaving only their piercing eyes visible and fixed resolutely ahead.


    As someone who had never set foot in Astoria, the brunette absorbed every detail with wide-eyed wonder, captivated by the unfamiliar and breathtaking sights. Rolling green hills ended in a mountain range that stretched across the Oakenshield Kingdom.


    Grishna looked at Amethyst, who was falling behind; the orc girl smiled before speaking, ''''Come on, Little Bird, we will rent out an inn room with a comfortable bed so you can sleep.''''


    The phoenix girl raised her head, yawning, saying, ''''That would be nice, but your snoring is too much and keeps me up all night.''''


    Artemis laughed while Estelle smiled, but Grishna retorted defensively, ''''I can''t help that! It''s an orc trait.''''


    The group took another twenty minutes to arrive at the heavily guarded dwarf town. The soldiers at the gate waved them through, allowing the girls to enter and see the stalls selling dwarven food.


    Grishna exclaimed in excitement, ''''Dwarf stall food is delicious; you girls need to try it.''''


    They all agreed and headed to the nearest stall, where the irresistible aroma of kebabs greeted them. After each purchased a meal, they went to a nearby park. They found a spot by a stunning fountain, perfect for enjoying their food.


    Following that, the days passed quickly, and when the girls were heading back to the bridge, a warning came in the form of an injured Rollo; the big man found them at the camp as the Southmen attacked and drove the allies back.


    He glanced at Amethyst and then turned to Grishna before speaking in a worried voice as he warned them, "Get the phoenix out of here! The Sentinels are after her¡ªthey know she''s connected to the demon Dahaka they''ve been preaching about."


    At his words, the four of them quickly composed themselves. Estelle stepped forward, casting Healing Light on the older man as she spoke in a reassuring tone, "We''ll make our way to the Thalassian Empire. If the Southmen shift north, we''ll make our way to the Northern Wastes, where no one goes. There''s a free border city we could hide in."


    ***


    [Yashar Safavi''s POV]


    The First Prince of the Achaemenid Empire was leading the invasion north when his scouts found a route through the Sands of Sorrow Desert. He was now resting before pushing forward after conquering the Wildheart Kingdom. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Due to empire policy, Yashar had to treat the captured royal family respectfully and show them that the Achaemenidians were there to help, even if they burned their lands because they were nervous.


    He was in the capital, Astrion. When the imperial guard and two hundred Immortals entered the city, they were welcomed by the Wildheart Royal Family, who submitted to the empire without much fuss.


    While Yashar was resting in the palace, playing with one of the Wildheart Princesses, he was abruptly interrupted by the commander of the Sentinels, ''''My Prince, the Dahaka''s lover has been spotted at Blood Bridge Southwest from here,'''' he reported.


    ''What!'' he internally thought.


    Yashar pushed the girl off him and jumped up. "Who is she? What details do you have?"


    The man stepped forward while explaining, ''''She''s a young blind girl with purple hair and elf ears; reports speak of beautiful wings the same color as her hair. The general said she was flying around, taking out dozens of our soldiers.''''


    When hearing this, a plan formed in his head, ''I will enslave the demons wife and have control over him, then I can use the boy to defeat my siblings for the crown,'' he thought.


    Yashar shook his head and questioned, ''''Do you have a picture of her Davos?''''


    The commander nodded and handed over a Mana Recorder, allowing him to see a beautiful girl who reminded him of a fairy, ''''She will become mine; I want the girl to join my harem if she renounces that demon.''''


    He then turned to the pink-haired girl and said, ''''Princess, you will join me on my journey to the front. I need some stress relief, and you''re perfect for that.''''


    Yashar and his new consort left the palace while leading the fresh million-strong Achaemenidian army that washed over the land; the only cities or towns they destroyed were the ones that didn''t surrender while sparing the others.


    The First Prince wasn''t like his father, who was a merciful man and allowed people to live after losing a siege where, as Yashar put everyone to the sword. He would soon be known as the Blood Prince of the empire.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 111 - 111: Dreadfiend King

    Atlas gathered twenty green Monster Cores after the Dreadfiends ceased their assault and stored them in his storage before exhaling deeply; he flicked the blood from his blades, then cautiously continued down the street, remaining alert for any lingering threats.


    While walking down the creepy street, the buildings were dark, and curtains sat still in the windless town. Atlas checked his status as he reached the town square, where the remains of old stalls lay abandoned.


    [Level Up: 80¡ú83]


    [Experience: 1630/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 6000]


    [Mana: 2940¡ú2960]


    [Strength: 546¡ú552]


    [Stamina: 744¡ú750]


    [Core Points: 15000¡ú19000]


    [Core Points Gained: 4000]


    Happy with his gains, Atlas was only seventeen levels away from ranking up again. After that, he glanced around the square and spotted many rundown stores with homes behind them, which gave him a bad feeling.


    Something told him to go to the mayor''s mansion in the distance, which he started doing, ''Is the dungeon guiding me there?'' he mused while walking toward the mansion.


    Atlas continued through the town as it grew darker, allowing the Deathfiends to ambush him from the shadows. He sidestepped many attacks while striking back; after putting down a few creatures, he took out an Inferno Bomb and threw it into the center of the creatures.


    A firestorm erupted when it connected with a monster''s chest, devouring many Deathfiends and causing them to howl in agony. Atlas was shocked but decided not to use them against smaller targets anymore, as he could feel the flames on his skin.


    Following that, he slaughtered the surviving creatures before collecting the ten cores. It took another twenty minutes to reach the mayor''s mansion, and then he felt an ominous feeling wash over him as howls rang out from the courtyard outside.


    Steeling himself, Atlas walked through the iron gates and saw a ten-foot being standing there holding a greatsword. It looked like a Dreadknight but was more vicious-looking, and its aura was stronger, affecting him.


    ''Another mini-boss? I''ll use Void Sight,'' he thought.


    [Dreadfiend King]


    [Second Sub-Boss]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    ''Spider Queen and now a Dreadfiend King,'' he mused. ''I''m feeling a pattern coming along. If I remember correctly, there were Death Gorillas and Blood Bats in this dungeon.''


    Atlas readied his blades, but even then, he looked like a bug compared to the boss before him. The creature''s black armor gave off an ominous feeling that seeped into his body, but he shook his head as a gong rang across the courtyard. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He looked at the new enemy and guessed it could wipe out dozens of soldiers with one swing of that deadly weapon resting on its shoulder. The Dreadfiend King dashed forward and swung the tree-sized sword at him.


    When Atlas saw this, he yelped before using Void Sight to avoid the attack; once he reappeared, he cast several Void Blasts at the foe. The azure blue blasts connected with the creature''s chest, causing it to stumble back.


    After that, he lunged forward and slashed through the metal armor, trying to bring it down, but it wasn''t good enough as the king swung its sword at him. Atlas crossed his blades and cast Void Guard just in time to defend himself, but the force of the strike sent him skidding across the courtyard.


    Atlas collapsed to his knees, blood spilling from his mouth as he struggled to catch his breath as the pain radiated throughout his body. But that''s when Regeneration quickly kicked in and started mending the internal injuries.


    He reached into his pouch and pulled a health potion before downing it. Following that, Atlas got to his feet as pain shot through his body, causing him to yelp. He noticed the Dreadfiend King wasn''t moving. ''Is it waiting for my next move?'' he thought.


    That''s when an idea came to him. Atlas took out a Gravity and Thunderclap Bomb before dashing toward the enemy. When the creature saw this, it swung its sword in several arcs, but he was too quick and dodged several attacks.


    ''It''s stronger than me but I''m faster,'' he thought while closing in on the Dreadfiend King.


    Once Atlas was close, he launched the Gravity Bomb at the boss''s chest. When it connected, something strange happened: the air around the enemy started to warp, bringing him to his knees.


    ''Got you now,'' he internally celebrated as he charged forward and threw the Thunderclap Bomb.


    The bomb struck the Dreadfiend King squarely in the face, erupting in a thunderous explosion that sent the towering boss crashing onto its back. Seizing the moment, Atlas charged forward, his heart pounding with adrenaline.


    As he reached the fallen giant, Atlas thrust his blade deep into its skull, the steel penetrating with a sickening crunch. He then unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets, each shot tearing through the creature''s head and causing it to disintegrate into a horrible mixture of blood and bone.


    Covered in the blood and gore, Atlas staggered back, overwhelmed by the brutal scene. He ripped off his helmet, his stomach churning, but it soon settled down as the body vanished into the dungeon, leaving beyond a red core and another key.


    Atlas retrieved the silver item and carefully stowed it away, along with eight gold coins, into his storage. Exhausted, he slumped against a nearby tree, allowing himself a moment of rest as he caught his breath.


    His mind wandered as he considered the path ahead. ''Two more directions left,'' he mused, ''which means two more mini-bosses to face.''


    After that, he continued to find the tunnel entrance, going up until he saw the other pathways. Atlas took the opposite one and ended up in a jungle, ''Death Gorillas, this is going to be annoying.''


    Atlas was standing at the mouth of the entrance when he started hearing the hollering of the monsters in the distance. He noticed the trees moving, so he hid behind a nearby tree and watched several angry-looking monsters rush out of the bushes.


    They slammed into the ground below as Atlas grinned, an idea for an ambush forming in his mind. He pulled out a Gravity Bomb and hurled it at the group. When it exploded, the Death Gorillas were forcefully slammed to the ground.


    When that happened, he rushed in and started plunging his blades into the monster skulls, putting them down in minutes. Atlas took minutes to finish them all, but the roars never ceased as he collected the four red Monster Cores.


    Following that, he was ambushed by more Death Gorillas, causing him to dodge their massive fists while getting a good look at the monsters. They stood five feet tall, had black hair, and raging red eyes with solid muscles rippled under their skin.


    Thanks to their size, Atlas managed to dodge most attacks, and the ones he couldn''t, he used Void Guard to block the stroke. His Void Arrows were effective against the muscular monsters who moved quicker than their size allowed.


    Atlas kept up with them thanks to his speed. Nightblade bit into their flesh while he cast Void Blast, which blew one of the gorillas'' arms clean off as he stabbed another in the eye. While fighting them, the third monster grabbed him by the legs.


    He was dangling in the air but aimed his hand at the Death Gorilla''s face before casting Void Blast. Atlas cast Void Wave to knock the surviving three back as he fell before dashing forward and slashing deep into the monster''s legs.


    The gorilla dropped to the ground with a crash before he thrust his blade through the creature''s skull and cast Void Blast, turning its head into a pile of blood and gore that soon vanished back into the dungeon.


    After dispatching the remaining Death Gorillas, Atlas collected twelve additional green monster cores and absorbed a substantial amount of experience, which brought a satisfied smile to his face. He pressed on through the dense forest, soon confronted by a relentless wave of Death Gorillas.


    Atlas enjoyed dodging many attacks before lashing out with his blades and magic, which lit up the forest. A few times, the gorillas managed to hit him. A lucky creature broke his left arm as he blocked a punch.


    When the dinnerplate-sized fist connected with his arm, he felt it instantly snap, causing him to scream out in pain as he crashed into a tree with a hard thud and dropped to the ground while yelping.


    He looked down only to see his forearm dangling, which made him feel sick, but he focused back on the fight. Two more Death Gorillas rushed toward him with rage in their blood-red eyes.


    Atlas jumped up and gripped Nightblade just as the first one got in range to swing, and predictably, it did just that. He ducked under the fist and stabbed the creature in the armpit, quickly casting Void Bullet before using Void Step to avoid the second gorilla attack.


    A fist impacted the spot where Atlas was standing, which sent the first monsters flying back due to the force. He took advantage of the moment and slid Nightblade into the gorilla''s neck as it tried to get back up.


    When he felt his blade slice through the flesh of the monster, causing it to vanish back into the dungeon as the second gorilla wildly swung its massive arms, Atlas boobed and weaved around them while lashing out with his magic.


    Void Arrow managed to impale the gorilla through the air before it crashed to the ground; after the battle, Atlas spotted seven green cores, which made him happy with the experience he had earned.

 Chapter 112 - 112: Champion

    Following the battle with the Death Gorillas, Atlas continued through the jungle and was happy he wasn''t attacked again. Thanks to Regeneration, his arm was fully healed, allowing him to summon the Blood Knife back to him.


    Soon enough, he came across an arena in the middle of the jungle that resembled Aztec architecture, ''This place reminds me of the books of forgotten cities in the Amazon Jungle back on Earth,'' he thought while glancing around.


    The colosseum lit up as a gate opened, and a larger Death Gorilla confidently strode into the arena with a swagger. Atlas noticed the monster wore ominous black metal armor that covered most of its body except the knees.


    That''s when Atlas saw the monster was wielding a massive war hammer resembling an iron block that could destroy him in one hit, ''What the hell is this thing? It''s a mafia-acting monster,'' he thought while tightening his grip on the blades.


    He scanned the mini-boss to find out its rank.


    [Death Gorilla Champion]


    [Third Sub-Boss]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    After Atlas saw the monster''s rank, he got excited because the fight would be exhilarating and push him to go further. Without wasting another second, he burst forward so fast that he created a sonic boom behind him before aiming at the creature''s exposed knee.


    ''That''s where I will attack,'' Atlas grinned. ''Maybe I can bring it down to get the advantage.''


    The Champion jumped back before swinging its war hammer down forcefully. Atlas quickly stopped attacking and slid through the monster''s legs to avoid the attack while casting a dozen Void Blasts and Void Bullets at its torse.


    Explosions lit up the arena, causing the Champion to stumble back due to the sudden counterattack. Atlas pushed forward and put pressure on the Mini-Boss by repeatedly striking its knees with his blades.


    As the monster felt this, it swung its weapon, causing Atlas to drop to the ground. He felt the metal on the tip of his nose. Following that attack, he soon realized the constant fights were taking their toll on his body.


    ''This is going to be harder than I thought,'' Atlas thought.


    When he again targeted the knees, his arm buckled due to exhaustion, causing the boss to react with a strike of its own. The Champion''s powerful kick sent him flying across the arena, slamming into a wall with a bone-jarring impact.


    Atlas crumpled to the ground, his entire body trembling with pain. A groan escaped his lips as he struggled to steady himself, feeling the sting of the impact reverberate through every bone.


    He tried to stand, but his legs shook like a baby giraffe, causing him to think, ''I need to rest after this. I''ve fought too much and for too long. It''s currently affecting me.''


    After that thought, Atlas took out a stamina potion and downed the green liquid only to feel energized, but the tiredness lingered in the background. When he did this, he felt momentarily refreshed.


    This allowed him to continue the fight with the Death Gorilla Champion. The monster was angry and rushed toward Atlas, who let the monster get closer before it was attacked by swinging the giant war hammer.


    Atlas used Void Step to dodge the attack, and he reappeared behind the creature before thrusting Nightblade into the soft flesh and casting Void Bullets. When the azure projectiles appeared, they instantly exploded.


    The magic blew the Champion''s leg off, bringing the stronger monster to the ground. This allowed Atlas to Void Step onto its back and drive his blade through the monster''s skull. The sound of bone shattering reached his ears and caused him to shiver.


    He cast a Void Blast that destroyed the creature''s brain, causing it to drop to the ground before vanishing into the dungeon. Altas quickly noticed the 10 gold coins, a necklace, and a similar key to the other two Mini-Bosses.


    While storing his spoils in his Dimensional Storage, he scanned the necklace to see if it had any effect.


    [Necklace of Stamina & Strength: increases both attributes by fifty - activate as long as the user wears it]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 3]


    "Oh, this is amazing!" Atlas exclaimed while removing his helmet before putting on the necklace, instantly feeling the boost it gave him.


    That''s when he decided to scan the key to see if any information would pop up.


    [Dungeon Sub-Boss Keys: 4/4 - Use these to challenge the boss and win its prizes]


    ''I have three so far and only need one,'' Atlas mused. ''The Blood Bats will be the last monsters but they will also be a nightmare.''


    Following that, he decided to find a Safe Zone, which took him half an hour to locate. Once inside, he dismissed his helmet and collapsed onto one of the beds, thinking, ''Why are these places down here? A question for another time,'' he thought.


    Atlas soon drifted into a deep sleep, his body working tirelessly to mend the internal injuries sustained from the relentless battles with the bosses. Hours later, he awoke to the rumbling of his stomach, a clear signal that he needed sustenance.


    He reached for a Dragons Meat Feast from his supplies and began devouring the tender, sizzling meat. The rich, savory flavors were irresistible, and each bite brought a wave of comfort.


    As Atlas finished his meal, renewed energy rushed through his body, causing him to fight the Blood Bats down the last tunnel. He then drank some water to clear his dry mouth from waking up before continuing through the dungeon.


    While getting closer to the area of the upcoming monster, they started attacking him as he stepped into a massive chamber. Atlas spotted a bridge that spanned the dark chasm below and gulped.


    ''Not this again,'' he thought while preparing his spells and weapons.


    As Atlas took one step forward, a screech rang out, and a Blood Bat swooped down on him, who stepped back. He continued slowly making his way across the dangerous bridge; while doing this, he realized there was a pattern to their attack.


    This sparked an idea in Atlas''s mind. He turned around and continued his trek but halted abruptly as a group of monsters swooped toward him. With precision, he raised Nightblade and sliced through the creatures with ease.


    The Blood Bats were cut mid-air, their forms dissipating into nothingness. As the last one vanished, a green core fell to the ground, shimmering with a faint, eerie light. Atlas picked it up while checking his status.


    [Level Up: 83¡ú84]


    [Experience: 520/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 4900]


    [Health: 550>556]


    [Mana: 2960>2970] Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Strength: 552¡ú560]


    [Stamina: 750¡ú762]


    [Intelligence: 438¡ú442]


    [Core Points: 19000¡ú21850]


    [Core Points Gained: 2850]


    [Void Wave: 1¡ú2]


    [Void Guard: 2¡ú3]


    ''Not long until I rank up again,'' he thought excitedly.


    Following that, Atlas killed a dozen more Blood Bats by tricking them into swooping as he ran his blades across their furry bodies, which earned him more Monster Cores that he stored away before continuing to travel through the cavern.


    It resembled a tundra with large stone pillars jutting from the ground; he did spot-looking mountains in the distance. Atlas felt hundreds of Blood Bats lurking in the darkness, and thanks to the Night Eyes Rune on his helmet, he could see the closest monsters.


    The monsters weren''t attacking him except for a small group that occasionally swooped at him, forcing Atlas to kill every monster that came close. This went on for a while as he approached his objective.


    By the time he reached the mountain base, he had killed so many Blood Bats that the monsters had to retreat. Atlas took every group out while earning even more experience that would help him level up.


    ***


    [The Red Band Party]


    Sable was pacing at the entrance worriedly as her husband Roderic approached, ''''Darling. We have the chance to leave this horrific dungeon. We lost four people here, and I don''t want to lose anyone else.''''


    The blonde mage turned to him, ''''What about the boy? He wandered into a level two dungeon and will die, especially if the monsters are related to death,'''' she retorted.


    Roderic shrugged before answering, ''''It was his choice to enter alone; who are we to stop him? We already have children, Sable, and we need no more to strain our coins.''''


    After that, the four reached the quarry entrance, which the Achaemenditians guarded. When the soldiers saw this condition, their eyes widened in shock as the commander spoke in a relieved tone, ''''Red Band is alive! The Guild Master will be happy.''''


    ''''Did you run into the little warrior?'''' another soldier commented.


    When the group heard this, Roderic stepped forward and responded with a frown, ''''He went to explore the dungeon we found in the quarry. It''s a Level 2 Death Dungeon commander; the monsters were strong.''''


    The Acahaemenidian commander, ''''We will send in a group of guards and inform the Adventurers Guild about the discovery,'''' he said in a firm tone.


    Following that, the Red Band left the quarry entrance and walked toward the inn they had hired before entering the hellhole they had found themselves in. Sable looked worried, which caused Roderic to calm her down.


    While walking through Tajariyah''s street, Marcus spoke in a curious voice, ''''Do you think the boys alive down there? When Alina and I went to scout, there was a battle on the bridge, but it looked like the culprits fell off it.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 113 - 113: Blood Bat King

    Atlas continued toward the mountain, where he guessed the Blood Bat King would be waiting for him. He walked toward a forest that looked ominous at the base of his destination, but he forced himself to ignore it. Then, he heard a strange swooping as something grabbed him before shooting into the sky.


    ''What is it now!'' Atlas internally complained before noticing the monster carrying him for the regular Blood Bat.


    He soon calmed down before pointing his hand at the monster''s body as he cast Void Blast, which burrowed right through and shot out the other end. The monster let go of Atlas as the pain overwhelmed it, and he started to freefall toward the mountain below.


    Without thinking, Atlas started casting Void Step to slow down, and it helped as after using it a few times, he crashed into the ground below, creating a crater. He lay in the middle as his body hurt, ''Why am I always injuring myself!''


    Atlas shook his head before climbing out of the crater, only to realize that he was at the mountain''s base that loomed high into the sky. While observing the landscape, he spotted a massive castle on one of the peaks.


    Its dark stone walls were decorated by towers that seemed to pierce the sky. Atlas admired its imposing, ancient design and was thrilled at the prospect of the battles that awaited him within its walls.


    The fortress''s foreboding silhouette only fueled his anticipation, ''That''s where I need to go,'' he thought, steeling himself for the challenges ahead as he began his ascent toward the castle.


    Atlas climbed up the side of the mountain until he found a staircase that made his ascent even easier. While trekking up, he checked his status after fighting the Blood Bats on his way there.


    [Level Up: 84¡ú86]


    [Experience: 1230/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 3600]


    [Core Points: 21850¡ú24250]


    ''Two levels and some Core Points, not bad for a quick scuffle,'' he mused. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, Atlas continued until a group of three BloodBats targeted him. He had to cast Void Guard to defend himself against their claws before stabbing one of them whole and hitting another with a Void Arrow.


    The fight lasted a few minutes, leaving only one of the monsters alive, but a roar rang out from the castle above. When the Blood Bat heard this, it fled from the scene, causing him to think, ''The boss wants to deal with me himself.''


    It took him another ten minutes to reach the large wooden doors that would grant him access to the inside. Atlas went to touch it, but it suddenly opened, allowing him to see the inside.


    The castle interior was a large hallway, with shadows covering everything except certain spots where fires lit up. Atlas wandered inside, gripping his weapons tighter, as he heard a swoosh above him.


    He spun around, activated Void Sight, and spotted the Mini-Boss.


    [Blood Bat King]


    [Forth Sub-Boss]


    [Rabk: C - 500 Exp]


    ''The same as the others but this one flies,'' Atlas thought as something told him to jump to the side.


    When he did that, claws scrapped against the stone floor. Atlas raised his hand and cast several Void Arrows that trailed behind the giant bat, which flew around pillars, trying to get rid of the spells.


    As the monster did this, Atlas readied a Gravity Bomb, and the Bat King managed to lose the azure arrows as this hit the stone pillars. It aimed straight for him and readied its claws, but he threw the projectile at it.


    When the little orb hit the monster, it suddenly slammed to the ground with a crash that caused the floor to shake. Atlas rushed forward, but the creature looked at him and let out a screech that sent him flying.


    Atlas smashed into a fireplace before hitting the floor with a thud, but regardless of that, he noticed the monster was still stuck by the bomb, causing him to take out the Frostfall Bomb and throw it at the creature.


    When it hit its torso, a cold blast erupted, covering the Mini-Boss in ice with only its large head free, Atlas chuckled but didn''t waste the opportunity and dashed toward the monster, who screeched at him again.


    He sidestepped the spell this time before using Void Step to lunge at the King bat and drive Nightblade through its head. Atlas unleashed a Void Blast that blew the monster''s brain apart.


    Blood and brain covered him, but the corpse soon vanished, leaving behind 10 gold coins and the last key. Atlas scooped them into his storage before preparing himself for the climb down.


    As Atlas was about to proceed, a portal appeared in the middle of the hall, startling him. His initial shock faded when he peered through and recognized the other side: the familiar corridor with five branching paths.


    He shook his head, dispelling his unease, and chose the main path, now illuminated by a row of flickering torches guiding his way. As Atlas walked, he remained alert and poised for battle, but to his surprise, no threats emerged from the shadows.


    After a twenty-minute walk, Atlas reached a chamber with a massive metal door that gave him the creeps, but he recognized the aura coming off it, ''Chaos again! Are they infecting the world?'' he thought.


    Atlas shook his head and approached the door, taking out the four keys he''d collected before using them to open it. As the door opened, a familiar aura hit him that he experienced with Amethyst a while ago.


    ''Is this my first battle with a Chaos being?'' he thought while stepping across the threshold, only for the door to close behind him as a male voice rang out.


    ''''Little Voidwalker visits me first. How wonderful,'''' it said in an amused tone.


    Atlas spun around but couldn''t see anything, only to feel someone tap his shoulder, ''''This way, boy.''''


    He quickly turned and noticed a tall man with pale white skin, blood-red eyes, and a stood twice his size. The first thing that came to his mind when seeing this man was ''Vampire.''


    Without thinking, he quickly aimed Nightblade at the newcomer''s throat, who appeared shocked and backed off. Atlas chased after him while slashing at his limbs but then surprised the man by casting Void Arrows.


    The azure blue projectiles sliced through the air and hit the vampire''s chest, which sent the enemy flying back. After this, Atlas took the opportunity to use Void Sight.


    [Chaos Vampire]


    [Chaos Dungeon Boss]


    [Level: 227]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    ''This is going to be tough,'' Atlas mused with a smirk. ''But I can beat this Chaos scum.''


    He used Void Step to rush up to the vampire, who turned around angrily and cast a spell that sent needles of blood slicing through the air. When Atlas saw this, he sidestepped them while casting Void Blast in the projectiles.


    The vampire''s eyes widened in stunned disbelief as Atlas bore down upon it. With a roar, the creature lashed out with razor-sharp claws. Atlas deflected one attack with deft precision, allowing the other to drive Nightblade and Blood Knife deep into the monster''s shoulders.


    Now, face-to-face with his second chaos enemy, Atlas''s lips curled into a sinister smile. He unleashed a barrage of four Void Bullets that exploded within the boss''s body, causing confusion as the creatures'' insides were burned into dust.


    ''''Ahhhh, you puny worm! How can you hurt me like this!'''' the vampire bellowed before it writhed in agony; Atlas swiftly pulled back, only to be caught off guard by a powerful Blood Blast.


    The force of the blast sent him hurtling through the air, crashing violently into the ground. Atlas lay there as the snapped bones began to repair themselves, causing him to groan. Once his sight returned to normal after going fuzzy, he spotted the vampire on one knee with no arms.


    While watching his enemy, Atlas noticed the vampire was regenerating just as he was now. He struggled to his feet and aimed the blade at the creature''s head before casting Void Bullet at it.


    ''''If I die here, the king will avenge me. He will be glad to know the Voidwalker has returned,'''' it said in a strained voice.


    The spell soared through the air and connected with the shocked vampire, but once the explosion calmed down, Atlas used Void Step to get closer as he drove Nightblade into the creature''s heart.


    However, the vampire''s fierce swipe sent Atlas sprawling through the air. Yet, with a swift flicker, he reappeared, his blade Nightblade gleaming with deadly intent. He thrust it into the creatures with a fierce strike, eliciting a guttural scream of agony from the Chaos being.


    "Now die, vampire," Atlas declared with a steely gaze, "and tell the king I eagerly await his arrival." With that, he unleashed a torrent of Void Blasts into the man''s writhing form, each explosion tearing through its body with devastating force.


    Atlas was sent flying just as screeches could be heard as Blood Bats swooped down from the roof. He managed to cast Void Guard to block the first dive bomb, but as the second monster appeared, he stabbed into the creature''s guts.


    Drenched in blood and battered, Atlas plummeted to the floor below. But he cast Void Step and reappeared near the vampire''s corpse, which was being drawn into the dungeon''s depths.


    The boss left behind a shiny silver token that caught his attention. He approached it and picked it up, only to use Void sight to find out what it was.


    [Dungeon silver boss token: Proof that an adventurer defeated a Level Two Dungeon boss - It proves that the adventure is accomplished]


    ***


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 114 - 114: The Astoria Conquest (3)

    After visiting the first town and buying a few months'' worth of provisions for their journey to Thalassar City, the four women traveled across the Oakenheart Kingdom, dodging most of the population centers.


    They found themselves on a trading road that led them through the dwarf realm, where refugees fled in the thousands. The group passed by a mountain city called Highbuldohr, which was already locked down due to the impending invasion.


    Amethyst looked at Estelle and questioned, ''''Won''t the Southmen break the gates and get in? It seems stupid to stay put inside the mountain.''''


    The blonde knight shook her head before answering while watching the Oakenheart Soldiers ushering citizens inside, ''''They are cities built deep under the earth and mountains. Once the dwarf mages lock the gate, it won''t open until the king gives the order.''''


    "How do they get their food?" Artemis asked in a curious tone. "What if they have been in there for years?"


    Estelle was about to speak, but Grishna beat her to it, ''''They have stockpiles of food, underground lakes, and rivers that produce fish, and if anything, the Cave Mushrooms would be eaten.''''


    Everyone nodded, but the orc girl continued, ''''I remember the war between the Thalassians and winter dwarves in the north. After burning their crops, they locked down every town and city, forcing the dark elves to retreat.''''


    "Have you heard of the Runestone Empire in eastern Aridonia?" Artemis interjected after Grishna finished speaking. "They''re a formidable naval power, commanding vast territories. Unlike other realms, they don''t simply lock down their cities; they actively repel anyone who dares to invade their lands."


    Afterward, the group resumed their journey and soon arrived at a Mana Airship station. Estelle''s eyes lit up as she said, "We could catch a ride to Thalassar City from here. It''s 3 gold coins each, but it''s worth it for the convenience."


    Everyone agreed, and they headed towards the airfield, where imposing Hobgoblin warriors stood guard, their well-crafted armor glinting in the sunlight. When the soldiers spotted Grishna, they saluted, which she returned.


    As they approached, a small goblin with a clipboard stepped forward to greet them, ''''Afternoon travelers. Welcome to the only Oakenheart Airfield that is still open. I''m Martin Spitwittle, manager of the Highbuldohr Airfield. Where do you wish to travel?''''


    ''''Thalassar City,'''' Estelle replied. ''''When is the next airship leaving?''''


    The goblin looked up with beady eyes before answering, ''''I believe the captain is readying the craft for take off now, so about twenty minutes. Do you wish to take the last four seats?''''


    ''''Yes. Is it still 3 gold?'''' the blonde knight questioned.


    ''''Unfortunately not. We had to raise the prices to 5 gold pieces because a dozen of the Confederation airships had gone missing over the last two weeks, and we suspect the Achaemenidians are involved as no attacker has been found,'''' the goblin manager explained.


    Afterward, the women handed over 20 gold and were escorted to the last airship. She was amazed when she saw the craft; if Atlas were here, he would recognize it as a blimp, but the passenger compartment was five times the size of their Earth counterparts.


    As they walked across the airfield, Amethyst noticed Martin''s gaze fell on a cluster of Wild Orcs laboriously hauling large crates under the supervision of another goblin. His voice rang out, sharp with urgency, "Joe! Get those pigs moving! We need to clear out of here by tonight!"


    "Yes, boss!" the other goblin shouted back before whipping the Wild Orcs, which made the four women laugh.


    Martin looked at the orc girl with a curious glance, ''''Why are you with two demi-humans and a human? Orcs usually stick with their own, especially this far north.''''


    Grishna shrugged, ''''We formed a party,'''' she replied.


    That''s when the goblin''s expression shifted to alarm as a distant explosion echoed through the airfield. "We need to get you ladies on the airship immediately!" he urged, his voice edged with urgency.


    The group hurried to the craft without hesitation, boarding quickly as the explosions grew closer. Estelle faced the three women as the doors sealed behind them, saying, "Everyone, take your seats and brace yourselves. The Southmen are closing in, and we''re in for a bumpy takeoff."


    The captain''s voice rang out over the tannoy, ''''Ladies and gentlemen, this is your handsome goblin captain speaking. Hold on tight. This will be a rough take off; the devilish Southmen have smashed the allied army at the Battle of Kugulur, after which the Blood Prince killed all the prisoners.''''


    When the four women heard this, Artemis gritted her teeth angrily as Amethyst spoke, ''''Do you think Rollo escaped?''''


    Grishna sighed. ''''That old man is tough, but I honestly don''t know. The Blood Prince is ruthless and kills everyone who surrenders. She has a cavalry unit called the Hunters, which chases the fleeing soldiers,'''' she explained.


    The airship started rising as the Greenskin Confederations defenses opened fire on an approaching army. Amethyst rushed over the window to get a better view as the goblin cannons roared to life.


    Volatile arcs of mana flew through the air and peppered the Southmen''s frontline, but they had mages that deflected most of the damage. While watching the ongoing battle, Artemis shouted, ''''Thunderships! They sent their Air core after us.''''


    When the others spotted it, their eyes widened in alarm. A smaller, swifter airship, sleek and brown with eagle-like wings, streaked towards them with impressive speed.


    Estelle pushed them aside, urgency in her voice. "If we don''t take that down, it''ll destroy our airship."


    All eyes turned to Amethyst. She let out a nervous squeak but quickly found her resolve. Summoning her wings, she stepped toward the balcony exit, ready to confront the threat.


    ***


    [Rollo''s POV]


    The old man fought on the frontline when the Shahin''s Phalanx joined the fray. The allied soldiers fought bravely but were slaughtered in the hundreds thanks to the Southmens spears and shieldwall.


    When Rollo saw this, he raised his sword, ''''Soldiers of the Golden Lion Legion! Retreat to the camp and don''t look back.'''' Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He turned around and started slowly fleeing, ensuring his soldiers got away. Once they were safe, Rollo rushed back to their camp, where two thousand warriors of the mercenary group survived the battle.


    The commanders hurried over, seeking his instructions. He took a moment, recalling the four women he had encountered during the Blood Bridge battle. A sense of unease lingered¡ªsomething about them made him feel they needed protection.


    Turning to his second-in-command, Rollo said, "Jorik, come with me to the main tent."


    He then addressed the remaining commanders. "Prepare the soldiers to move north immediately. We need to put distance between ourselves and the Blood Prince before he can reach us. Also, ensure we have guards stationed around the camp at all times."


    The two men entered the tent following that, but Rollo approached the shrine he had built for Nyx, his patron goddess. The older man started praying hard to get the answers he needed from a higher power, but that''s when his consciousness was sucked into another realm.


    "Little Rollo, it''s unlike you to be so fervent in your prayers. What answers are you seeking from the goddess of darkness?"


    Rollo swallowed hard, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Are those four women significant? I''m getting an odd feeling about them, but I can''t quite figure it out."


    Nyx started laughing before revealing something that would shock the older man, ''''Let''s say they are a part of the Azhar''Zul''z path and four of the thirteen stars spoken in the scripts. They need to be protected until they''re strong enough.''''


    ''''The Mahdi is truly real?'''' Rollo questioned in disbelief.


    "Yes, he''s currently engaged with those vile chaos spawns, but he''ll soon be heading to the Northern Wastes to join his party. You must ensure the safety of the four women while they are there and guard them against the monsters that roam those dangerous lands."


    Rollo nodded, about to ask another question, but the goddess instructed him. "Follow the Azhar''Zul, and the Golden Lions will become the Voidwalker''s soldiers. As he fulfills his destiny, you will gain immense wealth and power if you stay loyal to the boy."


    After Nyx spoke, she waved her hand before saying one last thing as the scene turned black: ''''Hurry up and head north. They will be at the Death Pass in a couple of weeks.''''


    That''s when he woke up to Jorik shaking him, ''''Oi old man! Don''t go dying on us,'''' the younger man spoke.


    ''''Shut up; I''m not dead and won''t be until we reach paradise,'''' Rollo responded while standing up.


    He brushed the dirt off his clothes before continuing, ''''I spoke to Goddess Nyx, and she revealed that the Mahdi has arrived on Valoria, and we must guard those four women who took Blood Bridge as their wives.''''


    Jorik''s eyes widened in shock, and seconds later, he dropped to his knees while praying, ''''May the one who points the way lead us to paradise.''''


    Rollo shook his head, his expression resolute. "We''ll move north to seek the stars. Once we locate them, we''ll establish a fort in the wilderness and wait for the Mahdi to join us."


    The younger man nodded eagerly, his brown eyes shining with enthusiasm. Rollo knew his two thousand devoted followers would enthusiastically embrace this mission, provided their families could accompany them.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 115 - 115: Dungeon Conqueror

    A strange sense of triumph and ecstasy filled the chamber as the dungeon''s shadows consumed the Chaos Being just as a bright light engulfed everything. Atlas was shocked, but that''s when he soon vanished, only to reappear in a smaller room with a glowing orb in front of him.


    He looked at the object and was fascinated, but a young man''s voice sounded in his mind, ''******* *********,'' place your hands on me to connect us, so I can aid you once you''re strong enough.''


    ''What?'' he thought while glancing around the stone chamber.


    ''I''m the Dungeon Core! Touch me to unlock your gift,'' the voice said in a frustrated tone this time.


    Atlas stepped forward and touched the orb, feeling connected to it somehow. Once he did that, something inside him unlocked, causing notifications to pop up in his view, which amazed him.


    [Dungeon Conqueror: Thanks to your lineage, you can wield this powerful class that allows you to connect with Valoria''s dungeons once you have conquered them. This would permit you to summon a horde of monsters that come from the ones you completed]


    [Dungeon Realm: A place where the conquered dungeons are gathered while still being accessible from the outside world - Can visit by activating the Dungeon Conqueror Skill in a safe location]


    [Cost: Mana cost depends on what monster you want to summon. Check out the available groups]


    ''''This is fascinating,'''' Atlas muttered with a big smile. ''''Let me select the skill and see what the dungeon I just completed is called.


    [Deathly Hollow: Level Two Dungeon] S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Cool name, now let''s check what kind of monsters I can use,'' he mused while going through the skill and selecting Deathly Hollow''s list.


    [Monster Rank E: Death Spiders, Stone Crawlers, Dreadfiends]


    [Monster Rank D: Blood Bats, Death Gorillas, Death Jackals]


    [Monster Rank C: Dreadfiend Knight]


    [Monster Rank A: Death Serpent]


    [Sub-Bosses: Blood Bat King, Dreadfiend King, Queen Death Spider]


    [Boss: Corrupted by Chaos - Unavailble]


    ''Damn, Chaos, is this going to be a common event from now on?'' Atlas pondered before going down the list.


    "There are so many monsters; I won''t be able to use all of them," he muttered while staring at the list.


    [Rank G: 125 Mana per summon - Brings forth a single monster that stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Rank E: 250 Mana per summon - Brings forth a single monster that stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Rank D: 500 Mana per summon - Stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Rank C: 1000 Mana per summon - Stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Rank A: 2000 Mana per summon - Stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Sub-Bosses: 3000 Mana per summon - Stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    [Bosses: 4000 Mana per summon - Stays in the real world until destroyed or dismissed]


    ''Only single monsters? What about an army?'' Atlas thought.


    [Further additions will be added once the skill levels are up, and to do that, you need to use it as much as possible]


    ''What the hell is this? I need a lot of mana to use the higher ranks, but it shouldn''t take too long to get enough at the rate I''m leveling up,'' Atlas thought as the shock sunk in.


    He pulled up his status to see the upgrades.


    [Class: Voidwalker/Dungeon Conqueror]


    [Level Up: 86¡ú88]


    [Experience: 1230/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 3600]


    [Health: 556¡ú560]


    [Mana: 2970¡ú3000]


    [Strength: 560¡ú564]


    [Stamina: 762¡ú770]


    [Intelligence: 442¡ú446]


    [Core Points: 21850¡ú24250]


    [Core Points Gained: 2400]


    [Dungeon Conqueror: 0]


    After taking off his helmet and looking around to see a portal leading to the entrance, Atlas refreshed himself with a mouthful of water. Before he could leave, the dungeon core spoke in his mind, ''Conqueror, we shall speak in the Dungeon Realm and get to know each other even more.''


    ''Okay, I look forward to our next chat,'' he said with a smile as he stepped through the portal.


    He appeared in a large chamber with several tunnels leading in all directions, only to find the dungeon entrance in the center of the space. ''I bet the Achaemenidians will love this dungeon. I wonder if I get anything for completing it?''


    Atlas was eager to test his new skill, so he activated Dungeon Conqueror and summoned a Death Spider through a swirling azure portal. As the monster scuttled around the chamber, his fascination was tempered by a growing sense of unease.


    The creature''s movements, though fascinating, sent an instinctive shiver down his spine. Watching its every twitch, Atlas couldn''t shake a nagging sense of dread coming from a nearby tunnel.


    ''Is this some instinctive warning?'' he wondered.


    Following that, Atlas summoned three Blood Bats, who walked out of the portal and chirped at him in a friendly manner, which was strange as they had been attacking him a while ago. Once outside, he ordered them on the walls to wait for his signal to attack.


    After that, he summoned even more Death Spiders, and the creatures hid around the wall just as a group of adventurers rushed into the chamber. Atlas counted eight of them, and by a quick scan, the strongest was Journeyman rank.


    ''This will be tricky but exciting,'' he thought as the leader stepped forward.


    ''''Are you the boy who found the Tajariyah dungeon?'''' the man said.


    He glanced at the man, noting his height¡ªaround six feet¡ªwith blonde, curly hair and a confident, almost smug smile. The rest of the group seemed like the typical adventurers in any novel or game.


    Atlas nodded and said, "That''s right. I was just about to head back to the city to report on some quests I''ve completed."


    When he finished speaking, the leader and other men chuckled, causing him to grow confused, which showed on his face. This made the older man laugh before he spoke again, ''''You see when an adventurer discovers an undiscovered dungeon, they are granted two percent of the weekly profits along with five hundred gold coins upfront as a reward.''''


    ''I never knew that!'' Atlas thought while putting on his helmet before replying mockingly, ''''Well, thanks for the information, but I assume you''re here to claim this for yourself?''''


    ''''That''s right, little one,'''' the leader instantly replied. ''''If you leave now, we won''t harm you, but if you make things difficult, we can make sure you remember this day for the rest of your life.''''


    The man looked behind him with a chuckle, ''''I have a few men that like little boys like you,'''' he concluded.


    When Atlas heard this, he started laughing. ''''You''re going to enjoy the surprise I have for you, human. It''s the first time I''m using it, and you get to be my test subject,'''' he commented in an amused tone before waving his hand.


    Screeches rang out all around the chamber as the Death Spiders blocked the exit while others circled the adventurers. Chaos erupted as the bandits attacked, causing Atlas to move in and slash a man''s leg as a Blood Bat swooped down and plucked the enemy.


    Atlas saw a few spiders being taken down, but the bats slashed at the adventurers, causing the chamber to go quiet. He looked at the remaining monsters and smiled, ''''Have your fill, but let me loot the bodies.''''


    They all nodded in agreement, and Atlas quickly severed the coin pouches before stowing them away. Once finished, he observed as the Blood Bats and Death Spiders pounced on the bodies of the men who had tried to ambush him.


    Atlas pondered the greed that drove their actions, thinking, ''Some people are too greedy that it makes them stupid, why attack someone who survived a Level Two dungeon?''


    After a brief pause, he watched the monsters feast on the would-be attackers. Once he dealt with the scum, he dismissed the creatures, who vanished into shimmering azure motes. With that, he turned and made his way toward the entrance.


    ''Now to get out of here and have a hot bath,'' Atlas thought with a smile.


    He walked for a while until he spotted a light in the distance and made his way toward it, only to notice that a few Tajariyah city guards were waiting. When they spotted him, they rushed forward as the commander spoke in a curious tone, ''''You''re the boy who rescued the Red Band Party and discovered the Level Two dungeon.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Yes, I assume all four made it back?''''


    The man smiled before inquiring, ''''They did, but where have you been?''''


    "I completed the dungeon, which was challenging, but I managed to conquer it thanks to my speed," Atlas replied in a tired voice.


    When the men heard this, they looked at Atlas like a strange monster, causing him to question as he took his helmet off, ''''Why are you lot staring at me like that?''''


    ''''For one, you''re covered head to toe in fresh blood,'''' one man answered.


    "Then there''s you, who managed to conquer a Level Two Dungeon. Not many solo adventurers could do such a thing. Do you have the boss token?" the commander said with a wary smile.


    Atlas nodded, but that''s when he noticed a group of adventurers escorting some guild staff, causing the commander to explain, ''''The empire contracts the Adventurers Guild to run the dungeons, we guard them, and the officials run the day-to-day operations.''''


    Following that, he took out the silver token he had gotten from the Chaos Vampire and showed it to the man with a smirk, ''''See, I did conquer it and defeated the boss.''''


    When the soldiers saw this, they smiled as the group passed by and gave Atlas a dirty look. He returned with a fake smile that annoyed the adventurers before he turned back to the commander, ''''I will be heading to the guild and reporting that two of my three quests are completed.''''


    ''''What''s the last one?'''' a random soldier asked in a curious voice.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 116 - 116: Do I Need Another

    Atlas looked at the soldiers and answered the question, ''''I''m meant to be guarding a bridge alongside other adventurers.''''


    The man nodded with a knowing smile as he revealed some good news, ''''I know the quest. Thanks to the guild manager, it was pushed back until midday tomorrow due to half the adventurers signing up to try out the new dungeon you discovered.''''


    After that, Atlas left the dungeon behind, wanting to find food and rest until the quest started tomorrow. He exited the cave, which led onto a mountainside overlooking a massive lake below.


    ''This world is beautiful,'' he mused with a smile as he admired the landscape.


    The mountains stretched out as far as the eyes could see, and the natural smell of earth and water reached his nose. Atlas noticed the forest that encircled the lake and continued through a pass to the north.


    As Atlas admired the breathtaking view, a sense of tranquility enveloped him. However, a memory of an old friend from the orphanage resurfaced¡ªa friend who had once brought him both joy and a tinge of heartache.


    ''Atleast Sierra got a loving family to adopt her,'' he thought with a sad smile.


    The recollection made him smile wistfully, a bittersweet reminder of the past. A girl who he grew extremely close to but was adopted before they could get serious as the feeling was mutual between the two.


    Atlas shook his head and decided not to think about it, as it would only bring back those depressing thoughts. He then went to the guild along the cliffside platforms until he reached the city''s outskirts. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once, as Atlas strolled down the main street, he noticed the number of adventurers and soldiers around had increased twofold since arriving at Tajariyah City. ''Has something happened?'' he thought as he saw the guild in the distance.


    Afterward, he made his way toward it and entered the busy building. Atlas glanced around and noticed a poster near the entrance. He approached it and spotted himself staring back, which confused him.


    ''The Achaemenidians already got the word out? That was fast,'' he pondered while reading the wanted poster.


    That''s when Atlas discovered the empire was offering two platinum coins for his capture, which made him gulp, ''Oh shit, they want me that much, eh? Well, let''s start the cat and mouse game.''


    Following that, there was recent information that the Demon Dahaka was in Tajariyah City after escaping the Nightowls through the Titan''s Fist Forest: ''They are right behind me. Maybe I should move on after completing the last quest?''


    Once he had made up his mind, he approached the counter. An older woman was tending to paperwork when she looked up and greeted him, ''''Hello, young one. I''m Khatereh. How can I help you?''''


    ''''I''m here to report two quest completions; they called the Missing Scouts and The Forbidden Quarry,'''' Atlas answered with a smile.


    Khatereh glanced at him with wide eyes as her jaw dropped open. Then, she shook her head to compose herself and inquired, ''''Are you the Silver Demon? The boy who discovered the Level Two dungeon?''''


    Atlas was shocked but nodded, ''''Yes, but I just came from there. How do you know?''''


    "News spreads quickly in Tajariyah, particularly with the Dahaka lurking in the city. Everyone''s on high alert and more attuned to rumors," Khatereh explained.


    Khatereh shook her head before getting back on track, ''''Can I have your guild card so I can mark off the quests? The Scouts reported that you helped them escape while the guards had already sent us a message about your achievement with the dungeon.''''


    Atlas nodded while handing over the black card. She smiled before putting it in a machine and typing something. Seconds passed before Khatereh handed it back, ''''Here you go, Azhar''Zul. Once you complete twenty more quests, you can take the guild test to become a Rank G adventurer.''''


    After speaking, she gave him the two gold and sixty silver for completing the quests, which Atlas thanked her for, ''''Okay, thank you for the information, Khatereh; what about the Skybridge Protection Detail? Is that still happening tomorrow at midday?'''' he questioned in a curious tone.


    ''''Yes. Report to the western square tomorrow, and the soldiers will take you to the construction area,'''' Khatereh answered with a smile before returning to her work but remembered something, ''''When you return from your quest tomorrow, we will sort out your reward for the dungeon discovery once the adventurers and guild staff verified it.


    After that, Atlas thanked the woman before returning to the Hosseini''s Family Inn, where he stayed to get some rest. While walking down the road, he removed his helmet but kept the rest on.


    He started thinking about all the battles he had been in and realized he had grown a lot since getting kidnapped by the empire. Atlas chuckled at his luck before spotting a spellbook but stopped walking.


    ''Do I need another? Let me check my current attack spells,'' he said, starting to think about his magic.


    [Level 3: Void Bullet: Explodes on impact, causing extra damage to the target - 30% extra damage and speed]


    ''This is my common attack spell, its thirty percent stronger since I first used it.'' Atlas thought before moving on to the next one.


    [Level 3: Void Arrow: Pierces through the target by focusing extra mana on the tip of the arrow - 30% extra damage and speed]


    ''My armor-breaking spell, this is useful to fight against heavily armored knights or soldiers.''


    [Level 2: Void Blast: Fires a volatile blast of void magic that does triple the damage to the Void Bullets and double the Void Arrows - 20% extra damage and speed]


    ''This has been extremely helpful since learning,'' Atlas pondered before checking the last attack spell he had.


    [Level 2: Void Wave: Sends out a wave of void magic that damaged the enemy and gives you space - 20% damage and speed]


    Following that, he checked the last two spells.


    [Level 3: Void Guard: Brings up an azure shield that protects you from attacks - 30% durability and speed]


    [level 3: Void Step: Allow you to teleport to a space you can see - 30% faster]


    ''It won''t hurt to see if they sell any void spells,'' Atlas thought while entering the shop.


    When stepping inside, he quickly noticed the place was old as a layer of dust covered the shelves, ''Doesn''t the owner clean this place?''


    While glancing around the store, an old man''s voice reached his ears, causing them to twitch, ''''The young man who disguises himself, what brings you here? I''m the owner of this establishment, Mehrdad.''''


    He stiffened when hearing this and grabbed the hilt of his sword, but the old man appeared behind the counter as he continued, ''''No need to feel threatened, young one, what happens in the shops stays in the shop.''''


    Atlas surveyed the man with bushy grey hair and a long beard draped in mage robes. After a moment, he shook his head slightly and asked, "Do you have any void spells for sale?"


    Mehrdad chuckled. '''' This is an old magic that no one has been able to use in many generations. There are only a handful of void spellbooks left on Valoria,'''' he said.


    ''''Many other sellers have told me this but end up having a few in storage,'''' Atlas replied with a knowing smile.


    Once he had finished speaking, Mehrdad started laughing before walking into the backroom without saying anything. Five minutes later, the old man returned carrying three books and placed them on the counter.


    ''''We have Void Barrage, Void Bomb, and Void Flight,'''' Mehrdad informed him with a tired smile. The third spell can only be used by Grandmasters.''''


    Atlas''s smile grew wider as he touched the three books to get the basic information from the system.


    [Level 3: Void Barrage: Unleashes dozens of void beams that strike a wide area and inflict damage to your targets - Cost: 200 Mana]


    [Level 3: Void Bomb: A bomb that unleashes a catastrophic explosion of volatile void magic that is capable of dealing great damage to your target - Cost: 600 Mana]


    [Level 4: Void Flight: Allows you to soar through the skies and maneuver like a bird - Cost: 3000 Mana]


    ''These are brilliant spells,'' Atlas thought with a greedy smile. ''I can use the first two, but I must wait until I can fly.''


    Following that, he looked at Mehrdad, ''''How much for all three?''''


    The old man got an excited glint in his gold eyes, ''''I will do all three for 15 gold coins, young man. I purchased them for 10, and I need to make a profit,'' he revealed the price.


    Atlas took out all the gold he had and gave it to the shopkeeper before sucking the spellbook into his Dimensional Storage, ''''Thanks for the spells, old man; if I need anymore, I will return here,'''' he said.


    Afterward, he left the shop and headed for the inn; it took him ten minutes to reach the entrance and step through, only to see every table full of adventurers and travelers, which annoyed him.


    That''s when he heard someone call his voice, ''''Atlas! Come to the counter, boy!''''


    Atlas glanced in the direction of the voice and stopped the owner, Mitra, alongside a tall bald man. He approached the duno as the older woman introduced the stranger, ''''Atlas, this is my husband, Babak.''''


    She turned to the man and continued, ''''This is little Atlas I told you about. It''s just been announced that he discovered a Level Two dungeon; it''s all the adventurers have been discussing.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 117 - 117: Wonderful

    Atlas looked at the couple and nodded. ''''It''s true. I discovered it while searching for some scouts who went missing,'''' he said.


    Babak''s eyes widened, but soon, a big smile appeared on his weathered face as he held out a hand and spoke, ''''Wonderful! You may be like a desert mouse, but there''s something about you, boy, and I like it.''''


    He laughed at the older man''s words, but Babak continued in a cheerful tone, ''''It''s a shame we don''t have a daughter; I would offer her hand in marriage to secure such a son.''''


    Atlas went blank and didn''t know how to respond, but Mitra told him off, ''''Shut up, you silly old man!


    Everyone laughed, but she turned to him angrily, ''''You stupid child, why would you wander into a dangerous dungeon? You could have been killed!'''' she exclaimed in frustration.


    ''Why does she care about a random child?'' Atlas thought before replying, ''''I''m fine, and I had no choice but enough of that; when can I get lunch? I''m starving.''''


    Mitra looked about to continue, but Babak interrupted, ''''Go to your room, and I''ll bring it up. I will double the portion for you.''''


    Atlas nodded before approaching the stairs and making his way to the room. When he entered, he collapsed onto the soft mattress. Half an hour later, he was woke disturbed by a bang on the door,


    Babak entered with a broad grin, carrying a hearty meal. "Here you go, lad¡ªsome savory meat, steaming dumplings, and fresh bread for dipping," he announced, setting the delicious spread on the table.


    Atlas smiled in appreciation, "Thank you," he said as he moved to the table. Taking a seat, he eagerly began to enjoy the meal, savoring each bite.


    While eating, he thought about the two dungeons in the city and decided to try one before sleeping. ''If I continue like this, then I will level up faster and grow strong enough to get rid of this disguise,'' he mused with a grin.


    After that, he pulled out Void Barrage and Bomb so he could start learning them. It was his journey into the dungeons. An hour later, he knew both, causing two notifications to pop up.


    [Level 3: Void Barrage Learned]


    [Level 3: Void Bomb Learned]


    ''Yes!'' he internally cheered before jumping up. ''Now to test them in the dungeons.''


    After dropping the dishes at the counter, Atlas felt refreshed and headed out of the inn. Once outside, he asked a guard for directions to the Silverpeak Dungeon, which was under the mountain part of the city.


    He followed them, and after walking through the city for twenty minutes, he saw a small fortress built at the end of a cobblestoned street. Atlas headed toward it but was stopped by the guards stationed at the entrance, ''''Take off your helmet so we can see your face, adventurer!'' the man shouted sternly.


    ''Paranoid much?'' Atlas thought before removing the helmet.


    When the guards saw his tousled black hair and emerald green eyes, they visibly relaxed, and the commander motioned for him to approach. Atlas slowly walked toward the wooden gate that guarded the dungeon''s entrance.


    ''''Do you want to enter the Silverpeak Swamp, boy? If so, show your guild card and pay the one-silver entrance fee,'''' the commander said.


    Atlas retrieved his coin and guild card and handed them to the commander for inspection. Moments later, the commander returned the card and warned, "You may enter, but be cautious. The monsters here are perilous."


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment, storing his card securely before stepping through the gate. Inside, he quickly spotted a cave entrance with stairs leading up to a shimmering portal.


    Without hesitation, he ascended the stairs and walked through the translucent portal. Atlas appeared on a beach that bordered a nasty-looking swamp, which confused him, but he soon got his bearings and put his helmet back on while readying his weapons.


    ''Let''s try the first few floors and see how it goes,'' Atlas mused while approaching the nearby jungle.


    Atlas started walking down a monster trail he spotted while holding his blades at the ready. He soon noticed the jungle was open and not as thick as others. Water came up to his ankles, which concerned him.


    ''I wonder what kind of nightmarish monsters will appear,'' he pondered while jumping over a fallen tree.


    A small wave lapped at his thighs as he emerged from the portal and splashed into the water. ''Something''s coming,'' he thought, instinctively preparing to defend himself.


    He readied Void Barrage and scanned the surroundings. When he finally spotted the approaching creature, he was taken aback. The creature was large and formidable, its presence intimidating.


    Atlas wasted no time and used Void Sight to understand the new threat better.


    [Marshlord]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    The creature before Atlas was a monstrous hippo, far larger than any he''d seen on Earth. Its dark green hide was mottled with a hellish aura, and its glowing yellow eyes and menacing tusks added to its terrifying appearance.


    With a loud bellow, the beast charged at Atlas, closing the distance rapidly. He grinned before casting Void Barrage, and what he saw amazed him as twelve azure missiles appeared above him.


    Atlas aimed his hand at the Marshlord, and the Void Barrage projectiles sliced through the air, striking the monster''s torso. Explosions erupted on impact, causing the massive creature to stagger sideways.


    Seeing his opportunity, Atlas charged forward, but the Marshlord responded with a mighty stomp, sending a crushing wave of force straight at him. As the wave neared, Atlas used Void Step to teleport to a branch overhead.


    Without hesitation, he used Void Step again to reposition directly above the beast, then plunged his Nightblade deep into its skull and cast Void Bullet that blew its skull apart before it collapsed to the swampy ground.


    Atlas jumped off as the body evaporated into the dungeon, leaving ten silver coins and a green Monster Core behind.


    Following that fight, he continued through the swamp as the air started getting more humid, causing him to get annoyed, ''Damn heat!''


    He didn''t know where to go and wandered about, looking for the other monsters. Atlas soon found another. As he passed by a lake, something exploded out of the way while he was lunging for him.


    Atlas yelped when he saw this before diving forward and missing the massive jaws. In response to the sudden attack, he instantly raised his hand and cast Void Bomb. Seconds later, a giant azure orb appeared above him.


    When Atlas saw this, he pointed at the new monster, which sent the spell slicing through the air before it slammed into the creature''s body and caused a massive explosion that sent him soaring with a concussion.


    He flew across the dungeon before crashing into the banks of a river, and his world went black. Minutes later, Atlas woke up when a pain shot through his body, causing him to look up and see a massive fish trying to pull him into the water.


    It was a massive piranha with silver scales, glowing yellow eyes, and was the size of a large dog that scared the shit out of Atlas, ''What the fuck!'' he thought before pointing his hand at the creature and casting Void Arrow.


    The azure blue projectile pierced its skull, forcing the monster to let go. He scrambled onto dry land as the water erupted into chaos. As more fish took the corpse, he was able to scan them.


    [Silverback Piranha]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    ''Damn monster fish now!'' he thought while his leg started to heal from the teeth of the monster.


    Atlas sat there for a while before remembering the Sub-Bosses from the Deathly Hollows Dungeon, ''Please, Luxia, don''t make me fight these underwater demons,'' he thought.


    After that, Atlas got to his feet once the injuries healed, and he started searching the first floor. He came across even more Marshlords, who charged him with rage-filled roars. The three monsters closed the distance quicker than he anticipated.


    He dodged their slow attacks and peppered them with Void Barrage and Bullets, which sent the hippo monsters scattering. This allowed Atlas to target them separately by using Void Step to appear on one of the creatures'' backs. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas stabbed the Marshlord through the skull before casting a Void Arrow that burrowed a hole through its head. This caused the monster to crash to the ground with a crash and attack another''s front leg with several Void Blasts.


    The battle continued until the three Marshlords lay dead, which left three glowing red Monster Cores that he stored in the Dimensional Storage before coming across the last creature that would appear on Floor One of the dungeon.


    Atlas rested on a branch as a Marshlord wandered near a massive waterhole before diving inside. Seconds later, the water erupted, and he spotted a crocodile''s tail coming out of the water as the two monsters fought.


    ''A royal rumble in the dungeon between two monsters,'' he mused while eating chocolate.


    The waterhole soon turned red as the Marshlord''s body breached the surface, getting torn apart by a massive crocodile, which Atlas instantly scanned.


    [Swamp Drake]


    [Rank C+ - 550 Exp]


    ''This will be the Sub-Boss, I guess. It''s clear it''s much stronger than the hippo,'' Atlas mused while watching the Swamp Drake eat the Marshlord.


    As he sat there, explosions started getting closer, attracting the crocodile. The crocodile spun around in the sound''s direction, causing Atlas to jump up and got his blades ready.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 118 - 118: The Astoria Conquest (4)

    [Amethyst''s POV]


    Amethyst was standing on the airship''s balcony, watching several Achaemenidian Thunderships closing in on them. She jumped and summoned her wings with a deep breath before soaring away from the airship.


    ''Azhar''Zul wants me to be stronger, and sitting back and letting the others fight won''t do,'' she thought while clenching her fist in determination. ''I need to grow stronger just like him.'' S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the phoenix girl closed in on the enemy craft, she started casting Cosmic Blasts that connected with one of the Thunderships and easily blew its wing apart, causing it to plummet toward the ground below.


    She cheered in triumph but had to swiftly dive for cover as the other Thunderships began firing at her. Amethyst maneuvered through the air, weaving and darting in unpredictable patterns that left the enemy cannons unable to track her.


    ''Too fast for them,'' she mused with a big smile.


    Amethyst managed to attract their attention as she was who they were after, and the other women soon realized this. Still, it was useless as the phoenix girl dodged the last round of mana shells before burning the enemy airships to ash.


    The purple-haired girl flapped her wings with a giggle before returning to the group. When she arrived, they piled on top of her while praising them. Once they all got up, Grishna grabbed Amethyst and hugged her, saying, ''''You''re growing strong Little Bird. One of these days, you will be one of the greatest if you continue growing.''''


    Amethyst blushed, but a smile appeared, ''''Thank you, Gris,'''' she responded.


    The orc girl beamed as Artemis commented next, ''''Azhar''Zul has a powerful lover; he better not mess with you now.''''


    Everyone laughed, but the brunette praised the phoenix even more as Estelle spoke last, ''''We will need to teach you how to use a weapon, but I''m impressed with your strength, Amethyst. You will make a splendid adventurer when you come of age.''''


    Following that, the group entered their room but was summoned to the bridge. Estelle looked at Grishna, who shrugged, ''''The captain probably wants to thank us for saving his airship; these machines are like their children,'''' she said with a laugh.


    While they all sat there, a knock on the door was heard, causing Artemis to open it. They spotted a goblin woman who quickly spoke respectfully: ''''The captain would like to speak with you, ladies. He wants to thank your party personally.''''


    The four women agreed and followed the goblin through the airship, where they spotted dozens of scared passengers of all different races fleeing the invasion. When Grishna spoke to the group, ''''When do you think the Southmen will stop?''''


    Artemis and Amethyst shrugged, not knowing, but Estelle quickly informed them with a knowing voice, ''''Maybe they will stop when taking the northern empires as the Shadowfang and Frostfang Kingdoms are horrible to live in, let alone occupy,''''


    They all nodded before Artemis asked the blonde a question as she grew curious, ''''Isn''t the empire pushing it? How can they hold so much land.''''


    Estelle smiled before answering the brunette, ''''The empire''s armies number in the trillions, and the generals he promotes are all experienced and war-hardened veterans from the many battles they have fought on behalf of the Achaemenid Imperial Family.''''


    Afterward, the group chatted amongst themselves as the goblin woman guided them through the bustling passenger section. They eventually arrived at a more luxurious area, where several uniformed men and women were seated.


    Upon entering the room, the goblin woman gestured to the chairs arranged in front of them, indicating that they should take a seat. Once they were all settled, the older goblin stood up and bowed toward them.


    ''''Thank you for saving our airship girls,'''' he said respectfully as he looked at Amethyst, who stiffened under his gaze. ''''Especially you young phoenix, what brings you so far from the Blue Dune Desert?''''


    When Amethyst heard this, she smiled at the name before explaining, ''''I was captured by northern slavers until my lover saved me. After that, we started traveling and stopped at a city where we were separated when the Southmen captured him.''''


    Following that, the captain, Steven, offered them four lifetime passes to use while traveling with the Greenskin Confederation. This shocked the group, but the goblin explained that it was customary for them to give their new friends gifts.


    Once the meeting was over, the captain suggested they flee to the free city in the north, which would allow them to wait for Azhar''Zul. The four women agreed and began planning their journey, as no trains, airships, or ships traveled there.


    The journey to Thalassar City took a week as they had to stop and refuel in the safe airfields across the Dark Elf empire. Artemis gazed out the window before alerting the group, ''''It seems like the elves are taking the Achaemenid threat seriously now. They''re sending armies south without fighting each other.''''


    Grishna and Estelle looked outside to see the combined armies heading to cut off the invaders. The orc girl spoke concernedly, ''''It looks like the coming months will be chaos across Astoria. I wager more monsters will appear due to all the death lingering in the air.''''


    They all agreed with a nod as Amethyst pointed in the distance, ''''A powerful spell was used to destroy that fortress on the shoreline where the Achaemenid Navy targeted the Thalassian coastal forts.''''


    Explosions rocked the landscape below, causing Estelle to comment, ''''It looks like the northern realms haven''t surrendered yet. Otherwise, there wouldn''t be this much destruction.''''


    In the following days, the four women arrived at Thalassar City, where it was utter chaos as recruiters tried to convince people to join the army. Apart from Estelle, none had been to the Dark Elf capital, and the blonde became their guide.


    The group visited many stores to stockpile everything they would need to travel north. It took them three days to gather everything they needed to leave the city behind, as the Achaemenids had taken all of Oakenheart Kingdom apart from the border region.


    After gathering their supplies, the women checked into a cozy inn for the night. They took advantage of the chance to freshen up and enjoy a restful sleep. The following day, the group felt rejuvenated and prepared; they set out for the eastern gate.


    ***


    [Duke Eldric Montague''s POV]


    Eldric had been pushed back to the Aurora Pass, which borders the Oakenheart and Darkwood Kingdoms. The two kingdoms signed a defense pact with the Thalassians, who were trying to stop the invasion alongside them.


    Between the war and finding his son, Eldric had been extremely stressed, but the one thing he was happy about was that his daughters were in the far north, and his wife was at the family mansion in Thalassar City.


    He stood on a stone wall that the Dwarven earth mages had constructed to block the Achaemenids when they finally appeared. While watching the defense lines being constructed, his second-in-command and best friend Jerrick appeared.


    The man went to salute, but Eldric waved him away. ''''Come on, Jer. We''re brothers. There''s no need to salute while we''re alone,'''' he said with a smile.


    Jerrick nodded before he started speaking. ''''The scouts are reporting the Southmen are a few days away; we have enough time to set up the defense line, especially since our reinforcements will arrive from Thalassia in the next day or two.''''


    ''''I know. I think we can hold them back with the support of the remaining navy, which numbers ten ships; they were the only ones that escaped the destruction of the Gondarahl Port, which was devastating to the dwarven royal family, which lost a prince and princess to a barrage of mana shells.''''


    The two men went quiet when thinking of the loss, but Eldric remembered his boy and pictures his white hair and green eyes. This put a smile on his face, which Jerrick caught, causing him to comment, ''''Thinking about Atlas?''''


    Eldric nodded as Jerrick continued, "There are rumors circulating among the refugees that the Achaemenids are searching for a particular boy."


    At this, Eldric spun toward his closest friend, his expression a mix of urgency and concern. "Tell me everything you know," he demanded.


    Jerrick''s eyes twinkled with a hint of satisfaction as he pulled out a wanted poster. With a knowing smile, he asked, "Does this face look familiar, old friend?"


    Eldric''s eyes widened in shock as he examined the portrait on the paper. The face was unmistakably familiar, yet there were unsettling changes, "What has happened to him?" he murmured, his voice trembling. "Why are his eyes blue? And why does he appear to be an elf now?"


    He shook his head before pulling out a communication talisman and contacting his wife Evelina, [My doll. Atlas is alive! But his changed due to something those Achaemenidians did to him]


    After that, Eldric held the artifact just as he got a reply, [How do you know this? The Silvershields found nothing apart from a log about a familiar boy]


    [I''m holding an Achaemenidian wanted poster with his picture and offering two platinum coins for his capture. It seems like he''s finding trouble with the strongest empire on Valoria]


    Afterward, Eldric thought with a relieved smile, "What has this boy been through? But at least he''s still alive."


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 119 - 119: Youve Returned Stronger

    Atlas glanced toward the explosions and knew the Swamp Drake would attack whoever it was when they appeared. He waited while twirling the Blood Knife as several people reached the top of a nearby hill.


    ''Adventurers?'' he mused as a Marshlord chased the group, and the monster was enraged.


    When the people got close to the waterhole he was hiding above, the Swamp Drake exploded out and grabbed one of the horrified men before returning to the water, but Atlas cast Void Blast that shot through the air like a missile.


    The spell struck the crocodile, causing it to roar with fury as the pain overwhelmed it. Its gaze shifted toward Atlas, who had swiftly used Void Step to materialize beside the enraged beast.


    He drove the Nightblade deep into the creature''s flesh and unleashed a Void Bullet. The explosion ripped through the crocodile''s body, sending shockwaves that should have been fatal, but the beast still clung to life.


    With a furious thrash of its tail, it struck him with a bone-jarring force. It hurled him through the swamp like a rag doll, and he collided violently with the trunk of an ancient tree, leaving him dazed and battered.


    Atlas dropped to the ground with a thud, groaning in pain. ''That hurt,'' he thought while rubbing his head.


    He struggled to his feet as his Regeneration kicked in, healing the broken bones and open wounds. Following that, he looked up to see the Swamp Drake lunging at him with its jaws wide open.


    Atlas swiftly cast Void Step, evading the monster''s jaws with precision. He reappeared beside it, driving Nightblade into its skull with deadly accuracy. A moment later, he unleashed Void Blast, the spell ripping through the creature''s brain and erupting in an explosion of blood and fragments.


    ''I got lucky there,'' Atlas thought while deeply breathing. ''I need to return here when I rank up, but first, let''s hunt some Marshlords before leaving.'' S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seconds later, the giant crocodile monster died, and the body started vanishing, leaving behind a red Monster Core. Atlas picked it up and turned toward the battle between the adventurers and Marshlord as he threw the loot into his Dimenionsal Storage.


    ''Should I help? Maybe I can kill it to earn even more experience,'' he mused with a grin as the excitement boiled up within him.


    Atlas used Void Step to get closer to the hippo monster who trampled a woman who tried to block its path toward the two mages at the back. As the creature approached, he appeared before stepping to the side and running Nightblade down the side of the thing.


    The monster roared in pain, but Atlas ignored it while charging the Marshlord and dodging a bite before thrusting his blade into its forehead. He cast a Void Bullet that blew its head apart.


    He felt the experience flow into him as his body vanished into the dungeon floor. After that, Atlas kicked the core toward the adventurers before leaving, ''Things are too challenging here for now. Maybe I will check out the other dungeon before returning.''


    Atlas then made his way out of the dungeon, only to notice the sun lowering in the sky, lighting up the world in a pink glow and causing him to think, ''So beautiful, this world is incredible, I can''t wait to see more of it.''


    While walking back to the inn, Atlas sent Amethyst a message informing the phoenix of his adventure, which she seems happy about. She told him they were heading to the Free Cities in the Northern Wastes.


    He decided to head there when he had healed Lilith, but soon enough, Atlas reached the inn and got dinner as Mitra ushered him onto a nearby table. The older woman brought a hearty meal of meat, mashed potatoes, and some beans.


    Atlas started eating and thoroughly enjoying it as the different flavors exploded in his mouth; while doing that, he checked his status to see the gains he had earned.


    [Level Up: 88¡ú89]


    [Experience: 280/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 1150]


    [Mana: 3000¡ú3006]


    [Strength: 564¡ú566]


    [Stamina: 770¡ú780]


    [Charisma: 380¡ú382]


    [Intelligence: 444¡ú448]


    [Core Points: 24250¡ú24890]


    [Core Points Gained: 650]


    After that, Atlas finished the meal and returned to his room to rest. All the fighting he had been doing exhausted him. He climbed into bed after dismissing his armor and weapons, which was nice as he felt light.


    He got under the covers and tried the Void Realm, as he had leveled up significantly since his last attempt. Atlas''s soul was sucked into the strange world where he appeared in the same arena he fought the Void Brute Bear.


    Atlas quickly summoned his armor and weapons as the bear''s voice rang out, ''You''ve returned stronger. Shall we start round two, little one?''


    ''''Let''s go; I need to beat you today to progress through the level,'''' he replied with determination.


    The Brute Bear stepped forward and readied a giant glub just as Atlas burst forward like a bullet. He used Nightblade to cut straight through the armor and sliced the monster''s flesh, causing it to jump back, which made him smile.


    Atlas raised his hand and cast a Void Bomb, which shot out of his hand and slammed into the Void Brute Bear''s chest. The explosion erupted and blew apart the arena, but he cast Void Step to vanish from the blast radius.


    When Atlas appeared in the distance, he cast Void Guard. As the shockwave hit him, he was sent skidding back as the breath was taken from his chest, and the ground around him was destroyed.


    He quickly looked up to see a hairless bear missing its legs, which made him feel bad. Atlas approached the monster, who excitedly said, ''That was great, Voidwalker! I felt the power of the spell when it hit me.''


    Following that, the Void Brute Bear vanished into azure motes that opened a path into the mountains. Atlas guessed the second challenge would be down there, so he started walking down the monster trail without wasting more time.


    After walking for ten minutes, Atlas got a bad feeling when a Savage Bear lunged from behind a boulder. He quickly cast Void Guard to block the monster''s claws, which angered it, but he cast Void Step to escape the ambush.


    When Atlas appeared nearby, he cast a Void Arrow into the bear''s skull, causing it to explode into meat paste as more of them appeared. Twenty monsters ambushed and encircled him, but he smiled before using Call Of The Void and summoning the Void Raptor Group Two.


    The warrior launched and crashed into the biggest bear while the other dinosaurs roared before battling the Void Bears. Atlas joined in by using his blades to stab and slash into the monsters who couldn''t take it.


    They tried to flee, but Atlas and the remaining four raptors chased them. He decapitated one Savage Bear as the dinosaurs tore the others apart. The battle lasted another five minutes before the last enemy vanished into the Void Realm.


    While recovering his breath, he decided to check the levels total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4749/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1987/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 9/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    Atlas was happy with the results. Following that, he went around hunting savage bears and killed over two hundred of them while he slaughtered dozens of Cave Void Bears. He was now standing before a tunnel leading to the second challenge.


    While standing there, more Savage Bears attacked, but the Void Raptors jumped on them with their giant claws before tearing them into piles of meat and bone. Hours passed by, and Atlas got to cocky and was taken out by the claws of a Cave Bear.


    He woke up in bed and shook his head before sitting up; Atlas looked up at the ceiling and pulled up the targets.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 4312/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1823/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 9/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''This will take a while, but I can do it; I need every monster I can get to fight against Chaos,'' Atlas thought before getting out of bed.


    He stretched his arms and noticed it was raining outside; Atlas approached the window and noticed Tajariyah was getting lashed by wind, rain, and rubble falling from the mountain above.


    While watching this, he decided to move south after completing the two dungeons and the last quest. Atlas then put on extra pants and a tunic before summoning his armor. Once everything was equipped, he left the room for breakfast.


    Atlas arrived at an empty dining hall. Babak was reading a book behind the counter, but when the older man spotted him, he smiled, ''''Do you want some breakfast, boy? I can throw together some meat sandwiches,'''' he offered.


    ''''Yes, please,'''' he answered while approaching the counter and sitting down to wait.


    Babak nodded before entering the kitchen, and a younger man with a bow slung on his back joined him at the counter. Atlas noticed he was dressed like a ranger from the fantasy movies, but this one looked worn out by life.


    Mitra appeared and spoke warmly, ''''Siavash, would you like some ale, darling? I know you guys just got back from the coast.''''


    Siavash nodded, his expression sour. "It was nightmarish, Mitra. Sea creatures kept assaulting the waystations and forts, and one of them was destroyed, plunging everything into chaos. The mayor suspects there''s a more powerful monster pulling the strings behind all this."


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 120 - 120: Delilah Al-Munfiyah

    [Siavash''s POV]


    Mayor Arman paid Siavash and his party to clear the Merrows from the coastline below Tajariyah City. Reports say the creatures have been attacking traveling while they travel south to the other towns and cities.


    Siavash''s party, known as the Mountain Goats, consisted of Morteza, his older brother, and the group''s leader. Then there was Shirin, who was married to his brother and another attacker.


    Then there was Niloofar, the defender, Morteza''s second wife, and Taraneh, his third wife and the party''s mage. Siavash couldn''t help but feel a pang of envy at their close-knit family, especially given his single status.


    Though he resented his situation, he held no ill will toward them; fate had dealt him a different hand. Following accepting the mission, they set off at sunrise and trekked down the mountain paths like experts.


    By the time they reached the grassland below, Siavash saw a dozen Achaemenidians guarding the bottom. When the commander spotted the party, he approached with a relieved smile and asked, ''''Are you guys the Mountain Goats?''''


    Morteza nodded, ''''Yes, sir. Mayor Arman sent us her. Where would you like us?'''' his brother answered the older man.


    The commander turned to the east. ''''Can you patrol the beach to Orhame Harbor? You can rest in the fortress along the way while you kill every monster you encounter,'''' he said in a firm tone.


    ''''We know Merrows here, but is there anything else?'''' Niloofar questioned as she readied her shield.


    ''''Yes, there are Tidebreakers, mountain trolls, and a few others that some squads of soldiers have reported over the last week,'''' the older man said before saying his goodbyes and returning to his duties.


    Morteza turned to the group and gave out the orders, ''''Niloofar, you''re on point, my love, and make sure to defend us,'''' he said with a smile.


    Siavash watched them plan their patrol before he readied his bow and started walking further ahead, as that was his job. Ten minutes later, he was crouched on a dune overlooking two dozen Tidebreakers eating man-sized fish.


    ''Giant crabs are annoying to kill but their meat tastes beautiful,'' he thought as his stomach rumbled.


    As Siavash continued his scouting mission, he pulled out some jerky and munched on it, using the time to refuel before pushing on. He navigated through the terrain, carefully avoiding the numerous monsters he encountered.


    Moving east, he maintained a cautious distance from the creatures, ensuring he didn''t draw their attention. Meanwhile, his companions followed his trail steadily, each step bringing them closer to their objective.


    Siavash continued his solo patrol and snuck along the beach. The only noise he made was the soft crunch of the sand. He scanned the horizon with hawk-like eyes, the sound of the waves a constant backdrop to his thoughts.


    He crouched behind a boulder, peering around it with his bow ready. Through the growing dusk, a commotion ahead caught his attention. Siavash''s heart quickened. The Merrows emerged from the ocean''s murky depths, their figures barely visible as they slid onto the sand with disturbing grace.


    These creatures were the stuff of nightmares¡ªevil mermaids with scales shimmering in deep green and black shades. Their red eyes glowed with evil intent, and their long, webbed fingers clutched wickedly sharp spears. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Siavash''s eyes widened in shock as he thought, ''Sea devils! I knew I would see them but its still unsettling, I hope their lower ranked ones other it will be tough.''


    Two dozen giant Tidebreakers and Saltfrogs were relaxing on the warm sand. The frogs had blue skin with poisonous patterns all over its body. It had beady black eyes as he looked in the air for the large flies on the beach.


    That''s when the Merrows pounced on the unaware monsters and speared them or used some unknown magic that cut the creatures in half. Siavash continued to watch this but backed off to warn the soldiers.


    He raced along the beach to the Achaemenidian fortress, ten minutes down the road from where the group would be. While running, he spotted dozens of blue lights falling from the cliff above.


    When the lights dropped into the fortress, an alarm began, but that''s when explosions erupted, destroying it and reducing it to rubble. Siavash looked for cover as large stones started peppering the landscape.


    After that, Siavash returned to the party, where they started clearing the monsters. This horrified him, as the creatures acted like they were being mind-controlled and moved with a purpose.


    Thanks to their well-honed teamwork, they managed to put them down not before seeing a group of Achaemenidians getting brutalized by the Merrows, who ambushed them just down the beach.


    Morteza deemed the mission too dangerous after the mysterious attackers targeted more waystations and fortresses as they returned to Tajariyah. Once back in the city, the mayor told them to rest in the Hosseini''s Family Inn because he had booked rooms.


    Siavash stepped into the inn and immediately noticed the owner, Mitra, deep in conversation with a young boy. The boy had striking black hair and olive-toned skin, and their discussion seemed intense.


    As Siavash observed the boy more closely, an unsettling sense of familiarity washed over him, as if he had seen the boy before but couldn''t quite place where. He watched as Mitra brought him some breakfast and decided to ask him a question, ''''Boy, are you from Aridonia? Your aura reminds me of a childhood friend.''''


    ***


    [Delilah Al-Munfiyah''s POV]


    [In the near future]


    Delilah stood on a hill opposite the fortress guarding the road to Tajariyah, where their allies were being held captive. She waited for her warriors to return with the prisoners before setting off the blue shards.


    ''We''ve been attacking this road for a few days now and sent the guards in a panic causing them to spread out to find us,'' she mused with a smile.


    Ten of her soldiers entered the fortress to get the captives. While standing there, a man spoke behind her, ''''Commander, why are we attacking Tajariyah City? It doesn''t make sense.''''


    Delilah turned around, her brown eyes flashing with irritation. "I''ve already explained this," she said sharply. "A Level Two Dungeon was discovered at that location. But more importantly, the nearby cave contains an artifact crucial for fighting the demons when they arrive."


    The man nodded, but her second in command, Parisa, spoke as she joined her on the hill, ''''The scouts just arrived back from the city, and rumors speak of the Dahaka hiding in the city. Should we find the demon and kill it?''''


    When Delilah heard this, she thought, ''What is he doing here? The elders said he was in Astoria and wouldn''t bother Aridonia for six years.''


    She couldn''t figure it out, so Delilah shook her head before speaking in a determined tone, ''''We need this artifact, which is called Luxia''s Holy Necklace, that can help us kill the Demon King.''''


    At her words, those around her shivered with apprehension. She instructed them to rest and prepare for the impending attack on Tajariyah. Turning to Parisa, she said, "Take your group and infiltrate the mountain city. Set your Blue Shards in position and wait for my signal."


    Parisa nodded, her curiosity evident as she asked, "Where will you be stationed, Del?"


    While readying her weapons and mask, Delilah revealed, ''''I will set up the Blue Shards at the new dungeon tunnels before retrieving the artifact.''''


    Following that, the attacks across the road drew out most of the Tajariyah guards, allowing them to sneak in. The rebels split up and went to complete their objectives, which included robbing the city bank and mayor''s vault.


    Meanwhile, the rest of the rebels headed for the new dungeon. They easily crossed the city by using the buildings to travel and keep out of the way of the remaining guards, and the ones they did come across were easily dispatched to the next life.


    As Delilah jumped across one building, she spotted a young boy in black armor running in the same direction while a group of strange-looking creatures chased him through the streets, ''What are those dreadful things! They give me the creeps.''


    She watched the boy cast a strange azure magic that killed the monsters with one spell, but more appeared out of nowhere. Delilah was about to jump down, but the strange young man vanished from sight.


    With a shrug, she continued her mission to reach the tunnel leading to the artifact she sought. The other warriors covered her while they set the charges. The scouts reported that the mayor''s soldiers were on their way.


    Delilah and the other rebels jumped across the rooftops until they entered the tunnel that led to the dungeon and hid. While doing that, they readied their escape talismans. She waited by the entrance for the perfect time to blow the Blue Shards and retrieve the artifact.


    Just as Delilah was about to activate the explosives, the same boy from earlier reappeared, now struggling as the creatures attacked him. A surge of unease washed over her, prompting her to trigger the blue shards.


    They exploded with a deafening roar, creating a massive gash in the tunnel floor. The explosion revealed a dark chasm below, and with no time to waste, Delilah leaped into the abyss.


    As she descended, her eyes caught the boy, who was fiercely stabbing a creature that had clamped its jaws onto him. ''I can''t focus on him now; the world needs this artifact,'' Delilah thought as she plummeted through the darkness.


    Spotting a ledge below, she hurled a hook, which snagged on a rocky outcrop. The sudden jolt nearly wrenched the hook from her grasp, but she managed to clutch the rope tightly, stabilizing herself as she dangled over the abyss.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 121 - 121: Mountain Devils

    Atlas listened to Siavash as he spoke with Mitra before Babak returned with his breakfast, which was several juicy-looking sandwiches that made his stomach grumble. The older man placed the dish in front of him.


    After thanking him, Atlas began eating the breakfast with relish. The moment the food touched his tongue, an explosion of flavors delighted him. As he savored each bite, he listened intently to the adults discussing recent attacks along the merchant road near Tajariyah City.


    ''There are people attacking the Achaemenid army?'' Atlas mused with a small smile. ''That''s Good. They deserve it, and I will make it worse for them while they are in their empire.''


    Ten minutes passed, and Atlas was nearly finished with breakfast when the stranger unexpectedly turned to him with narrowed eyes and questioned in a confused tone, ''''Boy, are you from Aridonia? Your aura reminds me of a childhood friend.''''


    "No. I come from the Everglade Kingdom in Astoria. Why do you ask?" he answered.


    The archer gazed at him and explained, ''''You give off the aura of a Monster Slayer, but you''re too young to be one as they accept disciples over eighteen.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''I''m just an adventurer trying to rank up so I can explore stronger dungeons,'''' he said before taking a mouthful of the ale Babak brought over.


    After speaking before pushing the bowl away while standing up, he exclaimed, ''''Thanks for the breakfast, Babak. It was delicious!''''


    Mitra took them with a smile, ''''What do you have planned for today, Atlas?'''' she asked.


    "I have a quest to complete, and then I''m going to try the two dungeons," he answered the older woman before standing up.


    After that, Atlas left the inn and started going toward the western square, where he had to report to the commander in charge of the quest. He soon arrived and noticed dozens of adventurers lingering around as a group of Achaemenidian soldiers stood off to one side.


    He approached the older man, who he assumed was the person in charge. He had tanned skin and a bald head and stood at an imposing six feet tall. With a raised eyebrow, the man peered down at Atlas and asked, "What are you doing here, boy?"


    Atlas produced his guild card and held it up for the man to see. "I''m here to guard the bridge that the city is building," he explained.


    While speaking, he noticed the soldiers looking at him strangely, ''They''re looking at me like I''m some sort of monster,'' he mused with a smile.


    "Where are your weapons and armor? You can''t defend the workers without anything, or are you one of those hot-headed mages?" the commander inquired.


    Atlas summoned his gear, which instantly appeared on him, shocking the surrounding soldiers and adventurers. When the commander saw that, he smiled before holding his hand, ''''I''m Commander Davos; I lead the city''s construction unit that builds the bridges and defenses.''''


    He nodded before replying, ''''I''m Azhar''Zul, and I''ll be happy to help kill some monsters to gain experience.''''


    As Atlas approached, another soldier spoke up, his tone skeptical, "So, you''re a leveler, are you?"


    Atlas adjusted his helmet, meeting the soldier''s gaze with a determined expression. "Yes. I''m looking to grow stronger and gain experience by facing both monsters and men."


    Davos''s curiosity was evident as he asked, "How old are you? Also, what''s your rank and level?"


    ''''Level eighty-eight Apprentice,'''' he revealed, which shocked the soldiers.


    Atlas used Void Sight on four of them to see the general level and rank of the Achaemenidians.


    [Vahid Jafari]


    [Race: Human]


    [Age: 32]


    [Level: 223]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    [Amir Khatami]


    [Race: Human]


    [Age: 19]


    [Level: 89]


    [Rank: Apprentice]


    [Navid Hosseini]


    [Race: Human] S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Age: 23]


    [Level: 117]


    [Rank: Adept]


    [Fariba Hosseini]


    [Race: Human]


    [Age: 21]


    [Level: 102]


    [Rank: Adept]


    ''I''m closing in on them,'' Atlas thought with an evil smirk that the soldiers couldn''t see due to his helmet.


    He shook his head before asking for the instructions, ''''Where do you want me to guard? I can go up front?''''


    The commander nodded while rubbing his chin, ''''The Mountain Devils and Roaring Harpies are securing the Screaming Pass; you can aid them, Azhar''Zul,'''' he said.


    Following that, the soldiers rounded up the other adventurers, and Atlas noticed nearly fifty of them. Once they were gathered, the Achaemenidians led them out the western gate and along a mountain ledge until they spotted a construction site.


    More Achaemenid soldiers guarded this side of the bridge, but there was a small wooden scaffold they had to cross to reach the opposite ledge covered in a veil of mist. Atlas crossed the bridge while holding his blades as they were ready in case any monsters attacked.


    When stepping onto the ledge, Commander Davos reached the other side, saying, ''''Most of us will guard this side while a group will clear the path ahead until you reach the Screaming Pass.''''


    Everyone nodded before the older man continued, ''''The Mountain Devils and Roaring Harpies will scout ahead while securing the area until the bridge is finished construction, which means we will be staying out here for a few days.''''


    Afterward, Davos addressed the two groups: three men and two women representing the Mountain Devils and three women from the Roaring Harpies. They were all Adept Ranked and looked strong.


    While they were speaking, the two leaders turned to look at him. Atlas chuckled at their incredulous expressions. ''Idiots, they''re doubting me,'' he thought.


    Davos called Atlas over, and when he got close, he heard the parties laughing because he was covered in his armor. He stopped walking as the commander introduced him to the leaders and vice versa.


    ''''Azhar''Zul, this is Afsaneh, leader of the Rank C Roaring Harpies,'''' Davos said, pointing to the pale-skinned woman with long blonde hair and glowing red eyes.


    The woman regarded him with curiosity as her eyes narrowed. Still, the older man continued with the introductions as he motioned to the smaller man with spiky black hair and green eyes, ''''This is Javad, leader of the Rank D The Mountain Devils. These two parties will be accompanying you into the Screaming Pass.''''


    "Are we just meant to stop monsters from getting past us?" Atlas asked. "What about the Night Demons?"


    When the two parties heard those words, they shivered, but a green-haired mage from the Mountain Devils stepped forward, ''''We have Runes for those creatures and will be able to keep them away from our camps.''''


    Atlas nodded acknowledgment as the other adventurers busied themselves, setting up their camp. He positioned himself at the entrance of the pathway, which was wide enough to accommodate three carriages side by side.


    While standing there, Atlas heard someone approaching from behind and turned around only to spot Javad; the older man nodded before speaking, ''''I can see you''re a speed fighter, Azhar''Zul. Do you mind scouting ahead? We will follow behind to look for a good place to camp?''''


    ''''Okay,'''' he replied before readying his weapons. ''''I will return by sunset.''''


    Atlas started walking down the creepy-looking path. Ten minutes later, he activated the Dungeon Conquerer Skill and summoned five Rank E Death Spiders before giving them an order, ''''Scout the path ahead; if you find any monsters, bring them toward me.''''


    The spiders hissed in response before scuttling off. Once they were gone, Atlas let out a breath as he felt half of his mana drain, causing him to pull out a few High Mana Potions and quickly down them.


    He felt seven hundred fifty mana points return, allowing him to have enough to fight in case any monsters appeared. After that, Atlas continued down the path, which was covered in a thin layer of mist.


    ''Why is the city building a road here? Maybe they will secure it,'' Atlas mused as he came to a bend.


    Something told him not to make that turn, causing Atlas to stop walking while taking out his blades just as a cackle was heard. It sounded human, but something about it was wrong, causing shivers to run down his spine.


    Atlas braced himself for battle as massive figures emerged from the bend. They resembled oversized, menacing hyenas, their forms grotesquely exaggerated and their eyes gleaming with malevolence.


    What unsettled him most were their eerie, human-like cackles and laughs, which put him on edge. Atlas quickly scanned them to determine their rank.


    [Mountain Devil]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Ambusher Hunters - Look behind you]


    Atlas spun around and cast Void Guard as a hyena-like creature pounced on him from above. When the azure shield appeared, it stopped the monster''s jaws from clamping down, allowing him to thrust Nightblade through its head.


    Once it was dead, another dozen lunged at Atlas, who started dodging the attacks as the monsters tried to bite him. He started countering their strikes as they got closer, using magic and his blades.


    While this unfolded, three Death Spiders pounced on the Mountain Devils and sunk their fangs into the monsters. Atlas stabbed another creature through the eyes while hitting another with a Void Blast.


    By the time the battle concluded, only one spider remained, though it was gravely injured. Atlas dismissed it, only to sense the final two spiders being defeated not far off. Deciding to take a moment to recover from the skirmish, he then summoned a Blood Bat to aid him.


    He sat on the mountain''s edge, peering into the pitch-black abyss below. The utter darkness gave him the unsettling impression that something was lurking just out of sight, waiting in the shadows.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 122 - 122: You Care For Me

    Atlas waited until most of his mana returned before continuing his journey, which didn''t take too long. While sitting there, he enjoyed the incredible misty mountains that stretched as far as the eyes could see.


    The fog covered the peaks and seeped down the sides, making the area creepy as the sparse trees breached the top. He was surrounded by cliffs with a dirt road about two carriages wide.


    He shook his head and rose, resuming his journey down the winding path. As Atlas rounded a bend, he noticed the dirt road expanding ahead, but the widening did little to help his unease; the ever-present threat of falling into the darkness below loomed ominously.


    As Atlas walked, an unsettling sensation washed over him. Before he could react, the ground erupted in an explosion, a dozen spells slamming into the path ahead. The sudden onslaught hurled him into the abyss below, plunging him into the darkness.


    ''Oh damn! What the hell was that!'' he panicked while falling.


    While Atlas fell, he tried to figure out how to escape the situation. That''s when he remembered the Dungeon Conquerer Skill; he activated it and summoned a Blood Bat that burst out of the portal with a screech, catching him with its claws and soaring out of the chasm.


    This allowed Atlas to see a group of bandits lurking not far away. Without thinking, he ordered the monster to attack them, which it did by dropping him in the center of the group and dive-bombing the men.


    While the Blood Bat did this, Atlas slashed and stabbed the confused bandits using Void Step to dodge the few attacks sent his way, ''Speed is the way, I can act before they react to me,'' he thought with a confident grin behind his helmet.


    They tried to flee in all different directions as Atlas was going wild with his stabs and slashes, bringing a dozen or so down before they regrouped. He managed to avoid all their attacks as the monster smashed into the tightly packed bandits.


    Its claws and teeth tore through armor and crushed bones, which caused panic to infect the enemies who tried to flee, but Atlas chased after them before slicing through their ankles, forcing the men to the ground.


    Atlas drove his blade into the bandits'' necks with ruthless efficiency as the Blood Bat descended upon the fallen corpses, its claws and fangs tearing through the flesh. He watched, captivated, as the creature started eating after eating.


    While watching the monster eat, Atlas felt the experience flowing into his body, which brought a sigh of relief when feeling the level-up click. Following that, a surge of curiosity and excitement bubbled within him.


    ''How can I harness the power of dungeon monsters?'' he wondered, his mind racing with possibilities.


    He shook his head before approaching the giant bat and ran his hand through its soft fur, causing the monster to let out a happy chirp. Atlas smiled as the creature nudged its head against his body.


    Afterward, Atlas leaped onto the bat''s back just as the creature launched into the air. It soared above the dirt road, its mighty wings beating steadily. He looked around to try to find some monsters but saw nothing.


    He then directed the bat to descend, guiding it closer to the ground for a better look. When Atlas saw the ground, rats the size of dogs were heading toward the adventurer party as they crawled out of holes in the cliffside.


    Atlas decided to deal with the monsters himself and ordered the Blood Bat to attack. When the monster swooped down, it clamped two rats in its claws as he jumped off its back and cast Void Wave, sending dozens of them flying into the chasm below.


    Following that, he scanned the monsters to find out what they were.


    [Cannibal Rat]


    [Rank: F+ - 150 Exp]


    [They have poison on their teeth and fangs - So be quick]


    Seeing this, Atlas readied his blade as the first Cannibal Rat lunged at him. He sidestepped the monster before plunging Nightblade into its body. When doing that, he cast a Void Arrow that burrowed through its body and struck another creature that attacked from behind.


    Once Atlas started attacking, the Blood Bat landed with a crash before tearing through a giant rat with a few chomps as it swiped at the other monsters, sending them into the darkness below.


    The more creatures they killed, the more that replaced them as more jumped from the cliff above, forcing Atlas to back off while defending himself, but that''s when he decided to summon some help.


    He activated Call Of The Void and summoned the Voidstalkers, who chirped as they slammed into the rats and started slaughtering them. Atlas chuckled at this and rushed forward, stabbing the monsters through their skulls.


    Atlas and his monsters fought for over an hour. All the Voidstalkers were gone thanks to the overwhelming number of Cannibal Rats, but the Blood Bat stood firm even though it was seriously injured.


    ''This needs to end now,'' he thought while aiming his blade at a group of rats and firing several Void Blasts at them before activating Dungeon Conquering and using the last of his mana to summon a Death Gorilla.


    After the portal opened, the massive muscled primate rushed out before slamming its enormous fist into the side of a bigger rat. When Atlas saw this, his legs gave out, and he felt weakness over his body as he stopped to the ground.


    ''I shouldn''t have done that, but I needed the extra strength to finish them off,'' he thought as exhaustion overwhelmed him.


    Atlas looked at the Blood Bat and whistled, causing the monster to come to him. He climbed onto its back and told it to escape while the Death Gorilla butchered the remaining Cannibal Rats who targeted it.


    The bat emitted a screech before attempting to fly towards the adventurers'' camp. However, its injuries took a toll and faltered, crashing onto a nearby cliff. As the creature vanished, Atlas began to slide down the cliff face, barely conscious.


    Instinctively, he drove his blades into the rock, slowing his descent just in time to prevent himself from plunging into the darkness again. Atlas stopped as his arms strained, but he still managed to look around.


    Atlas noticed a mountain ledge not far off and used Void Step to reach it safely. However, the exertion left him faint, and he collapsed onto the ledge. While sleeping, the Death Gorilla continued its relentless assault on the remaining Cannibal Rats, eventually finding its way to the ledge where he lay.


    The massive primate appeared and, upon seeing Atlas resting, let out a low grunt. Gently, it removed his helmet and settled down behind him. With a tender touch, it began to comb through his white hair, keeping him warm and secure as he rested.


    When Atlas woke up a few hours later, it was pitch black, and he couldn''t see. This made him panic, but the memories returned when a big hand grabbed him and huffed. He shook his head and realized his helmet had been removed, only to wonder if this monster had done it.


    He put his helmet back on and noticed the Death Gorilla staring at him with a surprisingly tender gaze as if he were its offspring. ''Is this creature female?'' he wondered.


    The monster let out a gentle huff before carefully wrapping Atlas in a warm, protective hug, its large form shielding him from the biting cold. When the warmth washed over his body, it caused him to fall asleep slowly due to the mana exhaustion.


    Hours slipped by as rain and wind battered the mountain ledge. The Death Gorilla remained vigilant, its massive frame providing a steady shield against the storm until Atlas stirred a few hours later.


    When Atlas finally awoke, the darkness of the night still enveloped him. He blinked groggily and wondered, ''I must have regained my mana by now.''


    He glanced around the ledge and noticed the Death Gorilla was still looking at him; this caused him to think, ''I feel a connection with each one of these monsters. Is there something else to this skill?''


    Atlas shook his head, peering at the Death Gorilla with curiosity. "Can you understand me?" he asked.


    The gorilla responded with a nod and gently enveloped him in a hug. Atlas smiled, "Alright, I get it¡ªyou care for me. Just don''t squeeze me too tightly, okay?" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, Atlas asked the monster to take him back to the path, which it agreed to do. It put him on its back and jumped across the gap without warning but grabbed the ledge before pulling them up.


    As they did that, some appeared from below them, causing Atlas to spin around only to see three large scorpions crawling up the side of the mountain, ''How are people going to travel this path? It''s too dangerous,'' he wondered before scanning the newcomers.


    [Mountain Scorpions]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    They were dark grey, which allowed the creatures to blend into the mountain, but their beady yellow eyes glowed with malice. Atlas watched the monster''s pincers snap in his direction before he cast a Void Arrow at the closest.


    The azure projectile sliced through the air and pierced the scorpion''s face before hitting another behind it. While Atlas was casting spells, the Death Gorilla went wild and squashed the monsters into critin paste.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 123 - 123: Screaming Pass

    Atlas and the Death Gorilla continued fighting until the ground started to rumble, causing him to glance around. As the dirt road widened, a troll marched up the path, ready to fight with a giant stone club.


    He got nervous when he saw this monster, which caused him to scan it.


    [Mountain Troll]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Brute attacker - Slower but very powerful - Avoid at all costs]


    Atlas began casting Void Bullets, each streaking towards the troll and exploding on impact. The blasts rocked the monster, causing it to stumble backward, but despite the damage, it remained far from defeated.


    He scanned for an escape route, but before he could act, the Death Gorilla surged to its feet, pounding its chest in a fierce display of aggression. With a roar, it charged at the troll, swinging its massive club recklessly.


    Atlas watched in tense anticipation as the gorilla ducked beneath the troll''s swing, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow. The dungeon monster grabbed the newcomer and dragged it into the chasm below.


    Minutes later, Atlas felt experience pour into his body, causing him to think as the excitement boiled up, ''The gorilla killed the troll!''


    Following that, he returned to the adventurer''s camp, where he was met by the Roaring Harpies leader Afsaneh. The older woman''s green eyes met his as she spoke in a firm tone, ''''Where have you been, boy? You were only meant to scout ahead, but it''s been hours,'''' she said.


    Atlas dismissed his helmet before explaining everything, minus summoning the monsters and falling into the chasm below. Once he was done talking, Afsaneh commented, ''''How did you defeat a Rank B Mountain Troll?''''


    ''''I used spells to knock it into the chasm, then returned here once the rats were killed,'''' Atlas answered.


    The older woman nodded before letting him pass, and one of her party members approached with a smile. Her pink eyes glowed as she ruffled his hair. ''''It''s good to see you''re okay, little one. It''s dangerous in these mountains,'''' she chirped.


    Atlas smiled in return, but the woman introduced herself. ''''I''m Rita Ghasemi. It''s nice to meet you, Azhar''Zul,'''' she said with a smile.


    His eyebrow raised in surprise when Rita explained, ''''Commander Davos told us your name while asking us to keep an eye on you.''''


    He nodded in agreement and set about making camp. Atlas pitched his tent and started a fire, which soon crackled warmly against the evening chill. As he finished, the two moons hung high in the sky, casting a silvery light over the rugged expanse of the Screaming Pass.


    Atlas was sitting in front of the fire, cooking some orc meat, when he decided to check the gains he had earned by killing all the monsters alongside his creatures.


    [Level Up: 88¡ú93]


    [Experience: 230/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 9950] sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Health: 560¡ú670]


    [Mana: 3006¡ú3460]


    [Strength: 566¡ú686]


    [Stamina: 780¡ú930]


    [Charisma: 382¡ú416]


    [Intelligence: 448¡ú560]


    [Core Points: 24890¡ú32090]


    [Core Points Gained: 7200]


    [Core Rank: Low¡úMid]


    [Void Blast: 2¡ú3]


    [Void Wave: 2¡ú3]


    [Maskweaving: 1¡ú2]


    ''The Mountain Devils, Scorpion, Cannibal Rats, and Troll earned me a lot of experience and core points,'' Atlas mused with a smile while dismissing his helmet so he could eat.


    In the meantime, the orc meat was done, causing Atlas to start eating while watching the surrounding cliffs. While doing that, sudden screams started echoing around them, making him jump.


    As he did that a man''s voice reached his ears, ''''That''s the people who died here, many explorer groups tried find a way through the Titan Fists Mountain but now they linger here years after their deaths.''''


    He turned around to see a blonde man standing there, ''''What about the Night Demons?''''


    The adventurer stepped forward and held out his hand while introducing himself, ''''I''m Carlos, scout for the Mountain Devils.''''


    Atlas took it before responding, ''''Azhar''Zul.''''


    Carlos smiled, ''''To answer your previous question, the mages set up Runes before you arrived, which had kept those horrible creatures away,'''' he explained.


    He nodded before Carlos concluded as he went to walk away, ''''Don''t listen to the voices; they are trying to lure you into the darkness. The Night Demons differ in the mountains as they rely on traps and ambushes.''''


    Then, Atlas continued eating while listening to the screams that bounced off the cliffside. He looked around but couldn''t see anything, but that''s when the whispers started, and they creeped him out.


    ''''Come here little one,'''' one eery voice said.


    It ranged from fake compliments to pleading for help, but Atlas listened to Carlos''s advice and blocked the whispers out. Afterward, he crawled into his tent and got comfortable before attempting to kill more Void Bears.


    He spent hours in the Void Realm and slaughters hundreds of Cave and Savage Bears while traveling to the second valley, where he has to fight another Brute Bear, which he is excited to do.


    After walking for a few hours, Atlas stopped when he exited another tunnel under several mountains. He had fought non-stop as the Cave Bears gave him a good fight, but they all fell to his magic or blades.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 3709/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1584/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 9/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''I killed a lot on this run but it will take a while longer before finishing off the first two groups of bears,'' Atlas pondered while approaching an arena he spotted.


    Once stepping inside, he was blocked from exiting as a gate on the opposite side opened, only to have a Void Brute Bear rush out and dart straight for him. Atlas was caught off guard and assumed this one would also talk to him, but he was wrong.


    As the massive white bear lunged at him, its claws slashing viciously, Atlas used Void Step to vanish from its attack. Reappearing at a safer distance, he immediately unleashed a volley of Void Barrage at the beast.


    The azure projectiles exploded on impact, causing the bear to stagger backward. Seizing the opportunity, Atlas closed the gap and drove his blade into its knee. He followed up by casting Void Bullet, a powerful explosion that shattered bone and brought the massive creature crashing to the ground.


    As Atlas executed his attack, the bear spun with surprising speed, its claws raking across his chest. The force of the strike was so intense that it tore through his armor as if it were made of paper.


    The sharp claws dug deep into his flesh, and the searing pain made him cry out in agony as he flew backward. Stunned by the injury, Atlas struggled to regain his composure as the pain overwhelmed him.


    He looked up to see the Void Brute Bear crawling toward him with an enraged look in its eyes, but Atlas raised his hand and cast Void Arrow into the monster''s head, causing it to turn into azure motes before sinking back into the realm.


    Following that, Atlas had enough and quit the ream only to reappear in his tent; he opened his eyes to find it was still night. With a weary sigh, he rolled over and drifted back to sleep, the echoes of the screaming fading into the background.


    The days after that were much the same, apart from a large group of Mountain Devils attacking the camp before a group of Wild Goblins tried to ambush the Roaring Harpies while they were on patrol.


    While waiting around, Atlas left the camp several times, but something had happened by the time they got word that the bridge needed one more day to finish, which meant they could head back to Tajariyah.


    Atlas guarded the road into the mountains alongside Carlos, who was telling him about the Nubian Empire and how the land was wild, full of monsters, and full of hordes of horse riders who captured anyone who traveled off the main road.


    He grew curious and was about to ask something when a roar rang out, causing Carlos to jump up and ready his spear. Atlas joined him as a rumbling was felt in the ground below; he wondered what kind of monster would be doing this,


    That''s when Carlos revealed the culprit, ''''It''s a Mountain Titan Azhar''Zul. This doesn''t make sense as they only roam deeper in.''''


    As the man spoke, a massive humanoid climbed out of the darkness below a mile down the path, giving it more room to walk. When Atlas saw it, He examined the new monster and thought, ''This is a giant!''


    The Titan loomed nearly thirty feet tall, its form clad in skin that resembled jagged stone plates. Muscles rippled across its colossal frame like a bodybuilder''s, and it draped itself in tattered monster hides as makeshift clothing.


    Its presence was a vision of terror¡ªtwisted and warped into a grotesque parody of evil. A palpable, dark aura radiated from it, casting an ominous shadow that seemed to pulse with evil power.


    Atlas quickly scanned the Titan.


    [Mountain Titan]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: Titan - 20000 Exp]


    [Flee the area before it finds your scent; otherwise, you will not be able to hide]


    When Atlas saw the warning, he grew nervous, and his hands rested on the hilts of his blades. As he did that, Carlos turned to him with an expression of fear as he spoke, ''''Run Ahzar''Zul! We cannot fight this.''''


    The two of them started running down the path to the camp, only to run into the group preparing to leave. Atlas spotted Javad, who rushed over to them with a concerned expression and asked, ''''What is that dreadful aura? What monster has appeared?''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 124 - 124: Exhausted

    Atlas watched as Carlos rushed into the camp and warned the parties with a panicked shout, causing them all to look at him with worried expressions, ''''A Mountain Titan is coming! We need to get to the bridge now!''''


    Everyone started packing up as Atlas watched the groups rush around as Javad made his the way they came from. He just sat by the way out as the ground started to shake, just as explosions rang out.


    ''Is the leader fighting the Titan? He isn''t strong enough but its not my problem, I''m not getting eaten,'' Atlas pondered while readying his weapons.


    Carlos glanced in Javad''s direction and complained, ''''Foolish old man! The Titan will devour him.'''' S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as the man spoke, a cascade of boulders came crashing down all around them, throwing everything into chaos. Atlas cast Void Guard, successfully deflecting most of the stones.


    However, he was hit by a boulder the size of a man, which launched him through the air. He fell into the chasm below, knocked unconscious and descending into the darkness. When he hit the bottom, the impact was so violent that it caused a small explosion, scattering monsters and debris throughout the chasm.


    Atlas lay unconscious as his broken and battered body repaired itself as he was buried deep beneath the mud, which kept him safe from the monsters swarming above. Hours later, he woke up when he felt the weight of the mud against his chest.


    ''What the hell! Where am I now!'' he internally panicked.


    He soon calmed down and started digging himself out, only to notice a darkness. Thanks to the Night Eyes Rune, he could see. Atlas soon realized he was at the bottom of the chasm they were camping next to.


    The walls were slick and impossible to scale, but it triggered the most alarm when Atlas saw the ground. It was swampy, reminiscent of the jungle chasm he and the girls had once fallen into, which only heightened his nervousness.


    ''Why do I always end up in creepy or dangerous places?'' he complained internally. ''I must have terrible luck.''


    Once Atlas was thought, he looked up only to see distant explosions and heard furious roars echoing from above, but the depth of the chasm obscured his view. Something hurtled toward him from the darkness as he began clawing out of the mud.


    He pulled out his blades and crossed them without thinking as a familiar creature slammed against it. ''It''s a Carnictis! I never thought I''d encounter these things again,'' he thought before casting Void Blast at it.


    The azure blast turned the creature into ash as more monsters surrounded him. Atlas deflected a surprise attack by Arachno''s sharp legs before stabbing it in the face, causing it to rear back in pain.


    ''I''ll spam them with spells before escaping,'' Atlas contemplated just as he spotted a path that led to a way out.


    He cast a Void Bullet that connected with the underside, sending it flying when the explosion erupted. Atlas burst through the dust while casting even more bullets into a horde of insect monsters.


    While running, he saw a large serpentine monster heading toward him. Its body is covered in rough, pitch-black exoskeleton plates that resemble jagged obsidian shards. These plates are interwoven with pulsating veins of dark, iridescent energy that faintly glow in the near-complete darkness of its underground realm.


    ''What the hell is this nightmare!'' Atlas wondered as he readied for a fight.


    The Burrower''s body pulsates in a curved, fluid motion, making it appear almost liquid as it moves through the earth. Atlas noticed the monster''s head was a nightmarish mixture of grotesque features: a gaping jaw lined with razor-sharp, needle-like teeth.


    Its eyes are a cluster of eerie, bioluminescent orbs that shift and shimmer, casting unsettling reflections on the cavern walls. Atlas quickly scanned the newcomer using Void Sight to check on its level.


    [Darkchasm Burrower]


    [Rank: C+ - 300 Exp]


    [A dark creature who is one of the top predators in the chasm]


    ''I wonder how many new monsters I will encounter down here,'' Atlas mused excitedly while readying his place.


    The Burrorwer lunged at him, but he ducked under the sudden attack before stabbing the creature between its plates and casting Void Bombs into its body. Then Atlas noticed a blue glow as an explosion lit up the chasm.


    Atlas was flung like a rag doll and crashed into knee-deep water, only to be swamped by leeches. This caused him to panic before he cast a Void Wave that burned all the horrible slimy monsters, taking bites out of his flesh.


    ''Ouch! Damn things,'' Atlas raged. ''Get away!''


    He used Void Step to get out of the water, only to see the Burrower charging at him, a massive chunk of its body missing. Atlas raised Nightblade and cast Void Bomb again just before stabbing a Carnictic through its head.


    Another explosion shook the chasm, scattering the monsters as the azure flames burned them. Atlas was prepared as the shockwave hit him, but he cast Void Guard this time, which softened the impact.


    The spell''s power decimated the Burrower, overwhelming its body and turning it into charred remains. Then, he fled toward the path made from stone rather than wet mud as the blue flames annihilated all the other monsters.


    Atlas stepped onto it and breathed as the leeches stopped chasing while he rested for a minute. Once ready to travel, he started making his way down the dark path; there was enough room for two men to stand side by side, which allowed him to defend himself if any monsters appeared.


    After traveling for twenty minutes, Atlas found himself in a massive underground landscape with trees and plants. The atmosphere was creepy, causing goosebumps to run all over his body.


    He saw no movement but suspected that monsters were lurking in the brush. Atlas waved his hand, activated Dungeon Conqueror, and summoned several Death Spiders. The arachnids emerged from the portal, greeting him with a gentle nudge.


    Atlas petted one of the spiders and asked if they could scan the area for hidden enemies. The monsters eagerly agreed, ready to fulfill the task, and rushed into the forest''s underbrush in search of a foe.


    While waiting, Atlas decided to eat and pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box. The smell hit his nose, causing his stomach to grumble even more as if demanding tribute, making him laugh before eating.


    He savored the fresh food that melted in his mouth as he gazed at the forest. By the time he finished, the return of some spiders hissing ominously signaled the approach of incoming monsters.


    Atlas jumped up and aimed his Nightblade in their direction. Mantis-like monsters rushed out and pounced on one of the Death Spiders, allowing Atlas to scan the newcomer.


    [Chasm Mantis]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Fast attacker but weak to magic]


    When reading the extra information, Atlas sent several Void Arrows at the mantis, who quickly jumped to the side before lunging at him. The creature''s scythe-like blades slashed toward his torso, but he deflected the attacks.


    Atlas felt the force of the monster''s strikes through his arms, each blow pushing him to his limits. Determined, he countered swiftly with a Void Wave, sending the creature skittering backward.


    As the creature tried to block his next move, Atlas unleashed Void Blast. The azure mana enveloped the Chasm Mantis, causing it to writhe in agony. Seeing the opportunity, Atlas delivered a series of precise slashes, finally finishing the beast.


    Following that, the battle ended, and the monster fell to the ground dead, which caused Atlas to slump down. He was exhausted from everything he had been through and screaming at him to rest.


    Once Atlas finished the battle, he grabbed the green Monster Core and stored it away before searching for somewhere to hide. Finding a tiny cave where the tent could fit took over an hour.


    He inscribed the Dark One Runes before setting up the tent and slipping inside. Once settled and cozy, Atlas unwrapped some chocolate and ate while curling up. The combination of comfort and the sweet treat soon made him feel drowsy.


    Atlas finished his snack and drifted off to sleep while monsters roamed outside. The Dark Ones soon appeared, ruthlessly slaughtering any creature that couldn''t find cover in time. They hovered just beyond the Runes, their frustration palpable as they watched their prey remain tantalizingly out of reach.


    The night in the chasm passed peacefully as a storm above caused water to flood some of the underpasses. Atlas was safe as the path he was on was steep enough to block, and the murky horror couldn''t reach him.


    By the time Atlas woke up, he felt much better, but the darkness increased to the point that Night Eyes struggled to see. He stood up and stretched, causing his body to crack as he wore his helmet.


    After packing the tent, Atlas glanced around and headed up the path. He nibbled on some more chocolate while staying alert for any lurking monsters ready to ambush, but nothing happened.


    Atlas continued through the first until he found a way up, but this time, it was guarded by a group of Wild Orcs sitting around a campfire cooking some meat. This caused him to think, ''Did they come from the surface?''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 125 - 125: Why Did No One Pick Me

    Atlas counted twelve orcs, causing him to scan them to find their ranks to devise a plan to take them out as quickly as possible.


    [Mountain Orc]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    [A scouting party - Easy experience]


    While watching the monsters, Atlas decided to use the Thunderclap Bomb. He took one from his pouch and examined the large marble-sized yellow orb before he threw it into the creature''s fire. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It exploded, causing a thunderclap to ring out, which stunned the orcs before lightning struck many of them orcs. Atlas charged forward, slashing and stabbing the fallen orcs while unleashing Void Arrows at the remaining foes.


    Five minutes later, he had wiped out every Wild Orc in sight. As the experience surged through him, he leveled up, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. After the battle, he collected the twelve cores and continued up the path the orcs had been guarding.


    A few hours later, he arrived at another underground chamber, but this time, there was light shining through. He rushed across only to be attacked by massive Mount Scorpions that snapped their large pincers.


    Atlas dodged using Void Step before summoning Group Two using Call Of The Void. When the azure portal opened, six Void Raptor Warriors rushed out and attacked the scorpions. A battle broke out in the large exit chamber as more monsters appeared to join the fray.


    He started casing several Void Bombs before protecting himself with Void Guard. When the spells exploded, the chamber was rocked, but it killed dozens of Mountain Scorpions, allowing the Void Raptors to finish them off quickly.


    Following that, he jumped on the back of the Void Raptor Warrior and took off toward the entrance. When Atlas got close, he started to smell fresh air, which made him smile as the sun hit his skin.


    As he and the raptor appeared outside, they were on a ledge, but the dinosaur continued by jumping and skidding down the mountainside until reaching a monster trail below. When the creature''s claws hit the ground, something lunged at them.


    He quickly cast Void Guard as a giant snake struck him. The force sent him flying off the Raptor Warrior, who started biting and clawing at the newcomer, but the monsters finished the raptor off without effort.


    Atlas was confused but shook his head and scanned it.


    [Ironfang Python]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Mountain ambusher - Weak to swords or hammers]


    The monster resembled a python on Earth but was twice its size and grey enough to blend into the mountainside where it preyed. Seeing this, Atlas reacted by using Void Step to avoid another lunge, but that''s when its tail caught him and tangled around his body.


    He struggled as the snake monsters got ready to squeeze. He cast Void Wave and burned the thing''s scales. This caused the monster to roar in pain, but Atlas was finished and started attacking the Ironfang Python.


    Atlas drove his blade into the monster''s body before casting a Void Bomb that annihilated the giant snake from the inside out. Following that, he quickly noticed that the thing wasn''t dead as it bit into his body, causing him to scream in agony.


    The pain was something else as the monster''s fangs broke his bone and started squeezing him, aiming for his death, but Atlas cast Void Wave, which burned the python''s mouth, causing the creature to let go,


    He dropped to the ground and cast a Void Arrow straight through the giant snake''s head, sending it to the ground with a thunderous thud, where it lay lifeless. Atlas wobbled but managed to stay upright.


    Following this, he pulled out a High Health Poition and downed it before pouring it over his head, causing the healing to speed up until only aches remained. Atlas stretched as he pulled out the map he bought a while ago.


    After searching, Atlas found the mountain he was in, which showed a little blue dot, which he guessed was himself. That''s when he realized they had to travel Northwest to return to the bridge he was guarding.


    Atlas pulled out his canteen before taking a big mouthful as he traveled through the peaceful and uneventful mountains. There were no monster attacks as he walked across a cliff ledge, and after an hour, he spotted the bridge in the distance.


    Without wasting any more time, he rushed toward a wooden wall that protected the bridge and people beyond, but as he got closer, several arrows landed around him. ''''Stop where you are, visitor! What brings you through the Titan Fist Mountains?''''


    Atlas stopped, dismissed his helmet, and screamed, ''''I was part of the adventurers guarding Screaming Pass!''''


    A few minutes after the gate opened, silence took over the area, and the soldiers called him forward. When Atlas crossed the threshold, he noticed dozens of adventurers roaming around or sitting at fires talking.


    While glancing around, he spotted the Crimson Vanguard Party carrying the Achaemenid wanted posters. Kaelus led the way while his wife, Elysia, followed behind. Atlas was brought back to the present as the soldier said, ''''Where are the Mountain Devils or Roaring Harpies? They haven''t returned yet.''''


    ''Did the Mountain Titan get them?'' he wondered before telling the man everything that had happened.


    They were shocked but fascinated when they heard that he had fallen into the chasm and fought the monsters. After Atlas finished speaking, the man reassured him, ''''We will send a message to the guild Azhar''Zul to inform them that you completed the quest perfectly.''''


    The soldiers nodded as the man continued, ''''If that Mountain Titan were allowed to reach the bridge, it would have been over for us.''''


    Atlas nodded before asking one more question, ''''Will you send people out to find the other parties?''''


    ''''Yes. The Crimson Vanguards are going to locate them,'''' the man said.


    After that, Atlas returned to the city to register the quest before getting some food from the inn. It took him twenty minutes to reach the guild, which he entered to report the quest''s completion.


    Atlas joined the queue, but it took forever to see the receptionist, who took his card and handed it back within seconds. Once he was done there, he left for the inn to get something to eat before going to sleep.


    It took him another ten minutes to reach Mitra, who smiled at him when he entered. Atlas ordered two dinners for himself before sitting down. While resting, Babak brought him a delicious tankard of sweet ale.


    The older man put it on the table with a big smile, ''''Been busy, my boy? You look worn out,'''' he said in a cheery tone.


    ''''You could say that, but I will be getting some rest of the next few days before hitting the dungeons,'''' Atlas answered, causing the man to laugh.


    Babak slapped his shoulder before speaking, ''''Always level up, boy. Remember, there''s more to life than getting stronger. Never forget to have some fun.''''


    Atlas smiled as Mitra returned with a plate of ribs, mashed potato, and some vegetables. The older woman put it in front of him and smiled as she put her hand on Babak''s shoulder, ''''You have over two weeks left with your room, Atlas. Please let me or this silly old man know if you want to extend.''''


    "Will do," he replied, his voice muffled as he dug into his meal.


    The meat was tender and flavorful, and he devoured it with gusto. The older couple overseeing the inn chuckled at his hearty appetite before resuming their tasks. Atlas, undeterred, pulled out a Griffon Meat Box and continued eating, savoring the rich, savory taste.


    After a satisfying meal, Atlas retreated to his room. Once inside, he dismissed his armor and weapon before stripping out his muddy clothes. He climbed into bed, got comfortable, and fell asleep.


    The sleep was deep and restful, and Atlas slept longer than usual. His peaceful slumber was abruptly interrupted when Mitra entered the room carrying a breakfast tray. Seeing him still nestled under the covers, she greeted him with a warm, motherly smile.


    "My boy! You''re finally awake! Babak and I have been worried sick about you," she said with genuine concern.


    Atlas, though taken aback, felt a pang of confusion rather than irritation. Her motherly affection was unfamiliar and slightly disorienting, reminding him of a comfort he hadn''t experienced in years.


    He shook his head, but Mitra didn''t miss the sad expression, which caused the older woman to ask in a kind voice, ''''What''s wrong, darling? I can see something''s bothering you.''''


    Atlas hesitated, unsure how to respond to her question, but her encouragement urged him forward. He swallowed hard and finally asked, "If you had the chance, would you adopt me?"


    Mitra''s face lit up with a warm, beaming smile. "Of course I would!" she said, her voice brimming with happiness. "Who wouldn''t want a well-mannered, handsome son who can look after himself? And you''ve grown so much since you came here¡ªpowerful and capable. I would be proud to have a son like you."


    Atlas smiled softly, but his voice dropped to a quiet, almost hesitant tone. "Then why did no one pick me? I never caused trouble or started fights. I always helped the staff with their chores, but still, no family wanted me."


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 126 - 126: The Shattered Chasm Dungeon

    [An Ke Rah Ra Neshan Midahad ¨C The one who points the way]


    [Masiha-ye Bargozideh - The Chosen Messiah]


    ***


    After his question, Atlas noticed Mitra''s expression shift to sorrow as she listened. She reached out and drew him into a gentle hug, her voice loving and reassuring. "We lost a boy your age, you know. We''d be honored to adopt you until you leave the city. For such a short time, we have grown fond of you."


    When Atlas heard Mitra''s words, he nodded and smiled, ''''What happens if I never return to Tajariyah City?''''


    "Something tells me you''ll return one day once you''ve been on a great adventure," Mitra said, her eyes soft with hope and understanding.


    She paused, then added with a twinkle of curiosity, "Now, are you going to show me your real face? I swear by all the gods that I won''t tell a soul."


    Atlas looked at her with a raised eyebrow, ''''How did you know?'''' he questioned.


    "Do you have a scan skill? If my hunch is right, you do," Mitra replied with a knowing smile.


    He became nervous but decided to trust the woman and deactivated the Maskweaver Skill, causing her smile to grow wider as she muttered, ''''The Masiha-ye Bargozideh is real, An Ke Rah Ra Neshan Midahad.''''


    ''''The who who points the way?'''' Atlas asked.


    Mitra nodded with a giggle, ''''I can''t believe we''re harboring the Great Dahaka in our inn,'''' she said before standing up. ''''Just make sure the Immortals don''t see you; they can see through disguises.''''


    The older woman said her goodbyes, kissed him on the forehead and left the room. This situation confused him, but he was soon distracted when Amethyst sent him the daily message.


    [We are on the road heading north. The Achaemenidians are targeting me because we''re connected, but Estelle and the others are keeping us ahead of them. I can''t wait to see you again Azhar''Zul. I hope you''re okay, and I miss you]


    Atlas smiled when he saw the Phoenix Girl''s message. Before replying, he told her everything he had been up to and how much he had missed her. Then, he started eating the breakfast Mitra had brought him.


    He started planning the day''s events and decided to check out the Shattered Chasm Dungeon before trying to conquer the Silverpeak Swamp and the horrible monsters that called it home.


    Then, Atlas checked his status, knowing he had leveled up several times during the recent events.


    [Level Up: 93¡ú98]


    [Experience: 530/2000]


    [Experience Gained: 10250]


    [Health: 670¡ú700]


    [Mana: 3460¡ú3614]


    [Strength: 686¡ú722]


    [Stamina: 930>972]


    [Charisma: 416¡ú438]


    [Intelligence: 560¡ú586]


    [Core Points: 2090¡ú7940]


    [Void Bullet: 3¡ú4]


    [Void Step: 3¡ú4]


    [Health Regeneration: 2¡ú3]


    ''Oh nice, two spells and a skill leveled up,'' Atlas thought while eating some of the breakfast that Mitra called Khagineh.


    The food reminded him of an omelet with herbs and meat, but he found it delicious. As the excitement built up, he pondered, ''Two more levels until I rank up.''


    After that, Atlas finished eating breakfast and drinking the Chai Tea Mitra left for him. He had to add some sugar cubes to make it taste better. ''This is delicious. I should buy more and keep it in my storage,'' he mused.


    Once Atlas finished the tea, he left the inn after saying goodbye to Mitra and Babak, who waved at him. The older woman gave him a paper bag before leaving, ''''Here''s some lunch so you won''t starve; I know you''re going into the dungeons,'''' she said with a motherly tone.


    He was still confused but deeply appreciated the experience, as it had been years since he had felt something akin to this. Atlas thanked the woman before departing, and as he summoned his gear, the sight left passersby astonished.


    Atlas knew the Shatter Chasm was in the northern part of Tajariyah and headed that way while people watching. The one thing he noticed was the increased presence of the Achaemenid soldiers.


    He even spotted several Nightowls prowling the streets, but that''s when he spotted the Immortals. Their devil-like masks sent chills down his spine, causing Atlas to shake his head and quicken his walk to the dungeon while avoiding the creepy soldiers.


    It took him half an hour to reach the entrance to the Shattered Chasm Dungeon. When the guards spotted him approaching, the commander stepped forward and asked firmly, ''''Can I see your guild card, young man?''''


    Atlas handed it over, causing the man to glance at it before asking, ''''You do know the highest rank monster is the boss, which is C+. Can you handle that?''''


    He nodded, answering, ''''I was the adventurer who discovered the Deathly Hollows.''''


    When Atlas declared that he remembered his reward, he decided to go to the guild after finishing the dungeon. He shook his head as the guard commander replied with the same firm voice: ''''Even so. You must be careful in the chasm. Many of the monsters are dangerous even if they are low-ranked.''''


    ''''I will watch my back while thinking about everything,'''' Atlas replied, causing the man to nod in agreement.


    The commander returned the card before the other soldiers opened the gate, where a portal was a few feet away. Atlas approached it while readying his weapons and stepped through the translucent doorway.


    Atlas appeared in an old, broken mining operations center that had looked abandoned for decades, as dust covered everything. While standing there, a young woman''s voice appeared in his mind, ''Dungeon Conquerer! You finally came. When I sensed you in the city above, I knew you would come to free me from the loneliness.''


    ''Yes, I conquered Deathly Hollows recently but need to complete this dungeon and the Silverpeak Swamp one before moving on,'' Atlas internally replied. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, the two of them continued to speak, but the Dungeon Master was restricted from giving him any help. Atlas stopped asking after a while before he started hearing chittering heading in his direction.


    Atlas readied his weapons and spells as a swarm of black ants emerged from the nearby tunnel. Their sharp mandibles clicked ominously, prompting him to take a step back. The relentless creatures closed in, forming a tight circle around him.


    Before they could attack, he scanned them using Void Sight on the monsters.


    [Dark Cave Ant]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    [Attacks with overwhelming numbers - Use area of effect spells to combat them]


    When Atlas saw the advice, he started casting Void Barrage multiple times, causing the chamber to light up with a beautiful blue glow before the spell launched as the swarm of ants.


    The mana blasts slammed into dozens of creatures, causing them to curl up dead as the blue flames washed over them. Loads of orange Monster Cores fell to the floor as the corpses were absorbed back into the dungeon.


    Following that, Atlas killed several monsters that survived his first attack before collecting fifty cores. The experience poured into his body, causing him to level up a few times as something inside clicked.


    ''I ranked up,'' he thought with a big smile before rechecking his status.


    [Level Up: 98¡ú103]


    [Rank: Apprentice¡úAdept]


    [Experience: 530/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 10000]


    [Health: 700¡ú854]


    [Mana: 3614¡ú3824]


    [Strength:722¡ú876]


    [Stamina: 972¡ú1126]


    [Charisma: 438¡ú472]


    [Intelligence: 586¡ú670]


    [Core Points: 7940¡ú15440]


    [Core Points Gained: 7500]


    ''Yes!'' Atlas internally celebrated but realized it was getting harder to level up.


    Following that, he walked down the tunnel the ants came from while waiting for any more attacks, but nothing happened. Atlas then stepped into a large chamber covered in weird blue grass, which didn''t make sense as he was inside a dungeon.


    ''Dungeons are strange places,'' he wondered. ''I will never get used to them.''


    Grass stretched in all directions, giving him no clue, but an arrow hit his helmet from behind. Atlas spun around and cast a Void Bullet at the culprit, who happened to be a goblin sneaking up on him.


    That''s when Atlas spotted dozens of the creatures closing in on him. He quickly scanned them.


    [Cave Goblins]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    [Easy kills - Go crazy and enjoy the free experience and core points]


    Atlas started casting Void Barrage, which slammed into the incoming monsters and caused explosions. He readied Nightblade before darting forward and ramming the sword into a Goblin''s head as he spun to slash another.


    The battle erupted, with Atlas swiftly gaining the upper hand. His superior speed left the goblins struggling to keep up. He effortlessly cut through the weaker creatures, his growing boredom evident as he continued the relentless slaughter.


    When Atlas finally finished, all twenty-three Cave Goblins lay defeated. Their bodies were absorbed into the dungeon, leaving behind the black Monster Cores, which he promptly began collecting.


    Among the loot, he found one hundred copper coins, which he stashed away in his Dimensional Storage. Atlas continued to fight some rank G Gaint Rats who attacked him when he was nearing the stairs to the next level.


    Upon entering the second level, Atlas found himself in narrow tunnels barely wide enough for a carriage. With only one path ahead, he moved cautiously, prepared for any attacks that might come his way.


    While walking down the dark tunnel, Atlas started to feel the ground rumbling, which caused him to jump to the side. A creepy worm-like monster appeared from the freshly opened hole and tried to bite, but he fired several Void Blasts.


    The newcomer dropped to the ground while thrashing around, which allowed him to scan it.


    [Giant Dark Worm]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    ***


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 127 - 127: This Is Interesting

    When Atlas saw the worm monsters trying to attack him, he dodged their lunges while stabbing them in the head. As the creatures surrounded him, he cast Void Wave, which sent some of them flying.


    Following that, he took out two Inferno Bombs and launched them at the worms, causing two firestorms to erupt in the tunnel. As the fire toward Atlas, he cast Void Guard as the flames washed over him.


    Seconds passed, and when the blue fire vanished, Atlas glanced around and spotted five green cores, which he sucked into his storage before continuing down the dark tunnel that was covered in cobwebs and bones of fallen adventurers that the dungeon left out for the show.


    Atlas decided to activate the Dungeon Conquerer Skill and use it on the dungeon, only to have a notification pop up, which caused his excitement to grow.


    [Floor 1: Monster Ranks: E-G]


    [Floor 2-5: Monster Ranks: G-E-D]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 6-15: Monster Ranks ¨C G-E-D]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 16 ¨C 26: Monster Ranks ¨C D-C]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 27-37: Monster Ranks ¨C C]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 38-40: Monster Ranks ¨C C ¨C B]


    [Boss: ?????? ]


    ''Forty-one floors!'' Atlas internally exclaimed. ''This is an interesting thought; I wonder if it''s a benefit of having the Dungeon Conquerer Skill.''


    While examining the notifications, something told him to duck, which he did as a four-foot-long lobster-like creature passed by. Atlas quickly struck back by casting Void Blast at the monster, causing it to explode.


    Just as Atlas prepared for the next move, a swarm of monstrous creatures surged forward, their claws snapping menacingly. With a swift, agile dance, Atlas ducked and wove through their attacks, his blades flashing as he dodged their strikes.


    He unleashed Void Wave in a heartbeat, a powerful blast that cleared a wide berth around him. Gathering his focus, Atlas readied his blades and tapped into his incredible speed. He darted and leaped so quickly that afterimages trailed his path, confusing the lobster-like creatures.


    As Atlas struck with precision, each stab dropped a monster before a spell blasted it away. He seized the moment to scan the monsters.


    [Cave fisher]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Speed! Speed! Speed!]


    Atlas listened to the advice and became a whirlwind as he blocked the monster''s attacks before stabbing them through the eyes. He battled the Cave Fishers with a skill that constant fighting granted him.


    As the fight raged on, Atlas became a storm of death because he only got faster and more precise as he killed more monsters. Each enemy that fell before him only fueled his ferocity, making him an unstoppable force.


    He carved a path of destruction through the dungeon, his movements a blur of black and blue as the disguise deactivated. Finally, he appeared on the third floor, where a new and formidable enemy awaited him.


    The surroundings reminded him of the chasm''s bottom, minus the swamp, which made the environment somewhat more bearable. Atlas, restless and brimming with unspent energy, was in desperate need of an outlet.


    Just then, something darted out from the shadows, capturing his full attention. Atlas raised Nightblade only to block a spider''s pointed leg; following that, he struck back and cut the limb off before blasting the monster with a Void Bullet that exploded in its face, sending it flying backward.


    He followed this with a Void Barrage; a storm of void mana erupted from his hands. The barrage struck the swarm of hissing spiders as they scuttled toward him, eradicating their numbers in a flood of azure explosions.


    This gave Atlas time to scan his new foe.


    [Cave Weaver]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Explosions deal with them effortlessly]


    Atlas continued casting Void Bullets and Void Blasts, which peppered the remaining spiders, causing them to drop dead while others fled deeper into the chasm. The dungeon quickly absorbed the bodies, allowing him to collect the twenty glowing green Monster Cores.


    He pressed down the clear pathway, preparing Void Guard to shield himself. However, the spiders kept their distance, allowing him to pass without incident until he reached the fourth-floor entrance.


    As he was about to descend, the Cave Weavers lunged at him from the shadows. Atlas activated Void Guard just in time to deflect their attacks. The spiders rebounded off his shield, giving him the opening he needed to unleash Void Barrage, obliterating three monsters.


    While fighting, the Cave Fishers joined the battle, forcing Atlas to focus more on his attacks so he could whittle down the swarm of monsters. The fight lasted for twenty minutes, and his breath grew short.


    Atlas, needing a brief respite, dispatched a group of goblins with ruthless efficiency. However, his moment of reprieve was abruptly shattered when a Cave Weaver lunged at him, its fangs piercing through his armor and embedding themselves in his chest.


    The venomous bite injected a paralyzing toxin directly into his bloodstream. Feeling his strength leaving him, Atlas summoned all his remaining energy to cast Void Wave, which hurled the Cave Weaver away, crashing into a nearby wall.


    Due to force, Atlas tumbled down the stairs to the fourth floor, hitting the ground with a resounding thud. Though weakened, the creatures above were blocked from following by an invisible barrier.


    Atlas looked up and noticed he was in a Safe Zone before taking out the Antidote Potion he had received a while back and downing it. When the liquid flowed down his throat, it destroyed the spider''s venom, allowing him to fall asleep due to exhaustion.


    A few hours passed, and Atlas woke up with a headache. He sat up and noticed his armor and spider bite had already been repaired. He stood up and stretched before glancing around.


    He soon realized the Safe Zone extended onto the fourth floor, revealing an expansive chamber strewn with boulders and rocky debris. Atlas surveyed the area, bracing himself for whatever monstrous threat might emerge.


    "Something''s not right with this floor," Atlas mused, a creeping sense of unease settling over him.


    To his surprise, no new monsters appeared as he navigated the rocky expanse, allowing him to cross the chamber without further incident. Atlas closed in on the staircase built into a giant boulder leading to the fifth floor.


    ''A red flag,'' Atlas instantly thought. ''A monster will appear when I close in on the floor exit.''


    He walked toward it, but several explosions rang out as dust clouds rushed at him. Atlas yelped at the sudden chaos and scanned the new monsters to find out what they were and how to fight them.


    [Landshark]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    [Keep off the ground and bring them to the surface]


    As Atlas sensed the impending danger, he swiftly activated Void Step and reappeared atop a nearby stone. Just then, a massive creature burst forth from the ground, its beady eyes locking onto him with a sinister gaze that sat on a bullet-shaped head.


    The beast, roughly the size of a hippo, was encased in thick, light brown armored plates that glinted ominously. Its four sturdy, muscular legs bore immense weight, while its massive jaw snapped menacingly in his direction. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Quickly, Atlas extended his hand and unleashed Void Blast toward the monster. However, the creature reacted surprisingly quickly, diving into the ground just before the spell could reach it.


    ''Dammit! This is going to turn into wack-o-mole,'' he thought before jumping off the stone.


    He landed with a resounding thud, immediately drawing the attention of more Landsharks that charged at him from all directions. Atlas waited until they were nearly upon him before casting Void Step, deftly evading their attacks as they erupted from the ground.


    With a precise strike, he engaged the nearest Landshark. Thrusting his Nightblade into the monster''s eye, he followed up with a Void Bullet, which exploded with devastating force, blowing its head apart.


    An explosion sent a spray of flesh and chitin cascading over him. Atlas then used this tactic to lure the monsters out; he would stab them before blowing them up like balloons. The battle lasted for twenty minutes, and ten Landsharks lay in bits while he let out heavy breaths due to the tiredness taking over.


    Atlas watched the bodies vanish, leaving behind the ten green Monster Cores and light brown plates that caught his interest. He picked up one and scanned it using Void Sight to get some information.


    [Landshark Plate - Can be used for armor or weapon - Very durable - Worth fifty silver per one]


    ''Maybe I can add this to the Nightfall Armor,'' he thought with a greedy smile.


    Atlas approached the fifth-floor entrance before more monsters could attack him. When he reached the bottom of the staircase, he saw a cave entrance resembling an ant nest, which caused him to wonder, ''I bet it''s the Dark Cave Ants. They will earn me loads of experience.''


    He entered the ant nest just before the monsters charged out of the darkness, but he cut them down easily as he cast multiple Void Bullets that peppered the other monsters. A chaotic battle erupted at the entrance as more Dark Cave Ants swarmed from the shadows.


    Yet, the azure flames incinerated the creatures and turned them to ash, leaving behind a scatter of Monster Cores. After an intense hour of combat, the onslaught finally ceased. Atlas, visibly exhausted, found a rare moment of respite.


    The corpses of the fallen ants blocked the path, preventing any further attacks and allowing him a much-needed break to recover his strength.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 128 - 128: Could You Keep Watch

    Atlas watched the corpse pile move as more Dark Cave Ants tried to burrow through their dead kin to get to him. He readied himself while blasting the bodies with Void Blast, letting the ones behind come through.


    He stabbed, slashed, and thrust his blades into many of the giant ants before they stopped coming. Atlas caught his breath while collecting the twenty green cores and checking his status once he had stored them away.


    [Level Up: 103¡ú106]


    [Experience: 4280/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 19750]


    [Health: 854¡ú874]


    [Mana: 3824¡ú3876]


    [Strength: 876¡ú920]


    [Stamina: 1126¡ú1146]


    [Charisma: 472¡ú482]


    [Intelligence: 670¡ú684]


    [Core Points: 15440¡ú29090]


    [Core Points Gained: 13650]


    While looking at his status, he remembered a quote from Earth about getting stronger as his body felt the strain of all the fighting and spell casting, '' The mightiest of warriors know their own limits and push beyond them.''


    Atlas gripped the handles of his blades, determination burning in his eyes as he shook away fatigue. To become the strongest warrior in Valoria, he knew he had to surpass everyone. With renewed spirit, he charged into the ant''s nest, cutting down every monster that crossed his path.


    ''These creatures won''t stop me; they will only help me grow even stronger,'' Atlas excitedly thought.


    His movements were a blur of darkness, a streak of relentless fury. Dozens of ants fell to his Nightblade before him, their bodies littering the tunnel''s floor, which led deeper into the ant''s nest.


    As Atlas advanced, he reached a sprawling chamber where a colossal insect, guarded by smaller ones, awaited him. A notification popped up when he saw his new enemies, which made him smile as it was the first hurdle on his journey.


    [Sub-Boss One: Dark Cave Ant Queen - Floor Five]


    After seeing that, he scanned the remaining monsters to see what he was fighting and their ranks. ''They don''t seem that strong, but it''s better to check,'' he thought.


    [Dark Cave Ant Warrior]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    [Tough monsters - Use explosive magic to crack the exoskeleton] S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Dark Cave Ant Queen]


    [C - 500 exp]


    [Moody bitch who hates all intruders - Blast her away and make sure to destroy the monsters brain]


    ''Now it''s time to complete this dungeon and earn some more monsters for my growing army,'' Atlas thought as the excitement built up before he cast a dozen Void Bullets that peppered the monsters, causing chaos to erupt in the chamber as the explosion rocked the chamber.


    Smoke filled the chamber, but he didn''t move while waiting to see what the Queen Ant would do as the smell of burned monsters hit his nose. The Warrior Ants rushed forward, but Atlas grinned before activating the Dungeon Conquerer and summoning the Death Gorilla, which stormed out of the azure portal that opened up next to him.


    When the monster appeared, she brutalized the other creatures by punching and pummeling them before pulling off their limbs and crushing the ants'' heads with her foot. The Death Gorilla then let out an earth-shaking roar.


    As the massive monster clashed with the Warrior ants, Atlas focused on his true target¡ªthe queen. Without thinking, he launched a Void Bomb across the vast chamber. The spell struck the Sub-Boss squarely on the head before erupting in a blinding explosion.


    Before that happened, he shielded the Death Gorilla, who hugged him tightly after she raced across the chamber. However, the Void Guard protected them while wiping everything out apart from the queen.


    Once the dust settled, she let Atlas go while checking his body for injuries, just like a worried mother, causing him to smile as he put his hand on her arm. ''''I''m okay. Let''s deal with the queen, and you can join me on my dungeon journey.''''


    She huffed but nodded in acknowledgment before turning to the Queen Ant, who was Struggling to get up; the glow of green cores lit up the destroyed chamber. Atlas approached the monster before thrusting his blade through its head, causing it to die.


    He felt the experience pour into his body, causing him to smile before a notification popped up.


    [Sub-Bosses: 3/4]


    Atlas was happy but knew it would take a few hours to get to the boss, but that wouldn''t stop his goal of completing the dungeon. While thinking to himself, the Death Gorilla picked him up by the scruff of the neck and put him on her back.


    They started traveling to the staircase to the sixth floor, and she could pass through the barrier that blocked the other monsters. When Atlas saw the next challenge, he sighed as if it was a swamp.


    Which caused him to think, ''I hate swamps! But at least I have her with me.''


    Atlas looked at the monster as she scanned the swamp and smiled as he ran his hand through her silky fur, saying, ''''Your name will be Kala; you seem like a mother to me and have shown that you care for me.''''


    Kala looked back at him and nodded before several explosions erupted around her. That''s when she caught a pair of jaws aimed at biting them. When Atlas saw this, he cast Void Blast at one as he lunged toward another that tried to attack his monster''s leg.


    When Atlas blocked the attack, he felt his arms strain but soon realized they were again fighting the Landsharks. Kala snapped the monster''s jaws open before pummeling it with her huge fists, causing blood to fly everywhere.


    Afterward, he deftly avoided the Landshark''s attack, drove his blade into its side, and unleashed a Void Blast. The powerful explosion erupted from within, obliterating the creature.


    Kala took down two more creatures, covering him as he engaged another beast. The pair battled through a half-dozen monsters before the onslaught finally ceased. Exhausted and drenched in sweat, Atlas felt the weariness settle in as the adrenaline faded.


    ''I feel so tired, but I must keep fighting,'' Atlas pondered.


    Following that, the pair butchered their way across Floors six to twelve, where they encountered a new type of monster, one that creeped him out, forcing them to hide in a tree to evaluate the situation before attacking.


    A group of frog-like men were hunting in the swamp below, hidden in the hot and humid brush. Atlas noticed the things stood taller than himself by a head but were more muscular and evil-looking, which surprised him as they felt weak, ''These will be easy to kill!''


    He saw they were wielding homemade swords and spears while some had slings. They were hunting a Cave Fisher, cornered only to be put down seconds later when the biggest frogman thrust its spear into the lobster''s eyes.


    Atlas realized they were hunting for other creatures, which interested him. That''s when he turned to Kala, who was hiding next to him while they eyed the new targets. He smiled at the gorilla before informing her of the plan, ''''Let''s ambush them, girl. It will be fun to scare the monsters before putting them down.''''


    ''This monster is more than just a soldier,'' he wondered. ''Maybe as I use them more the monsters grow closer to me.''


    Once hearing his suggestion, Kala nodded with determination in her eyes before Atlas scanned the new monsters to see what they were.


    [Kuo-Toa]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    [Hit them with everything you have! They will swarm you otherwise]


    Atlas beamed in excitement before speaking as he jumped from the branch, ''''Let''s go, kala!''''


    Kala leaped into the fray, roaring fiercely and beating her chest. Meanwhile, as Atlas crashed to the ground, he unleashed a Void Wave that incinerated a dozen frogmen, turning them into ash.


    ''Killing these monsters is an easy experience farm. I should stay here and fight more of them,'' Atlas mused. ''No, that would become boring after an hour.''


    After that, he went to work and ran his blade across a larger Kuo-Toa''s throat just before sending a few Void Bullets into a small group, sending them flying across the swamp. The Death Gorilla was pummeling the frog men who tried to stab her from behind with their shabby spears.


    The two of them butchered their way across floors twelve to fifteen and killed so many frogmen that it got boring after a while. Atlas was now sitting on a branch that looked over a lake in the middle of the swamp.


    ''At last, I managed to collect fifty Monster Cores. I could sell them to earn even more gold, but the two thousand silver and one hundred Kuo-Toa tongues he had collected will do for now,'' Atlas pondered while eating an Orc''s Delights meat box, which he enjoyed as all the flavors exploded on his tongue.


    Atlas offered some to Kala, but she shook her head, then pulled him into a warm embrace that made him aware of how drained he was. He removed his helmet and said, "Could you keep watch while I get some rest?"


    Kala nodded and made sure he was safe while recovering. Atlas soon fell asleep while the gorilla wrapped him in a motherly hug and let out a growl to keep the monsters away until he could wake up.


    A couple of hours later, Atlas woke up feeling refreshed, causing him to let out a loud yawn. The Death Gorilla turned her attention to him before he smiled, ''''Thank you for protecting me, Kara; I appreciate it and do hope we get on from now on.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 129 - 129: Kuo-Toa Tribe

    The Death Gorilla Kara nodded before letting Atlas go so he could stand up, remembering that they were on a branch above the murky swamp below. He looked into the distance and wondered what the boss would be next.


    ''I bet it has something to do with the frog people lurking around here,'' he pondered while preparing his weapons. ''Maybe a Shaman or something; that''s what happens in the novels.''


    Atlas shook his head and checked his status before continuing his journey through the dungeon to level up even more.


    [Level Up: 106¡ú114]


    [Experience: 780/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 31500]


    [Health: 874¡ú986]


    [Mana: 3876¡ú4326]


    [Strength: 920¡ú1034]


    [Stamina: 1146¡ú1278]


    [Charisma: 482¡ú524]


    [Intelligence: 684¡ú798]


    [Core Rank: Low Apprentice¡úMid Apprentice]


    [Core Points: 29090>7090]


    [Core Points Gained: 18000]


    [Dual Wielding: 4¡ú5]


    [Dungeon Conqueror: 0¡ú1]


    ''I''m growing so fast; I wonder if the girls are leveling up like me,'' he mused while thinking about them.


    After doing that, Atlas prepared to continue fighting while feeling refreshed. He used Void Sight to scan his surroundings but didn''t see anything. With that, he climbed on Kara''s back, and she jumped off the branch to land with a crash.


    They rushed across the fifteenth floor, killing any monsters in their way, until something told Atlas to stop running. It was too late, as the ground gave way. He quickly cast Void Step, causing them to appear nearby.


    Turning around, he spotted the pitfall trap they nearly fell into, ''Did the frog people do this!'' Atlas wondered.


    While examining that, a sudden woosh of arrows and spells flew toward him, but Kara quickly stepped in front to block the attack using her large frame. She grunted as the projectiles hit her, causing Atlas to spin around and instantly cast Void Barrage, which lit up the large chamber with a bright blue glow.


    His spells slammed into a swarm of Kuo-Toa rushing toward them, which caused explosions to erupt all over the place. Frog people were torn apart and thrown all over the place just as Atlas rushed in and started killing them with slashes, stabs, and thrusts with the Nightblade and Blood Knife.


    Atlas used his speed, magic, and weapons to slim down the horde, but eventually, he was pushed back when bigger Kuo-Toa''s appeared. He crossed his blade before he was sent flying across the chamber when one of the monster''s fists crashed into his defense. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kara moved in and punched one of them as she tore into the others. Atlas recovered as he got to his feet, and more Kuo-Tao people charged at him. He started deflecting their shabby swords and spears that aimed at his torse as they tried to encircle the two.


    While this happened, a notification popped up when he saw the monster, which shocked Atlas but excited him simultaneously as it meant he was closer to finishing the second Sub-Boss.


    [Sub-Boss Two: Kuo-Toa Tribe Leader - Floor fifteen]


    ''A tribe boss! What the hell is it with this dungeon,'' Atlas thought as he plunged Nightblade through one of the bigger frog people.


    Its corpse crumbled to the ground while Atlas cast Void Barrage again, tearing the enemy apart. As he did that, he spotted Kara going down after she was swamped by the bigger creatures, causing him to rush to her aid.


    ''I''m sorry, Kara, there are too many monsters,'' he thought as guilt riddled him.


    He started flinging Void Bullets at the swarm of monsters attacking her, but it was no use; she vanished as the creatures jumped all over her. When Atlas saw this, he became angry and started slaughtering every Kuo-Toa he could find.


    Without a slither of mercy, he hacked, slashed, burned, and decimated the tribe until he came upon the leader. Atlas saw the monster standing six feet tall, dressed in shabby armor, carrying a massive club.


    Atlas watched the newcomer with a growing smile beneath his helmet. Around them, the other frog people formed a tight circle, their eyes fixed on the larger one, who let out a vicious roar.


    The crowd erupted into a frenzied cheer for their leader, causing the arena to tremble and prompting Atlas to growl in annoyance. He focused on the imposing monster, trying to discern whether it was of Rank C.


    [Koa-Toa Tribe Leader]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [A strong Sub-Boss - Move quick but striker quicker]


    ''Oh, a high-ranked monster!'' he smiled while readying his blades and bursting forward like a missile, shocking the surrounding monsters.


    The leader was thrown off as he struck the monster''s ankles and knees, causing the Sub-Boss to stumble forward. However, Atlas cast several Void Bullets into its back, and when that happened, the rest of the tribe suddenly attacked.


    Atlas had to bob and weave around weapons, tails, and teeth, but every time he moved, a monster dropped, leaving behind its cores. The battle continued as he became overwhelmed by the sheer number of the creepy frog people.


    ''I need some help,'' Atlas considered while blocking several attacks. ''Maybe I can test out more dungeon monsters.''


    He used Void Step to clear some space-activated Dungeon Conquerer and spent a large chunk of his mana to summon the Rank C Dreadfiend knight. The black armored knight stepped through the portal, holding a sword and shield.


    When the Kuo-Toa leader spotted Atlas''s backup, it roared in anger before charging forward, only to be stopped by the knight who blocked its swing while slicing through its side using the sword.


    The two Rank C monsters battled while Atlas rushed around the chamber, using his weapons and magic to slay many of the remaining Koa-Toa. Blue projectiles flew all over the place, causing the monsters to try to get out of the way.


    After that, Atlas finished the surviving frogmen before turning to the leader who had just battered the Dreadfiend Knight, who skidded along the arena''s floor. He rushed toward the Sub-Boss and slung several Void Blasts at the monster, causing several explosions all over its body.


    The force of the cheer sent the Koa-Toa leader crashing into the arena''s wall. Seizing the opportunity, the Dreadfiend Knight charged past him, driving its sword through the monster''s chest.


    At the same moment, Atlas executed a Void Step, appearing beside the creature. He aimed his hand at its skull and fired a Void Arrow, which shot through and pierced it cleanly. The giant frog man went limp as the experience flowed into his body, and the knight stood at attention behind him.


    Atlas caught his breath as another notification popped up. It made him smile, and he thought, ''Two down, two to go. It shouldn''t take too long now.''


    [Sub-Bosses: 2/4]


    Then, he started collecting the one hundred Rank D Monster Cores, which glowed a beautiful green. Atlas stored them all before spotting some other loot that caught his eye and caused him to pick it up.


    The silver bracelet looked similar to the Lover''s Band but was decorated with beautiful blue gems. When Atlas saw this, he scanned it to see if he would benefit from wearing the jewelry.


    [Bracelet of Vitality - Gives the wearer one hundred in Health, Strength, and Stamina when equipped]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level: 5]


    ''Fighting the frog tribe was worth it for this but there in two more things,'' Atlas pondered before turning his attention to the blade that lay where the Kou-Toa Leader fell.


    He picked it up and scanned it on to be amazed.


    [Deepforge Blade - A blade made from a rare metal that comes from the Titan Sea''s underwater caverns]


    [Rank: Rare]


    [Level 2]


    ''This can replace the Blood Knife,'' Atlas internally mused while examining the weapon.


    It featured a dark blue blade nearly the size of his forearm, with a handle crafted from the bone of an unidentified monster. Atlas swung it around, causing him to think, ''This feels right and its the same rank as the Nightblade.''


    Atlas stored the weapon on his belt before picking up the red core and heading to the sixteenth floor, as the Dreadfiend Knight followed behind. While walking down the stairs, he used his skill to pull up the dungeon stats.


    [Floor 1: Monster Ranks: E-G]


    [Floor 2-5: Monster Ranks: G-E-D]


    [Sub-Boss: Dark Ant Queen - Floor 5]


    [Floors 6-15: Monster Ranks ¨C G-E-D]


    [Sub-Boss: Koa-Toa Tribe - Floor 15]


    [Floors 16 ¨C 26: Monster Ranks ¨C D-C]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 27-37: Monster Ranks ¨C C]


    [Sub-Boss: ??????]


    [Floors 38-40: Monster Ranks ¨C C ¨C B]


    [Boss: ?????? ]


    ''Interesting,'' he thought. ''Maybe the Dungeon Boss won''t be corrupted like the last one.''


    Following that, Atlas entered the sixteenth floor and rolled his eyes when he saw the scene before him, ''Another creepy tunnel! I wonder what monsters will be lurking down here.''


    He steeled his determination and checked on the Dreadfriend Knight, standing behind him, ready for a fight. Atlas entered the dark passageway and noticed it was damp, and the smell of mold hit his nose.


    Atlas scanned the tunnel but couldn''t see any monsters, causing him to think as he stepped in a puddle, ''This place is a nightmare in the making.''


    The tunnel was big enough to fit a carriage with some room to spare. Atlas soon reached a junction and didn''t know where to go before activating Dungeon Conquerer, summoning the Stonecrawlers, and ordering the insects to scout ahead while he waited.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 130 - 130: This Is Creepy

    Atlas was waiting for the Stonecrawlers to return while the Dreadfiend Knight stood like a sentinel, but it suddenly reacted and blocked an attack, which let out a loud clang, causing his monster to skid backward before crashing into the wall.


    ''What the hell!'' he internally thought while looking at the knight whose armor was cracked under the force of the attack.


    He spun around to see a massive humanoid-looking insect, a monstrous amalgamation of chitin and muscle that seemed to pulse with a dark, unsettling energy. It stood over six feet tall, its four powerful limbs ending in clawed appendages that dug into the ground as it moved.


    ''What is this nightmarish monster!'' Atlas panicked before he quickly used Void Sight on it.


    [Umber-Hulk]


    [Rank: C+ - 550]


    [Don''t let it catch you! Use your speed to bring it down]


    The Umber-Hulk''s head was a grotesque fusion of insect and beast, with multiple, multifaceted eyes glowing a sinister yellow. Its massive and sharp mandibles clicked ominously as it surveyed its surroundings with an unsettling intelligence.


    ''This thing is smart,'' he pondered. ''The way it''s looking at us is creepy.''


    Atlas watched the creature''s mandibles flex, revealing jagged teeth dripping with a viscous, greenish fluid. His heart pounded as he saw the Umber-Hulk. Its presence exuded a palpable menace, and the ground around it seemed to shiver in fear.


    The beast''s gaze locked onto him with an unsettling intensity, and the air thickened with tension. Atlas tightened his grip on his blades as the Dreadfiend Knight prepared to swing at the monster.


    However, the Umber-Hulk acted first, forcing the knight to block rather than attack. When the creature struck his ally with full force, it obliterated the Dreadfiend Knight. Atlas watched as the knight''s black armor shattered due to the impact of the blow.


    ''Oh shit, that attack must have been strong to obliterate the knight,'' he thought.


    When Atlas spotted this, he started casting Void Bullets and Void Blast at the new nightmare that had appeared. The azure projectiles sliced through the air before hitting the monster''s chitin armor, causing several explosions that sent him flying down the tunnel before crashing into a wall with a thud.


    He felt some of his bones break on contact, but his Regeneration kicked in as the Umber-Hulk rushed toward him with rage in its creepy yellow eyes. As the monster swiped at him, Atlas gulped but struggled to his feet.


    Seeing the monster''s fist heading straight toward him, Atlas cast Void Step to reappear behind his foe before he thrust his blades into the creature''s back and cast Void Blast, which caused the Umber-Hulk to roar in pain.


    He continued dodging the creature''s wild attacks while attacking the soft flesh between the chitin plates. Blood started running from the wounds, causing him to grow confident as he rushed in one more time.


    The Umber-Hulk was ready and swung its massive fist, striking Atlas and making him yelp in pain. It felt like a car had just hit him. He was propelled down the tunnel like a bullet before crashing down inside a large chamber.


    As Atlas lay in pain, he knew the monster was heading his way, and the ground below him trembled with every one of its steps. He managed to get to his feet after doing a health potion that made him feel better.


    He shook his head and saw the creature''s fist hurtling toward him. He cast Void Guard, successfully blocking the attack but sending him skidding backward as the barrier shattered from the impact.


    The Umber-Hulk was confused, but Atlas pointed his Nightblade at the monster and cast Void Bomb before running to find some cover. When the spell hit its target, an explosion occurred just as he saw a boulder to jump behind.


    A shockwave rang out, causing Atlas''s hiding place to tremble, but he was fine. Following that attack, he crawled out only to see the beautiful red monster core left behind, which made him smile.


    Atlas stood up and approached the core before picking up and storing it away just as the ground shook again, ''More of them!''


    He quickly leaned back as another Umber-Hulk''s fist passed by his face within a few inches causing him to feel the wind through the slit in his helmet. Atlas quickly fired off a Void Bullet that exploded in the monster''s chest, making it stumble back.


    As Atlas continued to dodge the monsters'' attacks, he discovered their weakness: targeting their unarmored ankles. Striking there caused the creatures to roar in pain each time he made contact.


    ''There we go, now I''ll kill you easier.''


    With a smile, he dashed forward and kept slicing at one of the Umber-Hulk''s ankles, which brought it to its knees after a few minutes, allowing him to stab through the chitin plates at the neck before casting Void Blast that tore off its head.


    Atlas felt a surge of experience flooding him when the second monster appeared and slapped him aside. He crossed his swords just before the impact but was still sent flying due to the blow.


    He managed to right himself in mid-air and landed on both feet before casting two more Void Bombs, driving his blades into the ground below and casting Void Guard just before the spell hit the two monsters.


    An explosion shook the chamber as it wiped out one of the monsters, allowing Atlas to rush in and finish off the survivor by driving both swords through its neck and splattering the ground below with its blood.


    ''Now you''re both dead,'' he thought with a tired smile.


    Atlas was drenched in sweat and covered in bruises; he could barely stand due to exhaustion. While looking around, he spotted a boulder with a hole under it, which allowed him to hide.


    ''I need to rest, my body hurts.''


    He crawled inside before pulling out his Enchanted Winter Cloak and wrapped it around himself to get comfortable, only to fall asleep seconds later as his body started to heal itself and mend all the cracked bones.


    A couple of hours later, Atlas woke up feeling refreshed. He puzzled over what had happened before recalling that he was in a dungeon. He shook his head, sat up, and took a moment to gather his thoughts.


    ''I feel so much better after a nap, but I can''t wait to sleep in a real bed,'' Atlas pondered while shaking his head.


    Minutes later, he was ready to continue but checked his status before leaving his hideaway.


    [Level Up: 114¡ú121]


    [Experience: 1280/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 35500] S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Health: 986¡ú1010(200)]


    [Mana: 4326¡ú4426]


    [Strength: 1034¡ú1052(100)]


    [Stamina: 1278¡ú1310(250)]


    [Charisma: 524¡ú536]


    [Intelligence: 798¡ú820]


    [Core Points: 7090¡ú27340]


    [Core Points Gained: 20250]


    [Dimensional Storage: 2¡ú3]


    ''Oh nice, I''m slowly getting stronger,'' Atlas thought before continuing through the sixteenth floor where there fought another the Umber-Hulks.


    He avoided all their attacks by focusing on dodging and attacking their weaknesses, bringing them down. The more Atlas fought with them, the easier it became for him to find the way, and by the time he reached the seventeenth floor, he had slaughtered ten of the monsters.


    Atlas looted some of their chitinous armor and red Monster Cores. He continued through the next few floors and fought the creepy Cave Weavers, Spiders, Landsharks, and Cave Fishers, which were quickly dealt with.


    Many monsters fell to his blade and magic, and when reaching the staircase to the twenty-third floor, he thought, ''The previous floors had creatures I already fought. When will some new ones appear?''


    Following that thought, Atlas entered the next floor only to realize he was in another enormous tunnel. He looked around but couldn''t see or sense anything, causing him to think, ''This is creepy; I know the monsters will appear soon.''


    Atlas started walking down the tunnel, and twenty minutes later, he felt a slight rumble coming from the ground below, which put him on edge as he readied his blades. Seconds later, a boulder flew out of the darkness, forcing him to jump to the side as it crashed into the spot he was just in.


    The large rock exploded, causing Atlas to keep his head down. Then, he glanced at the culprit and saw a massive monster staring at him with hate in its black eyes. Atlas yelped when he saw this creature before jumping up and slowly backing off while scanning it.


    [Cave Troll]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Either run or fight, but don''t stop moving]


    ''A damn troll! I swear the God of Luck is laughing at me,'' Atlas thought while preparing to fight.


    The monster stood taller than the Umber-Hulks, with sickly grey skin and rippling muscles underneath. Atlas didn''t know how to fight such a beast but decided to try using his magic and swords.


    When the Cave Troll noticed his determination to fight, it roared angrily before swinging a massive wooden club as it charged toward him. Atlas ducked under the weapons and launched himself forward.


    He dodged another attack while casting Void Barrage at the monster, peppering it with azure projectiles that exploded. Atlas then used Void Step to reappear behind the troll as he slashed its ankles.


    In a furious flurry, the troll swung its massive arms backward, but Atlas evaded each blow as he battered the beast to its knees with a thunderous crash. Seizing the moment, he leaped onto its back and drove his blade through its skull, ending the battle with a decisive blow.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 131 - 131: Colony

    Following the battle with the Cave Troll, Atlas bathed in the experience and grew addicted to the feeling. He shook his head as the corpse was sucked back into the dungeon while leaving behind twenty silver coins and a glowing red core.


    ''This will help me become rich,'' he mused with a greedy smile.


    Atlas grabbed the loot before continuing down the dark and damp tunnel, which gave off a creepy feeling and ended in a massive chamber. It reminded him of a mine where a cart would transport stuff to the surface back on Earth.


    ''Was this part of the city? But it seems extremely old,'' Atlas mused while admiring the seventeenth floor.


    He quickly noticed massive stone beams decorated the cavern walls while the Cave Weaver webs covered almost everything. While walking through the darkness, Atlas was suddenly attacked by some Cave Fishers who lunged out of the shadows.


    Thanks to his speed, he cut them in half after sidestepping their snapping claws, ''Damn things made me jump,'' Atlas thought with a chuckle while blasting a spider with Void Bullets that caused it to drop dead in a storm of blue fire.


    He killed every skin-crawling cave lobster that kept trying to ambush him along the path, and the monsters were getting on his nerves; the next foe was the giant dog-sized Cave Weavers that crept along the walls and ceilings, forcing Atlas to use magic to kill them.


    After an hour of ambushes, he collected one hundred and three green cores along with Cave Fisher Claws and Cave Weaver poison. Void Sight told him he could see the monster parts to stores or the Adventurers Guild.


    Then, he continued down the tunnel and was shocked when he felt himself connecting with his new blade. The Deepforge was perfect for him as it was durable and could eventually connect with him the more he used it.


    Atlas continued down the tunnel, examining the new weapon he got, which felt light and comfortable in his hands. Without more monster ambushes, he traveled down the pathway in relative peace.


    Twenty minutes later, Atlas encountered a stone bridge spanning a dark chasm that he knew would end in a nightmare ecosystem of insects that would start hunting him. He rolled his eyes, mumbling annoyedly, "Looks like the world is trying to throw me down there again, but it won''t work this time."


    Atlas continued walking until his foot touched the cold stone of the bridge. When nothing occurred, he started to cross and sighed in relief as he reached the other side. After reaching the other side and surveying the cavern, he spotted hundreds of large holes scattered across the ground.


    ''More insects? Ants maybe? But they were on the previous floors so it wouldn''t make sense.''


    Curious about what creatures might emerge from them, Atlas realized he needed to be prepared for the impending fight. He activated Call of the Void and summoned a Void Raptor Warrior to ride across this place.


    When the dinosaur appeared, it nuzzled its head into Atlas''s chest, which made him smile, ''''Hello, boy. Sorry I haven''t called on you, but I''ve unlocked a new power that gave me more monsters.''''


    The Raptor Warrior let out a chirp of excitement as Atlas mounted its back. He commanded the creature to navigate the dungeon cavern, and with an eager chirp in response, the Void Raptor Warrior surged forward across the nightmarish landscape.


    Atlas watched the landscape pass by as the raptor dashed across the last part of the seventeenth floor. As they closed into the staircase, a giant insect lunged at him from one of the holes.


    He was suddenly flung into one of the holes when it struck him off the back of the Void Raptor. Panicked, Atlas drew his swords as he plummeted and drove them into the side of the chasm.


    The blades caught and slowed his descent until he reached a smaller tunnel, but he guessed this was the eighteenth floor as the mana changed. ''What is this place? And what was the monster that attacked me?''


    Atlas was in another dark and damp tunnel, but this time, instead of stone, it was some white material that was rock hard. He knew this stuff was organic because of the mana radiating off it, which was separate from the dungeon.


    While glancing around, he heard a chirp come from above him. Atlas glanced up only to see the Raptor Warrior was using its claws to slide down until it reached the bottom. The void monster''s actions made him smile before he stroked the dinosaur, which made the creature happy.


    ''Are those monsters growing closer to me? They seem more than weapons to use,'' Atlas mused with a smile.


    The two of them then traveled down one of the tunnels until the sound of thousands of insects reached his ears, forcing Atlas to stop. Hearing that, he summoned the six Void Raptors from Group Two of the level one of the Void Realm.


    When the dinosaurs appeared, he spoke, ''''You seven cover my rear; chirp if they break through.''''


    Several happy chirps reached his ears as he thought with a gulp, ''I can always use Group Three with the Raptor King, he should be useful here.''


    After that thought, Atlas readied his weapons and magic as the sound got closer. Seconds later, the first monster crawled around the corner, shocking him, but he shook his head and scanned it using Void Sight.


    [Dark Termite Warrior]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Weak to explosive magic, but the monsters are also intelligent]


    "This is going to be a tough fight," he muttered, registering the creature''s increased strength due to the volatile mana in the area.


    His grip tightened around his sword as he observed them. The creatures were as large as lions, with massive heads and fierce mandibles that snapped menacingly in his direction, sending shivers down his spine. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their beady eyes locked onto him with deadly intent. Atlas quickly noted that their bodies were covered in a thick carapace, offering perfect protection against most attacks. One of the dark termites reared back and emitted a harsh screech before charging at him.


    ''This is a Dark Termite colony!''


    Atlas cast Void Step to evade the initial strike. Reappearing to the creature''s left, he sliced through one of its limbs, causing the monster to retaliate by charging at him with its massive head.


    As the new monsters targeted him with a furious assault, Atlas rolled out of the way and immediately unleashed Void Barrage. The azure projectiles washed over the monsters behind, injuring most and killing some.


    He started attacking the first Dark Termite and killed it before fighting the others, which took a few hours. During this time, three of the Void Raptors fell, but they pushed the monsters back with teeth and claws.


    Atlas leaped back, narrowly avoiding the snap of a termite''s mandibles. He quickly cast Void Bomb, hurling it down the tunnel. The bomb exploded with a deafening blast, obliterating the swarm of monsters and sending the survivor creatures to retreat deeper into their nest.


    He collected forty red cores and twenty pairs of termite mandibles the dungeon left behind. Afterward, Atlas soon realized one of the tunnels had collapsed thanks to the Void Bomb, which caused him to walk down the one the Void Raptors were guarding.


    When he arrived at the tunnel entrance, Atlas noticed four dinosaurs remaining, which was better than nothing. He continued down the Dark Termite Colony paths and killed many more termite warriors that fell to his swords.


    An hour later, Atlas and the Void Raptors appeared in a large chamber where they met a swarm of monsters before them. He glanced around and noticed hundreds of termite warriors and workers waiting to attack.


    Atlas beamed when seeing this activated Call of The Void Skill and summoned level one''s group three. As the portal opened, a dread-filled aura emanated from it as the Void Raptor King appeared.


    ''It''s about time you summoned me master,'' the king said in his mind. ''It looks like we will be having a entertaining fight.''


    He nodded, preparing his blades and magic as the six Void Raptor Warriors fanned out, poised for his command. Atlas aimed the Nightblade at the largest Dark Termite, which he presumed was the queen.


    With a swift gesture, Atlas cast Void Bomb. The projectile streaked across the chamber but was intercepted by a termite warrior. An explosion obliterated the creature and incinerated dozens of its kin, leaving nothing but ash in its wake.


    The Dark Termite swarm charged just before the Raptor King emitted an earth-shaking roar and charged forward. The Void Raptors clashed with the dungeon insect in a vicious monster battle.


    Atlas rushed into the room and started putting down dozens of the termites by thrusting his swords into their brains before firing them with Void Blast. Once one creature dropped, another two took its place.


    He felt the never-ending experience pouring into his body, causing him to hear several clicks while leveling up. Atlas used every attack spell and blew away even more Dark Termites before coming face to face with the queen after putting down the last warrior.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 132 - 132: These Will Be Fun To Fight

    Atlas and the Void Raptor King stood facing the Dark Termite Queen, who was three times the size of the warriors. He gripped his swords fighters before he exploded forward but was stopped by his monster.


    ''Master. Let me distract this creature while you strike at the in-between the exoskeleton, which is its weak point,'' the Raptor King spoke in his mind. ''I will never die, but you can.''''


    He turned on the monster and pointed at him before warning, ''''I''m not scared of death. The closer I am to it, the more alive I feel.''''


    ''''You''re certainly not like my old master,'''' the monster said with a chuckle. ''''He was more cautious, but you''re a wild child.''''


    Atlas started laughing, and he agreed with a nod before scanning their enemy.


    [Dark Termite Queen]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [This monster is even moodier and forever on her period, but she is fast, so be quick!]


    ''What the hell is it with this advice!'' Atlas thought before shrugging.


    He turned to the Void Raptor King and nodded, causing the large monster to burst forward faster than he or the queen expected. The monster leaped onto the termite''s back before biting down on one of its legs.


    The queen started thrashing around, trying to get the dinosaur off. Atlas blasted it with several Void Bullets that exploded on contact, but it did minor damage, causing him to charge in and stab between one of the leg joints.


    With a swift slice, Atlas cut through the soft flesh, causing the queen to spin on him as her leg fell to the ground with a thud. The termite went to attack him, but he was already out of the way, which annoyed the monster. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas chuckled at its angry expression but decided to end it before dismissing the king, who spoke as he vanished, ''You can do it Master! I know you''re strong enough.''


    He smiled before casting two Void Bombs at the Dark Termite Queen while casting Void Guard. When the monster saw his spell, it tried to dodge it, but the spells were too quick for anyone to dodge.


    They slammed into the monster''s giant body and exploded like mini-nukes. Atlas only sustained some bruises and cuts thanks to his leveled-up Void Guard, but that didn''t bother him too much.


    As the dust settled, Atlas observed the battered monster struggling to rise. He stepped closer, his voice steady and measured. "Look, I''m the Dungeon Conqueror, and we need to come to terms. I might have to end you now, but once I complete this dungeon, I''ll have the power to summon you and offer my apologies. No hard feelings, alright?"


    The Dark Termite Queen''s remaining eye locked onto his as it let out a struggling chittering noise, which Atlas assumed it understood him before he stabbed the monster through the head, putting it out of its misery.


    Atlas felt the experience pouring into him, and that''s when something in his mind clicked, but this only confused him, ''What was that?'' he wondered.


    He shrugged before noticing dozens of termite mandibles and glowing red cores, which Atlas started sucking into his storage, and soon realized he had just got sixty altogether, ''That is a lot of red cores. Were there that many termites in here?'' he pondered. ''Well it was their queens home.''


    Atlas soon discovered the exit: a narrow tunnel wide enough to squeeze through. He crawled cautiously along the passage, the walls brushing against him on either side. As he emerged into the open space of the eighteenth floor, he stopped to check his status.


    [Level Up: 121¡ú133]


    [Experience: 2330/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 61050]


    [Health: 1010¡ú1132(200)]


    [Mana: 4426¡ú4958]


    [Strength: 1052¡ú1264(100)]


    [Stamina: 1310¡ú1562(250)]


    [Charisma: 536¡ú572]


    [Intelligence: 820¡ú1020]


    [Core Rank: Low Apprentice¡úMid Apprentice]


    [Core Points: 27340¡ú24790]


    [Core Points Gained: 37450]


    ''Oh nice, my core ranked up; it also gave me a bonus,'' he mused before crawling out of the tunnel.


    Atlas appeared in another significant pathway leading further down. While standing there, he used Dungeon Conquerer to see what floor he was on, and a notification popped up, which made him smile.


    [Level Two - Shattered Chasm Dungeon - Floor twenty]


    While looking at that, Atlas felt the ground shake, causing him to ready his weapons before checking it out. Something told him to get out of the way as something erupted from the ground he was standing on.


    He quickly jumped to the side as a giant snake-like monster''s head smashed against the spot he was just in. Atlas spotted the newcomer, who looked like a stone snake that could move fast.


    ''These monsters are getting challenging to fight,'' he mused with a smile. ''I bet the boss with be hard.''


    When Atlas saw this, he cast Void Bomb at his before darting to the left as an explosion erupted. He readied his blade and stabbed the creature in its flank before dragging both weapons until dodging a tail swipe, but he still used Void Sight on it.


    [Rock Wyrm]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Stone plates protect its exterior]


    When Atlas saw this, his smile grew even wider as he started peppering the serpent with dozens of Void Blast, which didn''t affect it. He began to panic, but that''s when the Rock Wyrm quickly turned around and lunged at him.


    The monster opened its giant maw, but Atlas cast a Void Bomb, causing the wyrm to stop moving. He watched this and saw a blue glow emanating from inside just before its body exploded into chunks.


    ''Oh damn! That''s disgusting,'' he thought while gagging.


    Atlas was covered in foul green blood, but soon, the Rock Wyrm vanished, leaving behind two gold and a red core he stored away. Following that battle, he continued to look for the staircase to the twenty-first floor.


    He searched for an hour while battling ten Rock Wyrms targeting him. Once he found the stairs, he rushed toward the entrance but skidded to a stop before casting Void Step to dodge as a troll swung its stone club at him from the shadows.


    ''That was close, Where did they come from!''


    Seeing the new creature trying to attack him, he unleashed a volley of Void Bullets at the Cave Troll, catching it off guard. But before the monster could react, Atlas closed the distance in a blur, driving his blade into the troll''s ankles.


    The creature collapsed with a resounding crash, hitting the ground heavily just before Atlas plunged his blade through its skull. While doing that, more rumbling appeared, causing him to spin around as three more enraged Cave Trolls appeared.


    ''Exciting. These will be fun to fight,'' Atlas thought as his excitement exploded.


    He shot forward like a bullet before striking the closest troll''s ankle while casting Void Bullet at the knee. Atlas''s attack brought the giant to its knees as the other two rushed in and swung their weapons.


    Atlas ducked under one while jumping over another. When hitting the ground, he cast Void Step and vanished, only to reappear on the injured monster''s back and plunge his swords into the creature''s skull, ending its dungeon existence.


    While lost in his excitement, a sudden blow from a wooden club sent him hurtling into a nearby wall. The impact shattered several of his bones, and for the first time in a long while, his health counter flashed to life, a rare and alarming sight.


    [232/1132(0)]


    ''Ahhh fuck, that hurt,'' Atlas thought as his head spun.


    That''s when he felt the rumbling getting closer, causing him to quickly cast Void Guard, which blocked another attack before he cast Void Bomb at the two powerful trolls. When the azure projectile hit its target, an explosion erupted.


    Atlas poured more mana into Void Guard so it would break, but the strain was too much for him, forcing him to stop just as the explosion force died out. He shook his head and dropped to his knees while the experience poured in.


    ''''They''re dead,'''' he mumbled before pulling out a health potion and downing it.


    While lying there, Atlas felt his body repair itself as the bones snapped back into place and his destroyed skin stitched itself together. He just lay sprawled in the deep crater inside the wall, the debris from the recent battle scattered around him.


    The hole was roughly circular, about ten feet wide and five feet deep, formed by the massive impact of his clash with the cave trolls. The jagged edges of the hole were rimmed with broken rock and splintered wood from the troll''s club.


    Just then, he felt the potion''s effects were almost immediate. His bones began to knit back together, and the worst pain receded. Atlas closed his eyes and took deep breaths, allowing the potion to do its work.


    The searing pain slowly dulled to a manageable ache as his injuries healed. He could feel his strength returning, the throbbing in his head fading as the health potion''s magic spread through his body.


    Atlas shook off the disorientation, clambered out of the hole, and gathered the four red cores and four vials of troll blood. He scanned the blood for further information on the stuff to see if it was useful to him.


    [Cave Troll Blood: Can be used in alchemy or sold]


    ***


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 133 - 133: What Is This Place

    Atlas stored everything away before approaching the stairs leading him to the twenty-first floor, where he expected more trolls and other nightmarish monsters. Still, there was nothing but another large mining tunnel, causing him to glance around.


    ''I''m starting to hate this place now,'' he internally complained.


    It stretched before him, dimly lit and echoing with distant water drips. With a wave, he activated Call of The Void and summoned the Voidstalkers to scout out the floor for him. The little monsters appeared from the azure portal that opened.


    That''s when the twelve little mischievous Troodon-looking monsters all jumped on him. The creatures happily chirped when they saw Atlas, who started pampering the monsters before they surrounded him.


    ''They''re so adorable,'' he thought. ''There is some difference with these monsters; they seem smarter than regular ones.''


    He ordered them to locate any enemies and lead them here, which the Voidstalkers agreed to. Atlas watched them zoom off in all directions, chirping and making funny noises that made him laugh just as the hair on his neck stood up.


    Atlas spun around while raising his swords to defend himself. A Cave Weaver launched at Atlas and took him down, but he instantly cast Void Wave, which killed the creepy spider as more appeared.


    The battle continued as Atlas cut them down, and nearby explosions erupted. ''What is it now?''


    After fighting the spiders, he glanced over to the noise and saw Landsharks rushing at him through the ground. When Atals saw this, he braced himself as a monster burst from the ground, but he sidestepped it before running Nightblade through its flank.


    Blood exploded from the wound, but Atlas continued his attack using Void Blast at point black range. The sudden azure explosion rippled through the chamber and decimated the attacking Landsharks.


    Atlas activated Void Sight to scan his surroundings but saw nothing unusual. Continuing down the only accessible tunnel, he noticed large mounds scattered along the path. "What are those?" he wondered aloud, glancing at them.


    With no immediate threat in sight, Atlas pressed on toward the stairway leading to the twenty-second floor. The path remained clear of monsters, and he soon reached the next Safe Zone after the Voidstalkers found nothing.


    Overcome by exhaustion, Atlas staggered to the nearest bench and collapsed onto it. With a weary sigh, he removed his helmet and slumped comfortably. As the fatigue consumed him, he curled up on the bench, drifting into a deep, restorative sleep within the serene safety of the Safe Zone.


    Atlas slept comfortably but had no idea that someone was watching him.


    ***


    [************ POV]


    A being crept into the Safe Zone, where a boy in black armor and white hair was sleeping on the bench. With maniac thoughts rushing around in this being''s chaotic mind, it managed to control its urges to eat the king''s target, but not all was lost. ''I will not eat the Voidwalker yet; he must get stronger.''


    ''No, no, cannot kill; he reminds me of her,'' the being reached out and touched a lock of the boy''s hair. ''Soft like hers. He must live so I can remember.''


    When the being thought that, it sensed several Umber-Hulks lurking outside, waiting to ambush the boy, which angered it to no end. It charged out of the Safe Zone and quickly tore them apart before attacking the rest on the floor.


    The being returned to the sleeping boy and spoke in a raspy voice full of sorrow and rage, ''''A few more years, then we can fight to see how strong you''ve become.''''


    It shuffled out of the Safe Zone and into the dungeon''s darkness while muttering, ''Got to go see the king.''


    ***


    [Back to Atlas]


    Atlas woke up a few hours later, feeling refreshed. He sat up and surveyed the Safe Zone, quickly spotting a water fountain. He grabbed his canteen, filled it up, and took a long, satisfying drink.


    [Level Up: 133¡ú137]


    [Experience: 4830/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 7500]


    [Mana: 4958¡ú4970]


    [Stamina: 1562¡ú1624]


    [Core Points: 28540/40000]


    [Core Points Gained: 3750]


    ''Only small gains this time,'' he wondered. ''Maybe it will slow down from now on?''


    Then, Atlas continued along the twenty-second floor and soon found fourteen red cores lying on the ground, which confused him. He quickly scooped them up before throwing them into storage.


    He traveled through a few floors without encountering any strong monsters apart from Landsharks, Cave Weavers, and Cave Fishers. Once Atlas reached the twenty-sixth floor, he stepped into another boss arena, which excited him.


    ''The third Sub-Boss,'' he thought excitedly as his smile grew.


    Atlas prepared to fight by taking out his swords as the nearby gate opener, only for a bigger Umber-Hulk to step out with rage in its beady little eyes; the only thing that was different from the other monster was that this thing was as dark as shadows and had glowing red eyes.


    When the monster appeared, a notification popped up.


    [Umber-Hulk King]


    [Rank: C+ - 550 Exp]


    [Be fast!]


    ''This is going to be fun; I''m starting to love fighting,'' Atlas mused before he burst forward like a rocket and struck the monster''s joints, which frustrated it.


    The monster becomes enraged when the Deepforge and Nightblade bite into the Umber-Hulk King''s flesh, but it isn''t enough as the creature swings its giant arm backward, causing him to duck and dive into its attacks.


    Atlas''s heart was racing, but something inside him was enjoying the thrill of such a fight, and his adrenaline skyrocketed. The Umber-Hulk King charged toward him, letting out an angry roar that shook the arena''s floor.


    When it came close, Atlas cast Void Bullet into the ground below, which threw off the giant monster and allowed him to use Void Step to appear behind it, which allowed him to jump on its back.


    He went to thrust his blade into the soft neck of the creature, but that''s when the Umbrer King''s head spun around like an owl, which made Atlas jump. This gave the Sub-Boss enough time to strike him.


    Atlas was hurled across the arena, crashing into the wall with such force that it crumbled upon impact. Dazed and disoriented, he struggled to piece together what had just happened.


    ''Did it hit me? But how?'' he wondered.


    The pain was intense, and his head spun, but Atlas quickly regained his footing. Gritting his teeth, he drank a health potion, hoping it would restore his strength. Following that, the Sub-Boss rushed toward him.


    The Umber King swung its massive fists, but Atlas deftly dodged each strike while launching Void Blasts. The attacks bounced off the creature''s chitinous armor, barely making an impact.


    As he evaded another powerful swing, Atlas seized the opportunity to counterattack. He forced his blade into the joint of the creature''s arm before casting Void Bullet. The projectile detonated with a resounding explosion, severing the Umber King''s arm, which crashed to the ground with a heavy thud.


    Atlas quickly jumped back as the monster lashed out with its remaining arm, roaring in agony. The battle continued, and his speed gave him an advantage, allowing him to strike at several weak spots in the monster.


    The arena lit up with a beautiful blue glow as the fight intensified. He dodged each strike, countering with a Void Blast aimed at its legs to topple it. Furious, the Umber-Hulk flailed wildly, allowing Atlas to leap onto its arm as it swung back.


    Seizing the moment, he drove his blades into one of the creature''s eyes, eliciting a scream of pain. But the battle wasn''t over¡ªhe finished it with a Void Bullet, blowing the monster''s head apart.


    The Umber-Hulk King fell to the ground, lifeless as its life slipped away thanks to his surprise attack and the following explosion.


    [Sub-Bosses: 3/4]


    ''Three down and one to go,'' Atlas pondered with a tired smile. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, the Umber-Hulk King vanished into the dungeon, leaving behind a red Monster Core and more chitin plates, which he stored in the Dimensional Storage before spotting the stairs down to the twenty-seventh floor.


    He entered the expansive chamber, its bleakness betraying its past as a mining rest area. Now cold and blackened, fire pits were scattered across the room, and dilapidated cabins leaned precariously, their rotting wood creaking with each step.


    "What is this place?" he murmured, surveying the desolate remnants of a once-bustling hub.


    Atlas soon noticed belongings scattered haphazardly, relics of those who once worked here. As he scanned the area, he came across what appeared to be the corpse of a soldier propped up against a wall.


    A wave of sadness washed over him as he studied the fallen figure. "What happened here?" he wondered, glancing around the desolate chamber, the echoes of the past lingering in the air.


    The soldier had a symbol that looked like two lions on a shield causing him to suck the armor into his storage to show the city guards. Following that, a group of goblins dashed around the corner of one of the shacks, shouting unintelligible words as they dashed in his direction.


    Upon spotting them, Atlas chuckled and cast Void Barrage. The chamber lit up with a brilliant azure glow as multiple projectiles materialized around him. With a decisive gesture, he unleashed the projectiles, each streaking through the air and exterminating the creatures.


    Most creatures dropped to the ground, leaving Atlas to finish the remaining ones. They were no match for his skill, and the sharp edge of his swords caused the experience to flow into his body.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 134 - 134: The Dungeon Boss

    Atlas collected ten black Monster Cores and continued through the creepy place he found himself in. The air smelled of rot, monsters, and death as he came upon a group of adventurers'' gear.


    ''I wonder how they died,'' he thought while checking out the scene around him.


    It looked like they had been ambushed during their run and absorbed into the dungeon once they died. They left behind their broken and damaged gear, which consisted of rusted swords and a broken staff.


    Atlas continued with his journey and made it through the resting area, only to spot another tunnel that would lead him to the next floor. He started traveling down it, and half an hour later, the ground started shaking.


    ''A big monster is coming,'' he wondered excitedly. ''I bet its a Cave Troll.''


    He readied his spells as a Cave Troll viciously burst out of the shadows with an earth-shaking roar. It dashed forward and swung its club towards him. Atlas narrowly avoided the crushing impact by leaning back.


    The weapon whistled past just inches from his nose, causing him to think, ''That was close.''


    Seizing the moment, he unleashed a Void Blast that slammed into the troll''s face. The impact sent the beast staggering, its eyes wide with shock as it reeled backward. Atlas closed the distance without missing a beat, charging forward as the troll tried to recover.


    When the troll club swung down in a desperate arc, Atlas sidestepped the attack, causing him to become a blur. He struck out with a powerful slash, carving through the monster''s wrist and slicing open the flesh.


    The weapon tumbled from the troll''s grasp thanks to his attack, clattering to the ground as the monster howled in pain. Following that, Atlas cast Void Bomb at it before using Void Step to get away as it exploded.


    Atlas held firm as the shockwave washed over the chamber, killing the Cave Troll with an azure blast of mana. He relaxed once, feeling the experience flowing into his body, causing him to smile.


    ''I love this feeling; it''s refreshing,'' he thought with a smile.


    Following that battle, he continued traveling through the dungeon until reaching the next Sub-Boss after killing another five Cave Trolls and three Umber-Hulks with ease, thanks to his experience fighting them.


    As he took a moment to catch his breath, Atlas reviewed his status one final time, preparing himself mentally for the impending battle with the monster and the challenge of the dungeon boss that awaited him.


    [Level Up: 134¡ú137]


    [Experience: 380/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 10350]


    [Health: 1132¡ú1144(200)]


    [Mana: 4970¡ú5090]


    [Strength: 1264¡ú1288(100)]


    [Stamina: 1564¡ú1600(250)]


    [Core points: 30790/40000]


    [Core Points Gained: 6000]


    ''A few small gains, which is good,'' Atlas mused. ''But it seems to be slowing down now and the battles are only getting easier.''


    Atlas was now ready to enter the last arena where the Sub-Boss would be. This time, he decided to use his bombs, as he''d been forgetting about them. He took out a Flashbang Crystal while stepping onto the stone floor.


    A shield suddenly appeared and encircled the arena, trapping Atlas inside as a voice dripping with malice reached his ears, ''''So the king was right, and you''ve finally returned to try and stop us, but this time you''re tiny.''''


    The taunting irritated him greatly, and he seethed inwardly, "I swear by Luxia, I''ll turn this monster into nothing but meat paste."


    Atlas looked in the voice''s direction only to spot a massive troll over ten feet tall, built like a mountain with sickly green skin covered by armor. He gulped when he saw the monster''s glowing red eyes staring at him with hunger.


    "Deciding not to respond, little Voidwalker? You''ll encounter many of my kind during your journey, and sooner or later, one of the generals will claim you," the being said with a dark, amused chuckle.


    Atlas knew precisely what this thing was and scanned him using Void Sight.


    [Cave Troll King]


    [Chaos touched]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Keep moving and pepper it with spells]


    ''Oh no, I don''t think I can fight this monster,'' Atlas reconsidered but had to stop as he remembered he was trapped in the arena.


    Atlas recalled the creatures under his command and decided to summon them for the upcoming battle. Turning to face the monstrous Troll King, he sneered in response, "Let''s get this over with, chaos scum."


    The Troll King responded with a guttural laugh, revealing a massive ball and chain, its spiked surface glinting ominously. With a menacing grin, the beast began spinning the weapon, the chain whistling through the air.


    ''''I don''t want to get hit by that thing,'''' Atlas muttered.


    He readied his blades and prepared his bombs before hurling the Flashbang Crystal at King Troll, who sidestepped the bomb. However, it exploded when it hit the floor, causing the creature to cover its eyes.


    Atlas instantly reacted and threw an Inferno Bomb at the troll''s chest, which erupted into a firestorm that caused it to stumble back. He dashed forward so fast that the air crackled around him before striking the monster''s exposed ankles.


    The blades cut through the flash, but Atlas had to swiftly use Void Step to dodge as the troll''s spiked ball and chain crashed into the ground where he had just been. Reacting quickly, he reached into his pouches and retrieved a smoke bomb, hurling it in front of the monster as it turned toward him.


    ''Take this and see if you can deal with it,'' he mused with a growing grin.


    As the smoke billowed around the troll, Atlas hurled a Gravity Bomb. Upon impact, the massive creature was slammed to the ground, stunned for a few seconds. Seizing the opportunity, he launched two Void Bombs at the downed beast before quickly pulling back.


    Atlas brought up Void Guard to protect himself from the shockwave that he felt in his chest; the dust and debris flew all over the place, but once it died down, he spotted the Troll King getting to its feet with damaged armor and an enraged expression on its face.


    ''''Sneaky little demon! I will show you what it means to be a Chaos Captain!'''' the monster declared before charging forward.


    ''No, you won''t because I have a stronger monster to fight you with,'' he thought with a smile.


    When Atlas spotted this, he activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned the Rank A Death Serpent. The large black snake-like monster flew out of the azure portal, which opened up and wrapped its elongated body around the Troll King.


    ''''Fight that motherfucker; I have help, unlike some,'''' Atlas muttered.


    The Cave Troll King was shocked but couldn''t do anything. The Death Serpent bit down on its head while Atlas rushed forward and stabbed the Nightblade into the monster''s knees before casting Void Bullet, which blew it apart.


    It came crashing down, allowing the Dungeon Monster to bite into the troll''s skull before it popped out like a watermelon, causing Atlas grew excited as the Sub-Boss''s experience flowed into him.


    Afterward, Atlas carefully picked up a stunning blue Monster Core and stored it alongside the ten gold coins, a gesture that satisfied him. Sensing his contentment, the Death Serpent gently nudged him with its massive head, eliciting a smile from Atlas.


    ''These monsters are growing closer to me,'' he mused. ''I can feel that they care for me.''


    He affectionately stroked the serpent''s scales, its red eyes glowing warmly. Once he had pampered the creature enough, Atlas mounted its back. Together, they traveled the final thirteen floors, reaching the Boss''s Chamber on the fortieth floor.


    When Atlas saw the bridge leading to the arena where he would be fighting the dungeon boss and unlocking it for his skill, he ordered the Death Serpent to cross the bridge while readying himself for battle.


    A few minutes later, the two arrived and noticed the arena was the size of a football field, which gave them enough room to fight. Atlas glanced around and didn''t see anything until a portal opened.


    That''s when he saw something fly out of the portal while letting out a heart-stopped roar, causing Atlas to scan the boss.


    [Chaos Cave Wyvern]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    ''This is going to be hard but I can do it,'' Atlas pondered. ''This will help me grow stronger!''


    He got a good look at the wyvern circling above them. It had a midnight black hide with glowing red eyes. It was the same length as the Death Serpent and looked just as strong, causing Atlas to cast Void Barrage at the monster.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air and peppered the wyvern''s body, causing it to roar before swooping down on them. Atlas waited for its attack, but the Death Serpent lunged into the air and managed to bite down on one of its wings.


    Atlas watched as the sudden attack brought the wyvern crashing to the ground. Still, it retaliated fiercely, using its teeth and claws to shred at the serpent''s body, sending blood cascading down.


    He cheered excitedly, but his enthusiasm faltered as the wyvern delivered a crushing bite to the snake''s spine, snapping it in a devastating blow. Atlas was shocked but started casting Void Arrows into the monster''s body.


    ''This spell will pierce its thick hide, allowing me to attack with my swords,'' Atlas thought excitedly.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give] S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 135 - 135: I Admit It Was Exciting

    Atlas''s Void Arrows pierced the Chaos Cave Wyvern''s tough hide, eliciting a roar of pain. It rushed toward him as its rage overtook it. Seeing this, he uses Void Step to evade, leaving the injured monster confused.


    ''Better be quick!'' he thought as his heart raced.


    He reappeared behind the monster while casting Void Barrage at the corrupted boss. Atlas watched as the creature grew increasingly frustrated and lunged at him with a snap of its jaws, but he dodged the attack and retaliated by striking the wyvern''s eye, causing it to roar in pain.


    His shock attack made the beast thrash violently. In its frenzy, its tail suddenly lashed out and struck him. The force of the blow sent him crashing into the arena wall, and he crumpled to the floor with a resounding thud, his body throbbing with pain from the impact.


    Atlas shook his head as his vision was blurry, and the pain was already too much for him, but he gritted his teeth while standing up. He felt his Regeneration skill kick in while starting to heal him.


    It stitched the wounds together while mending bones; Atlas felt his muscles fix themselves, causing him to sigh in relief as the intense pain faded. He opened his eyes only to see the Chaos Wyvern lunging at him with its mouth wide open.


    He darted to the side just as the monster slammed into the spot where he had been moments before. Gasping for breath, he thought, ''It''s still coming! No wonder it''s so incredibly strong.''


    Atlas hobbled away while casting Void Barrage that slammed into the monster, causing it to reel back, giving him time to recover as he checked his health.


    [Health: 387/1144(200)]


    ''Damn that hit was bad,'' Atlas thought while pulling out a health potion and downing it so he felt better.


    Atlas shook off the daze, his focus sharpening as the wyvern lunged again. With lightning reflexes, he sidestepped the monster''s deadly claws, narrowly escaping the swipe as he felt the rush of wind against his face.


    His blades flashed, carving through the beast''s side and leaving a gaping wound. The wyvern roared in agony and swung its tail in a desperate counterattack to kill him as the attack enraged the monster.


    The battle erupted as Atlas threw a Thunderclap Bomb at the monster, causing thunder to explode across the arena. When the lightning struck the creature, it roared in pain, but he couldn''t get close as the tail tried to hit him.


    Atlas hurled two Inferno Bombs, igniting a storm of flames that engulfed the wyvern. As the beast thrashed and roared in the inferno, Atlas seized the moment to close in. He channeled all his strength into a devastating strike against the wyvern''s wing, tearing it apart.


    Enraged and disoriented, the monster began snapping its jaws wildly at him. Atlas continued dodging while slashing and stabbing at the wyvern''s battered body. As the battle continued, he reacted a second too late, as it caught him off guard and used its tail to strike.


    He quickly cast Void Guard, the protective barrier shimmering into existence just in time to absorb the monstrous blow. Atlas braced himself against the impact, deflecting the tail''s fury.


    It slammed into the azure barrier with a resounding boom, creating the perfect opening for Atlas to cast Void Bomb. He quickly moved to put as much distance as possible between himself and the impending shockwave.


    As the spell struck the creature, it detonated in a powerful explosion, sending tremors through the arena. Atlas stabbed his swords into the ground and supported himself so he wouldn''t get blown away.


    Following that, Atlas glanced up as the dust settled and noticed the boss was struggling to get up while looking at him with rage in its eyes. He chuckled at its expression while he approached the dying monster.


    Without wasting more time, he stabbed the Chaos-touched Cave Wyvern through the forehead, causing it to spasm before dying. He felt the experience pour into his body, making him feel like he was in heaven.


    When it calmed down, Atlas dropped on his backside as the exhaustion overtook his body. As he caught his breath, a young woman''s excited voice rang out in his mind, making him smile.


    ''Dungeon Conqueror! I didn''t think you''d make it this when I sensed you on the first floor, especially with chaos lurking inside.''


    ''Well, I''m here now. Can you open the portal to the core? I need a safe place to rest.''


    The arena trembled as a white doorway materialized a few feet away. Atlas quickly grabbed the boss''s core, its radiant purple hue casting an ethereal glow across the area. His attention was then drawn to a pair of intriguing goggles and piles of twenty gold lying nearby alongside the Shattered Chasm Silver Boss Token.


    Atlas examined the goggles, curious about their effects.


    [Goggles of True Sight]


    [Rank: Epic]


    [Level: 5]


    [Effects: Allows the wearer to see invisible creatures, detect hidden traps, and uncover secret doors]


    ''These are amazing!'' he internally celebrated.


    Atlas saw nothing, causing him to shrug before stepping through the portal and appearing in the Dungeon Core saferoom. While standing there, he spotted something in the corner, thanks to the goggles.


    He approached it and noticed it was a hidden compartment, which caused him to think, ''Is this some sort of treasure?''


    While pondering that, the Dungeon Master''s voice rang out in his mind, ''That is your prize for completing my challenges and vanquishing the Chaos beings from infecting the core.''


    Atlas smiled before tapping the stone, which completely vanished and revealed a small wooden box. He gently picked it up and opened it, only to see a beautiful silver coin different from the ones he already knew sitting on top of a ring, which caught his attention.


    ''What are these things?'' he pondered before scanning it with Void Sight.


    [Platinum Coin]


    [Worth one thousand gold coins]


    [Dungeon Sovereign Ring]


    [Rank: Epic]


    [Level: 3]


    [Effects: Increases your mana by one thousand points as long as it''s equipped]


    ''Getting this was worth the trouble,'' Atlas mused, putting the ring on and feeling his mana boost.


    With a tired smile, he turned to the Dungeon Core and slowly approached it. Atlas placed his hand on it and felt a connection growing until a screen popped up, giving him all the information he needed. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Shattered Chasm: Level Two Dungeon]


    [Added to the Dungeon Realm - 2 available]


    [Monster Rank G: Giant Cave Rats, Cave Goblins]


    [Monster Rank E: Giant Earthworm, Dark Cave Ants]


    [Monster Rank D: Cave Weaver, Cave Fisher, Landsharks, Kuo-Toa]


    [Monster Rank C: Cave Troll, Dark Termites, Rock Wyrm, Umber-Hulk]


    [Sub-Bosses: Queen Dark Ant, Kuo-Toa Tribe, Umber-Hulk King, King Troll]


    [Boss: Cave Wyvern]


    ''More monsters!''


    ''Thank you for saving me, Dungeon Conquerer, and I look forward to working with you in the future,'' the Dungeon Master said respectfully.


    ''Can I rest here for half an hour? I''m tired and would rather have some energy when returning to the city,'' Atlas asked the dungeon, who agreed.


    Following that, he rested for a while until feeling refreshed, and the Dungeon Master opened a portal to the entrance, which he stepped through. When he exited, the fresh air hit Atlas, causing him to smile.


    Before leaving the dungeon, Atlas activated the Maskweaver, returned his disguise, and removed his goggles as he walked through the entrance, only to shock the surrounding soldiers.


    When the Achaemenidian commander saw him, his eyes widened, and his jaw dropped as he spoke, ''''Are you the boy who went into the dungeon a couple of days ago?''''


    Atlas nodded while showing the guards the boss''s token, and he replied, ''''Yes. I defeated the Cave Wyvern and was allowed out. I admit it was exciting and can''t wait to complete the Silverpeak Swamp.''''


    The city guard looked at him like he was crazy, but the proof that he had completed the dungeon was evident. That''s when the commander shook his head and informed him, ''''A guild official came by yesterday and asked me to tell you to go to the Adventurers Guild if you were to come out.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' Atlas replied, dismissing his armor before walking toward the guild.


    While traveling through the city, he noticed more soldiers, and the people looked panicked, which confused him. Atlas made it to the city''s square and saw dozens of tents everywhere, with injured guards and citizens moaning in pain.


    ''What happened here?'' he thought before continuing to the guild.


    As Atlas walked past crowds of people, he learned that a Freedom Fighter Group was attacking the city and its road. This caused him to think, ''Rebels! This should be fun. I''m sure they are fighting for a good cause, but it''s nothing to do with me.''


    After ten minutes, he arrived at the guild counter, where a man stood behind it going through paperwork as usual. Atlas took out his card and handed it to the receptionist while speaking, ''''I was told to come here by the city guard.''''


    The man took his card before scanning it, only for his eyes to open wide; he shook his head while explaining, ''''The five hundred gold coins have been credited to your Guild Account. If you wish to withdraw the funds, go to the nearest bank in any of the bigger cities in the empire.''''


    ''''Can you tell me how much is on my account, please?'''' Atlas asked, to which the man nodded before checking something.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 136 - 136: Dreadspawns

    ''''There are just the five hundred gold coins for the dungeon discovery that the mayor awarded you,'''' the receptionist answered.


    Atlas nodded before leaving the Adventurer''s Guild and going to the inn where he was staying. He noticed people panicking as they rushed down the street, looking worried and holding their children.


    ''What the hell is happening,'' he thought as explosions went off in the distance.


    It took him fifteen minutes to reach the Hosseini Inn, and when Atlas entered, he noticed it was empty, which was strange. As the door slammed shut, Mitra popped out with a shocked expression.


    ''''Atlas!'''' the older woman said as she rushed to him.


    She hugged him before continuing, ''''You need to leave Tarajiyah City. The Immortals found your room and know you''re completing the dungeons.''''


    Atlas was confused but shook his head before questioning, ''''How do they know I was here?''''


    ''''They had a high-ranked Spirit Mage that can track you,'''' Mitra responded while checking him over. ''''Your aura differs from others as the Void lingers around you.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he shivered before she dragged him to the back of the inn as she concluded, ''''Escape into the mountains and travel quick. They have hired the Crimson Vanguard to hunt you alongside the Immortals.''''


    Atlas''s worry deepened, but Mitra was already ahead of him. With a sad smile, she gently pushed him back. "I hate that we''re parting like this, Atlas," she said. "But the rumors about the Immortals suggest they''d do unimaginable things to you. Stay safe, grow stronger, and come back to me when you''re ready my boy."


    He smiled at the woman who had unofficially adopted him during his stay in the city. Atlas thanked her for all the help and sprinted through the alleyways, equipping his armor¡ªthis time, it wasn''t hidden.


    ''They know I''m hiding myself,'' Atlas thought. ''I will fight them, but use the monsters on my side to escape.''


    Following that, he rushed through Tajariyah City, but soon, a wave of spells peppered the street around him. Atlas quickly cast Void Guard, which deflected the attacks but made him skid backward due to the impact.


    ''They''re here,'' he thought as figures dressed in all black with demon masks surrounded him.


    Atlas prepared to fight by readying his blades and looking for a way out, but a man''s voice reached his ears, ''''Surrender Dahaka, and your death will be swift. There''s nowhere for you to run or hide anymore.''''


    He bristled angrily and replied sarcastically, ''''Oh yes, let me just lay down my swords so you can put me in the Boats, as your emperor said. Noway I''m listening to you Achaemenidian dogs.''''


    After speaking, Atlas activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned three Death Gorillas led by Kara, who roared in anger as the monsters started attacking the Immortals. He burst forward and slashed at another enemy, who was shocked at his speed.


    ''Try to keep up with me, Achaemenidians!''


    Atlas pressed on with ferocity, unleashing a storm of slashes and stabs that the Immortal struggled to deflect. In otherworldly maneuver, Atlas cast Void Step, momentarily vanishing from sight.


    He reemerged behind his foe in the blink of an eye, driving his blade deep into their back. With skill, he spun and intercepted the next assault, his resolve unshaken amidst the chaos of battle.


    The battle caused chaos on the street as the Death Gorilla circled Atlas, sending the Immortals flying like rag-dolls. While fighting, he noticed more of the enemy appearing, but he fought with the leader.


    They traded blows that sent clangs through the street as their blades connected, but Atlas was faster and ran circles around the man. The Immortal kept and spoke, ''''Why fight so hard demon! Your death is the only thing that awaits you.''''


    As the words echoed around him, a distant memory surged to the forefront of Atlas''s mind. He was transported back to Earth to a sunlit afternoon in the family garden. He was seated beside his mother, the vibrant blossoms of their garden framing their conversation.


    With fervent eyes, he spoke of his dreams to become a hero like his father¡ªa firefighter who had given his life in the line of duty. Unwavering and filled with belief, his mother placed a steady hand on his shoulders.


    Her voice, a beacon of encouragement, resonated deeply. "It''s okay for you to become who you want to be, my son. Remember always to keep fighting."


    In that profound moment of remembrance, Atlas''s resolve crystallized. He halted mid-stride, his gaze fierce and unwavering. He leveled his blade at the Immortals Commander and declared, "I will become the strongest on Valoria and bring the Achaemenid Empire to its knees."


    Following that, Atlas burst forward so fast he was like a bullet and sent several strikes that cut the commander. The Immortals were shocked but quickly ganged up on him. When he saw this, he quickly deflected many of the attacks and killed a few before being struck himself.


    He used Void Step to clear space between them as the last Death Gorilla fell to the other Immortals. Once they were gone, the others surrounded him, and a new foe joined the fray with a horrifying howl.


    Atlas looked up to see creepy humanoids jumping into the street as another battle erupted between them and the Immortals, but the ones surrounding him didn''t move. He smiled while pointing Nightblade at the ground.


    ''''I shall see you guys soon,'''' he said before casting a Void Bomb that connected with the ground before exploding.


    The explosive force hurled him and the Immortals into the air, their forms tumbling through the sky. Amidst the chaos, Atlas summoned his Blood Bat, its eerie screech piercing through the din.


    As the creature burst through the portal, it snatched Atlas in mid-flight, its talons gripping him securely. The Blood Bat fluttered its wings unsteady as it chirped at him. He smiled, his fingers brushing the creature''s sleek, blood-red fur.


    Suddenly, a barrage of spells and arrows struck them, each impact causing the bat to falter. Despite the relentless assault, the Bat folded its wings protectively around Atlas as they descended.


    The pair plummeted toward the streets below, the ground rushing to meet them amidst a flurry of magical and physical attacks. Thanks to the Blood Bat, Atlas wasn''t hurt, but he was low on mana and needed to recover.


    He jumped up as the monster''s body faded and started running through the streets. Atlas passed by an alleyway, only for those creepy humanoids to lunge at him, but he could easily cut them down. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas quickly scanned one of them before passing by.


    [Chaos Dreadspawn]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Run, these monsters are hunting YOU!]


    When Atlas saw the warning, he yelped and quickened his pace. As he ran, he sensed a pair of eyes watching him, but he pushed the feeling aside and focused on spotting the cave entrance to the new dungeon he had discovered.


    As Atlas approached, three Immortals blocked his path. He quickly cast Void Bullets, their projectiles peppering the ground before them. The spells erupted, sending the enemies reeling backward and giving him a chance to slip past.


    He drove his blade into one of them, and the Dreadspawn leaped onto the remaining foes. With the way momentarily clear, Atlas dashed into the tunnel, pursued by the other howling creatures.


    One of the Dreadspawns managed to catch up, leaping onto Atlas and sinking its teeth into his shoulder, causing him to scream in pain. Just as that happened, he caught sight of four figures clad in black.


    Atlas locked eyes with one of them, whose beautiful brown eyes stood out starkly. Before he could react further, an explosion rippled through the tunnel, throwing everything into chaos as he plummeted into a dark chasm once again.


    While falling, he spotted the figure also falling, but they threw a rope and stopped. He was enveloped by darkness, and he killed the Dreadspawn that clung to him just as he crashed into a ledge.


    The impact knocked out the wind, and he hit his head hard. While Atlas lay there as his head spun, the stone broke, sending him further down. His whole body was screaming in pain as the bite wound bled profusely as he crashed into ice-cold water that woke him up.


    Atlas was still blind, and even the Night Eyes couldn''t see because of the damage it received when he hit his head. While floating to the surface, he pulled out a few mana potions before downing them to top himself up.


    As he did this, a bad feeling washed over him, as a massive shark was charging directly at him. When Atlas saw this, he panicked but pulled out his swords before casting Void Blast to move him out of the monster''s path.


    The shark zoomed past him, giving Atlas a crucial moment to act. He summoned the Death Serpent, draining all his energy as the portal materialized. The appearance of the serpentine creature halted the shark''s advance.


    With a powerful bite, the snake clamped down on the shark and coiled its lengthy form around it. As the battle unfolded, Atlas quickly scanned the enemy to determine its identity and rank.


    [Cave Shark]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Common predator that lurks the underground seas - Use your magic]


    ''At least I have the Death Serpent to help me,'' Atlas thought with a relieved smile.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 137 - 137: Mystic Legends Card

    Atlas watched the Death Serpent, which was much stronger, kill the Cave Shark with ease. Once it was dead, the snake approached him protectively. He grabbed onto the snake-looking monster while glancing around, and all he could see was black.


    ''Why am I always falling down these places,'' he thought with annoyance. ''Maybe it might lead me to something.''


    Then, Atlas ordered the Death Serpent to travel north while protecting him from the monsters lurking in the shadows around them.


    [Level Up: 137¡ú138]


    [Experience: 4440/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 7100]


    [Health: 1144¡ú1146(200)]


    [Mana: 5090¡ú5092(1000)]


    [Strength: 1288¡ú1294(100)]


    [Stamina: 1600¡ú1604(250)]


    [Intelligence: 1020¡ú1024]


    [Core Points: 33640/40000]


    [Core Points Gained: 2850]


    [********** **** Locked]


    ''What is this? Why is this thing locked?'' Atlas thought to himself before clicking the mysterious notification that popped up.


    [********** **** - Will be revealed when you become Master Rank]


    ''''So long away!'''' he muttered in a frustrated voice and gave up looking into it.


    The Death Serpent glided through the dim underground tunnels, its presence barely visible to Atlas. He activated his skill Light, illuminating the area and revealing eerie insects crawling along the walls while avoiding them. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These creatures made Atlas shiver when he saw them, causing him to ignore them. He activated Aqua Lung once again as they swam through the tunnel. Ten minutes later, the snake stopped swimming while looking around.


    Atlas grew curious, but that''s when a male''s voice sounded in his mind, causing him to jump in fright as he wasn''t expecting the Death Serpent to talk, ''Master. There''s something much stronger than me lurking in the darkness.''


    ''You can talk! Why haven''t you said anything until now?'' he asked the monster in a shocked tone.


    ''There was no need for it,'' the snake replied. ''I will find somewhere to throw you into before it attacks.''


    Atlas swallowed hard, glancing around at the encroaching darkness. ''Okay,'' he replied.


    After that, he scanned their surroundings using Void Sight but spotted nothing. An hour passed as the snake swam through the cold, dark water. While swimming through a slightly bigger passage, he was flung into a nearby crevice as something attacked.


    As the water churned with the ferocious clash of the two monsters, Atlas seized the opportunity to assess the newcomer. The sight of the grotesque creature made his blood run cold.


    [Eldritch Eel]


    [Rank: S+ - 3000 Exp]


    [Don''t you dare think about fighting it, boy! You will die]


    ''Do you think I''m stupid! I''m not going near that thing,'' he replied to the advice. ''Anything with Eldritch and eel in its name is horrifying.''


    Following that thought, Atlas noticed the water outside the crevice went still, causing him to think, ''Oh no. The Death Serpent is gone.''


    While watching the entrance, something inside told him to move backward, and a massive eel''s head shot through the opening, snapping its nightmarish jaws. Atlas nearly shit himself as he scooted backward.


    As the giant eel lunged at him, Atlas frantically searched for an escape route. His eyes darted around until he spotted a narrow opening above him. With a desperate struggle, he squeezed through just in time as the monstrous creature barreled into his hiding spot.


    Atlas was relieved and let out a breath that caused him to collapse. Glancing around, he realized he was in a small cave with a pedestal on the opposite end, which caught his attention.


    Something was glowing, so he approached it, only to see a dark blue metal ingot sparkling like the stars in the night. ''What is this, and why does it feel so familiar?''


    He quickly scanned it using Void Sight.


    [Starfall Metal]


    [Rank: Artifact]


    [Level: 5]


    ''Oh, this would be worth many gold coins,'' he thought with a greedy smile.


    Atlas touched the ingot without hesitation, only to be jolted by a sudden shock. He yelped and instinctively jerked his hand away. As he recovered from the surprise, a Notification caught his attention.


    [One of ten. Collect the rest of the needed items to fight the darkness - Locate the Old King''s Map in Babylon City]


    ''Another adventure? But that''s the enemy capital and I''m not strong enough to go near there,'' he mused with a smile.


    Afterward, Atlas stored the Starfall Ingot in his Dimensional Storage, though he could still feel its lingering effects. Shaking off the sensation, he searched the room but found nothing interesting.


    It was only then that Atlas remembered the Goggles of True Sight. He quickly retrieved them from his storage and put them on. As the goggles activated, a hidden hole in the corner of the chamber ceiling was revealed, making him smile with satisfaction.


    A click happened while he approached and started climbing, causing water to pour into the chamber. It started filling the room, making him panic before climbing quicker as he could barely fit into the crevice.


    Atlas struggled to climb as the rushing water overwhelmed him, pulling him violently through the narrow passageway. He slammed his head against the walls, rendering him unconscious. Despite the harsh tumbling, his armor and helmet provided enough protection to prevent serious injury.


    He was swept through kilometers of underground tunnels and was spat out in an unnamed lake in the Far East. Atlas was floating on the surface as rain lashed down, causing him to open his eyes and spot dark clouds high above.


    ''Where am I now? Hopefully closer to Aridonia, I still need to heal Lilith before meeting the others,'' Atlas mused as a headache hit him.


    This caused him to grit his teeth in pain before swimming toward the shore, only to spot a small town in the distance. Atlas headed toward it with determination, and when he reached dry ground, he collapsed to the ground with a sigh.


    Atlas saw a green canopy above him swaying around due to the storm brewing. He sat up and shook his head, ''At least no monsters attacked me on the way here.''


    He stood up and glanced at the town in the distance while mumbling. "I need to disguise myself; I''d prefer not to be burned at the stake."


    Activating Maskweaver, Atlas transformed his white hair to blonde and his eyes to brown. His pale skin darkened to resemble that of a Southman. ''This should work perfectly,'' he thought with a smile.


    Then, he started making his way to the town while checking on his helmet, which was repaired, causing him to smile. It took him twenty minutes to reach the entrance guarded by three guards.


    One stepped forward, leveling a spear at Atlas, while the other nocked an arrow to his bow. Atlas raised his hands and called out, "I''m a lost adventurer! A monster chased me, fell into a chasm, and ended up being ejected into the lake over there!"


    The guards looked at each other before the one in charge replied suspiciously, ''''Show me your guild card.''''


    Atlas nodded before taking out the black card and showing the men, causing them to relax, which caught his attention. ''''What''s going on? You seem on edge,'''' he asked the commander in a curious tone.


    The older man nodded before explaining in a tired voice, ''''The town has been under attack by a group of Wendigos that have been snatching farmers and travelers as they approach.''''


    ''Wendigos!'' Atlas thought.


    ''''Are they lurking in the jungle, and how many are there?'''' he questioned the commander.


    ''''At least twenty. A hunter managed to cross over the Runes that keep them out of the town, but the mayor said it would only last another two weeks due to the mana consumption,'''' the man answered as they crossed through the town gate.


    When Atlas felt the place''s atmosphere, he shivered as if it were one of dread and paranoia. He looked at the man and commented, ''''Do you have the guild token they issue for quests, and what is the reward for taking the creatures out?''''


    The commander nodded in a voice laced with concern, ''''Yes. The mayor and his wife arrived today from Azurah City in the north; if I remember, it was four gold coins to clear the monsters from the jungle.'''' he revealed.


    Atlas became interested but asked one last question, ''''How can I travel to the Aridonia Continent? I will live with my mother''s brother, who owns a traveling gladiator school in Gauwilh City in the Northeast.''''


    "That''s where the famed Gladiator Scipio is from," the man said with a smile. "My son has recently found his Mystic Legends Card, which all the kids have nowadays."


    He smiled back at Atlas before the commander continued, "Your best option now is to head to Frostwinter, where the Greenskin Confederation operates on the western coast. They use their manaships to cross the Sirens Sea."


    "Why can''t I just take a ship or a train?" Atlas asked.


    The man''s smile faded as he nodded and explained, "The sea monsters destroyed the last bridge the empire built, and the Nightmare Kraken attacks all ships that attempt to cross during Frostwinter."


    Atlas nodded, ''''Thank you for the information; I will set out in the morning to clear the Wendigo nest and claim the gold coins,'''' he said before walking into the town.


    He observed people hurrying home and shops hastily locking their doors, which puzzled Atlas. Recalling the guard''s mention of the Mystic Legend Cards, he wondered, ''What are these cards? I''ve never encountered them before.''


    As he scanned the street, Atlas noticed a General Store still open. Deciding to investigate, he approached and stepped inside.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 138 - 138: Did You Deal With Them Yourself

    When Atlas entered the General Store, he noticed a young woman behind the counter looking bored while reading a book. He noticed she looked up at him, but her expression was shocked and puzzled.


    ''New people are that rare now days?'' he thought while scanning the shop.


    That''s when he spotted a fridge-looking machine with dozens of drinks inside, causing Atlas to approach it. He went through all the different choices and found a cherry-looking crate of eight glass bottles.


    Atlas picked up four before approaching the counter and putting them on there, causing the young woman to put her book down. He walked back to the fridge and picked out several more flavors.


    He then picked up some random bits and bobs he needed while traveling across Zarandar. Ten minutes later, Atlas stood at the counter. As the worker started counting everything, he spotted a box with packs of cards that the commander spoke about.


    ''Let''s see what they''re all about,'' Atlas thought before picking up a pack and placing it next to the finished pile of goods.


    The young woman looked up at him and smiled, ''''Welcome to Arashan''s only General Store. That will be two gold with ten silver.''''


    Atlas paid for his items before storing them in his storage and leaving the store. He then started searching for an inn for the night. While traveling, he admired the buildings that looked like they had come straight out of Persia.


    There was a building made from beautiful sandstone and decorated with colorful fabrics, making each one stand out from the one next. After ten minutes of searching, he found one in the northern part of town.


    He entered the inn and noticed it was empty. The owner sat behind the counter, looking bored. Atlas approached, catching the man''s eye and causing him to speak, ''''Evening traveler. How can I help you?''''


    ''''I want a room for the night and two meals,'''' Atlas replied while placing some silver coins on the counter.


    The owner smiled, ''''Yes, young man. The biggest room is on the first floor. It has its bathroom. You can have that one.''''


    Atlas thanked the man before entering his designated room, sitting on the bed, and falling backward. He pulled out the Mystic Legend pack to see a goblin drawn on it, which caused him to think, ''Why do so many things look like they belong on Earth?''


    He shook his head before tearing open the packet, only to see four cards with a monster or adventurer on the front. Atlas examined them and noticed three were creatures, and the other was a lion man.


    ''Interesting,'' he thought with a curious expression.


    ''A Wendigo, Wild Orc, and a Frostbear,'' Atlas thought while examining the monster card before turning to the lion man, ''Leo Lionheart, Rank S adventurer in the Lionheart Kingdom.''


    The cards provided brief descriptions and essential details about the monsters. Atlas set the other cards aside and examined the one depicting a Wendigo. The card detailed its vulnerability to fire magic.


    ''Void magic should kill them,'' Atlas thought, feeling excited. ''Or I could always rely on my blades.''


    While looking at the card, the owner knocked on the door and entered, holding a plate of delicious-looking meat. The aroma made his stomach rumble as the man put it on the table before leaving the room.


    Atlas stowed the card, set aside his armor, and then sat down to eat. He finished his meal in about ten minutes, feeling satisfied. Afterward, he crawled into bed, got comfortable, and drifted asleep.


    The next morning, Atlas woke up feeling refreshed, but it seemed to be raining as water lashed against the room window. Ten minutes later, he walked into the bathroom to wash up before leaving.


    An hour later, Atlas left the inn after breakfast and bid the owner farewell. Once he left the town, he activated Call Of The Void and summoned twelve Voidstalkers who chirped in happiness.


    Atlas smiled when he saw this before ordering them to find the Wendigos. The little monsters agreed and rushed off into the surrounding jungle. It only took some of them half an hour to return.


    They led him to the monster nest, where two Wendigos were guarding a cave entrance while eating some meat. Atlas quickly scanned them to find out their ranks.


    [Wendigo]


    [Rank: E+ - 250 Exp]


    [Use your Void Blast to deal with them]


    When Atlas saw their ranks, he unsheathed his blades before casting Void Step to appear between the two creatures. He lashed out and stabbed them through the skulls, causing them to drop lifeless.


    Once they were dead, Atlas cut out the orange Monster Cores before storing them away and entering the tunnel. As he stepped inside, the scent of blood and gore hit his nose, causing him to gag.


    Atlas composed himself before entering the first chamber, where he saw a dozen Wendigos feeding. He recoiled in horror but quickly focused, aiming Nightblade at the group''s center and casting Void Bomb.


    An azure glow filled the chamber, catching the Wendigos'' attention just before the spell detonated. The explosion rocked the tunnel, and Atlas swiftly cast Void Guard to shield himself from the shockwave.


    As the dust settled, enraged roars echoed through the chamber. Atlas readied his blade, anticipating the first Wendigo''s attack. The creature lunged from the shadows, but Atlas swiftly sidestepped, driving his weapons into its flank.


    The Wendigo staggered, but before it could recover, Atlas cast Void Bullet. The spell erupted within the creature, causing its body to burst into a mist of blood and gore. He continued fighting more of the monsters by deflecting their claws and casting Void Wave to deal with their numbers advantage.


    After an hour of fighting, the last monster dropped to the ground while blood poured out of the large hole in its chest. Then, Atlas went around collecting thirty orange Monster Cores that littered the Wendigo nest.


    By the time Atlas reached the back of the chamber, to find a treasure chest full of random stuff. He stored it away before returning to the town while dragging the Wendigo leader by the leg.


    When he made it back to the gate, the town guards rushed out and were horrified when they saw the creature''s body behind him. The commander he had spoken to before appeared in shock.


    ''''Did you deal with them alone?'''' the older man questioned in a firm tone.


    Atlas nodded, ''''If you follow my tracks, you will reach the nest with all the dead bodies inside,'''' he informed the commander.


    The town guards and the man rushed into the jungle, prompting Atlas to chuckle as he sat down, waiting for their return. Ten minutes later, the commander emerged and expressed gratitude for Atlas''s assistance during the town''s crisis.


    "What''s your name, boy? I want to send word to the provincial capital to let them know of your deeds," the commander asked eagerly.


    "Atlas," he replied. "I''m heading west now¡ªI need to reach the Greenskin Confederation before the snow arrives."


    After that, Atlas left the town behind and traveled south through the Arashan Jungle before reaching a beautiful grassland stretching for miles. Atlas headed to the nearest city, Bahramiya, where he wanted to find an escort quest.


    Atlas walked steadily through the sprawling landscape, the sun casting long shadows on the golden terrain. As he approached the city''s outskirts, the landscape began to change. The distant silhouette of its walls grew clearer, bustling with activity.


    The road to the city was lined with merchants and travelers, each setting up their stalls or resting before entering the city gates. Atlas joined the line of people, his gaze shifting from colorful tents displaying exotic wares to caravans laden with goods.


    He moved forward while taking in the lively atmosphere. The air was filled with the murmur of conversations, the clinking of trade goods, and the occasional shout of a merchant promoting their wares.


    When Atlas reached the entrance, the Achaemenidian guards requested a silver coin for entry, which he promptly paid. Stepping through the gates, he was greeted by buildings rising at least four stories high, adorned with vibrant, colorful fabrics that draped between them.


    The roads were paved with the same exquisite sandstone used to construct the buildings, and their smooth surfaces reflected the city''s beauty. Atlas made his way to the Adventurers Guild, and once inside, he realized it was extremely busy.


    Atlas stood in line to talk to one of the receptionists, and it took him close to an hour to reach the counter, behind which a beautiful woman was sitting. She looked up and smiled, ''''Welcome to the Bahramiya branch of the Adventurers Guild. How can I help you today?''''


    He handed over the guild token that the town guard commander had given him, which shocked the woman who asked, ''''Did you come across this quest on your travels, young man?'''' Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes," Atlas replied. "I came across the town of Arashan and assisted the guards in dealing with a Wendigo nest that was terrorizing them."


    The receptionist nodded in acknowledgment and requested his adventurer''s card. Atlas handed it over, allowing her to mark down the completed quest. Then, he asked the woman about quests heading west.


    ''''Just wait here for a second while I look,'''' she said before leaving the counter and heading to the backrooms.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 139 - 139: Nice To Meet You

    Atlas waited a few minutes before the receptionist returned while holding a piece of paper and explained with a friendly smile, ''''There is an escort quest for the Ironborn Company traveling west to Pytharis. You need to meet the merchant at the western gate tomorrow morning.''''


    "Can I take it, please?" he asked, causing the woman to nod and smile as she took his card to scan the quest again.


    Following that, Atlas decided to see if he could find a bank to withdraw the five hundred gold coins he earned from discovering the dungeon in Tajariyah City. He walked down the main street until reaching the square, where he saw dozens of food stalls.


    While standing there, a delicious aroma hit his nose, causing him to follow it through the square until he reached a stand selling all kinds of meat buns, which caught his attention.


    A woman''s voice reached his ears. ''''What can I do for you, young man? Do you want to try one of my creations?'''' she said while holding a bun in his direction.


    Atlas nodded with a smile before taking and eating the offering, instantly loving its delicious taste. His eyes widened, causing him to order, ''''How many of these can you cook until you run out of ingredients?''''


    ''''A few hundred, why?'''' the stall owner asked in a curious tone.


    ''''I want to buy as many as possible for my journey west that I start tomorrow morning,'''' Atlas replied. ''''How much would that cost?''''


    The woman paused momentarily before saying, "I used gold for all the ingredients and spent twenty silver on the spot. I''ll cook everything for you if you give me three gold."


    Atlas nodded and handed her the coins. He then found a nearby bench, removed his helmet, and let the cool air refresh his face as he waited. While sitting there, he checked his status to see how much he had gained from the Wendigo kills.


    [Level Up: 138¡ú140]


    [Experience: 2440/5000]


    [Experience: 8000]


    [Health: 1146¡ú1148(200)]


    [Mana: 5092¡ú5104(1000)]


    [Strength: 1294¡ú1298(100)]


    [Stamina: 1604¡ú1610(250)]


    [Intelligence: 1024¡ú1028]


    [Core Points: 38590/40000]


    [Core Points Gained: 4950]


    ''Leveled up twice, which is good,'' he mused before looking at the dark clouds above.


    It covered the city in a shadow but didn''t stop the mana lights from turning on and lighting the street up. Then, Atlas waited another twenty minutes before the woman called him over.


    Two dozen boxes were stacked on the wooden bench next to the stall. When Atlas saw the food, his excitement grew. He quickly stored all the meat buns in his Dimensional Storage to enjoy on his journey.


    Afterward, he thanked the stall owner and searched for an inn for the night. Ten minutes later, he found one in the western part of the city and paid ten silver for a room. When he got inside, he collapsed on the bed.


    Atlas dismissed his armor and weapons before activating Void Realm as he fell asleep. His consciousness reappeared on a path just outside the Second Valley arena, where he defeated the second Void Brute Bear.


    He pulled up the monster totals he needed to kill.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 3709/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1584/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''I want to get these numbers down even more,'' Atlas thought excitedly. ''Combined with my Dungeon Monsters I will have an invincible army to battle Chaos with but I do need even more mana for that.''


    He then traveled through another canyon, where over a dozen Savage Void Bears ambushed him from the cliffs above. Atlas bobbed and weaved around their attacks before casting a Void Wave that sent the monsters flying.


    ''My spells are stronger now; dealing with these weaker bears are easy,'' Atlas mused with a growing smile.


    As they were caught off guard, he surged forward, stabbing and slicing through the bears precisely before using his magic to blast them away. Minutes later, forty monsters soaked back into the Void Realm, leaving him happy.


    Once Atlas was done with them, he continued fighting more Savage Void Bears who tried attacking, but he was too fast for them to catch. While battling with another group, he decides to summon the Death Gorillas.


    When the monsters rushed out of the portal, they shocked the remaining bears, but the gorilla pummeled them into the ground. Atlas was happy, but shortly after that, they were destroyed.


    ''What happened there?'' he wondered while looking around.


    [Voidwalker. You cannot use your Dungeon Conquerer Class while in the Void Realm, as that is against ********** rules. Please don''t do it again]


    Atlas gulped when he saw the notification but chose not to push his luck and continued his journey through Level Two. He fought more Savage Bears until they were easy to kill, and he grew tired.


    He checked the monster totals once he did this for a few hours.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2817/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1584/2000] S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Nearly half way there,'' Atlas thought as his excitement soared due to all the fighting.


    Following this, he fought his way through it and only managed to get hit a few times by the massive bears because he was cocky. By the time he reached the other side, he was tired but had killed so many Cave Void Bears that he lost count of his total.


    Atlas shook his head before checking once again.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2817/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1211/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''This should be enough for now,'' he pondered. ''I will come to the Void Realm every night to clear the bears.''


    Afterward, Atlas left the realm after having enough of the killing and woke up in his room. Noticing it was still night from the window, he rolled back over and went to sleep to rest for the coming journey.


    By the next morning, Atlas felt refreshed before getting out of bed. He stretched until his bones clicked, then sat down and pulled out some meat buns before eating while watching the rain hit the window.


    Ten minutes later, he finished eating and started going to the western gate to meet with the merchant caravan he''d be joining. Atlas summoned his armor, weapons, and Enchanted Winter Cloak, which he wrapped around himself.


    It took him nearly twenty minutes to arrive at the gate, where he saw a dozen adventurers lingering around twelve carriages. Atlas wondered what they were transporting, but a portly man appeared with a friendly smile.


    ''''Are you Azhar''Zul? The guild receptionist said you were the last member of the security detail,'''' the merchant said in a jovial voice.


    Atlas nodded before answering, ''''Yes. They assigned me the quest yesterday, and here I am.''''


    The merchant laughed and introduced himself, "I''m Gus Ironborn. Nice to meet you, young man."


    Atlas was then asked to guard the convoy''s rear, to which he agreed with a smile. With his hands resting on his blades, he stood ready, waiting for their departure. He observed that the other adventurers kept their distance, which suited him perfectly.


    The city guards opened the gate as everyone took their positions, leaving him alone at the back. Atlas shrugged before following them as they passed through the gates and over a bridge.


    The column of merchants and two dozen guards, including Atlas, exited the city and noticed the terrible weather lashing the landscape. Most people had umbrellas, but others didn''t, which allowed the rain to hit their faces.


    Atlas walked behind the trade caravan westward along the rugged road. The early morning fog clung to the landscape in a ghostly veil. The rain from the previous night had left the road muddy, making the wheels of the carriages churn up thick clumps of earth with each turn.


    Gus periodically shouted, his voice carrying over the clamor of the wheels. "Keep it steady, everyone! We''ll be in Pytharis by nightfall if we stay on course!"


    The road wound through rolling hills and dense forests, the scenery changing from verdant greens to the muted browns of late summer. Atlas noticed the occasional flash of wildlife¡ªdeer darting through the trees or birds taking flight¡ªeach brief glimpse a reminder of the world beyond the road.


    As the caravan made its way past a particularly dense patch of forest, Atlas''s sharp eyes caught movement in the shadows. He slowed his pace slightly, his senses alert. But after a tense few moments, the forest remained quiet, and they continued their journey.


    Soon enough, the day passed quickly, and they arrived at a clearing deep in some woods. Atlas was getting the creeps when looking around, but he could see any monsters lurking around, causing him to step into the tree line.


    Once inside, Atlas summoned a group of Voidstalkers and ordered them to scout the woods for hidden monsters. As they dashed into the underbrush, he called forth two Umber-Hulks and told them to burrow in the ground and guard his tent once he set it up.


    This caused him to grow tired before checking his mana.


    [Mana: 2804/5104(1000)]


    Noticing his remaining mana, Atlas summoned two Rock Wyrms. The creatures greeted him with a friendly nudge of their heads before burrowing underground. He smiled at their familiar gesture before returning to the merchant''s camp.


    Once Atlas arrived, he set up his camp and the Dark One Runes like the others in the caravan. He started a fire that roared to life as he felt his monsters settling underneath his camp.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 140 - 140: Theres Too Many Monsters

    Atlas''s camp was secluded enough from the other guards or merchants that the Voidstalkers could sneak up and warn him about the monsters surrounding them. The little creatures couldn''t describe them in detail but mentioned that they were very strong.


    "I have the two Umber-Hulks and Rock Wyrms under me," he pondered, "Maybe I need to summon more monsters?"


    He checked his mana and noted it was replenishing itself, allowing him to summon additional help if necessary. Atlas settled down, poking the fire as he ate meat buns, his gaze scanning the thick woods surrounding him.


    The clearing was dense with trees and underbrush, cutting off sightlines in every direction. Humanoid figures crept through the darkness. Atlas observed them forming a circle around their campsite.


    "These people will be slaughtered," Atlas thought grimly. "If needed, I''ll use a Rock Wyrm to escape. But some of these monsters feel stronger than anyone here, and there''s nothing I can summon that would match them."


    A group of guards were loudly laughing and drinking ale, their raucous behavior grating on Atlas''s nerves. When a chirp caught his attention, he looked down to find only two Voidstalkers remaining.


    "They must have been killed by the monsters," Atlas mused, gently stroking the little creatures.


    This revelation heightened his sense of dread. The woods around him seemed to warp into a living nightmare as a dark figure darted just beyond the light''s reach.


    ''Do I warn them? They haven''t been friendly at all,'' he thought, the weight of his decision pressing on him.


    Horrifying creatures slithered and crept in the shadows, their presence sending a shiver down his spine. Atlas''s hand instinctively reached for the Nightblade as he prepared to unleash his Dungeon Monsters at the first sign of an attack.


    But after an hour, nothing happened, causing Atlas to wonder what the monsters were doing. ''Are they waiting until only the guards are awake?'' he thought.


    Without thinking, Atlas summoned a Blood Bat that flew into a nearby tree under his orders. He had a bad feeling and decided to have a backup plan if things went wrong. While doing that, the four monsters underneath him became more active as the enemies closed in.


    "I need some rest; the monsters will keep me safe," he murmured with a yawn.


    Atlas, weary from exhaustion, shuffled into his tent. He instructed one of the Rock Wyrms to encase him in its protective embrace should any threats arise. The creature complied, and soon Atlas drifted into a deep, restful sleep, undisturbed until morning.


    The Umber-Hulks roared to life as the enemies attacked the night guards, causing chaos everywhere. When the Dungeon Monsters sensed them, they closed around Atlas to protect him from the creature''s claws and teeth.


    Many were crushed, while others were eaten before Atlas woke up and rushed out of the tent, only to see adventurers and caravan guards fighting with Wendigos and other monsters that appeared from the dark.


    He witnessed the Umber-Hulks crushing the Wendigos while the Rock Wyrms darted around the area, eating many monsters. When Atlas saw this, he readied his blades and started slashing at several Wendigos, causing them to drop dead.


    While fighting, Atlas managed to deflect a few claw swipes as he witnessed a group of caravan guards swamped by a group of Wendigos who quickly tore them apart, causing the adventurers to bunch up close by.


    They started targeting Atlas when they spotted him commanding the Umber-Hulks and Rock Wyrms to attack the enemy monsters. The leader assumed he was against them and ordered the mages to attack.


    When Atlas saw this, he grew angry and decided to leave them be as one of the Umber-Hulks was taken down by a Mountain Troll, which appeared from the treeline. As this happened, he scanned the enemies to find out their ranks.


    [Chaotic Wendigo]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank C - 500 Exp]


    [Stronger than their regular counterparts - Use explosive magic on them]


    [Mutated Humans]


    [Chaos Born]


    [Rank D - 300 Exp]


    [Kidnapped townspeople twisted by dark magic and experimentation]


    [Mountain Troll]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Much stronger than its rank shows - Get out of there!]


    ''What the hell!'' Atlas thought while taking in the horrifying sight of the black-skinned troll wearing monster skins and holding a menacing-looking sword.


    The Mountain Troll marched out of the trees and swung the massive weapon that cleaved three adventurers and a carriage in half, causing blood to fly everywhere. Atlas stepped back before summoning four more Umber-Hulks.


    ''That monster is dangerous,'' Atlas internally mused. ''I''ll have to be careful.''


    He commanded the Rock Wyrms to engage the troll while the Wendigos attempted to swarm him. Atlas managed to deflect many of their assaults, but as fatigue set in, the creature''s claws breached his defenses, slashing through his armor and sending waves of pain coursing through his body.


    Atlas quickly unleashed Void Wave, creating enough space to assess the chaotic battle. He spotted the Dungeon Monsters clashing with a massive Mountain Troll, but the sheer number of enemies overwhelmed the battlefield.


    ''There''s too many monsters. This is going to be impossible,'' Atlas mused while checking his surroundings.


    His eyes narrowed with concern as three Wendigos charged at him, their lethal claws slicing through the air in a frenzied attack. Atlas dodged many of the swipes, but that''s when he noticed something about them, ''They are growing stronger!''


    As the thought flashed through his mind, Atlas deflected an oncoming strike with his Nightblade, countering with a thrust from the Deepforge Blade. The moment the tip drove through the monster''s skull, the rest of the creatures snapped their attention toward him.


    Breathing heavily but unfazed, Atlas steadied himself, his bloodied swords glinting in the dim light. With a deep, calming breath, he flicked the crimson from his blades and surged forward, cutting through the nearest monster in a single, devastating swing.


    The monsters went wild and started lunging for Atlas, but he was so fast that he dodged any attack that came his way until he came face to face with the leader of the monsters, who held Gus by the throat while looking at him.


    Atlas stopped moving after killing several more Wendigos before scanning the tall Slenderman-looking being.


    [Mutated Elf]


    [Chaos Commander] S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Level: 233]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    [Leader of a Chaos Raiding band - Will target you once it realizes who you are]


    When Atlas read that, he chuckled before removing the disguise and helmet, shocking the Mutated Elf. Its red eyes grew wide as it spoke in a husky tone full of malice, ''''Little Voidwalker! The king will reward me for killing you.''''


    He started laughing at the Chaos Commander before pointing Nightblade at him, ''''You will fall in this clearing tonight and will let the forest monster eat your body.''''


    The Mutant Elf threw Gus into the wreckage of a nearby carriage, its roar of fury ripping through the night. The air seemed to thrum as it charged at Atlas, intent on tearing him apart, which he found amusing.


    ''Here we go,'' he thought with an excited smile.


    But Atlas met the monstrous charge with a calm, knowing smile, his body coiled like a spring, ready to unleash himself. As the beast''s claws slashed toward him, he quickly sidestepped and ducked under each wild strike.


    His movements were a blur, effortlessly weaving around the creature''s fierce attacks. With each quick dodge, Atlas retaliated with several calculated strikes¡ªhis blades slicing through the air while arcs of magic crackled from his fingertips.


    When each attack landed, tearing into the mutant''s flesh, slowing its momentum with every cut. The Mutant Elf''s speed began to falter, its rage turning into frustration as it struggled to land a hit on the elusive warrior.


    Atlas pressed his advantage, his attacks relentless and unyielding. He combined his swordplay with bursts of magic, the two forces working in perfect harmony to chip away at the creature''s strength.


    The mutant''s once unstoppable charge had devolved into a frantic, stumbling fight for survival. Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets, each detonating on impact, tearing into the Slenderman-like creature''s twisted form.


    As the monster staggered backward, Atlas surged forward, his movements blurred due to his speed. He cast Void Step and materialized above the creature when he got close, driving his blade deep into its chest.


    Before it could react, Atlas unleashed a Void Blast directly into the wound, delivering the final, devastating blow. He used Void Step to vanish and give himself some space as the mutant collapsed.


    The Wendigos let out enraged howls, their fury boiling over as they charged at Atlas. He fought valiantly, deflecting many of their savage attacks, but the relentless onslaught was overwhelming.


    Cuts and gashes began to cover his body, each one sapping his strength until, with a pained grimace, he let out a piercing whistle. In response, the Blood Bat erupted from the nearby trees, its massive wings slicing through the air.


    With a swift dive, it snatched Atlas in its claws, lifting him away from the frenzied monsters and soaring into the sky. He glanced down at the creatures who swarmed over the clearing they were camped in.


    ''Why is this land so dangerous?'' Atlas pondered, his thoughts swirling as the Blood Bat glided toward a nearby lake. The creature descended smoothly, landing on the ground with a soft thud.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 141 - 141: Not Too Hard

    Atlas scanned his surroundings, realizing he was momentarily safe. Relief washed over him as he sank to the ground, gasping for breath. Slowly, his wounds began to knit themselves back together, the healing process taking hold as he rested.


    ''I''ll stay here for a while before moving on,'' he thought while scanning his surroundings and saw nothing or no one.


    The moons above shone bright, lighting up the world below. Atlas took some time to rest on the bank of the lake. While doing this, the Blood Bat covered him with one of its wings while guarding the area.


    Atlas shook his head before sitting up and admiring the peaceful water as the dark clouds above covered the world in darkness. While sitting there, he started stroking the Blood Bat, who started chirping in happiness as it nudged against his body.


    Then he stood up and stretched his body, only to feel the lingering pain from the previous fight, ''I should head for the Pytharis City and tell the guild that the caravan was slaughtered,'' Atlas thought while watching the lake.


    He noticed something swimming toward him, which alarmed him. He quickly slapped the Blood Bat''s back, ordering, "Fly girl! A monster is coming!"


    The creature took to the sky, and a giant crocodile burst from the water, causing Atlas to catch the monster''s jaws before they could snap shut on him. His arms strained as the beast tried to bite him.


    Explore stories at m,v l''e-m|p| y r


    ''Why am I holding the jaws of a monster open!'' he internally panicked.


    He gagged at the horrible breath but soon started to panic as the force of the crocodile''s jaws slowly won their fight. That''s when the Blood Bat fell upon the monster''s back and began attacking it, allowing him to replace one of his hands with a foot.


    ''Here we go,'' he thought with a big smile.


    Once Atlas did that, he aimed his free hand down the monster''s throat and cast Void Blast, which instantly caused the crocodile to let him go as it thrashed around in pain. He looked at the bat and shouted, "Get off its back!"


    The Dungeon Monster listened as Atlas cast Void Bomb at the dying monster just as another crocodile appeared, allowing him to scan it before the spell erupted.


    [Razorback Crocodile]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Ambush monsters - Don''t go near large lakes, or you may become its dinner]


    ''Nearly experienced that,'' Atlas thought as an explosion erupted, causing him to fly.


    The Blood Bat screeched before grabbing him mid-air and soaring over the lake as more Razorbacks appeared. Atlas climbed onto the bat''s back while thanking the monster by stroking it.


    While sitting there, he checked his status to see how many levels he had gained due to the chaos ambush.


    [Level Up: 140¡ú144]


    [Experience: 2480/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 20400]


    [Health: 1148¡ú1254(200)]


    [Mana: 5104¡ú5538(1000)]


    [Strength: 1298¡ú1402(100)]


    [Stamina: 1610¡ú1716(250)]


    [Charisma: 572¡ú604]


    [Intelligence: 1028¡ú1140]


    [Core Rank: Apprentice Mid¡úHigh]


    [Core Points: 2560/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 8240]


    ''Nice, it''s still increasing, but I do have to fight even more or find stronger monsters,'' Atlas thought while the Blood Bat flew over the lake.


    Soon, they reached a bustling trade road lined with dozens of caravans and guarded by Achaemenid patrols. Atlas directed the Blood Bat to fly a mile from the road, ensuring a safe distance.


    Once they were clear, he signaled for the bat to descend so he could approach the road on foot. As the monster hit the ground, Atlas thanked it for its help before dismissing it and moving it back to the Dungeon Realm.


    When the Blood Bat was gone, Atlas slapped his forehead, ''I forgot to withdraw the gold coins back at the city,'' he thought.


    Atlas chuckled and reminded himself to pick it up when he reached the next city, his destination. After walking for about ten minutes, he arrived at the road and encountered a small group of students engaged in activities nearby.


    "Are they on a school trip? Who knows," he shrugged before continuing his journey toward the distant city.


    While making his way there, Atlas spotted small homesteads surrounded by farmlands that stretched in all directions and lit up by the silver light of Zahidul, causing him to think, ''Nowhere to hide if the empire finds me.''


    It took him half an hour to reach the city gates, where he was made to pay a silver coin to enter because the mayor had locked down the place due to an incoming Rank A monster wave.


    Atlas gulped but decided to leave the city before it arrived. He made his way through the packed streets, where people had panicked expressions. It took him ten minutes to find the Adventurers Guild, which he entered only to find empty.


    He glanced around and noticed a woman sitting behind the counter, which he approached and spoke, ''''Hello. How do I report that my quest giver was killed during a monster attack?''''


    The receptionist looked down at him with a raised eyebrow, ''''What do you mean, young man? This is a serious incident if what you say is true.''''


    Atlas nodded, ''''It is. Monsters that ambushed us while we were camping for the night. A powerful Mountain Troll forced me to escape into the surrounding woods before the Wendigo''s could swarm me,'''' he revealed.


    When the receptionist heard this, her expression went from suspicious to concerned as she spoke, ''''Can I see your Adventurer''s Card, please? I want to get the quest''s name and void it on your account until the guild can investigate.''''


    "Alright, can I continue on my way? I need to reach the Greenskin Confederation," Atlas asked in a curious tone.


    The woman smiled reassuringly and nodded. "Yes, you''re free to go, young adventurer, as there have been similar reports all along the trade road."


    After that, Atlas looked for some quests on the board before leaving and found three bandit-hunting and three goblin ones that needed destruction. He took five quests to the guild receptionist to register them to his adventurer card.


    She was shocked but asked concernedly, ''''This is a dangerous choice, young man. The bandits are ruthless and will show you no mercy if captured.''''


    ''''I''ll be fine,'''' Archer reassured the woman. ''''I''m not a weak adventurer and must do my rank-up test.''''


    The woman nodded in understanding and took his Adventurers Card before registering the quests to his card before he left the guild. Atlas looked at the five quest papers to see what ones to do first.


    [Bandit Hunt: Deal with the outlaws plaguing Elysion Harbor Town on the Rahma River to the north - Reward: Three gold coins - Proof: Any identification of the bandits]


    [Bandit Hunt: Wipe out the bandits raiding areas around Meqshah Port city - Reward: Four gold coins - Proof: Any identification of the bandits]


    [Bandit Hunt: Kill all the Achaemenidians that rebelled against the province governor and are terrorizing the town of Hamaitan in the north - Reward: Five gold coins and a favor from the governor - Proof: Head of the rebel commander Silas]


    ''Not too hard,'' Atlas pondered. ''I can use my monsters to ambush them at night once I find their camps.''


    Afterward, he checked the two remaining quests he could on the way north.


    [Destroy the Goblin Nest in the hills surrounding Pytharis City - Reward: One gold coin - Proof: Goblin ears]


    [Defend the village south of the town of Zunikha from goblin and orc raids - Reward: A free mount and forty silver - Proof: Guild Token from the village leader]


    Following that, he decided to do the first goblin quest near the city he was in. Atlas headed for the northern gate, passed through it, and saw the hills stretching in the distance.


    Atlas got excited to kill some goblins and prepared everything, including the bombs he decided to use, as he made his way to the first hill while summoning the Voidstalkers before ordering them to find the goblins.


    The tiny Trodons scampered off, chirping excitedly as they disappeared. Ten minutes later, one of the mischievous creatures returned, leading a group of five goblins straight toward Atlas.


    He couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight. The Voidstalker would taunt the goblins by stopping just long enough to tease them, then dart away again. As the green-skinned monsters approached, Atlas raised his hand and cast several Void Arrows.


    The glowing blue projectiles whistled through the air, striking the goblins with deadly precision. They crumpled to the ground, lifeless. The Voidstalkers immediately pounced on the fallen bodies, feasting without hesitation.


    Atlas watched the little dinosaurs eat the goblins until the five black Monster Cores and five pairs of ears were left behind. He stored them all in his Dimensional Storage before following the Voidstalkers.


    They led him to an old mine walled off by the empire, but the creatures led him to an opening where the goblins were coming and going. Atlas looked at this with a raised eyebrow and knew the nest was somewhere inside. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas approached the mine entrance, where rusted carts and discarded tools littered the ground. Gripping his swords tightly, he cautiously stepped inside. The air was thick with dust, but no goblins were in sight.


    He pressed on through the tunnel, his Voidstalkers leading the way, darting ahead like silent hurricanes. Soon, the eerie silence was broken by the unmistakable sounds of goblin shrieks and panicked cries.


    The Voidstalkers had already begun their assault, tearing through the goblin nest in a frenzied feeding. The air echoed with chaos as Atlas followed the path of destruction.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 142 - 142: Elysion Harbor Town

    Atlas slowly made his way down the tunnel while summoning more chaotic Voidstalkers to help out in the fight. The little dinosaurs excitedly chirped before hunting down more goblins until all the monsters hid in one chamber with their captives.


    ''Please don''t be some pregnant villagers,'' Atlas thought. ''I heard they kidnapped women and girls from remote villages to use as breeding vessels.''


    The thought made him shiver in disgust, ''Goblins are a problem to the common people; kingdoms and empires only see the creatures as annoying.''


    Soon enough, he arrived at the entrance, but only three of his void creatures survived due to all the fight, causing him to dismiss them with the goblin himself. After collecting thirty black Monster Cores, he readied his blades before casting several Void Bullets into the chamber, causing explosions everywhere.


    The goblins were thrown into panicked confusion as he burst out and started cutting their numbers down with ease. Nightblade and Deepforge sliced through the monster''s flesh like a hot knife through butter, causing the chamber floor to be stained with blood.


    ''This is getting easier,'' he mused with a smile.


    When Atlas killed all the creatures, he stood before their captives, who looked like a sorry bunch. Two young men and a few women lay battered and bruised; he studied them only to realize what the goblins were doing to them.


    ''Oh, they used the five as playthings. Maybe I should just kill them as they already look dead and might not want to live after that experience,'' he pondered.


    Atlas kicked one of the men and spoke in a blunt tone as it was the only way he knew how to communicate with traumatized people, ''''Do you want to be helped or die?'''' he asked.


    One of the men nodded with tears in his eyes, ''''Yes, please, adventurer. I cannot live with the shame of what happened to me,'''' the young man stuttered while trembling.


    Atlas studied the captives, noticing a flicker of determination in their eyes. ''They could find the strength to fight back and overcome their trauma,'' he mused. ''Pamela always said, ''You have to confront the trauma until it becomes a distant memory, not something that controls you.''


    ''''You know you can get healed like the others? But if it''s your choice to die, then I will aid you,'''' Atlas answered before continuing. ''''Or you can grow stronger, level up, and slaughter every goblin in the Achaemenid Empire.''''


    The two young men and the women looked at him, but that''s when he noticed the captive''s eyes grow as wide as saucers. Atlas quickly spun around and raised his swords to block the attack coming his way.


    Sparks flew as claws connected with his weapons, sending a shockwave through his small body. Atlas strained to hold the creatures back, allowing him to scan his new enemy using Void Sight.


    [Savage Goblin]


    [Rank: C+ - 550 Exp]


    [One of the strongest Goblin Sub-Races]


    Atlas''s muscles strained, but he directed a Void Wave at the Savage Goblin, which sent it flying and crashing into the chamber wall. He darted forward like a bullet while swinging at its neck with his Nightblade.


    ''This should be the end,'' he smiled as the excitement built up.


    The boss goblin jumped up and dodged, causing the Nightblade to hit the wall and sparks to fly. Atlas quickly used Void Step to try to attack the creatures from several directions, but it always managed to block his strikes.


    ''Damn smart goblin! What is this shit!''


    Following this, Atlas activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned the Death Gorilla Kara, who roared as she charged through the portal. The giant monster started wildly swinging its massive fists at the Savage Goblin.


    ''She is strong but it won''t be enough.'' sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas watched the creature dodge all of her attacks, but its attention was on the Death Gorilla; this allowed him to use Void Step to sneak up on it and blast it with a Void Bullet, causing an explosion to rip through its body.


    The Savage Goblin howled in pain and swung its claws at Atlas, who ducked the swing as Kara tackled the creature and bit down on its shoulder until several cracks could be heard, but the enemy wasn''t let it happen as it tore into the gorilla hide.


    ''Oh no you don''t!''


    When Atlas saw this, he rushed forward and ran his blade through the goblin''s eyes, causing the Death Gorilla to stop fighting. As the creature stopped moving, something told him to continue fighting as it wasn''t over.


    More Savage Goblins appeared, causing his excitement to rise. Kara looked at him with concern in her red eyes, but Atlas thanked the monster. ''''Thank you for your help, girl, but it''s my turn to fight these,'''' he said.


    Following that, he dismissed the Death Gorilla and turned to the survivors to speak, ''''Get out of here and head back to the city. Tell them that they have a goblin infection out here and to send the army to deal with them.''''


    One of the men tried to pick up a shabby sword, but the others dragged him away as the first Savage Goblin moved. The creature charged forward and swung its wicket claws at Atlas''s head, but he quickly leaned back, and only the tips of the talons scrapped across the metal.


    When this happened, Atlas counterattacked while hitting out with the Nightblade and sending a Void Blast through Deepforge, making the Savage Goblins scatter from the explosions.


    This spilled the monsters up, allowing Atlas to quickly move in like a bullet while slicing through the legs of the creature, causing them to drop to the floor with a thud before he plunged the swords through their throats.


    Atlas continued fighting the powerful Savage Goblins, which he put down using magic and his two blades. The creatures couldn''t keep up with him thanks to his speed, and he was chasing after afterimages.


    Once there were three left, Atlas cat Void Bomb at them before fleeing down one of the tunnels. The spell erupted and shook the ground, and the remaining monsters were easily finished.


    Then, Atlas searched the Goblin Nest, cut off all the ears, and collected the Monster Cores. Once everything was stored away, he headed to Elysion Harbor Town, where a group of bandits raided the area.''''


    He traveled through the caves until he reached the entrance, where sunlight shone. Atlas exited and started traveling north through the hills, taking out a few more Goblin groups he encountered.


    After hours of grueling travel, Atlas found himself only halfway to his destination. Frustration mounting, he summoned the King Blood Bat, hoping to speed up his journey. As the creature emerged from the swirling Azure portal, its piercing screech echoed.


    Atlas had forgotten how massive the bat was¡ªit loomed over him, its wingspan stretching far and wide, though still smaller than a full-grown wyvern. The beast''s blood-red eyes glinted in the dim light as it awaited his command, ready to carry him the rest of the way.


    ''I forgot how intimidating the Sub-Bosses are,'' Atlas mused while pushing the nerves away as if they were silly.


    It glanced at him with its red eyes before nudging his body with its talon, ''''Can you fly me to my quests, please? I have some bandits to deal with, and you can help me if you like,'''' Atlas said with a smile before scanning it.


    [Blood Bat King] Read chapters at m_v-l''e|m,p| y- r


    [Dungeon Conquerers Monster]


    [Rabk: C+ - 550 Exp]


    The Blood Bat King agreed with a screech as it lowered its body, allowing him to climb on its back, which Atlas did. When he got comfortable, the monster flapped its giant wings before taking off and flying north.


    Atlas reveled in the breathtaking view from the bat''s back, a sight that never failed to awe him. Below, miles of lush green hills rolled out in every direction, a vibrant patchwork of colorful flowers blanketing the landscape like a painter''s masterpiece.


    The winding roads of the Zarandar Continent stretched endlessly, dotted with travelers and caravans, "This place is unreal," Atlas mused with a quiet smile, his heart lightened by the view. "Earth could never compare to this."


    They flew for a while, giving Atlas enough time to think, ''I will only use the flying monsters sparingly. I do want to see the road from below sometimes.''


    The King Blood Bat alerted him to Elysion in the distance. Wooden walls circled the town, and guards walked on top of it. As they got closer, Atlas ordered the monster to land and hide in some trees while waiting for his whistle.


    Atlas told it to come straight away, which the monster agreed to with a quiet chirp as it perched in the trees above. Following that, he left the treeline and approached the town gates, where a group of Achaemenidians stopped him.


    He raised his hands with his Adventurers Card in the open as he spoke, ''''I''m here to deal with the bandits guards. Do you know where I can find them?''''


    The town guards calmed down when they saw the black card before the commander informed them, ''''We don''t know where their camps are, but we know they have a few.''''


    Atlas nodded before heading back to the King Blood Bat and climbed onto its back to check if he had any monsters to help him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 143 - 143: Im AzharZul

    The only flying monsters Atlas had were the Blood Bats and Cave Wyvern, which annoyed him, ''I need to advance in the Void Realm. Hopefully, Level Three gives me a flying monster,'' he thought while sitting in the back of the king''s back.


    Atlas stroked through the creature''s fur, causing it to chirp in happiness as he spoke, ''''Let''s find the bandits.''''


    The Blood Bat King took to the skies and started flying across the landscape while Atlas scanned the ground. As they flew over a forest, he spotted just below some hills where he spotted a camp.


    ''''Stop flying,'''' Atlas commanded the bat, causing it to hover in the air. ''''I will attack first before you swoop down and join me, boy.''''


    The Blood Bat King nodded in agreement as he spotted a few dozen bandits lingering around the camp. Atlas was looking for the leader''s tent but had no luck, which caused him to think, ''There must be another.''


    However, Atlas jumped off the bat king before free-falling toward the ground below. As he got close to the camp, he cast Void Step and appeared in the center, lunging at the biggest man.


    ''Surprise!''


    Atlas thrust his blades into the bandit''s body before blowing it away using Void Blast, shocking the surrounding men and women. He readied his weapons as some of the enemy rushed forward.


    He quickly deflected several sword swings, a surge of excitement coursing through him. Seizing the moment, Atlas unleashed a Void Wave, sending nearby bandits crashing into the surrounding tents.


    With the chaos giving him some space, the Blood Bat King swooped down, snatched a man, and savagely bit his head off. Undeterred, Atlas continued cutting through the remaining bandits, their numbers falling quickly to his speed, blades, and magic.


    ''I am starting to enjoy fighting too much,'' he pondered excitedly. ''I can''t ignore the thrill it sends through my body.''


    Atlas fought for a while with the help of the Blood Bat King, who took out a dozen bandits while protecting his rear. He was thankful for the monster''s help and let it eat some of the corpses once he looted them.


    ''It can eat those; I will give the guild their Adventurers Guild cards as proof,'' he thought with a smile.


    The bat, pleased with its catch, snatched up a few more bandits before soaring toward the trees. It landed on one of the larger branches and began devouring its prey. Atlas shook his head with amusement before returning to the camp, starting his search through the tents.


    He didn''t find much apart from a few Health and Mana Potions alongside one hundred gold, twenty silver, and a thousand copper coins, which put a smile on Atlas''s face. After searching the bandit camp, he decided to stay there for the night as the sunset.


    Atlas glanced around and found a remote tent on the other end of the camp where the bat king was relaxing while eating, ''Damn, I lost my camping tent during the ambush,'' he thought in frustration.


    He searched the Bandit Commander''s tent and found a simple tent inside. Carrying it into the nearby treeline, he paused as the Blood Bat King extended its wing, pointing out a suitable spot.


    Taking the hint, Atlas began setting up the tent. Once it was pitched, he gathered some dry wood and, using the fire-starting kit he''d purchased from the General Store, sparked a small fire to life.


    The soft crackle of flames soon filled the air, bringing warmth to the quiet forest. While sitting there, Atlas took off his helmet just as the bat king landed in front of him with a crash as it rested.


    He looked at the monster and spoke in a curious tone, ''''Can you speak like the others?''''


    Atlas witnessed the Blood Bat King respond by shaking its head, which shocked him. Once he was settled, he pulled out a Dragon Meat Feast Box while eating, which caused the monster to turn its head toward him.


    ''''Don''t look at me like that! You ate a few bandits, and I haven''t eaten anything for a while,'''' Atlas exclaimed. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The giant creature nudged Atlas with its massive talons, careful not to hurt him. He rolled his eyes, mildly exasperated, and set the box on the ground, allowing the bat to tear into its meal.


    As he pulled out another box, the bat''s eyes lit up with interest, but Atlas raised a hand, his tone firm. "Don''t even think about it," he warned. "I already gave you one. If you try to take this, I won''t summon you for months."


    Following that, the two started to eat as the two moons lit up the dark sky. While eating, Atlas looked at the creature before speaking, ''''I will name you Theo. Do you like that?''''


    Theo bobbed his head and let out a series of cheerful chirps, which made Atlas laugh. But their meal was abruptly interrupted when a bat suddenly reared up and emitted a terrifying roar, sending the nearby monsters fleeing into the underbrush.


    As Atlas glanced around, he sensed the presence of the creatures watching him. He thought, ''''Well, it''s a good thing I summoned Theo. He''ll guard me at night.''''


    With a shrug, he turned his attention to counting out fifty Adventurer Cards to give to the guild. Afterward, Atlas curled under a blanket and fell asleep while Theo stood guard outside the tent.


    The Blood Bat King managed to keep away all the monsters but was seriously injured when Atlas woke up. When he saw the creature''s condition, he thanked him before sending Theo back to the Dungeon Realm.


    Following that, Atlas decided to head to Elysion to get a boat along the Rahma River until he got close to Meqshah City, further Southwest. It took him half an hour to reach the town, where the guards celebrated when he showed them the cards.


    The commander shook his hand and asked in a jovial tone, ''''What''s your name, boy, and what do you plan to do?''''


    ''''I''m Azhar''Zul, and I''m trying to get to Meqshah City to complete my third quest,'''' Atlas answered, causing the older man to smile.


    He exclaimed before offering him a way Southwest, ''''I''m sure Old Jonas will take you there later. That old man trades with the village on the city''s side of the Rahma.''''


    Atlas nodded with a smile, ''''That would be good. It''s another bandit hunt, but the last bunch bagged me a small fortune,'''' he said while the commander led him into town.


    The man introduced himself, ''''I''m Darius. Thank you for aiding our town; few adventurers would help us as the reward isn''t what they like.''''


    "I don''t mind it. I''m doing this to level up and grow stronger," Atlas replied as they walked past a butcher shop.


    A man and woman were busy slicing meats and drying them. Atlas took a moment to glance around, admiring the Persian-style architecture of the buildings. The intricate designs and vibrant colors caught his eye, and he appreciated the town''s beauty.


    As they approached the heart of the town, Darius nodded with a knowing smile. "So, you''re a leveler, huh? That makes sense. No solo adventurer would chase after a large bandit group otherwise."


    Atlas started laughing before answering, ''''It''s getting worse. After fighting for a while, it''s become something addicting, and I found myself loving it.''''


    Darius shook his head with a chuckle, ''''You''re a battle junky Azhar''Zul. You live for the thrill of battle and the experience, some adventurers get drunk on the power and slip up,'''' he informed Atlas who nodded in understanding.


    The older man led Atlas to the bustling harbor, where a massive trade ship was anchored. Dockworkers hurried about, loading cargo onto the vessel under the watchful eye of a stout, grey-haired man with a rough, rugged pirate appearance.


    He barked orders at the sailors, his voice carrying over the sounds of the busy dock. As they approached, the man turned and grinned broadly.


    "Darius! You soft-bellied land grubber," he called out with a booming laugh. "Why don''t you join me on the next voyage? We''re sailing through The Kraken''s Abyss Sea. Word is, the Death Whale has been spotted out there!"


    ''''Shut up, Sunny! I will not step on your ship again. You nearly sunk us last time,'''' Darius replied before putting his hand on Atlas''s shoulder. ''''But this one needs to go to Meqshah City. Can you drop him off?''''


    Captain Sunny looked at Atlas with narrowed eyes before revealing, ''''We will stop off at Jurda Tradeport. That''s the closest we will get to that nightmarish city.''''


    Atlas looked at Darius with a suspicious expression, causing the man to chuckle nervously, ''''It''s a crime-ridden hellhole full of rich street gangs who tax everyone from the mayor to common citizen.''''


    ''I may be able to get their coins! And I can kill the gang members to earn even more experience,'' he thought excitedly.


    The two men saw his red eyes glow, causing them to step back as the captain nervously said, ''''Have you brought me a crazy one, Darius?''''


    Atlas glanced at the old captain and shook his head with a smirk. "No," he replied, "he says I''m a battle junkie¡ªand he''s not wrong."


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 144 - 144: This Shouldnt Take To Long

    Atlas watched the old Captain Sunny laugh before speaking, ''''Just like my eldest. He is fighting in the Achaemenid Army and loves it. The boy is up north in the Wildheart Kingdom, helping in the big invasion the First Prince leads.''''


    After that, Sunny told him to return in a few hours as his crew had some business to finish before they left. Atlas agreed and said goodbye to the two men before leaving the harbor to find somewhere to sit.


    ''Let''s relax until they''re done,'' he smiled while walking down the main street.


    It took him ten minutes to find a park where he sat down and pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box before he started eating while people-watching. Atlas saw families passing by with smiles on their faces.


    When Atlas saw this, he grew jealous and resentful, which has always annoyed him. ''It''s not my fault that she threw me away. I was a good child and didn''t cause her any trouble.''


    He grew frustrated and angry but soon calmed down as all the bad memories were in the past. Atlas now had a new life to enjoy, and hopefully, this time around, he could find people who loved him.


    ''Well, Luxia did say I''d find that here,'' he wondered. ''But I do have to fight Chaos to achieve it.'' Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was something he was lacking in his past life on Earth. Once Atlas finished the food and thinking to himself, he let out a burp before waiting for Captain Sunny and his ship to be ready.


    After twenty minutes, he slowly walked back to the harbor, where he saw dozens of people rushing about. While walking through the streets, Atlas spotted a board with wanted posters and soon saw his face, which made him chuckle.


    ''They will never find me,'' he thought.


    He laughed before continuing into the harbor, where the captain directed his sailors onto the ship. The old man turned around when one of them pointed him out, and Sunny waved him over, ''''Come here, boy! We are ready to leave before the storms hit.''''


    Atlas approached as the old man continued, ''''We have to sail along the Kraken''s Abyss Sea because Raham River has sunk a few ships on their journies.''''


    ''''Okay. Thanks for giving me a lift,'''' Atlas replied before stepping on board.


    The ship was big enough to fit a hundred sailors and enough storage room to trade across the empire, which surprised him. Captain Sunny ordered one of his men to lead him to the guest room after Atlas paid gold for passage.


    A couple of hours later, he was lying on the room bed as the trade ship left Elysion while the sun started to set. The rest time allowed him enough time to try to cull some of the Void Bears to unlock more monsters.


    He activated his skill Void Realm and his consciousness was sucked into the creepy tower realm. Atlas reappeared outside a tunnel entrance, causing him to summon his weapons and armor before readying himself for a fight.


    After doing that, he checked the monster total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2817/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1211/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Nearly half way done with the Cave Bears,'' Atlas mused with a smile. ''This shouldn''t take too long.''


    Following that, he stepped into the tunnel entrance, and a roar rang out as one of the giant bears rushed toward him. Atlas grinned before acting Void Blast at the monsters, which caused a dust cloud to erupt.


    ''This should be easier due to my high level.''


    The Cave Bear survived the attack but was almost dead, so Atlas thrust Nightblade into its forehead. His attacks caused the monster to spasm before vanishing into azure motes, which made him smile.


    Atlas continued down the tunnel and started battling with more Cave Bears until he exited the tunnel after an hour of intense fighting. He smiled before checking the monster total to see how many he killed during his trek.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2817/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1081/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''A few more tunnels, then I''ll be able to clear the Cave Void Bears,'' he thought. ''Now, let''s move on to the Savage Bears.


    He continued walking along the passageway with high cliffs on either side, causing him to grip his blade fighters as the bears roared in anger. Atlas watched as the smaller bears slid down the side of the stone.


    ''Are these stunt bears? Why are they acting like they''re in an action movie?'' he chuckled.


    The first Savage Bear reached him and tried swiping at his torso, but Atlas sidestepped the attack before plunging Deepforge into the monster''s skull and blocking another set of claws that caused sparks to fly.


    Atlas gritted his teeth as the bear was on top of him, but he quickly cast Void Wave, causing the monster to get sent flying. He started taking out more Savage Bears that vanished into the Void Realm.


    ''There are too many of the damned things,'' Atlas thought while thrusting his blades into a bear''s forehead.


    He continued fighting until his arms grew tired and weak from killing too many monsters. The exhaustion caused him to sit down and rest while checking the Void Bear total, which made him smile because of how much it had gone down.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2401/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1081/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 8/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Halfway on the Savage Bears while there are a few more Cave Bears to deal with,'' Atlas mused while resting.


    Following that, he checked his status while no monsters were around to bother him and was happy with what he spotted the gains.


    [Level Up: 144¡ú150]


    [Experience: 2480/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 30000]


    [Health: 1254¡ú1266(200)]


    [Mana: 5538¡ú5590(1000)]


    [Strength: 1402¡ú1420(100)]


    [Stamina: 1716¡ú1728(250)]


    [Charisma: 604¡ú610]


    [Intelligence: 1140¡ú1150]


    [Core Points: 11560/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 11560]


    ''Six levels for all the previous kills back in the real world,'' Atlas pondered with a smile before continuing his journey through the Void Mountain Range.


    He continued walking through the mountain range and killed even more Savage Void Bears, who tried to overwhelm him with numbers. But thanks to his magic, it wiped them out in azure flames, causing the total to drop.


    ''My magic and spells are getting stronger,'' he internally celebrated.


    Soon enough, he came to another valley where the third Brute Void bear let out a roar that shook the ground. Atlas grinned as he stepped into the arena, knowing he could easily fight this monster.


    ''This will be fun,'' he pondered with an excited smile. ''But I will keep moving and won''t let the monster catch me.''


    His pulse quickened as he drew his blade, eyes locked on the arena''s newest threat. The towering, polar bear-like beast thundered toward him, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground.


    This made his grin stretch wide with anticipation as his blood started pumping. Atlas waited, allowing the creature to close the distance, savoring the moment''s tension. At the last second, he smoothly leaned back, narrowly evading the razor-sharp claws.


    He countered with a swift, precise slash to the monster''s wrist in one fluid motion. The Brute Bear let out a roar of fury as blood flew all over the place, its anger fueling the intensity of the battle.


    Still, Atlas peppered it with a dozen Void Bullets before they exploded on impact, causing the shockwave to wash over the arena. Then, he slung several Void Arrows that pierced the creature''s thick hide and blew chunks off it.


    The Brute Bear was enraged, and its attacks grew slower, allowing him to strike quickly using his swords. ''It''s much easier since the first time I fought one of these creatures,'' he pondered while dodging a swipe from its giant claws.


    Half an hour later, the battle ended when Atlas cast a Void Bomb at the injured monster, causing the arena to erupt into chaos. He used Void Guard to defend himself against the shock wave.


    Atlas watched as the Brute Void Bear collapsed to the ground with a crash, causing him to smile. ''At least it''s dead now, and I can move on to clear the other monsters,'' he thought while cleaning his blades.


    He sheathed them before exiting the arena; Atlas was walking up the side of a mountain as it was the only way forward. While doing that, he checked on the Void Bear totals to see how many monsters were left to kill.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 2131/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 1081/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 7/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    After that, Atlas continued his journey and came across a group of Cave Void Bears lurking outside on a mountain ledge, which caused him to think, ''What the hell are they doing? Maybe a tea party?''


    He noticed the bears were chilling in a rough circle, which confused him even further, but that''s when he cast Void Bombs at the center of the gathering. When the spell sliced through the air, the monsters turned to him as the projectile hit them.


    ''Take that!''


    A thunderous explosion ripped through the mountain, instantly shaking the ground and obliterating the creatures. Atlas grinned, a spark of excitement dancing in his eyes. "Now that was a blast," he thought, feeling the surge of adrenaline.


    As the dust slowly cleared, he scanned the area. Not a single Cave Bear remained. Satisfied, he pressed forward, stepping into the looming tunnel, ready to face whatever beasts awaited him next.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 145 - 145: Mireclaw Crocodile

    Atlas continued down the tunnel while battling more Cave Void Bears as he used the shadows against the creatures, which he found easy to deal with thanks to his extreme speed and reaction time.


    ''I can''t wait for Level Three. Hopefully, there are stronger monsters or even flying ones.''


    While traveling through the dark tunnel, he heard rumbling from the exit, which he guessed was a group of monsters on the other side. That''s when Atlas spotted a group of Cave Bears fighting each other on a mountain ledge to which his path led him.


    When Atlas stepped outside, he felt the wind blowing, causing a low whistling sound to emanate from the surrounding mountains, ''Are they living beings? It does seem like it,'' he pondered with a curious expression.


    While standing there, he enjoyed the wind hitting his face, which felt refreshing; he watched the monsters fight before one of them spotted him. One of the bears reared up, but Atlas spoke amusedly, ''''Don''t mind me. Continue your brawl, and I''ll kill you a lot after.''''


    The Cave Void Bears roared in anger as they charged at him. Atlas chuckled as he went to work, killing the slow-moving giant monsters. Thanks to their armor-piercing ability, he used Void Arrows to damage the creatures more.


    Atlas slung many spells at the monsters to keep them out of striking range before he exploded forward and stabbed one of the creatures through the heart by lunging at its chest after dodging one of its attacks.


    It took him under ten minutes to kill the bears blocking the entrance forward. Following that, Atlas continued, and before he called it a day, he killed more Savage and Cave Bears until coming to another Arena.


    The fight with the Polar Bear was easy for him, and thanks to his powerful spells, Atlas quickly won the battle. He continued until running out of bears to fight, as none showed up or tried ambushing him.


    Once Atlas understood he needed to keep moving to find more, he quickly checked his total before returning to the real world.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 1796/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 723/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 6/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    Atlas shook his head and opened his eyes to see the ceiling of the room Captain Sunny assigned to him. He looked out the nearest window only to spot the stars and waves hitting the ship''s hull.


    ''Let''s go to the top deck and check out the view.''


    After that, he exited the bed, stretched before summoning his gear, and stepped out of the room. He ran into some sailors who nodded at him as they entered through several doors.


    ''Do they get many passengers from the town guards?'' he pondered with a curious expression.


    Once the corridor was clear, Atlas strolled toward the staircase leading to the upper decks, where he found a watchman on guard. ''Are they looking for sea monsters?'' he mused while stepping toward the railings.


    The watchman turned to him with a curious glint in his eyes as he asked a question, ''''You aren''t an Achaemenidian; are you from Astoria?''''


    Atlas turned to the man with narrowed eyes and sensed no malice before answering, ''''Yes. I used to live in the Thalassia Empire, but I was captured by Slavers and transported to Zarandar.''''


    ''''Are you planning to go home? Is that why you''re going to Jurda?'''' the watchman asked.


    ''''Not just yet; I have three more quests to complete before I need to head to the Nubian Empire capital to find a Spirit Mage to heal a friend,'''' Atlas responded while watching some dolphin monsters jumping out of the water.


    He noticed the watchmen casting curious glances in his direction before continuing, "Be cautious when you''re on Aridonia. It''s a perilous continent, constantly embroiled in conflict between the Empire, Nubians, Graecorians, and the countless outlaws infesting the land."


    When Atlas heard this, a spark of excitement flashed in his glowing red eyes, catching the watchman''s attention. "You''re a battle junkie, aren''t you?" the watchman remarked with a knowing smirk.


    Atlas grinned and nodded. "Absolutely. There''s nothing like the thrill of a good fight¡ªgets my blood pumping like nothing else."


    ''''You must be thirteen or fourteen, right? What rank and level are you, if you don''t mind me asking?''''


    He gave the man a cautious look, then nodded slightly. "One hundred and fifty," he replied, "Adept rank."


    The watchman''s eyes widened in shock, but soon, he laughed, causing Atlas to grow confused. The man explained, ''''Not many young ones your age care about leveling up like you do; it''s unusual to see nowadays.''''


    ''''Are children lazy?'''' Atlas curiously asked.


    ''''Unless they come from a noble family, most your age work with their families on farms or shops,'''' the man answered.


    The two continued talking until the ship was slammed against, causing the watchman to look over the railings only to yelp in shock, ''''A Sea Leviathan!''''


    The man pushed him away from the edge as a tentacle slammed against the deck and destroyed the spot they were in. While this happened, Atlas noticed the monster swam away from the ship to charge at them.


    He scanned it using Void Sight to find out its rank.


    [Deepmarrow Serpent]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Don''t you dare fight this monster, Atlas!]


    ''How did you know Nyx? I''m going to fight this monster to grow stronger,'' he replied to the warning.


    When Atlas saw the warning, he equipped his armor and helmet while pulling out his swords, causing the watchman to panic, ''''What are you doing! You cannot fight that monster as an Adept Rank boy,'''' the man barked out.


    ''''I''m not alone, though,'''' Atlas said with a smirk as he activated Dungeon Conquerer, causing the air around him to change.


    The man instantly felt it, causing him to step back as the Death Serpent rushed out of the portal, aimed straight for the Deepmarrow Serpent, and clashed with the massive sea monster.


    ''So epic!'' he thought when seeing the battle.


    Atlas vaulted over the railings, vanishing midair with Void Step before reappearing atop the Leviathan''s massive back. With precision, he plunged his blades into the creature''s flesh, the cold seawater crashing against him in waves.


    Below, the Death Serpent clashed savagely with the Leviathan, their battle shaking the waters, which shocked all the people watching from onboard the ship, including the amazed watchman who spoke to him.


    Together, Atlas and his summoned beast were gaining the upper hand. He thrust his blade deep into the Deepmarrow''s body before casting Void Bomb directly inside, causing a massive explosion that sent him flying across the sea only to be caught by his monster.


    ''Ow, that hurt, but it weakened the monster,'' he thought as his head spun.


    While flying, Atlas noticed the Death Serpent stopped attacking and rushed after him like a worried parent. He quickly cast Void Step to reappear on the monster''s back. It started thrashing around in agony as the spell blew a massive chunk of its body apart.


    Seeing the blood spread through the water, Atlas struck repeatedly, each blow sinking deeper into the Leviathan''s flesh. The sea churned red as his summoned Dungeon Monster, the Deepmarrow Serpent, crushed the Leviathan''s skull between its massive jaws.


    Atlas''s heart raced with excitement at the brutal victory. But before he could savor it, an explosion tore through the air. His head snapped toward the ship, where a monstrous sea creature surged toward the vessel, towering three times larger than the one they had just defeated.


    ''That is an ocean nightmare! Why am I so unlucky,'' Atlas internally complained before making up his mind.


    He looked at the Death Serpent and spoke concernedly, ''''Let''s try to lead the monster away, boy. You''re fast and agile, and we can get away.''''


    The Dungeon Monster nodded before darting through the water while Atlas activated Aqua Lung so he could breathe when it dived into the vessel. When below the surface, he saw a massive crocodile beast charging at the ship.


    ''Oh god, there''s sea crocs now!'' he panicked while aiming Nightblade at the monster and casting a dozen Void Arrows at it.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the water like it wasn''t there and slammed into the sea monster''s body. This attracted its attention, allowing Atlas to scan it to determine its rank and if it could fight it.


    [Mireclaw Crocodile]


    [Rank: S - 3000 Exp]


    [RUN!] sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas gulped and realized he had fucked up before turning to the Death Serpent and panicked, ''''Flee, boy! That thing will eat us.''''


    The Dungeon Monster fled, as did the ship; the sailors cheered and thanked Atlas, making him smile. The two raced through the rough sea as the crocodile was right behind. He turned around and cast a Void Bomb at the pursuing monster, but it quickly veered to the right and dodged the attack, which made things worse.


    Atlas didn''t know what to do, but a mature woman''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Summon Theo and have him pick you up, darling; I can''t have you being hurt on my watch,'' the voice expressed.


    Atlas jumped before realizing it came from the Death Serpent as he replied, ''You can speak?''


    ''Not the time boy!'' the monster said while dodging a lunge of the crocodile before she continued. ''Dismiss me when Theo grabs you. Do it NOW!''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 146 - 146: No One Will Find Me Here

    Atlas burned through the last of his mana to summon Theo. The creature swooped through the portal with a rush of air, its talons closing around his shoulder. With a yank, it lifted him high into the sky just as the colossal sea monster lunged out of the water.


    As they got away from the thing, he dismissed the Death Serpent, leaving the enraged creature to thrash uselessly below. Atlas watched as the Mireclaw Crocodile lunged out of the water, but Theo sped up and shot into the sky.


    ''I''m so lucky I have a flying monster to escape,'' he thought.


    Following that, he ordered the monster to fly toward a few miles away land. Atlas then sat down, holding on to Theo and soaring above the rough ocean. He turned around and spotted the ship he was on heading toward land but further north.


    The Blood Bat King had no problem flying quickly, and Atlas soon found himself not far from a coastal city, but he quickly noticed it was heavily guarded, and large warships patrolled the coast looking for something.


    ''Are they at war? It seems so.''


    Atlas surveyed the approaching forest as Theo guided them toward a secluded clearing, away from the patrols. With a gentle thud, the bat landed and emitted a reassuring chirp, signaling that it was safe.


    He jumped off Theo''s back before stroking the creatures, saying, ''''Thank you for saving me, boy.''''


    The Blood Bat King chirped happily as Atlas sent him back to the Dungeon Realm. He glanced up and noticed the afternoon sun was setting, causing him to think, ''I need to find a room and bank to withdraw the five hundred gold before moving on.''


    Atlas made his way to the nearby road, carefully removing his helmet to avoid arousing suspicion from the guards. As he walked, he passed by various traders plying their wares. Noticing a couple strolling by, he flashed them a friendly smile before asking, ''''Is that Meqshah Port City?''''


    When they heard his question, the man smiled at him as he replied, ''''Yes, young man, but I must warn you, don''t be on the road at night due to the bandits roaming outside the city walls.''''


    The woman nodded with a friendly expression, ''''Yes darling, is right. The city guard has been having trouble locating them,'''' she informed.


    Atlas thanked the two before changing the plan and decided to complete his bandit quest, leaving two quests remaining. Afterward, he would a tree to climb into and wait for sunset so he could go hunting.


    ''This should be a good place to rest,'' he mused. ''No one will find me up here.''


    Once dark, he summoned the Voidstalkers and ordered the hyperactive dinosaurs to locate the bandits. They agreed to this with a chirp before vanishing into the darkness. As the monsters left, he relaxed and started eating chocolate while waiting.


    ''I never liked chocolate much on Earth, but here I love it,'' Atlas mused with a smile.


    It took ten minutes for the first monster to return and inform him that five men were approaching the road, making Atlas grin while equipping his helmet and jumping off the branch.


    When Atlas hit the ground, he vanished as he started following the Voidstalker, who led him to a group of heavily armored bandits talking about raiding an incoming caravan traveling to Meqshah City.


    ''I''ll follow them and let them relax before ambushing them,'' he thought as his excitement grew.


    Atlas followed the five through the forest until they hid in the treeline. He watched the leader turn to one of the others and spoke gruffly, ''''Troy! Is the caravan coming down this road?''''


    ''''Yes, boss. Marvin said they were traveling south,'''' another man answered quietly.


    When Atlas heard this, he readied his blades but stopped when he heard the boss speak again, ''''Are the others in position?''''


    ''''Not yet, but Smith should send the signal when they are,'''' another bandit spoke up from behind.


    Atlas grinned before using Void Step to appear behind the man who just spoke and thrust his blade through the bandit''s heart while covering his mouth as his victim reacted, ''One down, four to go,'' he thought with an excited smile.


    Following that, he snuck up behind another before jamming his blade into the man''s skull causing him to go limp. Atlas continued doing this until the leader was alone and unaware that all four of his men were dead.


    ''Idiot doesn''t even know,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    When Atlas realized this, he decided to troll the man and summoned some Weaver Spiders surrounding him before lunging at the leader. The bandit let out a girly scream as the monster sunk its fangs into his body.


    The three spiders were killed and turned to Atlas, who quickly gathered the five Adventurers Cards and smiled as he said, ''''Eat the bodies.''''


    Following that, the Voidstalkers returned while chirping and informed him of two other groups that were close by. Atlas smiled as he ordered the Trodon-like monsters to attack them, and the Weavers hit them from the side.


    ''This will surprise them and give us the upper hand.''


    The monsters agreed with his plans before scuttling into the underbrush as Atlas went for the second group. He rushed through the trees and quickly crossed the road, only to run right into the bandits.


    Atlas struck first, hitting them with several Void Bullets and Arrows that exploded on contact, causing chaos. The leader of this group went to attack him, but he raised Deepforge to deflect the strike before countering with a stab to the heart.


    He watched the man cough up blood before collapsing to the forest ground with a thud, causing all hell to break loose. Atlas instantly went to work and finished off the panicking bandits who were lower level than him, which made it easier.


    It took Atlas and his monsters nearly twenty minutes to finish off their foes. Once they regrouped, the Voidstalker leader informed him of a nearby large camp teeming with even more men and women.


    Atlas nodded, collecting the fifteen guild cards from the fallen enemies before pressing on. He followed the Voidstalker through the forest, with the Cave Weavers skittering closely behind, their presence giving him an unsettling chill.


    ''Even though they are my monster the things give me the creeps,'' he thought.


    Following that, Atlas was led to a cliff that overlooked a large bandit camp with over a hundred scum roaming around inside. When he saw this, a plan formed in his mind; he turned around and summoned as many Death Gorillas as possible along with Kara, who looked bigger than her kin.


    He told them to attack the people below once he jumped down there. The monsters all agreed just as Atlas downed a few mana potions and cast two Void Bombs into the center of the camp.


    The azure projectile flew through the air like orbs of death before hitting the ground and erupting in two massive explosions. These explosions wiped out many bandits, allowing Atlas to leap from the cliff.


    While falling toward the camp, they started casting Void Arrows that slammed into several men, causing them to drop dead with holes through their torsos. Atlas landed using Void Step and started slaughtering the surviving bandits.


    Atlas darted around the chaotic camp as flames and monsters ran wild. Death Gorillas, Cave Weavers, and Voidstalkers scared the enemies as they dealt with the surviving outlaws and allowed all the experience to flow into his body.


    Afterward, Atlas began looting the camp, returning with a substantial haul that pleased him. He found a hundred gold coins, a chest filled with silver and copper coins, and a crate of Royal Dye, likely acquired from a passing trader. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He meticulously gathered all the valuable items from the camp before locating a sturdy tree to rest for the night. Exhausted, Atlas settled in, keeping the remaining Death Gorillas¡ªKara and two other monsters¡ªnearby for protection.


    Atlas found a tree that hid the branches with leaves, allowing him to be hidden during the night. He put the Dark One Runes on the tree so they couldn''t get to him, ''I hate doing this, but it''s necessary,'' he thought.


    Following that, he pulled out a Griffin Meat Box and started eating while admiring the two moons that lit up the world. Atlas loved everything about Eldoria and its wild beauty and was thankful he had ended up here.


    Ten minutes later, Atlas finished eating before pulling out a blanket and wrapping it around himself as he started hearing the Dark Ones creeping around in the dark, causing the Death Gorillas to climb into his tree.


    Atlas and the Dungeon Monsters stayed out of the creepy humanoids'' way, and thanks to the Runes, they remained hidden. The next morning, he woke up with a yawn as the smell of blood hit his nose.


    This caused Atlas to look over the branch''s edge only to see trails of blood leading deeper into the forest, causing him to think, ''Did the Dark Ones take the bandit corpses? Lucky I took their cards.''


    Afterward, Atlas jumped from the branch and went north to complete the last two quests before heading to the Greenskin Confederation.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 147 - 147: Extra Attacks

    Atlas passed by two bridges leading east and west, with Achaemenidian soldiers guarding them. They spotted him but said nothing when he flashed his black Adventurers Card, which stopped them from looking at him.


    Following that, he entered a quiet village with its people looking scared, which caused him to think, ''Why do they look frightened?''


    While traveling through it, he heard a male voice echoing in his mind, ''Master, let me fly you across Zarander once you''re in private.''


    ''Theo! That might be a good idea, but we''ll have to be careful as the Achaemenidians are out in force,'' he replied.


    ''Fly high Master. We''ll be fine,'' the Blood Bat King said.


    Following that, Atlas headed out of the settlement. When he was far enough away from the village, he summoned Theo, who walked through the portal and nudged him with its head, causing him to stroke the monster''s soft fur.


    ''I''m glad I got both of those classes; they will be useful once I''m strong enough.''


    Atlas liked and treated his monsters nicely, so the Dungeon and Void creatures returned the favor. He climbed on Theo''s back before taking off and soaring north toward Zunikha while searching for the rebel camp, only to find it ten minutes later.


    But something was off, causing him not to attack when he noticed young children playing while families watched. ''What is this? They''re clearly not bandits or rebels but people,'' he pondered.


    He ordered Theo to descend outside the camp before being dismissed because a monster like the Blood Bat King would scare him, which wouldn''t help them discover what was happening.


    ''Hopefully they didn''t see me.''


    As Atlas approached the people. When getting close, he quickly noticed several guards rushing out of the palisade, ''''Halt! What brings you here, young man?'''' An older man questioned while holding a spear.


    When Atlas heard the man, a smell hit his nose, making him recoil. It smelled of blood and decay. He shook his head and used Void Sight on the commander to determine his level and rank.


    [Changelings]


    [Rank C+ 550 Exp]


    [Perfect ambush creatures! Make sure you watch your back]


    As Atlas read the warning, he quickly cast Void Guard, which blocked a Changeling who tried to ambush him from behind. When this happened, he thrust his blade into the monster''s skull before the others attacked.


    He dodged all the attacks while deflecting the Changelings spear swipe before Atlas battered it aside and plunged his blade through the commander''s heart as he cast Void Wave that sent the surrounding creatures flying backward.


    ''''I hate Changelings,'''' he muttered.


    Atlas smiled when he saw this, darted forward, and started cutting down more of them using his speed before casting Void Bomb at another group that exploded with a fierce blast that wiped out many of the monsters.


    Following this attack, he summoned the Dark Termite Queen, who let out a horrifying screech before decimating the remaining creatures alongside him. The monsters started trying to flee, but he chased after the survivors before slaying the fleeing creatures.


    Once all the Changelings were dead, he turned to the Dark Termite Queen, who was looking at him. Atlas smiled before stroking the giant monster as he spoke, ''''Thank you for the help, girl. I will call on you and your children when needed.''''


    The Termite Queen emitted an odd sound and nudged him gently. He gave the creature a reassuring stroke before sending it back to the Dungeon Realm. Afterward, he scoured the camp, discovering thirty glowing red cores, two hundred silver coins, a collection of goblin and orc ears, and a few health potions.


    Afterward, Atlas summoned Theo before flying west to Hamaitan Town, where the orcs and goblins terrorized the area. It took the Blood Bat King to get in sight of the town, and that''s when he spotted a horde of orcs and goblins.


    ''More experience to level up,'' Atlas grinned as his excitement grew to new levels.


    ''''Swoop down and help me fight them, Theo,'''' he ordered. ''''Make sure to stay away from the bigger orcs.''''


    The giant bat let out a chirp of agreement before folding its wings and descending toward the ground. As it approached, Atlas leaped off its back, drawing his swords and casting Void Barrage.


    Atlas''s spell illuminated the landscape and town walls as azure projectiles streaked through the air, slicing through everything in their path. When the guards above saw this, they intensified their attacks.


    ''The extra attacks will help thin the horde,'' he thought, his adrenaline surging as the thrill of battle ignited every nerve in his body.


    Following his initial assault, Atlas landed heavily, his impact reverberating through the ground. He began slicing through several goblins while casting Void Wave, which blasted outward and cleared space around him.


    With the area momentarily free of obstacles, he continued his relentless assault, stabbing and slashing through the monsters'' flesh and bone, causing dozens of them to collapse dead.


    Atlas continued fighting the goblins until coming up against the wild orcs that were four times his size. Seeing this caused him to call Void Bullets at the feet of the monsters that exploded and threw them off balance.


    Once doing that, Atlas burst forward so fast that the monsters couldn''t see him. He struck at several wild orcs, causing their large frames to crash to the ground, and Theo swooped down and landed on another.


    The giant bat bit down on a goblin before cutting more in half, causing them to flee, but the Dungeon Monster chased after them. Atlas laughed when seeing this and continued slaughtering the Monster Wave.


    ''I can feel the experience pouring into me like a waterfall,'' he thought with a big smile.


    After an hour of relentless attacks, the monsters finally withdrew, allowing Atlas to exhale in relief. Covered in blood and irritated, he removed his helmet and began the annoying task of cleaning himself. As he worked, Theo approached and gave him a friendly nudge.


    Atlas smiled when seeing this before speaking, ''''Thank you, Theo. I will send you back because the humans won''t understand you.''''


    The Blood Bat King chirped before returning to the Dungeon Realm, and a group of guards appeared, holding their weapons at the ready. Atlas turned around after collecting loads of black Monster Cores and flashed them his Adventurers Card, ''''I''m here for the monster attack quest, but it looks like it''s been dealt with,'''' he said calmly.


    When the guards heard this, they were shocked, but an older woman approached as she exclaimed, ''''I am Mariam, the commander of We are in your debt, young man; let us return your help with a warm bed and hot meal in the local inn? And if you don''t mind me asking, are you a tamer?''''


    Atlas looked at the grey-haired woman and thought, ''They spotted Theo. This is the perfect opportunity to throw the Immortals and Nightowls off my trail.''


    He nodded before speaking, ''''Yes, but I''m in the middle of leveling it up after Father helped me, but thank you for the kindness.''''


    She waved him away with a smile, ''''You''re the hero of this town, boy. Without you, we would be overrun, and everyone knows what would have happened to all the females, so they are especially grateful.''''


    ''''It was my job to help as I took the quest, but I will accept the bed and meal,'''' Atlas replied while she led him through the town gate.


    While doing that, Atlas checked his status to see how many times he leveled up during all the fighting that he had been doing.


    [Level Up: 150¡ú160]


    [Experience: 3840/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 53480]


    [Health: 1266¡ú1290(200)]


    [Mana: 5590¡ú5790(1000)]


    [Strength: 1420¡ú1452(100)]


    [Stamina: 1728¡ú1778(250)]


    [Charisma: 610¡ú630]


    [Intelligence: 1150¡ú1190]


    [Core Points: 23000/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 23000]


    [Dual Wielding: 5¡ú6]


    [Maskweaving: 2¡ú3]


    [Void Sight: 2¡ú3]


    ''Ten levels and some of my skills leveled up,'' Atlas excitedly thought. ''''Forty more levels until I rank up again.''


    Following that, the woman led him to a fancy-looking building and spoke with a smile, ''''I will talk to the owners and inform them that you''re the town''s hero.''''


    ''''I''m not a hero; I was just doing my job and leveled up in the meantime,'''' Atlas replied as they entered the inn.


    Mariam waved him off and chitchatted with a large man behind the counter. As the commander spoke, Atlas took a moment to survey his surroundings. It quickly became apparent that the place was filled with wealthy customers, their lavish clothing revealing that they were strangers to the outside world. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas could sense their underlying strength but couldn''t help thinking, ''They''re glass cannons. I wonder how they level up? They must be cheating somehow.''


    Following that thought, he scanned a few of them to see their level and rank.


    [Farid Mokhber]


    [Class: Merchant]


    [Level: 276]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    [Thinks of himself as the best merchant on the Zarandar Continent]


    [Kourosh Jafari]


    [Class: Warrior]


    [Level: 302]


    [Rank: Expert]


    [His family captures monsters so he can level up]


    [Omid Rostami]


    [Class: Mage]


    [Level: 339]


    [Class: Expert]


    [Thinks he''s the next Merlin who is the only Legendary Master on Valoria]


    He chuckled at the extra details about the people, but his laughter grew when he saw a familiar name. ''Merlin is here? I wonder if he''s a mad old man cackling away in a sinister tower.''


    Atlas laughed harder; he remained blissfully unaware of how close he was to the truth¡ªa revelation that would soon shock him. Meanwhile, Mariam finished her conversation with the large man behind the counter and called him over.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 148 - 148: Not Long Now

    Atlas approached the inn''s counter while the older woman greeted him with a warm smile, "Boy, I''m sorry for being rude, but I haven''t asked your name yet,'''' she questioned.


    "My adventurer name is Azhar''Zul, I''m a Rank E adventurer from Astoria," he replied, introducing himself while sitting at the counter.


    Mariam nodded, but the big man spoke in a friendly voice, ''''Thalassia Empire?''''


    ''''Yes, but I was shipwrecked on Zarandar a week back; all I''ve been doing is exploring the continent while leveling up,'''' Atlas revealed, causing the two adults to smile.


    ''''So you''re a Ranker then?'''' Mariam questioned while sipping some ale the owner gave them.


    Atlas nodded before answering, ''''I love the feeling of earning experience as it flows into my body.''''


    The two adults laughed, and the older woman commented, ''''It makes sense since your aura is chaotic and flares up occasionally. All I can see is a beautiful blue glow from you, which is odd.''''


    He looked confused, causing them to laugh again before the owner explained, ''''The higher you rank, the more your aura stands out. Right now, I''m guessing you''re an Adept and way past halfway of ranking up?''''


    Atlas''s eyes opened wide in shock, causing the man to nod with a knowing smile, ''''When you get to a big city, find an aura control skill; it will allow you to restrain and hide it from those who chase you, Azhar''Zul,'''' he said in a knowing voice.


    Shortly after that, Atlas was introduced to the big man, Wilson, who owned the Prancing Pony Inn alongside his wife. That''s when he discovered the couple was from the Wildheart Kingdom but moved to Zarander many years ago.


    After that, Mariam thanked him again before leaving the inn to return to work. Wilson led him down a corridor and smiled as he started a conversation, ''''It''s an Unusual name; maybe it comes from another continent?''''


    When hearing the big man''s question, Atlas shrugged, ''''I saw it in a book and liked it. The receptionist rushed us to choose names, so I picked Azhar''Zul because of its uniqueness,'''' he answered.


    Wilson gave a friendly nod and opened a door to reveal a room. "Here you go," he said with a grin. "This one has an adjoining bathroom¡ªyou look like you could use a good freshen-up!"


    Atlas started laughing before thanking the man as he asked with a grin, ''''Where is the closest bank, old man?''''


    Wilson chuckled heartily, giving Atlas a friendly pat on the back. "Oh, come on now! I''m only thirty myself, but if you''re looking for a bank, your best bet is Karwila City to the south. Muallerah City is closer, but they''ve got hefty withdrawal fees thanks to the mayor. Karwila''s your place for better rates."


    He thanked the big man before entering his room, dismissing his gear, and walking toward the bathroom, where he saw a large circular bath that reminded him of a jacuzzi back on Earth.


    The room was decorated with beautiful colorful tiles depicting Achaemenidian history; Atlas spotted the coronation of Emperor Cyrus Safavi and the birth of the empire''s princes and princesses.


    ''I hate that damn family,'' he thought as annoyance passed through him.


    Atlas ignored the artwork as he undressed and slid into the soothing hot water. He sank into the bath, closing his eyes and letting the warmth envelop him. The gentle caress of the water against his skin melted away his tension, leaving him in complete relaxation.


    Following that, he started washing while plotting his journey, ''I will head to Karwila City and tell the Adventurers Guild about the five completed quests before getting his five hundred coins.''


    Once deciding that, Atlas cleaned up and put on some fresh clothes after drying his hair before walking into his room. As he entered the bedroom, he spotted a trolley full of food with a note and a silver plate with the town symbol.


    Atlas picked up the note and read it, ''Thank you for saving the town. I heard about your fight outside the walls and guessed you''d be hungry. ¡ª Old Man Wilson.''


    He chuckled at the message, then glanced at the food left for him. It looked like a hearty meal of dumplings, rice, and a sweet dessert, which made him smile. Atlas started eating while looking at the Town Plate.


    ''This will help me prove I completed the quests,'' Atlas mused while chewing on a dumpling.


    Following that, he decided to try to complete Level Two of the Void Realm before researching local dungeons and spots for strong monsters. He closed his eyes while activating Void Realm and being sucked into the strange world.


    Atlas woke up outside a cave as a storm raged high above, causing him to summon his gear along with the Enchanted Winter Cloak. He pulled out his blades before walking down a nearby path as he checked the Void Bear totals.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 1796/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 723/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 6/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    During his journey to the next arena, Atlas fought many Savage and Cave Void Bears that tried attacking him from caves and cliffs. After hours, he made it to the next Brute Void Bear fight, increasing his excitement for the upcoming battle.


    ''I can''t wait to fight the Sub Boss; it will be one more step toward Level Three,'' Atlus mused with a smile.


    The polar bear-looking monsters rushed forward as the arena blocked him inside. Seeing this, Atlas grinned before casting Void Bomb at it, causing an explosion to ring out, which sent the creature stumbling backward.


    Atlas dashed forward and started attacking the creature''s soft flesh while dodging the monster''s claws, which were swiping at him. The fight didn''t last long, as the Void Brute Bear was riddled with bad injuries.


    He used Void Step to escape the monster''s range while blasting it with several Void Bullets that exploded all over its body. Atlas knew this was working as the bear got angrier as the pain overwhelmed it.


    Following that, Atlas cast Void Guard before spamming Void Bombs at it and finally ended the Sub-Boss, allowing him to continue to slaughter many more monsters until he grew tired and bored of it all.


    ''So beautiful, I wonder if this place was every a world,'' he thought while looking over a lake surrounded by mountains with a path leading around the edge.


    Atlas shook his head before pulling up the Void Bear totals to see how far he had to go.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 1423/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 501/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 5/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now until I can face the queen,'' he mused, pressing on through the arenas. One after another, he encountered three more, and with little difficulty, he defeated the Brute Void Bears in each.


    After hours of hunting bears, Atlas was fed up and decided to return to the real world for some much-needed rest. Exhausted, he crawled into bed and quickly fell asleep, the moon''s glow casting a serene light over the town outside.


    Unknown to him, while he slept, a group of rebels had stealthily infiltrated the town and destroyed several Rune Stones, which had long safeguarded the town from the Dark Ones'' nightly incursions.


    Atlas woke up to a shrill scream, and an alarm went off. He jumped out of bed while equipping his gear and looked out the window to see several Dark Ones stalking terrified people who were trying to flee down the street.


    Seeing this, Atlas used Void Step to appear outside before attacking the creepy-looking humanoids and slashing through their bodies using his swords. This sudden attack shocked the monsters, who started trying to attack him.


    He blocked and deflected the claws, feeling the sting of other attacks scraping against his chest. Leaning back to avoid a deadly swipe, he retaliated with his Nightblade, skillfully slicing off several limbs and heads.


    Following that, Atlas crossed his blades as a spell hit him, but all it did was reactive Maskweaver, exposing his true face to the surrounding guards. He noticed their eyes widened in shock and fear while pointing at the wanted posters everywhere.


    ''Oh no. This is bad,'' he thought while the grip on his swords


    A voice rang out, riling every soldier and adventurer nearby, ''''The Dajjal is here! The devil who will bring ruin to the Achaemenid Empire.'''' S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas gulped just as the surrounding soldiers charged at him. He blocked one attack before striking several men and women before casting several Void Bullets that peppered the swarm of enemies.


    He blocked most attacks thanks to his speed while the armor stopped the rest. Atlas kept using Void Guard to deflect many attacks. He looked for a way out and couldn''t see one, forcing him to summon a pack of Death Jackels that scared the people, and that''s when Theo swooped down to help.


    The giant Blood Bat King picked him up while blocking arrows with an ear-piercing shriek before flying high. He watched as the soldiers below tried to follow him, but Theo was too fast for them.


    Atlas was happy as they flew south while thinking, ''What magic was the Dark Ones using? I''ve never thought about it.''


    He shrugged before telling Theo not to attract attention, causing it to chirp as a wave of mana washed over them. Atlas realized that the monster was hiding them from anyone below.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 149 - 149: Southern Eagles

    Atlas and Theo flew south until they came across the city named Khaligat, which he had heard about from Captain Sunny. He decided to withdraw the gold coins from the bank if it had one. After that, he told the Blood Bat King to descend to the ground.


    When the monster touched down, Atlas jumped off before dismissing it and returning to the Dungeon Realm as he approached the city. He finally reached the road and activated Maskweaver to disguise himself once again.


    This time around, he had blue hair and eyes. Atlas was pleased with this and was stopped by the city guards, ''''Halt, young one! What brings you to Khaligat City?'''' a tall man said.


    Atlas had to look up before answering, ''''I have to register some completed quests and visit the city bank.''''


    The man nodded, ''''That would be one silver to enter,'''' he said while writing down something.


    He paid the toll before entering the city and seeing the same as the others he''d be in. Atlas started looking for the guild. It took him about an hour to find it, causing his frustration to vanish when he entered.


    Atlas approached the counter and waited in line to inform the guild of all the quests. By the time he reached the front, he noticed it was a young man who looked at him with a friendly smile and spoke in a jovial voice, ''''Hello, adventurer. How can I help you today?''''


    He took out all the bandit cards and goblin ears needed for proof and handed them to the shocked man with the five quests. The guild receptionist shook his head before asking, ''''Can I have your Adventurers Card, please?''''


    ''''Okay,'''' Atlas replied while handing over the black card and starting to hit a device that scanned all the proof, quest slips, and guild cards.


    Five minutes later, the man returned the card with thirteen gold and forty silver coins as a reward. Atlas was happy and asked where the nearest dungeon was. He learned one was a few miles west on his route to the Greenskin Confederation.


    After that, he left the guild and searched the city for the bank. He soon found it, only to be surprised. Big soldiers guarded it in powerful-looking armor, and the name was Ironstone Bank, which interested him.


    Atlas entered the place, but as soon as he did, he felt eyes on him as he approached the counter, behind which sat a beautiful woman. She looked up and spoke, ''''How can Ironstone Bank help today, boy?''''


    Once she finished speaking, Atlas handed over his Adventurers Card, saying, ''''I want to withdraw my coins, please.''''


    The woman nodded and took it before scanning it with a device similar to the guild, which caused a beep to sound out. A few minutes later, she put a large pouch of coins on the counter, saying, ''''Here you go, five hundred gold coins paid to you by a city mayor to the east.''''


    He nodded before sending the pouch to storage and leaving the city. While approaching the western gate, he spotted a spellbook shop and decided to check if it had any void spells he could learn.


    Atlas entered the shop as the doorbell chimed, and inside, he spotted fellow adventurers perusing the shelves. His attention quickly shifted to the rarer spells, where he discovered three intriguing void spells that caught his interest.


    He scanned the spellbooks to see the basic information.


    [Void Lance ¨C Launches a spear of dark energy that pierces through enemies and explodes, taking out a group of enemies]


    [Void Veil - Covers the area in darkness, causing targets to go blind, but the caster can still see] S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Infusion ¨C Infuses an object or environment with void energy, granting it special properties or effects]


    ''These will be useful, I will learn them while camping tonight,'' Atlas mused before taking the books to the counter.


    When the shop owner saw this, his eyes widened with fear and shock as he looked at Atlas, who ignored the look before asking, ''''How much for these three spellbooks?''''


    The older man shook his head before replying, ''''Fifteen gold coins, Azhar''Zul. May the Path guide you to paradise.''''


    Atlas''s eyes widened in shock, but the man spoke quietly, ''''Get out of the empire as soon as possible. The Immortals and Owls know you''re disguising yourself and using the Void Realms Monsters.''''


    His eyes widened even more as his jaw dropped when he heard this. The shop owner smiled while holding his hand for a handshake before continuing, ''''The Path has shown me many things over the years; I''m David, and I''m sure we will meet again.''''


    Then, Atlas dropped fifteen gold coins and shook his hand while introducing himself, ''''Azhar''Zul, and it seems this Path has plans for me.''''


    Following that, the man told him to leave the city as the enemies would have a way to find him thanks to his rare element. When leaving the shop, he saw several Nightowls running along the rooftops as the Achaemenidian soldiers were swarming the street, which made Atlas nervous.


    He rushed down the main street while heading for the west gate, thinking, ''Maybe they have some form of magic to find me. At least now I know, so I''ll keep one step ahead of them using my monsters.''


    Soon enough, Atlas spotted the same pink-haired princess who captured him riding a horse through the city square while hiding toward the city mayor''s manor. He knew she was here to look for him, but he was already leaving.


    Atlas proceeded through the city, passing through the gate and down the road. Suddenly, a swarm of foot soldiers burst out, pointing directly at him. Seeing this, he bolted into a frantic run toward the nearby woodlands.


    While they started chasing them, he went to summon Theo, but several screeches could be heard, causing him to look up only to see flying monster riders. Atlas was started but still managed to scan the new enemies.


    [Southern Eagles]


    [Rank A: 1000 Exp]


    [These feathered nightmares are fast]


    [Johan]


    [Race: Half-Elf/Human]


    [Class: Tamer]


    [Level: 312]


    [Rank: Expert]


    When Atlas saw this, he instantly cast several Void barrages that scattered the ten Southern Eagles, allowing him to summon the Void Raptor King, who roared when he appeared from the azure portal.


    He quickly jumped on its back before shouting, ''''Run! We need to get out of here.''''


    ''Yes, master!'' the monster replied as he exploded forward while dodging the eagle''s talons.


    While running, Atlas thought of a name for the king and smiled excitedly, ''''Your name will be Drax.''''


    As soon as the words lift his lips a blue glow washed over Drax''s body causing him to speed up even faster. This shocked Atlas, but the monster''s voice rang out, ''When the Voidwalker names a void monster, they are imbued with more power as they earned his trust. Now we can help each other even more.''


    Following that, the eagle riders continued chasing Atlas, who peppered them with spells as Drax kept out of their pursuer''s talons. The dinosaur even managed to talk one down by biting onto its leg and slamming it into the ground.


    The chase was on, and the other riders were enraged as losing one of their own caused their determination to soar. Atlas cast Void Bomb but didn''t release it briefly before sending it flying into the enemy''s center.


    It exploded with a massive boom, sending some riders plummeting to the ground below and causing chaos. Atlas started laughing before vanishing into the woodland and losing the Achaemenidians.


    Drax continued running and jumped across a river before reaching a set of mountains, which caused the monster to stop running. It spoke nervously, ''A Titan resides in this place, Master. We shouldn''t be here.''


    Atlas was just about to speak when an enraged roar rang out, followed by even more, which scared them. Drax didn''t wait for the command and sprinted away from the incoming monsters.


    He turned around only to see a massive lion chasing after them, which caused his blood to run cold. Atlas knew what to do and quickly summoned Theo, who snatched him off Drax''s back as the Raptor King returned to the void.


    The Blood Bat King threw Atlas on its back as the Titan Lion lunged at them. Theo quickly dodged the attack and ascended before the monster could get them. This allowed him to scan the newcomer with Void Sight.


    [Nemean Lion]


    [Rank: Titan - 80000 Exp]


    [Titan of the Mosunah Mountains]


    [Escape!]


    Atlas urged Theo to fly faster, which the monster did until it came to a town that was a stop-off point for two bridges that traders used. He ordered the bat to land in the nearby woods so he could dismiss it without being seen.


    Theo nudged his head against Atlas with a concerned look, saying, "Stay alert, Master. Call for me if you need anything."


    Atlas chuckled and patted him reassuringly. "Don''t worry, Theo. I''ll summon you if the need arises. See you soon."


    Once Theo vanished, Atlas spread out his map and pinpointed his location. He saw that he was in the town of Neronia. Determined to prepare for the next leg of the journey, he set off toward the town to purchase a new tent and plan his route.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 150 - 150: Nivaria Continent

    When Atlas entered Neronia, he saw hundreds of merchants with their stalls lining the streets as the townspeople celebrated, ''Is this some kind of festival?'' he thought.


    He witnessed a group of children running toward a stall that looked to be some game. Atlas shrugged before searching the town for a General Store to buy a new tent before moving further west.


    ''It''s annoying that I lost the last one during that ambush,'' he thought with irritation.


    Following that, Atlas found it and entered only to see that it was busy, which annoyed him, but he chose to wait. The owner and his workers took ten minutes to clear the other customers, allowing him to approach the counter.


    The man looked at Atlas with a tired expression as he spoke, ''''What can I do for you, boy? We don''t sell weapons here.''''


    ''''I want to buy a tent, please; I lost mine in an ambush a few days ago,'''' Atlas replied, causing one of the workers to rush to the back.


    ''''We have those tents that the adventurers love; it hides them from the outside along as it''s set up against something,'''' the owner answered. ''''But that would be one gold, plus I''ll throw in some rations.''''


    Atlas accepted the price and handed over the coin, as the man had taken a box from below the counter before giving it to him. He stored it in his storage as the worker returned holding a bag she handed over.


    It shocked the two people when it vanished as the stuff vanished into nothing. Still, Atlas said goodbye before leaving the shop to find somewhere to sit down and check his map, only to realize that the Greenskin Confederation was on the next continent called Nivaria.


    But the map did show a train line leading from the Dawnstar Empire to his destination, which excited him as he could ride the Mosorov Trains, which that woman gave him a pass to use a while back.


    After that, Atlas left the city and traveled west to get a ship to Nivaria to continue from a port city named Aurelian. It took him nearly a week to trek across Zarandar, but he didn''t encounter any problems with soldiers on his journey.


    He sat on a bench in the harbor, waiting for a ship to cross the dangerous sea. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the bustling docks. Cargo ships, their hulls stained with salt and seaweed, rocked gently against the piers as dockworkers hurried to and fro, hauling crates and barrels.


    ''This place is peaceful,'' Atlas mused while people watching.


    The clatter of hooves on cobblestone mixed with the creaking of ropes and the occasional shout of commands. Atlas noted the varied nationalities of the dockhands, their accents blending into a cacophony of voices that filled the air with a sense of purpose.


    Seagulls wheeled overhead, their cries punctuating the noise as they swooped down to snatch at discarded scraps. The salty breeze tugged at Atlas''s cloak, carrying with it the tang of fish and the distant promise of the open sea.


    A group of merchants haggled loudly over the price of fresh seafood, their animated gestures drawing a smile from Atlas. Nearby, a family of travelers, their faces alight with the thrill of adventure, bustled about, preparing for their journey. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Better buy my ticket to Nivaria.''


    Soon after, Atlas approached the counter to book his passage west, costing him five gold coins. The man behind the counter looked up at him and spoke in a curious tone, ''''What is a young boy doing traveling to the Nivaria Continent? You do know it''s infested with monsters.''''


    ''''I didn''t know that, but that will be useful to level up during my journey,'''' he replied to the man.


    Atlas was then led to the ship he would be bordering. It reminded him of a cruise ship, and he instantly knew it was for transporting people across the empire. Still, this one was swarming with Achaemenidian soldiers patrolling the decks.


    He shrugged before making his way on board once he showed the guard the pass that he purchased. Atlas stepped onto the vessel and realized his room was on one of the upper floors, which annoyed him.


    ''Why did they only have tickets for the highest rooms,'' Atlas internally fumed.


    Following that, Atlas located an elevator that took him to his floor. After a short walk of about five minutes, he arrived at his room. Upon entering, he found it quite simple: a bed, a desk, and a bathroom tucked off to one side.


    Atlas noticed the room had a balcony with a table and chairs stationed outside for the guests to sit. He dismissed his equipment before slumping onto the bed with a sigh. The exhaustion from everything he had been doing overwhelmed him, and he yawned.


    Not long after that, he fell asleep, and the winter sun barely shone through the dark clouds. While sleeping, the ship he was on started sailing west. Unless a storm was on the ship''s path west, it would take a few days to reach Nivaria.


    Atlas slept peacefully for several hours before waking to find it dark outside. He sat up, yawning as he stretched his body, his joints clicking softly, ''What a nice sleep; the bed was really comfortable,'' he mused, glancing out the window to see the two moons high in the sky.


    ''Let''s grab something to eat and then tackle Void Realms Level Two,'' Atlas thought, pulling out a steaming hot Orc''s Delight Meat Box.


    As he ate, the meal satisfied his hunger and restored his energy. With a satisfying stretch, he felt refreshed and ready to go. After finishing his meal, he stepped outside and settled into a comfortable chair, sinking into the soft cushions with a contented sigh.


    After finishing his meal, Atlas stepped onto the balcony, propping his feet on the table. He activated the Void Realm Skill, drawing his consciousness into the enigmatic world. When he came, he found himself in a valley surrounded by towering cliffs and jagged rocks.


    Atlas readied his swords as the monsters began to appear. A swarm of Void Cave Bears and Savage Void Bears emerged, causing him to dodge their incoming attacks easily as he struck out with his magic.


    Void Blasts and Void Barrage peppered the swarm of monsters, causing explosions to ring out all over the place. Atlas continued fighting until his arms grew tired, and the bears stopped coming.


    ''What the hell was that? Where did they all come from?'' he wondered, cleaning his blades with a flick.


    After fending off all the monsters, Atlas sat to catch his breath and checked the Void Bear Total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 1201/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 375/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 5/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now, I should complete this level during the trip to Nivaria,'' Atlas pondered excitedly.


    As Atlas hiked through the rugged mountain pass, the path narrowed, and the air grew colder. His breath formed misty clouds that dispersed quickly in the fast mountain air. The crunch of snow underfoot was the only sound until a low, guttural growl echoed through the valley.


    Atlas''s senses sharpened instantly, ''This is going to be fun,'' he thought as his excitement soared due to the fighting.


    He gripped his swords tighter, scanning the darkening landscape, knowing the monsters were nearby. Emerging from behind a cluster of boulders, a horde of Void Cave Bears appeared, their eyes glowing maliciously.


    Atlas''s heart raced with anticipation. He drew his swords, their blades shimmering with a faint, ethereal light. As the bears charged, he sprang into action and started using Void Step to avoid the monsters.


    He ducked beneath a massive swipe from one of the bears, its claws grazing the air where he had been moments before. Atlas severed the beast''s outstretched claws with an upward slash while dodging more attacks.


    The monster roared in pain, but Atlas was already moving, his feet barely touching the ground as he launched into a spinning attack. His Void Blasts erupted, striking down several Void Bears with explosive force.


    One of the Cave Bears lunged at him from the side, its jaws snapping dangerously close. Atlas twisted mid-air, his sword slicing through the air to meet the bear''s attack. The blade met flesh with a wet, satisfying thud, and the bear collapsed in a heap.


    Enraged, the remaining monsters seemed to close in on him from all sides. Atlas''s movements became a blur of steel and magic. He cast a Void Barrage, a storm of azure projectiles that exploded on impact, sending several bears crashing against the rocky walls or falling into the chasm below.


    He grunted as a particularly large Cave Bear barreled toward him, its eyes glowing with hate. Atlas met its charge with a powerful vertical swing, his Nightblade cleaving through the beast''s thick fur and flesh.


    Atlas continued battling with the monsters until they all vanished into azure motes, leaving him alone on the side of the mountain path. While resting, he checked the Void Bear total he needed to complete.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 632/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 32/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 5/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 151 - 151: Level Three

    After the fierce battle on the mountainside, Atlas pressed on while eliminating the remaining Cave Bears. He unleashed a relentless barrage of magic, his spells erupting in powerful explosions that tore through the advancing swarm of Savage Bears.


    The force of the blasts sent the monsters hurtling through the air, their bodies smashing against the rugged cliffsides with thunderous crashes. Atlas was happy with the result and quickly checked the total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 632/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 32/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 5/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Won''t be long now until I fight the Void Bear Queen,'' he thought before continuing until he came to an arena, but something was off.


    Atlas glanced around and soon realized it was twice as big as the others he fought in. While standing there, the gate opened, and five Brute Void Bears rushed out. The monsters instantly launched their attacks.


    ''Oh shit!'' he internally panicked while using Void Step to dodge the large claws and snapping jaws.


    While this happened, Atlas started countering with his blades and magic, causing the Brute Bears to shudder. Void Blasts and Void Barrages removed one of the monsters while he plunged Nightblade into another skull.


    ''Two down, now two to go,'' Atlas mused with a smile full of excitement.


    Thanks to his attacks, two bears remained, causing Atlas to use Void Guard to block a swipe that sent him flying backward. He crashed into the arena''s wall just as Savage Void Bears charged forward.


    This made Atlas yelp as he struggled to his feet, but pain shot through his body, causing him to think, ''Regeneration isn''t quick enough. The bears will be here in a few seconds.''


    Atlas raised his hand before casting Void Bomb at the incoming enemies. As he drove his blades into the ground, the spells connected with the monsters, causing a devastating explosion that shook the arena.


    A massive dust cloud engulfed everything as Atlas dismissed Void Guard and didn''t see any monsters. While standing there, something told him to move, which he did by casting Void Step to appear a few meters away, only to see a Savage Bear crash into the stop he was just in.


    ''That was close,'' Atlas thought before casting Void Arrow into the monster''s skull.


    The azure projectiles brought the remaining bears down just before he cast Void Bomb at the three remaining Sub-Bosses, which sent them back into the Void Realm as motes, signaling that Atlas won the arena battle.


    After that, he removed his helmet to let the fresh air hit his face while checking the Void Bear total.


    [Savage Void Bear ¨C 57/5000]


    [Cave Void Bears ¨C 0/2000]


    [Brute Void Bears ¨C 0/10]


    [Void Bear Queen ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now, I could complete Level Two on this run,'' Atlas pondered excitedly as a notification popped up.


    [Well done, Voidwalker! You cleared all the monsters and now have to defeat the Void Bear Queen to unlock them for use in the outside world. Good luck with your boss fight]


    Following that, he continued through the mountains and finished the last fifty-seven Savage Void Bears before battling the last Brute Void Bear, which was easy for him now. Atlas continued through the level unbothered until coming to a massive arena that stretched high into the sky.


    He looked at it and thought, ''I wonder how big this monster is, but I''m so close to moving onto Level Three.''


    Atlas stepped onto the marble floor to have a shield circle the arena and a gate on the opposite end open. Seconds later, the ground started to tremble as the Void Bear Queen rushed out, letting out a deep roar that made his blood run cold.


    The monster resembled a short-faced bear from Earth''s ancient history but was much bigger and more ferocious. It was the size of an elephant and built like a tank. Atlas felt a chill run down his spine as he scanned the newcomer using Void Sigh.


    [Void Bear Queen]


    [Rank: C+]


    [Boss of the Void Realm''s Level Two]


    [Keep moving and use explosive magic]


    He shook his head and prepared to fight, casting three Void Bombs at the queen as she barrelled towards him like a tank. Atlas readied himself as the projectile connected with the body of the monster.


    Explosions erupted and shook the arena''s ground, but it slowed the monster down, causing Atlas to dodge the first swipe of the bear''s giant claws just as he spammed Void Bullets into its torso. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the projectile bit into the skin, it caused the Bear Queen to roar in pain and start wildly swinging at him. Atlas managed to dodge most, but one hit him and sent him flying across the arena.


    He regained his balance in mid-air and landed smoothly on his feet. Without missing a beat, he unleashed a series of Void Blasts that struck the bear, causing it to roar in pain. As the monster charged toward him, Atlas nimbly dodged its attacks and swiftly slashed at its vulnerable spots.


    While Atlas managed to avoid most attacks, some did hit, which sent him skidding back and caused his body to shake due to the impact. He let Regeneration work as he rushed in and stabbed the bear in its knee before blowing it away using Void Bullet.


    The Void Bear Queen dropped to the ground with a crash as a woman''s voice sounded, ''You little shit Voidwalker! You''re not like the last Master, that''s for sure.''


    Atlas stopped attacking and stared at the monster that was struggling to get up with a missing leg, but that''s when pain racked his body, causing him to drop to his knees while looking at his missing left arm.


    ''A trade boy, you took my leg, so I cut off your arm,'' the bear queen said with a chuckle.


    When Atlas heard this, he was fuming and looked into the creature''s red eyes before laughing as he hobbled over to her, ''''That was exciting; I enjoyed our fight, Queen Bear. Do you have a name?''''


    The monster looked at him before her voice appeared in her mind, ''My Master used to call me Ursula. If you don''t mind, call me that.''


    Atlas nodded with a smile as he finished off the bear with a swift swipe of his blade, bringing Level Two to an end.


    [Well done! You completed Level Two and can move on to Level Three. You may use the three Void Bear Option options]


    [Would you like to move onto Level Three Voidwalker?]


    Atlas nodded in agreement, and his surroundings shifted to reveal a massive plateau extending over a turbulent sea. Confusion etched on his face, he approached the edge and looked down, only to feel a chill run down his spine.


    ''Why does this place look like an arena?'' he wondered, casting a wary glance around only to realize there was nowhere to hide.


    Once Atlas calmed himself down, he pulled up the monster total he needed to deal with.


    [Void *****¨C 1000000/1000000]


    [Void ******* *****¨C 500000/500000]


    [Void ***** ********* ¨C 100000/100000]


    [Void ***** ****¨C 1/1]


    ''''What are these ridiculous numbers? One million!'''' he fumed.


    Following that, Atlas heard running, which alarmed him as fog descended on the plateau, cutting off his vision. That''s when he pulled out the True Sight goggles and saw his new enemy.


    Stone humanoids shaped into all kinds of horrifying renditions charged at him. Atlas dodged the lunge of an angel-looking monster before blasting it away using Void Blast while scanning another.


    [Void Golem]


    [Rank D+]


    [Can mold themselves into horrifying figures to scare you]


    Atlas noticed the Golems were made from a dark bluish stone and had glowing red eyes as they charged forward like the first. He bobbed and weaved around them while using Void Bullets and Void Blasts.


    ''I think I can only use magic on them as my blades cannot damage them,'' Atlas thought as Nightblade and Deepforge bounced off one Golem who tackled him.


    The wind was knocked out of him as they crashed to the ground. When this happened, he cast Void Wave to destroy the monster and give himself some space, but he was shocked when a swarm of Golems charged at him.


    Atlas was backed into the corner of the Plateau, causing him to act more carefully as he spammed spells, but he was growing tired just as one of the Golems moved quicker than he thought it could and landed a hard punch in his chest, which dented his armor.


    He was thrown over the side of the Plateau and fell into the water below, only to wake up on the ship balcony as a wave smashed into the hull below. Atlas was confused and remembered he was on a ship to the Nivaria Continent.


    While sitting there, Atlas pulled out some chocolate and started eating while pulling up the Level Three monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 999977/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 500000/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 100000/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''This will take some time, but I do have some powerful spells to learn that will help clear the overwhelming numbers,'' Atlas mused while chewing on some chocolate as the two moons lit up the sea below.


    After that, he checked his statues to see if he had gained anything from all the fighting in the Void Realm.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 152 - 152: A Hulk Golem

    [Level Up: 160¡ú163]


    [Experience: 2040/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 13200]


    [Health: 1290¡ú1314(200)]


    [Mana: 5790¡ú6022(1000)]


    [Strength: 1452¡ú1470(100)]


    [Stamina: 1778¡ú1810(250)]


    [Charisma: 630¡ú638] S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Intelligence: 1190¡ú1226]


    [Core Points: 28020/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 5020]


    ''Good, some small gains but something better than nothing,'' he thought while watching the stars above.


    Feeling hungry for more than just chocolate, Atlas exited his room and decided to find the dining hall. His ticket included three meals and snacks, so he figured it was time to take advantage of the full range of offerings.


    Atlas walked through the cruise ship corridors and saw hundreds of people enjoying them like they were on holiday. He had dismissed his helmet but left his armor and weapons on him because he trusted nothing would happen.


    ''Can''t let the Achaemenidians trap me again,'' he mused while holding the handle of his Nightblade.


    After half an hour of searching, Atlas finally found a large dining hall. The room was filled with a counter laden with an impressive array of food. Excited, he eagerly piled his plate high with various meats and mashed potatoes. ''This smells delicious; I can''t wait to taste it,'' he mused with a smile.


    With his plate stacked with delicious options, Atlas set out to find a table where he could enjoy his meal. Soon enough, he found an empty table to sit and eat while he started people-watching as they passed by.


    ''This place seems peaceful,'' Atlas thought to himself.


    While eating, he received his daily message from Amethyst, who told him they were heading north to hunt monsters and delve into dungeons until he could meet them. The young couple had been in contact since the Lover''s Band allowed communication.


    They knew Atlas was heading to the Nubian Capital to heal Lilith before catching a train north. However, when the party learned he must cross the treacherous sea between Zaradar and Aridonia.


    The phoenix girl panicked at the thought of encountering the sea monsters notorious in that region. Estelle suggested he reserve passage on an airship from the Greenskin Confederation.


    When Atlas confirmed that he was already planning to do just that, their concerns began to ease. After sending a message to Amethyst, he continued enjoying his meal before deciding to explore the ship.


    ''She worries too much but it''s nice to be cared about for once,'' Atlas thought with a smile.


    As he wandered, he discovered several restaurants where nobles dined in style and arcades designed to keep children entertained. Captivated, Atlas entered one of the arcades and found it filled with the familiar sights and sounds of classic games you''d expect in a regular arcade.


    Following that, Atlas returned to his room after finding nothing that caught his attention about an odd-looking couple following him around the entertainment floor. He managed to lose them in the crowds, but they got him paranoid.


    ''Hopefully they haven''t found me,'' he pondered while walking up some stairs.


    Atlas decided to hide in his room as he guessed they were Nightowls. While inside, he locked the door and turned the light off before sitting on the balcony and pulling out the recently bought spells.


    [Void Lance ¨C Launches a spear of dark energy that pierces through enemies and explodes, taking out a group of enemies]


    [Void Veil - Covers the area in darkness, causing targets to go blind, but the caster can still see]


    [Void Infusion ¨C Infuses an object or environment with void energy, granting it unique properties or effects]


    ''What one do I learn first? I''ll try Void Lance,'' he thought with a smile.


    Atlas grabbed the spellbook before settling into the comfortable chair as the night passed. It took him a couple of hours to learn the new attack spell, which caused a notification to pop up.


    [Void Lance Learned]


    Atlas then set aside Void Lance and began studying Void Veil, storing the first spell away for later use. As he immersed himself in learning these new spells, he felt confident they would prove invaluable in his upcoming challenges.


    ''I hope they are useful,'' he pondered as two more notifications appeared, confirming the successful acquisition of his newly learned spells.


    [Void Veil Learned]


    [Void Infusion Learned]


    Happy with his spells, causing him to activate Void Realm to test his strength against the Golem Swarm. Atlas appeared on the plateau and waited for the monsters to appear, which took seconds as they encircled him.


    ''These things are trying to overwhelm me, but I won''t let them get the upper hand,'' he thought as he prepared for the fight.


    Atlas beamed with satisfaction as he prepared to test one of his new spells. He invoked Void Veil, and an azure blue dome enveloped the plateau. Inside the shimmering barrier, the golems wandered, clearly disoriented by the sudden shift in their surroundings.


    ''It worked! I wonder for how long, though.''


    Seeing the effects of Void Veil, Atlas couldn''t contain his excitement. He immediately started casting Void Bullets and Barrages, unleashing a barrage of dark energy that overwhelmed the swarm of golems, scattering them effortlessly.


    Fueled by his growing readiness, Atlas decided to test another spell. He infused Nightblade and Deepforge with volatile void magic, causing the blades to hum and vibrate. He dashed around the plateau, slashing at the golems with his newly empowered swords.


    ''It''s like cutting through butter,'' each swing quickly cleaved through the dark stone, leaving deep, clean cuts and sending fragments flying. While Atlas fought the Void Golems, he checked the monster total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Golem ¨C 999012/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 500000/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 100000/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    After that, Atlas continued to spam magic into the uncountable number of golems until his Void Veil was broken by a newcomer that smashed its fist into the ground, causing a wave of mana to radiate from the attack.


    ''What sort of monster is this?'' he thought before using Void Guard to defend himself from the shockwave as he scanned the new Golem.


    [Void Warrior Golem]


    [Earth Mage]


    [Rank: C+]


    [Keep moving!]


    When Atlas read the advice, he dodged to the side as an Earth Lance smashed into the spot he was just in. As he rolled away from the attack, he cast Void Blast at the Warrior Golem, but it battered the spell into a group of golems.


    ''They don''t care for each other? Of course not their stone constructs,'' he thought.


    Explosions erupted around them as Atlas started spamming Void Bullets and Void Bombs that wiped out hundreds of Golem and finally dealt with the warrior as it vanished into azure motes.


    Following his previous attack, Atlas started attacking the Void Golems, whose attention was on him as they encircled him, but he managed to get out of their trap while barrelling through dozens of them.


    The Void Wave was beneficial as it cleared space for Atlas to move while attacking those who got too close. He was taking out hundreds of golems, but that''s when the hair on the back of his neck went up, and he raised his blades to defend himself.


    Atlas skidded backward as his arms trembled due to the force. When he was far enough away, he looked at the Void Warrior Golem, but this one was bulkier than the previous one and reminded him of a bodybuilder.


    ''A Hulk Golem? Please don''t,'' he internally chuckled as he jumped to the side.


    The Warrior charged forward before slamming its massive fists into the spot he was just in. Atlas quickly cast several Void Blasts that peppered its body, causing the bigger monster to stumble back.


    He charged forward, firing Void Bullets at the Warrior Golem''s feet. The golem shifted to evade the blasts just as Atlas launched a Void Bomb. The projectile sliced through the air and struck the monster, triggering a powerful explosion that hurled the smaller golems off the edge and obliterated several others.


    After that, he ran low on mana and tried to take out a potion, but a Warrior Golem landed a punch on his helmet, rocking his head and sending him crashing. Caught off guard, the other golems piled onto him.


    This ended his Level Three run as he woke up on the ship balcony with a headache. Atlas collapsed onto the chair before pulling up his level three monster to see how well he''d done on his second go.


    [Void Golem ¨C 996641/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 499996/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 100000/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Only a few thousand¡ªpretty solid for my second attempt,'' he mused with a weary smile.


    He wrapped himself in a blanket and settled into his chair, drifting off to sleep, lulled by the sight of whales breaching the water below. The night crept steadily forward, blanketing the darkness as Atlas slept peacefully on the ship''s balcony.


    The rhythmic lapping of the ocean and the occasional breach of whales created a soothing lullaby, ensuring a deep sleep. As the first light of dawn began to pierce the horizon, casting a soft glow across the sea, Atlas slowly stirred awake.


    The gentle warmth of the morning sun kissed his face, and he stretched out, feeling the comfortable weight of the blanket wrapped around him. He yawned and blinked away the remnants of sleep, his body feeling refreshed from the night''s rest.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 153 - 153: Useful To Me

    The journey to the Nivara continent to the west took longer than expected because the captain had to divert due to a vicious storm that threatened to capsize the massive ship in the middle of the ocean.


    ''Beautiful but deadly,'' he thought while admiring it.


    When Atlas spotted it in the distance, it made him nervous as the clouds were the darkest he had ever seen. They had to avoid going further south due to the sea monsters that sink most shipping.


    During this time, Atlas kept trying to complete Level Three of the Void Realm and managed to bring the Void Golem numbers down. While sitting on his room''s balcony, he checked the monster total before jumping back in.


    [Void Golem ¨C 996201/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 499876/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 100000/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''This is taking its sweet ass time, but I can feel the overall improvement when finishing every session,'' Atlas pondered with a smile.


    The sun was high in the sky, and he watched a pod of whales swimming alongside the ship. Atlas noticed after the first day on board that the crew dumped food over the side, and all the monsters would scramble to eat it, which caused fights among them.


    At one point, a giant enraged shark charged at the ship, but the security blasted it with a few powerful spells, sending the monster fleeing into the deep. It looked like a giant Great White Shark that was four to five times the size of the ones on Earth.


    It was dark in color and had bright red eyes, allowing him to track its movements. When Atlas saw this, he was curious and scanned it before it dived down to find out what rank it was.


    [Terror Jaws]


    [Bloodthirsty Titan of the Death Sea]


    [Ranks: S - 10000 Exp]


    [Don''t you fucking dare, boy!]


    Atlas chuckled at the warning before thinking, ''I''m not going to fight that monster! Not yet, anyway.''


    He remembered the Dungeon Realm and decided to check it out to see what it was about. Atlas activated the skill only to have his mind sucked into a strange world that was just grasslands stretching far into the distance.


    When Atlas saw this, he was amazed before turning around, only to see two large portal doorways that confused him, but he soon guessed it was the two dungeons he had completed so far. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''That means this one is the Deathly Hollows and the other is the Scattered Chasm,'' Atlas mused excitedly. ''Let me see if I can pull up a list of monsters I could use.''


    DEATHLY HOLLOWS:


    [Rank E: Death Spiders, Stone Crawlers, Dreadfiends]


    [Rank D: Blood Bats, Death Gorillas, Death Jackals]


    [Rank C: Death Knight]


    [Sub-Boss: Dreadfiend Knight, Queen Death Spider, Blood Bat King, Dreadfiend King]


    SHATTERED CHASM:


    [Monster Rank G: Giant Cave Rats, Cave Goblins]


    [Monster Rank E: Giant Earthworm, Dark Cave Ants]


    [Monster Rank D: Cave Weaver, Cave Fisher, Landsharks, Kuo-Toa]


    [Monster Rank C: Cave Troll, Dark Termites, Rock Wyrm, Umber-Hulk]


    [Sub-Bosses: Queen Dark Ant - Kuo-Toa Tribe - Umber-Hulk King - King Troll]


    [Boss: Chaos Shadow Wyvern]


    ''So many, and this is just the beginning,'' Atlas thought excitedly. ''Let me pull up the Void Monster list.''


    [LEVEL 1: Voidstalkers ¨C Void Raptors ¨C Void Raptor Warrior ¨C Void Raptor King]


    [LEVEL 2: Savage Void Bears ¨C Void Cave Bears ¨C Brute Void Bears ¨C Void Bear Queen]


    ''Two Dungeons and two levels for the Void Realm,'' he smiled. ''I can''t wait until I unlock more monsters.''


    Then, Atlas activated Void Realm to retry Level Three and wanted to clear more Golems. But the one thing he was happy with was that his mana had increased, thanks to all the magic he used to fight.


    He reappeared on the plateau just in time to hear the rumble of approaching Golems, their heavy steps shaking the ground. Without hesitation, Atlas cast Void Infusion, enveloping his blades in a radiant azure glow of mana.


    ''Thankfully, this spell makes it easier to slice through the dark stone,'' he thought with a surge of excitement.


    The energy pulsed through the weapons as he charged forward, slashing through the advancing stone constructs, causing them to turn into azure mots before returning to the Void Realm.


    Atlas cleared some space behind him using Void Wave that sent some monsters flying into the rough waves below as he deflected several attacks from a Void Warrior Golem before slashing through the back of its legs.


    ''Get down here!''


    It collapsed to the ground with a crash as Atlas cast Void Bomb into the swarm of Golems, which annihilated hundreds of them. The battle continued for an hour until he felt exhausted from using so much of his mana.


    Sweat streamed down Atlas''s face as he summoned Void Guard, deflecting blows from the relentless Golems. With a swift cast of Void Wave, he sent the monsters reeling backward, buying himself a moment to catch his breath.


    But just as relief washed over him, something new appeared on the battlefield, something that sent a chill down his spine. His eyes narrowed, and without hesitation, Atlas activated Void Sight, eager to uncover the identity of this mysterious newcomer.


    [Void Golem Commander]


    [Controls the weaker Golems]


    [Rank: B]


    [This is going to be a tough fight, boy! Use all that you''ve learned to win]


    When Atlas saw this, he braced himself as the Golem Commander fired an Earth Blast in his direction. He yelped and quickly cast a Void Guard, which managed to block most of the attack, but he was sent skidding backward.


    His arms were trembling as he coughed up some blood before dropping to his knees as pain racked his body, ''What the fuck happened? I blocked the attack, but it did this much damage.''


    Atlas glanced up, his breath catching as the Golem Commander loomed. Exhaustion weighed down his limbs, but he forced his hand to rise, channeling his remaining energy into casting several Void Bombs.


    The azure projectiles hurtled through the air and struck the massive creature with a resounding impact. A second later, a loud explosion erupted, shaking the plateau and sending shockwaves through the battlefield.


    Atlas jolted back to reality, his heart racing as he found himself on the balcony, the storm outside growing fiercer by the moment. The phantom pains from his battle lingered, but he pushed them aside, his focus shifting to his grumbling stomach.


    ''I need to eat something.''


    He reached into his Dimensional Storage and pulled out a Dragon Meat Feast. The rich, sizzling aroma filled the air, making his mouth water in anticipation. As he savored each hearty bite, the tender, flavorful chunks of meat quickly disappeared, satisfying his hunger.


    ''Better eat before I start exploring the ship,'' Atlas thought, savoring each bite.


    While eating, he checked the total number of Level Three monsters to see how many Golems he had wiped out.


    [Void Golem ¨C 995403/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 499813/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99999/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Atlas continued eating, observing the stormy waves crashing against the ship''s side and causing it to shudder. ''This weather is dangerous,'' he thought, ''I''d hate to fall into the water.''


    After finishing his meal, he discarded the scraps into the bin and dismissed his gear with a thought. Noting the grime on his clothes, he decided it was time for a bath. Atlas then went to the bathroom, eager to clean himself up.


    As Atlas stepped into the small bathroom, he filled the tub with water, stripped off his clothes, and sank into the soothing embrace of the bath. The warmth enveloped him, bringing a sense of peace.


    He dried himself off, dressed, and was about to leave when he saw his reflection. For a moment, the old him¡ªthe one from Earth¡ªstared back. And just like that, the bad thoughts came flooding in.


    ''I''ll never know why she left me¡­ or why dad disappeared,'' Atlas thought, his gaze locked onto his deep blue eyes, searching for answers he feared he''d never find.


    While doing that, he remembered a quote from a book his mom always read to him before she abandoned him, ''You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.''


    Atlas quickly averted his gaze from the mirror, stepping out of the bathroom while activating Maskweaver to disguise himself again. As he crossed the threshold, he could have sworn he heard his dad''s soft and familiar voice whispering, "Stop stressing, little one. Live a little."


    He spun around, instinctively gripping Nightblade, ready for anything. But there was nothing. The space echoed with silence, making his heart pound. Paranoia crept in as he scanned the room again before shaking off the unease and heading out of his cabin.


    ''What is going on with me?'' he thought before shaking his head and walking down the stairs that led to the entertainment section.


    While exploring, Atlas found a place that sold milkshakes and bought a strawberry before finding a balcony to sit out on to see what dungeons were on the Nivaria Continent.


    ''There''s five that could be useful to me,'' Atlas pondered. ''Level one dungeons are pointless unless they have a certain monster.''


    He pulled out his Monster Compendium because he found a Level One Dungeon called Moonshade Grove that claimed to have rare creatures inside. Atlas went through the book and found out what the map notes pointed out.


    ''Darklings are small, shadowy humanoids relying on stealth to gather information or defeat their enemies,'' these creatures could be useful in the future.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 154 - 154: So Beautiful

    Atlas discovered that the dungeon was also home to several monsters that he found hilarious. ''There are Gremlins! I wonder what they look like? Then there are the Thunder Beetles that could be used as stun grenades,'' he pondered.


    He found five more dungeons across the Dawnstar Empire that caught his interest, ''Blackthorne Forest, Cavern Of The Cursed, Ravenhold Dungeon, The Howling Warrens, and Tomb Of The Fallen King. These are Level Two or Three, with the last being the only Level Four.''


    With his plans to conquer those dungeons on his journey to the Greenskin Confederation, Atlas finished his milkshake before looking for the library on board to see if there was more information on the dungeons, but he had no luck.


    Walking down one of the ship''s corridors, he noticed the same couple following him, ''It''s them again!'' he thought as he recognized the Nightowls tracking him.


    This made him panic, but he had nowhere to go. He slipped into a side passage while taking out Nightblade and Deepforge, and his paranoia skyrocketed when he heard the duo talking about him.


    ''I need to get rid of them before they alert the rest,'' Atlas pondered as he held his swords.


    When they passed by, his blood ran cold as he noticed the daggers, causing him to act first and step out. Atlas used Void Step to appear behind them before thrusting his blades into their hearts.


    Atlas felt the cold steel of Nightblade and Deepforge sink into the Nightowl''s flesh, their blades cutting through with brutal precision. Blood gushed from the wounds in a shockingly vivid spray, catching the enemies entirely off guard.


    The woman''s startled scream echoed down the corridor as she fell back, but the man attempted a desperate counter. Before he could react, Atlas unleashed Void Blast. The spell''s force struck the man''s head, causing it to explode.


    This sent a gruesome spray of blood and shattered bone splattering across the corridor walls. As that happened, he noticed the woman pushed a button she held while dying, which he guessed was an alarm.


    Atlas felt a surge of adrenaline as he realized escape was no longer an option¡ªmore Nightowls were closing in, their sinister presence filling the corridor. His heart pounded; the chaos was matched only by the feverish energy of the fight.


    With a flick of his wrist, he deflected a barrage of throwing knives, their clattering impacts reverberating through the narrow space. The corridor became a battleground, a brutal dance of steel, shadows, and blood.


    Fueled by fear and exhilaration, Atlas moved with a wild, almost frenzied grace. His every motion was a testament to his power, and thanks to all his experiences, his strength was shaped beyond the limits of his rank. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The air crackled with the clash of blades and the burst of sparks as he ruthlessly cut down the Nightowls. Another lunged at him, a dagger aimed at his throat. His instincts flared, which allowed him to deflect the attack, his blade a blur.


    Atlas drove his sword into the opponent''s heart in the same fluid motion. Without missing a beat, he spun on his heel, evading another strike with a narrow escape, and delivered a lethal slash to his assailant''s face.


    The corridor erupted into a storm of violence, and Atlas''s movements were a deadly ballet in the face of overwhelming odds. Following that, Nightowls backed off but still trapped him as they cast a barrier around the battle.


    Atlas glanced left and right, his heart sinking as he saw dozens of enemies closing in on him. Panic surged through him, but he forced himself to focus. His mind raced with a single, urgent thought, ''How am I going to escape this? Failure here means I''ll never rise to the top.''


    ''Master use me to break out,'' the Death Serpent''s voice sounded in his mind.


    He nodded his head just as the first enemy charged forward, but Atlas sidestepped him before casting Void Wave, which slammed the Nightowl into the wall while the others reacted and dashed forward.


    Atlas used everything he had learned since arriving in Valoria in this fight. He crossed his blades to block an enemy sword before twisting his wrist and taking the opponent''s weapon before driving Nightblade into the man''s forehead.


    As that happened, he cast a Void Arrow at the Nightowl behind him through the corpse''s skull before he started fighting them in the packed corridor, where he had the advantage due to his small frame and speed.


    Sparks flew all over the place as he remembered Estelle''s training and went for the adult''s legs, which brought them down like dominos, causing Atlas to think, ''How many are on board? This isn''t good.''


    After doing that, he cast Void Infusion on his swords before carving through another enemy while kicking another. He managed to slay even more while approaching the barrier that was trapping him.


    The Nightowls couldn''t keep up as he bounced around, sidestepping, ducking, rolling, and keeping out of their reach while striking their legs and torsos, driving them back. As he drew near his prison, he unleashed a Void Lance at it, sending a surge of dark energy crashing into the mana barrier.


    It shattered under the force of his attack, splintering into a thousand fragments. In that instant, Atlas brought forth his Death Serpent. With a flick of his wrist, the serpent''s jaws enveloped him, and together, they plunged through the gaping breach in the ship.


    The monster''s colossal body surged through the wreckage, smashing aside Nightowls and security personnel. Bursting through the vessel''s side, they plummeted into the stormy waters below.


    They left the ship''s chaos behind in their wake, the night sky illuminated by the debris and the echoes of destruction. He was comfortable but wet while feeling the monsters dashing through the water.


    Hours later, the Death Serpent erupted from the depths, charging towards the beach with a colossal shark hot on its heels. Atlas could feel the predator''s relentless pursuit, but his monster managed to reach the shore and eject him safely.


    Atlas was hurled across the sand, skidding to a halt at the base of a towering hill. He was spent and battered by the weight of exhaustion due to the fight with powerful opponents took its toll, pulling him toward unconsciousness.


    The Death Serpent coiled protectively around him, her massive form a shield against the night. He fell asleep only to be awakened by the screech of a flock of terrified seagulls flying above.


    He opened his eyes to the blinding brilliance of the sun overhead, squinting as he sat up. The sight before him was serene: a stunning beach stretched out to the horizon, with a quaint village visible to the south.


    "Too close," Atlas thought urgently. "I need to get away from the shore."


    That''s when he quickly noticed the Death Serpent covering his body. Atlas smiled before stroking the monster, speaking in a grateful voice, ''''Thank you for saving me once again, but I have come up with the perfect name for you.''''


    The giant creature''s head moved to him, and its yellow eyes watched him as he revealed, ''''You will be called Medusa.''''


    Atlas watched the monster register the name before hissing until a glow washed over its body as its voice echoed in his mind, ''Thank you for that, Master. I was wondering when you was going to give me one.''


    He let out a soft chuckle as he stood. With a snap of his fingers, Nightblade and Deepforge materialized into his hands, their familiar weight reassuring. After sheathing the swords, he deactivated Maskweaver within the Dawnstar Empire''s domain.


    ''It feels so much better having these two back,'' Atlas smiled.


    Following that, Atlas sent Medusa back to the Dungeon Realm to rest. At the same time, he pulled out the History Of Valoria book he had in his Dimensional Storage before reading about the Dawnstar Empire.


    Atlas learned it was a powerful magic realm where people valued someone''s spellcasting, alchemy, and crafting skills. Surprised, he realized that the Achaemenidians would come here in large numbers to find him.


    ''At least I can fight them now,'' he thought with a smile. ''The more I fight and gain experience, the stronger I become.''


    Once Atlas finished that, he took out his map and discovered a town named Emberglade just over the hill. With a goal in mind, he stood up and started climbing, only to be shocked when he reached the top.


    A stunning green landscape covered in a fine layer of snow causes him to think, ''So beautiful.''


    Atlas started walking toward the town and noticed no monsters were lurking around. When he sent the Voidstalkers out to search for some, they reported that only weak creatures could be found.


    He was intrigued but thought while glancing around, ''Adventurers must keep their numbers down around population centers. I wonder where the nearest dungeon is.''


    Then, Atlas continued and spotted a medieval-looking town with large walls protecting the people. Towers dotted the grey-stoned barrier, and soldiers patrolled the top, but the cannons caught his attention.


    ''Those things can target things miles away,'' he thought in amazement while closing in on the town.


    Atlas was stopped by the guard standing in front of the gate. ''''Stop, young man! What is your business in Emberglade?''''


    He stopped moving while looking up at the older woman but noticed she was an elf, which caused him to shrug before answering, ''''I come here to dungeon run and take quests in the bigger cities so I can rank up.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 155 - 155: Emberglade Town

    The guard let him through after seeing his Adventurers Card. Atlas entered Emberglade. He saw dozens of elves and humans wandering around. ''It seems the Dawnstar Empire is a mixed empire,'' he thought while glancing around.


    Atlas noticed the buildings were made of beautiful white stone, gleaming under the morning sun, and had green roofs the color of leaves, which intrigued him. He then started walking down the town''s main street while people watched.


    ''This place is peaceful,'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    He observed the town''s mixed population, noticing a man walking hand in hand with an elven woman while their three children laughed and played around them. The sight brought a faint smile to his lips, though he quickly shook his head and pressed on.


    Soon, Atlas reached the guild and pushed open the heavy wooden doors. Inside, the hall was surprisingly quiet. Only three adventurers were scattered across the room; each lost in their thoughts or tasks.


    ''Seems quiet for a town,'' he pondered.


    Atlas decided to pick out some quests before approaching the counter. He walked over to the board and noticed dozens of requests. Some were about collecting herbs, while others were about monster slaying, which interested him.


    He grabbed at least ten before approaching the counter, only to spot an older elf woman with silver hair going through some paperwork. She looked up with a bright smile and gleaming red eyes when spotting him.


    ''''Hello, little Snowdrop. I''m Tilifa. I didn''t know your lot was still around. Is your tribe still living in the Frostmark Kingdom?'''' she said in a curious tone.


    ''What is she talking about?'' Atlas was confused, but he would soon find out as she continued speaking.


    ''''I haven''t seen a snow elf since they left Nivara decades ago after the last war. You do know the empire wants your people to return?'''' the woman questioned.


    Atlas shook his head before lying so no one would discover he was a Voidborn, ''''Father never spoke of other elves. We lived in seclusion after assassins killed my mother when I was young,'''' he said with a convincing voice thanks to his charisma stat.


    Tilifa frowned and was about to talk, but he cut her off to change the subject so she would suspect him of lying, ''''I''d prefer not to speak about the incident. It''s the reason I decided to travel the world after being trained since I could walk.''''


    The older elf nodded sweetly, ''''How can I help you, darling?''''


    Atlas put the stack of papers on the counter, ''''I want to take all these. Also, can I get any information on the dungeons in the local area, please?'''' he responded.


    ''''You want to try to complete all these?'''' Tilifa questioned with a raised eyebrow.


    ''''Yes,'''' Atlas responded. ''''There are some herb collection quests, but the bulk are monster slaying. It seems Emberglade is having problems with them.''''


    Following that, the older elf asked for his card before she registered the quests to his account, saying, ''''Azhar''Zul, it says here you''ve completed twelve so far; if you take three more, we can arrange your Rank Test, which will be held in Dawn''s Edge City to the north.'''' Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tilifa suggested two more monster-slaying quests alongside an escort one that will head toward a farming village between Dawn''s Edge and Astralkeep City before heading to his test.


    ''''Take these quests, Snowdrop,'''' Tilifa said with a warm smile, handing him the stack of papers. ''''If you report back here, I''m sure you''ll be considered for the escort quest. The recipient mentioned that they need one more person by tomorrow evening.''''


    Atlas accepted the quests with a nod of determination. "I''ll have them completed soon. You can count on it," he replied confidently.


    The older woman smiled before returning to work as he left the guild to start completing his quests. Atlas departed Emberglade and stopped on a nearby hill, where he pulled out the first two quests he would do before reading them.


    [Kill the Owl Bears that are attacking travelers in the Ember Forest - Reward: Eighty Silver - Proof: Claws or hide]


    [Destroy the Wild Orc Tribe that infests the hills to the north - Reward: One Gold - Proof: Orc tusks]


    ''Not bad for my first two,'' he thought with a smile.


    Atlas gazed out over the vibrant green forest, a vast expanse stretched far to the south. He spotted a few striking red trees standing out like fiery beacons among this sea of autumnal hues.


    ''This world is beautiful but I know a Titan is lurking in there,'' he thought with a shiver.


    Afterward, Atlas summoned the Voidstalkers and ordered them to locate the Owl Bears. The Troodon-looking monsters hopped around while chirping before rushing into the Ember Forest below the hill he was on.


    While the void monsters were locating the bears, he pulled out the herb collection quests and started going through them.


    [Herb Collection: Gather Moonshade Fern from the lakes and ponds of the Ember Forest - Reward: Depends on how many bundles you bring back]


    [Herb Collection: Gather Sunflare Jasmine from the hills around Emberglade - Reward: One Gold]


    [Herb Collection: Gather Raven''s Claw Ivy from the Redwood Trees - Reward: Three Gold]


    [Herb Collection: Gather Wispfern Leaf from the Redwood Tress - Reward: Five Gold]


    [Herb Collection: Gather Lunarleaf Herb from the caves under Ember Forest - Reward: three Gold]


    ''This is going to be annoying. Why are those two quests giving out so much gold?'' Atlas internally pondered before climbing down the hill while using Void Sight on the ground. Ten minutes later, he spotted an orange plant just as a notification appeared.


    [Sunfire Jasmine - Used in Alchemy and some food recipes]


    Atlas got excited and started picking the herbs until he had two arm falls. He wondered how he''d store it before throwing it into the Dimensional Storage after collecting even more while leaving the hill behind.


    ''That was lucky. Maybe I can find the other herbs this easily.''


    Following that, Atlas continued through the forest and fought a group of Goblins that tried to ambush him, but thanks to his instincts, he blocked all their attacks before using Void Wave to kill them all.


    When the last Goblin dropped dead, he spotted a massive red tree that stretched into the clouds, causing him to gulp, ''I bet I have to climb this nightmare,'' he thought.


    He shook his head, sheathing his swords before scaling the Redwood Tree until he emerged above the forest canopy. A sudden sense of dread washed over him, prompting him to scan his surroundings just as several large fruits hurtled toward his head.


    Startled, Atlas swiftly invoked Void Step and reappeared on a nearby branch. There, perched with a menacing glare, was a creature resembling a giant baboon. Its yellow eyes glowed with an evil intent as it stared back at him.


    He quickly scanned it to find out what rank this newcomer was.


    [Tree Devil]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Behind you!]


    He quickly jumped to the side while sending several Void Bullets at the monkey, who easily dodged them. Atlas watched the monster hit the tree before lunging at him, but he raised his blades as the beast got close.


    They pierced the monster''s chest, but Atlas cast a Void Wave, which sent the Tree Devil pummeling to the ground below. Following that, he jumped back up and readied to fight as more of them surrounded him.


    ''I''ll summon the Death Gorillas if this gets out of hand,'' Atlas thought, bracing himself.


    The Tree Devil leader emerged from the shadows, beating its chest in a primal display before charging toward him. Atlas let out a startled yelp and swiftly cast Void Lance. The azure projectile streaked through the air and pierced the monster''s torso, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.


    After that, chaos erupted as all the monsters attacked, but Atlas blocked the swarm using Void Guard and summoning Kera and two more gorillas. They burst out of the portal while letting out a fierce roar.


    The Dungeon Monsters battled with the Tree Devils in an epic battle in the trees. Atlas watched this with excitement after stabbing one and blasting another with Void Blast, causing the attacking creatures to back off.


    An hour later, with all the monsters defeated, Kera fussed over Atlas, who was smiling as the giant gorilla tenderly cleaned him. "Kera! Why are you doing this now? I''m out here searching for herbs," he protested.


    She focused on ensuring Atlas was unharmed and continued her assistance before finally letting him go. Afterward, he dismissed the Death Gorillas before spotting black ivy that grew all over the tree.


    Atlas''s gaze fell upon a nest-like structure below the branch where he perched, a realization dawning on him. ''They were protecting their young,'' he thought.


    Shaking off the last remnants of Kera''s concern, he focused on harvesting the Raven''s Claw Ivy. Its dark blue vines released an unexpectedly sweet fragrance, which intrigued him. He carefully gathered the ivy and stowed it away.


    Next, he turned his attention to finding the Wispfern Leaf, which grew on the same tree. It blended so seamlessly with its surroundings that locating it required a keen eye and a steady hand.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 156 - 156: Disgusting

    Atlas collected enough of the Wispfern Leaf to earn the reward before using Void Step to reach the ground below. When he arrived there, the Voidstalkers rushed over to him and let out chirps.


    They quickly informed him that the Owl Bears were a few miles away, making Atlas smile. He continued his journey through the forest, led by the little dinosaurs until he came to a large clearing with a cave in the middle.


    ''Is that the Own Bears home?'' Atlas pondered while readying his weapons.


    After dismissing the void monsters, Atlas continued his journey through the forest, the village drawing nearer with each step. Suddenly, a roar shattered the stillness, and a monstrous creature burst from the underbrush, its colossal claws slashing toward him.


    He quickly ducked, narrowly avoiding the deadly strike as the beast loomed overhead. Seizing the moment, he cast Void Blast at the monster''s torso, the spell''s force giving him the chance to evade its next attack.


    While doing that, he used Void Sight on the Owl Bear to find its strength.


    [Owl Bear]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp] S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Use speed boy]


    He summoned two Void Brute Bears, their forms materializing from azure portals that flared beside him. As the towering, dark blue bears charged at the monster, they ruthlessly tore it to shreds, causing blood and flesh to fly all over the clearing.


    From the nearby cave emerged more Owl Bears, but the Void Brute Bears handled them effortlessly. Impressed by their strength, Atlas smiled before dismissing the bears back to the Void Realm.


    ''Completing Level Two was worth it just for the Void Bears.''


    Atlas then started collecting the monster''s claws, red core, and the Lunarleaf herb growing at the cave''s entrance, which he stumbled upon. Once that was done, he continued looking for water where the Moonshade Flower grew.


    After a few hours of searching, Atlas finally stumbled upon a small lake that gave him an uneasy feeling. ''There''s got to be a catch to this. Something will jump out and attack me if I get to close,'' he thought, watching the shore dotted with eerie purple flowers.


    Without waiting for a monster to attack, he summoned Medusa and ordered her to clear the lake while he harvested the herb to complete the quest. The Death Serpent dived into the water only for it to erupt as she was fighting with a giant crocodile.


    Atlas finished collecting all the flowers before using Void Sight on the monster.


    [Swamp Drake]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Ambush Predator in the Ember Forest]


    He aimed Nightblade at the Swamp Drake and cast Void Lance at the monster''s giant torso. The azure projectile pierced its tough hide, allowing Medusa to snap its neck. When Atlas heard the loud crack, he cringed but allowed her to eat the monster.


    Then, Atlas collected more Moonshade flowers before resting and checking on the last seven quests.


    [Hunt the Dire Wolves plaguing the hills outside Emberglade - Reward: Twenty Silver per wolf - Proof: Teeth or hide]


    [Slayer the Swamp Drake lurking in Embar Forest, it has killed half a dozen people - Reward: Two Gold - Proof: Fangs or eyes]


    Upon reading the note, Atlas turned to Medusa and shouted, "Bring the monster''s body here, girl!"


    The Death Serpent''s head emerged from the water, giving a nod of acknowledgment before dragging the lifeless body over to him. Atlas drew his Nightblade and set to work, slicing out the fangs and eyes before carving several large chunks of meat, meticulously stripping them of skin and bone.


    Then, Atlas stored everything away before letting Medusa gorge on the Swamp Drake. While she did that, he read the last four quests.


    [Clear the Swamp Hags from the shores of the Nightfall River - Reward: Two Gold - Proof: Anything body part]


    [Deal with the marauding Swamp Bulls destroying farms outside Sunset Village to the north - Reward: One Gold - Proof: Horns]


    [Kill the evil Forest Chickens terrorizing the hills around Emberglade Town - Reward: Fifty Silver - Proof: Chicken feet]


    ''What the fuck,'' Atlas thought with a laugh as the quest caught him off guard.


    ''''Evil Forest Chickens, who wrote this request?'''' he muttered with a smile before reading the last one.


    [Kill the two Forest Trolls on the hill north of Sunset Village - Reward: Two Gold - Proof: Troll blood]


    Atlas stood up, stretching as he stored the completed quests. He glanced at Medusa, a thoughtful look on his face. ''These quests will be enjoyable,'' he mused. ''And it''ll be even easier with Theo to help me travel.''


    He decided to confront the Evil Chickens terrorizing Emberglade. Using Theo''s help, he flew across the hills until he spotted the troublesome creatures. They were the size of dogs and tearing into a farmhouse while screeching.


    ''Just for making that horrible noise, you will die,'' he thought as Theo swooped down and grabbed two of the monsters as he jumped off.


    When Atlas did that, he used Void Sight on them.


    [Wild Chicken]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    [Annoying monsters]


    Following that, he started attacking the Wild Chickens, who stood no chance against him, and the Blood Bat King. Once the battle was over, Atlas began collecting all the feet and storing them away.


    ''Only a few more quests to complete before I''m done with it all and can finally rank up,'' Atlas thought while jumping on Theo''s back.


    The creature took off and started looking for the wolves, but it soon found them stalking a merchant caravan along the road to town. He ordered Theo to descend, and when it did, the bat let out a loud screech that confused the Dire Wolves.


    Once they were close to the ground, Atlas jumped off and impaled one of the monsters through the head, which caused the other monsters to go still, but that was the opportunity he needed to kill them all using Void Barrage.


    Atlas didn''t get them all, so he had to chase after the surviving ones. He killed them in the end and gathered their teeth but left the core because it was low-level, and he didn''t need any more of them.


    ''I don''t mind collecting them, but I''m getting so many better ones at the moment,'' he mused with a greedy smile.


    After he had collected all the teeth, he moved on to his next quest: dealing with the Swamp Bulls near Sunset Village. Atlas summoned Theo, who soared over Emberglade, allowing him to spot the small farming community a few miles to the north.


    While flying, Theo let out a quiet chirp, causing Atlas to glance down. He spotted a herd of twenty Swamp Bulls wallowing in a nearby pond. They were twice the size of the ones from Earth and had two elongated horns that looked deadly.


    ''''Let''s deal with them, boy. These quests are easy to complete and will make us some gold coins,'''' Atlas told Theo after admiring the monsters.


    The creature replied with a chirp before descending. When getting closer, he started casting Void Bullets and Void Blasts that peppered the herd of unsuspecting monsters caught off guard.


    Azure explosions erupted all over the pond, causing the Swamp Bulls to panic as they fled, but Atlas targetted them with Void Arrows that burrowed through their thick hides and brought the large creatures crashing down,


    He jumped off Theo as the Bat King snatched up a bull to eat while Atlas used Void Sight on the monsters.


    [Swamp Bull]


    [Rank: C - 300 Exp]


    [Simple but strong]


    Then, Atlas continued attacking the Swamp Bull, who were trying to escape. His spells caused them to lose their footing, allowing him to stab one of the monsters through its skull and cast Void Bullet, which caused it to explode.


    ''Ewww, disgusting,'' Atlas thought while gagging due to the horrible smell.


    Thanks to his helmet, his face was protected from the blood and brain matter. Once the first monster was down, he moved on to the next. Not long after that, all the Swamp Bulls lay dead, and Theo was off to the side eating one of them.


    It threw the red Monster Core to Atlas, causing him to thank the Dungeon creature. He took some time to recover the spent mana as it was slowly recovering, thanks to his body sucking in the mana of the world.


    After an hour, he was ready to continue and harvested the horns before checking how many quests he had left to complete. ''Destroy the Wild Orcs, deal with the Sea Hags, and kill the two Forest Trolls.''


    ''So, three more to complete until I can return to Emberglade and proceed with the Guild Rank-Up test,'' he pondered.


    After the encounter, Atlas decided to take a break. He pulled out the Dragon Meat Feast and began eating, savoring the rich flavors as he checked his status.


    [Level Up: 163¡ú164]


    [Experience: 3940/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 6900]


    [Health: 1314¡ú1340(200)]


    [Mana: 6022¡ú6134(1000)]


    [Strength: 1470¡ú1502(100)]


    [Stamina: 1810¡ú1858(250)]


    [Charisma: 638¡ú642]


    [Intelligence: 1226¡ú1232]


    [Core Points: 32620/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 4600]


    ''I''m not leveling up as quickly but still getting gains from all the fighting,'' Atlas mused with a smile.


    Following that, he continued eating until finishing the meat box and called for Theo, who was doing with the Swamp Bull feast. Atlas went around collecting the twenty red Monster Cores before heading to search for the Swamp Hag on the banks of the Nightfall River.


    Atlas climbed onto Theo''s back before the Blood Bat King took off and soared into the sky while flying west.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 157 - 157: Horrible Weather

    Atlas was flying over Emberglade on the back of his Dungeon Monster Theo while the cold air brushed against his face after removing his helmet. That''s when he spotted the Nightfall River.


    It cut through the land and went further west, as cities and villages were on the other side of the rushing water, ''''Fly low to the ground, and let''s look for the Swamp Hags boy,'''' he said with excitement while stroking the Blood Bat King''s fur.


    The monster released a soft chirp of acknowledgment as they soared through the sky, gliding effortlessly over rolling hills and vast stretches of grassland. Below, a group of strange, humanoid figures¡ªwomen with an unnatural appearance¡ªstumbled along the riverbank, catching his attention.


    ''They look like they''re straight out of a horror novel,'' he thought with a shiver.


    When Atlas saw this, he aimed his Nightblade at the group and cast Void Bomb at them. The azure projectile sliced through the air and hit the monsters, causing an explosion that killed two, but one managed to survive, which baffled him.


    Theo dived down load and landed before Atlas jumped off the monster''s back. When seeing the Swamp Hag crawling along the shore, he uses Void Sight on the creature to determine its rank.


    [Swamp Hag]


    [Rank: C - 300 Exp]


    [Be careful of their magic]


    ''Weak monsters, this shouldn''t take too long,'' Atlas thought with a big smile before diving his blade through the skull of the Swamp Hag.


    The monster stopped moving, causing Atlas to grab three of their hands and green Monster Cores, which he stored in his Dimensional Storage, before looking at Theo, whose head tilted to the side while looking at him with a curious gaze.


    ''When we fight together, our bond grows, Master,'' the giant bat''s wise voice echoed in his mind. ''Use us to help you, and we will become stronger.''


    Atlas nodded before responding, his voice determined, ''That''s the plan; it''s why I want to conquer more dungeons while making my way west.''


    He eagerly climbed onto the monster''s back, finding a secure spot. "First, we track down the Wild Orcs," Atlas said, his voice brimming with excitement. "Then, it''s on to the Forest Trolls."


    The giant bat took off, and the duo searched for the monsters needed to complete the quest. They had no luck until they started flying over the Ember Forest. Atlas watched the ground along with Theo, who chirped and sharply turned right, taking him by surprise.


    After ten minutes of flight, Atlas spotted a ramshackle camp and orcs wandering around it doing business. When seeing this, he spoke, ''''Should I test out the Savage Void Bears boy? They were annoying to fight.''''


    The Dungeon Monster nodded, causing Atlas to smile, ''''Fly lower so I can drop the furballs on top of them.''''


    While Theo flew toward the Wild Orc Camp, he pulled up the mana costs of summoning a single Void Monster to aid him.


    [Rank F: 150 Mana]


    [Rank E: 300 Mana]


    [Rank D: 600 Mana]


    [Rank C: 1200 Mana]


    [Rank B: 2400 Mana]


    ''Not too expensive,'' he smiled before spamming summoning the Savage Void Bears that dropped into the monster camp.


    When the angry bears hit the ground, they started tearing through the Wild Orcs easily while Atlas and Theo landed nearby. He jumped off the giant bat while a group of Wild Orcs charged at him while holding weapons.


    ''They are useful at dealing with crowds of monsters as they just don''t care,'' he mused with a smile while watching the Savage Void Bears quickly deal with the orcs.


    Atlas braced himself for a fight, but two bears jumped on the creatures before ripping them into meat chunks, leaving behind half a dozen green cores. Afterward, he and Theo entered the fray and finished the remaining Wild Orcs.


    Once all the monsters were dead, all the Savage Void Bears turned to him with gleaming red eyes before everyone charged in his direction. Atlas smiled as the monsters jumped over him and lathered his face with loving licks.


    He started laughing while pushing one of the bears off his chest and sitting up before another wrapped its arms around his shoulder, causing Atlas to stroke each creature who loved his touch.


    ''They already love you, Master,'' Theo said while approaching them. ''The old master never did this; he only used us as weapons.''


    Atlas glanced at Theo, but a sudden instinct screamed at him to move. He barely had time to react before a Wild Orc crashed through the underbrush, its massive axe arcing toward his head.


    His heart seemed to stop as the deadly blade closed in¡ªbut then a blur of dark fur streaked past him. A Savage Void Bear took the full force of the blow, blood spraying across Atlas'' face as the creature was brutally cleaved in two, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze.


    ''Damn monster caught me off guard,'' he thought.


    Atlas lunged at the orc, slashing its legs from under it. The creature roared as it collapsed, but he was already on top before he drove his Nightblade into its toso before casting Void Bullet.


    The Wild Orc''s body exploded into tiny pieces that covered him in blood and guts, which made Atlas gag. Once the monster was dead, he glanced at the fallen monsters before dismissing all but Theo back to the Void Realm.


    After that, he collected the green Monster Cores and most orc tusks. Before storing them in his storage, The giant bat approached, and Atlas mounted its back, ready to continue their quest.


    With a determined smile, he signaled Theo to take flight again, heading toward Sunset Village in search of the Forest Trolls to complete his quests. The two flew across the hills about Emberglade only to find nothing due to the sun setting.


    The land turned dark, and Theo suggested when his voice echoed in Atlas''s mind, ''Maybe we should rest and continue the search tomorrow, Master?''''


    He looked around but reluctantly agreed, ''''Yes. Find the tallest hill, and we will camp there.''''


    Ten minutes later, they landed on a hill close to the town but stood over everything for miles around. Rolling hills and scattered forests lay everywhere with Emberglade and the small Sunset Village. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He got to work and set up the Dark One Runes around his campsite while Theo watched in fascination. Atlas started setting up the tent and campfire that roared to life, causing him to look at the Blood Bat King resting next to the fire.


    Atlas pulled out some monster meat from his Dimensional Storage and started cooking it while adding spices, causing a delicious aroma to hit his nose. It took a few more minutes to be done before he started eating.


    ''This is delicious; maybe I should start collecting monster meat from now on?'' he pondered while taking a bite of the spicy food.


    After finishing his meal, Atlas realized he was still hungry. Sighing, he pulled out a box of Griffin meat, savoring each bite. The rich, savory flavor filled him with satisfaction, but a wave of discomfort hit as he devoured the last piece.


    Overeating had left him bloated and queasy. Groaning, he rubbed his stomach, trying to ease the fullness. "Guess that was a bit much," he muttered to himself.


    He gave Theo a gentle stroke, the Blood Bat King chirping softly as if offering comfort. With heavy eyes, Atlas crawled into his tent, exhaustion quickly overtaking him as he fell asleep inside his comfortable sleeping bag and blankets.


    The sky above was clear until morning when a rainstorm lashed the hilltop, causing Theo to cover the tent with his giant wings. Atlas woke up the following morning with a yawn but instantly heard the rain and wind lashing against the tent.


    ''What is it with this horrible weather,'' he internally complained before looking outside and seeing Theo soaking wet.


    ''''Thank you for covering the tent; you can return to the Dungeon Realm as we can''t fly in this,'''' Atlas commented as the monster vanished.


    Following that, he activated the Weather Runes that came with the tent, which blocked the wind and rain. While sitting there, he looked out the window and couldn''t see more than a few feet before sighing.


    ''Looks like I''m trapped here for a while,'' he thought. ''But I can clear more of the Void Golems.''


    With that decided, Atlas activated the Void Realm Skill that sucked his consciousness onto the plateau where he had been fighting before. He readied his blade while checking the monster''s total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 995403/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 499813/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99999/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, Atlas heard the swarm marching toward him. He beamed before casting Void Barrage at the closest ones, causing explosions as the force sent the Golems flying into the ocean below.


    While he was focused, a group ambushed him, causing Atlas to yelp in surprise. Reacting quickly, he unleashed Void Wave, shattering the stone construct. The battle raged on as he darted across the plateau, fending off waves of Void Golems.


    A few Warrior Golems also emerged, but his magic weakened them. Atlas swiftly carved the monsters into chunks of stone, empowering his blades with Void Infusion, causing the enemies to stumble backward.


    Atlas blocked a warrior''s punch with Void Guard before retaliating with a Void Blast that sent it falling off the plateau. Once he got some breathing room, he downed a mana potion and a healthy one because he took some punches.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 158 - 158: Company Caravan

    Atlas felt the potions kick in, causing his body to feel better just as he cast Void bomb a few meters away and drove his swords into the ground to brace himself. When the projectile hit a Golem, causing it to explode.


    The force sent many monsters flying while the azure blast outright destroyed others. Atlas was enjoying the fight with the Void Golems, which caused him to stay alert as more Warriors rushed in.


    ''There are way too many of these monsters,'' he thought while readying to fight.


    They moved quicker than he expected but managed to dodge most strikes as his armor took a few hits, causing him to stumble back. He quickly cast Void Wave, which effectively wiped out the surrounding Golems.


    Atlas managed to clear some space while he checked the monster total after fighting for a while.


    [Void Golem ¨C 970100/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 498666/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99998/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''It''s slowly going down; the spells are helping take the totals down,'' he mused excitedly.


    Following that, Atlas spammed spells while using his blades infused with his void element to cut through dozens of Golems, who turned into motes. He moved onto the next monster and turned it to dust using Void Blast.


    He tried to retreat, but a Golem Commander struck unexpectedly, delivering a powerful punch to his torso. Atlas crossed his swords to block the blow, but the force of the stone fist sent him reeling and tumbling into the water below.


    ''This is chaos, I wonder if this is a common occurrence,'' he pondered worriedly.


    The impact propelled him straight into the Void Realm''s edge, causing him to wake up in the tent. He shook his head while sitting up and checking on the weather outside as it howled like a once-in-a-lifetime storm.


    ''I bet mana''s powering the storm,'' Atlas thought before returning inside the shaking tent.


    After that, he pulled out a Dragon Meat Box and ate while ignoring the chaos outside. Once Atlas finished the meal, which took ten minutes, he crawled into his sleeping bag before falling asleep.


    The following morning, Atlas woke up to a loud screech from above, which made him jump out of his skin while waking up. He stuck his head outside, only for his eyes to widen in shock as a massive flying monster was flying above.


    ''Is that a Thunderbird?'' he wondered, admiring the majestic creature soaring above. It was the largest monster Atlas had ever seen. Its massive wingspan cast shadows over the hills and the town below.


    Dark red in color, the creature resembled a giant, fearsome eagle with a presence that dominated the sky, causing him to think, ''I wonder if it''s a Titan, but why is it flying west?''


    Atlas shook his head before using Void Sight on the new monster.


    [Tempestwing]


    [Rank: Monarch - 60000 Exp]


    [Won''t bother you unless you attack it]


    ''A monarch-ranked creature? I wonder how strong it is,'' he pondered while watching the Tempestwing flying west.


    Then, Atlas noticed the storm was worsening and hid away in the tent while trying the Void Realms Level Three. The battle continued for hours until he was tired and beaten by a Void Golem Commander.


    Following the run in the Void Realm, he checked the monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 925131/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 497456/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99964/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Slowly going down, but now let''s complete the last quest,'' Atlas mused while packing away the tent.


    Once that was done, he summoned Theo, who appeared with a happy chirp as Atlas climbed on its back before the monster took flight. He commented while glancing around, ''''Look for the two Forest Trolls, boy.''''


    Theo replied with a chirp before soaring through the sky, and after searching for an hour, Atlas spotted the monsters he was after, ''''Dive down, boy. I will get the drop on them and can take one out.''''


    The Dungeon Monster dived toward the massive trolls eating some other creature outside their cave. When Atlas got close to the ground, he flung a Void Bomb at the biggest one. The azure projectile smashed into the target.


    ''This will kill one of them at least,'' he thought with a big smile.


    An explosion erupted, sending the two monsters stumbling backward, but Atlas leaped off Theo''s back and drove his blades through one of the troll''s skulls while using Void Sight on the remaining one.


    [Forest Troll]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Powerful but very slowly. Use your speed]


    ''This is going to be fun,'' Atlas thought while readying his blades as the troll collapsed to the ground with a crash.


    The remaining monster looked at him with an enraged expression and quickly lunged at Atlas, who dodged the punch before sliding across the ground to slice through the troll''s ankles, causing it to drop to one knee.


    Following that attack, Atlas used Void Step to appear on the monster''s back, allowing him to drive Nightblade and Deepforge through its skull and cast Void Blast that blew its head to pieces.


    The troll dropped to the ground as Atlas dismissed his helmet before wiping the sweat from his forehead. He glanced around and noticed Theo perched on a nearby branch as the area went quiet,


    Atlas sheathed his swords and carefully collected the troll''s blood, using the containers from his storage. Once the task was complete, he climbed onto Theo''s broad back. With a low growl, the beast began returning to Emberglade Town, carrying him through the wild terrain.


    The morning sun beamed down as they flew above the hills before the Blood Bat King landed a mile away from the town so he wouldn''t be spotted. Atlas dismissed him back to the Dungeon Realm.


    Once the monster was gone, Atlas approached the town, taking in the beautiful landscape. He noticed the air was getting colder, which caused him to think, ''Winterfrost is here and the weather will get worse.''


    Then, Atlas shook his head and approached the town gate, only to be stopped by the guard. However, when the men spotted his Adventurers Card, they let him pass. He walked through Emberglade until he reached the guild and entered.''


    This time around, it was busy, but that didn''t bother Atlas as he walked up to the counter where Tilifa was. When the older elf woman spotted him, she beamed before speaking in a friendly tone, ''''Did you complete all the quests, Azhar''Zul?''''


    Atlas nodded as he responded, ''''Can we use a private room? The counter is too small to hold even half the stuff.''''


    Tilifa smiled, then called over a young man to cover her spot before leading him toward the staircase. They ascended silently until they reached a small room off the side. Once inside, she turned to him and said, "Please place the proof materials on the floor."


    He carefully deposited everything he had collected¡ªthe spoils from the monster he killed and the herbs he gathered. The older woman''s eyes widened in surprise as she sorted the items.


    Atlas watched quietly as she meticulously checked each piece, occasionally glancing at a sheet of paper that seemed to appear from nowhere. She confirmed every detail with sharp focus.


    Ten minutes later, Tilifa smiled satisfactorily and said in a happy tone, "Everything is here. We can now confirm your Rank-up test in Starfallen City."


    "Okay," Atlas replied. "What about the escort quest?"


    ''''The caravan will be leaving this afternoon. Get some rest and report to the northern gate when the third bell sounds,'''' she informed him before storing all the items in a guild ring.


    Following that, Tilifa led him back to the counter, where she registered all the completed quests to his account before Atlas left the guild and found a park to rest in for a while, as he didn''t want to take any more quests.


    Atlas sat up against the tree while watching his family play in the nearby park, which stirred something inside him. He ignored it before activating the Void Realm and appearing on the plateau.


    ''Let''s distract myself by killing some Void Golems,'' he mused.


    He burst forward while casting Void Infusion on his swords before quickly carving through the stone monsters. When Atlas was surrounded, he used Void Wave to kill even more Golems who had closed in.


    Atlas felt his mana draining but also expanding, thanks to how much he was using during the fight. While fighting, he used Void Barrage to kill hundreds while defending himself against a Warrior Golem with Void Guard, which deflected the stone fist.


    The impact sent him skidding backward as the monster was much stronger than the regular Golems that continued to surge toward him. Atlas stabbed one through the head while kicking another before one managed to land a punch on his unprotected jaw.


    Atlas''s head spun, overwhelmed by swirling stats in his vision. Dizzy and disoriented, he barely registered the golems piling on top of him until the pressure jolted him awake. His eyes shot open just as a ringing bell filled the air.


    Quickly regaining his bearings, he leaped to his feet and hurried toward the northern gate to begin the escort quest. It took Atlas ten minutes to reach the caravan, which consisted of over twenty carriages and one hundred adventurers guarding it.


    ''Is this a company caravan? How can they afford so many adventurers?'' Atlas wondered as he approached the man in charge. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


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 Chapter 159 - 159: Frostwinter

    As Atlas approached the caravan leader, the man spun around, pushing his glasses up his nose. He addressed Atlas with a professional tone, "I''m Robert Malduney. You must be Azhar''Zul? The guild mentioned you''re reliable and strong, even at a young age.''''


    Robert glanced at a group of guards and told them to return to work before continuing to speak to him, ''''We need you to take up the rear while the other adventurers and guards protect the nobles and trade carriages during the journey to Starfallen City."


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand."


    He went to the caravan''s rear, where a group of adventurers were stationed to guard the last carriage. One of the men, a human, glanced at him with curiosity. "Boy, are you a snow elf? Only they have the same pale skin and white hair as you do."


    The man was human, but the three women with him were elves, clearly part of an adventurer party. Atlas shook his head slightly, narrowing his eyes at the man, though he felt satisfied at his disguise''s effectiveness.


    "Yes," Atlas replied, "I come from the Frostmark Kingdom to the north."


    Following that, they continued asking questions, forcing Atlas to come up with even more lies as he was hiding his race. Once everything was ready, Robert shouted out to everyone, informing them to move.


    The party stopped bothering him before getting to work as Atlas followed the caravan from behind. While walking, he summoned his helmet, as wearing all the armor felt right in case any monsters tried attacking.


    As they left the city and entered the grassy expanse, Atlas couldn''t shake a growing sense of unease. ''Why is it always me?'' he thought, scanning the horizon. ''What kind of monsters will we encounter on the way to the city?''


    He shook his head and continued walking, remembering to check the Level Three monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 922889/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 497127/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99930/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''This will take a couple of weeks to complete if I do it every night, but it might change when I get stronger during my journey to the Nubian capital,'' Atlas pondered while following the carriage across the beautiful grassland.


    They were traveling along a stone road that resembled the Roman ones back on Earth, which was well-built thanks to the Dawnstar Empire. The large caravan soon stopped, which baffled him, and the same human man approached with a concerned expression.


    ''What''s happened now?'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    ''''We''re entering the Death Hills, which sits between Emberglade and Starfallen City. Make sure to stay close to the carriage, or the lurking horrors will try to attack you,'''' the adventurer informed him.


    Atlas nodded before replying, ''''Thanks for the information. I will be careful during our journey.''''


    Minutes later, the caravan slowly started moving again as they entered the Death Hills, and the atmosphere instantly changed. Atlas''s grip on his sword tightened as it felt like something was watching them from the shadows.


    ''There is something following us,'' he thought while glancing around him. ''Whatever monster it is, they''re stalking one of us.''


    That''s when a thick fog descended ten minutes later, causing the guards to close in on the carriages while the people remained inside. ''What is going on? Where did this dodgy mist come from? A monster, maybe?''


    As Atlas walked, he summoned some Voidstalkers and ordered the small dinosaurs to scout the surrounding landscape. He watched his monsters rush off, but they were all killed within minutes, which surprised him. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The deeper they ventured, the more nervous Atlas became, anxiously waiting for an attack that never came. This place is unsettling... but I can''t figure out why, he thought, scanning his surroundings with a growing sense of unease.


    The caravan continued traveling for hours until it soon reached a river, where Robert ordered it to set camp. The adventurers set up Dark One Runes and many others to protect them from the monsters lurking around them.


    While this happened, Atlas watched their surroundings until he set up his camp next to the last carriage. He had a roaring fire going, but he grew creeped out while looking around as the hair on the back of his neck stood on edge.


    ''This is worse than the Darkheart Jungle. I can feel monsters around us, but they''re well hidden,'' Atlas thought while he debated telling the other adventurers.


    He decided it was a good idea to inform them and stood up to approach their camp, but Medusa''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Stay in the Runes Master. They will be fine.''


    ''Can you sense them?'' Atlas responded.


    ''Yes, but won''t attack anytime soon,'' Medusa answered. ''Your projection is perfect, and they won''t be able to hurt you unless a high-ranked monster appears.''


    The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the Death Hills shrouded in a twilight gloom that seemed to stretch endlessly. The caravan had settled for the night beside the river, the soft murmur of the flowing water barely cutting through the heavy silence.


    ''I''m tired, but this creepy feeling is annoying me,'' he thought while getting comfortable.


    Atlas crouched by his camp, the only source of light the flickering embers he was coaxing into a fire. His breath formed small clouds in the chill night air as he arranged dry kindling and twigs, his fingers numb from the cold.


    The sounds of the caravan''s camp setup¡ªtent pegs being driven into the ground, murmurs of the guards¡ªfaded into the background as he focused on his task. The fire''s warmth would be a small comfort against the encroaching darkness.


    ''I feel like I''m being watched. Is this the feeling people used to talk about on Earth?'' Atlas mused while using Void Sight all around him but found nothing.


    As the flames began to crackle, Atlas leaned back on his heels, trying to shake the unsettling feeling that had been gnawing at him since they entered the Death Hills. He cast a wary glance at the surrounding landscape.


    The thick fog had settled heavily over the area, wrapping the camp in an almost tangible shroud of mist that seemed to absorb the light. His fire sputtered and hissed, the flames dancing erratically.


    The shadows cast by the flickering flames twisted into grotesque shapes, playing tricks on his mind. The chill in the air grew more pronounced, making the fire''s warmth feel like a thin, unreliable shield.


    Atlas yawned before standing up and stretching before glancing around the quiet area where a few adventurers patrolled the Rune circle, not stepping outside so the Dark Ones couldn''t get them.


    He crawled inside the tent and sleeping bag while wrapping a blanket around himself for extra warmth, only to fall asleep minutes later as the weather got worse. The caravan was trapped in the Death Hills until it calmed down.


    The following day, Atlas woke up and rubbed his eyes while sitting up just as the cold air hit his body, stiffening it. He reached for his cloak, wrapping it tightly around himself before crawling out of his sleeping bag.


    He noticed the air in the tent was colder than before, an unnatural chill that seemed to cling to his skin. Atlas hesitated momentarily, then unzipped the tent flap and climbed outside, blinking against the brightness.


    Snow was falling. Thick, silent flakes drifted down from the sky, coating the Death Hills in a thin blanket of white. The entire landscape had changed overnight¡ªa bleak and foggy expanse was now a hauntingly quiet winter scene.


    The fog was still there, but it mingled with the snow, making everything feel otherworldly, almost like stepping into a dream. Atlas quickly noticed the adventurer approached him with an annoyed expression before informing him, ''''Robert ordered us to stay put as the road to Starfallen City is blocked due to the weather.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding before starting another fire, but the wind and snow rebutted his efforts. Following that, he crawled back into his tent to go back to completing the Void Realm while they were stuck there.


    He activated the skill and appeared on the plateau just as the swarm of Golems headed in his direction. Following that, Atlas spent hours butchering the stone monsters, and he felt some of his attributes increase thanks to all the fighting.


    Once Atlas killed enough Void Golems, the Warriors started appearing, and he hacked and slashed at them while dodging the stronger monsters'' attacks. He slaughtered them quickly, thanks to the speed and experience he had gathered since being on Valoria.


    It wasn''t until a Golem Commander cast an earth spell at him. Atlas raised Void Guard but was still knocked into the water below, ending his run in the Void Realm. He woke up only to hear the hiss of wind lashing against his tent.


    Atlas shook his head to clear his thoughts and checked the monster tally. He was impressed by the total, a number higher than he had expected.


    [Void Golem ¨C 921114/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 496871/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99930/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, he pulled out a Griffin Meat Box and started eating, causing him to smile as his stomach grumbled. Atlas began to eat while the wind picked up outside, but he was warm, thanks to the tent.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 160 - 160: Ready To Fight Master

    The storm continued to lash the campsite for two days, but by the third day, it had calmed down before the caravan leader, Robert, called out to everyone, informing them that they were ready to leave for Starfallen City.


    ''Thank the gods that the storm has stopped,'' he thought with a smile. ''I was getting bored hanging out in the tent.''


    Atlas was fast asleep in the tent, but the adventurer Joel introduced himself the night before. He climbed out of his sleeping bag while equipping all his gear and stepped out into the cold air.


    While doing that, he checked the Void Realm Total and his status to see how many monsters he had to kill.


    [Void Golem ¨C 900014/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 495734/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99910/100000] Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''I''ve taken out a lot of Void Golems, but its dragging on now,'' Atlas mused while checking on his armor.


    After that, he pulled up his status to see what he had gained from fighting all the stone monsters.


    [Health: 1340¡ú1380(200)]


    [Mana: 6134¡ú6474(1000)]


    [Strength: 1502¡ú1590(100)]


    [Stamina: 1858¡ú1982]


    [Charisma: 642¡ú660]


    [Intelligence: 1234¡ú1280]


    ''At least my attributes are increasing when I fight in the Void Realm, which is worth all the trouble,'' Atlas thought before packing away his tent as Joel and one of his wives, Aeloria, approached.


    The human male smiled as he spoke, ''''Azhar''Zul, I love your armor. It suits you well.''''


    Atlas glanced at the older man, ''''Thanks, Joel. It has been advantageous since I bought it from Volantis City a while back.''''


    ''''The Argonian sea city?'''''' Aeloria questioned with a friendly smile.


    He nodded before answering, ''''Yes. I constantly got hurt during battles, so my girls asked me to buy armor.''''


    When Joel heard this, his smile grew wider, ''''Girls? Where are they?''''


    ''''Traveling north while I''m traveling to the Nubian Capital on Aridonia to heal a friend from soul damage before meeting them,'''' Atlas told the couple about part of his journey.


    Joel and Aeloria exchanged smiles with him before returning to their tasks. Atlas, however, paused and asked, ''''Where''s the nearest dungeon?''''


    The older elf woman, Aeloria, rubbed her chin thoughtfully before replying, ''''There''s a Level One dungeon about a mile north of Starfallen City. It''s a tough one, though, filled with Dark Element Monsters that make it more challenging than most Level One dungeons.''''


    Atlas nodded and thanked the older couple as Theo spoke in his mind, ''Master. Dark monsters are tough to fight with the light element.''


    He chuckled before raising his hand and activating the skill Light in response, which lit up his surroundings, causing the Blood Bat King to chuckle as it replied, ''Good Master. This should deal with the annoying creatures.''


    Following that, Atlas and the caravan continued through the Death Hills. While traveling, he felt the monsters following them in the shadows, causing him to approach the older man and inform him of their stalkers, "Joel. There are a few dozen creatures stalking up from the shadows. I think they''re waiting to ambush us."


    When Aeloria and the other two women looked worried, Atlas returned to his position after Joel thanked him. While standing there, something told him to be ready to fight before he started dodging large spears that landed around him.


    Atlas started deflecting the attacks while rushing after the monsters as Theo pleaded, which caught his attention, ''Summon me Master! We must fight together.''


    ''''Fuck it, I''ll just say Im a tamer,'''' he muttered while activating the Dungeon Conquerer Skill and summoned the Blood Bat King, who let out a terrifying roar as the monsters attacked the caravan.


    As chaos erupted along the narrow path through the Death Hills, the caravan guards and adventurers formed a defensive circle around the carriages. Amidst the battle, Theo swooped down from above, grabbing Atlas by the shoulders and dropping him right into the heart of the fray.


    Landing gracefully, Atlas sprang into action, moving with the speed and agility of a jackrabbit, leaping, dodging, and cutting down monsters with swift slash across their legs, allowing him to thrust the Nightblade through their skull.


    Thanks to Void Infusion, his blades are carved through flesh and bone, strengthening his attacks. While Atlas fought, Theo guarded his back and tore apart any creepy, Warewolf-looking creatures.


    Atlas cut down three before using Void Sight as the battle raged around him, and the other adventurers and guards fought back.


    [Nighthowler]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Cursed monsters who ambush travelers]


    ''Not to hard to deal with,'' Atlas thought while waving his hand to summon a dozen Savage Void Bears that started fighting alongside him.


    He dodged the razor-sharp claws and jagged teeth that tried to tear him apart. Atlas quickly turned around when he felt a large Nighthowler lunge at him, but suddenly, Theo crashed into its body and crushed it before tearing its head off.


    This made Atlas grin before stabbing another monster through its head just as a group of Void Bears washed over the remaining creatures while they used their spears to stab into the giant monsters.


    Atlas watched most of his bears die, but they still managed to take out dozens of Nighthowlers. He saw the caravan guards using fire to drive the monsters back as the adventurers cut them down.


    The battle soon died down, allowing him to dismiss his monsters. Joel appeared in front of him with an amazed expression as he spoke, ''''You''re a Monster Summoner, Azhar''Zul?''''


    He nodded while cleaning off his blades, covered in monster blood, ''''Yes. Father taught me when I was younger.''''


    Joel smiled as a horn echoed through the hills, signaling the attackers'' retreat. The caravan leader, Robert, quickly called out, ''''Everyone, get ready to move! We need to be on the road before those monsters strike again!''''


    The guards and adventurers scrambled to their positions, preparing for another possible wave as the caravan began to mobilize. Atlas watched the healers go around and help the injured warriors, and this fascinated him.


    ''Estelle does the same thing but her healing is much better,'' he pondered as an hour passed and they got back on the road.


    Atlas followed behind after grabbing twenty green Monster Cores from the Nighthowlers he killed during the battle.


    [Level Up: 163¡ú164]


    [Experience: 4940/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 6000]


    [Core Points: 37620/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 5000]


    Following that, the caravan was lucky not to encounter any more monsters, but it would still take another day to travel through the Death Hills. They reached a clearing between the hills, their last stop before reaching Starfallen City.


    Robert told them to set up security before the sunset, but Atlas noticed the other adventurers and guards avoided him, ''Why are they acting like I''m a demon?''


    Joel and Aeloria approached him with concerned expressions, causing the older elf woman to warn him, ''''Some of them believe you''re the Koschei because the stories speak of the last one able to control dungeon monsters.''''


    Atlas rolled his eyes before chuckling as he answered the worried elf, ''''I''m used to it and don''t care what they think about me. I''m here to do my rank-up test, or I would have flown the Starfallen City.''''


    Aeloria nodded in agreement as Joel flashed a broad smile and said, "Even if you are the Koschei, you''ve shown yourself to be a decent adventurer by helping out the others."


    Afterward, the guards began setting up the Runes while Atlas prepared his camp at a distance from the adventurers. Once his tent was pitched, he started a fire and cooked meat while dismissing his helmet.


    "Even on a distant continent far from Asotria, I still find myself collecting new names," Atlas muttered with a quiet laugh.


    As the mouthwatering aroma reached Atlas''s nose, his stomach rumbled. He began eating while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Though he remained vigilant, noting the absence of monsters in the encroaching darkness, he allowed himself to relax.


    After finishing his meal, Atlas let out a hearty yawn, the fatigue of the day beginning to settle over him as he climbed into his tent and got comfortable before falling asleep as the camp settled down.


    The night passed without any problems, and Joel''s voice woke him up the following day, ''''Azhar''Zul! Wake up, boy. We''re about to leave for the city.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he climbed out of his tent, put it back into storage, and followed the caravan while waking up properly. As they left the Death Hills behind, he spotted several riders heading in their direction.


    ''What''s going on now?'' he pondered while summoning his armor.


    As they arrived at the front of the caravan, Joel rushed up, but Atlas stayed behind and ignored them while glancing around the quiet grasslands. He squinted his eyes only to spot black smoke in the distance.


    ''Somethings been destroyed,'' he pondered as the caravan started panicking.


    Atlas noticed the fear etched on the faces of the guards and adventurers around him. Tension hung in the air like a storm about to break. When Joel reappeared, his expression was grim as he delivered the news.


    A monster wave was approaching fast. "We need to move¡ªnow! Head for the city before it''s too late," he urged, his voice filled with urgency.


    But when Atlas heard this, a smile appeared as Theo''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Ready to fight Master?''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 161 - 161: Surrounded By Corpses

    Atlas summoned the Blood Bat King and a dozen Savage Void Bears, which shocked Joel, but he waved him off with a smile, ''''I want to fight them for the experience. My tames will get me away if it gets too dicey.''''


    While watching the caravan vanish, Atlas downed a few high mana potions that topped up his reserves. He cast Void Infusion on his blades, strengthening them just as the first monsters appeared on the horizon.


    ''I wonder how many monsters will be in this wave,'' Atlas mused with a smile. ''The books say they can number in the hundreds or even thousands depending on what caused the wave.''


    He quickly used Void Sight on all the creatures he could see to check out what he would be fighting.


    [Forest Boar]


    [Frenzied]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    [Fast and strong but stupid monsters]


    "It looks like these monsters came from the nearby forest," Atlas muttered while preparing his blades, his excitement growing.


    Yet a nagging voice in his mind urged caution, reminding him not to get too reckless. That''s when Theo''s voice sounded, ''I will pick you up if things get too bad, Master.'' S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Forest Panther]


    [Enraged]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Fast and cunning but weak to your magic]


    ''A Titan was involved in riling up these monsters as most belong in forests and shouldn''t be in open grasslands.''


    [Wildridge Gorilla]


    [Enraged]


    [Rank: C+ - 550 Exp]


    [Use speed against this horrible creature]


    Seeing this, Atlas thought while confused, ''Why are they so angry?''


    Following that thought, he sent three Void Lances in their direction, and the azure projectiles tore through the monster''s rank. It decimated many of the creatures and sent them crashing to the ground.


    Atlas continued to cast spells and used Void Barrage, which wiped out over half the group, just as the Savage Void Bears charged forward and let out angry roars as they clashed with the Wildridge Gorillas and Forest Panthers.


    Theo took to the sky while grabbing monsters before taking them high in the sky and taking chunks of flesh from their bodies with sharp teeth. Atlas got excited when he saw this and noticed a Forest Boar charging at him.


    He braced his stance and stabbed forward as the monster impaled itself on the Deepforge blade while firing a Void Blast at a Panther that lunged at him. Atlas panicked but soon calmed down as the bears battled the Wildridge Gorillas as Theo picked off the Forest Boars.


    This left him to fight the faster Forest Panthers as he deflected their claws with Void Guard before countering with quick stands and slashes. Blood covered the grass below as the battle started to die down.


    After ten minutes, Atlas and the Blood Bat King put down the remaining monsters. As Theo landed with a crash, his voice rang out in his mind, ''A massive horde of creatures is heading in your direction, Master.''


    When Atlas heard this, he grew nervous and reconsidered fighting the Monster Wave. He dismissed the Savage Void Bears before jumping on Theo''s back as the bat took off and flew toward the incoming creatures.


    As the monsters appeared on the horizon, Atlas smiled before spamming Void Lances and Void Bombs until he dropped to one knee due to mana depletion. The azure projectiles sliced through the air.


    The spells connected with the Monster Wave, causing explosions across the grassland. Atlas watched as the blue flames washed over the creatures, and the weaker ones were killed outright while the stronger ones survived.


    That''s when Theo chirped, causing Atlas to look up, only to spot flying monsters charged in their direction. He waved his hand and summoned even more Blood Bats that started fighting the wave creatures.


    Atlas felt all the experience pouring into him, causing excitement to well up while casting Void Bombs on top of the Monster Wave. Following this, he ordered Theo to head toward the city as there were too many to fight.


    The flying monsters pursued relentlessly, but Theo''s newly enhanced strength propelled them forward with impressive speed. The wind rushed past as they soared, outpacing their pursuers until, at last, the distant city walls came into view.


    Glancing back, Atlas saw the monsters finally giving up the chase, fading into the horizon. As he breathed a sigh of relief, his sharp eyes caught sight of the caravan far below, still a mile away but steadily approaching safety.


    Atlas commanded Theo to descend, knowing the city defenses would consider the Dungeon Monster a threat if they approached together. Once they landed, he dismissed Theo, the massive bat vanishing into the void.


    Standing alone, Atlas waited patiently as the caravan drew closer. When he quietly joined at the rear, Joel and his wives looked back, their eyes wide with surprise, clearly stunned to see him return unscathed and on foot.


    ''''Azhar''Zul! What happened back there? We heard explosions and thought you would have fled,'''' Joel said as he approached.


    Atlas waved him off while explaining, ''''I retreated when there were too many. The Monster Wave includes flying creatures.''''


    ''''Husband, we need to reach Starfallen before they get to us,'''' an auburn-haired elf named Sylvara commented.


    Joel agreed with a nod and caught up with the caravan while Atlas followed behind as they checked his status.


    [Level Up: 164¡ú170]


    [Experience: 440/5000]


    [Experience Gained:25500]


    [Health: 1380¡ú1390(200)]


    [Mana: 6474¡ú6534(1000)]


    [Strength: 1590¡ú1604(100)]


    [Stamina: 1982¡ú1990(250)]


    [Intelligence: 1280¡ú1290]


    [Core Points: 49720/50000]


    [Core Points Gained: 12100]


    ''Minor gains for my attributes but at least I leveled up six times,'' Atlas pondered while following the caravan.


    Starfallen City appeared in the distance, and the carriages at the front of the column rushed forward while the adventurers tried to stop them. Atlas watched the merchants rush toward the gate just as a large eagle-like monster the size of a small van grabbed the first before taking off.


    ''What the fuck!'' he thought as everyone watched it fly away.


    Following that, Robert ordered everyone to dash toward the city as the Monster Wave appeared a mile behind them. Atlas started sprinting past the carriages but only to stop when he heard panicking women and children inside.


    "Dammit. At this rate, the people will die," Atlas muttered, his frustration clear as he halted and turned to face the pursuing threat. He focused on the flying monsters and launched Void Bullets with precision.


    The projectiles streaked through the air, homing in on their targets before slamming into the monsters, causing them to burst into brilliant explosions. He maintained his relentless assault, slowing the wave down.


    As the caravan neared the city gates slowly creaking open, Atlas relentlessly unleashed spell after spell to fend off the pursuing monsters. He focused on the caravan, ensuring the fleeing people were safe as they streamed through the gates.


    Spotting the narrow safety window closing fast, Atlas sprinted toward the city, narrowly evading a barrage of cannon fire that arced overhead and briefly cleared his path. As the monsters closed in, he reached the gate just in time.


    A soldier swiftly opened a small side door, allowing Atlas to slip through just before he slammed it shut behind him. Atlas collapsed to the ground, catching his breath as he glanced up to see more warriors rushing toward the wall, preparing for the next wave of the onslaught.


    Atlas heard the panic in their voices as the soldier let him speak in a concerned voice while trying to push him down the street, ''''Get to the harbor, boy! The city will fall due to the Monster Wave.''''


    Hearing the soldier''s urgent plea, Atlas brushed him aside with a determined wave, his eyes blazing with resolve. He downed several mana potions quickly, his energy surging as he declared, "Don''t concern yourself with me; fate has greater designs for my path."


    With that, Atlas charged up the stairs, his stride unyielding. Bursting onto the ramparts, he was met with a breathtaking sight: a vast sea of monstrous adversaries surging toward them, their sheer numbers creating a dark, rolling tide on the horizon.


    Leaping onto the wall as soldiers scrambled to prepare the city''s defenses, Atlas was a whirlwind of focused intensity. ''You were brought here to face the darkness, and that''s precisely what I''ll do,'' he resolved.


    Following that thought, Atlas cast Void Infusion into his blades to empower them with otherworldly strength. With a determined shout, Atlas launched himself off the wall, leaving the soldiers stunned.


    As he descended, he unleashed a torrent of Void Bombs and Void Barrages, the azure projectiles tearing through the monstrous horde with devastation. Explosions erupted in dazzling bursts of light and force, painting the battlefield in flashes of blue.


    Landing with the grace of a predator, he wasted no time. His movements were a blur of speed as he carved a bloody path through the monstrous swarm, each strike proof of his growing powers.


    As Atlas continued his relentless assault, he summoned a cadre of monstrous allies to bolster his efforts. A pack of imposing Death Gorillas materialized around him, their roars echoing through the chaos as they charged into the fray.


    They killed numerous monsters, using their bodies as stepping stones for him, who launched himself into the fray. Atlas wielded his Void Lance, piercing through the thick hides of the giant wave creatures.


    Thanks to his timely intervention, Starfallen City significantly reduced the monster wave, allowing the reinforcements to finish them off. However, they found Atlas standing still while surrounded by corpses.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 162 - 162: The Order Of Shadows

    Atlas was soaking in the overwhelming feeling of experience pouring into his body, making him feel high as his head spun, ''It feels so good when leveling up and getting stronger,'' he thought.


    Once it calmed down, he could feel the soldiers approaching, but it took a few more minutes before a loud screech rang out. Theo crashed down behind Atlas to ensure the people wouldn''t harm him.


    He stroked the giant bat with a smile before speaking in an exhausted voice, ''''They won''t hurt me, boy. We saved their city after all.''''


    ''Yes, Master. Make sure to get rest; I''m exhausted,'' the monster''s voice echoed in his mind.


    Following that, Atlas dismissed Theo, causing the surrounding soldiers to relax as a commander approached with a friendly expression, ''''Young adventurer, thank you for aiding Starfallen City.''''


    As the man''s voice reached his ears, a bad feeling overwhelmed his senses, causing him to move forward, "Move!" Atlas roared, shoving the commander aside with a powerful thrust as his twin blades came alive and started slicing through the air.


    Each swing cleaved through the oncoming barrage of projectiles, shattering the spells that rained down like a relentless storm. But Atlas didn''t falter while casting Void Infusion on his blades to help.


    He stepped forward, his feet pounding the ground with unstoppable force as more and more projectiles streaked toward him and the commander. Atlas weaved between the deadly onslaught, dodging with lightning reflexes, his blades carving through the rest.


    Without breaking stride, he charged toward the attackers, his eyes locked on his target. He leaped onto one of the projectiles in a daring move, riding its momentum before launching himself like a missile at the enemy.


    As he hurtled closer, the truth struck him¡ªit was an elite squad of powerful mages. But Atlas was undeterred. Spinning mid-air, he unleashed a devastating kick that slammed into one mage''s face, sending them crashing.


    In the same breath, his hand shot out, casting a Void Blast that tore through another enemy just as he landed with a thunderous impact. His presence radiated power and defiance; the soldiers on the walls could only stare in awe as Atlas started battling with the mages.


    He was so fast that they couldn''t see him, which spooked them and caused the attackers to flee into the night. Atlas killed another one by throwing Deepforge at the man''s back and summoning the blade back to him.


    After that, he felt exhaustion take over his body while returning to the city. He dismissed his armor, and the guards cheered. The commander slapped him on the back when he stepped into the city, ''''Thanks for saving me, young man. The Order of Shadow has been attacking the Dawnstar and Shadowrealm Empires, looking for the Koschei, which is rumored to be on Nivaria.''''


    Atlas nodded with a smile while ignoring the new name he had earned from Joel before questioning the man, ''''The Order of Shadow? What''s that?''''


    The commander found out Atlas was heading to the Adventurers Guild; he walked him there while explaining in a quiet and concerned voice, ''''They are a group of shady individuals who are searching for the Koschei, who they believe will unite Nivaria under their banner.'''' Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Oh god,'' Atlas chuckled when hearing the commander. ''Better not let these people know I''m the Voidwalker, or they will start chasing me along with the empire.''


    With that, the two walked through the city until reaching the guild, where the man commented, ''''Once you''re done here, come to the barracks for a reward. I will talk to the mayor to see what we can give you.''''


    Atlas nodded before entering the building, only to spot Joel and his three wives. The older man rushed over to him and said in shock, ''''Azhar''Zul! You''re alive. How did you survive those many monsters? We heard from the soldiers that there were thousands of them.''''


    He laughed before answering, ''''The city guard helped me along with my tamed creatures, but it''s good because I earned a lot of experience during the fight.''''


    The man smiled as one of the receptionists called them over to register the escort quests. She took all their cards and scanned Atlas''s before glancing at him with a friendly smile, ''''Your Rank Up test is scheduled for tomorrow morning; report here at the first bell.''''


    Atlas agreed with a nod as she turned to Joel and his wives, ''''The mayor wants you guys for a job. She asked me to tell you to report to her manor straight away.''''


    Joel and the three women exchanged farewells before departing from the guild. As they turned to leave, the older man extended his hand, "I truly hope our paths cross again, Azhar''Zul. Be cautious on Nivaria¡ªthe Order of Shadows is relentless, and they''re hunting for you."


    Atlas shook Joel''s hand and said warmly, ''''I''m always careful when exploring, and I''m sure we''ll meet again one day.''''


    After that, he left the guild to visit the Level One Dungeon Moonshade Grotto to conquer it so he could use the Darklings in the future, as he felt they would be helpful. It took him twenty minutes to reach the northern gate.


    ''Hopefully, they let me out. I want to continue west so I can conquer the other dungeons while heading for the Greenskin Confederation to get an airship across the dangerous sea in between Nivaria and Aridonia,'' Atlas mused while approaching the gate.


    The city guard opened the smaller gate and let him pass. As Atlas stepped out, the commander greeted him with a warm smile. "So the rumors are true¡ªa snow elf saved our city."


    Atlas nodded in response, his eyes catching the signposts pointing toward the Moonshade Grotto Dungeon a mile north. Setting off in that direction, he found himself among a steady flow of merchants and travelers, all moving along the busy road.


    While walking through the city, he checked his status to see how long it would take him to rank up and grow stronger.


    [Level Up: 170¡ú173]


    [Experience: 4810/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 15250]


    [Health: 1390¡ú1602(200)]


    [Mana: 6534¡ú7350(1000)]


    [Strength: 1604¡ú1822(100)]


    [Stamina: 1990¡ú2214(250)]


    [Charisma: 660¡ú700]


    [Intelligence: 1290¡ú1500]


    [Core Rank Up: Apprentice High¡úAdept Low]


    [Core Points: 8720/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 9000]


    [Void Infusion: 0¡ú1]


    [Health Regeneration: 3¡ú4]


    Atlas got excited when he saw all the gains and felt a buzz, which made him want to fight even more. Towering trees flanked the path ahead, their branches weaving together to form a canopy that cast deep shadows over the ground.


    As Atlas walked, he summoned his armor and weapons, preparing himself for lurking monsters waiting in the darkness, ''It''s better to be ready than caught off guard,'' he mused while watching his surroundings.


    Five minutes later, Atlas reached a small fortress that guarded the dungeon entrance. When the Dawnstar soldiers spotted him, the leader asked for his Adventurers Card, which he showed and allowed into the dungeon.


    ''Now its time to get more monsters for my Void and Dungeon armies before this mysterious order finds me.''


    When the gate opened, Atlas saw a small cave entrance with a translucent portal that led into the dungeon. He smiled before stepping through it and readying himself to fight any monsters he encountered.


    ''This should be easy if nothing has gone wrong with this place,'' he pondered.


    As Atlas stepped into the clearing, he was surrounded by a dense forest. The sound of running water reached his ears, drawing his attention deeper. Moving cautiously, he approached the source of the noise¡ªa small stream cutting through the landscape.


    Along its banks, a group of slimes aimlessly wandered, their gelatinous bodies shimmering under the dappled sunlight. Atlas''s eyes narrowed as he studied them, preparing for his next move.


    ''Slimes! I forgot this is a Level One Dungeon,'' Atlas thought while getting close to the Slimes and scanning them using Void Sight.


    [Forest Slimes]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    [Is there anything to say about this monster?]


    Atlas chuckled softly, raising the Nightblade and aiming at the creatures. With a flick of his wrist, he cast Void Bullets, sending azure projectiles streaking through the air before striking the slimes dead-on.


    ''Easy kills!'' he internally celebrated.


    One by one, they exploded into a spray of ooze, vanishing with a hiss as the magic killed them. Atlas noticed ten black Monster Cores lying on the ground and a few copper coins as a reward.


    He collected everything while thinking, ''Rank G monsters are easy to kill.''


    Atlas continued along the river bank while killing fifty more Forest Slimes until he came across a new monster that made him jump when it lunged from the nearby water. He quickly cut it down using Deepforge.


    ''Leeches! I hate these things!''


    They were the size of his arm and black so that they could hide at the bottom of the river. More tried attacking while Atlas took in the monsters, allowing him to scan them.


    [Giant Leeches]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    [Don''t let them bite you]


    As the creepy creatures lunged at Atlas, he quickly cut them down before moving on and slaughtering even more slimes as he came to the second-floor entrance. While standing there, he remembered Level One Dungeons have three to five floors.


    Atlas rushed through the floors, killing low-level monsters, including Howling Ghouls, Horned Rabbits, and Shadow Widows. None of them stood a chance against his speed as he moved like a thunderbolt while cutting down any monsters he encountered.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 163 - 163: Giant Cave Spider

    Atlas soon reached the fourth floor and encountered a dark forest with shadows covering everything he spotted. Creepy sounds rang out everywhere, throwing him off as he didn''t know where to look.


    Before stepping into the abyss, he activated his skill Light and created an orb that lit up a circle of ten feet around him, ''This should keep the monsters back for a while,'' he thought while readying his swords.


    While trekking through the eery forest, Atlas was cautious and ensured the monsters couldn''t ambush him from the underbrush by being ready to cast Void Wave at any second. Ten minutes later, he spotted the creature he was after and thought while dismissing Light, ''There you are, but they look freaky!''


    The Darkling was about three feet tall and looked like a little devil with bat wings, red eyes, and claws, which spooked him as they had creepy grins etched on their faces. ''These monsters are already mine. I need to beat the boss before moving on,'' he entertained while watching them.


    Atlas watched it fly through the trees before hiding in the shadows whenever another monster got closer. While observing it, he relaxed until he spotted the other Dungeon Monsters, who were called Moonshade Grotto''s home.


    One was a Terror Bird chasing the Darklings through the trees while snapping their sharp beaks at the mischievous creatures, but it couldn''t capture the little devil. Atlas watched as the tall birds stopped pursuing before going after the other monsters, causing him to scan them to find their rank while thinking, ''These creatures will be easy to kill at my level. This will be easy experience.''


    [Darkling]


    [Rank: E - 200 Exp]


    [Sneaky little bastards! Be careful, boy]


    ''Can use this to rob the empire''s banks and noble houses while I travel north to meet the girls,'' Atlas thought with a greedy smile.


    [Thunderclaw]


    [Rank: E+ - 250 Exp]


    [Be careful of their claws, teeth, or magic]


    ''Damn Terror Birds, they seem more annoying than anything.''


    [Horned Rabbit]


    [Rank: G - 50 Exp]


    [Easy kills]


    [Razorwings]


    [Rank: E+ - 350 Exp]


    [These monsters swoop down and try to claw you]


    ''They might be sneaky, but I''m faster,'' Atlas thought before he dashed through the dungeon floor like a whirlwind, killing many of the monsters he saw.


    Following that, he made it to the fifth floor, where he killed more Thunderclaws that tried to fling lightning at him from the darkness, but thanks to his skill Light and Void Guard, he deflected the attacks before killing the monsters.


    Atlas was shocked and annoyed that they could use magic, but he quickly cut through the projectiles thanks to Void Infusion, which allowed the Nightblade to deflect magic before he threw Deepforge at the Terror Bird as the excitement surged through his veins.


    He lunged forward while driving his sword through the monster''s skull, causing it to drop dead. Once it stopped moving, Atlas watched it get sucked into the dungeon while leaving behind several yellow feathers and a glowing orange core. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Loot! Always worth killing monsters for this stuff,'' he thought with a smile.


    Atlas stored them all in his Dimensional Storage before he was suddenly sliced in between his armor by an ambushing Darkling, causing him to yelp in pain as he felt his skin open and blood poured down his leg.


    ''Little shits!'' he grew frustrated due to the sneak attack.


    After the attack, Atlas started checking on himself just as he spotted the Darkling vanishing into the shadows. The monsters lunged from the darkness while letting out a hiss, but he quickly cut them down.


    The attacks continued as he tried to deflect the monster''s claws. ''These things are stronger than I expected,'' he thought with an excited smile as adrenaline surged through his veins.


    While he was fighting, darkness enveloped the forest; sparks flew, heightening his anxiety as he fought to defend himself. The relentless force of the creature''s claws wore him down, making him grit his teeth in exhaustion.


    ''I''ll drink a stamina potion to make myself feel better once the battle ends.''


    Atlas cut down several Darklings that attacked from the shadows just before he heard a whooshing noise, causing him to cross his blades as a Razorwing slammed into his body as the creature tried to pick him up.


    The bird-like monster looked like a vulture but more vicious and had black feathers that helped them blend into the darkness around them. He skidded backward but managed to counter with a slash at the monster''s wing.


    ''Oh no, you don''t,'' Atlas thought as he cast Void Wave.


    An azure wave washed out of his body and took out two Thunderclaws lunging at him, but they were burnt and sucked back into the dungeon. With experience and skill, Atlas managed to kill the monsters before collecting the orange and black cores littering the ground.


    Following that, he went to the staircase to the fifth floor to finish the dungeon, ''I wonder what the boss monster is,'' he mused while entering the next and last level, only to see another forest with a massive arena in the distance.


    ''I can''t wait to find out what boss I''ll be fighting,'' Atlas thought while entering the forest, not knowing it would be a nightmare.


    Many of the same monsters tried ambushing him, but thanks to his senses, he cut down dozens of creatures while using Light to expose them in the bushes. Atlas cast Void Bullets that exploded on contact, causing everything to run away.


    Once the coast was clear, Atlas approached the arena and became a large, creepy-looking cave. He heard the chittering around him, but they stayed out of his Light when he used Void Sight and picked them up.


    [Giant Cave Spider]


    [Rank: D - 500 Exp]


    [Don''t get bitten, boy!]


    Atlas winced at the sight, but his instincts kicked in. He swiftly hurled Void Bombs at the creature, each detonating with a thunderous roar that shook the entire arena. A cloud of dust enveloped the area, causing it to block his vision.


    Reacting quickly, he activated Void Guard just in time to deflect the spider''s venomous fangs, which clattered harmlessly off the shimmering azure shield. Atlas countered by slicing off the monster''s spindly legs before casting Void Blast into its face.


    He quickly backed off while casting Void Veil, which covered the arena in a dark blue shadow that revealed hundreds of spiders skittering around the place. Atlas then saw the boss and started attacking by spamming Void Bullets.


    The projectiles sliced through the air before connecting with the swarm of monsters, causing explosions to erupt. Atlas dashed in and started slashing at the Cave Spiders, which brought them down to the ground with a crash,


    Atlas finished the creatures by thrusting his swords into their faces before casting Void Wave to knock back the others. He used Void Barrage to pepper the remaining monsters before attacking the confused boss.


    It was moving quickly, but thanks to being blind, Atlas struck at several spots that slowed it down, allowing him to stab into its large body before casting Void Bullet, causing it to explode from within.


    The Giant Cave Spider went mad and tried attacking, but he dodged every attempt while striking at the monster''s weakening body. They traded more blows, but thanks to Atlas''s armor, its legs couldn''t penetrate it.


    ''This armor is brilliant,'' he thought. ''I''m glad I bought it now.''


    Following that, he cast three Void Bombs at the boss, and it couldn''t dodge as a massive explosion rang out. Atlas quickly cast Void Guard while driving his swords into the ground so he could hold on as the impact hit.


    When the dust settled, and the chaos subsided, Atlas observed that the Giant Cave Spider had disappeared into the dungeon''s depths. In its wake, it left behind a Copper Boss Token, which immediately caught his attention.


    Alongside the token were four gold coins and a handful of potions, glistening amidst the debris. While collecting them, a child''s excited voice echoed in his mind, ''Dungeon Conquerer! You''re here. Come to my core, and let''s join forces!''


    Atlas chuckled as a portal opened, causing him to step through only to see the Dungeon Core. He instantly touched it and felt a connection grow between them as the Moonshade Grotto was added to the Dungeon Realm.


    ''Nice. I can now use the Darklings to find all the empires riches,'' he chuckled.


    That''s when the Dungeon Master spoke again, ''I''ve been so lonely since dying many years ago, but a goddess said I could run a dungeon while waiting for the Chosen Messiah to come to free me.''


    ''Well, you can talk to the other two dungeons I conquered a while back but there will be more joining as I travel,'' Atlas replied to the core.


    Following that, the two of them continued to speak about the outside world before Atlas left the dungeon after promising that they would chat again. The Dungeon Master opened an exit portal, which he stepped through and appeared at the entrance.


    Atlas shook his head and returned to Starfallen City after saying hello to the guards stationed in the fortress. On the road back, he noticed several groups of young adventurers heading to the Moonshade Dungeon.


    ''They will hate the damn spiders,'' he thought before summoning a Darkling who appeared from an azure portal.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 164 - 164: Valorias Beauty

    Atlas ordered the Darkling to find any rare powerful monsters on the way west so he could avoid them if he weren''t strong enough. The Dungeon Creature agreed before soaring into the sky.


    Following that, he wanted to find an inn to stay in for the night as the Rank Up test was tomorrow morning, which excited him, ''I should head west to reach the Confederation, but that can wait while I conquer the Dawnstars Dungeons,'' he thought with a smile.


    It took him twenty minutes to reach the city gate, where a messenger awaited him. Atlas looked at the man who started speaking respectfully, "Azhar''Zul. Commander Morris wants you to come to the barracks for your reward. The mayor has just left the city for a meeting in the capital once she visits him."


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment and followed the man. Dismissing his gear to the Dimensional Storage just as the cool breeze caressed his skin, bringing a wave of comfort as he trailed behind the messenger through the bustling city.


    ''There''s so many people here,'' he mused while glancing around.


    All kinds of aromas hit his nose from the many food stalls lining the street, and the constant conversations overwhelmed his senses until he shook his head. Atlas glanced around and soon realized that, like Emberglade Town, the city walls were crafted from pristine white stone, their surface gleaming in the sunlight. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Towers punctuated the wall at intervals, standing as silent sentinels. Atlas noticed that the same radiant stone was utilized throughout the city, from the protective barrier to the elegant buildings beyond.


    Walking through the streets, he couldn''t help but admire the craftsmanship beneath his feet. The roads were flawlessly maintained, prompting him to think, ''The Dawnstar Empire takes great care in keeping their streets in perfect condition.''


    Ten minutes later, Atlas stood outside the barracks, a miniature fortress built next to Starfallen Harbor. The messenger turned to him before speaking, ''''Go inside and ask for the commander. I''m sure one of the soldiers will take you to him.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he said before the man vanished down the street.


    Atlas stepped into the barracks, and the soldiers on guard let him pass without any issues. When inside, he glanced around and realized he was in a large foyer with a staircase leading up to the second and third floors.


    ''This looks like a typical barracks,'' he thought while spotting the Dawnstar Banners decorating the walls.


    It was a white sun on a shield surrounded by six flowers. Atlas shook his head and noticed a counter with several people sitting behind it working on paperwork. Atlas approached and spoke to the closest woman, ''''Hello. Where can I find Commander Morris> I was told he wanted to see me.''''


    The woman looked up, and her eyes widened as she responded, ''''You must be Azhar''Zul?''''


    Atlas smiled and nodded, prompting the woman to rise with a smile, ''''He asked us to keep an eye out for you and said we should bring you to his office.''''


    After that, he followed the woman as she walked through the fortress, leading him to the man he had saved from the Order of Darkness. Ten minutes later, they stood outside a door she had just knocked on.


    A familiar voice rang out, ''''Come in!''''


    The receptionist opened the door, revealing the man Atlas had saved sitting behind a desk, a pouch in front of him. The man looked up, smiling as he spoke, "Azhar''Zul, I''m glad you''re here. I heard you completed the Moonshade Grotto from a message bird. The guards were surprised when they spotted you marching out."


    Atlas nodded while taking out the Copper Boss Token and showing it to the adults, ''''Yeah, it was fun but annoying at times. As for the Giant Spider, who was the boss, she was the toughest monster I faced down there.''''


    When the two adults heard him, their expressions changed to shock and amazement as their eyes widened, causing Atlas to chuckle at their reactions. Following that, Morris started laughing. The older man handed him the pouch as he spoke, ''''This is your reward for saving me and the city. It''s three hundred gold coins.''''


    ''''Thank you, Commander,'''' Atlas answered while storing the newfound wealth away. ''''I will be looking for an inn for the night before heading for the Blackthorne Hills Dungeon before traveling west and completing any I come across.''''


    Morris nodded, clearly impressed. "Most young adventurers tend to stick close to their cities, but you''re different. Dawnstar is home to numerous Level Two and Three Dungeons, and I''m confident you''ll find exploring them both challenging and rewarding," he said, pulling out a book.


    ''''Take this Azhar''Zul. It''s a Dungeon Manual, a list of well-known dungeons and areas of the Nivaria Continent,'''' Morris revealed. ''''I think it will help you more than gathering dust on my shelf.''''


    Atlas took the book with a thankful smile, ''''This will be extremely useful during my time here. I got one off the guild, but this is much better and more detailed.''''


    Morris''s face softened into a warm smile as he stood and extended his hand. "It''s the least I can do for the young man who saved me. Because of you, my four children still have their father."


    Atlas grasped Morris''s hand firmly, nodding in acknowledgment. "It was my pleasure, Morris. I''m going to find an inn for the night¡ªI''m starting to feel the weariness setting in."


    The commander nodded before standing up and approaching the office door. "Head for the Flying Fish Inn, which is down the road from here. Tell them I sent you, and they''ll give you a discount.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' Atlas said while leaving the barracks, reading the Dungeon Manual and about the Blackthorne Hills, which was a Level Three and would be challenging, but the risk wouldn''t stop him.


    Reaching the Flying Fish Inn took ten minutes, and when Atlas spotted the building, which looked busy with adventurers coming and going. He entered the establishment so everyone could grow quiet but ignored them while walking to the counter where the owners were.


    The woman smiled at him, ''''Hello, young adventurer. I''m Shelley; how can the Flying Fish help you?''''


    ''''Morris sent me here to get a room for the night,'''' Atlas responded. ''''I''m only in Starfallen for my Guild Rank Up test in the morning.''''


    When the owners heard this, their eyes widened. The woman spoke with a welcoming tone, ''''One night will be twenty silver coins. Do you want dinner?''''


    Atlas shook his head while paying for the room, ''''No, thank you. I have food already.''''


    Shelley nodded before leading him up some stairs while talking, ''''It''s rare for Old Morris to send anyone our way. You must have got on his good side.''''


    ''''You could say that,'''' he answered while the two walked down a corridor until reaching a corner room.


    She opened the door with a smile and gestured to the spacious room. "Welcome. I kindly ask that you leave it as you found it when you check out."


    "I got it, and thanks for the room," he replied in a friendly tone.


    Atlas stepped inside and settled comfortably onto the soft bed. Once lying down and relaxed, he activated the Void Realm Skill and wanted to lower the Golem''s numbers. His consciousness was sucked into the strange world only to reappear on the plateau.


    While standing there, he checked the monster''s total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 900014/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 495734/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99910/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Seconds later, the army of Void Golems started swarming him. With a grin, Atlas cast Void Infusion on his blades before dashing forward and cutting down any monster that got through his magic.


    ''I love infusion; it''s the perfect spell to use on my blades,'' he mused with a smile.


    Void Barrages was peppering the horde of stone constructs, throwing many into the sea below. As Atlas did this, he started fighting a Warrior Golem, causing sparks to fly as the stronger monster used a sword.


    Atlas managed to deflect attacks thanks to stronger blades, but his arms felt the strain as they started buckling. He quickly cast Void Wave, which wiped out the Warrior and the surrounding Golems.


    The battle raged on for hours until Atlas was finally too exhausted to lift his weapons. A powerful punch from one of the Void Golems sent him skidding across the plateau, and he tumbled into the rough waves below.


    ''Ouch, that hurt. I wasn''t expecting that attack but it was my thought for not paying attention.''


    When Atlas woke, he found himself lying comfortably in bed, smiling as he checked the monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 897967/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 495506/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99910/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''It''s good that I''m killing many of the golems during each go of the Void Realm,'' Atlas thought with a smile.


    Atlas sat up, stretching as he rose from the bed. He retrieved an Orc''s Delight Meat Box and settled at the nearby table, admiring the beautiful night sky. He ate the delicious meal and thought, ''I could never get over Valoria''s beauty.''


    Once finishing his meal, he dove back into the Void Realm, battling tirelessly through hordes of Golems and Warriors until exhaustion set in. Returning to the real world, Atlas climbed into bed and quickly fell asleep.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 165 - 165: You Will Be One Of The Greats

    Atlas woke up the following morning and noticed the inn''s ceiling, which caused him to remember what had happened the day before. After lying there for another ten minutes, he got out of bed and cringed when feeling the dirt all over him.


    ''I need to clean up before doing anything,'' he concluded while stretching his arms.


    Following this decision, he started walking toward the inn''s counter, where Shelley was sitting. The older woman was reading a newspaper but stopped when she saw him as she put it down.


    ''''Morning, young man. What can I do for you?'''' the older woman questioned with a smile.


    He wanted to wash and excitedly asked, ''''Do you know where the bathhouse is? I want to be clean before taking my test and not smell like a dead monster lying out in the sun.''''


    Shelley nodded with a laugh and gave him directions before Atlas left the inn. Walking down the street, he spotted the bathhouse and smiled happily. Thanks to all the fighting, he felt dirty. ''It reminds me of a Roman bath from Earth,'' he said.


    The building was large, featuring a green-tiled roof and an archway leading to a front counter where patrons paid for bath access. Atlas entered the bathhouse, only to smell all kinds of lovely fragrances that hit his nose.


    He shook his head and approached the counter where a man sat. The attendant looked up with a professional smile while speaking, ''''Do you want the basic bath or want something more fancy?''''


    For a second, Atlas thought before he asked, growing more curious, ''''What is the fancy option?''''


    ''''We supply you with all the cleaning materials you need, which clean the body much more than a soak in the water,'''' the attendant informed him. ''''That would cost forty silver while the first option is twenty.''''


    He gave the man forty silver, earning him several bottles of body and hair wash alongside a spray he smelled when first entering. Following that, Atlas took all the stuff and towel the attendant gave him and walked into the baths that were pointed out.


    As Atlas entered the baths, he noticed half a dozen men and women loitering around, but he paid them no mind. He stepped into the hot water, settling down and relaxing as the soothing warmth enveloped his body.


    Once relaxed, Atlas started cleaning himself with the stuff the attendant gave him. After twenty minutes, he felt clean. Afterward, he sank back into the water to check his status and see if he had made any progress.


    [Level Up: 173¡ú177]


    [Experience: 2810/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 18000]


    [Health: 1602¡ú1612(200)]


    [Mana: 7350¡ú7366(1000)]


    [Strength: 1822¡ú1838(100)]


    [Stamina: 2214¡ú2228(250)]


    [Charisma: 700¡ú706]


    [Intelligence: 1500¡ú1512]


    [Core Points: 17720/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 9000]


    After finishing his bath, Atlas dressed, only to realize he was running low on clothes. ''''Once I complete the test, I''ll buy more,'' he thought as he left the bathhouse.


    He made his way toward the Adventurer''s Guild, which wasn''t far, and it took him ten minutes to reach. Atlas entered to see a large group of people talking about tests, ''Is this the day people advance?'' he thought.


    "Adventuers who are taking the rank-up test, please follow me to the training fields so we can start!" a bald man standing seven feet tall shouted to everyone.


    Atlas started following the crowd down some stairs, only to enter a massive underground arena that looked too big to be there. He looked around and wondered what was happening until people explained that it had been created by a space mage of the Dawnstar Empire.


    While everyone was piling onto the seats, Atlas summoned his armor and weapons, which shocked the surrounding adventurers as the fights began. Several battles passed by, and he was growing bored¡ªthat was until he was summoned to the field.


    Atlas jumped up as adrenaline surged through his veins as he unsheathed his blades. The bald man smiled, his eyes gleaming with recognition. "So you''re Azhar''Zul, the savior of Starfallen City. I am Garret Silverbane, a Rank C adventurer who helps the guild with their tests."


    He nodded, and the man''s excitement grew. Wielding a massive greatsword, he exclaimed, "I saw your fight with the Order of Darkness. Show me that same warrior, and if you do, I''ll make sure you earn a Rank E instead of G!"


    The crowd erupted with excitement, many of them city natives who had heard tales of the white-haired boy who had saved their homes. Their cheers grew louder, fueling the anticipation for the upcoming fight.


    Atlas grinned at the challenge, his heart racing with anticipation. As the bell rang, Garret surged forward before hurling a barrage of Earth Lances at him. The air crackled with mana as the sharp stones streaked through the arena.


    ''Here we go! The road to becoming the strongest begins!''


    When Atlas saw this, he cast Void Infusion without hesitation, his blades glowing with void mana as he skillfully sliced through the oncoming spells, shocking everyone in the arena. After, his body became a blur as he dodged more lances, each movement quicker than the last.


    Then, with a sudden burst of speed, Atlas shot forward, creating a sonic boom that echoed throughout the arena as he became almost invisible to the naked eye. Just as Atlas closed in, Garret responded with a powerful Earth Wave, sending a shockwave of rock and dirt that pushed Atlas back.


    But Atlas wasn''t done. He leaped onto one of the remaining Earth Lances with lightning reflexes, using it as a foothold to springboard onto the others while heading straight for Garret, who was wide-eyed.


    As Atlas soared over the Earth Wall, he activated Void Step, vanishing from sight and reappearing beneath Garret in a flash. He swiped at the man''s legs, aiming to take him by surprise.


    But Garret was quick, leaping over the attack and countering with a mighty swing of his greatsword. Atlas crossed his blades just in time to block the strike, but the impact was fierce.


    The force drove him to one knee, his arms trembling under the weight of Garret''s assault. Gritting his teeth, Atlas refused to yield. In an instant, he unleashed a Void Wave that blasted Garret backward, forcing him to retreat as Atlas rose to his feet.


    The crowd erupted into a thunderous celebration, their cheers filling the arena. Atlas couldn''t help but smile as he heard the roar of approval from the onlookers. Garret, steadying himself, chuckled and called out, "Enjoying yourself, boy? You''re raw, untrained¡ªbut deadly. It''s as if you''ve crafted your own fighting style."


    He merely shrugged in response before vanishing in a blur, using Void Step to disappear. Atlas reappeared behind Garret instantly, striking with a Void Blast that sent the older warrior stumbling forward.


    Wasting no time, he unleashed a relentless storm of strikes, his blades moving like lightning. Each blow shocked Garret, who struggled to keep up with the ferocity of the attack, realizing just how unpredictable and dangerous he was.


    He pressed the attack, using everything he had learned since arriving in Valoria. Atlas kept striking and moving, not allowing Garret to get the upper hand as his legs were consistently stuck.


    The older warrior tried to counter, but Atlas was too fast¡ªdodging, deflecting, and weaving through every strike with almost effortless precision. He moved like a whirlwind, striking Garret with pinpoint accuracy, each hit targeting weak spots ruthlessly.


    Atlas watched as Garret staggered under the barrage, struggling to keep up until he finally landed a decisive blow. The older warrior dropped to one knee, breathless and defeated, as he pointed Nightblade at the man''s neck, which meant his victory.


    When the surrounding adventurers saw that a Rank C warrior had been defeated by a mere Rank H, they erupted into a frenzy. It was an unprecedented event in Starfallen City, and the air buzzed with disbelief and excitement, the cheers echoing across the arena.


    ''''You''re the next Silverblade Azhar''Zul,'''' Garret said while standing up. ''''You will be one of the greats in the future.''''


    Atlas beamed excitedly while answering, ''''That''s the plan, old man. Give it a month, and I will conquer all the strongest dungeons in the Dawnstar and Shadowrealm Empires.''''


    Garret laughed before slapping him on the shoulder, ''''I will be listening, young one. Now, let''s make you a Rank E Adventurer. The lower ranks are not in your league.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he celebrated, ''I jumped three ranks with one fight! Wait until the girls hear about me in the north.''


    Little did he know how true his impact would be. After leaving Starfallen City, word spread rapidly about the emerging adventurer who had effortlessly defeated a seasoned Rank C warrior despite being ranked three tiers lower.


    The tale of his remarkable rise and skill quickly captured the imagination of many, marking the beginning of his legend. Meanwhile, he remained blissfully unaware of how the name Azhar''Zul was gaining fame across Valoria. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Standing just outside Starfallen City, Atlas summoned Theo and climbed on the Dungeon Monster''s back as it excitedly said, ''You''ve grown much stronger, Master.''


    ''Yes I love the feeling of gaining experience,'' he replied as they took off. ''We can fly to the dungeons while heading west.''


    The Blood Bat King nodded in agreement as he sped north. Atlas pulled out his White Adventurers Card, which Garrett had given him before leaving the city. The older man wanted to fight again in a few years and would travel north toward the Thalassia Empire if the war ended anytime soon.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 166 - 166: Blackthorne Hill Dungeon

    It took Atlas and Theo an hour to finally spot the Blackthorne Hill Dungeon, situated at the base of a prominent ridge west of a city named Stardust Wharf. The beautiful, lush green hills stretched out in all directions and were covered in a thin layer of snow.


    ''Frostwinter isn''t as bad as the girls made out,'' he thought, but Atlas would soon learn how wrong he would be.


    The surroundings kept the cold air at bay; he would experience that shortly. Atlas noticed several forests covering some hills while villages were built outside. He ordered the Blood Bat King to land away from the people.


    The monster chirped in agreement and swooped toward the ground, landing gracefully on the far side of the hill. Atlas slid off Theo''s back and gave the creature a gentle pat. ''Thanks for that,'' he thought with a grateful smile.


    ''Anytime, Master,'' the Bat King answered.


    After sending the Blood Bat King back to the Dungeon Realm, Atlas descended the hill, his ears catching the distant hum of conversation. As he reached the bottom, a bustling road stretched far north and south, swarming with caravans and adventurers.


    With an excited smile, he thought, ''This dungeon should be challenging¡ªafter all, it''s my first Level Three.''


    Spotting an opportunity to blend in, Atlas headed toward the road, falling in step with the travelers as he made his way toward the entrance. While walking, he felt the cold air brush against his face.


    Atlas started shivering as the cold seeped into his bones, which caused him to summon his helmet and Enchanted Winter cloak that he wrapped around his body, which kept him warm. ''I spoke to soon earlier; it''s getting colder,'' he thought.


    He noticed the road was covered in mud, churned up by the heavy traffic of caravans and adventurers. The distant fortress of the dungeon loomed ahead, its silhouette dark against the snow-covered hills.


    Then, Atlas continued walking down the road while swerving around the carriages and groups of travelers. This one was much bigger and looked sturdy than the others he had seen.


    As Atlas approached the entrance, he reflected, ''It''s been a decade since the last wave. No wonder they''re building these fortresses over a Level Three Dungeon now.''


    One of the guards stopped him and asked to see his adventurer''s card. Atlas nodded before taking it out and showing the woman who asked, ''''Here you go.''''


    The fortress commander was happy with that and let him pass as she signaled for the gate to be open. A small man-sized door opened before stepping through it and seeing a portal in the courtyard''s center.


    Atlas spotted several cannons and metal gates blocking the way out of the fortress, ''Are they worried about a Monster Wave?'' he thought while studying the portal.


    ''''The higher-ups believe a Monster Wave will occur soon,'''' the woman commented as she appeared beside him. ''''But the Duke dismissed the concerns, so be careful when in there, and if there are too many creatures, retreat to the entrance.''''


    ''''I will; I''m not about to die in a Level Three Dungeon, miss,'''' Atlas responded. ''''But if I can level up during my run, I''ll be closer to ranking up and growing stronger.''''


    The woman offered a knowing smile as she spoke. "Just a word of caution: be careful when you encounter Bugbears. They have a nasty habit of ambushing adventurers right as they make their entrance."


    He nodded with a smile, his excitement barely contained, before drawing his weapons and stepping through the portal. On the other side, he emerged at the edge of a vast expanse of rolling hills blanketed in a shadowy forest.


    Atlas''s initial surge of confidence wavered as a shiver of nervousness crept over him, but he quickly steeled himself, ''What''s the worst that could happen? I''ll summon some of my monsters to help me.''


    He ventured into the forest, which resembled a horror movie scene¡ªdark, twisted vines coiled around gnarled trees. The moment he entered, the oppressive heat enveloped him, making his skin prickle and sweat bead on his forehead.


    Atlas drew his weapons as his senses alerted him to danger, just as a distant roar shattered the silence. As a monstrous figure emerged from the underbrush, the trees seemed to stir and shift in the distance.


    With an excited smile, he braced himself for the upcoming fight while thinking, ''Another nightmare is closing in.''


    Atlas stopped walking when he spotted a creature appear in the dark forest. This caused him to become wary as the new monster towered above him; it was an eight-foot-tall humanoid, a nightmarish mix of goblin and bear, its body covered in coarse, matted fur.


    ''A messed up Bigfoot, but these will be fun to fight.''


    Its long limbs ended in razor-sharp claws, and its face was a ghastly fusion of a goblin and a bear with glowing yellow eyes that stared at him with malice. The beast''s pointy ears and fearsome snout, lined with jagged teeth, only heightened its menacing presence.


    Built like a bodybuilder, it radiated raw power. Atlas instinctively stepped back while bracing himself for the fight; he readied his blades and focused his enhanced vision on the creature, searching for any advantage.


    Atlas felt his heart racing as he activated Void Sight to determine the monster''s rank.


    [Bugbear]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [These will be tough, but I know you can do it!]


    ''Not that strong, but where is the advice!'' Atlas thought, excitement surging through him as he dashed forward.


    The Bugbear barely had time to react before several Void Bullets cut through the air, striking its body and erupting in a series of azure explosions. When Atlas came close, he dropped low and sliced at its ankles, bringing the monster down.


    ''Stay low and use your speed to take these beasts down.''


    Atlas then pounced on its back and drove Deepforge through the creature''s skull until it vanished into the dungeon as the experience poured into him, ''''That sensation is always good,'''' he said with a smile.


    That''s when he spotted the loot that the Bugbear left behind; Atlas crouched down and picked up the red Monster Core, ten silver coins, and a mana potion, which he instantly drank to top up his mana.


    ''This will be useful and keep me in the fight,'' he believed, feeling a surge of determination. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While doing that, he quickly jumped forward and rolled as if a wooden club had smashed into the ground. Atlas spun around and shot several Void Blasts at the Bugbear that attacked him from the nearby bush.


    Atlas noticed three of them circling him, chittering at each other. His grip tightened on his swords as the first monster lunged, claws slashing through the air. He deflected the attack with a quick parry, then cast Void Wave, sending the other two creatures tumbling back.


    He quickly cast Void Infusion on his blades, the dark energy coursing through the metal. He slashed the first Bugbear across the wrist, forcing it to drop its club. Atlas followed up with a low sweep, cutting deep into its ankles and bringing the creature crashing to the ground.


    Using the same strategy, he disabled the remaining Bugbears, each collapsing as their ankles severed. They struggled to rise, but with their legs crippled, they were helpless against him.


    ''You won''t be getting up after those attacks,'' Atlas mused with a smirk.


    Atlas finished the three monsters, causing them to vanish into the dungeon, leaving behind three red cores, thirty silver, and some potions. He gathered them all before continuing to travel through the first floor.


    As Atlas navigated the dark forest, he had to tread carefully. The ground was riddled with treacherous holes and uneven terrain, and shadows obscured his path, making each step uncertain.


    To cut through the inky blackness, he cast a spell of Light, its glow pushing back the encroaching darkness and revealing the hazards ahead. The deeper Atlas traveled, the more eerie the place became as the feeling of being watched intensified the dreadful feeling that washed over him.


    ''This place is creepy,'' he mused while glancing around. ''It feels like something is going to jump out.''


    Just as Atlas thought he was safe, manic giggling erupted from the darkness, making his skin crawl. He instinctively raised his blades as a cold dread creeping over him. ''What the hell was that?'' he thought.


    He searched the shadows surrounding him but saw nothing. The cackling grew louder, accompanied by incoherent babbling that seemed to close in from every direction, sending a wave of unease through him.


    That''s when something flew out of the darkness, forcing Atlas to cut through it only to realize it was a shabby-looking arrow. When figuring this out, he quickly cast Void Guard, which deflected more attacks.


    Atlas used Void Sigh and finally found out what the new monster was.


    [Gibberling]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Your surrounded boy]


    ''Oh fuck,'' he thought while spotting the Gibberlings.


    The creatures were unsettling, hunched figures that seemed to be a bizarre fusion of man and wolf. Their fur ranged from dark brown to black, and they bore sharp teeth and claws akin to Bugbears.


    However, their crimson eyes, filled with an unsettling madness, truly unnerved him. Without warning, the forest erupted into chaos as these eerie, fur-covered beings launched a fierce attack.


    Atlas fought desperately, his weapons and armor deflecting many of their blows, but the relentless onslaught began to wear him down.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 167 - 167: That Hurt

    ''I may have bitten off more than I can chew,'' he pondered while deflecting several sharp knives that the Gibberlings were using, which confused him, ''Are they smart enough to use them? But it doesn''t feel like it, as they''re wildly swinging like children.''


    When spotting this, Atlas was shocked as he had never heard of monsters using weapons against dungeon divers. But chose to ignore it for now as the creatures surrounded him while cackling and babbling, only to be hit with a Void Wave that sent them flying.


    ''That will give me some breathing room to kill even more,'' he mused while casting his spell.


    Following that thought, Atlas wiped out a small group with Void Lance, a devastating mix of the Void Bullet and Arrow spells. The projectiles pierced through the monsters before detonating on impact with the ground, tearing through their ranks.


    As a thick dust cloud billowed around him and covered their area, Atlas shielded his visor from the debris. Seizing the moment, he cast Void Veil, cloaking the area in darkness and disorienting the remaining Gibberlings.


    The whole clearing was covered in a dark bluish color, which would help him in his fight with the Deathclaws. With the monsters blinded and their senses thrown into disarray, Atlas struck ruthlessly, eliminating them swiftly.


    Atlas watched the monsters stumble around as if they were lost, which made him laugh before he put them down. When the battle subsided, he scanned the aftermath and counted forty-seven red cores, potions, and silver coins across the ground.


    ''Annoying monsters,'' he internally complained while cleaning his blade of the blood. ''Why are they using weapons? Maybe they took them off dead adventurers? I''ll look at the Monster Compendium when I conquer this place.''


    Exhausted, Atlas sank to the base of a tree, resting against it while catching his breath after collecting all the loot and checking his status.


    [Level Up: 177¡ú178]


    [Experience: 3910/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 6100]


    [Health: 1612¡ú1616(200)]


    [Mana: 7366¡ú7388(1000)]


    [Strength: 1838¡ú1844(100)]


    [Stamina: 2228¡ú2232(250)]


    [Intelligence: 1512¡ú1514]


    [Core Points: 30470/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 12750]


    [Void Lance: 0¡ú1]


    [Void Veil: 0¡ú1]


    ''Not long until I rank up again and then I will be as strong as the girls,'' Atlas thought with a tired smile as he remembered to send Amethyst a message using the Lover''s band.


    ''I do miss that pigeon,'' he mused with a smile while waiting for her reply. ''I can''t wait to see her again.''


    Seconds later, his girlfriend Amethyst mentioned that they were hunting monsters in the Shadowfang Kingdom to the north. Estelle said the Achaemenidians wouldn''t follow due to the biting cold and the current war in Astoria.


    She added that the group had been leveling up by completing quests and dungeons. Their excitement grew when they learned that Atlas was dungeon diving. They wanted him to hurry up and heal Lilith before meeting them, which he agreed to.


    Following that, he told the phoenix that he missed her. It took some time to get a reply, but when he read it, he smiled, [I miss you so much more, Azhar''Zul. Please hurry up and meet us so we can explore together]


    After this run, Atlas would head toward the Greenskin Confederation to get an airship across the sea. Once he finally felt better, he stood up while downing a stamina and mana potion before continuing through the first floor of the dungeon.


    ''From now on, the monsters are going to be even stronger,'' Atlas thought with excitement.


    During his journey, he had to fight small groups of Bugbears and Gibberlings until he met the next monster. Chittering sounds heralded their arrival as Atlas stepped into a vast clearing only to realize he had walked straight into a nest.


    There were monster carcasses littering the ground that looked sucked dry, which creeped him out while thinking while studying the long-dead creatures, ''Spiders? It''s some form of insect, but I''m not sure which.''


    ''I''m an idiot,'' he thought, preparing his magic and readying his blades. ''Why do I always end up in these situations?''


    The monsters finally showed themselves from the surrounding treeline and underbrush. They were horse-sized dark green scorpions with beady yellow eyes that locked onto him with hunger.


    Atlas immediately spotted the menacing stinger and the pincers that snapped threateningly toward him. He quickly stepped back and activated Void Sight to assess the creature and see how much experience he had earned from killing it.


    [Deathclaw Scorpions]


    [Rank: C+ - 550 Exp]


    [Don''t let them sting you]


    ''Well, that''s bloody obvious,'' Atlas thought while waiting for the Deathclaw to rush at him.


    Seconds later, the monster did as predicted, only to end up blind as he cast Void Veil that covered the clearing. The scorpions wandered lost as they tried attacking him with their pincers and stingers.


    Atlas chuckled as he unleashed Void Arrow and Void Lance, piercing the creature''s exoskeleton and delivering a fatal blow. He pressed the attack while avoiding the few lucky strikes that came dangerously close to his torso.


    ''That was close,'' he thought, ducking beneath a snapping pair of pincers. With a swift slash, he severed them using his Nightblade.


    The battle raged on for some time as more monsters emerged, but Void Veil effectively blinded them, turning the tide in his favor. Eventually, the Deathclaws stopped appearing, allowing him to catch his breath.


    Once Atlas was prepared, he scoured the clearing for the remaining spoils, gathering nineteen red Monster Cores, silver coins, and potions dropped by the Rank C monsters. After walking for a while, he spotted the second-floor entrance and hurried toward it.


    When stepping onto the new floor, which was a forest, the same as the first, Atlas encountered additional Bugbears, Gibberlings, and Deathclaw Scorpions. Drawing on his recent battles for experience, he managed to kill them quickly.


    The Bugbears attempted to overpower him with brute strength, but Atlas''s agility allowed him to evade their strikes. Meanwhile, the Gibberlings tried to use their overwhelming numbers, but he countered their swarming tactics with a decisive Void Wave.


    Finally, the Deathclaw Scorpions joined forces with the other creatures, but Atlas responded with Void Bomb, obliterating them in a single, devastating blast. He continued traveling across floors two to seventeen while fighting dozens of Rank C creatures until he discovered a new monster.


    They were shadow beings that attacked him from the darkness, making him yell in fright. The attack was sudden, but he managed to scan them while flying through the dark forest. Atlas crashed through trees before slamming into the side of a hill.


    [Shadow Stalkers]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Use Light!]


    ''''Ahhhh, that hurt,'''' Atlas let out a moan as the pain shot through his body.


    He sat up and noticed the Shadow Stalkers encircling him, but he raised his hand before activating Light, which drove the creatures back. Atlas struggled to his feet and quickly cast Void Bullets at them.


    ''I think the force will deal with the monsters where physical ones can''t.''


    The projectiles soared through their shadowy bodies and hit the ground around them, causing explosions. Atlas watched the stalkers fade into the dungeon, dropping behind eight red cores and some silver coins.


    He let Regeneration heal his damaged body as bones popped back into place. Slices stitched themselves together while he stored away the loot before downing a health potion that helped the healing process.


    Once Atlas could walk again, he continued using Light and Void Bullets to fight against the Shadow Stalkers until he reached the twentieth floor of the dungeon, where the landscape changed to a large cavern with only one way forward.


    The ground was made from sand, and deep holes littered the landscape, causing Atlas to tread carefully until the cavern lit up with mana torches, allowing him to see his next opponent, which he scanned.


    [Deathclaw Scorpion King]


    [Sub-Boss One - Floor twenty]


    [Rank: B - 1000 Exp]


    [Use speed and your brains to fight this monster]


    [Sub-Boss: 4/4]


    Atlas was staring at a massive scorpion at least ten times the ones he had already fought on the previous floors. It rose from the sand, exposing its pitch-black exoskeleton as its massive pincers snapped. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The noise echoed off the cavern walls, a harsh, grating sound that Atlas tried to ignore. However, it grew too loud, forcing him to cringe as it reverberated through his ears. That''s when the Deathclaw King charged forward, but he quickly used Void Step to avoid it.


    He appeared silently behind the Sub-Boss, a plan forming in his mind. He decided to test something new, activating Dungeon Conqueror. Two Giant Cave Spiders materialized with a flash of dark energy and immediately pounced on the stunned monster.


    The scene made Atlas chuckle as the Sub-Boss struggled against the onslaught of the Giant Cave Spiders. But he didn''t linger on the sidelines for long. He jumped into the fray, launching a barrage of Void Arrows at the giant scorpion.


    Each strike detonated, sending shockwaves through its armored body and eliciting a roar of pain. Atlas quickly dashed forward while casting Void Infusion on his swords before using them to cut right through one of the monster''s legs.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 168 - 168: He Needs To Grow Stronger

    Atlas continued fighting the Deathclaw King by dodging its car-sized pincers, which tried snapping at him. He ducked under most attacks or used Void Step to avoid them while striking the monster with several Void Arrows and Void Lances.


    ''If I use the armor, piercing spells will weaken the Sub-Boss.''


    The spells shattered the creature''s exoskeleton, and Atlas skillfully dodged its attacks, waiting for the right moment. As the Sub-Boss began to slow, its strikes grew sluggish, creating an opening.


    Seizing the chance, Atlas targeted its vulnerable joints, slicing through the exposed soft flesh. The Deathclaw King roared in pain as he used Void Step to appear on the monster''s back, only for the stinger to thrust itself toward his torso.


    ''Too slow!'' he thought with a breath of relief.


    Atlas moved to dodge, but the Deathclaw King''s massive pincer closed in too fast. It snapped shut with murderous force, severing his left arm in a single, sickening slice. When he saw this, his face paled as the shock kept the pain at bay.


    ''Oh fuck, this is bad,'' he thought as the stump flapped around, causing blood to splatter everything.


    Seconds later, the excruciating pain surged through him, but Atlas forced himself to stay upright as blood poured from the stump. With a defiant roar, he drove his blade into a crack in the monster''s exoskeleton just as its deadly stinger impaled him.


    It pierced his armor and struck his shoulder. Atlas gasped as venom surged through his veins, burning like molten lava. His vision blurred, the edges of his vision dimmed, but he refused to give up.


    ''I will kill it before it gets me,'' Atlas steeled himself as Regeneration tried to fight the Deathclaw venom.


    Using the last of his strength, he unleashed a Void Bomb deep within the monster''s body, then vanished using Void Step. Reappearing far enough away so he couldn''t get hurt, he collapsed to one knee, barely holding on to life.


    ''The antidote potion! Lucky I looted it that day,'' he thought while remembering what was in his Dimensional Storage. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas felt his body failing, the venom ravaging him from the inside out as it gnawed away at his organs while blood poured out of the stump that used to be his left arm. Blood and flesh spilled from his mouth as the toxin tore through him.


    Through the fog of pain and trembling hands. With desperate hope, he swallowed it, holding on to the faint chance of survival as darkness closed in. His vision went black as the pain overwhelmed him, and he collapsed.


    ***


    Amethyst froze in her tracks as a sharp pain pierced her heart. Anxiety surged through her as she scanned her surroundings, a troubling thought creeping in. ''Did something happen to Azhar''Zul?''


    ''''Little bird! Why did you stop walking?'''' Grishna commented from a few feet away.


    She shook her head, anxiety rising in her voice. "I have a bad feeling¡ªAzhar''Zul might have been hurt during his dungeon dive."


    The orc woman''s face crossed with concern as she replied, frowning, ''''Try to send him a message using the Lover''s Band.''''


    ''''I will once we complete this quest,'''' Amethyst said with a strained smile. ''''We only have to deal with the goblin tribes infesting Darkwood Forst before returning to Nightfall City.''''


    ''''What''s holding you ladies up?'''' Estelle''s French accent rang out across the clearing they needed to cross.


    Following the two, women caught up with the blonde defender as Artemis appeared from the underbrush, looking baffled as she spoke, ''''I found the Goblin camp, but it''s empty with no signs apart from a few blood patches here and there.''''


    ''Did something attack them?'' was everyone''s thought when hearing the brunette''s words.


    Amethyst was confused before asking, ''''Didn''t your Eaglevision show a full camp of monsters an hour ago? What happened in that time?''''


    ''''Well, Little Bird, it did, but something has happened,'''' Artemis answered with a shrug. ''''I''m as clueless as you.''''


    The phoenix girl sighed before scanning the surrounding forest only to see an eerie patch of mana that shone like a star at night. She shook her head before pointing in its direction, ''''There''s something over there. It seems off, like poisoned mana, and it''s making my feathers crawl,'''' she informed the group.


    Estelle, Grishna, and Artemis turned to Amethyst, who became shy as they started following her. Ten minutes later, they arrived at a hole the size of a well, which confused the four. The orc woman stepped forward before peering over the edge.


    ''''Pure darkness,'''' Grishna commented in a wary voice. ''''It gives me the creeps just looking at it.''''


    When Amethyst sensed the mana emanating from the hole, an icy dread crept into her bones. Her body stiffened, and her ears drooped instinctively. This dark energy felt all too familiar¡ªjust like the ominous presence she and Atlas had faced during their encounter with the Lost Prince.


    ''Chaos! What are they doing here?'' she thought, tension rising. Then, as the pieces clicked together, she revealed what she knew. "This is the same sinister aura that clung to the creature following Azhar''Zul. It''s the darkness that threatens to swallow our world."


    The three women turned to her, and Estelle asked, in a concerned tone, as her blue eyes gleamed, ''''Is this the evil the Path speaks of?''''


    Amethyst slowly nodded. ''''Before my family left the Blue Dune Desert, rumors appeared with the Nubian merchants speaking of dungeons being affected by an unknown magic that strengthens the monsters inside,'''' she explained while looking at the hole.


    ''''My homeland experienced a similar issue, but that happened two decades ago,'''' Artemis spoke while scanning their surroundings. ''''Powerful Adventurer Parties and Nova Core Mages used to go clear them out, but even they lost people.''''


    The three women looked at the brunette as she continued, ''''The Olympaeans call it the Day Of Tears due to losing over fifty powerful warriors when the dungeons poured out trying to destroy the kingdom.''''


    Grishna nodded as if she remembered something before speaking, ''''Something similar happened in the Thalassia and Aethyrian Empires ten years ago, but recently, the dungeons have been quiet.''''


    ''''What if Azhar''Zul comes across one?'''' Amethyst asked, her voice edged with worry at the orc woman''s words.


    Estelle responded as the group readied themselves to move. ''''He needs to grow stronger, and staying with us wasn''t helping him do that. Now that he''s on his own, I''m sure he''s becoming even more powerful.''''


    Following that, the women continued through the Darkwood Forest while looking for the Goblins, only to find nothing before returning to Nightfall City, where they would report their findings to the guild.


    ***


    In the meantime, Atlas lay unconscious on the twentieth floor after defeating the Deathclaw King, who was a few feet from there. It died while dragging itself toward its damaged form, but thanks to its injuries, the monster dropped dead.


    It dissipated back into the dungeon, leaving behind a gleaming blue core, a scattering of gold coins, and a rusted metal key. While lying there, explosions and the sounds of battle emanated from the floor above.


    An hour later, Atlas jolted awake with a strangled gasp, pain crashing into him like a tidal wave, ''What is this horrible sensation,'' he thought as his mind was groggy and his body ached.


    Every nerve screamed in agony as his body fought to endure the aftermath of the brutal battle. He went to scratch his head only to notice it was still being healed and noticed it didn''t even go to his elbow.


    ''Did the venom do that much damage to me?'' Atlas pondered while the memories flowed back into his mind.


    After ten agonizing minutes, he finally pushed himself to his feet. His joints cracked and popped, each sound echoing in his ears, oddly leaving him feeling somewhat refreshed despite the lingering pain.


    Atlas winced, taking a deep breath to steady himself, and glanced around. His gaze fell on the loot scattered a few feet away.


    ''The Sub-Boss reward,'' he thought, a tiny flicker of satisfaction breaking through the haze of exhaustion.


    He stumbled over to it and noticed the glowing monster core alongside the gold coins. That''s when Atlas spotted the key and grew curious while leaning over and picking it up before scanning it.


    [Secret Dungeon Key: Opens a room with rewards if you can find it]


    ''Great! Hopefully, I''ll become rich when I find it,'' Atlas internally celebrated until he remembered the Goggles of True Sight.


    After that, he reached into his Dimensional Storage before pulling out the gear and putting them on, only to see nothing, ''It won''t be here. Maybe deeper in,'' he thought.


    Atlas slid the goggles up before sitting against the cavern wall while his arm slowly healed. Ten minutes later, explosions rang close by until a group of four adventures reached the twentieth floor.


    ''Who are these?'' he thought as they spotted him.


    A blonde woman yelped when seeing Atlas''s injury, ''''By the gods! What is a young boy doing down here!''''


    After speaking, she rushed over before trying to comfort him as the stranger checked his wounds, but Atlas said while waving her away, ''''I''m fine. Regeneration is slowly healing me. I need some time to rest.''''


    ''''Shut up, child! I''m from the Church of Healing, so let me do my job,'''' the woman snapped before casting a healing spell that washed over him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 169 - 169: Look At Them Burn

    Atlas watched as his left arm returned to normal after the blonde healer finished her spell. The woman crouched and spoke concernedly, ''''What are you doing down here, boy?''''


    ''''Isn''t it obvious? I''m here to complete the dungeon,'''' he answered, rubbing his head. ''I''m guessing you''re here to do the same thing?''''


    She nodded before holding her hand while introducing herself, ''''I''m Sheva Mooncrest, the Healer of the Rank C Sundawn Adventurers Party.''''


    ''So they''re not weak, especially if they made it to the twentieth floor,'' he pondered, the pain lingering but not as bad as before.


    Atlas shook his head before taking her hand as she lifted him to his feet. He replied cheerfully, ''''I''m Azhar''Zul, an E Rank Adventurer, and I''m currently going solo because my girls are up north.''''


    Sheva smiled warmly as the other three members of her party joined her. Atlas observed them: a green-haired elf woman, an elf man, and a human man. She gestured to the human man first, registering his brown hair, yellow eyes, and gleaming knight armor.


    ''''This is Reed Mooncrest, our defender and my husband,'''' Sheva introduced. She then indicated the elven couple, ''''And these are Elion and Nymeria Brightwood¡ªElion is our scout, and Nymeria is our mage.''''


    Following that, Atlas nodded at them, but Reed spoke in a concerned voice, ''''Sheva, you shouldn''t go rushing off like that. The Deathclaw King may be lurking around.''''


    ''''It''s dead; I defeated before falling unconscious because of all the damage I received during the fight,'''' he revealed with a smile while flexing his new arm.


    ''''That makes strange sense as the Sub-Boss doesn''t spawn if someone''s in the chamber, but normally the dungeon kicks them out,'''' Nymeria commented with a suspicious voice.


    He shrugged while answering, ''''I don''t know; all I know is that I nearly died before Sheva healed me.''''


    ''''Are you continuing diving?'''' Reed asked with a curious glint in his yellow eyes.


    Atlas had to look up at the man before replying, ''''Yes. I feel better now and will drink a stamina potion to boost me during my travels through the next floors.''''


    Sheva looked concerned as she spoke up, ''''Why don''t we let him join us?''''


    ''''That''s a bad idea. I work better solo in dungeons,'''' Atlas retorted.


    The elf couple laughed before Reed spoke, ''''It''s our responsibility to look after our fellow adventurers,'''' he said to the group before glancing at him, ''''Join us for now. We plan to fight the next Sub-Boss and could use your help.''''


    ''''Are you stupid, husband? He''s a young boy in a Level Three Dungeon. We should escort him to the entrance,'''' Sheva said while Nymeria and Elion nodded in agreement.


    Atlas looked offended as he declared while looking at the blonde woman, ''''Who are you to tell me where I can go? I got to here alone without any help until you appeared.''''


    The healer stepped forward and retorted, ''''Do you want to die Azhar''Zul? I can see you''re a battle junkie, but there will come a day when that won''t save you.''''


    ''''I won''t let fear stop me from completing this place,'''' Atlas declared with determination.


    Following that, he checked on his gear and realized his blades were missing, causing him to summon them with a thought before he sheathed them. Sheva looked torn, but Reed rallied the group to continue.


    While stepping onto the twenty-second floor, a bad feeling hit him as he felt the Chaos mana lingering. This time, it was a sparse woodland stretching in all directions with an eerie fog settling over the landscape, causing him to raise his hand and warn the four adults, ''''I would go back, or there''s a chance that you will die on one of the lower floors.''''


    ''''What do you mean! Explain?'''' the brown-haired Reed demanded.


    ''''An outside force infects the dungeon and makes the monsters inside stronger than their regular selves,'''' Atlas answered as he sensed some enemies nearby.


    Following that, he spotted several spells flying in their direction before cutting them down while casting Void Infusion on his blades, which sliced through the magic. Atlas retaliated by casting Void Barrage at the monsters.


    Explosions rang out as some Bugbears rushed in, but the Sundawn Party jumped into the fray. Reed used a giant shield to block a monster swing as their scout and mage started to attack while Sheva kept an eye on the battle.


    Atlas quickly killed many Bugbears while deflecting their attacks before blasting them with his void magic that wiped the creatures out in a wave of azure flames. The older adventurers were shocked at his speed and skill.


    Soon, the fight ended, and Atlas collected ten red cores and the loot while leaving the rest for the adults. While waiting for them to collect it, Sheva approached with an apologetic expression as she spoke, ''''I''m sorry for doubting you. My father used to say don''t just scroll by the outside but what''s inside, and I failed.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about it. I would react the same if I found a crazy boy on the twentieth floor of a Level Three Dungeon,'''' Atlas said before noticing more monsters rushing toward them.


    But this time, it was something new, and Atlas felt excitement. With a grin, he turned to his comrades. "Tell the others¡ªwe''ve got more company." Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without waiting for a response, Atlas sprinted toward the approaching horde as his swords gleamed due to the magic flying all over the sudden battlefield. As the shapes became more apparent, his pulse quickened while thinking with a big smile. ''Wild Orcs.''


    His blade flashed, cleaving through the first, its body collapsing with a heavy thud as he pressed forward, eyes already locking on his next target.


    With a flick of his wrist, Atlas hurled a Void Bomb into the thick of the orcs. It detonated in a burst of fiery energy, consuming the creatures in an inferno that scorched everything in its path.


    ''Look at them burn!'' he internally celebrated.


    The Sundawn party surged forward. Reed led the charge, his massive sword cleaving through the ranks of Wild Orcs with raw, unstoppable power. Beside him, Sheva unleashed radiant bursts of light magic, each spell searing the enemy with divine energy.


    Nymeria, standing slightly behind, began weaving intricate incantations, her hands glowing with mana. From a distance, Elion moved with precision, losing arrows that found their marks with deadly accuracy, every shot killing an orc before they could get too close.


    Then, Atlas spotted something that caused his jaw to drop as a massive lion appeared. When he saw this monster, he looked at the adventurers, who were unaware of the newcomer.


    ''Dammit, why do I always find myself in these situations,'' he thought before summoning Kara and another Death Gorilla.


    "Take the four adults to the dungeon entrance and return," he ordered, and the monsters obeyed without hesitation.


    He watched as the two towering gorillas effortlessly scooped up the adventurers. Turning to them, Atlas reassured, "It''s too dangerous for you now. These are my tames¡ªthey''ll guide you to safety."


    As Atlas stepped forward, his gaze locked on the approaching lion, the adventurers stared in disbelief. With a final glance at them, he added, "Tell the guards to seal the fortress. Chaos has arrived in the Dawnstar Empire."


    ''''Don''t be stupid, Azhar''Zul,'''' Sheva struggled as Kara held her.


    Without a word, Atlas surged forward, meeting the lunging lion head-on. He cast Void Guard, a shimmering barrier that forced the beast to crash into it with force. That''s when the monster staggered, dazed by the impact.


    Seizing the opportunity, Atlas drove Nightblade deep into the creature''s skull, ending the fight in one swift, lethal strike. More lions pounced from the underbrush, and now he could get a good look at them.


    They were double the size of ones on Earth and had black fur that hid them in the dark woodlands. Atlas locked eyes with one before it could strike and noticed the intelligence behind them.


    ''Are these monsters smart?'' he thought before dodging a swipe but had to cast Void Blast to defend himself against another.


    The monster crashed into the azure shield just as Atlas cast a Void Lance at its head, causing it to explode into bits. Following that, he quickly scanned one of the monsters circling him.


    [Dreadmaw Lion]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Pack hunters! Take out the group leader, and the rest will flee]


    After reading the advice, Atlas scanned his surroundings, searching for the lion that might be leading the pack. But there was no sign of it. Instead, what he did notice sent a chill down his spine¡ªthe two dozen massive monsters now encircling him.


    The hair on the back of his neck bristled as he realized the gravity of the situation, causing him to think with a growing smile, ''This is going to be annoying.''


    As the first lion lunged, Atlas sidestepped while casting Void Blast into its body. The explosion illuminated the woodlands like fireworks, signaling the eruption of chaos. Monsters swarmed him from all sides, their attacks relentless.


    Atlas evaded the onslaught of strikes, but a towering beast''s iron grip closed around him, threatening to crush him whole. Panic flared instantly, and he steeled himself before driving his blade deep into the creature''s eye.


    He quickly cast Void Step, vanishing in a blur of darkness just before the monstrous corpse thudded to the ground.


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 Chapter 170 - 170: I Feel Much Better

    Atlas continued fighting the Dreadmaw Lions and used his superior speed against them. The enraged monsters became sloppy in their attacks, allowing him to use Void Blast to hurt them with its volatile magic, but it wasn''t stopping all of them.


    ''This isn''t working; let''s try something else,'' Atlas thought confidently while killing a monster as he felt the blade into its skull.


    Afterward, he dodged several swipes before attacking the monster''s face by thrusting Nightblade and Deepforge through their skulls, killing the lions in one attack. Once the battle was over, five blue cores lay on the ground next to a few gold coins as smoke from his spells billowed everywhere.


    ''''There we go, all dead to my swords,'''' he muttered while preparing himself for more by drinking a stamina and mana potion.


    Atlas continued along the twenty-second floor while fighting Wild Orcs and more Dreadmaw Lions. The woodlands stretched in all different directions, and he noticed a large lake in the distance.


    He sat on a fallen tree, scanning the landscape and catching his breath, not seeing any monsters roaming around. As his gaze fell on the dark lake, Atlas started thinking, ''I bet there''s some sort of nightmarish monster hiding there.''


    Everything looked creepy as a faint light came from above, casting shadows across the ground covered in a brush. As Atlas walked, he felt the atmosphere change as something evil washed through the dungeon.


    ''I know that feeling,'' he thought while glancing around.


    But halfway through, Atlas sensed the presence of Chaos, which put him on edge, and he summoned his helmet. Soon enough, he came across a group of strange wolf-cross hyena-looking monsters that were hunting some Wild Orcs.


    He shook his head before using Void Sight on them to find out what they were.


    [Savage Wargs]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Don''t let them bite you, or the Chaos Taint will affect you]


    Atlas nodded at the advice. Just as the Wargs spotted him, their creepy yellow eyes glowed with malice. The monsters started rushing toward him while letting out cackles and weird laughs that spooked him.


    ''What the fuck is it with these creepy monsters!'' he internally complained before casting Void Bomb that sliced through the air and connected with the closest creature. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A massive explosion sent the monsters flying, allowing Atlas to rush around the battlefield like a jackrabbit, casting Void Bullets and Void Arrows into the Warg''s heads as they tried to get up.


    Ten minutes later, seven blue cores lay on the ground, which he quickly collected as more Savage Wargs appeared, causing Atlas to cast Void Guard to defend himself from the sudden attack.


    The monster slammed into the azure shield as he cast Void Lance through its body, taking out many behind it before the projectiles exploded. After that, Atlas continued slashing and stabbing the creatures after using Void Infusion on the blades.


    Thirty minutes later, all the Savage Wargs were dead, and he had earned a lot of cores, gold coins, and potions that littered the woodland ground. Atlas collected everything before traveling through the dungeon until reaching floor twenty-eight, where he met his new enemy.


    ''Dammit, they are chaos touched as well,'' he thought while studying the creatures.


    Atlas was looking at a Hobgoblin camp with at least one hundred monsters roaming around. He crouched down while coming up with a plan and remembered the Landsharks from the Shattered Chasm Dungeon.


    ''I will use them to surprise attack the Hobgoblins before launching my magic at them while they''re confused,'' he planned his next attack with a grin.


    While resting in the bush, Atlas used Void Sight on the monsters to see what advice the system would offer.


    [Hobgoblins]


    [Chaos Worshippers]


    [Rank: B - 500 Exp]


    [Be very careful with these monsters; they are bright, and some of them are much stronger than you]


    ''Interesting,'' Atlas mused before adding another phase to his plan. ''Ten Landshark then bring out Big Momma to deal with the survivors alongside me.''


    With a focused breath, Atlas activated Dungeon Conqueror, summoning the Landsharks. The massive, hippo-sized beasts materialized around him, their odd, almost endearing chirps a strange contrast to their formidable appearance¡ªarmored bodies and rows of razor-sharp teeth.


    Despite their fearsome looks, there was something friendly about them, a bond that felt more profound than summons or battle tools. A warm smile tugged at Atlas'' lips as he stroked one of the Landsharks.


    The creature leaned into his touch, letting out a contented rumble that made Atlas realize they were loyal companions. He looked at them, then pointed at the Hobgoblin camp, saying, ''''We will ambush them for below.''


    All the Landsharks nodded their big heads in agreement. Shortly after, the monsters dived into the ground while one waited for him to climb on its back.


    Atlas wasted no time. He cast Void Guard, encasing himself in a shimmering barrier as the ground quaked beneath him. The Landshark plunged violently into the earth, heading straight for the unsuspecting Hobgoblin camp.


    The monsters, oblivious to the impending doom, were caught off guard as the Landsharks erupted from the ground, their terrifying jaws slicing through the Hobgoblins with unrelenting fury.


    As chaos erupted, Atlas leaped into action. With a fierce battle cry, he activated Call of the Void. The air crackled with energy as a swirling portal tore open, and from its depths, the Void Bear Queen emerged with an earth-shattering roar that shook the very ground.


    She surged forward while radiating raw power. The massive black bear quickly tore through the monsters as Atlas joined the fray while riding a Landshark and casting dozens of Void Bullets, Lances, and Blasts.


    Explosions erupted across the camp, sending shockwaves of chaos as his monstrous legion clashed fiercely with the Hobgoblins. With a thunderous roar, Atlas soared from the back of a great shark, his descent a blur of fury and purpose.


    His blade found its mark as he landed on the monster''s chest, driving through the Shaman''s face with an excited smile. In the same breath, he unleashed the Void Wave, a dark tide of energy surging forth to obliterate all in its path.


    The azure wave rushed out of him and slammed into the surrounding monsters as the Queen battled with the leader, successfully tearing its armor apart. Atlas saw this and dashed toward the beast while sliding under a swipe and ducking to the side as a Hobgoblin swung a rusted axe at his head.


    Atlas ducked before casting Void Barrage, which peppered the monsters and others around it. He smiled when he saw this before joining the Void Queen Bear, who had just killed the Hobgoblin Leader by biting off its head.


    He watched as the bear popped the monster''s head like a watermelon, causing blood and brain to fly all over the place as a group killed the last Landshark. When Atlas saw this, he cast several Void Bombs into the remaining groups as the bear hugged him for protection.


    The twentieth-ninth floor erupted as the flames wiped out the Hobgoblins, leaving behind the cores, coins, and potions. Atlas was freed from the Void Bear hug once he dismissed her back to the Void Realm.


    After that, Atlas collected thirty Monster Cores before resting on the ground due to exhaustion taking over his body. He slumped down in a small cave under a tree as Dreadmaw Lions and Savage Wargs appeared.


    ''I''m exhausted and need to rest for a while.''


    From his hidden vantage point, Atlas watched as the dungeon creatures scoured the area in a frenzy, desperately trying to track him down. But his concealment was perfect, keeping him safe from their searching eyes.


    Taking a moment to recover, he quietly pulled out a Griffin Meat Box and began eating, savoring the meal as the chaotic beasts rampaged through the dungeon, unaware of his presence.


    ''Looks like the monsters are pissed off,'' he thought with a tired smile.


    Despite their frantic attempts, they couldn''t find him, leaving Atlas with a quiet moment of peace amid the chaos. While eating, he felt his energy slowly returning before wrapping the Enchanted Cloak around himself.


    Afterward, Atlas got comfortable and soon fell asleep as a dungeon storm started. This one was much worse due to the chaos infecting the palace. The following day, he woke up feeling refreshed.


    ''I feel much better now,'' he mused, stretching his arms.


    He shook his head and climbed out of his cave, determined to press on. As Atlas made his way through the dense woodlands of the following floors, the familiar sounds of battle filled the air while he killed many monsters on his journey.


    The monsters were the same as before, allowing him to cut through them quickly. He noticed the endless woods but pushed forward, knowing a Sub-Boss was incoming. This excited him because he was leveling up and becoming stronger.


    Then, Atlas reached floor thirty and noticed a rolling grassland stretching in all directions until he saw a large arena resembling the coliseum, causing him to think, ''I wonder what monster will appear.''


    Once he stepped onto the dark stone, the arena trapped him inside as the gate opposite opened. Shortly after, Atlas heard loud footsteps approaching from the entrance, making him excitedly grin.


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 Chapter 171 - 171: Deathglade Gem

    While watching the entrance, Atlas saw a massive Hobgoblin appear with glowing red eyes and the same chaos mana roaming its body. It wore metal armor while using a giant greatsword, which looked rusty and put together with sellotape.


    Atlas chuckled out his comparison before shaking his head and scanning the monster using Void Sight.


    [Hobgoblin Warrior King]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Use your speed boy]


    [Sub-Boss: 2/4]


    ''This is going to be fun,'' he thought while readying his blades as adrenaline surged through his veins.


    It stood at ten feet and was built like a tank, but that didn''t bother Atlas as he flung a few Void Lances at the monster. The Hobgoblin Warrior blocked the magic using his sword to cut through it before rushing toward him.


    ''Here we go, let''s use its size against it.''


    Atlas smiled before throwing a Void Bomb at it. The creature tried to sidestep it, but it was too late. The projectile slammed into the monster''s chest, causing it to erupt and stumble back.


    ''Now to strike while it''s confused,'' Atlas took this opportunity before dashing toward the Hobgoblin Warrior, using Void Step to appear on the monster''s back.


    He started striking at the exposed flesh, causing its blood to splash all over his body, ''Ewww, this stuff smells disgusting,'' he thought while cringing.


    Following that, he cast Void Bomb directly into the monster''s body before it exploded; Atlas cast Void Step to escape the shockwave that wiped out his opponent, leaving behind a purple core and a pile of gold coins.


    Atlas approached the pile, but a rumble deeper in the dungeon shook the ground, causing him to glance around. ''Maybe Chaos is making things harder, I bet I will start running into them soon.''


    He collected the spoils and descended to the lower floors. However, upon arriving, he found the area eerily empty¡ªno monsters, no activity. Slipping on his True Sight Goggles, Atlas began scanning the surroundings for any hidden rooms or secrets that might be concealed.


    ''Nothing, but I''ll keep them on for now,'' Atlas mused before making his way through floors thirty-one to forty, a series of tunnels leading to the entrance to the next level. However, it was pitch black, causing him to cast Light. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This lit up the passage, allowing Atlas to see the path forward. Thanks to the goggles, he saw a glow in the distance and headed toward it. His eyes gleamed with greed when noticing it was a secret door.


    ''Treasure?'' Atlas thought, but that''s when a wave of arrows peppered him.


    The sudden attack made him yelp as he countered with Void Bullets that peppered the newcomers, causing explosions to rip through the tunnel. Atlas quickly used Void Sight through the dust cloud to find out who these attackers were.


    [Chaos Follower]


    [Race: Tainted Human]


    [Level: 259]


    [Rank: Journeyman]


    ''People!'' Atlas thought as his eyes widened. ''Now this is a surprise.''


    He quickly moved toward the men and ducked lower before swiping with both blades. The blades tore through the enemy''s armor as he took the enemies down, and they let out a yelp of surprise.


    ''I will capture one to question,'' he pondered while thinking about why they are here.


    Then, Atlas cast Void Wave, which sent the others crashing into the walls.''Time to move,'' he thought before rushing around the tunnel and finishing off the enemy efficiently due to the sudden attack.


    Atlas left one Chaos Follower alive after dealing with them all. He slowly approached the dying man and crouched before him while taking off his helmet, which shocked him, ''''You''re the Voidwalker!'''' he muttered.


    ''''Yes you''re right,'''' Atlas replied with a grin. ''''Now, why are you in this dungeon? And I''d advise you to tell the truth.''''


    The man shook his head, his smile widening, though it never quite reached his eyes. "I was hoping you''d say that," he said with a cold edge to his voice. "Now I get to put my new monsters to the test."


    With that, Atlas waved his hand and activated Dungeon Conquerer to summon a dozen Giant Leeches that lunged at the Chaos Follower, which made him smile as he spoke, ''''They will inject poison into your body that will keep you alive.''''


    Following that, he summoned Cave Weavers, who also started eating the man while he struggled and soon wanted to talk. Atlas ordered the monsters to back off, which they did as he spoke, ''''Now what are you doing in this dungeon?''''


    ''''We''re looking for the Deathglade Gem,'''' the Choas Follower answered in a strained voice. ''''The General wanted to present it to the king.''''


    Atlas nodded understanding before motioning to the monsters who pounced on the man and started eating him alive. He smiled at this before looting the dead followers before he approached the secret door.


    He pushed open the door and stepped into a small room, his gaze immediately drawn to a pedestal against the far wall. ''Is this what they''re after?'' Atlas wondered, moving further inside.


    On the pedestal rested a small chest perched on a red cushion. Curious, he approached and carefully lifted the lid, revealing what lay inside. There was a small piece of black metal that glowed with mana.


    ''What is this thing? It seems like treasure to me,'' he thought.


    His curiosity soared, causing Atlas to pick it up, and he used Void Sight to find out any information.


    [Darkmoor Metal: Let it touch your armor, and it will boost its defense while also allowing you to blend into your surroundings]


    Atlas was excited, but that''s when he heard another group of Chaos Followers heading down the tunnel. Without a second thought, he pushed the door closed and listened to the voices that appeared.


    "We need to find the Deathglade Gem, as it''s a vanquisher that the king detests," a woman''s domineering voice echoed.


    He grew curious, but a man spoke in a submissive voice, ''''We know the boy has one piece of the puzzle. There''s nine more, and the King''s Map we can find before him.''''


    When hearing the enemy''s words, Atlas remembered the ingot he found a while ago and pulled it out of the dark blue metal, which felt right in his hand. He put it back as the Chaos Followers passed by, sighing in relief as he put the Darkmoor Metal against his armor.


    A brilliant light flared as the ingot melded into Atlas''s armor, sending a surge of power through it, making him grin with satisfaction. He watched in awe as the armor seamlessly shifted its color to blend perfectly with the wall he leaned against.


    ''This is amazing,'' he mused with an excited smile. ''I will be able to kill a lot of Chaos Followers while hidden in the shadows.''


    Then, Atlas left the hidden room and stepped back into the tunnel before walking deeper into the dungeon. Glancing around, he saw nothing as he entered the forty-second floor, which wasn''t any more tunnels.


    ''Strange, are the followers clearing the dungeon?'' he thought while scanning the horizon and seeing tall mountains covered in an eerie mist.


    That''s when cold air brushed against his skin, causing him to put his helmet back on while glancing at the dead landscape. Following that, Atlas continued to travel across the grassland only to hear a roar in the distance.


    His head snapped in that direction, and he realized a battle was going on, causing him to summon Theo before jumping on his back. The Blood Bat King soared in the air until explosions and screams could be heard.


    Atlas spotted two dozen Chaos Followers attacking a massive mammoth-looking monster with long, shaggy brown fur and two vicious-looking tusks protruding from his face. He quickly noticed the creature was protecting a smaller one.


    When Atlas saw this, he grew curious and scanned them.


    [Mistwalker]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [One of the rare neutral Dungeon Monsters]


    ''Interesting,'' he thought before deciding to help the monsters.


    Then, Atlas ordered Theo to target the Chaos Followers with a screech to get the jump on them. The Dungeon Monster agreed with a chirp as he swooped down, allowing him a perfect shot at the attackers.


    He unleashed a Void Barrage, sending a storm of azure explosions cascading over the eerie humanoids. With a deft leap off Theo''s back, he employed Void Step to materialize directly in front of their leader.


    In a seamless motion, he slit the leader''s throat before casting a volley of Void Bullets at the remaining foes. Their high-pitched screeches filled the air as they clutched their ears in pain, allowing Atlas to eliminate the rest of the enemies swiftly.


    Thanks to his speed, magic, and weapons, the Chaos Followers stood no chance against his growing skill. Ten minutes later, Atlas stood before the giant Mistwalker, staring at him with a curious gleam in its yellow eyes.


    Following that, Theo dropped behind him, causing the mammoth-looking monster to back off, but Atlas spoke with a friendly smile, ''''I''m not here to hurt you. Hide until I kill them all.''''


    The Mistwalker''s trunk slowly approached him and nudged his body while making a happy noise.


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 Chapter 172 - 172: The Voidwalker Is Here

    Atlas watched as the Mistwalker nodded in gratitude before disappearing into the shadows with the smaller one in tow. Theo chirped softly, vanishing back into the Dungeon Realm. he pressed on until he emerged onto the next floor¡ªa vast arena.


    ''Another Sub-Boss?'' he pondered.


    Atlas pressed forward, his boots echoing on the cold stone floor, when suddenly, the familiar hum of Chaos Mana surged to life, sealing off the arena around him. His instincts flared with unease. Something''s wrong here, he thought, scanning the space warily.


    Without warning, the gate on the opposite side groaned open, releasing a swarm of humanoid creatures. They were grotesque¡ªgaunt, grey-skinned, with unnaturally elongated limbs.


    ''Another damn nightmare,'' he thought.


    Their movements were unsettling, jittery, and erratic as they scuttled forward on all fours. The sight of them sent a shiver down his spine; something about their unnatural, twitching motions made his skin crawl.


    ''The fuck are these horrible things!'' Atlas thought while readying his blades and deflecting the first swipe of the closest creatures.


    Sparks flew as the claws connected with his swords, but he was able to use Void Sight on the monster.


    [Chaos Nightbane]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Fight with all you''ve got, boy!]


    When Atlas saw this, he quickly cast Void Wave that sent the Nightbanes scrambling backward as the azure flames slammed against them¡ªfollowing that, he rushed forward before slashing through two creatures and blasting another with Void Blast.


    ''No matter how many of them I kill they keep returning,'' he pondered while casting Void Infusion on his weapons.


    More monsters surged forward, teeth bared and claws slashing wildly. Atlas deftly dodged their frenzied attacks, but a few managed to strike his armor, sending him stumbling backward.


    ''This isn''t working,'' Atlas thought while deflecting the Nightbanes claws aiming for his head.


    Gritting his teeth, he quickly gathered his focus and cast Void Bomb into the heart of the swarm. The explosion rippled through the arena, tearing apart the twisted creatures in a flash of dark energy.


    The brief pause in the onslaught gave Atlas the moment he needed. With a deep breath, he summoned Kara and a group of Death Gorillas. The beasts materialized beside him from the azure portal, their forms bristling with power as they prepared to charge.


    Atlas ordered them to attack, and they instantly did so as their giant fists quickly crushed the Nightbanes. He summoned some Void Raptors and Bears that helped the Death Gorillas thin out the numbers.


    ''This should help,'' Atlas thought while cutting down several Nightbanes that got close to him.


    While the monsters fought, he cast as many Void Bullets and Void Blasts as possible into the swarm of creatures, which caused dozens of them to be wiped out in a flurry of explosions that erupted across the battlefield.


    He was becoming high on the amount of experience he was getting, which shocked him. The battle continued for a few hours, causing Atlas to grow tired. His mana was low, and exhaustion quickly set in, thanks to the constant use of his magic.


    Kara let out a roar, and the gorillas circled as she scooped him into her arms. When Atlas was secured, she started running while the other monsters kept the horde of Chaos Nightbanes at bay.


    The Death Gorilla ran onto the next floors only to be met with more creatures tainted by the evil mana. Half an hour later, Atlas woke up after recovering enough mana to function. He quickly ordered her to stop and find a place for them to rest, which she did by climbing up a nearby mountain.


    His head spun, but it soon calmed down as Kara let him down on a ledge she climbed onto, ''Is chaos ruining this dungeon? There weren''t any regular monsters or the Sub-Boss,'' he thought.


    Atlas shrugged when he could not think of an answer before turning around and spotting a secret entrance on the side of the mount, which surprised him. He approached it and opened it only to see a small pedestal with an odd-looking gem.


    ''Is that what Chaos is after?'' he thought as he stepped into the room and saw two chests beside it.


    Without wasting more time, Atlas scanned the gem using Void Sight to determine if it was what he was looking for.


    [Deathglade Gem]


    [Rank: Artifact]


    [Level: 2]


    ''This is it,'' Atlas thought with an excited smile. ''That means I''ve got two pieces and need eight more. But I also have to go to Babylon City to get the map.''


    Following that, Kara spoke in his mind, ''I will stay outside, master, and keep watch while you rest.''


    ''Thanks, girl,'' he replied with a smile as he picked up the Deathglade Gem and stored it away so Chaos couldn''t find it.


    Once that was secured, Atlas looked at the chests and opened them to see a pile of gold coins and silver in the other. When he saw this, he got excited and started counting. Half an hour later, he counted four hundred gold coins and six hundred silver.


    ''I''m quickly becoming wealthy but I wonder how many dungeons have been affected by Chaos,'' he pondered. ''Hopefully not too many because I need the experience and monsters.''


    He got out his sleeping bag before placing it on the floor, got comfortable while pulling out a Griffin Meat Box, and started eating the hot meal that made him feel better.


    Once Atlas finished the food, he lay down and started falling asleep as a battle erupted outside. This caused him to worry, but Kara''s voice sounded, ''I''m leading them away, Master. The Chaos Monsters was hunting us.''


    ''Be careful, Kara,'' he replied in a worried tone.


    The Death Gorilla never answered, but Atlas still fell asleep due to the exhaustion that overwhelmed him. When he woke up the following day, he sensed Kara was back in the Dungeon Realm.


    ''Maybe a monster got her?'' he mused while sitting up.


    Atlas felt refreshed and was about to rise when his stomach growled in protest. Realizing he was still hungry, he reached for a Forest Boar Meat Box and devoured its contents quickly, satisfying his immediate hunger but still craving more.


    Determined to recharge fully, Atlas pulled out a Dragon Meat Feast. He consumed it with gusto, and the hearty meal left him feeling better; following that, he left the hidden room and noticed the battle scars littering the mountain ledge.


    ''Who was Kara fighting?'' Atlas thought while making his way down to the ground below.


    When reaching the quiet dungeon floor, he wondered where the Chaos Followers were but readied himself. Atlas continued traveling but encountered no monsters apart from a pack of Dreadmaw Lions.


    They tried to attack him only to end up dead, thanks to his skill and magic, which blew them away. After that, Atlas continued until reaching the stairs down, and when stepping onto the next floor, he encountered the same.


    By the time Atlas reached the seventy-first floor, no monsters annoyed him. Soon enough, he found Chaos Followers creeping through the forests in large groups, causing him to smile before he started hunting them.


    He rushed through the underbrush and approached the first group of five followers. Atlas readied his blades before casting Void Step to appear in the center of the surprised men and women.


    Atlas chuckled as he started attacking them, which caught the enemy off guard. He plunged his blade through one man''s chest while blasting another with Void Blast, sending the follower crashing into the ones behind.


    ''Let''s take them out to annoy whoever is in charge,'' he thought excitedly, attacking more Chaos Followers.


    His blades sliced through their armor while his magic took out other enemies. The azure flames washed over them. It took Atlas ten minutes to deal with the five while ensuring no one heard his ambush.


    Atlas continued sneaking through the woods until coming across their camp, which was set up. Without meaning to, he found the person leading the Chaos Followers. He was walking toward a farm outside the fortifications.


    Without a second thought, Atlas began tracking the man, puzzled by the lack of visible guards. ''Why isn''t he being protected?'' he wondered.


    As the leader moved further away, Atlas seized the opportunity. He launched several Void Arrows, their deadly precision slicing through the air. The man''s shock was palpable as he barely had time to react. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seizing the opportunity, Atlas used Void Step to close the distance instantly, his blade driving through the man''s head. Blood splattered the ground behind him before he cast a Void barrage at the other followers.


    ''''The Voidwalker is here!'''' a voice shouted, causing Atlas to smile. He knew there would be more to kill.


    He started killing the injured followers as hundreds encircled him while looking at him like they had found a long-lost prize. Atlas removed his helmet, allowing them to see his white hair and azure eyes, confirming their suspicions.


    That''s when a tall humanoid stepped forward with a limp, causing Atlas''s eyes to narrow while he prepared to fight it. The creature spoke harshly, ''''The king will award me for this unexpected prize.''''


    Atlas chuckled while he watched even more Chaos Followers surround him. This only caused his excitement to grow.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 173 - 173: Enough

    "The predicament you''re in, Voidwalker, is no laughing matter," the Chaos Being said, its voice dripping with menace.


    Atlas looked closer and realized the creature resembled a wendigo but with a more unsettling vitality. Its skin was a ghostly white, marred by dark veins that snaked up its arms, culminating in claws that seemed sharp enough to tear him to shreds.


    The creature''s grotesque features sent a shiver down Atlas''s spine, but he forced himself to stay resolute. As he braced for the impending clash, a single thought cut through his resolve: ''This thing looks dangerous.''


    With a casual shrug that belied his inner tension, he activated Void Sight to gauge the creature''s strength.


    [Chaos Commander]


    [Level: 445]


    [Rank: Master]


    [Run, foolish boy]


    ''No,'' Atlas declared. ''I will kill this fucker and grow stronger.''


    Without thinking, he slung three Void Bombs, followed by Void Lances, as the creature sliced the air, leaving behind trails of mana. The Chaos Commander dodged the spells, but the followers encircling him were torn apart in roaring azure flames.


    ''If I can''t hit you, I will kill the others,'' he thought with a smirk while sensing something. ''Here we go.''


    Atlas quickly raised his blades to defend himself as the being attacked him so fast despite the fact he was quicker. It turned into a contest of speed versus power as he dodged many strikes; the rank difference was noticeable, but he wasn''t bothered by it.


    The Chaos Commander was surprised that Atlas was proactively attacking without giving him a chance to counter. He ducked to one side before using Void Step to vanish and strike at the being''s back, causing it to stumble forward.


    ''Let''s see you combat this fucker,'' Atlas thought before he quickly cast Void Barrage that peppered the creatures.


    Explosions roared with explosive fury, tearing through the seventy-first floor as it quaked under immense force. Amidst the chaos, he summoned Medusa, who emerged from a swirling portal with a thunderous crash.


    She obliterated the Chaos Followers with relentless fury, her serpentine maw devouring those who dared to stand in her path. Witnessing the destruction, Atlas let out a booming laugh, his eyes ablaze with battle fervor.


    He charged at the Chaos Commander, a menacing figure wielding twin blades. As the commander swung, Atlas met the assault head-on with Deepforge, the clash of their weapons reverberating through the air.


    The second blade struck, but Atlas deflected it effortlessly with Void Guard, then unleashed a blistering Void Wave that surged forward like a tidal force. The chaos being staggered, overwhelmed by the relentless onslaught.


    Atlas''s strikes came in a ruthless storm, and his movements blurred into a whirlwind of afterimages. Each blow landed with crushing strength, leaving the chaos commander reeling as it started bleeding.


    ''''Let''s see how you handle this,'''' Atlas muttered, his voice barely audible over the sounds of the battle around them.


    Atlas activated Void Step, vanishing from sight in a streak of azure. The Chaos Commander''s head snapped around, its eyes narrowing as it tried to track the sudden disappearance, but the creature couldn''t find him.


    Before it could react, Atlas reappeared behind the Commander, his blades arcing the air with deadly precision while infused with the power of the Void. The being roared in surprise as his swords sliced through the air, scoring deep, glowing gashes across its back.


    Each cut was accurate and aimed at weakening the creature''s formidable defenses. The beast staggered, dark tendrils of energy writhing from the wounds. ''''You''re too slow,'''' Atlas taunted, his voice echoing in the Chaos Commander''s ears.


    The creature whirled around with surprising speed, its claws slashing through the space where he had been just a moment before. But Atlas was already moving again; he darted in and out of its reach, his blades flashing in a relentless barrage of strikes.


    ''''Enough!'''' it roared while using some powerful magic that Atlas felt. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It caused him to back off while casting ten Void Bombs at the Chaos Commander while Medusa picked him up to clear the area. Atlas wasn''t done, and it was peppered with Void Bullets and Arrows, just an explosion that ripped through the dungeon.


    The Death Serpent wrapped its elongated body around him to shield him from the shockwave heading their way. Atlas cast Void Guard over them, which didn''t help much but blunted some of the damage.


    They were hurled through the air, but Atlas landed gracefully on his feet. His senses, sharpened by the Void, warned him of incoming spells. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his Void Infusion allowing him to slice through the magic.


    ''I love this spell,'' he thought with a smile. ''It makes fighting stronger enemies a little bit easier.''


    Atlas blocked the spells so quickly that the Chaos Commander was momentarily disoriented. He seized the opportunity and hurled Deepforge at the creature''s head as a distraction. The being tried to evade, but he used Void Step and reappeared behind it to drive his blades through its back.


    ''''Got you fucker!'''' he said with a smirk.


    The creature''s surprise turned to shock as it realized that Atlas had summoned the blade he had thrown and used it to impale it. He leaned in and whispered in a voice full of malice, ''''One day, I will kill the Chaos King and vanquish all of you vile creatures to the void for me to eat for eternity.''''


    Then, Atlas cut the being''s head off with a mighty swing. The Chaos Commander''s body dropped to the ground with a thud while the experience poured into him. Medusa rushed after the fleeing followers and ate them without much effort.


    After the battle, Atlas and Medusa hunted the other Chaos Followers in the dungeon until they reached the boss. He was standing on the Death Serpent''s head as her voice sounded in his mind, ''Somethings wrong master. The mana feels strange.''


    ''''Yes, Chaos has defiled the dungeon, and I''m here to clean it up,'''' Atlas replied with a determined smile. ''''Once we defeat the boss, it will return to normal, and I will get more monsters to use in battle.''''


    Following that, the duo entered a massive arena, its towering walls sealing them in as the dungeon prevented any chance of escape. Atlas leaped off Medusa''s head, landing with a graceful thud as a sinister voice echoed through the chamber.


    "Little Voidwalker thinks he can fight me? Hilarious," the voice mocked, dripping with malice.


    Atlas''s head snapped toward the source of the booming voice. His eyes widened in shock as he saw a towering figure¡ª''a giant!'' he thought, his pulse quickening while scanning the incoming monster.


    [Hill Giant]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Are you fucking stupid! Don''t you dare!]


    ''Go away, this is my fight, and I won''t be backing away as I''ve grown stronger over the last couple weeks,'' Atlas replied to the advice while readying his blades as he watched the monster.


    It stood over twenty feet tall, resembling a grotesque version of a human. It had a single, enormous eye that glowed with Chaos Mana, and its body was built like a mountain, rippling with bulging muscles.


    A massive sword rested in its hand, and though it wore shabby, ill-fitting, and worn armor, its sheer size and power made him wary, but Atlas pushed that aside and pointed Nightblade at the monster before declaring, ''''You will die here and will become my minon, now shut up and fight!''''


    Following that, Atlas cast several Void Lances while sprinting toward the monster. Medusa joined him and roared before lunging at the Hill Giant and tangling its legs, which brought the brute crashing to the ground.


    ''Nice one Medusa! Keep it up girl!'' Atlas dodged this using Void Step to appear mid-air before falling toward the monster''s head, but it protected it with its hand as he stabbed down.


    The Giant flung him away so it could deal with the Death Serpent. When Atlas saw this, he activated Call of The Void and summoned Big Momma, who crashed into the Hill Giant''s face as she heard a fierce roar.


    While the monsters were fighting, he used Void Arrows and Bullets to weaken their legs. But that''s when smaller giants appeared, causing Atlas to turn his attention before summoning a pack of Savage Void Bears and Void Warrior Raptors that tore through the enemy.


    Atlas turned his attention back to the Hill Giant and used Void Step to appear above and cast Void Lance but pumped the rest of his mana into it, causing it to triple in size before he sent it flying toward the monster''s head.


    The azure projectile shot from Atlas''s hand with such force that it tore through the air, creating a loud sonic boom. As he descended from his leap, he summoned Theo, who appeared with a piercing screech, catching him mid-air.


    Hovering with powerful wingbeats, Theo held him steady just as the spell struck the giant''s shoulder. The impact was catastrophic as it exploded in a burst of azure light, and a torrent of dark blood splattered across the arena as the massive limb was blown clean off.


    The giant let out a thunderous roar of agony, staggering from the force of the blast. Theo descends as Atlas exclaims with amusement, ''''I did say you will die here and become my minion chaos scum. Now stay still and let me finish the job.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 174 - 174: This Is Beautiful

    Atlas watched the Hill Giant roar as it raised its remaining arm, which held its club. He quickly cast Void Lance, which slammed against the monster''s elbow, causing it to drop the weapon and crash to the ground.


    ''Here we go,'' he thought with an excited smile. ''I can end this fight now,''


    After that, he ordered Medusa and Theo to attack the boss. He blew away the smaller giants with his azure flames that tried to get in his way and scanned a surviving monster using Void Sight to determine the rank.


    [Giant Warrior]


    [Chaos Touched]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Use your speed and speed]


    Atlas took a deep breath, his senses sharpened as he processed the advice. Without hesitation, he dashed forward, his twin blades humming with the deadly energy of Void Infusion.


    Each step was a blur as he tore through the ranks of the Giant Warriors, slicing effortlessly through flesh and bone as if they were mere paper.


    The hulking boss roared in frustration, its massive foot crashing down toward Atlas. But with a flicker of movement, he vanished, using Void Step to reappear just out of reach. He landed gracefully, barely a heartbeat, before charging his swords with Void Bullet.


    ''Nearly ready now.''


    Without slowing down, Atlas sprinted toward the boss''s remaining arm as it swung in a desperate attempt to crush him. He darted between the strikes with a determined gleam in his eyes as he closed in for the final blow.


    As the Hill Giant attacked again, Atlas moved with calculated precision. He hurled both swords at the beast''s head, each blade slicing through thick flesh before detonating in an explosion.


    The massive creature stumbled back, dazed but still standing. Atlas''s eyes narrowed as he whispered, "You''re dead now."


    Without wasting a second, he sprinted toward the injured giant, summoning his swords back into his hands with a flicker of energy. His focus was unwavering as he launched toward the creature''s eyes, narrowly avoiding a massive fist as it tried to swat him out of the air.


    He shifted mid-flight with a Void Blast, altering his trajectory to land on the giant''s arm. Atlas sprinted up the arm''s length, his feet barely touching the creature''s rough skin as he prepared for the final blow.


    ''Now lets show Chaos why they should fear me,'' he thought with an excited smile.


    Void energy crackled through his Nightblade, the power building with every step. With a fierce cry, he leaped toward the giant''s head, driving his blade deep into its skull. The Void Bomb detonated with a thunderous boom.


    The force sent Atlas flying through the air, but a screech rang out as Theo swooped down and caught him in his claws. Medusa burrowed underground, and the explosion wiped out all the Chaos Monsters.


    Once the explosion settled, Atlas retrieved 127 glowing purple cores, gold coins, and potions alongside a gold boss token, which caught his attention. He then scanned the token for any helpful information.


    [Blackthorne Hills Gold Boss Token ¨C Level Three Dungeon]


    ''My first gold token. At least I have proof I completed it,'' Atlas thought with a smile.


    While doing that, a man''s voice sounded in his mind,'' Dungeon Conquerer! You freed me from that vile Chaos, they nearly achieved in converting me to their side but thanks to your assistance I survived.''


    A portal opened, causing Atlas to step through it after dismissing his monsters. He appeared in front of the Dungeon Core, which he touched as the voice spoke again, ''It will be good to work with you. I hope I''m able to help you.''


    Atlas nodded as he connected with it and felt the Blackthorne Hills join the other in the Dungeon Ream. When that happened, the voice revealed, ''I will send you a list of the monsters available to you now, Master.''


    Confused, he shrugged while replying in a grateful tone, ''Thanks for the help.''


    Once he spoke, a portal opened nearby, leading to the dungeon entrance. Atlas stretched his arms before checking his status.


    [Level Up: 178¡ú179]


    [Experience: 1760/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 28950]


    [Health: 1616¡ú1728(200)]


    [Mana: 7388¡ú7576(1000)]


    [Strength: 1844¡ú2018(100)]


    [Stamina: 2232¡ú2480(250)]


    [Charisma: 706¡ú760]


    [Intelligence: 1514¡ú1594]


    [Core Points: 53420/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 22950]


    ''Its slowing down but I got a big boost to my attributes,'' he thought before stepping through the portal.


    Atlas reappeared at the entrance and entered the fort, only to see it destroyed. Corpses littered the ground, causing him to wonder, ''What happened here?''


    He glanced around, only to notice that claws made the wounds on the bodies while the footprints were humanoids. Then, Atlas left the fortress behind and saw black smoke billowing across the landscape.


    ''War maybe?'' he thought while glancing around.


    When Atlas saw that, he summoned Theo and climbed onto the monster''s back before it took off and started flying west. He looked below and noticed villages burning as a battle was going on.


    Soldiers in white armor were battling ones in black in a blood-filled field. When Atlas saw this, he wondered what had happened but soon ignored it as he saw a few more battlefields.


    Theo flew for a full day and still hadn''t crossed the Nivaria Continent engulfed in a brutal war. During their flight, Atlas noticed that the Dawnstar army was pushing the Shadowrealm invaders back.


    This made him laugh as it was a back-and-forth. Soon enough, the Blood Bat King said, ''I need to eat, Master. There is a mountain nearby that I will leave you before going to find food.''


    Atlas watched as the monster landed on a ledge isolated from the chaos below. He jumped off Theo''s back as the creature took off once again to hunt while he started setting up his tent and making a fire.


    ''This is peaceful. I do love times like this.''


    Once he finished setting everything up, which took ten minutes, Atlas shot a Void Blast, creating a roaring fire that lit up his ledge¡ªfollowing that, he pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Boc before eating while watching the landscape.


    He quickly noticed raging fires miles away, which caused him to think, ''Must be a city under siege. It''s shame I''m not close, I could of got a lot of experience.''


    Atlas shook his head and finished his meal. Theo crashed down while holding a dinosaur-looking monster that the bat started eating while resting. Once he was done eating, he crawled into the tent and sleeping bag.


    While lying there, Atlas summoned the Void Realm, his consciousness instantly shifting to the Level Three Plateau. The ground trembled as an army of Golems marched toward him, their heavy footsteps echoing. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But this time, he was ready. With countless hours of practice behind him, Atlas effortlessly unleashed a barrage of Void Bombs and Void Bullets. The deadly energy tore through the advancing stone creatures, shattering them into dust.


    Atlas continued attacking before getting into a fight with several Void Warrior Golems that appeared from the swarm of monsters. He continued spamming magic that wiped away dozens of creatures in a tsunami of azure flames.


    After an hour of continuous fighting, the Void Golems appeared to slow down, allowing him to check on the monster''s total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 862637/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 491506/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99510/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''It''s going down, but I wish the girls were here,'' Atlas mused. ''It would go down even faster with their help.''


    A dozen Warrior Golems and their Commanders charged toward him, their hulking forms closing on him fast. Atlas moved quickly, dodging the slow but crushing blows they aimed at him.


    With a sharp focus, he cast Void Infusion, his blades now crackling with dark energy as they sliced through solid stone like it was paper. One strike against a Golem Commander''s leg was all it took¡ªhis blade made contact, and the creature exploded into rubble.


    He followed up with a devastating Void Bomb, reducing the remnants to dust. Atlas kept up the relentless assault, combining swordplay with magic until his mana reserves were finally drained.


    Just as he was catching his breath, a stronger Golem caught him off guard, its massive fist slamming into him with bone-crushing force. Atlas was sent back to the real world with a yelp as he woke up in the tent.


    Once his head stopped spinning, he brought up the monster total to see how many he killed this time.


    [Void Golem ¨C 860013/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 491306/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99456/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    After the battle, Atlas reclined on his sleeping bag, gazing through the window in the tent''s wall. Despite the distant roar reverberating through the mountain, he remained unfazed, his exhaustion overtaking him.


    Soon, the rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing indicated that he had slipped into a deep, restful sleep. Theo''s cheerful chirp pierced his dreams the following morning, rousing Atlas from his slumber.


    Atlas stretched with a hearty yawn before crawling out of the tent, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He was greeted by a stunning blue sky stretching endlessly above. As he took in the serene morning, he spotted Theo perched by the edge, patiently waiting for him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 175 - 175: Half Way There

    ''''We will go soon, boy,'''' Atlas spoke to the Blood Bat King. ''''I want to kill more Void Golems before moving on, as it''s a nice day.''''


    Theo screeched as he dived off the mountain ledge and soared through the air, his voice echoing in Atlas''s head: '' I''m Going to get us breakfast, Master.''


    He nodded before sitting down and activating the Void Realm. After a few seconds, he reappeared on the same plateau he''d seen many times already, causing him to shake his head and complain, ''''Can''t wait to move on from this level.''''


    Just as Atlas muttered, the rumbling started, which prompted him to run while using a few Thunderclap Bombs that caused thunder to boom over the plateau and take out hundreds of golems.


    Smiling at the results, he started flinging several Gravity Bombs at the monsters, which brought them crashing to the ground as Atlas finished them off using his Void Infusion-covered blades that sliced through the stone like butter.


    Atlas enjoyed this fight as the bombs were helping him out a lot, and he couldn''t believe he had forgotten about them. With a chuckle, he threw some of the Inferno ones into the crowd, exploded, and took out many Golems.


    While he was doing this, some Golem Warriors dashed toward him before throwing boulders in his direction. Atlas smiled when he saw this and cast Void Guard, which blocked the rubble as he cast Void Bomb into the stronger monsters.


    The explosion tore through Golem''s ranks, but Atlas still had to rush in and finish them off using Nightblade. His battle with the monsters continued to unfold as explosions erupted over the plateau.


    Atlas managed to kill enough that he noticed the Warrior Golems appearing even more, causing him to focus on them. He had to use Void Wave to get the rest of the monsters off him while fighting.


    He used Void Blast to propel himself into the air just as he cast a Void Bomb at the swarm, causing a mini nuclear blast that sent him tumbling into the sea below, ending his run in the strange world, and waking up on the ledge.


    ''Charging Void Bomb like that was crazy,'' he mused with a smile.


    Theo was there eating what looked like a water buffalo, which made Atlas chuckle as he pulled out a Griffin Meat Box before eating and checking the monster total, which interested him.


    [Void Golem ¨C 814576/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 481306/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99426/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Oh the Void Golems are dropping,'' Atlas thought. ''I''ll try lower it before moving on tomorrow. That should take out a big chunk of monsters.''


    Following that, he started eating while planning to use his bombs to aid him in the Void Realm. By the time he finished his food, he had spent the rest of the day fighting the army of Golems.


    Atlas was wiping out so many that he would only be beaten when running out of mana, and a Warrior Golem caught him off guard. When returning to reality, he kept fighting the monsters to bring down the numbers while growing stronger.


    After two days of relentless combat, Atlas grew weary of the unending battles and longed for a respite. Bored with the monotonous skirmishes, he took a break while checking the tally of monsters he still needed to defeat.


    [Void Golem ¨C 678976/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 450101/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99226/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Nearly half way there,'' Atlas internally celebrated before looking at Theo, ''''Ready to head west, boy?''''


    The giant bat chirped in response, causing him to pack up the tent and climb onto the monster''s back before it jumped off the ledge, opened its enormous wings and soared across the sky.


    Atlas held on while looking over as the chaotic landscape was getting worse. They flew over several battlefields as the Shadowrealm soldiers were winning the war. Still, he only got involved when he spotted a family being preyed upon by them.


    He used Void Bullets to take them out while Theos started eating them, which shocked the family, but when Atlas put down the other soldiers before looting their corpses and handing a pouch of coins to the father.


    The older man and woman thanked him for helping before he got back to flying, and the closer they got to the border, he noticed the chaos was less prominent as the Greenskin Confederations warcraft patrolled the skies while bombarding the Shadowrealm soldiers.


    Atlas noticed they were avoiding the Dawnstar people, which confused him. Soon enough, as they crossed a mountain range, one of the warcraft targeted them, causing Theo to fly even faster.


    ''Oh shit,'' he thought. ''Theo, go faster.''


    The monster created a sonic boom as it dived into the peaks, and the federation craft started firing its mana cannons at them. He glanced back and cast Void Guard around them just as one of the shells slammed into it.


    ''''Hang on, Theo!'''' Atlas roared. He conjured Void Bullets, sending a stream of glowing projectiles back toward their pursuer. The shots exploded against the warcraft''s armor, leaving smoldering scars but failing to slow its relentless pursuit.


    Theo twisted and turned, banking sharply to dodge the incoming shells. The warcraft adjusted its trajectory, its engines roaring as it followed in a relentless chase. Atlas spotted a narrow canyon ahead¡ªa potential escape route.


    "Through the canyon, Theo! We can lose them in there!" Atlas pointed toward the narrow, jagged opening between two towering rock formations.


    Theo veered sharply, diving into the canyon''s mouth. The cramped space forced them to slow down, weaving through the tight turns and rocky outcrops. Atlas could hear the thunderous roar of the warcraft as it pursued them.


    Atlas pointed his Nightblade at the craft and was about to cast, but Theo chirped as he dived lower and was a few feet above the ground, allowing him to spot a cave the bat was heading for.


    ''A place to avoid the greenskins!'' he internally celebrated.


    When they got close, the warcraft pulled up after firing another wave of missiles. They entered the tunnel as explosions rang out and sent them tumbling out of the sky, but Theo wrapped its wings around him as they crashed into the muddy ground with a crash.


    He felt the jarring impact as the Bat King vanished back to the Dungeon Realm, leaving him in a dark swamp. Atlas shook his head and scanned the surroundings but saw nothing lurking around.


    ''Thank fuck for that,'' he thought before standing up.


    He could see the tunnel stretched far into the distance, thanks to his helmet. He looked behind and noticed the cave entrance collapsed due to the explosions, causing him to sigh before summoning the Dreadmaw Lion Queen, who let out an earthshaking roar.


    Atlas covered his ears before complaining, ''Don''t do that here! That hurts.''


    ''Oh, sorry, Master,'' A mature woman''s voice sounded in his mind. ''I wanted to show you how great I am.''


    He deadpanned at the monster before bonking it on the head and replying, ''Now any monster knows we''re here and can ambush us.''


    The lion angrily exclaimed, ''No one will ambush the great me!''


    ''''Oh shut up, will you,'''' Atlas said to the overdramatic monster. ''''Just let me ride you out of this place.''''


    Following that, he climbed onto the lion''s back before it started sprinting through the tunnel, and while doing that, Atlas noticed hundreds of monsters just under the water, which creeped him out.


    After the duo traveled for a while, the water became deeper, causing the lion to be more careful, but that wasn''t enough. An explosion erupted from below, and a monster started fighting with his creature.


    The Dreadmaw Lion went mad, but Atlas was thrown into the water only to be swamped by crab monsters. He quickly cast Void Wave and Step to get away from them before he spammed Void Blast into the horde.


    Atlas shook his head and scanned the newcomers as he readied to fight.


    [Swamp Crab]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Explosive magic!]


    ''I''ll just use Void Bullets and Bombs,'' he mused before casting the spells into the incoming creatures.


    Azure explosions erupted as the Dreadmaw Lion dispatched the monstrous, lobster-like creature. With a satisfied snarl, the lion turned to face its master. Atlas, ever vigilant, leaped onto the lion''s back with practiced ease.


    As he settled, the Dreadmaw Lion surged forward, its powerful limbs propelling them into a booming run. They traveled through the tunnel until reaching a dead end, which was an underground lake.


    ''Oh shit. There''s going to be something down there,'' Atlas thought while dismissing the lion and activating Aqua Lung.


    He stepped into the cold water while summoning Medusa, who crashed into the water while speaking, ''Good to see you, Master. I hope its peaceful from now on.''


    Atlas grabbed the giant serpent as she swam through the surprisingly clear water. He glanced around in case any monsters ambushed them, but Medusa quickly reassured him, ''Nothing resides here. They were killed a long time ago.''


    ''I wonder what did it,'' he replied while taking in the underwater world.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]


    S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 176 - 176: The Butcher Of Bloodhaven

    Atlas and Medusa swam through the quiet underwater river that intrigued him. Ten minutes into their journey, they came across a massive skeleton stretching as far as his eyes could see.


    ''What are these things?'' he mused while glancing at it.


    The bones were ancient-looking and massive, which surprised him because of their size. He thought, ''Was this place bigger in the past? No way this thing would fit down here.''


    Lights from the surrounding plants lit up the skeleton, which was covered in moss and home to many small creatures, ''This place is beautiful, but there''s a strange feeling lingering in the water,'' he thought while glancing around.


    Atlas stared at the colossal bones, unable to shake the feeling of insignificance, ''These are known to most races as the Underwater Gods, Master,'' the Death Serpent informed him. ''I believe they used to roam the Valoria when the previous master was alive.''


    ''Were they gods though? What made them so dangerous?'' Atlas asked, his gaze still fixed on the ancient bones.


    ''No but my parents said that most races see them as one due to their power and to answer your second question, yes, they were angry beings. Their descendants live in the seas between Zarandar and Aridonia. Much like their ancestors they are angry and attack the surface dwellers ships all the time,'' she answered.


    Atlas grew even more interested before asking, ''Have you met any of them?''


    Medusa replied while gazing at the dead monster, ''Yes but that was before I found myself in the dungeon. I was young and still with my parents when my father was killed by one causing us to flee.''


    He felt bad for the monster, but it caused him to think, ''Fighting these sea gods will make me stronger. Though I do have to wait until I''m older.''


    Following that, the duo stopped speaking while Atlas cast Aqua Lung so he could breathe again, for which he was thankful. It took them about an hour to spot a light in the distance, which meant a way out.


    ''The exit!''


    Medusa continued swimming until stopping before leaving the water, but she warned, ''Monsters are up there, Master? Be careful when leaving.''


    Atlas gazed at the surface and wondered what was lurking above, causing him to think, ''What creatures will I be fighting once up there?''


    Before swimming up, he checked his status after fighting the Swamp Crabs back in the tunnel.


    [Level Up: 179¡ú181]


    [Experience: 760/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 9300]


    [Health: 1728¡ú1736(200)]


    [Mana: 7576¡ú7608(1000)]


    [Strength: 2018¡ú2022(100)]


    [Stamina: 2480¡ú2486(250)]


    [Charisma: 760¡ú764]


    [Intelligence: 1594¡ú1602]


    [Core Points: 59420/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 6200]


    [Void Infusion: 1¡ú2]


    ''Good, at least Void Infusion leveled up,'' Atlas commented before looking at Medusa, who was using her tail as a spring on the bottom of the river.


    He used Void Step to appear next to her and raised an eyebrow, asking, ''What are you doing?''


    Medusa''s head turned in his direction, and she answered, ''Climb on my back, and I will propel us out of the water so the ambushers won''t be able to hit us.''


    Atlas nodded before climbing on her back as he held on while sensing the monsters above setting up their attack. The Death Serpent shot out of the water just as a wave of spears and arrows tried hitting them.


    The duo moved too quickly, causing him to jump off while summoning Big Momma with an excited smile. Atlas, Medusa, and the Void Bear Queen would overwhelm the attacking monsters, tearing them apart.


    ''Take this surprise. She will deal with you,'' he thought with a growing smile.


    The giant bear fell out of an azure portal while roaring before crashing into a group of Wild Orcs and Goblins. Her vicious attacks turned many of the monsters into bloodmist. Atlas cast Void Veil, plunging the chamber into a dark blue shadow that swallowed the light.


    ''I''m starting to love this spell,'' he mused excitedly.


    The veil blinded all the monsters, leaving them disoriented, while Medusa and Big Momma, unaffected, continued their relentless assaults. As darkness enveloped the room, Atlas gracefully landed on the ground, drawing his twin blades in a fluid motion before charging forward, ready to strike.


    He slashed through several Wild Orcs and Goblins that covered the ground in blood, which made him smile, ''The weaker monsters are getting easier,'' Atlas thought, cutting down an enraged Wild Orc.


    When seeing this, Atlas quickly cast several Void Bullets into the swarm of monsters, causing them to go flying. Medusa crushed the remaining ones as he stopped after the last creature dropped dead.


    The ground was littered with fifty orange and one hundred black cores, which caused Atlas''s greed to soar. He went around collecting them while watching his surroundings. The Death Serpent closed in on him as he dismissed the Void Bear Queen back to the Void Realm.


    She stopped while watching him loot everything and asked curiously, ''Why are you collecting low-rank cores? They''re worthless, Master.''


    Atlas turned to her with a smile as he explained, ''Yes, but I can sell them whenever I need the coin, and my Dimensional Storage can hold millions of the things.''


    Medusa nodded her giant head before Atlas climbed on her back. She started traveling through the cave and eating any Wild Orcs or Goblins they encountered. An hour passed by, and he spotted a light in the distance.


    Atlas pointed at it and spoke to the Death Serpent, ''Head for that light, and it may be a way out of this horrible place.''''


    She agreed, and within five minutes, he was looking at a well as there was a large pool of fresh water below it. Atlas was about to use Void Step to get up there, but Medusa raised her body until he reached the bottom.


    He drove Nightblade into the stone wall before dismissing the monster and hanging there. Atlas drove Deepforge into it by climbing up using his blades. Soon enough, human bodies were dropping down the well.


    When they hit the tunnel ground, the monsters below snatched them up, ''What the fuck is this? Is there a battle happening?'' Atlas thought while glancing up.


    Without wasting any more time, he used the walls to spring back and forth, using Void Step to climb the well until hearing the sound of fighting. Atlas reached the top and soon noticed he was in a small village.


    ''Are the Shadowrealm Empire attacking?'' he thought.


    Atlas quickly surveyed the chaotic scene. The village was under siege by ruthless bandits while the desperate villagers struggled to defend themselves. Without hesitation, he darted into action, his twin blades flashing with deadly precision.


    Each strike was swift and decisive, sending the attackers tumbling to the ground, lifeless. His sudden intervention caught the bandits off guard, creating confusion among them. Sensing the shift in momentum, the remaining orcs and goblins seized the opportunity to attack.


    Within minutes, the tide had turned, and the bandits were being ruthlessly cut down. Just as the battle seemed to calm, a massive shadow loomed overhead. Atlas looked up to see an airship descending from the clouds, its cannons roaring to life.


    Explosions rocked the outskirts of the village as the airship bombarded the remaining bandits, obliterating any chance of their escape. Once the enemies were dealt with, the town turned on him. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas spotted a spear flying in his direction, causing him to cut it down while exclaiming angrily, ''''I was the one who helped you!''''


    The villagers didn''t listen as a large orc that was seven feet tall and was enraged, ''''A dirty elf! Kill him!''''


    He readied his blades before pleading with them, ''''Please don''t make me kill you all; I was only helping against the bandits.''''


    Following that, the orc and goblin warriors charged at him, forcing Atlas to fight back even if he didn''t want to. He deflected several slashes of a man''s sword before he spun around the opponent and sliced at his ankles.


    ''I''m sorry, but you gave me no choice.''


    The orc warrior dropped to the ground before Atlas stabbed into his skull, casting Void Guard to block the other attacks. He felt regret but wouldn''t let his life end to the villagers who kept charging at him.


    Atlas deflected a sword swing while casting a Void Bullet that slammed into the orc''s chest and sent him backward. With that, he lost his temper and started killing everyone that attacked.


    By the time the Confederation forces reached the village, Atlas had killed every living being as they all had tried to attack. He was covered in blood as the armored Hobgoblins surrounded him while they were ready to strike.


    ''Why force me to kill you people! Are they stupid?'' Atlas thought while enraged and noticed a large Hobgoblin approaching him.


    The man stopped and spoke in a tone full of malice, ''''Butcher of Brookhaven. You shall answer for your crimes in Goblintown.''''


    Atlas''s grin widened upon hearing the name they had given him. He swiftly drew his blades and invoked Void Step, reappearing directly before the Hobgoblin Commander. With a fierce punch to the man''s stomach, he sent the massive Hobgoblin crashing into his soldiers.


    Without missing a beat, Atlas lunged forward, driving Nightblade through the Commander''s skull. He then unleashed a Void Blast, sending another opponent flying and causing the soldier to crash into the others.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 177 - 177: Silvermoon City

    Chaos erupted as Atlas started fighting. The Confederation soldiers launched their assault, but he was faster than the Hobgoblin Warriors. At the same time, he was deflecting several attacks and using Void Wave to clear some space.


    ''I need to get out of here before reinforcements appear.''


    As he did that, the Warcraft above started firing its cannons, causing explosions all over the village as more warriors appeared. Atlas looked at the flying craft before aiming Nightblade at it and casting Void Bomb, followed by several more that sliced through the air.


    The first projectiles whizzed past the Warcraft as it evaded them. However, one missile found its mark, detonating and shearing off one of the craft''s wings. The damage sent it spiraling uncontrollably, plummeting toward the ground below.


    While this happened, Atlas summoned the Dreadmaw Lion because it would be better due to the incoming enemy. The giant monster appeared and tried to speak but was shut up as he jumped on her back. ''''Run, or I will die!'''' he said.


    ''''Run? I will glide through the air!'''' the lion declared.


    Atlas shook his head as they started sprinting west toward the city where he was getting an aircraft to Aridonia. While running, he turned around and noticed the incoming Warcraft as they began to fire their cannons.


    The Dreadmaw Queen started sprinting away from the burning village as the Warcraft gave chase. She managed to dodge most of the attacks, but Atlas had to use Void Guard to deflect several strikes that would have taken them out.


    Following that, he spotted mountains in the distance and ordered the lion, concerned as more Warcraft joined the chase, ''''Head for the mountains! We will lose them in there.''''


    ''Yes Master,'' the monster replied.


    Atlas turned around and started casting Void Lances and Void Bombs at the pursuers; some were hit, but most managed to evade the spells. This gave them some leeway, but he didn''t stop spamming magic.


    The evening sky was lit in an azure glow that matched his eyes. Atlas noticed monsters closing in from the west, and these were giant wolves ridden by Hobgoblin Warriors, causing him to bring forth a pack of Dreadmaw Lions and Void Raptors.


    He pointed at the incoming enemies before ordering, ''''Take them all out! Make sure none live my monsters.''''


    When the creatures heard his command, the lions roared while the raptors chirped as they started charging. Atlas watched the two sides clash in an epic battle display as his monsters battled with their persuaders.


    ''That should hold them back,'' he thought with a smile.


    The Void Raptors danced around the battlefield while taking out the Hobgoblins as the Dreadmaw Lions ganged up on the wolves and tore them apart until an explosion wiped them out.


    Atlas''s eyes blazed with fury as more enemy airships darkened the sky. He clenched his fist, then called forth Theo, who emerged from a swirling portal with wings unfurled. As Atlas dismissed the Lion Queen with a brief command, Theo swooped down, effortlessly lifting him into the air.


    The bat''s voice rumbled with resolve as it asked, ''Shall we fight, Master?''


    ''Let''s wipe the Confederations ships out for attacking me, boy!'' Atlas exclaimed.


    Following that, Theo skillfully evaded every wave of cannon fire as he approached the first Warcraft. Atlas peppered the airship with a dozen Void Bullets that exploded on contact before casting Void Bomb at another.


    ''They will have to retreat or lose loads of airships due to chasing me,'' he mused excitedly.


    When the azure projectile connected with the craft, it exploded. Theo dived and landed on top of another before tearing the jet-fighter-looking airship apart as Atlas cast Void Lance at a bigger version.


    His magic tore through the metal, sending the craft plummeting toward the ground before crashing into a ball of flames. Afterward, the two continued attaching the Green Confederation until the Warcraft stopped appearing.


    ''Finally,'' Atlas let out a breath of relief. ''Now let''s get to Aridonia.''


    He quickly glanced down and noticed dozens of destroyed airships littering the landscape as torches headed toward the downed craft, causing him to think, ''Help has arrived.''


    Once Atlas saw that, he ordered Theo to soar toward a city named Silvermoon Port, where he would get an airship across the Drowned Maw Sea, which made him shiver when hearing the name.


    It took them twenty minutes to reach the hills outside the city, and their flight was peaceful, causing Atlas to recover the spent mana he used in the air battle. Theo quickly landed as Atlas noticed hundreds of Hobgoblin Warriors patrolling the walls and road.


    This scene caused him to smile and think as an idea came to mind, ''I can use Maskweaving to hide until I reach Aridonia.''


    Following that, Atlas dismissed Theo back to the Dungeon Realm before he activated his disguise spell to look like a goblin, which made him chuckle. Once that was done, he made his way to the road.


    ''They shouldn''t be able to find me unless someone very powerful appears,'' Atlas mused while climbing down the side of the hill.


    When he arrived, the surrounding orcs, hobgoblins, and goblins looked at him but couldn''t see through his spell. Afterward, Atlas started walking toward the city, where he had to pay one silver to enter.


    ''Wow this place is unique,'' he mused while looking at Silvermoon City. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Towering walls of stone and iron encircled a vast network of buildings, each a mix of crude craftsmanship and surprising elegance. Fortresses rose high, their edges catching the moonlight, while Goblin workshops hummed with activity, steam rising from chimneys.


    Narrow, winding streets bustled with life, filled with Hobgoblins in armor, Goblins trading strange wares, and Orcs moving purposefully. What caught his eye most was the way everything blended.


    Despite the roughness, the city had a strange beauty¡ªvibrant and alive, proof that their unity was working. Tall spires jutted into the sky, decorated with different banners and totems, while bridges connected the city''s various sections.


    Atlas noticed the city was split into several sections by rivers that ran through the place, ''Let''s explore this place while looking for the airship hanger.''


    He started walking through the city and admired the stores and houses lined the street. Ten minutes later, a delicious aroma hit him, causing him to stop walking and glance around, only to see a stall with an old goblin woman serving people.


    ''Maybe I should stock up on food,'' Atlas pondered. ''I''ve got more then enough coins to buy anything I want.''


    Afterward, he approached the queue and waited until it was his turn. The older goblin woman smiled and commented, ''''Little one. What can I get for you?''''


    Atlas looked at the menu and noticed Horned Rabbit Kebabs, Wild Orc Tortillas, and Forest Chicken Wraps. He thought, ''Oh god, these sound good.''


    ''''Can I have fifty of the Kebabs, Tortillas, and Wraps?'''' he requested with an innocent smile.


    The old goblin woman laughed, ''''A greedy one, I see? That will be one gold and fifty silver,'''' she revealed the price.


    Atlas took out the coins and put them on the counter while answering, ''''I will wait for you to be done.''''


    Afterward, Atlas settled onto a nearby bench and pulled out the Body Tempering Guide. As he flipped through the worn pages, the instructions became clear: he needed to meditate, drawing mana into his core.


    From there, he would guide the energy through his body¡ªhis skin, bones, veins, mind, soul, and finally, his very essence. The process was complex, demanding intense focus and precise control over every bit of mana.


    Atlas discovered that he had to do it for every element, thanks to his being a Voidborn, which allowed him access to all of them. After that, he put the book away and waited for another half hour to watch the people go about their day.


    As he did that, the older goblin woman called him over and said, ''''Your order is ready, boy!''''


    He walked over and saw piles of food, the delicious smell of which made his stomach rumble. The stall owner commented in a chirpy voice when he saw him, ''''A few more orders, and I''ll be about to go home.''''


    ''''Thank you for everything,'''' Atlas said while storing the food away before continuing through Silvermoon City.


    After searching for a while, he couldn''t find the airport, so he had to ask a large Hobgoblin who was gossiping with his underlings, ''''It''s rumored the Butcher of Brookhaven is heading here. The council has dispatched the Mage Hunters to catch him.''''


    One of the smaller orcs replied, ''''Did he really butcher the village? My cousin was from the next town over.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he stopped to listen, which interested him. One of the goblins spoke, ''''Is it true he battled with the Warcraft Legion? A merchant told me at least twenty craft were destroyed.''''


    ''Seems word of my arrival has spread,'' Atlas internally chuckled as he approached the guards and spoke innocently, ''''Excuse me, sir. Could you tell me where the airport is, please? It''s my first time in Silvermoon City.''''


    The Hobgoblin commander turned around with a friendly smile while ruffling his hair. ''''Head south and look for the giant goblin statue. You won''t miss the airport; it''s easy to spot,'''' he said gruffly.


    Atlas nodded and thanked the man before heading south with a smile.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 178 - 178: This Is Impressive

    Atlas walked for a while until he spotted the massive airport in the distance. It surprised him because it looked like a small island in the middle of the city with dozens of blimp-like crafts lining the runways with a terminal on the side connected to the mainland by a large stone bridge.


    ''That''s so cool,'' he thought.


    Orcs, goblins, and hobgoblins patrolled the area while mana cannons dot the island''s edge. Atlas was fascinated by the Confederation''s construction methods, which combined various styles to create the airport and surrounding buildings.


    ''It smells weird,'' Atlas thought while glancing around as something in the air caught his attention. ''Maybe some kind of fuel?''


    He approached the entrance only to spot a booth guarded by two hobgoblins, but that didn''t bother him as he approached it. When Atlas arrived, the goblin man behind the counter spoke in a fed-up voice, ''''How can I help you?''''


    ''''Are there any tickets for Aridonia?'''' Atlas inquired while taking out some gold coins.


    The clerk looked up with a curious expression before asking as he started hitting buttons, ''''Standard or First Class?''''


    ''''First Class please,'''' he replied.


    After a few taps, the goblin gave him a ticket, saying in a professional tone, ''''That would be five gold coins, please, young one, and it takes off first thing tomorrow morning.''''


    After paying and offering his thanks, Atlas swiftly decided to rent a room for the day while finishing Level Three. After a brief search, he wandered down a narrow side street and stumbled upon a place called The Gobbo''s Hole.


    The name made him chuckle, and with a grin, he stepped inside. Atlas saw a few humans alongside goblin women, but he ignored their odd looks while approaching the counter to book a room.


    He saw an orc standing behind it while cleaning a glass, ''''I''m Malakai; how can I help you, little goblin?'''' the man questioned with a friendly smile.


    Atlas nodded before speaking, ''''Can I get a room for the night?''''


    ''''Of course, twenty silver for one with dinner and breakfast included, but fourteen without,'''' Malakai revealed the prices.


    He handed off the fourteen silver while replying, ''''I''ve got food; I only need the room until my airship is ready.''''


    Malakai retrieved a key from beneath the counter and handed it to him. "Here you go," he said. "Room twenty-three is yours until tomorrow, little one."


    Atlas thanked the man while taking the room key and making his way there, but he quickly noticed the other patrons were talking about the Butcher of Bloodhaven, which made him cringe.


    ''I hate that damn name already,'' he internally complained.


    ''''Did you boys hear? The council has sent the Headhunter and the Mages Hunters after the boy,'''' one old orc woman commented in an amused voice. ''''They will catch that demon. Some believe the Shadowrealm Empire sent him this way.''''


    He paused mid-step, straining to listen as a goblin''s voice echoed in reply, "She''ll be able to sniff him out."


    A knot of unease tightened in his chest at the words, but Atlas pushed that aside and continued up the stairs, slipping into his room. He sat down and sighed, thinking, ''I hope the Confederation doesn''t find me.''


    Following that, he got comfortable before activating Void Realm and was sucked into the strange world. He woke up on the plateau where the army of Golems greeting welcomed him.


    Atlas chuckled when he heard the rumbling of their approach and prepared to fight the incoming monsters.


    [Void Golem ¨C 678976/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 450101/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99226/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Let''s go and try to complete this damn level already,'' he thought while taking out his blades and spamming Void Bullets and Void Bombs at the incoming monsters.


    Explosions shook the plateau before Atlas dashed in with an excited smile, casting Void Infusion on his weapons and carving through several Warrior Golems, who crumbled due to the force of his attacks.


    ''This should lower the total down even more.''


    After that, Atlas was like a jackrabbit rushing around the battlefield while killing hundreds of Golems as he passed them. Once he killed enough, he ended up battling the stronger monsters, and thanks to his previous gains, he could fight for longer.


    A few hours passed, and Atlas was resting. "So many Golems," he muttered, exhaustion washing over his body. "I can feel my mana running low."


    That''s when the ground started rumbling as the commanders rushed at him. Atlas aimed Nightblade at them before casting a fully charged Void Bomb, causing an almighty explosion that rocked the plateau.


    Dust clouds swirled around him, blinding his vision and masking the emergence of the Golem Warriors rising from the ground beneath him. Atlas struck out in desperation, but a mighty hand gripped his ankle, sending a jolt of shock through him.


    The stronger Golem hurled him into the churning sea below, and with a loud clap of thunder overhead, he was ripped from the world and thrown back into reality. Atlas shook his head and muttered, ''''Sneaky warriors, I will be careful next time.''''


    After that, he pulled out a Forest Chicken Wrap and ate while watching the rain hit the window. Once Atlas ate, he checked the total number of Level Three monsters before activating Void Realm again.


    [Void Golem ¨C 527623/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 438251/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 99126/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Atlas continued fighting until the Void Golems numbers quickly decreased, which made him happy. Void Veil and his other spells gave him the upper hand on the warriors who tried ambushing him.


    He spent hours fighting in the Void Realm, and by the time they lit up the world, causing him to let out a big yawn as fatigue crept into his body. Atlas shook his head and stood up before going to the airport.


    While walking, he quickly noticed all the Confederation soldiers swarming the streets and searching buildings, ''I got to keep it moving, or they''ll find me.''


    Following that, Atlas continued walking through Silvermoon City in his goblin disguise, but he started growing worried about being caught by any powerful Nova Core Mages, as they would be able to see right through his disguise.


    It took him twenty minutes to reach the airport''s entrance. Atlas showed the guards his ticket before entering the terminal, as a swarm of goblin soldiers riding wolf-looking monsters appeared.


    Atlas quickly noticed the prominent figure sitting on a creature that radiated chaos mana, which made his eyes narrow, ''Is this the Mage Hunter? If they find me then I''ll show them what I can do,'' he thought. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the terminal, Atlas located the gate for his departing airship and noticed dozens of travelers waiting. He approached the desk to get his ticket stamped and found a seat nearby.


    He pulled out a Wild Orc Tortila, savoring each bite. But as the minutes passed, exhaustion settled over him, forcing Atlas to shake his head to stay alert. The wait took about an hour until everyone was ushered toward the waiting craft.


    When Atlas woke up, the cold air allowed him to admire the airship resembling a blimp. The balloon was much smaller, and the cabin below was three times as big as the ones he had seen before.


    ''Wow this is impressive,'' he thought in amazement.


    It was painted light blue, and the cabin for the travelers looked durable, but something told him to be prepared during the flight. Atlas shrugged and stepped on board, only to notice a large foyer welcomed them.


    He looked at his ticket only to realize he was on the top floor, which caused him to walk up ten flights of stairs before reaching his room. Atlas sat on the bed and decided to go to the Void Realm again.


    ''I won''t grow stronger sitting around. I need to push myself to the limits and even further so I can live life how I wish,'' he internally hyped himself up.


    Atlas activated the skill and appeared on the plateau with a burning desire to become the strongest warrior on Valoria. With that thought, he dashed toward the incoming Golems and cast Void Infusion.


    A memory of his father from Earth appeared in his mind, speaking in the kind voice he had missed so much: ''Remember, son, the hardest battles often lead to the most rewarding victories. Embrace the struggle, and keep pushing forward.''


    When he heard that, something inside Atlas woke up, and he pushed his body to the limit. He went so fast that the Golems couldn''t see him, and the warriors couldn''t catch him. His blades sliced through stone with ease while his magic blew hundreds.


    Monsters closed in on Atlas from every direction, but each time, they were driven back by a Void Wave that crackled with newfound ferocity. Fueled by an unyielding drive to surpass his limits, he felt his strength surge, his body hardening with newfound power.


    During his battle frenzy, he spotted a massive swarm of Golem Commanders running towards him. Instead of fear, a fierce grin spread across his face. With a defiant roar, he charged straight into their ranks.


    ''Take this you fuckers!''


    Skidding to a halt, Atlas summoned every ounce of his mana into a Void Bomb, its energy pulsing with raw force. He hurled it into the heart of the swarm, watching as it detonated in a cataclysmic explosion, lighting up the battlefield with its explosive power.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 179 - 179: This Is Too Much

    Atlas wasn''t done with Level Three and downed a few mana potions before he charged forward while dodging the Golem''s attacks. He countered with his magic, which blew them away in a wave of azure fire.


    ''I''m getting bored of this now, hopefully it ends soon.''


    His blades carved through them with such ease that it shocked him. But this didn''t slow him down while he rushed around the plateau while keeping out of the clutches of the Golem Warriors.


    When getting some space, Atlas quickly checked the monster total to see how many he had taken out during this run.


    [Void Golem ¨C 412416/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 411743/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 97007/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Perfect, this won''t take long,'' Atlas thought with a satisfied grin just before realizing the Void Golems had encircled him.


    Without hesitation, he drew a handful of Gravity Bombs and hurled them at the stone constructs. The bombs exploded with a resonant thud, slamming the Golems into the ground.


    ''This should help for now but my magic is better, to be honest,'' he thought.


    Seizing the opportunity, Atlas sprinted forward, his blade flashing in the dim light as he drove it through the head of one of the immobilized monsters before using Void Barrage to wipe out many more.


    Another hour passed, and he eventually ran out of mana, forcing him back into the real world, where the airship tannoy sounded, "Passengers, we will be taking off shortly, but we have to fly further west over the Blackwater Sea to avoid the storm plaguing the Drowned Maw, as it''s too dangerous."


    ''At least I''m not being chased,'' Atlas thought, standing up and straightening his clothes before leaving.


    He wanted to explore the airship and wondered what amenities would be on board. While strolling through the large hallways, Atlas noticed many races traveling while the goblins served them, which intrigued him.


    ''Makes sense as the greenskins


    That''s when he remembered some information. Estelle told him that the Greenskin Confederation was a hub for transport, and many people used its airships and airports all across Valoria.


    Atlas continued exploring the hallways until he came to the entertainment section, where a play was being held. The restaurants were busy with the wealthier people, but all that bored him.


    ''So many people here. They looked like their having fun though.''


    He returned to his room to try the Void Realm, and when reaching the top floor, orc warriors were walking in the opposite direction. Atlas was concerned but rushed to his room before they could see him.


    When inside, he asked Medusa, ''Can you shrink in size, girl?''


    ''Yes. Do you want me to guard you Master?'' she replied.


    Atlas nodded before activating Dungeon Conquerer while summoning the Death Serpent, who shrank in size as she engulfed his body. Soon after that, he activated the spell before appearing on the Plateau.


    The battle erupted as Golen Warriors rushed for as a mist descended on them, causing Atlas to cast Void Bullets at the incoming monster, which sent them flying before using Void Barrage to pepper the swarm of creatures.


    Explosions erupted everywhere as Atlas started slaying any Golems that came close while using his blades to deflect the direction of their stone fists before using Void Wave to blow them away.


    Atlas continued fighting with the Golems and managed to take out thousands using a combination of speed, magic, and his blades. He tore through the swarm of void creatures, allowing him to bring down their numbers quickly.


    While fighting, he quickly checked the total to see how good he was doing.


    [Void Golem ¨C 365201/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 410743/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 96457/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''It''s going down faster than I expected,'' Atlas mused with a smile.


    A group of Warrior Golems charged and started casting earth magic at him while running. He witnessed the spells flying in his direction, but Atlas used Void Guard to defend himself from the attack. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The stone hit the azure barrier before he used Void Blast to cause chaos within the warrior''s ranks. Atlas readied his blades while casting Void Step to appear behind the charging stone monster.


    ''Now lets end them, a Void Bomb will deal with them.''


    Atlas quickly cast the spell, which exploded on contact, turning the stone constructs to dust or flinging them into the water below. The battle on the plateau continued for several hours, and thanks to his mana potion stock, he could fight longer.


    His magic wiped away thousands of Golems; Atlas used his blades to deal with the stronger monsters he carved in two. Following that, he was running out of mana, and drinking any more potions made him feel sick.


    ''This is too much now,'' he thought. ''I need to sleep.''


    Once Atlas decided, he left the Void Realm and woke up in his room with Medusa protecting him. He flopped on the bed as the Death Serpent curled beside him before sleeping. The two continued to rest while the Confederation soldiers searched the airship.


    The following day, Atlas awoke with a yawn as the airship shook due to the storm outside. He sat up while stretching before looking out the window to see dark grey clouds and lightning up the sky.


    He stood up and approached the balcony, only to hear Medusa''s voice in his head, ''The enemy is closing in, master. They will be here in a few hours.''


    Atlas became curious before asking, ''''How do you know this?''''


    ''I can sense their mana and blood,'' Medusa revealed with a hiss. ''It''s delicious.''


    Hearing this, he chuckled as he said, ''''Do you want some of my blood?''''


    Atlas watched her yellow eyes glow, causing him to smile as he used Deepforge to slice his palm before offering it to the monster. Medusa hesitated but slithered over and started drinking his blood.


    While doing this, he noticed a faint glow radiating from her body, ''Is she getting stronger?'' he asked himself.


    As he thought that, the airship suddenly buckled, causing him to fly straight into the wall with a thud. Chaos erupted as a roar echoed from outside. Medusa''s head shot up with wide eyes as she declared, ''A sky Titan is targeting the craft Master.''''


    Atlas rushed over to the window only to see a massive shadow engulfing the airship before dozens of cannons roared to life. He witnessed the monster vanish into the dark clouds while a swarm rushed toward the craft,


    ''Oh shit, I can''t fight that Titan but the smaller creatures will be easy to deal with,'' he thought while rushing outside.


    When outside, Atlas felt the cold air on his face before summoning his armor and weapons. Medusa spoke again, ''We need to get out of here. This craft won''t handle a Titan''s fury.''


    He agreed with a nod before dismissing the Death Serpent, jumping over the edge and free-falling through the dark clouds. Atlas quickly summoned Theo, who let out a loud screech as the monster grabbed him.


    Following that, he climbed onto the monster''s back as it rushed away from the attacking monsters, which looked like Pterosaur; this shocked him, but he knew they had to escape this new threat.


    Atlas gripped Theo''s fur tightly as they soared through the turbulent skies, lightning crackling in the distance. The storm ahead loomed like a living wall, a monstrous barrier of dark clouds and roaring winds.


    Behind them, the shrieks of the Pterosaur grew louder, their wingbeats slicing through the air as they closed in on their prey. ''''We need to lose them in the storm!'''' Atlas yelled over the howling wind, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a break in the clouds ahead.


    Theo screeched in response, banking sharply to the left and diving into the swirling storm. Rain pelted them from all sides, and the wind threatened to tear Atlas from his mount. He tightened his grip, feeling Theo''s muscles strain as the beast fought to stay on course.


    The monsters weren''t far behind, and their massive forms pierced through the storm, their talons outstretched and the creature''s eyes glowing with hunger. One of them dove, its sharp beak just missing Atlas by inches as Theo twisted mid-air to avoid the strike.


    ''''Faster!'''' he urged, glancing back to see the creatures tossed about by the violent winds. But they were relentless, their screeches cutting through the thunder as they pursued with unyielding ferocity.


    Theo flapped his wings harder, diving into the heart of the storm. The world around them became a chaotic swirl of lightning and shadow, and Atlas couldn''t tell up from down for a moment.


    ''This is bad, but we can get through,'' he thought as his adrenaline spiked.


    But the Blood Bat King pressed on as hundreds of creatures continued the chase, wings slicing through the storm. Suddenly, a blinding flash of lightning illuminated the sky, revealing a narrow passage through the storm clouds.


    Atlas spotted it and leaned forward, guiding Theo toward the opening. With a mighty thrust, the monster surged forward, breaking through the storm just as a sudden gust swept away the Pterosaur''s, their screams fading into the distance.


    ''Master it''s getting harder to fly,'' Theo informed him.


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 Chapter 180 - 180: Rush To The Surface

    When Atlas heard Theo''s concern, he smiled and reassured the monster, ''Go, rest, boy. I will deal with this now.''


    Following that, he jumped off the Blood Bat King''s back before falling toward the surface while summoning Medusa. The giant Death Serpent let out a roar as they crashed into the water below.


    Atlas held onto the giant snake as she darted through the dangerous sea, and her voice sounded in his mind, ''Master, this ocean is dangerous. We must move quickly.''


    He nodded while they traveled through the rough sea. Atlas was on watch, and something told him to cast Void Guard around the two of them as something crashed into them from below.


    ''Oh no! What kind of monster is this? '' When he thought this, he saw the culprit: a giant dark blue shark hiding among the deep sea''s darkness.


    Its black eyes made his blood run cold, but that''s when Medusa tried to counterattack. The monster was too strong, causing Atlas to cast a Void Bomb to clear some space. He watched the explosion force the giant shark back and quickly scanned it to find its rank.


    [Stormmaw Shark]


    [Rank A: 1000 Exp]


    [Wolf of the Deadmaw Sea. Use your magic to fend them off]


    When reading this, Atlas pointed his hand at the monster and cast a dozen Void Arrows at it, forcing the Stormmaw Shark to flee into the distance. Medusa dashed away but soon dived as a Kraken appeared from an underwater mountain.


    ''This is hell underwater; powerful monsters everywhere,'' he thought, glancing around only to spot a massive vessel lying on the ocean floor. ''I will return here when I get stronger.''


    Medusa headed straight for it as the Kraken chased them while trying to grab the Death Serpent. Atlas turned to look at the monster and noticed it was dark in color and was the size of a building.


    He quickly used Void Sight on the newcomer as they raced through the chaotic ocean.


    [Deepmaw Kraken]


    [Rank: S - 10000]


    [Use explosive magic, then run]


    ''Oh god, this thing is strong,'' Atlas thought when reading it.


    Its evil red eyes locked onto him like a homing missile as it continued chasing them. Atlas recast Aqua Lung so he could breathe, but he pointed his Nightblade at the monster before casting Void Lance at it.


    ''This should do some damage and drive it off,'' Atlas thought with a worried smile.


    The massive creature attempted to dodge, but the azure projectile tore through the water with lethal precision, piercing its body and burrowing deep. Wounded but relentless, it continued its pursuit, forcing Medusa to dive into a nearby canyon, desperate to shake the Kraken off their trail.


    ''Why am I always getting chased by stronger creatures.''


    Atlas continued spamming Void Lances and Void Arrows at the pursuing monster. The spells hit the beast and everything else around it. Explosions ripped through the water, causing it to crash into the side of the canyon.


    ''Speed up, Medusa,'' he quickly commanded while sensing the Kraken was recovering. ''Head for the ship! We will hide there!''


    The Death Serpent slithered up the canyon walls as Atlas watched the Deepmaw Kraken thrash in a frenzy below. Moments later, the two found an opening in the ship''s hull, just large enough to slip inside.


    Atlas noticed they entered the vessel''s cargo hold, where he saw several skeletons trapped by crates. ''I wonder what happened here?'' he thought.


    He glanced around and noticed there was a way up far above them. Medusa swam toward it while slithering through the cold water. Atlas made sure there weren''t any monsters hiding in the shadows.


    ''I can''t feel anything but something is giving off a creepy vibe that he couldn''t put his finger on it,'' he mused while they approached the surface.


    Medusa and Atlas surfaced in a vast, shadowy chamber, where the air was thick with the stench of decay. The oppressive darkness made it hard to see, but the unmistakable scent of death lingered in the stagnant air.


    As they floated there, Atlas could feel Medusa''s weariness and, with a silent command, sent the Death Serpent back to the Dungeon Realm to recover.


    ''Thank you, Master,'' Medusa''s voice echoed in his mind, her tone soft with exhaustion. ''Be careful¡­ and please, don''t die.''


    With that, she disappeared, leaving him alone in the cold, foreboding chamber. Atlas smiled before swimming back down to check the crates of rotten material, ''Seems like this ship has been here for years.''


    He continued searching only to hear a roar echoing through the water, which spooked him into swimming back up to search the air pocket. Atlas climbed out and stepped into the stale air and smell of death, causing him to cast Light so that he could see.


    Even the Night Eyes Rune couldn''t penetrate the darkness, but his skill was able to. When his surroundings were lit up, he spotted patches of dried blood, which caught his attention. ''Did a battle happen here?''


    While thinking, a clang rang out throughout the creepy ship, which made him jump in fright as it was sudden, ''Maybe it was a monster on the outside?''


    Atlas tried to reassure himself as he scanned the chamber, which looked like an elevator room, and went down to the cargo hold, ''It''s a huge transport ship; it isn''t like one I got to Nivaria.''


    He shook his head and approached the nearest door while holding Deepforge in his left hand, and the ball of light followed him. Atlas noticed no skeletons were lying around like the cargo hold.


    ''Maybe they used the lifeboats to escape?'' he thought as another clang rang out, and thanks to being dead quiet, he could hear it even louder.


    This made his skin prickle with unease, but Atlas pressed on, slowly pushing open the door. Beyond it lay an unsettlingly pristine, unnaturally long corridor that sent a shiver down his spine.


    ''Have I walked into a horror movie?''


    The sterile quiet only deepened his dread as his eyes darted around. He noticed the rows of identical doors lining each side, their presence oppressive and wrong. Some lay open, while others were shut, but he noticed marks all over the walls further down.


    ''What did this? Did monsters invade the ship?'' Atlas thought while slowly walking down the corridor.


    As Atlas continued, he felt his mana returning exceptionally slowly due to something in the deep sea. ''Why is it returning so slow?'' he wondered.


    [Mana: 2160/7608 (1000)]


    ''I can''t summon any monsters or use too many spells,'' he pondered while gripping his blades tighter as his nerves were already on edge. ''Looks like I''ll have to use my speed and swords to fight, well, if there is anything here.''


    Atlas fumbled with the Lover''s Band, desperately trying to reach Amethyst. Just as he began to send her a message, a loud bang echoed through the corridor, so close it jolted him upright.


    He scanned the hallway, heart racing, but it was as empty as before, the silence pressing in with an almost tangible weight. Atlas started getting the feeling that the monsters were waiting for him to leave the ship.


    ''How am I going to get out? I could use Medusa and rush to the surface,'' he thought while shaking his head and continuing walking down the corridor.


    Atlas cautiously opened the doors, one by one, but each room revealed nothing but emptiness. The orb of light cast eerie shadows across the rooms, illuminating a thick layer of undisturbed dust that seemed to have settled over everything like a shroud.


    His search revealed more of the same¡ªa haunting stillness that clung to every surface untouched. Atlas didn''t know what to make of it all and decided to continue searching as a monster roar echoed outside, shaking the ship.


    ''Where is everything? There aren''t people here, or there would be signs,'' he thought while reaching the engine room.


    Atlas stepped inside, only to have something lunge at him. He rolled to the side and slashed at the monster that had dropped dead. He brought the light over it and saw a dog-sized spider, causing him to shiver, ''What is it with giant insects?''


    He directed the orb of light toward the wall, and his stomach churned as he saw a swarm of spiders emerging from the shadows. Their black bodies were nearly invisible in the darkness, and their yellow eyes glowed with a predatory hunger that made his skin crawl.


    "These things are horrifying!" Atlas thought, a shudder running down his spine.


    Without wasting a second, he activated Void Sight, revealing the grotesque forms of the spider. With a grim determination, he launched his attack, hoping to drive away the creeping terror that threatened to overwhelm him.


    [Deepsea Crawlers]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Keep out of its webs, or you''ll get stuck]


    ''I swear, Luxia, you''ve sent me to a damn nightmare world,'' he internally complained. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that thought, he threw two Gravity Bombs that slammed into the closest monsters, sending the crawlers slamming into the floor. When Atlas saw this, he dashed forward and started attacking the creatures.


    Atlas thrust Nightblade and Deepforge into the spider''s heads, causing them to drop dead as the experience poured into his body. He continued slaughtering the monsters that tried to attack, but thanks to his armor, their legs and fangs could penetrate it.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 181 - 181: What Could Be In Here

    Atlas continued fighting the Deepsea Crawlers until they all lay dead while thirty red cores littered the floor. He started collecting them all while bringing up his mana stat to see how much it recovered.


    [Mana: 2398/7608 (1000)]


    ''Its only increased by two hundred?'' Atlas thought with a curious expression.


    After that, he pulled out four high mana potions and downed them before checking again as each one would give him two hundred and fifty mana.


    [Mana: 3398/7608 (1000)]


    ''That topped up my mana pool, but they make me feel sick if I drink anymore,'' he pondered before searching the room.


    Atlas quickly noticed everything was covered in sticky webs, but the clutter was scarcely worth investigating. In a grim outcome, a dozen skeletons lay scattered, their bones twisted and tangled as if they had been left to rot in a nightmarish breeding pit.


    The scene was a morbid reminder of a long-forgotten horror where a relentless darkness had consumed the once-living. Atlas discovered a rusted toolbox on a nearby table, which caught his interest.


    Carefully, he used his sword to slice through the tangled webs harder than he thought, revealing a leather-bound book nestled within a metal container, ''What this, A diary maybe?'' he thought with a curious expression.


    Atlas checked the door leading beyond the room and noticed it was closed, which caused him to wonder how the Crawlers were leaving. He scanned every inch of the place, only to spot a dozen vents scattered on the walls.


    ''Oh, for fuck sake, this is just getting worse,'' he thought while watching them. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He searched for a place to sit and read the diary. As he opened the first page, the date left him puzzled, ''Today is the 8th Dark Day of Snowdrift, the season of Winterfrost, year 127 of Dawn''s Chronicle.''


    Recalling what he knew of Winterfrost, Atlas pondered, ''The season is divided into four periods: Frostfall, Snowdrift, Everglaze, and Frostwane. The other seasons follow the same pattern: Springbloom, Solaris, Goldenfall, and the current one blanketing the world: Winterfrost.''


    He read the date in the diary, ''1st Water Day of Everbloom, Springbloom, year 20 of Dawn''s Beginning.''


    Atlas was stunned, his mind racing as he took in his surroundings. "This place is two thousand years old! How is that even possible?" he wondered in amazement.


    He recalled from the memories he had absorbed upon arriving in Valoria that the calendar was known as the Dawn. The Dawn''s Chronicle began after a world-ending disaster had ravaged the land, marking a new era in the world''s history.


    Following that, he started reading the diary, which belonged to a young noblewoman named Amara Silverstar, who escaped her homeland, the Valkoria Federation, along with most of her city on this mega-ship.


    ***


    Amara''s eyes shot open as an alarm blared throughout Silverstar City, which meant something that threatened the whole city was approaching. She exited the bed and started getting ready as her maid Ebba rushed into the room.


    ''''Lady Amara, we need to leave. The Starforge Voyager is ready to set sail, and your father has ordered the whole family to board,'''' Ebba informed her in a panicked voice.


    ''What''s going on! I know disasters have destroyed several cities, but Silverstar City was out of the way,'' she pondered while she put on a silver necklace that her fiance gave her during the Winterfrost Ball.


    Following that, Amara grabbed her diary and followed Ebba until she spotted her three younger brothers and parents ready to leave. Her father was named Samuel Silverstar, the Duke of the western province of the Federation.


    The grey-haired man turned to her with kind eyes and spoke concernedly, "Amara! We must get going and board the Voyager before the Monster Wave hits us."


    When Amara heard this, she grew confused and questioned, ''''Can''t the defenses deal with them? What about the Federations Nova Mages?''''


    Samuel frowned before approaching her and placing a caring hand on her shoulder while explaining, ''''Titans are leading the charge, and they have already destroyed the southern and eastern provinces, but luckily, the council and capital escaped on Voyager''s sister ship.''''


    Amara nodded while answering in a determined voice, ''''Okay, Father. When are we leaving?''''


    ''''Right now. Follow your mother to the carriage,'''' Samuel responded. ''''I must head to the Starlight Facility to escort the scientists and civilians to the ship.''''


    Following that, the Silverstar Family left the mansion and got into a carriage before traveling through the chaotic city. Amara looked out the window only to see the citizens panicking as they headed for the harbor.


    Federation soldiers guided them through the bustling streets as the carriage approached the harbor. There, a colossal ship loomed on the water, capturing her awe. ''It''s incredible that the council managed to build something like this,'' she thought. ''It''s a floating city in all but name.''


    If Atlas had seen the vessel, he would have called it a monster cruise ship, as it was massive. As the carriage closed in on the boat, it stopped before a heavy guard gangway leading up to the deck.


    Amara knew this was the nobles'' entrance while the ordinary people boarded through another way she didn''t know. She nodded before stepping outside as her mother spoke to the commander, ''''How many have boarded Theo?''''


    The man scratched his bushy beard while answering, ''''Four million so far, another two or three before the monsters arrive, my lady. Thanks to the dwarf engineering and elf space magic used on the ship, we can now save Silverstar City, but the council isn''t happy with the cost of the upgrades.''''


    ''They''re never happy, but father always gets his way when it comes to them,'' she thought while hearing the man.


    Amara watched her mother Melanie shrug before replying, ''''It''s worth it if our citizens can survive the End Times, as the scholars call it. Samuel says we''re sailing north to Astoria to seek refuge with the Eldoria Empire.''''


    Theo nodded, ''''Yes, my lady, but the empire has demanded a price, and they want the Arcane Ember, which is stored safely in the captain''s vault.''''


    When Amara heard that, she remembered the stories of the stone with mysterious powers that scientists believe come from the long-rumored Dark Realm, ''If the scholars are right, we can harness the energy from it to power the Federation,'' she mused while waiting to board the ship.


    ''''Has Samuel reported in yet? He said he was going to the Starlight Facility to retrieve the people there?'''' Melanie asked worriedly as the family maids ushered the children on board.


    Amara decided to stay and wait for her other family members, which included three older brothers and two sisters. They worked across the city but knew they were heading here due to their father''s orders.


    Theo, allowing the other nobles to pass through the blockade, replied after ordering more soldiers to guard the entrance, "They''re gathering all the samples, notes, and subjects from the experiments as the Federations deem them valuable; the report said they will be departing soon."


    ''Why are they bringing those vile creatures on board!'' she thought while cringing. ''Hopefully, there is enough security to keep us safe.''


    As Amara listened to that, Ebba spoke quietly, ''''My Lady. We should board the ship and take cover before it rains.''''


    She nodded and walked toward the gangway, boarding the massive vessel. Maids and servants guided them through the ship''s corridors to the quarters where the nobles would stay.


    ***


    Atlas stopped reading as more banging sounded from above, which creeped him out. He put the diary in his storage before listening, but nothing else was heard. Now reading the ship description, he soon realized he was at the bottom of the vessel.


    ''This Arcane Ember sounds interesting,'' he thought, which led to a notification to appear.


    [The Arcane Ember Flames is an essential component of the Vanquishers Blade. Retrieve it, boy - Nyx]


    Atlas was confused but glanced up and thought, ''Thanks for the information, Nyx.''


    He sighed because he now had to find the captain''s vault, which he had no idea where it was. Atlas decided to leave the engine room and found himself in another corridor, but this time, there were only three doors, two on either side and one at the end of the passageway.


    ''I wonder what vile creatures she was talking about? Maybe the Deepsea Crawlers?'' Atlas wondered while walking down the eerie corridor.


    While approaching the first door, he readied his blades before pushing the door open, and when it let out a jarring noise that echoed out, causing him to cringe, ''What the fuck!'' he internally panicked.


    Atlas peered into the room and realized it was a storage room with metal boxes on several shelves, ''What could be in here?'' he thought while entering.


    He inched closer to the nearest shelf but froze as a sudden scuttling sound echoed through the silence. His heart pounded as he bolted toward the noise, only to find a trail of dust spilling from a nearby vent like something had just crawled away.


    ''What the hell was that?'' Atlas thought, his eyes darting around the dimly lit room, scanning every shadow.


    He shook his head, forcing himself to focus. With a deep breath, he turned back to the shelf and cautiously opened the nearest metal box. The sight of its contents made his blood run cold.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 182 - 182: Fight To Live Boy

    Atlas stared at the piles of bones, the sight hitting him harder than he expected. ''What sort of sick shit went on in this place?'' a wave of unease washed over him.


    His hand instinctively reached out to pick up one of the bones¡ªa small arm bone. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he realized it once belonged to a child. Atlas quickly placed it back, feeling a deep chill in his chest.


    ''This place is a graveyard, it seems.''


    Following that, he checked the other metal boxes only to see more of the same before moving on. The other room was empty except for a group of skeletons in one corner that looked like they had died a brutal death.


    ''It must have been horrible for them.''


    Atlas left the unsettling room behind and cautiously approached the third door. As it creaked open, he found a staircase leading to the next floor. His grip tightened on his blades as he ascended, ready for any Deepsea Crawlers that might lunge from the shadows.


    He was met with nothing but a thick layer of dust when he reached the top. The eerie silence was unnerving, but then he spotted something¡ªa faint trail cutting across the dusty floor. Something had passed through recently, leaving its mark.


    ''Deepsea Crawlers, maybe?'' Atlas pondered as he studied the markings.


    Following that, he continued walking down the corridor, only to hear a door slam from nearby, making him yelp while spinning in its direction. He saw a dust cloud come from one of the doors.


    ''What was that?'' Atlas glanced around.


    His skill Light lit up the corridor, only to see the marks leading toward a door, which creeped him out. Atlas approached it as he readied to strike at whatever it was. He opened the metal door only to receive a bunk room.


    While stepping inside, something suddenly lunged at him from the shadows, causing him to yelp in fright as he crossed his blades, causing sparks to fly as one of the Crawlers tried to bite down, but the metal blocked it.


    ''Ahhh damn spiders!'' he mused with annoyance while hearing the more skittering that was heading in his direction.


    Atlas skidded backward before casting Void Infusion as he struck the creature, causing it to explode into chunks of chitin as more monsters appeared. He bobbed and weaved around the spider attacks while stabbing them.


    As the battle erupted, the room was small, and everything was covered in blood, but soon enough, they stopped appearing from a nearby vent that Atlas blasted with Void Bullets, blocking their way in.


    The remaining monsters were confined in the room with him, allowing him to defeat them all before taking a break. Atlas pulled out one of the Horned Rabbit Kebabs and took a bite, wincing as the spices set his mouth ablaze.


    ''Hot, hot, hot,'' he internally complained as his tongue was burning.


    After grabbing a water bottle, he sipped to soothe the heat. He settled in and enjoyed his meal once he could taste the kebab''s full flavor. While eating, another bang rang out, but this time, it sounded close.


    ''I swear this ship will make me shit myself before long,'' he thought while glancing around. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    More banging rang out, making Atlas''s skin crawl, but He ignored it while eating. Once done, he left the room and went down the dark corridor. He quickly activated the skill Light, which lit up the quiet hallway.


    Atlas continued his search, moving through the remaining rooms, only to find them empty. This discovery puzzled him. ''Has someone been here before me?''


    He wondered as he closed the door behind him. Suddenly, a shuffling noise echoed through the hallway. Startled, he spun around, raising Nightblade in a defensive stance, but saw nothing.


    The eerie silence deepened his unease. When he finally reached the deck where the survivors should have been, he was met with a grim scene: scattered broken furniture and disturbing bloodstains smeared across the walls.


    ''It seems like the people were attacked while the ship was sailing, but what could have done it?'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    He guessed it was the Deepsea Crawlers invading the ship and shrugged. Atlas continued walking, only to find nothing.


    Atlas''s footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridor, each step intensifying the unsettling silence around him. The ship creaked and groaned as if protesting his intrusion. Shadows danced menacingly along the wall thanks to his skill Light.


    A low, guttural sound drifted through the air, causing him to freeze. He tightened his grip on his blades, his breath quickening. The noise came from behind a rusted metal door to his right, causing his nerves to soar.


    ''What is lurking around? That was not a spider.''


    He approached cautiously, the faint squeak of the hinges making him flinch as he slowly pushed it open. The room beyond was shrouded in darkness, the only light coming from the narrow beam of his skill.


    The floor was littered with debris and what looked like fragments of old, tattered uniforms. Atlas scanned the room, his heart pounding. A sudden skittering noise from above made him jerk his head up.


    ''I should get out of here but I need that Arcane Ember for the blade,''


    His flashlight beam swept across the ceiling, revealing only the room''s emptiness and the remnants of what once might have been a ventilation system. But the noise grew louder, like the scratching of numerous tiny claws.


    With a shiver running down his spine, Atlas moved further into the room. He stumbled over something soft and squishy hidden beneath the rubble, and a sickening squelch echoed in the stillness.


    As he turned to steady himself, a series of sharp, scraping noises erupted from the shadows, accompanied by an eerie, high-pitched whine that seemed to pierce the air. The sound grew louder, now a cacophony of scuttling and faint whispers.


    Atlas''s pulse quickened as a sharp clang echoed through the room. His breath hitched as his blood ran cold. ''''What the fuck,'''' he muttered under his breath.


    The ship''s eerie silence seemed to close in on him, each sound growing louder, more menacing. He whipped his head around just in time to see something fall from the shadows, hitting the metal floor with a sickening thud.


    ''There''s something in here with me; I can feel their eyes on me.''


    When Atlas heard the harsh noise, it sent a jolt of terror through him, making the hairs on his neck bristle. He backed away slowly and couldn''t shake the feeling of unseen eyes lingering on his every move.


    Just then, Medusa''s panicked voice shattered the quiet in his mind, causing him to jump out of his skin, ''Master! You''re not alone, and it''s not spiders! Get to the captain''s quarters now!''


    As Medusa''s voice echoed in his mind, an instinct flared inside Atlas. He had no time to think¡ªonly react. He crossed his blades with lightning reflexes just as a massive creature lunged from the shadows, its claws slashing toward him.


    The force of the impact sent his swords clattering across the floor as the beast gripped his throat, lifting him off the ground. Atlas gasped for breath, heart pounding in his chest like a war drum.


    ''What monster is this?'' He was looking into the creature''s malice-filled eyes.


    Its skin was a ghastly shade of grey, exuding an aura of death that sent a shiver down his spine. The creature''s horrifying teeth glinted menacingly in the dim light, poised to strike. A surge of fear gripped him, but just as panic threatened to overwhelm him, a powerful voice echoed in his mind¡ªhis father''s, resolute and commanding.


    ''Fight, Atlas! Fight to live, boy!''


    A wave of determination surged through him as he unleashed Void Infusion, his fist crackling with ominous dark energy before he launched a thunderous punch straight into the creature''s chest, and the impact exploded with an explosive roar that shook the air around them.


    The impact sent the monster staggering back, its massive form crashing into the walls. But there was no time to rest. More creatures lunged at him from all sides. Atlas''s azure eyes blazed with fury, and his fists lit up with the same glowing power.


    He moved like a storm, delivering a flurry of brutal combos that shattered bones and decimated his attackers. Every strike was deadly and filled with raw power, ''Master!'' Medusa''s voice rang out in his mind, tinged with panic. ''Don''t fight too much! This power is too much for you right now!''


    Atlas faced the looming threat with unwavering resolve, unleashing a primal roar that resonated with fierce defiance. His voice reverberated through the air as he locked his gaze on the largest of the beasts.


    He charged forward in a blaze of speed, Void mana crackling around his fist as he hurled himself at the monstrous foe. His punch collided with the creature''s jaw in a thunderous explosion reverberating through the chamber, sending the beast crashing into the wall with a bone-shaking impact.


    After that, Atlas started punching the other creatures while scanning the bigger one to check out its rank, only to have his heart drop.


    [Fleshfiends]


    [Leader]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: S - 10000 Exp]


    [Strong, fast, and sneaky. You have to be better than them]


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 183 - 183: Previous Passengers

    ''Tainted? What does that mean?'' Atlas pondered as he quickly recalled his swords while blocking the monster''s swipe.


    Sparks were sent flying, and he skidded backward before slamming against the wall. That''s when dozens of more Fleshfiends appeared and started rushing toward him, which made him yelp, as there were too many.


    ''Run, you foolish boy!'' Theo''s voice rang out in his mind as he felt his body weaken.


    Atlas sprinted through the door, slamming it shut behind him as the creatures collided with it. He then ran down the corridor, his heart pounding, but the relentless monsters pursued him, their snarls growing louder.


    ''They''re going to get me if I don''t do something!''


    He quickly whirled around and unleashed a powerful punch. The sudden attack turned the creatures into meat chunks. This cleared his path forward, which he took advantage of and fled from the horrifying monsters.


    Atlas sprinted through the dark ship until he arrived at a large auditorium and felt the Fleshfiends only a few minutes behind him. He looked around only to hear Theo''s voice, ''Bring me out, I can help Master.''


    When hearing the Blood Bat King, he activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned the monster, who quickly picked him up before flying up to a ledge above the stage where Theo dropped him.


    The bat landed beside him before curling up as he spoke again, ''Rest, Master. Using that spell has exhausted you, I can sense it.''


    He nodded before stroking the monster''s soft fur while responding with a tired smile, ''''Thanks, Theo. You saved me once again.''''


    After that, Atlas collapsed and fell into a deep sleep as he was comfortable. As Thro covered his body, the Fleshfiends went crazy below as they howled in rage as they searched for him, but he was safe.


    Hours passed as he recovered, only to wake up with a banging headache, which caused him to groan. ''''Ah, that hurts so bad,'''' he muttered.


    Atlas sat up as Theo moved to the side and warned him, ''Don''t make noise, Master. Those creatures are below and very angry.''


    He agreed before peeking over the edge, only to see hundreds of Fleshfiends rushing through doors while searching the auditorium. Atlas gulped as he started scanning the normal creatures.


    [Fleshfiend]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Fleshfiend Beserker]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Fleshfiend Tracker]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]


    ''Are these the previous passengers? What could have corrupted them?'' Atlas wondered aloud, his mind racing with questions.


    He reluctantly unfurled his sleeping bag with no other option, preparing to settle in until the creatures cleared out. Then, Atlas pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box before eating as his stomach rumbled.


    ''I''ll stay up here for a while,'' he thought while stuffing his face. Thanks to being inside his Dimensional Storage, it was still hot and enjoyable.


    Atlas started eating while checking his status to see if he had leveled up during all that chaos.


    [Level Up: 181¡ú187]


    [Experience: 4260/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 33500]


    [Health: 1736¡ú1760(200)]


    [Mana: 7608¡ú7718(1000)]


    [Strength: 2022¡ú2042(100)]


    [Stamina: 2486¡ú2518(250)]


    [Intelligence: 1602¡ú1614]


    [Core Points: 71170/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 17750]


    [Aqua Lung: 1¡ú2]


    ''Not long now before I rank up again,'' Atlas mused as he settled into his hideaway, the eerie howls of the Fleshfiends echoing around him.


    After finishing his meal, Theo''s voice cut through the unsettling sounds with a note of concern. ''They''re going wild out there, but you can use the Darklings to locate the captain''s quarters.''


    ''Good idea,'' he agreed with a nod.


    Atlas activated the Dungeon Conqueror Skill, summoning the small, winged humanoids. As they appeared, they emitted soft, curious noises and began to tug at his hair playfully, bringing a genuine smile to his face.


    "Can you find the captain''s quarters for me?" he requested of the little creatures. "There''s something in there I need.''''


    The Darklings nodded in unison before darting into the shadows, vanishing from sight as they evaded the Fleshfiends'' notice. Atlas watched them disappear into the darkness, then crawled into his sleeping bag, settling in for a well-deserved rest.


    Hours passed, and the creatures below finally left the auditorium just before the Darklings appeared holding a map, which Atlas took before studying, only to find out the captain''s quarters were at the top of the ship.


    ''Damn, that''s a long journey, but the Vanquisher Blade should be worth it,'' Atlas thought while looking around.


    He quickly spotted a vent blocked by a thick metal grate, which caused him to think, ''I can use Void Step, and it''s about time I use that camouflage upgrade I got.''


    Atlas put on his helmet before storing his bag away and dismissing Theo with a grateful stroke. He quietly approached the vent while summoning his swords, which appeared in his hands, causing him to smile.


    ''That''s better,'' he internally smiles before using Void Step to appear on the other side of the grate.


    When Atlas glanced around, he noticed a few skeletons huddled in one corner, which made him frown. Before moving forward, he decided to find out what had happened to the passengers and returned to his hiding place.


    He pulled out Amara''s Diary and continued reading it, only to be shocked, confused, and mystified by the following entry a week after she boarded the ship.


    ***


    Amara sat in her room, having just finished helping her mother with her younger siblings. An unsettling sense of unease hung in the air as disturbing rumors began circulating¡ªword spread that some of the experiments had escaped into the ship''s bowels.


    While resting in their compartment, her father, Samuel, rushed into the room with his guards with a panicked expression. Melanie jumped up and quickly questioned, ''''What''s going on, husband?''''


    The older man was just about to reply, but an explosion ripped through the lower end of the ship, causing the vessel to tremble. Samuel quickly explained, ''''The Blightborns have been capturing people and doing something to them. They soon reappear as grey-skinned humanoids with deep red eyes and claws like monsters.''''


    When Amara heard the rumors, her mind flashed back a year to the story of a whistleblower from the Starlight Facility who had exposed the creation of the Blightborn¡ªmonstrous entities forged through a dark amalgamation of magic, alchemy, and technology, designed as soldiers for the Federation.


    The council had swiftly moved to suppress the news, their involvement undeniable. They had funded, approved, and nearly perfected the project, with noble families fully aware of the details. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To her shock, Amara had recently discovered that her father was the head of the Antioch League, an organization specializing in developing war machines and hybrids to use on the Valkoria Federation enemies.


    She shook her head as another man rushed in and spoke nervously, ''''My Lord. The Lurkers, Blightborn, and every creature held on the sixtieth floor have escaped.''''


    Amara watched her father''s eyes widen in fear as her mother demanded, ''''What''s going on, Samuel? I thought there were only Blightborns, and now there''s more.''''


    The man rushed in and explained, ''''There are seven in total, My Lady. They were a company secret but now are causing havoc on the lower floors.''''


    Following this, she watched as the Federation soldiers locked down the upper floors, thinking they would be safe because they stayed next to the captain''s quarters. However, she and the family never realized danger was just around the corner, and the horrifying monsters were heading straight up the ship.


    Amara decided to write everything down as an account of The Starforge Voyager. Following that, chaos engulfed the ship as battles took place. She witnessed people trying to get through the security fences set up by the soldiers.


    ''This is becoming a nightmare,'' she thought. ''We are trapped on board with close to six million people thanks to the space magic which means there will be an uncountable number of monsters.''


    Following that thought, Amara readied her weapons, which consisted of a mana rifle and sidearm. The bridge and noble quarters were locked down as the ship descended into horror, and people were abducted, killed, and taken into the darkness.


    One day, while eating dinner, the commander rushed in and exclaimed, ''''They''ve broken through the barriers, my lord! We must leave here as the Blightborns and their Fleshfiend offspring are overwhelming the Starlight Defense Robots.


    Everyone started panicking, but Samuel announced, ''''There are vaults on the bottom floors. We can take the elevator down there. Only the captain and I have keys, and Berrick is on the bridge trying to control the remaining soldiers.''''


    Following the unsettling discovery, the Silverstar Family was hurriedly escorted to the private elevators by their remaining guards. Amara braced herself for a fight, but her blood froze when her eyes fell upon the Blightborn.


    ''What is this horrible monster! This isn''t something that belongs in our world.''


    The creature stood six feet tall, skin a sickly pale white, and its eyes gleamed a menacing red, brimming with malice. Its body was a grotesque mockery of human form, twisted and deformed, with scythe-like appendages protruding from its back like a macabre crown.


    The sight of it sent waves of terror through the group, paralyzing many in place. But one brave soldier refused to be overwhelmed¡ªhe activated a mana bomb, determination in his eyes.


    He charged headlong at the monstrous creatures, willing to sacrifice himself to protect the others. Amara watched the explosion tear through the nightmare, but another horror appeared as the smoke settled.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 184 - 184: Great Advice

    Sitting in the hideaway, Atlas finished that part of the diary and wondered, ''Don''t tell me they took the Arcane Ember to the vault on the lower flood? If so, the Silverstar Family is down there while the captain is elsewhere.''


    He shook his head before turning to the vent he was going to. Void Step through, but Atlas yelped in fright when he spotted a creepy-looking humanoid staring at him with lifeless black eyes.


    ''Dammit! That scared the shit out of me,'' he thought as his heart raced.


    The creature was small but nightmarishly terrifying. Its sickly yellow skin stretched tight over a grotesque skeletal frame, seemed to shimmer with an unsettling sheen. Sharp, blood-caked claws and jagged teeth marked it unmistakably as a predator.


    From its nearly bald head, bizarre strands of black hair sprouted, seeming to writhe with an eerie life of their own. Atlas felt a chill race down his spine as he took in the dreadful sight, which made his skin crawl.


    Standing around four feet tall, the creature exuded a sinister aura, as if it lurked in the shadows, lying in wait to ambush its next unsuspecting victim. Atlas shook his head and used Void Sight on it. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Lurker]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [These are fast little fuckers, boy. You must be quicker!]


    ''Great advice,'' he internally complained.


    He quickly cast Void Veil, which blinded the Lurker and sent it into a wild frenzy, but Atlas quickly used Void Step to appear next to it, allowing him to drive his blades into the creature''s skull.


    ''Now die, you creepy fucker!'' he internally raged at being made jump by it.


    The Lurker dropped dead before he cut out the purple core that he knew was worth something. Following that, Atlas continued down the small tunnel and soon noticed another grate that led to a corridor.


    With a powerful kick, Atlas sent the grate flying from the opposite wall, where it slammed into a door with a crash. He climbed down into the horrible-smelling hallway, his heart pounding.


    Pulling out a map after getting over the blood smell, he quickly assessed his location and realized he was on the third passenger floor¡ªeighteen floors below the captain''s quarters, where he had to get the vault key.


    ''I swear this blade better be worth it,'' Atlas thought while glancing around. ''This place is giving me the creeps.''


    Atlas crouched low, blending into the darkness of the narrow service corridor. The dim, flickering lights overhead cast long, twitching shadows that seemed to dance with malevolence.


    He pressed his back against the cold metal wall, listening intently to the guttural growls and scraping sounds echoing from the adjacent passage. Atlas glanced in the sound direction only to see a group of Fleshfiends approaching him.


    ''''This is ridiculous,'''' Atlas muttered, urgency edging his voice as he sprinted away from the approaching threat.


    But as he rounded the corner, a Lurker lunged at him with startling speed. Atlas''s eyes widened in shock as the creature''s claws slashed at him. He flailed desperately, trying to shake off the nightmarish attacker that clawed and bit with savage intensity.


    ''I swear I need a spell to warn me of ambushes,'' he internally complained.


    Atlas let out a scream when its teeth pierced through the gaps in the armor. When the blood hit the floor, the group of Fleshfiends turned around and rushed in his direction due to the smell, which made him panic.


    He quickly cast Void Wave, which managed to dislodge the Lurker as it crashed into the nearby wall, allowing Atlas to thrust Nightblade into the creature''s skull. The first Fleshfriend rounded the corner, letting out a horrifying growl.


    ''Oh god. This will be annoying,'' he thought while leaning back to dodge a swipe of its claws.


    It hit the wall behind Atlas before he struck out and sliced off one of its arms, which allowed him to get the upper hand on the creature. He managed to pierce the heart of the beast and used Void Blast to send the corpse into the others.


    Following that attack, he rushed down the corridor as there were too many Fleshfiends to fight in a confined space. While running, a Lurker lunged from above, which Atlas sidestepped as it got swarmed by his pursuers.


    Atlas sprinted down the corridor, relief washing over him as he spotted a staircase leading upward. He dashed up the metal steps, only to burst into a dining hall with a disturbing sight off to the side.


    ''What is that?'' he wondered, edging closer.


    As he approached, he saw a haphazard camp¡ªthe monster''s work. The unsettling part was the collection of bodies strewn around. There were over a dozen, their lifeless forms a grim testament to violence.


    Atlas''s mind raced. ''Was there a battle here? Or something worse?''


    There were Lurkers, Fleshfiends, and a taller, dark-skinned monster that looked worse than the previous two. He started searching the camp and realized it had happened hours ago, forcing him to continue through the nearest tunnel.


    Afterward, he traveled for an hour and fought more creatures using his magic and swords before reaching a large storage area stacked high with rotten crates and a horrible smell that hurt his nose.


    ''What is this place? A monster nest?'' Atlas wondered, casting a wary glance around the grim scene.


    He checked the nearest crate but found nothing inside, deepening his confusion about the smell. Atlas''s attention suddenly snapped back as several creatures dropped silently from a nearby wall, their sudden appearance heightening his dread.


    They were seven feet tall, pale white, and had red eyes full of malice as they focused on him. Atlas gulped when he saw these horrifying creatures encircling him with intent. He quickly scanned it to find out what rank it was.


    [Blightborn]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Use your monsters, boy!]


    Without thinking, Atlas activated Call Of The Void and summoned the Brute Void Bears, who charged out of the azure portal and crashed into the shocked Blightborns. They quickly tore the creatures apart with ease.


    Following that, he rushed past the battling monsters and made his way up the ship while avoiding the Fleshfiends and Lurker, thanks to his camouflage that stopped him constantly fighting as he was growing tired.


    ''I need to rest,'' Atlas thought. ''Maybe the captain room will be safe enough.''


    It took several hours to reach the noble quarters behind the fences Amara wrote about. When Atlas spotted them, he was shocked. They looked like mithril defensive gates that were torn apart.


    ''What could have done this?''


    Skeletons littered the floor, and when Atlas accidentally touched them, they crumbled into dust thanks to the time passed. He continued and passed through the destroyed gate before seeing even more corpses.


    When he reached the floor where the nobles were staying, he noticed that the floors had collapsed because of something big. Atlas scanned the area and saw it was on the second floor of the ship.


    ''Too quiet,'' he mused. ''It seems like a giant monster attacked.''


    Looking out the dirty windows, he saw schools of sea monsters swimming around while living life.


    His breath caught as he stepped closer, and his eyes widened in awe. Before him stretched a breathtaking sight of the ocean''s depths, illuminated by bioluminescent creatures dancing in the water.


    The sea was alive with a vibrant array of colors. A Giant jellyfish drifted by, its tentacles trailing like ethereal ribbons of light. Schools of glowing fish flitted past, their scales shimmering in hues of blue and green.


    In the distance, the silhouette of a colossal sea serpent undulated through the dark water, its scales sparkling with a mesmerizing iridescence. As it glided effortlessly, its long, curved body created waves of light that rippled across the sea floor.


    ''''Beautiful but deadly,'''' he mumbled to himself.


    Then, Atlas started looking for the captain''s quarters and soon encountered even more Lurkers he had to kill before moving forward. He continued to fight and guessed there were the descendants of the original survivors.


    ''They''ve evolved backward,'' he mused, the grim realization settling in. ''Maybe it''s because they were trapped at the bottom of the sea.''


    Pushing forward, Atlas finally reached the room he had been searching for. The door was stubbornly blocked; he used all his strength to open it. The captain had barricaded himself inside, a last-ditch effort to keep the terror at bay.


    When Atlas stepped into the apartment-sized living space, he was met with darkness, mold, and an eerie silence. He swiftly activated his Light, illuminating the expansive room cloaked in a thick layer of dust.


    He moved cautiously through the space until he spotted an office tucked away. As he approached, the beam of Light revealed a lifeless body slumped in a chair behind a massive wooden desk.


    Atlas entered the room, the light casting eerie shadows across the space, and his heart sank as he recognized the body¡ªit was the captain. He approached the corpse, his eyes drawn to a note lying on the desk.


    Without hesitation, he picked up the note, realizing it was a final message from the captain before his death.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 185 - 185: Whats Your Point

    Atlas read the note, which annoyed him beyond belief.


    [To the soldiers of Astoria. I have given all the valuables to Duke Silverstar, who resides in a bunker at the bottom of the ship. Please rescue them, as they are a good and kind family who can help rebuild the Federation]


    ''So everything is back at the bottom,'' he pondered while glancing around for the vault key and spotted it around the neck of the skeleton.


    Without a second thought, Atlas snatched the note and allowed himself a fleeting smile, imagining escape from this nightmare. He grabbed the key from the desk and turned to leave, only to be jolted by a deafening roar.


    ''What was that? Don''t tell me there are giant monsters down here!'' he thought, a wave of panic threatening to overwhelm him. He fought to keep his composure, deciding to rest before continuing.


    He located the captain''s room, cleared a spot on the dusty floor, and set up his tent. Crawling inside, he sought refuge from the dust and got comfortable before activating the Void Realm to battle with the Golems.


    Atlas spent hours fighting with the stone monsters to reduce their numbers so he could move on to the next floor, which he started enjoying due to the excitement of battling numerous foes.


    Once he got some space from the Void Golem, Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Golem ¨C 312134/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 391790/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 94201/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Slowly going down,'' he mused with a smile before casting Void Bomb into the swarm of Void Golems and Warriors, causing an azure to erupt.


    Atlas watched the monsters get sent flying into the waves below. Following that, he continued fighting with them, allowing him to wipe out hundreds of them, which caused the total to drop.


    Soon enough, Atlas grew tired and slumped down before returning to the real world. A loud thump could be heard all over the ship as he awoke. He poked his head out of the tent while looking around and felt the vessel shake, causing him to guess, ''Maybe a giant sea monster hit it?''


    Following that, Atlas curled up in his sleeping bag and fell asleep. Hours passed by, only for him to wake up refreshed. He climbed out of the tent and stored everything away while sensing something in the next room.


    ''There''s a Lurker outside,'' he thought with a smile.


    Atlas drew his weapons but first took a moment to search the room. He only found an iron key, which immediately caught his attention. Activating Void Sight, he examined the key and was pleased to read the description:


    [Safety Vault Key: Grants access to the vault at the bottom of the ship]


    ''I can get the blade part now,'' Atlas pondered. ''But I have to travel all the way down and run into packs of Fleshfiends.''


    Once, thinking that he had readied himself to leave the room, he stepped outside as if a bad feeling washed over him. Atlas looked to the right as the floor started to rumble at the entrance to the noble quarters, which erupted into chaos as a massive Blightborn charged at him.


    Atlas yelped when he saw the muscular creature swipe at him, but he quickly rolled to the side while casting Void Bullets at the monster''s feet, causing explosions to ring out and allowing him to rush forward.


    Everything fell into chaos as he bounced around the corridors while avoiding the monster''s attacks as he countered by Void Infusion on his swords and tearing through its skin. He dodged the Blightborn attacks while striking at the creature''s legs, causing it to stumble.


    At that point, Atlas had to cast Void Guard to defend himself from another creature that appeared from a side room. ''There''s no way I''m going to win this fight,'' he thought while backing away from them.


    Atlas used Void Sight on the creatures while he caught his breath.


    [Blightborn Berserker]


    [Tainted]


    [Rank: S - 10000 Exp]


    [Fucking run, you stupid child!]


    "You''re right," Atlas roared internally, "but I''m bringing them down!"


    With a fierce resolve, he sheathed his blades and unleashed Void Infusion on his fists. He charged headlong at the Berserkers, their savage attacks slicing through the air as he expertly dodged each one.


    His fists hammered down on their knees, sending them to the ground with a thunderous impact. The force of his punches was undeniable, but he could feel his strength waning.


    Exhaustion gnawed at him, even as a glimmer of triumph sparkled in his eyes. More Berserkers emerged, and a wave of panic threatened to overwhelm him. But then he remembered¡ªthe ship was weak.


    With a roar of sheer determination, Atlas began to pound the floor relentlessly, bending the metal. The ship''s structure gave way beneath them, and with a mighty crash, he and the creatures plummeted through the crumbling floors, plunging into the abyss below.


    As Atlas plummeted through the darkness, he was entangled with a Blightborn. Desperation drove him to cast Void Bomb, a blinding explosion erupting around him. The blast freed him from the creature''s grasp but left him severely wounded.


    The pain was overwhelming, and as his vision blurred and his strength waned, he felt himself crashing through the ship''s metal hull. Everything around him spiraled into darkness, and then¡ªsilence. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ***


    "Amethyst! Kill that damn soldier before he alerts the others!" Grishna barked.


    Without hesitation, she dove toward the airborne horseman, her hands crackling with cosmic mana. She unleashed a Cosmic Blast, a surge of chaotic mana ripping through the man''s back and piercing his body.


    As the soldier fell, Amethyst was suddenly gripped by a sharp pain in her heart. The searing agony forced her to plummet to the ground, her body crashing heavily. The other women, witnessing her fall, rushed toward her with alarmed expressions, their focus shifting from the battle to their fallen comrade.


    Estelle arrived first and cast Healing Light on her, but the phoenix girl let out a pain-filled scream as Artemis arrived and quickly comforted her, ''''You okay, Little Bird? That stupid boy nearly died again!''''


    "How do you know that?" Grishna asked in a doubtful voice. They are bonded. Well, she had a one-sided connection to Azhar''Zul."


    The other two women were confused, but the blonde knight questioned, ''''How? They haven''t had sex.''''


    Grishna''s green eyes widened, ''''The two little shits must have kissed before he was kidnapped!''''


    Artemis nodded and revealed all she knew about Amethyst''s race, ''''That''s all that is needed for a Cosmic Phoenix to bond with someone. She cares for him deeply if she can feel a fraction of his pain.''''


    "So Azhar''Zul is enduring even more pain than she is?" Estelle asked, her voice tinged with concern.


    The brunette nodded, her expression grave. "Yes. From what I understand, he was crossing the Dreaded Maw Sea, which is deeply unsettling because most aircraft or ships get attacked by the Titans."


    Amethyst, now having calmed down, rose shakily and, with a breathless tone, revealed, "Atlas has plunged into deep darkness below the Dreaded Maw Sea. He''s trapped on a massive ship that sunk before our time.''''


    When the three women heard this, their expressions changed until Grishna exclaimed, ''''He''s always in trouble. Didn''t you hear the traders? The white-haired devil has been terrorizing the Achaemandians.''''


    ''''What''s your point?'''' Artemis said as they prepared to continue traveling.


    The orc woman explained, ''''Azhar''Zul will always get into trouble and get himself out of it, but at least now we know he''s heading to the Nubian Capital to heal Lilith.''''


    Everyone agreed to wait for Atlas before heading to the northern frontier. The invasion of Astoria has stalled at the Thalassia Empire''s borders, but that never stopped the assassins coming after them.


    ***


    As Atlas slowly regained consciousness, the relentless drip of water and the ominous groan of metal reverberated through the darkness. His entire body was ablaze with pain, and though he attempted to move, something held him in place.


    His Regeneration worked tirelessly, struggling to repair the extensive damage he had sustained, ''Ahhh, what happened?'' he wondered, the strain making his head throb mercilessly. ''Right¡ªthe Blightborn bodybuilders.''


    Straining to lift his head, Atlas winced as the agony in his neck forced him to remain still. In his vulnerable state, he activated his Dungeon Conqueror skill and summoned a Rock Wyrm to protect himself.


    The Rock Wyrm coiled around Atlas''s battered form, its massive, serpentine body forming a protective barrier against lurking threats. Atlas felt relief as the Wyrm gently nudged him with its colossal head.


    Without warning, it lunged forward, its jaws snapping shut on a horde of Fleshfiends creeping closer. In response to the mounting danger, Atlas swiftly summoned a few Bugbears.


    The towering creatures encircled him, their formidable presence pushing back the nightmarish intruders. The clash of battle erupted around them, but the Rock Wyrm soon returned, resuming its vigilant guard and ensuring no monsters breached their defenses.


    Atlas felt his Regeneration kicking in and started repairing all the damage, which took longer than usual. Soon enough, the headache died down, allowing him to think before his muscles stitched them back together.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 186 - 186: Nightmare

    It took Atlas another hour to recover as he could finally sit up, but his head spun before settling down. He glanced around and noticed he was in a restaurant, which caused him to think, ''Looks like I''m on the forty-second floor.''


    Without wasting any more time, Atlas stood up as his body cracked and his surviving monsters turned to him. He dismissed them all while scanning his surroundings with Void Sight, but he couldn''t see anything.


    ''No monsters, it seems. Hopefully, I can get to the vault without any trouble.''


    There were two dozen red Monster Cores, which he had collected before moving on, while the Rock Wyrm followed him through the corridors. Soon enough, he came to a staircase blocked by the same fences. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Is this how the nobles made their way to the bottom?" Atlas mused with a tired smile as he surveyed his surroundings.


    He stepped inside and immediately spotted a staircase spiraling downward. Without hesitation, he descended, each step echoing in the quiet. However, his progress came to an abrupt halt as he reached a dead end.


    ''Damn, always something stopping me from moving forward.''


    The path ahead was blocked by jagged, torn metal, twisted into an impassable barrier, preventing him from moving forward. He dismissed the Rock Wyrm and entered the next floor, which seemed residential.


    When Atlas stepped inside, a foul stench assaulted his nose, causing him to gag. ''Eww, what is that?'' he thought, glancing around in disgust.


    He found himself in a large, dark foyer where a lone desk stood, abandoned. Four corridors stretched out before him, two on each side, and his curiosity was piqued. Thanks to the Night Eyes Runes, he was able to see.


    As Atlas moved toward the nearest corridor, the horrid stench intensified, becoming nearly unbearable. He grimaced, forcing himself to push forward despite the nausea. "The smells even worse here," he muttered.


    Every step felt heavier as he braced for what was lurking in the darkness. As Atlas ventured deeper into the ship, the metallic groans of the vessel seemed to grow louder, echoing through the hollow corridors.


    The atmosphere became creepier, causing a shiver to run down Atlas''s spine as a horrid stench clung to his nostrils, but something about the atmosphere gnawed at his instincts, warning him that he was not alone.


    Each step reverberated with an eerie, hollow clang. Once sleek and metallic, the walls around him were now covered in a thin, greasy film that shimmered in the dim light. Every breath tasted foul, and the ship''s usual scent of rust and decay was overwhelmed by something far worse.


    An acrid smell filled the air, like rotting meat left to decay in dampness. Atlas slowly and carefully rounded a corner and found himself in a long, narrow passage. Its walls were no longer metal but something else entirely¡ªflesh, which horrified him as his face went pale and the hair on his neck stood up.


    ''What nightmare have I walked into?''


    Pale, pulsing flesh stretched over jagged beams and pipes. Veins throbbed beneath the surface, sickeningly organic. As he stepped forward, a shudder ran down his spine. The sensation beneath his boots was warm, like walking on a living thing.


    ''What... in the Void is this place?'' Atlas thought, swallowing the bile that threatened to rise.


    The deeper he ventured, the more the surroundings changed. The once-structured layout of the ship twisted into a labyrinth. Rags of flesh hung from the ceiling like cobwebs, glistening with a foul, oily secretion.


    ''This shit is making me want to throw up,'' Atlas mused while trying to control himself.


    There were no more corridors of steel and rivets¡ªonly tunnels of flesh and bone, twisting and warping as he passed what once might have been a control panel, now absorbed into the walls, its buttons and dials half-sunken into the pulsing tissue.


    His hand reflexively went to the hilt of his blade. The shadows seemed to shift at the edges of his vision, and a soft, wet, slithering sound whispered through the air. Then came the noise, soft at first but unmistakable.


    There was a distant, wet, churning sound of something feeding. Atlas froze, his heartbeat thundering in his ears. Slowly, his vision extended into the darkness, revealing what lay ahead, and what he saw made his blood run cold.


    There were dozens of them huddled around piles of decaying flesh. Their clawed hands dug into the flesh, ripping chunks free and eating it. Atlas noticed the creature''s bodies twitched and shuddered with each bite, and the sickening squelch of torn flesh filled the air.


    ''Fleshfiends,'' he thought while watching the scene.


    Atlas''s pulse quickened as he soon realized he was in the heart of their feeding grounds. He stepped back, his breath shallow, trying to move quietly. But as he did, his boot pressed on something soft, wet.


    A faint squelch echoed in the narrow corridor. The nearest Fleshfiend paused, its head snapping, nose twitching as it sniffed the air. A hiss escaped its throat as it turned its hollow gaze toward Atlas.


    His heart raced as more of them stirred, rising from their grotesque feast. Their bodies moved unnaturally fast, spindly limbs contorting at disturbing angles. A chorus of clicking and guttural growls filled the place.


    Atlas backed off before casting a Void Bomb that exploded in the middle of the horde, allowing him to use Void Step to get across the chamber as the creatures were killed with azure flames that washed over them.


    As Atlas advanced, the monster howled in agony, his eyes burning with determination. He channeled Void Infusion into his blades, the dark energy crackling as he sliced through the creatures that had managed to evade his initial spells.


    The chamber echoed with the shrieks of the wounded beasts. Without hesitation, Atlas sprinted toward a metal door, slamming it shut with a resounding bang. The sound reverberated through the corridor, momentarily silencing the monstrous roars behind him.


    While leaning against the door, the Fleshfiends pounded relentlessly, causing it to shake. Atlas pulled out his map, his hands steady despite the mounting tension. He quickly located a staircase leading downward to the north.


    His instincts told him that more creatures were likely waiting in that direction, but Atlas knew there was no other choice. Following that, he made his way toward the staircase while fighting off the odd group of creatures that tried to ambush him.


    A few hours later, Atlas arrived at another hall, which he guessed was a nest, but this time, it was empty, which creeped him out. He stepped inside while gripping his blade just as a Fleshfiend lunged from the darkness.


    Atlas avoided the monster and carved through its body in one swipe as the blades were covered with Void Infusion. A battle erupted in the hall, causing him to bring in the Shadowstalkers, who tore into the creatures with their sword-like claws.


    Blood covered everything, including Atlas, as the last Fleshfiend died, but a sudden howl alerted him to the creatures rushing in his direction. He smiled before summoning more monsters to help in the fight while activating Dungeon Conquerer.


    A portal opened, allowing the Werewolves and Dreadmaw Lions to appear on the battlefield. Atlas then jumped into the fray as his monsters tore through the Fleshfiend nest while his summons kept up with him.


    Not long after, they reached the next staircase, where a Blightborn met Atlas. He killed several Werewolves before he reached the monster and sliced through its ankles, bringing it crashing to the floor.


    He cast a Void Arrow at its skull just as a Dreadmaw Lion lunged over him and hit another Blightborn before tearing it apart. When Atlas saw this, he started rushing to find the way to the lower floor.


    His Dungeon Monsters followed behind while others stayed to hold the Fleshfiends back. It took a few more hours to reach the floor where the vaults were, and thanks to the help, the creatures weren''t a problem.


    Atlas arrived at the end of a long corridor that looked like it could fit a Mistwalker, which he quickly summoned. The giant mammoth monster could move while he followed behind it while readying his weapons.


    The further they got, the Mistwalker let out a roar as it started to fight something that was beating the giant monster. Atlas stepped back as it faded back into the Dungeon Realm and sent the remaining creatures charging forward.


    That''s when the culprit appeared, a Blightborn unlike any he''d seen. It looked more human-like yet still radiated a creepy aure. Atlas tensed, wary but ready to fight. The creature spoke, its voice dripping with malice, "Stupid Voidwalker. Always meddling in our plans. We took everything from you, and still, that wasn''t enough to deter you."


    Atlas''s entire body tensed at the taunting words, a deep hatred coursing through him. His eyes flared as a memory surfaced¡ªof a white-haired woman battling similar creatures while holding him in her arms.


    He barely remembered her, the white-haired woman leading a group of guards in a desperate stand while a mage traced mysterious Runes on the ground and chanted in an unknown language.


    The monster''s taunt sliced through the memory with cold cruelty. It sneered, ''''Your mother was a delightful meal. Now, I get the pleasure of devouring her son. How fortunate for me.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 187 - 187: Chaos Being

    When Atlas heard the creature''s cruel words, something within him snapped. The memory of the woman flooded back¡ªher face etched with sorrow as she placed him on the Runes and said, "I hope you live, my son. Chaos will seek you out, but you must fight and never give up."


    He realized with a pang that this was why he had been adopted; Chaos and its minions had taken his real parents. As he grappled with the weight of this revelation, two notifications appeared before him.


    [Void Punch Unlocked]


    [Void Form Unlocked]


    Atlas quickly pulled up the information to see what he had unlocked, but he was shocked by it.


    [Void Punch: Uses your fist to channel the raw power of the Void to use against an opponent]


    [Void Form: Transform yourself into a shadowy form but is heavy on mana]


    ''These will help me in this fight, I hope,'' Atlas thought while using Void Sight on the creatures that seemed to know him.


    [Chaos Captain]


    [Race: Chaos Being]


    [Level: 423] sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Rank: Master]


    ''I can run, but it will find me thanks to being a higher rank than me,'' he thought while readying his weapons.


    The Chaos Captain moved forward so fast that it forced him to cross his swords as a bone blade clashed against them. Atlas was sent skidding backward, and the impact shook his arms, causing him to become rattled.


    ''Fuck that hurt,'' he internally complained. ''This is much stronger than me.''


    While thinking, Medusa''s voice rang out in his mind, ''Move through the ship! Get that evil creature to the hallway that keeps the seawater out.''


    Following that, Atlas managed to deflect or dodge most attacks, but when the Chaos Being landed a punch, it shattered his armor, forcing him back while using Void Guard to try to get a break from the constant attacks.


    It pushed him back to a large hall where he could use speed, but the creature managed to keep up, forcing Atlas on the back foot. While it was chasing him, he quickly summoned Kara and the Death Gorillas, who crashed into the Chaos Being.


    The monsters started pummeling it as Atlas used the rest of his mana to summon an Orge King, who barreled through the portal and swung its massive sword at the enemy, who just threw Kara across the hall.


    Atlas watched with excitement as the giant Dungeon Creature''s blade nearly reached the Chaos Being, who caught it with one hand. When he saw this, his heart dropped, forcing him to go down four mana potions.


    Once he had enough mana, he summoned the Hill Giant Boss from Blackthorne Hills. The massive monster roared, joined the Orge, and started attacking the Chaos Creature, and this time, it paid more attention to them.


    When Atlas noticed it wasn''t paying attention to him, he cast Void Punch, and his fists distorted with mystical energy before he sprinted forward so fast that he caused a sonic boom while dodging around his monsters and started punching the Chaos Being.


    The creature was caught off guard but couldn''t do anything as Atlas''s fists slammed into its body dozens of times. Azure light radiated off it, causing him to jump back as small explosions erupted.


    Atlas deflected the stray mana using Void Guard before casting Void Lance at the Chaos Being, trying to deal with his punches. He watched as the creature slammed its foot on the ground, dispelling the spell as it gazed at him with hatred.


    He chuckled at the enemy''s expression before teasing it, ''''You''re still weak even though you''re a Master Rank. Pathetic.''''


    When Atlas said that, the Chaos Being twitched in anger, causing him to continue while he recovered mana; shortly after, the Orge rushed forward and tried punching the being who had dodged all the attacks.


    ''I need to get to the side of the ship,'' he thought while glancing around. ''Medusa well tell me the plan when it''s time.''


    Atlas turned back to the Ogre and Chaos Being, who were fighting, but it was a one-sided struggle as his Dungeon Monster soon dropped to the ground after the enemy injected it with its horrible mana.


    It went to rise, but the Hill Giant stomped on its head and sent it back to the Dungeon Realm as it challenged the enemy. The massive monster swung its club, but the Chaos Being deflected the attacks.


    ''The giant will lose soon,'' Atlas thought before rushing in to help his monster, but it was too late.


    He watched as the Chaos Being cast a spell that decimated the Hill Giant, causing it to collapse into nothingness, which shocked Atlas. That didn''t deter him as he charged forward and dodged several attacks.


    ''Hopefully, I can use my speed against this creature,'' he thought while dodging a blast of Chaos magic.


    Explosions rang out as Atlas cast Void Punch. He swung at the creature''s head, but it moved. He already planned for this as his other fist struck the Chaos Being''s chest, sending it stumbling backward.


    ''Now''s my chance! If I can land a few good attacks I can retreat to give myself time to find the side of the ship.''


    Atlas took advantage of the moment by rushing into the fray and got close to the enemy before landing dozens of punches, which surprised the creature. He wasn''t done and took out his blades while casting Void Infusion on them.


    Without wasting another second, he stabbed them into the Chaos Being''s chest before casting Void Bullet, which instantly exploded inside the creature and sent Atlas flying across the hall they were in.


    He landed on his feet as the creature let out an enraged roar as its red eyes landed on him, and Atlas quickly noticed that it was losing control. The Chaos Being charged forward, causing him to turn on his heels as Medusa''s voice sounded in his mind.


    ''You''re not far from the trap Master. When I tell you too cast Void Bomb at the wall, then summon me,'' she said in a panicked voice.


    Atlas agreed before passing through a dining hall and then an entertainment section with the Chaos Being hot on his heels. The creature was angry and wanted to kill him, but he was faster and continued running.


    Soon enough, the gap between him and the enemy was close, but Medusa''s voice rang out, ''Turn right up here; as soon as you do cast your spell before using Void Step to get away from the creature.''


    Atlas nodded faintly before readying himself. He pointed his blade at the wall and cast a Void Bomb. The azure spells sliced through the corridor and erupted into a vicious explosion that tore the metal apart.


    They were sucked into the deep, and Atlas quickly summoned the Death Serpent, who promptly grabbed him in her jaws as a horrifying aura descended upon them. She rushed back into the ship.


    He still saw the Chaos Being looking at him with rage, but soon, a gigantic monster shot out of the darkness and quickly swallowed the creature. Atlas let out a breath of relief as Medusa hid in the flooded hallway.


    While hiding in the darkness, her voice rang out in his mind, ''We shall stay here until the Sea God finishes with that horrifying creature.''


    Atlas agreed with a nod before curling up and falling asleep due to the mana exhaustion as he pushed himself into the fight. Hours passed by, and he woke up only to sense something nearby.


    ''What''s out there Medusa?'' he questioned.


    The Death Seprent quickly answered, ''Blood Sharks. I had to kill some Blightborns and Fleshfiends that appeared. They smell the results and are investigating.''


    After speaking, Medusa opened her mouth a little as he cast Aqua Lung so he could breathe. His eyes widened in shock when he saw the giant red sharks patrolling the inside of the ship but staying away from them.


    ''Lucky I have her otherwise, I''d be screwed down here,'' Atlas mused while watching the sharks tearing into the corpse of a Fleshfiend.


    He quickly used Void Sight to determine the monsters'' rank and Medusa''s.


    [Blood Sharks]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Deadly hunters, but let the Death Seprent hide you]


    ''Interesting,'' he thought. ''Maybe I can use Void Bullets to scare them away.''


    Next was his Death, Serpent, and Atlas was shocked when he saw how strong she had become.


    [Medusa]


    [Death Serpent]


    [Rank: S - 10000]


    [She''s growing stronger just like you, boy!]


    Following that, he pointed Nightblade toward the hole in the ship before casting a Void Bullet that sliced through the water and hit the seafloor. The Blood Sharks scattered when the explosion erupted, making him laugh.


    ''Smart Master. Get to the vault to retrieve whatever you were searching for,'' Medusa suggested while swimming toward the air pocket, which would lead him there.


    The Death Serpent let him out as her giant head breached the water, allowing him to step onto the ship''s cold metal. Atlas dismissed her before continuing the corridor while readying himself for a fight.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 188 - 188: Cliffhanger

    Atlas continued walking down the dark, damp corridor, heading for the vault where the nobles hid from the prowling monsters. He quickly cast Void Infusion on his blades just as a group of Fleshfiends rushed out of the darkness.


    ''Here we go.''


    Without missing a beat, he dodged several attacks while countering with his swords that carved through the creature''s flesh. As Atlas realized he was surrounded, he cast Void Wave, which wiped out a dozen.


    This gave him enough time to use Void Arrow to kill many more. Five minutes later, the creatures ceased their attack and scattered into the darkness. Atlas was about to chase after them but stopped as he remembered why he was there.


    ''Let''s get the Arcane Ember and leave this horrifying place,'' he thought while traveling through the shadows. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas continued and passed through storage rooms and other mechanical halls that ran the ship. He traveled for an hour until finding the first signs of the noble district. When he got inside, he felt exhaustion wash over him.


    ''I need to rest before continuing; otherwise, they may get the jump on me,'' he wondered while looking for a safe place.


    He searched until he discovered a cleaning cupboard with a cubby above it. Once Atlas slipped inside and closed the door behind him, he noticed the space was stocked with spare uniforms and other supplies.


    ''At least there aren''t any monster eggs in here.''


    Once inside, Atlas tried to touch the clothes, but they crumbled into dust as if they were old. He internally chuckled before taking out a dozen blankets and piling them up after using Void Blast to burn the dirt from the confined space.


    "Well, it''s as clean as possible," he muttered.


    Following that, he pulled out a Dragon''s Meat Feast Box and started eating while checking his status due to leveling up due to all the fighting.


    [Level Up: 187¡ú194]


    [Experience: 2720/5000]


    [Experience Gained: 33460]


    [Health: 1760¡ú1768(200)]


    [Mana: 7718¡ú7740(1000)]


    [Strength: 2042¡ú2046(100)]


    [Stamina: 2518¡ú2524(250)]


    [Charisma: 764¡ú768]


    [Intelligence: 1614¡ú1622]


    [Core Points: 89970/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 18800]


    [Lvl 2: Void Punch Unlocked]


    [Lvl 3: Void Form Unlocked]


    ''At least I leveled up a few times,'' Atlas thought while chewing on some juicy meat covered in spices.


    He continued eating before pulling out Amara''s Diary to discover what had happened to the Silverstar Family as he ate some Forest Chicken Wraps.


    ***


    Amara and the surviving nobles reached the bottom decks, and the elevator doors opened in a dark corridor. A bad feeling washed over her, but the Federation Soldiers rushed forward with large shields to clear the way for them.


    Her Father, Samuel, ushered the family and others forward as the Blightborns slammed against the soldier''s shields. Ebba grabbed her arm while casting Wind Missiles that carved through the horde of creatures.


    ''''My lady, let''s get to the store room while the Master opens the vault,'''' the older woman said as they moved down the corridor.


    Screams and howls around them just as the ship jolted to the side. An alarm blared out, and a robotic voice started speaking in a monotone voice, ''''The Starforge has been struck by a Sea God! Get to a lifeboat as soon as possible.''''


    When Amara heard that, she panicked, but soon enough, the soldiers were stopped in their tracks as the mutated creatures swamped the hallway. As she stood there, she spotted a figure in the distance.


    ''Who is that? And why are the monsters avoiding him?''


    The soldiers killed the monsters as the group reached a storage room. Her father ushered them inside while some troops stayed behind to hold the angry creatures back, ''There are vents all over the walls,'' she thought while glancing around the large, dimly lit room.


    She breathed heavily as she got out her diary and jotted down everything to calm down. While writing, Ebba commented, "My Lady." The others will be moving in ten minutes. The Master and some guards have gone to open the vault.


    Amara nodded in understanding as she continued writing, thinking, ''If the empire comes down here, they will try to cover up what happens. This will be the truth that exposes the Asotrians.''


    After finishing her recordings, Amara scanned the room and quickly spotted a sturdy toolbox perfect for keeping her diary safe. She hurried over, casting a protection spell on the book before securing it inside.


    ***


    ''What happened next? Why leave it on a cliffhanger?'' Atlas thought while putting the old book away.


    He ate until fatigue crept in, prompting him to curl under his blankets. Soon, Atlas drifted into a comfortable sleep, unaware that Fleshfiends were prowling the ship, hunting for him, knowing he was still on board.


    The following morning, Atlas woke up feeling refreshed. He stored away his blankets and ate some chocolate. Once done, he climbed out of his hideaway and continued walking through the corridors.


    After an hour, Atlas arrived at the storage room where he had first entered the ship. ''It feels like forever since I was here last,'' he said.


    He passed through the area and soon found the door to the vault, which held the Arcane Ember. Once reaching the entrance, Atlas pulled out the key from the captain''s quarters and opened the door.


    The thick metal door clicked open, only for it to open with a loud screech that echoed throughout the ship. This made him cringe while thinking, ''Well done Atlas. You just rang the dinner bell.''


    Just after that, howls started bouncing off the walls, causing him to force the door open before rushing inside. Atlas slammed it shut with a thud as bodies slammed against the opposite side.


    ''That was close,'' he mused with a smile.


    Atlas turned around and noticed he had entered a large apartment-like place covered in dust. Seeing this, he activated Light, which illuminated everything around him. He spotted several corpses sitting on the sofas with glasses in their hands.


    This scene caused him to approach them while thinking as he took in the scene, ''Did they kill themselves? Most likely because they were trapped down here.''


    As Atlas observed the scene, he noticed that some figures were couples while others stood alone. His search of the vault continued until he discovered the reason behind their desperation¡ªtwo lifeboat pods.


    One was crushed beyond use, and the other was missing. ''Did some people escape?'' he wondered, glancing around for clues.


    Soon enough, Atlas found the Silverstar Family huddled in one room as a horde of bodies outside the door. He pushed through them and entered only to see several skeletons littering the room.


    His gaze landed on a figure he guessed was Amara, sitting on a chair slumped backward. ''It''s a shame you died but you''re still alive in a way as I remember who you''re,'' he thought.


    Atlas turned his attention to a nearby skeleton, a key at its feet. He picked it up and scanned the room using his True Sight Goggles until he spotted the vault on the far side. Excitement surged through him as he approached.


    He tore down the painting covering a metal door. His heart raced as he unlocked it, revealing a stunning red gem nestled inside. Its allure seemed almost irresistible as it seemed to call out to him.


    ''This is definitely part of the Vanquisher Blade and will be useful,'' Atlas mused while taking the gem and storing it away.


    There was a chest full to the brim with strange-looking gold coins. He shrugged before taking it all and leaving the vault empty. Following that, Atlas looked around and searched for any more valuables but found nothing.


    ''I don''t think there''s anything else here,'' he pondered while looking around. ''I can use Void Bomb to get out before summoning Medusa to get me to dry land.''


    With his plan set, he went to the ship''s side. Upon reaching his destination, he cast the spell, enveloping himself in a Void Guard to shield against the impact. The shield absorbed the force as the water surged, ensuring he remained unharmed.


    ''Now let''s get out of here and reach Aridonia.''


    Atlas quickly summoned the Death Serpent, which he grabbed before she shot out of the hole and into the dark ocean. The Dungeon Monster rushed along the seafloor, avoiding the Sea Gods and other creatures.


    He quickly cast Aqua Lung so he could breathe as they passed through the shadows. After traveling for hours, Medusa''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Land is nearby, Master. We shouldn''t encounter any powerful monsters.''


    After speaking, they ascended until he noticed the sun beaming down, causing him to smile while thinking, ''It''s been a while since I saw the light. Hopefully, the journey to Carthage is peaceful.''


    Following that, the Death Serpent burst out of the water as Atlas went flying before landing with a thud. He quickly shook his head while admiring the landscape, a snow-covered savannah stretching out in all directions.


    Atlas spotted a road in the distance and began approaching it when Theo''s voice echoed in his mind, ''You cannot fly here, Master. A Sky God protects this place and will sense us if we try.''


    Nodding in understanding, he pulled out some chocolate and marveled at the towering stones that jutted into the sky. ''Wow, that''s beautiful,'' he thought, admiring the majestic landscape.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 189 - 189: Can You Shrink Down

    Atlas pulled out the map and found he was a few miles away from Bugeta, a city on the coast of the Sirens Sea. He made his way toward it while scanning the landscape for monsters. All he saw were snow-covered hills and giant karsts that stretched into the sky and pierced the clouds.


    Some of them had small forests decorating the stone, which confused him even more. ''Hopefully, I get some peace and no more attacks,'' he thought with a smile.


    While traveling, he found road merchants and people who used to travel to the city. Atlas followed it after dismissing his helmet and feeling the refreshing breeze against his face while sighing.


    People looked at him like he was a rare creature, quickly causing him to realize that most of the people were dark-skinned. ''Seems like my pale self is the odd one in the Nubian Empire,'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    ''''Look at the lost Mzungu; what brings a snow elf to Nubia?'''' A deep, gruff voice sounded from behind him.


    He spun around and saw two towering black men clad in barbarian-like armor. The one standing behind gripped a massive stone club, while the other, who had spoken, held a spear as large and imposing as a lamppost.


    Atlas was confused but shook his head before answering, ''''I must go to Carthage to find a Spirit Mage. A close friend of mine was injured protecting me, so I''m trying to help her.''''


    The man spoke with a big smile, ''''An elf on a mission, I see. I''m Jabari Mwanza, and this is my husband, Tariq. We were heading to Bugeta to rearm after a mission went wrong.''''


    ''''Okay. I''m Azhar''Zul,'''' Atlas returned the gesture.


    He was about to walk off, but Jabari quickly warned, ''''Young elf. You must be careful in Nubia. Most of the empire is Wildlands with hundreds of Wild Tribes who eat travelers or slavers that would love to capture you.''''


    Atlas faltered before turning to the mountain of a man with narrowed eyes while questioning, ''''Why are you helping a random young boy?''''


    Jabari''s expression softened, but Tariq spoke in an even deeper voice that reminded him of a particular villain from a space film back on Earth, ''''We were traveling with a young human who came to experience Nubian culture. He was hot-headed and strong in his own right, but he would never listen.''''


    A frown appeared on his face, causing Atlas to relax as he continued, ''''Little Dean always wanted to explore and see the world, but unfortunately, he wandered too far, and the Southern Valley Cannibals caught him.''''


    Atlas watched Jabari''s anger flare, his voice finally breaking the silence. ''''They tortured the poor boy, devouring him alive after... having their way with him. I can''t bear to see something like that happen again.''''


    "Why is the empire not doing anything?'''' he questioned the two men.


    Tariq gestured for the three to keep moving and replied, "They''ve tried thousands of times, but the tribes retreat deep into the jungles, woods, and swamps of Aridonia. It doesn''t help that the Achaemenidians send bandits to attack us¡ªthey''ve infested the entire Northeast of the empire."


    ''''So it''s a land full of dangerous monsters, tribes, and bandits?'''' Atlas asked as his eyes gleamed with excitement.


    The two men looked at him like he was crazy, but he smiled and continued, ''''I have plenty of help in case anything goes wrong, and I''m sure you will start hearing about my mischief in the following weeks.''''


    They looked at him with horrified looks, but Atlas activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned the Dreadmaw Lion Queen. When the giant lion monster appeared, she let out a roar as he jumped on her back.


    ''Your name shall be Nala from now on. Can you shrink down?'' Atlas questioned while stroking the creature''s dark fur. ''We need to make you look like a tame.''


    ''Yes, Master! I will make myself look like an elegant celestial beast to impress the travelers,'' her voice echoed in his mind.


    Nala nodded, and an azure glow enveloped her body. As the light shimmered around her, she gradually shrank, reducing in size until she was no larger than an ordinary lion. The two men watched this in shock as Jabari and Tariq stepped back.


    Atlas chuckled before speaking, ''''No need to worry. She is my tame and loyal companion.''''


    ''''Looks like you will be having some fun on Aridonia,'''' Jabari said with a smile. ''''Good luck on your journey, Mzungu. We will be listening for the stories.''''


    He nodded as Nala launched forward like a bullet, tearing across the endless landscape with relentless speed toward Bugeta. The wind roared in Atlas''s ears, his hair whipping wildly as they charged toward the coastal city.


    They plunged into the woodlands, where arrows suddenly rained down on them. Instantly, Atlas cast Void Guard, effortlessly deflecting the incoming barrage. With lightning speed, he launched himself at the ambushing bandits, his blade flashing as he sliced them apart with just a few slashes.


    Nala pounced on a group of bandits, shredding them into chunks of flesh. Together, they butchered every foe in their path, leaving the forest floor drenched in blood. Once Atlas was done, he jumped back on her back as they approached Bugeta.


    Upon reaching the city, Atlas dismissed Nala and paid twenty coppers for entry. As he stepped through the gate, he was greeted by a sprawling view of wooden buildings stretching endlessly in every direction with the occasional stone structure.


    Atlas started looking for the guild to see if he could take any quests while heading southwest. It took him about half an hour to find his destination, which was already busy as it was still early morning.


    Walking inside was like any other guild, with a counter, bar, and standard room where other people relaxed while waiting to go on quests. Atlas approached the board and looked for anything he could take.


    He picked out twenty random surrounding Bugeta and walked over to the counter when a young man was waiting to serve someone. The receptionist looked up with a professional smile as he spoke, ''''I am Jackson. How can I help you today?''''


    Atlas gave the man all the quests, which shocked him as he flicked through before speaking with a raised eyebrow, ''''Are you sure you can deal with so many young men? Also, can I please see your guild card?''''


    ''Why is he acting weird?'' he thought while staring at the receptionist.


    He shrugged before taking out the white card and handing it over, which shocked Jackson; the young man muttered, ''''You''re a Rank E at your age?''''


    Atlas watched him put the card in a machine before typing away and looked at him while speaking, ''''I''ve registered the quests to your account; if you need any more, be happy to take them off the board.''''


    ''''Oh, thank you,'''' he said while retrieving his card.


    Jackson smiled before informing him, ''''After those quests, you must complete another two hundred eighty to take your next Rank Up Test.'''' S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas nodded and thanked the man as he left the guild while reading the first three quests to see where he had to go.


    [Deal with the bandits hassling a small fishing village to the north - Reward: 7 Gold - Proof: Any identification of the bandits]


    [Kill the Ironhold Lord in Bandit Cove to the south - Reward: 12 Gold - Proof: Ironhold''s metal eye]


    [Deal with the Slavers plaguing the southern villages - Reward: 6 Gold - Proof: Any Identification of the Slavers]


    ''These seem fun and will earn me a lot of gold and experience,'' Atlas chuckled. ''Hopefully, I can rank up with these three.''


    Following that, he walked toward the northern gate, where he showed the guards he had a quest. They all wished him luck, and when stepping outside, he summoned Nala, who appeared and started nudging against his body.


    ''Let''s head north to kill the bandits lurking there, girl,'' Atlas said while stroking the giant lion, shocking the guards watching the scene.


    He jumped up on her back before dashing across the snowy landscape as he informed the Dreadmaw Lion, ''Try to smell any odd human tracks, Nala. We need to find these bandits.''


    ''Yes, Master! My nose can smell a Horned Rabbits fart from several miles away,'' Nala boasted.


    Atlas looked at the silly lion and bonked her on the head, ''Why the hell are you sniffing that stuff for?''


    Nala acted offended before she tried to defend herself, ''I did not! It was just a funny example, Master.''


    He chuckled as the lion returned to running while searching for bandit camps. Shortly afterward, Atlas spotted the village that the outlaws were terrorizing. Nala suddenly stopped as she told him excitedly, ''I can smell dirty humans! Can I eat some, please?''


    ''Of course, girl,'' Atlas responded while stroking her ear, causing the monster to tremble. ''Let''s sneak up on them before launching a surprise attack.''


    The lion agreed as she ran in the scent''s direction until the duo came across a small lake with a mid-sized bandit camp hidden by the surrounding hills. When Atlas saw this, his smile grew as he said, ''''I''m going to earn so much for these quests.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 190 - 190: Youre Welcome

    Atlas and Nala were hidden above the bandit camp. He summoned his helmet while speaking, ''You go around and launch an attack when you see an explosion. Do you want more lions?''


    He quickly checked the Dungeon Monster costs before summoning anything due to not having unlimited mana.


    [Rank G: 125 Mana per summon]


    [Rank E: 250 Mana per summon]


    [Rank D: 500 Mana per summon]


    [Rank C: 1000 Mana per summon]


    [Rank B: 2000 Mana per summon]


    [Rank A: 3000 Mana per summon]


    [Sub-Bosses: 4000 Mana per summon]


    [Bosses: 5000 Mana per summon]


    ''I can summon four Dreadmaw Lions to help us in the ambush,'' he thought excitedly.


    Following that, he summoned them only to feel weak, but Nala quickly ordered the lions to surround the bandit camp. The lions dispersed before downing a few mana potions and felt it returning to him.


    ''I can''t wait to get a Mana Regeneration Skill,'' he pondered while recovering.


    Atlas let out a sigh of relief before summoning even more monsters to use in the ambush, which were four Savage Wargs that had appeared. The fearsome-looking creatures were happy to him and let out adorable noises.


    He quickly stroked all of them while speaking to the monsters, ''''We are ambushing some humans. After I launch my attack, you can eat once they''re dead.''''


    The Savage Wargs watched as Atlas unsheathed his swords. He dashed toward the camp wall with speed and leaped effortlessly over it. In mid-air, he cast Void Infusion on his blades before using Void Step to appear in the center, which shocked the bandits.


    Atlas quickly cast Void Bomb at one group, causing an explosion, which was the signal for the monsters. Loud, vicious roars echoed alongside creepy snickers from the Savage Wargs who rushed into the camp.


    They charged the confused bandits just as Atlas started killing the men and women who couldn''t react quickly enough. He saw the enemy getting pounced on or dragged into the nearby bushed while screaming.


    His monsters ensured he was okay while slaughtering dozens of bandits before reaching their leader. Atlas smiled when seeing the man and quickly activated Call of the Void to summon Drax.


    The portal opened behind the bandit leader as the Void Raptor King rushed out and attacked the man who managed to block it. When Atlas saw this, he dashed in before ramming Nightblade and Deepforge into the enemy''s ribs.


    He roared before cutting the man into two as the monsters finished the other bandits off, causing him to shout, ''''Bring me their bodies!''''


    Then, Atlas took all their Adventurers Cards and all coins before his summons started eating. He sat down on a nearby stone and noticed nothing personal while going through their belongings.


    He found several hundred silver coins, fifty gold coins, and a bunch of gems, which he threw into storage. It took the monsters an hour to eat before Atlas gathered them like confused sheep.


    Following that, he spoke to the creatures with a stern voice, ''''You guys will stay behind me and do not attack anyone on the road! I will never summon you or your kind again if you do.''''


    All the monsters agreed with a howl or roar before they took off to find the Slavers in the south. Atlas wanted to hit the bandit leader last so he could do it at night and sneak around their camp like an assassin.


    Riding atop Nala, they sped across the Nubian landscape, leaving travelers stunned. At first, the sight of the powerful monsters startled onlookers, but when they realized the creatures were tamed, their shock turned to awe.


    After searching for an hour, Atlas and the monsters couldn''t find any Slavers, causing him to grow annoyed. He started counting the remaining creatures: Nala, two Dreadmaw Lions, and three Savage Wargs.


    Atlas then got an idea and summoned four Razorwing monsters from the Moonshade Grotto Dungeons. They looked like angry eagles with dark feathers that landed around him, staring into his eyes with their red ones.


    He pointed up and ordered the flying creatures, ''''Find any groups that have captured people and report back to me.''''


    When the Razorwings heard this, they let out several screeches before soaring into the sky as Atlas relaxed against Nala, whose voice sounded in his mind, ''''Master. Thank you for allowing me to aid you.''''


    Atlas turned to the lion with a smile while stroking her soft black fur, ''''You''re welcome, Nala. You have been good company since I summoned you.''''


    The lion got visibly happy as she jumped up, causing Atlas to fall back as she jumped on him. He was laughing, but the lion pinned him down before licking his face while purring, causing him to accept his fate.


    He noticed the Razorwings returned one by one and informed him of several Slaver caravans nearby. Atlas smiled when hearing this. He quickly jumped on Nala''s back before the lion started sprinting.


    While this happened, the other monsters followed behind as the flying creatures led them to the first caravan, which they washed over like a lethal tidal wave of teeth and claws. He used his blades to deal with the remaining guards.


    Once they were all dead, Atlas ordered the monster to guard him while he freed all the captured people who were grateful before rushing toward the nearest village. When he saw this, he sent the Razorwings with them.


    Following that, Atlas went after the remaining Slavers, and thanks to his monsters, they were quickly wiped out without much hassle. He realized that he only had Nala, and she even needed rest. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He went to send her back to the Dungeon Realm, but the lioness resisted and took him south to deal with the last one before resting. After another hour, they appeared on a cliff overlooking a hidden cove that looked like a city full of pirates and outlaws.


    ''Wow. That will be full of treasure,'' Atlas thought with a greedy smile as he dismissed Nala to rest.


    Once the monster was gone, he scanned the surroundings and noticed he could sneak down the side of the cliff. Without wasting any more time, he climbed down the rockface while looking out for any guards.


    Soon enough, Atlas made it to the edge of the city, where a cave led deeper into the cliff. He readied his blades before approaching the closest building, only to hear a group of men cheering and celebrating.


    Atlas peeked in and saw four men sitting around a table playing cards as a woman lay battered and beaten to the side. He kept low and readied a Flashbang Bomb before throwing it into the room, catching one of the outlaw''s attention.


    The man jumped up as it quietly exploded and blinded everyone. Without any mercy, he rushed into the place and started stabbing them like an evil gremlin. Minutes later, the four men lay dead, and Atlas was standing in front of the woman.


    She gazed up at him with dead eyes as she spoke in a weak voice, ''''Kill me, please. Help me join my husband in the next life.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding, his heart heavy. With a whispered apology, he ended her suffering. "I''m sorry you endured this, but go now, be with your loved one. I hope your next life brings you peace."


    Steeling his resolve, he vowed to hunt down as many of the scum as he could. Moving silently, he crouched low and ascended the stairs, bristling with rage as the sound of more women in captivity reached his ears.


    He showed no mercy, cutting down everyone in the house¡ªoutlaws and broken souls alike, each kill weighing on his conscience. Once the grim task was done, Atlas slipped back downstairs and unleashed an Inferno Bomb, setting the building ablaze.


    With the fire roaring behind him, he vanished into the shadows and continued killing the scum he found on the outskirts of the city before moving on.


    ***


    ''''Put that damn fire out!'''' a large man shouted in anger as they rushed toward the whorehouse where the captured women were trained.


    The Ironhold Lord named Danton was a renowned bandit and pirate who raided Nubian and Graecorian Merchants at the behest of the Achaemenidians, who paid him well. Their gold allowed him to build the strongest Outlaw Faction, which consisted of thousands of scum that he united.


    Danton stood watching the flames consume the infamous Ironhold brothel, his expression unreadable. His second-in-command appeared at his side, speaking in a nervous tone. "My Lord, dozens of men and women are turning up dead. We can''t trace the culprit, but the lone survivor... called it a Shadow Demon."


    His eyes narrowed as the firelight flickered across his face, casting long, ominous shadows. Without replying, he turned and headed back to his stronghold while muttering, ''''I shouldn''t have fucked that Necromancer bitch. I knew she would have cursed me.''''


    The city was locked down, and Ironhold Castle was secured with extra soldiers and weaponry. Danton continued to receive reports that the outposts and scouts were being silenced.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 191 - 191: I Love This Feeling

    Atlas continued killing bandits that littered the hidden city and were perched on the top of the castle where the leader hid. While there, he decided to use the Shadow Stalkers from the Blackthorne Hill Dungeon.


    He activated Dungeon Conquerer and summoned eight creepy shadow monsters to appear around him. The creatures bowed in his direction, but Atlas spoke in a commanding voice, ''''Kill any reinforcements that come. I will butcher the ones in the city.''''


    The monsters agreed before they all vanished, and he cast Void Infusion on his blades while leaping from the roof. Atlas cast Void Step to appear in the middle of a group of large men who reminded him of Berserkers.


    ''Here we go! Let''s hit them with a Void Wave.''


    Without mercy, he started jumping around like a hyperactive rabbit while slicing through the men''s flesh. Atlas brought them to the ground like falling trees thanks to his sudden attacks, giving him the advantage in the current fight.


    Atlas quickly lunged forward. He thrust his blade through the bandit''s skulls, causing the experience to flow into his body, which made him smile. Following that, screams echoed throughout the hidden city.


    ''Looks like the Shadow Stalkers are attacking.''


    Following this, he continued hunting the bandits before casting several Void Bullets and Void Arrows that sliced through the air, piercing their bodies. They all dropped dead, allowing Atlas to level up as he heard the internal click.


    ''I love this feeling!''


    The battle continued until Atlas fled into the shadows when dozens of bandits tried swarming him. He vanished into the city while the outlaws started searching for him, but thanks to a Landshark, he was underground.


    Atlas was relaxing in a cavern the monster dug out so he could recover mana to continue his fight. Thanks to a Darkling, he could watch the bandits panicking as they secured the city while searching for him.


    ''They''ll never find me down here,'' he mused.


    He started getting out of blankets and making a cubby for himself; while doing that, Medusa''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Why are you hiding underground? You can just use the monsters to kill them.''


    Atlas settled into a comfortable position and responded, ''Why waste my mana when they''ll be scared all night? I''ll deploy the Shadow Stalkers to strike before the sun rises.''


    The Death Serpent laughed as she replied, ''You''re evil Master. If you were to attack, the bandits will be thrown off.''


    He agreed with a nod before pulling out a Horned Rabbit Kebab and started eating. At the same time, the world''s mana rushed into his body, causing him to feel better as he pondered, ''When I get to a city, I need to find a Mana Regeneration Skill that would be useful to me.''


    Atlas was enjoying the hot meat that filled him up, allowing him to sink into the blankets while activating Void Realm and reappearing on the Void Golem Plateau. While standing there, he pulled up the monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 312134/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 391790/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 94201/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Hopefully I can get it down much more this go,'' Atlas mused while casting Void Infusion on his swords.


    Following that, he cast a Void Bomb that sliced through the air and hit the swarm of Golems that decimated them. Atlas dashed forward, carving through the stone bodies, causing them to crumble back into the realm.


    ''That was easy, but the warriors or commanders will appear soon,'' he mused while casting Void Bullets at more monsters.


    As Atlas prepared to deploy the Shadow Stalkers, he felt the ground tremble beneath him. Looking up, he saw three Void Golem Commanders charging in his direction. Reacting swiftly, he sheathed his blades and readied Void Punch.


    When the stronger Golems got close, Atlas quickly cast Void Step and vanished before reappearing behind the commanders and launching himself at it while punching. When his fist touched the giant stone monster, an explosion erupted.


    The force sent him flying through the air, but thanks to Void Step, he landed on his feet while killing more Golems. As his blades sliced through them, they crumbled to dust as he cast Void Bullets.


    Explosions rang out all over the plateau as the commanders or warriors couldn''t keep up with him. While clearing some space, Atlas pulled up the monster total and was happy with what he saw.


    [Void Golem ¨C 300019/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 391790/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 92171/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    After that, Atlas continued fighting until he ran out of mana and returned to the real world. Once he woke up, the Darkling he summoned informed him that a hundred more bandits had appeared while they had locked down the hidden city.


    He chuckled when he heard this and curled up before falling asleep to get some rest. He didn''t know that outlaws and pirates only got more paranoid, which would make his job much more manageable.


    Atlas woke up a few hours later, and it was still dark out; he used Void Step to escape his hiding place after asking the Landshark to attack the bandits. He summoned eight Shadow Stalkers and ordered them to scare the enemies before killing them.


    After that, Atlas rushed into the city, cloaked in darkness, its alleys and rooftops bathed in eerie moonlight. He moved silently through the darkness, a wraith among the shadows. His presence was nearly undetectable, blending with the night.


    Perched atop a crumbling wall, he surveyed the scene below. Bandits roamed the streets, their torches casting flickering shadows that danced like restless specters. They were on high alert, their eyes darting nervously as they scoured the city for their unseen foe.


    His lips curled into a predatory smile as he activated his Void Step. He vanished instantly from his perch, reappearing behind a group of unsuspicious bandits clustered around a flickering fire. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sudden appearance of a dark figure silenced their laughter. With a quick motion, Atlas drew his blade, its edge shimmering with azure mana. He struck each movement that only got faster, thanks to his excitement.


    ''I may rank up after this fight.''


    Atlas watched as the first bandit fell with a muffled gasp, his throat sliced cleanly. Before the others could react, he was already in motion, his blade a blur of shadow and steel. The scum scrambled, their cries of alarm echoing through the streets.


    He remained a phantom, appearing and disappearing with the ease of smoke, his strikes both efficient and ruthless. He cut down one after another, leaving only the dead and the terrified in his wake.


    As the last bandits fell, Atlas slipped back into the darkness, his figure swallowed by the night. He watched from a hidden vantage point as the remaining bandits, now panicking, frantically tried to regroup.


    Following that, Atlas started killing them by ambushing the group from alleyways or dark corners. While he was doing this, his Shadow Stalkers were scaring the other bandits, which caused chaos in the city.


    The battle went on for hours, and Atlas only got caught out in the open a few times, but thanks to Nala, who slaughtered them without mercy, the survivors rushed toward the castle in the city center.


    Atlas was happy with the outcome and followed the fleeing pirates as he ran along the rooftops, using Void Step to keep up with them. When he arrived in front of the castle, he grinned before spamming Void Bombs that arched through the air.


    When the spells hit the castle, explosions erupted, shaking the defensive shield, Atlas smiled when he saw this and continued casting his magic, cracking the barrier, which excited the Shadow Stalkers.


    Once that was done, Atlas downed a few mana potions before summoning a dozen Landsharks that dug under the castle walls and appeared in the courtyard, catching the humans off guard.


    He jumped on a freshly summoned shark before it dived underground and swam through the earth, and when passing the wall, it burst from the ground while biting a pirate in half as Atlas cast several Void Bullets that peppered another four bandits.


    His blade, infused with Void Energy, slashed through the air with a deadly grace. The first enemy fell without a sound; his throat cut cleanly. Before the remaining three could react, Atlas was already among them, his strikes a blur of shadow and steel.


    Their screams were muffled, quickly swallowed by the darkness. As the last group collapsed, he leaped back into the shadows, blending seamlessly with the night. Below, chaos reigned as the survivors scrambled to regroup.


    Atlas smirked, savoring the terror he''d sown. He watched the remaining desperate and disorganized bandits run toward the castle from his spot. His lips curled into a grin as he thought, ''This is fun. When I fight the boss, he will be tired and worn out, allowing me to kill him easily.''


    Following that, Atlas backed off and watched as the castle fell into chaos, and the remaining Landsharks killed some of them before falling to the cannon fire that erupted for the walls.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 192 - 192: Fight Me Like A Man

    Atlas continued watching the bandits rushing around the castle, trying to secure the keep as they killed the last Landshark. While doing this, he quickly spotted the leader walking through the courtyard, shouting orders.


    ''This is going to be a experience heaven. Maybe I can assassinate him like that game back on Earth.''


    When seeing this, he grinned before throwing several Inferno Bombs into the castle, causing explosions to ring out all over the place. He watched the bandits go flying as the shockwave caught them off guard.


    Atlas readied his blades before using Void Step to appear below while finishing off several downed enemies who didn''t see him coming. Thanks to moving quickly, he killed many bandits that would help out in the end.


    Following that, he started throwing Thunderclap Bombs while rushing around the fortress. The explosives caused booming explosions that confused and killed many as Atlas began hiding in the shadows while recovering his mana.


    ''That was fun but I need to start killing more bandits,'' he thought before drinking a mana and stamina potion.


    While recovering, Atlas noticed several groups entering the castle, which caused him to think with excitement, growing, ''More experience, but how many groups are out there?''


    After thinking that, he summoned two Darklings and asked them to scout the area to find any more bandits. Once the creatures were gone, Atlas climbed up one of the buildings higher than most in the city.


    ''Now to wait for my spies to return,'' he mused, glancing up at the star-covered sky.


    He only had to wait until the little Dungeon Monsters returned and informed him about several more bandit groups heading toward the city. The Darklings pointed out that there was a bigger one with one hundred members.


    When Atlas heard the news, a surge of excitement coursed through him. His mind raced with possibilities, "We can use the Landsharks for an ambush. That''ll clear the way for the rest to reach the city."


    Without hesitation, he dashed across the rooftops, leaping off the edge and casting Void Step to appear on the ground below. He summoned fifteen Landsharks, which began burrowing into the earth with impressive speed.


    One of the monsters waited for Atlas as he jumped on its back before it dived under the ground and headed toward the larger bandit group as they traveled through the earth like water.


    ''Maybe I should travel like this from now on?'' he pondered but shook his head. ''No then I''ll miss out on any fun.''


    Then, Atlas had to cast Void Guard to protect him from the debris that bounced off the shield. It took them ten minutes to reach the area where the enemy would be traveling through, and he ordered them to halt.


    The monster circled the area and waited for the group to pass over them. Just as they did, causing all the Landsharks to attack. Chaos erupted as Atlas leaped off its back before thrusting his blades through the strongest warrior''s face.


    It was too late when the bandits realized they were under attack, as Atlas cut them down without mercy. Blood and guts flew all over the place as the Landsharks ate the men like an all-you-can-eat restaurant.


    Atlas darted around the battlefield while slashing, stabbing, and slicing through the enemy ranks. He was crashing dozens of the bandits down to the ground before the monsters dragged them underground.


    He ordered all but one of them to hunt down the other bandits. The Dungeon Monsters agreed with a roar before diving under and dashing off into the distance as he drank more mana potions.


    Following that, they headed back toward the city. While doing that, he relaxed to recover some mana until they rushed under the defensive wall, and the monster burst out of the ground while swallowing a bandit whole.


    When seeing this, he summoned three Warrior Giants who went crazy after he ordered them to kill everything they saw. They let out an enraged bellow before crashing through the buildings while crushing dozens of enemies.


    Atlas chuckled when he saw this before Void stepped onto a nearby roof and started sprinting toward the castle while throwing several Frostfall Bombs, which exploded on contact and turned a group of men and women into ice statues.


    It took him ten minutes to reach the fortress, where he saw a dozen cannons set up, and they started firing. Atlas yelped as the volatile projectiles sliced through the air while heading in his direction.


    He quickly cast Void Guard to block them, but thanks to the force pushing him back, Atlas deflected the rest using his blades that Void Infusion powered before casting Void Bombs at the walls.


    The spells hit the defenses, causing explosions to throw the bandits off the walls just as Atlas cast a dozen Void Arrows into the remaining enemies, preparing to fight him. When his feet hit the stone, he looked at the Warrior Giants.


    They ran wild through the hidden city and flattened it while the Landsharks preyed on the surviving outlaws. After that, Atlas used his armor to vanish into the shadows while slaughtering any enemies he encountered.


    He made sure to clear the outside of the castle as the cannons on the city walls targeted the Warrior Giants and Landsharks. In the meantime, Atlas descended on the bandits and hacked at the survivors.


    Ten minutes later, Atlas was sitting on the bench as he caught his breath while being surrounded by the bandit''s corpses. This caused him to think, ''This was easier then I expected. Maybe I should kill the boss?''


    Following that, Atlas started flinging half a dozen Void Bombs onto the castle, causing it to shake due to the explosions. When he saw this, he used Void Step to appear on the wall before breaking into the keep.


    Atlas materialized in a private room where two men were sleeping. Startled, they immediately sprang into action, trying to defend themselves. He chuckled at their frantic attempts and unleashed Void Barrage.


    The confined space intensified the spell''s effects, and even he felt the backlash, a ringing echoing in his ears, but he managed to kill both men just as more bandits rushed into the room.


    When sensing the number of enemies there, Atlas casts a Void Wave that sends them crashing everywhere. After that, he rushed forward while slicing and slashing into the bandit''s flesh.


    They couldn''t even react to the sudden attack, as their world went black. Atlas rushed out of the room. He continued running throughout the fortress, quickly killing any bandits he encountered.


    Atlas enjoyed himself but soon summoned a dozen Howling Ghouls before sending them after the enemies. He started searching for the Ironhold Lord while his creatures screeched and howled with hunger. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He chuckled as the screams of horror rang out, and he brought forth even more, which drained him of mana. Atlas was tired and needed to rest, but they knew the leader wouldn''t wait for him.


    While walking through the corridors guarded by two Ghouls waiting for someone to attack, whenever a bandit appeared, they lunged forward before tearing into the man. Once they stopped biting, the enemy would turn into one of them, which gave him extra soldiers.


    Following that, the Ghouls caused chaos and horror across the castle as their numbers tripled. When Atlas finally met the Ironhold Leader, he was cutting down his monster but growing tired.


    Atlas quickly summoned every creature in the castle while smiling at the man. The bandit boss turned to him with burning blue eyes as he spoke defiantly, ''''You summoned these devils! Why don''t you fight me like a man!''''


    He started laughing before answering, ''''Because I want you slow and tired before I take your life. Now try to survive this.''''


    Once Atlas finished speaking, he ordered the three dozen Ghouls to get the man. The creatures rushed forward while howling as they lunged at him. He watched as the leader started cutting them down but was overwhelmed.


    Seeing the leader struggling to catch his breath, Atlas ordered the creatures to back off, giving his enemy a moment to recover. He began clapping slowly, his voice dripping with amusement. "Wonderful. You''re putting on quite the show, but how about we make this interesting and fight for real?"


    The leader''s eyes flared with rage as he charged at him. With a smirk, Atlas effortlessly sidestepped the attack and delivered a solid punch, sending the man stumbling backward, but he didn''t give up.


    Atlas continued striking the leader while void mana wrapped around his fists, causing claps to ring out when every strike landed. He watched the man spit out blood, which made him smile before decapitating him with one swift slice.


    The man collapsed to the floor, lifeless, and without a second thought, Atlas stored the corpse in his Dimensional Storage. He then turned to his remaining creatures, issuing a calm command. "Gather anything of value, including the Adventurer Cards. Bring it all to me."


    Howls and screeches echoed in agreement as the Ghouls scattered, raiding nearby houses. Unbothered by the chaos, Atlas found a bench, sat down, and pulled out a piece of chocolate. He began to eat, casually waiting as his minions completed their task.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 193 - 193: Horrible Weather

    Atlas continued to relax while waiting for the Howling Ghouls to finish looting the hidden city. When the creatures were done, a building-sized mountain of wealth towered over the surrounding buildings.


    When seeing this, his azure eyes glowed with greed before he sucked all of it into his Dimensional Storage. By the time he was done, he had no more room left, which surprised him, but he was happy.


    Following that, Atlas dismissed all the Ghouls and summoned Nala, who appeared while letting out a deep and mighty roar. Once she was done, he climbed onto the lion''s back and pulled out five more quests.


    ''Their all the same, I could do this with ease,'' Atlas thought.


    It consisted of wiping out five bandit groups terrorizing the surrounding area, which was easy for him. On top of Nala, Atlas rushed away from the bandit city after ensuring he had the cards to prove his quest was complete.


    While rushing across the landscape, he saw dozens of shooting stars passing across the star-filled sky. Atlas smiled just as the Dreadmaw Queen''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Why don''t you rest for the night, Master? I could keep you company.''


    He looked at the majestic monster and ran his hands through her soft black fur while speaking, ''Only if you keep me warm for the night Nala.''


    The monster made happy noises as she nodded her giant head, ''''It would be my pleasure, Master. I will find a safe place for us to rest.''''


    Nala quickly climbed up the side of one of the giant karsts and found a small cave that allowed him to create a fire. The Dreadmaw Lion Queen crawled in, allowing Atlas to jump off her back before setting up a fire.


    Once the flames flickered to life, Atlas gazed at the dark landscape as Nala got comfortable behind him. She said in a relaxed tone, ''Set up the Dark One Runes Master. They can climb up here.''


    Atlas smiled in agreement as he carefully crafted the Runes Grishna had taught him. Once finished, he pulled out the last Dragon Meat Feast box and began eating, savoring each bite.


    Mid-meal, a faint shuffling noise came from the entrance. He glanced up, only to be met with the unsettling sight of a group of humanoid creatures crawling on all fours. The eerie, bizarre movement sent a shiver down his spine, but he remained calm.


    ''Damn monsters scared me,'' Atlas thought before casting a Void Arrow at them, but they managed to dodge it by scuttling out of the way.


    He ignored the creatures until strange noises began to rise from them, catching him off guard. Startled, Atlas woke to find the creatures gathered outside the protective Runes, trying to lure him out.


    ''When I get stronger I will butcher them,'' he mused before a growl rang out.


    Enraged, Nala lunged at them without hesitation as she let out a roar. Her sudden attack surprised them, and Atlas couldn''t help but laugh. The giant lion drove the Dark Ones back with her sharp claws and teeth, sending them scrambling into the shadows below.


    He chuckled as they vanished into the darkness. Once they were gone, Nala spoke in his mind, ''Lay against me, Master. I will keep you comfortable throughout the night.''


    Atlas smiled and nodded, then leaned against the lion, sinking into her soft fur just as the rain began to fall outside. While relaxing, he started watching the peaceful weather. Nala wrapped a paw around him as the wind picked up and started making the air cold, causing him to shiver.


    ''So cold. Reminds me of the nights without heating in the orphanage.''


    He pulled out a blanket before tightly wrapping it around himself, sinking into its warmth as he drifted asleep. The night sped by while the storm outside raged on, trapping Atlas in the cave until the weather finally settled.


    The following morning, he woke up to the boom of thunder, which caused his eyes to open as the rain blocked the view from the small cave. When seeing this, Atlas muttered, ''''What is it with this horrible weather?''''


    He put his hand outside and felt the sting of the rain, which surprised him. ''Aridonia is a strange place. Will it be like this all the time?''


    Atlas shook his head before relighting the fire, which roared to life and woke up Nala, whose red eyes opened as she spoke in a curious tone, ''Master. What are you doing?''


    ''We''re trapped in here,'' he answered. ''The weather is concealing a Monster Wave below.''


    The Deathmaw Lion stood up only to look out and sniff the air, causing her to reel backward as she warned him, ''That is a Rank S horde. Do not go out there Master.''


    Atlas nodded in agreement, then sat down as his stomach rumbled, echoing the thunder outside. He pulled out several Forest Chick Wraps, the smell of the cooked meat filling the air, and began waiting.


    Noticing Nala staring at him, he chuckled and asked, ''Do you want one, girl?''


    The giant lion''s red eyes gleamed with hunger, causing him to chuckle as he gave her enough to be whole. He sat back down and started eating while trying to see through the rain curtain blocking his view.


    ''This is a nightmare, but at least I know the Dark Ones are out there.''


    Shortly after, a roar echoed, and a large crash was heard as one of the karsts crashed down. Atlas jumped up and wondered what was going on, ''What horror is out there?''


    Another roar sounded off, and this time, it sounded close, causing him to use Void Sight only to see the culprit finally.


    [Tyranodon]


    [Rank: Monarch - 60000 Exp]


    [Do not let this monster see you boy]


    Atlas saw a massive Tyrannosaurus with dark green skin and sharp ridges running down its back. The monster''s deep black eyes scanned the surrounding landscape, looking for something to eat.


    He quickly ducked down as Nala''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Hide Master! That beast is too strong and would knock this rock over.''


    Atlas ventured deeper into the cave, his steps cautious and deliberate. A Pteranodon circled briefly overhead before diving to snatch its prey from the ground. With a swift motion, Atlas summoned a Darkling, its shadowy form swirling into existence.


    "Scout a few miles around the cave and report back to me," he commanded, sending the creature to ensure their hiding place remained undiscovered.


    He turned to Nala after feeding more wood into the crackling fire. "Do you want to return to the Dungeon Realm?" he asked, his gaze steady as the flames danced in the growing darkness.


    ''No Master. I want to make sure you''re okay,'' she replied while lying at the back of the cave.


    Following that, Atlas pulled out the sleeping bag and set it up. The roaring outside intensified, and it sounded like more monsters were passing by, which caused him to grow paranoid.


    He then sat down and checked his status to see his gains from killing all the bandits during the three quests.


    [Level Up: 194¡ú204]


    [Experience: 2560/10000]


    [Experience Gained: 49840]


    [Rank Up: Adept¡úJourneyman]


    [Health: 1768¡ú2254(200)]


    [Mana: 7740¡ú8666(1000)]


    [Strength:2046¡ú2584(100)]


    [Stamina: 2518¡ú3166(250)] Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Charisma: 768¡ú860]


    [Intelligence: 1622¡ú1964]


    [Core Rank Up: Adept Low¡úMid]


    [Core Points: 22220/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 32250]


    ''Oh, I ranked up and got a big boost,'' Atlas thought excitedly. ''That''s the reason I feel stronger.''


    Following that, the Darkling reappeared, looking breathless. It told him that a swarm of monsters was below and not moving because of the storm. It also informed him that the Monarch-ranked monster was nearby eating a Titan.


    ''There was two giant creatures out there!'' he internally panicked.


    Atlas shook his head and jumped into the Void Realm to clear some Golems. When he appears on the plane, he quickly checks the monster''s total to see how many must be defeated.


    [Void Golem ¨C 300019/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 391790/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 92171/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Still a lot,'' Atlas mused with annoyance. ''But now I''m stronger, it shouldn''t take too long.''


    Once that thought crossed his mind, the rumbling was felt, and he started casting dozens of Void Bullets and Void Lances into the swarm of stone monsters. Explosions rang out all over the place.


    ''I can use my swords and magic against them,'' he mused with a smile. ''I can save the bombs for the real world.''


    Void Golems were sent flying just as the warriors appeared. The larger foes charged at Atlas, casting Void Infusion on his blades before dashing in their direction and cutting through their legs.


    Atlas easily carved through the stone, his blade slicing cleanly, but he wasn''t finished. He unleashed a Void Lance in the same breath, hurling dark energy towards his enemies. The projectiles ripped through their torsos, exterminating them while he dispatched the regular Golems.


    The battle continued for hours as Atlas wiped out thousands of Void Golems and Warriors, who attacked him even more than in the previous turns.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 194 - 194: Protective Of Me

    Atlas continued fighting with the Void Golems and blasted them away using Void Lance and Barrage, which decimated the swarm. As that happened, he had enough room to check the monster''s total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 231706/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 370071/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91301/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Almost done with the first Golems,'' Atlas thought before returning to fighting.


    Azure projectiles streaked through the air, striking several Warrior Golems with powerful force. The impact sent the stone monsters tumbling backward, and explosions erupted, hurling them off the plateau''s edge.


    He continued fighting until running low on mana and was caught off guard by a Golem Commander punching him in the chest. Atlas flew into the waves below before waking up in the real world.


    Thunder boomed overhead as Nala''s head turned to him. She said, ''The wave has passed, but some monsters remain behind because they smell us.''


    Atlas nodded in understanding before shaking his head and rechecking the total, only to be happy with the results.


    [Void Golem ¨C 218012/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 298602/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now. If I continue fighting Void Golems, the total will drop within a few days, '' he mused with a smile before pulling out a Forest Boar Meat Box and eating.


    Raining lashed the cave entrance as he chewed at the tasty meal, noticing the two moons above shining down and lighting up the hills below. Atlas finished the food and threw the rubbish into his storage.


    ''That was delicious.''


    He got comfortable leaning up against the Dreadmaw Lion, who happily let him use her as a cushion. A couple of hours later, Nala got up and told him she was going hunting, which Atlas agreed to as he watched the monster leave the cave.


    ''Hopefully she will be okay.''


    Once she was gone, Atlas noticed the Dark Ones had moved in and were lingering by the entrance, which annoyed him. He quickly pointed Nightblade at them and cast Void Arrow at one of the creatures.


    The azure arrow shot through the air like a bullet until burrowing through the monster''s skull, causing it to drop dead and fall off the side of the karst. When he saw this, he watched the other creatures rush into the darkness to escape him.


    Atlas was annoyed before dragging his sleep bag further into the cave as the rain worsened. While doing that, he heard a roar echo, causing him to think, ''Was that Nala? I wonder what she''s fighting.''


    Following that, he entered the Void Realm and continued fighting the Golems until spending all his mana and becoming drained, but he kept doing it. Atlas was frustrated at being stuck on Level Three and the stone monsters.


    ''I need to get the total down.''


    Hours passed, and he was defeated by a Void Golem Commander, who caught him from behind and sent him flying. Once Atlas was back in the real world, he spotted Nala eating a deer creature.


    He chuckled, which caught the lion''s attention as her face was covered in blood. She excitedly said, ''We can continue completing your quests in the morning.''


    Atlas nodded before falling asleep. The constant spell use had exhausted him. As he slipped into his sleeping bag, he drifted off to sleep. Outside, the storm began to subside; the rain suddenly stopped as the thunder faded away, bringing welcome relief from the biting cold.


    The following morning, he woke up with a yawn as the early morning sun shone down and lit up the world. Atlas stood up while stretching, his bones clicking, and he started putting away his sleeping bag and speaking to Nala, ''You ready to move, girl?''


    "Yes, Master," she replied, her voice tinged with fatigue. "But I need to return to the domain to rest. I expended too much energy during my hunt last night."


    When Atlas heard this, he stroked the lion before sending her back to the Dungeon Realm. Once she was gone, he jumped down the karst while making sure no monsters could attack as he reached the bottom.


    He hit the ground with a thud, only to find the landscape shrouded in a thick mist. Atlas scanned his surroundings, but the fog obscured everything, leaving him unable to see anything.


    ''Let''s complete these quests,'' Atlas thought while summoning a Void Raptor Warrior and rushing around Bugeta City, slaughtering bandits and ambushing groups of monsters plaguing the area.


    This went on for days until he reached Palmyra City, which Atlas found out was a trade hub that led deeper into the Nubian Empire. He was now standing in the line to enter and felt his arms aching as Nala spoke in his mind, ''I told you to take a break, Master. You hunted too much and are now suffering because of it.''


    Atlas chuckled as he replied to the lion queen, ''Shut up, woman! I overextended myself and took thirty bandit-hunting quests. I won''t be doing that again.''


    After entering the city, Atlas headed straight for the Guild to report. Approaching the counter, he informed the receptionist of the quest''s completion. Looking unconvinced, the man behind the desk asked for the proof.


    His eyes widened in disbelief when he saw the number, ''''Did you really take down all those groups?'''' the receptionist asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In response, Atlas casually dumped a large pile of cards onto the counter. "These belong to the outlaws I killed. A few dozen are missing¡ªtheir bodies sank into the water, and sharks were waiting below, which is a big no from me."


    The receptionist chuckled, shaking his head in admiration as he slotted Atlas''s card into the machine, processing the completed quests. A moment later, he returned the card and the reward, smiling. "Impressive work. Are you looking to take on more quests?''''


    He shook his head before replying, ''''Not just yet. I have to head toward the capital.''''


    ''''Okay. Be careful while traveling through Nubia; there are many dangers between here and Carthage,'''' the man said in a concerned voice.


    Then, Atlas left the guild behind and headed toward the southern gate, which led to the Great Southern Road, which cut through the Nubian Empire. He learned from the locals that it led to the border with the Achaemendians.


    While walking, he thought, ''I still need to go for the map that will show me where the last seven Vanquisher pieces are.''


    Following that, he summoned Nala and climbed on her back as they took off down the side of the road to avoid the merchants traveling down it. Atlas ignored all their curious glances and the odd offer to purchase the Dreadmaw Lion Queen, which made him laugh in the man''s face.


    By sunset, they had reached a hill used to rest by traveling caravans as torches lighted up the top. Atlas could see guards patrolling the area; when the men and women saw him, they panicked.


    ''''Who are you? And where did you come from?'''' A tall woman with a deep voice demanded while approaching, and she aimed a bow at him.


    Atlas chuckled before revealing, ''''I came from Bugeta City and heading south to explore Aridonia.''''


    Once he was done speaking, the woman and surrounding guards looked at him with strange expressions as a bigger man stepped forward, ''''We don''t plan on accepting a tamer into our group, but you''re welcome to spend the night within the Runes to avoid the Shadow People.''''


    ''Is he talking about the Dark Ones?'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    Nala shifted under him as she let out a throaty growl that rumbled across the landscape before she spoke worriedly, ''We have to get inside the Runes now! They are closing in.''


    Then, Atlas warned the guards before the lion dashed up the hill, ''''Get to safety; the creatures are coming!''''


    Just as they reached halfway up, the evil laughter and howls sounded behind them, causing the adults to sprint to safety. Once Atlas passed across the Runes, he turned around and cast Void Arrows into the creatures.


    ''This will slow them down,'' he thought while targeting the closest ones.


    The azure projectiles whistled through the air, striking the Dark Ones squarely in the chest, clearing a path for the guards to charge into the camp. The older woman, spotting him amidst the chaos, gave a tired but grateful smile.


    "Appreciate the heads-up, kid," she said. "Those Shadow People give me the creeps, though it''s rare to see them around here."


    Atlas nodded in understanding as he replied, ''''No problem. The creatures annoy me, and I''ve made it a habit to kill as many of them as possible.''''


    The woman started laughing before speaking while looking at Nala, who was lying at his feet while licking her paw. ''''I''m Lisa. Set up anywhere, but stay away from the merchants. They are a weird bunch, and will you tame be fine?''''


    "Yeah, she''s fine as long as you don''t try anything," Atlas replied, running his hand through Nala''s sleek black fur. "She''s gotten pretty protective of me."


    With that, he set up his tent and kindled a fire. After settling in, he ate a box of Griffin meat. Meanwhile, he tossed a monster carcass to Nala. The Lion Queen''s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she devoured it, her voice rumbling in his mind, "Thank you, Master."


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 195 - 195: Stormtalon

    Atlas was eating the Griffon meat while gazing into the night sky, lit by the stars shining down. He quickly noticed that the surrounding landscape was pure darkness, and the camp was lit up.


    It reminded him of a beacon in a dark world, ''We are ringing the dinner bell for the night monsters.''


    He shook his head before finishing the food as an eerie howl rang out, scaring some guards behind him. Atlas glanced in their direction only to spot the merchants had circled their carriages as a last line of defense.


    ''Rich people are all the same regardless. What happens if all their soldiers fall to the monsters?''


    Tents littered the hilltop with guards and adventurers going about their business. While looking around, he could sense the Runes working their magic and keeping the creatures of the night from entering the camp.


    Once Atlas finished eating, he climbed into the tent to rest while Nala guarded it from the surrounding people. When getting comfortable in his sleeping bag, he activated the Void realm.


    He appeared on the plateau and readied his blades while casting Void Infusion on them. Atlas smiled when he saw his swords glow, and the rumbling was felt just as the Golems came into view.


    ''Here we go; hopefully, I can kill enough so I wont be stuck on this damn level for this long.''


    Before Atlas started fighting, he checked the monster count. A grin spread across his face as excitement coursed through him.


    [Void Golem ¨C 218012/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 298602/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, he burst forward like a rocket while swinging both blades and carving through the Golem''s body before casting Void Bomb at the bigger monster charged at him, but when the spell connected with its body, it exploded.


    ''If I continue at this rate, I will complete Level Three,'' he mused, giving himself some space. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The force sent a dozen Golems into the waters below. Atlas started his slaughter using magic and blades, causing chaos throughout the plateau. He dodged all but a few attacks that bounced off his armor but still felt the pain of the stone fist.


    Atlas continued fighting with the Golems until running out of mana, but thanks to potions, he could take out thousands of the monsters to bring the total down even more, and by the time he woke up in the real world, he was tired.


    ''I need to rest,'' he thought, feeling the weight of mana depletion overwhelming him.


    He looked at the tent roof and sighed before downing a stamina potion while sitting up and scratching his head. Atlas quickly checked the total to see how many he could kill during the fight.


    [Void Golem ¨C 200012/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 291223/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Its crawling along like a snail,'' Atlas mused before activating the skill again and reappearing on the plateau.


    The Void Golems came in waves but were washed away by azure flames and explosions that rocked the stone structure. Atlas was enjoying himself despite exhaustion, causing him to think, ''I''ll just sleep through tomorrow. Nala will keep me safe.''


    His head spun as he cast spell after spell, forcing himself to summon Void Guard to block the barrage of attacks. Still, a few managed to slip through. When a stone fist struck his helmet, the impact resonated like the toll of a bell.


    Dizzy and disoriented, Atlas was jolted back to the real world. As he regained consciousness, Nala''s voice echoed, ''Master, the Dark Ones have somehow broken through the Runes. They''re slaughtering the people and the guards.''


    He crawled out of the tent before throwing everything into his storage. After doing that, Atlas saw a few Dark Ones attacking a group of adventurers and cast a dozen Void Bullets that peppered them from behind.


    ''We need to get out of here before a stronger enemy appears,'' he thought while readying his weapons.


    The projectiles quickly killed the monsters, allowing the people to flee from the attackers. Then, Atlas looked at Nala before ordering her to attack as many creatures as possible so he could earn the experience.


    She nodded before dashing toward the Dark Ones and slowly slaughtering them. Ten minutes later, a roar rang out over the landscape. When Atlas heard this, his heart sank as he knew a Titan was heading their way.


    The survivors panicked as the attacking creatures fled into the darkness. Nala rushed over to him, looking at him panickedly, and exclaimed, ''Get on me now! The Titan is close, Master.''


    When hearing this, Atlas was shocked and rushed to the Dreadmaw Lion Queen before climbing on her back just as a massive stone annihilated a carriage trying to flee down the hill.


    ''We need to get out of here, but this exhaustion is killing me,'' he thought while downing a stamina potion, which made him feel a little better.


    Atlas''s eyes widened as a massive giant stepped out of the darkness, making his skin crawl. The monster saw them running and went to grab, but he cast a Void Bomb at its limb, and when it connected, the explosion knocked it off course.


    It let out an angry roar before chasing them. Nala looked back and yelped as she tried to speed up, but the giant was close. Atlas quickly summoned Theo, who burst out of a portal and soared into the air.


    When he saw the Blood Bat King, he called out to the monster, ''Pick me up, Theo! This giant will get us otherwise.''


    ''Yes master,'' the bat answered while swooping down.


    His claws grabbed Atlas before quickly ascending. Nala was sent back to the Dungeon Reakm, and the Titan''s foot crashed down where they were. Theo promptly darted through the air and fled from the angry giant.


    The monster started throwing stones at them, but the bat was agile and dodged all the projectiles before vanishing into the night. While flying, Atlas ordered Theo to land on a nearby karst as he needed to sleep.


    ''Yes, we have escaped the Titan, but I will go scout out the area while you sleep Master,'' Theo revealed.


    Atlas agreed, and when the bat landed on top of the karst, it checked everything out to ensure it was safe. He climbed off Theo''s back before the monster took off, leaving him alone and causing him to take out his tent and sleeping bag.


    Thanks to all the gear he bought, he could start a fire while glancing at the dark and ominous landscape, ''Aridonia is a nightmare. Hopefully it gets better and that Titan doesn''t follow,'' he thought while stoking the fire.


    His eyelids grew heavy, and he barely managed to crawl into the tent when a giant''s roar echoed in the distance. A sudden piercing screech followed. Curiosity stirred despite his exhaustion, and Atlas stuck his head out of the tent¡ªonly to freeze in shock.


    A massive eagle-like monster was staring right at him. Before he could react, the creature''s voice thundered in his mind, ''You dare fly in my domain, child?''


    Atlas swallowed hard, pulling himself out of the tent, his thoughts racing. ''Oh, goddess... What trouble am I in now?''


    He shook his head and used Void Sigh on the newcomer.


    [Stormtalon]


    [Rank: Primordial - 100000 Exp]


    [You''re meeting one of the sky gods, boy! Don''t offend it]


    Atlas was amazed and shook his head before replying, ''''Well, I had no choice as an angry Titan was about to kill me.''''


    The Stormtalon shrank even smaller as it got closer while speaking, ''Was it the Titan Giant?''


    ''''Yes, that''s the one,'''' Atlas answered as he sat in front of the fire. ''''Between that and the Dark Ones, traveling across Aridonia is a headache.''''


    ''So you casually go against the Sky Gods?'' It questioned.


    ''''Well, it''s not going against you guys; I was fleeing from something that nearly killed me,'''' he said while stoking the fire.


    Atlas pulled out a Horned Rabbit Kebab and started eating before offering the Stormtalon one, ''''Want some? It''s delicious.''''


    The Primordial stared at him in bewilderment before answering, ''Yes, but don''t think that gets you off the hook.''


    Atlas gazed at the bird, its white feathers gleaming and its blue eyes piercing. Curiosity overtook him, and he dared to ask, "How did you become a Primordial?"


    He noticed the monster paused its eating, fixing its gaze on him before speaking. ''What are you fighting for, boy?''


    The question struck Atlas deeply, forcing him to reflect. After a moment, the answer surfaced. "To live life on my own terms... and find a family who won''t abandon me like my mother did."


    ''Is that all? Don''t you want to be the strongest warrior?''


    ''''Yes, but that happens along the way; I''m already at Journeyman Rank at fourteen,'''' Atlas revealed.


    The Primordial nodded, ''Continue your path, boy, and soon enough, we Titan and Monarch Monsters will be wary of you.''


    Atlas chuckled and got back to eating the Horned Rabbit Kebab. Once the monster ate, it spoke, ''''You can fly using your bat friend, but you must stop before reaching the Golden Magna River. Others of my kind won''t be happy.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 196 - 196: Slow The Monster Down

    Atlas and Theo flew above the landscape, allowing him to avoid all the monsters roaming the land below. While flying over towns and villages, he quickly noticed the tall defensive walls that encircled the buildings and farmland.


    Train tracks dotted the land, and speeding machines rushed along as monsters chased them. Thanks to the weapons on board, they were killed. ''Master, a swarm of flying monsters is heading in our direction; you should hide in the settlements below,'' the Blood Bat King''s voice echoed in his mind.


    Hours Atlas ordered the monster to drop him off outside the closest town, Philae. He jumped off Theo''s back before dismissing the creature to the Dungeon Realm. He approached the city gates and quickly noticed all the corpses littering the outside.


    When he got close, a loud voice rang out, ''''Halt! What are you doing out there, boy!''''


    Atlas looked up and spotted the town commander standing above the gate with several men surrounding him. He took off his helmet and replied in a calm voice, ''''Traveling to Carthage, but the Monster Waves have diverted me to Philae for safety.''''


    Silence was his only answer until a small door opened as a woman screamed, ''''Move now! The Shadow Creatures are coming!''''


    He turned around only to see a group of Dark Ones charging directly at him. Atlas yelped before running while he cast several Void Bombs that exploded on contact. The azure eruption wiped out dozens and caused the wall to shake.


    Atlas entered the town just as the woman slammed the door shut and activated the protective runes against the monsters outside. Without hesitation, he used Void Step to appear atop the wall.


    In the shadows, he spotted dozens of Dark Ones lurking from his vantage point. He immediately began casting Void Arrows, targeting the approaching threat. Amidst the chaos, the commander on the wall shouted, "The runes need charging! Get to the stations now!"


    The urgency of the command was apparent as Atlas continued his assault, but soon enough, the Dark Ones were driven back into the darkness as the sun set, causing darkness to descend on the town.


    Afterward, the commander approached with a friendly smile, holding his hand, ''''Thank you for your help, young man. Those Shadow Creatures are deadly when breaching the town.''''


    Atlas nodded before taking his hand, asking, ''''Where is the closest inn? I need a place to sleep until the morning.''''


    The commander, rubbing his beard, pointed down the main street. "Macy''s is on the right side of the town square. She offers great food and a comfortable bed."


    Atlas thanked him and followed the directions, soon arriving at the inn, which was surprisingly large for a town of this size. He shrugged and stepped inside, only to find the place bustling with a dozen people.


    ''Let''s just get a room so I can clear the Void Realm,'' Atlas smiled before approaching the counter where an older man was waiting to serve someone.


    The owner looked up with a grouchy expression as he spoke professionally, ''''I''m Merrick. How can the Bumbling Bell help you?''''


    ''''Can I have a room until the morning, please?'''' he answered the man.


    ''''Yes, boy. That will be fifteen silver,'''' Merrick revealed while handing out an iron key and handing it to him.


    Atlas handed over the coins and received the key from the owner, who directed him to his room. A few minutes later, he entered the room, dropped onto the bed, and activated Void Realm.


    He reappeared on the plateau and drew his blades, applying Void Infusion as the ground beneath him rumbled. Atlas glanced up to see three Warrior Golems charging toward him as the others slowly encircled him.


    ''Here we go; let''s get rid of the first batch of creatures before clearing most of this level.''


    Without hesitation, he cast Void Bomb. It sliced through the air before colliding with the monsters. Explosions erupted, sending them crashing to the ground, allowing Atlas to rush forward and cut through their stone bodies.


    Following that attack, Atlas jumped back to clear some space while pulling up the monster total, which made him smile as it lowered.


    [Void Golem ¨C 200012/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 291220/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Once he checked that he got to work, he cast Void Veil, which covered the plateau in a shadow that covered him from the Golems. Atlas cut down hundreds while spamming his spells into the stronger monsters.


    ''This is getting easier,'' he thought with an excited smile. ''I wonder what the next Void monster will be.''


    Azure explosions erupted everywhere, sending loads of the Golems into the water below while he rushed around, slashing and slicing. Afterward, he started butchering the monsters easily as they fell to his powered-up swords.


    Thanks to his previous experience, fighting even the Warrior Golems became easy for him. Atlas continued to fight until he was tired, but he pushed forward and killed so many monsters that he lost track of the number after the first hour.


    ''I''ll check the total tomorrow,'' he thought with a yawn.


    When Atlas finished fighting, he returned to the real world and collapsed into bed. He removed his helmet and curled under the sheets before falling asleep as the battle took its toll on him.


    The following morning, he woke up as the townspeople''s voices sounded from outside. Shortly after that, loud booms rang out as the wall defenses fired upon a Monster Wave trying to attack.


    Atlas shook his head and decided to stay in the inn for a few days as he felt rough. He exited the bed before going to the counter, where a young woman was waiting to help someone. She smiled when she saw him and spoke cheerfully, ''''How can I help you?''''


    ''''I want to extend my stay for three more days,'''' Atlas replied while taking out the coins, which surprised the woman.


    She smiled, took the payment, and asked curiously, "Could I see your room key, please?"


    Atlas handed over the key, and the woman nodded as she wrote something down. "All done. Would you like breakfast?"


    He shook his head and returned to his room. Once inside, he sat at the table, pulled out a Griffin Meat Box, and began eating. The food quickly revitalized him, boosting his energy to fight in the Void Realm again.


    While eating, Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how well he did.


    [Void Golem ¨C 130321/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 291108/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, he activated the skill and appeared on the plateau before he started fighting the monsters. Atlas spent the next few days bringing down the numbers and cleared a lot by the time he had to leave the inn.


    Thanks to having food in his storage, he didn''t have to go out to get anything. While cleaning up the room, he checked out the number of Void Golems he needed to kill.


    [Void Golem ¨C 91345/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 242309/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91101/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now, I managed to kill enough,'' he thought while leaving the room. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As Atlas left the inn, he immediately noticed the town''s panic and heard an enraged roar from the north. Reacting swiftly, he used Void Step to ascend to the roof and then rushed toward the noise source.


    His blood ran cold as he approached when he spotted the cause of the commotion: the Giant Titan he and Theo had previously encountered. Atlas was about to run until the creature''s malice-filled eyes locked onto him.


    "Oh shit, it saw me," Atlas thought, immediately turning and running south.


    The Giant Titan roared and began sprinting toward the town, its massive form threatening to obliterate everything in its path. Atlas dashed across the rooftops, quickly summoning Nala to get away faster.


    Atlas leaped onto Nala''s back as she materialized, and the Dreadmaw Lion surged into motion, racing. Atlas glanced back to see the Titan barreling through the town, its force shattering the shield and flattening buildings into rubble as it pursued them.


    ''This Titan is annoying. Is it going to be chasing me across Aridonia?'' he wondered while fleeing.


    Nala accelerated, reaching the wall surrounding the town. With a mighty leap, she soared over it, landing heavily on the other side as the ground shook beneath them. The Titan appeared behind them, causing the lion to run again.


    ''Master! We need to slow the monster down,'' the lioness''s voice rang out in his head.


    Atlas nodded and sent his mana into her body, which boosted Nala. She pushed herself to her limits as the Giant kept up with them, shocking the duo. This caused Atlas to cast Void Bombs at the creature''s feet.


    When the azure projectiles hit the ground below the Titan, they were sent tumbling. Atlas celebrated, but several other monsters appeared and started chasing them. They reminded him of Hyean''s but more menacing-looking.


    ''This is getting harder,'' Atlas thought before blasting the monsters with Void Blasts.


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 Chapter 197 - 197: They Seem Hostile

    Atlas continued to pepper the Hyenas with Void Blasts and Bullets that only managed to damage them, ''Damn, they must be high ranked monsters,'' he internally panicked.


    Without hesitation, he scanned them with a Void Sight and found out what they were.


    [Dreadjaw]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Savage monsters who hunt alongside the Titan Giant]


    ''This isn''t good,'' Atlas thought before casting Void Barrage, which peppered the creatures and made them stumble.


    While doing that, Nala quickly warned, ''Master, we are coming to the river! What do I do?''


    His head snapped in the water''s direction as he replied, just as a rumbling started, ''Jump in the water! I''ll summon Medusa to get me away from here.''


    The lion queen agreed and darted toward the fast-moving river as the Titan Giant continued the chase. Atlas noticed the monster was hot on his heels this time, causing his heart to beat like crazy.


    ''Oh crap, this thing is fast!''


    But it was too late. Nala flung Atlas off her back, spinning around with a ferocious snarl. She let out a roar that echoed as she lunged at the nearest Dreadjaw, sinking her teeth into its throat and snapping its neck.


    However, the other monsters swarmed her like wolves before she could recover. Atlas sprang to his feet, eyes blazing with fury as he rushed toward the lioness. Seeing her overwhelmed, he called upon his magic, summoning more Dreadmaw Lions to help.


    With a roar of his own, he plunged his blade into the skull of a nearby creature, blood spraying as he fought, but soon enough, the Titan reached them as Nala''s voice rang out, ''Run, you foolish boy!''


    Atlas noticed the Giant closing in and immediately cast several Void Lances at it, but he knew it wouldn''t be enough. Without hesitation, he activated a spell he had yet to unleash. The air around him crackled as he shifted into his Voidwalker form.


    ''I can feel this form is burning through my mana quickly.''


    His body transformed¡ªgrowing taller and more monstrous, with his bulk resembling an eldritch bodybuilder. His arms ended in two massive claws pulsing with dark energy. As the transformation was completed, something inside him snapped.


    A wild, uncontrollable fury surged through him, and he launched himself at the Giant Titan with terrifying speed. His claws slashed across the Titan''s massive body, its attempt to block futile as he tore through flesh, ripping skin echoing through the battlefield.


    The Titan bellowed in pain as Atlas, now a force of primal rage, attacked with relentless ferocity. He let out another eerie roar that scared the surrounding monsters, but the Giant saw it as a challenge.


    Consumed by raw power, Atlas tore through the Titan''s ankle with blinding speed and strength, forcing the colossal beast to collapse onto one knee. Seeing the giant falter, he unleashed a wild, primal roar, his right fist glowing as mana wrapped around them.


    Wasting no time, Atlas pulled it back as he leaped forward with explosive force. Casting Void Punch, he drove his fist into the Titan''s chin with a deafening clap that echoed across the landscape.


    The impact reverberated through the air, causing the massive monster to shift under the sheer force of the blow. Seizing the moment, he pounced again, but as he closed in, the beast swung its arm, catching him off guard.


    The force of the hit sent him flying, his body flying across the landscape. ''I should have escaped like Nala said,'' he thought as his head spun.


    Pain exploded through him as his bones snapped, blood spurting from his wounds. His vision blurred, his body shattered, but his fury still burned beneath the pain. This allowed him to aim his hand toward the Giant.


    ''I will make sure to hurt you before I go down,'' Atlas thought while pouring the remaining mana into a Void Bomb that hurt his arm because of how unstable it was.


    He let it fly toward the Titan, who tried to avoid it, but the chaotic projectile followed it like a homing missile. It crashed into the Giant, causing a massive explosion to ring out, which sent it stumbling back as its skin was burned.


    The shockwave rushed out and crashed into Atlas''s body, which sent him crashing into the nearby river as his world faded to black. Thanks to the current, he was washed away from the Titan, who was trying to scoop him out of the water.


    Atlas drifted for hours as his body repaired itself, and the river monsters avoided him due to the Giant''s blood that stained his armor. While unconscious, he dreamed about the four women waiting for him.


    ***


    ''He has hurt himself yet again,'' Amethyst sighed as she stood on a fortress''s wall.


    While traveling north, they encountered the Golden Lion Legion searching for them. When the four women heard they were followers of the Path and swore loyalty to Azhar''Zul, they took them back to the large castle.


    A man named Rollo and Jorik treated them with the utmost respect when learning they were Atlas''s party members. Each one was given a room, and the two older men assigned them all females as guards.


    When Estelle heard this, she questioned their motives. Still, Rollo swore to Luxia and Nyx that he had no ulterior motives and just wanted to see the end of the Achaemenid Empire, as they had killed millions in their conquest.


    While standing on the wall, Amethyst sensed Artemis approaching, wrapped in a furry cloak as she was cold. She chuckled before speaking, ''''Cold Little Fish? Not used to this weather, eh.''''


    ''''Shut up, girl!'''' the brunette retorted while shivering. ''''I always heard of the cold, but this is something else.''''


    Amethyst giggled as she spoke, ''''The Achaemenids have stopped chasing us, and Azhar''Zul knows where we are. A train goes to the nearest city, but he can fly to the Northern Reach when he gets close.''''


    ''''I still don''t like it,'''' Artemis commented. ''''Estelle is training in the yard while Grish has hunted in the wilds.''''


    When hearing her friend''s words, Amethyst nodded before revealing some news that she had learned this morning, ''''Well, they have been getting bored. Rollo said many Astoria kingdoms had fallen in the invasion and submitted to the empire. Estelle thinks it''s best to keep growing like we have been.''''


    ''''What about the elves? Did they hold out for long?'''' Artemis questioned.


    ''''They are still holding on by using the mountain passes to hold off the superior numbers of the empire,'''' Amethyst replied while looking at the snow-covered forest that led south. ''''Rumors say that they aren''t coming any further north than the Wolf Kingdoms.''''


    The brunette sighed before looking south and speaking out loud, ''''I wonder how long it will take Azhar''Zul to meet up with us.''''


    "Hopefully not much longer, Fish," Amethyst replied, and the two returned to their quarters.


    As they walked, a sudden vision flashed before Amethyst''s eyes¡ªAtlas, drifting along a river, battered and broken, recovering from a vicious battle. Her heart skipped a beat, but she exhaled in quiet relief when she saw that he was still breathing.


    ''Grow stronger, my Amore; we will see you soon,'' she thought while gazing south one last time.


    ***


    ''Ahh, my head hurts,'' Atlas thought as something tugged at his body.


    He opened his eyes only to notice he was in a fishing net getting dragged to the surface, ''What the fuck! This is all I need.''


    Soon enough, Atlas was dragged out of the water and dumped onto a metal deck with shocked gasps, and a scream rang out. He shook his head while glancing up and noticed a dozen people surrounding him holding swords.


    ''They seem hostile. I better get out of here.''


    Atlas quickly noticed they looked like Nubians with dark skin and eyes, but these looked hostile. When realizing this, he summoned Theo, who quickly plucked him from the deck and soared into the sky.


    Spells and arrows whizzed through the air, aimed at them, but the Blood Bat King effortlessly dodged each one. As they neared land, he directed the creature to land atop a karst formation for safety.


    Once Atlas dismounted, he collapsed onto the rocky surface. Dizziness clouded his mind, and a sharp tingling spread through his fingertips. Quickly, he curled up, seeking shelter beneath the bat''s leathery wings, which shielded him from the harsh elements.


    Following that, Atlas slept for a whole day before waking up confused, as all he could remember was fighting the Titan Giant. He shook his head while standing up and taking off his helmet.


    ''Where am I?'' he thought while glancing around while taking in the sights.


    More rolling hills covered in snow and forests dot the landscapes, with settlements here and there. Atlas pulled out his map and soon found out he was by a place called Death Shark Lake, which caused him to gulp.


    ''Im not going in there,'' he thought while stretching his body before getting his tent out as it was still nighttime.


    The beautiful stars shone high above and lit up the world below, causing Atlas to love the view from the karst.


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 Chapter 198 - 198: What Is Behind Me Now

    Atlas set up a tent and threw in a bunch of blankets. Theo spoke worriedly, ''Are you okay, Master?''


    ''Tired, using all my mana and fighting that Titan drained everything from me. I honestly feel exhausted,'' he answered before climbing into the tent.


    Once he settled in, Atlas felt Theo''s quiet presence standing guard nearby, and a sense of calm washed over him. Relaxed, he pulled out a piece of chocolate, nibbling on it as his eyelids grew heavy, drifting into a half-asleep state.


    ''I have to stop pushing myself before something bad happens.''


    Atlas soon fell asleep as the weather outside worsened, and Frostwinter started to bite. He was curled under the thick covers while his body recovered from the strain of the constant fighting.


    The following morning, he woke up to the whistling of wind, which was jarring. Atlas shook his head before sitting up and peeking out of the tent, only to see rain lashing poor Theo, causing him to dismiss the monster back to the Dungeon Realm.


    ''Damn, weather is horrible,'' he mused while watching the rain.


    Afterward, he entered the Void Realm to clear the Golem. By the time the rain stopped, Atlas had wiped out thousands of monsters, bringing the total down quickly, which made him happy.


    When Atlas woke back in the tent, it was shaking everywhere. He glanced outside and noticed an eerie fog settled over the land, ''This is some Silent Hill shit, I can''t wait to get back to Astoria,'' he mused.


    Following that, he checked the monster''s total, only to be surprised at how many he had killed.


    [Void Golem ¨C 85118/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 234127/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 90701/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Won''t take long now,'' he thought with a big smile. ''Should I keep at it until the Void Golems are cleared?''


    Atlas decided to do just that and pulled out a Forest Boat Meat Boc before he started eating while resting. Once he was done with breakfast, he jumped back into the Void Realm and started fighting the Golems.


    Following that, he spammed hundreds of spells while drinking mana potions. Atlas''s blade carved through the stone monsters, causing them to crumble into nothing, which excited him as the counter lowered.


    ''If I keep using Void Barrage and Void Bullets I can wipe out hundreds of them,'' he pondered while cutting down two Warrior Golems.


    The battle continued for hours until a Golem Commander sent him flying over the plateau''s edge. Atlas plummeted into the sea below before waking up in the tent, which caused him to smile as he pulled up the total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 61856/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 221963/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 90281/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, Atlas climbed out of the tent before putting it away, which didn''t take long. He looked over the edge and saw a sea of mist blocking his view of the ground. He quickly climbed down the side of the karst.


    His eyes scanned the surroundings for any signs of monsters, causing him to think, ''Hopefully, there isn''t anything ready to ambush me.''


    As his feet neared the ground, an unexpected calm settled over the area¡ªeerily quiet, almost peaceful. Sensing no danger, he adjusted his course and began heading southeast. In the distance, a river snaked through the landscape.


    ''That must be where the fishing boat pulled me out of the water.''


    With a shrug, Atlas turned toward a dirt road that wound through the terrain, hoping it would lead him to a nearby town or city where he could catch a train to Carthage. Soon enough, he spotted a farming town in the distance, which caught his attention.


    As he drew closer, a towering wall loomed, encircling the city like a fortress. Its sheer size was imposing, with stone battlements stretching high into the sky. Guards patrolled along the top, their eyes sweeping the landscape, ever-watchful for threats.


    The air was thick with vigilance and purpose, indicating that this village took its defenses seriously. He furrowed his brow, puzzled by the sight. ''Why does a town have a wall like this?'' he wondered, his expression shifting to confusion.


    Atlas shrugged off his unease and approached the gate, only to be startled by the sudden blare of a horn just as a barrage of spells and arrows shot toward him. Instinctively, he prepared to cast Void Guard, but a sharp hissing sound behind him sent a shiver down his spine.


    ''Oh god, what is behind me now?''


    Without waiting, he spun around just in time to see a massive snake-like monster lunging at him. His body reacted faster than his mind, and he cast Void Punch, his fist connecting with the creature in a violent collision.


    The air cracked with a loud boom, sending the serpent flying backward from the sheer force of the blow. He stood still momentarily, catching his breath as more monsters rushed toward him.


    ''Now it''s time to teach the creatures a lesson.''


    Atlas quickly started casting Void Bombs and Void Lances that burrowed through the bodies of the serpents. Explosions rang out across the battlefield, causing many of them to run away as he made his way to the town gate.


    Cannons and mages cast spells that slice through the air, killing the surviving monsters and turning them into meat chunks, but something told Atlas to defend himself, which he did by casting Void Guard.


    When the azure shield appeared, something crashed into it, sending him slamming into the town walls. Atlas hit the ground with a thud but soon recovered, only to notice a group of robed figures giving off an eerie aura.


    They were all black and humanoid, causing him to think in confusion, ''Who are these people? Seems like some devil cult.''


    Atlas landed on his feet while readying his blades with Void Infusion. He smiled before speaking in an amused voice, ''''Who would you fine people be, and why are you attacking me?''''


    The strangers didn''t answer, forcing him to use Void Sight on the people.


    [----]


    [Order of Shadows Assassin]


    [Level: 412]


    [Rank: Master]


    [They''ve been hunting you, boy. Now put what you''ve learned to use]


    ''Oh its them,'' Atlas thought with a smile. ''Looks like they finally found me.''


    Following that, he spammed Void Barrage, which sent dozens of azure projectiles through the air as they slammed into the assassins. Explosions rang out, allowing Atlas to dash forward.


    Thanks to his powered-up swords, he carved through the blade of one enemy before slicing through his flesh. When Atlas saw this, he cast Void Blasts into the woman''s chest, which sent her flying across the landscape.


    Atlas quickly raised his swords to block a swing that caused sparks to fly everywhere. He was just about to counter when the attackers exploded into blood mist, which covered him in blood.


    "What just happened?" he muttered, eyes scanning the area in confusion.


    His gaze quickly locked onto a figure nearby¡ªa tall, imposing woman clad in adventurer''s armor yet decorated with a crest. She stood over six feet tall, her muscular frame exuding power.


    As he studied her, Atlas felt her presence more deeply. Her aura radiated strength, almost overwhelming in its intensity, and at that moment, he recognized her as a Nova Core Mage¡ªthe raw magical energy pulsed from her.


    The woman stepped forward with a friendly smile and, with a curious glint in her pink eyes, asked, "Little Nova Mage. You were lucky I was here. The shadows would have killed you."


    Atlas was confused but shook his head while replying, ''''I guess so, but I could have beaten them if I had used my tames.''''


    She laughed at his response before introducing herself, ''''I am Kiko Hammerfist. A Nubian Adventurer and Nova Mage of the Imperial Court.''''


    ''I wonder what she wants?'' Atlas asked himself. ''She doesn''t seem hostile like the Achaemenidians.''


    ''''I''m Azhar''Zul. Adventurer from Astoria and heading for Carthage to heal a friend,'''' he replied, causing Kiko to smile.


    She approached before slapping on the back with her giant hand, ''''It''s so good to meet a fresh Nova Mage. I''m surprised you''re not in a magic academy, but I think they''re useless.''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement, ''''You''re right. I don''t need to go to school to learn magic when I already know how to use it and higher ranked than most my age,'''' he said while taking in the burning battlefield.


    Town soldiers rushed out and cleaned the area, using tamed monsters to eat the corpses. While watching, Kiko spoke cheerfully, ''''Let''s get inside. The Monster Waves haven''t stopped.''''


    Then, Atlas and the big woman entered Meroe Town, a farming community near the Flowing Blood River. Kiko told him it earned the name due to a war a decade ago during a brutal battle a mile away.


    "Millions died further up the river when the Nubians pushed back the Achaemenidians," she informed him, her voice steady yet filled with the weight of the devastation. "They had the Graecoria Empire''s support from the south, which turned the tide in our favor." S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas absorbed the grim news, but she wasn''t finished. "If you''re aiming to reach the capital," she continued, her eyes narrowing, "you''ll have to pass through dangerous territory. A war is still raging between us and rebels hiding in those lands.''''


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 Chapter 199 - 199: That Worked

    Atlas and Kiko entered the local tavern. While the two sat at an empty table, she told him, ''''Give it an hour so the guards can clean up the monster bodies.''''


    The older woman ordered some ale while she spoke to a group of adventurers who kept staring at him with greedy eyes. Atlas was going to confront them, but Nala''s voice rang out, ''The woman is trying to trick you, Master. I believe she is a slaver.''


    When hearing this, he scanned her using Void Sight.


    [Grunhilda]


    [Slaver]


    [Level: 360]


    [Rank: Master]


    [She''s deceiving you, boy! You''ve been led into a den of Slavers]


    ''I swear, even the stones beneath my feet are conspiring against me. Why can''t I get a moment''s peace,'' he internally raged.


    When Atlas realized what had happened, he noticed the wary glances everyone was casting his way. Grunhilda approached the table, and from her expression, it was clear she had tampered with his drink.


    Instead of reacting, an idea formed in his mind as he carefully masked his suspicion, preparing to turn the situation to his advantage. The older woman sat down and gave him an off feeling as she spoke, ''''Would you like to travel together? It''s dangerous out there for elves.''''


    Atlas''s eyes narrowed as he unsheathed Nightblade and replied with suspicion, ''''Nice try, Slaver. You think I wouldn''t find out what you''re trying to do?''''


    Grunhilda''s eyes widened in shock, but a wicked smile appeared while speaking, ''''The empire was right about you, Dahaka. You''re smart, but now you''ve fallen into our trap. You will come with us peacefully, or I''ll hurt you.''''


    When Atlas heard her threat, he laughed before summoning his helmet while his azure eyes glowed. He shook his head, speaking smugly, ''''I''m not trapped in here with you. You''re trapped in here with me.''''


    Following that, he cast Void Wave, which sent the woman flying as the other men attacked. Atlas deflected and blocked many strikes before he summoned Nala alongside a group of Deathmaw Lions.


    Chaos erupted in the tavern as the monsters tore into the Slavers. Atlas jumped on Nala''s back before she pounced through the window and landed with a thud as the town guard surrounded them.


    Atlas looked at the Nubians before spamming Void Bullets and Void Barrage, peppering the shocked soldiers. His sudden attack sounded explosions, sending the enemies flying, allowing them to sprint through the street.


    Screeches rang out, causing Atlas to look up and notice giant flying monsters resembling vultures. They were about to swoop down on them as Nala climbed to the roofs of the surrounding buildings.


    His eyes narrowed before casting Void Arrows that streaked through the air. The attackers dodged most of the spells, but some were struck, and the azure projectiles burrowed through the monster''s body.


    Half a dozen creatures plummeted to the town below and crashed into the buildings, causing Nala to speed up. Atlas sent mana into the Dungeon Monster''s body, which allowed her to speed up.


    As the enemies closed in, Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Blasts, the powerful explosions sending them scattering in panic. The force of the blast nearly eradicated them, and he continued casting, keeping them at bay as his magic tore through their ranks.


    ''This should keep those fuckers off my back,'' he thought with an excited grin, feeling the thrill of the fight course through him.


    Soon enough, they reached the wall just as cannons pointed at them and fired. Atlas quickly cast Void Guard that blocked the sudden attack. The azure barrier shook but allowed them to pass by as more flying monsters swooped down.


    This gave Atlas the perfect moment to scan the creatures pursuing him.


    [Blood Vultures]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Use Void Arrow to kill them]


    A smirk crossed his face. ''This is going to be easy,'' he thought as he began casting Void Arrows.


    The projectiles ripped through the vultures'' bodies, tearing them apart. Explosions erupted around him as the town''s defenses started firing at him, but with Nala''s speed, they managed to escape, leaving his pursuers in the dust.


    Nala ran for hours until the sun started to set and the Dark Ones appeared, but the lioness tore them apart. Soon enough, she reached the fortress''s clear valley but warned, ''Bandits may be around here, Master. I will find a safe place to rest.''


    Following that, she found a hill that overlooked the surrounding landscape, which allowed Atlas to set up the protection Runes around his camp before putting up his tent as thunder boomed overhead.


    ''Thankfully I have this to hide from the weather,'' he thought as Nala patrolled the area.


    She disappeared into the shadows below, leaving Atlas alone. He pulled out the last box of Griffin meat and began eating, his mind half on the meal. Suddenly, distant howling echoed through the air.


    Instantly alert, Atlas scanned his surroundings, but the thick darkness revealed nothing. His senses sharpened as unease crept in. Then, he activated the Void Realm, and his consciousness appeared on the Golem Plateau.


    He started battling the monsters after casting Void Infusion on his swords before carving through them. Hours later, he was woken up by Nala licking his face while curled around him. Atlas smiled before stroking the lioness, who started purring in happiness as she spoke, ''I killed many monsters that prowled in the darkness.''


    When Atlas heard this, he thanked her and got comfortable against the monster, who was happy to be his cushion. Shortly after, he pulled up the monster total for Level Three to see how many Void Golems he needed to kill.


    [Void Golem ¨C 43231/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 210359/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 90204/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Then, Atlas fell asleep after being pleased with the result. Once he was out cold, Nala protected him from the roaming monsters, as they wouldn''t go anywhere near her. He slept peacefully but was soon woke up to the ground trembling. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He opened his eyes and spotted a massive Titan passing, making his blood run cold. Atlas saw a giant Tyrannosaurus monster glancing at the landscape below before taking a bite every so often.


    ''What is this nightmare?''


    While Atlas watched this, Nala said, ''It''s a Grassland Hunter. They are the top predators in this part of the continent.''


    ''How do you know that?'' he replied before sinking into her fur.


    She looked at him and replied, ''We monsters can sense the strength of others, especially if they''re Titans or above.''


    Atlas nodded in understanding before looking up and admiring the two moons that lit up the world as a mist descended. He sighed as the landscape below was covered, causing a creepy atmosphere to overtake everything.


    Without thinking, he summoned three Werewolves and ordered them to guard the camp before sleeping. The following morning, Atlas woke up feeling refreshed, but the mist blocked everything around him.


    ''Damn Silent Hill-looking place. This world will be the death of me.''


    He stood up while stretching, and Nala stood up and spoke while glancing around, ''Master. There are monsters in the mist. They''ve killed hundreds of local creatures.''


    Atlas nodded before putting everything away. Once everything was packed away, he jumped on the Lionesses back. The monster started sprinting Southeast while he checked his map and discovered he was a few months away from Carthage.


    ''We need to reach a city to get a train there,'' he pondered while watching the river they were running alongside.


    While doing this, Atlas quickly shouted, ''''Nala! Move away from the water now!''''


    But it was too late, as an enormous crocodile lunged out and chomped down on the lioness''s back. This brought her to a stop, causing him to fly off and crash into the water. He was dragged away as more monsters attacked him.


    ''Not this shit again! I swear Fate hates me or is enjoying the chaos of my life.''


    Atlas was forced to cast Void Guard to defend against the bite, which allowed him to cast Void Lance. The azure projectile pierced through the crocodile''s torso, causing it to explode into meat chunks.


    Following that, he scanned the nearest monster fighting Nala. The lioness was going crazy and tore into the creature''s body.


    [River Drake]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Use explosive magic]


    When seeing the advice, Atlas started casting magic into the incoming monsters. As the Void Bullets connected with the River Drakes, they exploded and tore through its thick hide, causing it to spasm before sinking to the bottom.


    ''That worked,'' he thought with a smile while killing more monsters that got close.


    Once the closest creatures were dead, he summoned Medusa, who appeared from the portal. Atlas grabbed her long body before she took off down the river as he dismissed Nala to rest.


    The Death Serpent traveled miles to escape the monster horde bearing down on them. Once they were safe, she leaped out of the water, causing Atlas to land with a thud as he sent her back to the Dungeon Realm.


    ''Thank Luxia that I escaped from that horrifying place,'' he thought before approaching a nearby road.


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 Chapter 200 - 200: Best Time To Level Up

    Soon enough, Atlas saw a sign that pointed to a city named Kayacke, from which he could get a train, but something else caught his attention, ''A Level Three Dungeon? This could be fun.''


    With that thought, he headed in its direction and traveled for an hour until he saw a fortress built into the side of a karst bordering a lake. Atlas was stopped at the entrance by a group of Nubian guards.


    An older man approached with a stern expression as he spoke gruffly, ''''Are you here to dive into the dungeon, young one?''''


    Atlas nodded before taking out his Adventurer''s Card, which surprised the commander as he continued, ''''You can go through, but be careful past floor twenty; the monsters get twice as strong.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied while stepping through the gate only to see the dungeons named Siren''s Abyss, which gave him a bad feeling.


    ''Water monsters it seems?'' Atlas mused while stepping through the portal that appeared.


    Once, it appeared on the other side, on a beach. He glanced around to see an ocean surrounded by deadly-looking mountains, but that''s when Atlas noticed the flag in the distance, causing him to think, ''That must be the direction I need to go.''


    Following that, he activated Aqua Lung and stepped into the water, only to drop to the sea floor with a crash. When that happened, Atlas was surprised when he saw his surroundings. It was like an underwater forest with colorful foilage and trees that swayed with the current.


    He was baffled, but a bad feeling suddenly appeared as the first monster lunged from the brush, catching him off guard. Atlas saw a dog-sized piranha that started snapping at him with its knife-sized teeth, but it didn''t hurt, thanks to Void Guard.


    Atlas cast Void Blast and Void Arrow at it, which burrowed through the giant fish''s body. Afterward, he unsheathed his swords and cast Void Infusion before cutting through another monster while scanning the third.


    [Quipper]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Be quick]


    ''Here we go, let''s start leveling up,'' Atlas thought before casting several Void Bullets at another Quipper.


    Explosions rang out underwater as another monster rushed out of the shadows and attacked him from behind. A Giant Octopus wrapped its tentacles around his torso, but he started slashing at the creature.


    ''Now these Octopus! What creepy creature is this.'' he pondered before scanning the monster.


    [Giant Dark Octopus]


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Keep attacking!]


    Realizing it wasn''t letting go, he quickly cast Void Wave, severely burning the newcomer and Quippers, but this allowed him to stab the slippery monster as Nightblade pierced through its eye.


    Then, Atlas battled across the first floor and was attacked by more Quippers, who Void Barrage blew away. The explosion rang out as he continued and finally reached the flag, where he saw a staircase leading to the next floor.


    ''I wonder what nightmares are lurking down there,'' he thought while readying his spells.


    Before Atlas could get close, something erupted from the sand below, blocking his sight as a pair of pincers flew out and closed around his torso. When he saw this, he quickly cut them down.


    The giant claw dropped to the seafloor, allowing Atlas to back off while casting Void Wave that knocked a few crabs backward, allowing him to scan them to find out their rank and name.


    [Giant Deep Sea Crab]


    [Rank: D - 500 Exp]


    [Move quick]


    When Atlas saw these new monsters, he used Void Veil to confuse them before attacking them with blades carved through their shells. Following this, he summoned Medusa. The Death Serpent rushed out of the portal and slammed into an enormous Giant Crab, sending it flying into the distance.


    The battle erupted as Atlas darted around using Void Step to cut down dozens of monsters who couldn''t stand up to his blades. Medusa was destroying any Giant Crab she came across.


    ''Im glad I managed to get the Death Serpent on my side,'' he thought, attacking even more.


    Thanks to his Void Arrow and Lance, Atlas could kill many thanks to their piercing power. Half an hour later, the crabs vanished into the dungeon, allowing him to collect all the Monster Cores and gold coins that littered the sea floor.


    Once everything was stored away, he walked down the second floor only to have more Quippers charging at him. Atlas quickly cast Void Veil, which confused the monsters, allowing him to kill them quickly.


    Medusa helped out by eating loads of the annoying fishes, but what came next shocked him as a giant shark rushed out of the nearby bushed of the underwater forest. Atlas quickly cast Void Guard, which sent him skidding backward.


    ''Damn. These are stronger monsters,'' he thought as his arms strained before he cast Void Blast into the shark''s face. ''What are these?''


    Atlas used Void Sight on it.


    [Hunter Shark]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Evil creatures that love to ambush]


    Seeing this, he cast Void Blast into the nearest shark and tore it in half just as Medusa rushed out of the shadows and bit down on another. The force of the attack ripped the monster in two.


    ''She''s getting stronger like Theo and Nala,'' he pondered.


    Atlas and the Death Serpent fought off the sharks until the floor was covered in glowing blue cores. He went around collecting them all, along with the silver coins. The two continued through the second level while fighting more sharks and other giant monsters.


    While walking, he activated Aqua Lung again as Medusa spoke concernedly, ''Master. Many creatures surround us. It may be the best time to level up.''


    ''I agree, girl,'' Atlas replied while readying his blades with Void Infusion.


    The two pressed forward through the underwater forest, which gradually gave way to a sprawling valley strewn with massive boulders. Unease crept into his mind as his eyes darted to the shadows between the rocks.


    ''There must be monsters hiding there... ready to pounce on me.''


    A chill coursed down his spine. He glanced at Medusa and muttered, "Stay alert. I''ve got a bad feeling. We might be walking into an ambush."


    She gave a silent nod, and they continued their journey. Suddenly, the faint sound of singing drifted through the water, freezing him in place. His heart raced as a single word echoed in his mind. ''Sirens!''


    The singing intensified and started to affect Atlas, but Medusa nudged his body with her tail, bringing him back to reality. He shook his head to clear the confusion, and that''s when he heard the beautiful singing.


    ''I''m surprised I haven''t met these monsters sooner.''


    They continued through the boulder field, only to have a spear fly out of the darkness. Atlas quickly cut the weapons down the middle as a wave of spells flew in his direction. He cast a Void Guard, which blocked the attack just as Medusa dashed off and blended into the surrounding darkness.


    ''Where is she going? Maybe to attack the enemy from behind?''


    Confusion flickered in his mind as Atlas caught a glimpse of her strange actions. ''What is she doing?'' he wondered, but his thoughts were cut short by the sudden rush of a Siren. The creature lunged at him, swinging its sword in a vicious arc.


    He barely managed to block the strike, steel clashing against steel. The impact gave him a moment to take in his surroundings and get a closer look at his new adversaries¡ªfierce and savage, far more dangerous than the Sirens he had faced before.


    ''These things are creepy.''


    They were humanoids with fishtails, but they looked horrifying, with twisted faces, black eyes, and a row of sharp teeth. Atlas quickly moved the monster''s weapon before stabbing it through its skull.


    After killing the first one, he scanned the closest monster.


    [Siren]


    [Rank: B - 800 Exp]


    [Use your magic to pierce their armor and ignore the singing, or you will be screwed]


    Then, Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets and Arrows into the swarm of furious Sirens charging toward him. The glowing azure projectiles tore through the water, killing dozens of the creatures before they could get close.


    ''They are moving fast,'' he thought while firing more spells at the incoming monsters.


    As they got closer, Atlas dodged the flurry of flying weapons at him. One spear grazed the surface of his helmet, leaving a sharp scratch across his faceplate, causing sparks to fly all over the place.


    ''That was close!''


    Atlas fought his way through the relentless swarm of Sirens, pushing forward until he reached the next floor. But something felt wrong. He scanned the area¡ªthe third floor was eerily still, lifeless.


    ''Chaos again?'' he thought, his nerves on edge.


    As if in response, the ground trembled violently. Dozens of grotesque humanoids and hulking trolls surged out from the shadows. Atlas quickly began casting spells, his hands crackling with magic.


    The ground gave way beneath Atlas just as he was about to unleash his magic, collapsing into a dark abyss. Medusa lunged for him, her hand outstretched, but he was already falling, swallowed by the inky blackness below.


    For a fleeting moment, Atlas looked up and dismissed her before crashing violently into a jagged stone. The impact sent a searing pain through his skull, and the world went black as unconsciousness claimed him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]


    sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 201 - 201: I Need To Sleep

    Atlas fell for a long time before crashing into an underground lake but was still unconscious due to the head injury he suffered. He was floating at the top of the water as his Regeneration tried to mend all the cuts and slashes all over his body.


    Hours passed, and he finally woke up in a panic, only to see black. Once Atlas calmed down, he cast Light and realized he was in a small chamber. He climbed out of the lake and soon realized that the place was soaked in chaos mana.


    ''Oh no, this is bad,'' Atlas thought while glancing around and gulping. ''Did I fall into their realm?''


    He could see everything around him thanks to his skill, Light, which wasn''t much as it was a small piece of land. Atlas noticed a tunnel a few meters away, but the chaos mana radiated for it.


    Following that, he started walking down it while holding his blades. The deeper Atlas got, the creepier the atmosphere became. The unnatural feeling caused goosebumps to run all over his body, which didn''t make him feel better.


    Atlas tried to summon Nala, but no portal appeared, sparking a surge of worry. His brow furrowed as he attempted to tap into the Void Realm next, but nothing happened. Panic started to creep in as the realization hit him.


    ''Looks like I''m on my own down here,'' he thought grimly.


    Minutes later, Atlas heard a scuttling noise heading his way, which sent his nerves spiraling as he used Void Sight to scan the newcomers.


    [Chaos Mawling]


    [Rank: B - 800]


    [Don''t let them bite you!]


    Reacting quickly, Atlas cast Void Guard just as one of the creatures lunged at him. The monster slammed into the shimmering azure shield, bouncing off with a dull thud. But the impact gave Atlas his first clear look at the thing¡ªand the sight sent a chill down his spine.


    ''What sort of dark god created these horrible monsters?''


    The creature stood about three feet tall, and its sickly grey skin stretched tight over a bony frame. Its dead, pitch-black eyes locked onto him, sending a wave of unease through his entire body as he backed off.


    Atlas took in the creature''s twisted form¡ªits elongated limbs ending in razor-sharp claws¡ªbut the rows of dagger-like teeth gleaming unsettled him when he noticed another attack by swinging his gnarly hands.


    Moving quickly, he sidestepped the attack, his blade slicing through the creature''s sickly flesh with a hiss. But before he could steady himself, another monster crashed into him, knocking him off balance.


    Desperate to shake it off, Atlas cast Void Wave, sending a surge of mana through the air that blasted the creature away, giving him a moment to catch his breath and, at the same time, doing more scuttling in his direction, ''There''s more coming!''


    He started casting Void Bullets that wiped away many creatures, allowing him to sprint past them while casting dozens of Void Blasts and Void Waves that decimated dozens of monsters.


    ''At least my magic can deal with loads of them.''


    Explosions sent them crashing into the tunnel walls, while others were cut down by his blades, which Void Infusion powered. Atlas continued until he reached a large chamber with several tunnels leading in different directions.


    As Atlas stood there, something from above caught his attention, causing him to gaze up as a Mawling attacked. He quickly hit out with Deepforge, but the creature bit down on his arm, causing something to flow into his body.


    When feeling the poison entering, Atlas panicked and stabbed the monster in the head before looking at his injury, which was turning black. This made things worse, but he saw the venom rushing up his forearm, ''Oh no, it''s flowing toward the rest of my body.''


    Without thinking, he raised Nightblade and sliced the affected part off before it could spread further, causing him to let out a pain-filled howl as his eyesight went fuzzy. Atlas noticed the stump close as it sealed, but it didn''t heal.


    This confused him as the agony started to die down, and he soon realized it wasn''t mending. ''What''s going on! Why isn''t it healing?'' he thought.


    Atlas was concerned and used Void Sight on the rotten limb lying on the floor to see if he could get a name for the poison.


    [Necrotizing Venom]


    [Poison that comes from a powerful Chaos Monster]


    [Can only be healed by a powerful Grandmaster Healer]


    "Damn it! I''m stuck with one arm for now?" Atlas growled, his azure eyes blazing with fury.


    The pain had finally eased enough for him to stand, but the lack of his limb left him feeling off-balance, incomplete. With a frustrated sigh, he sheathed Nightblade and picked up Deepforge, storing it away before pressing down the tunnel.


    ''I better not run into any bosses or strong chaos monsters.''


    Atlas made sure to watch out for any Chaos Mawlings, and when he came across the creatures, he blasted them with Void Barrage and killed dozens of them with azure flames that washed over the horde of monsters.


    With one arm, he battled through the horror-filled tunnels as more Mawlings tried to attack, but Atls used his speed to avoid their jaws while stabbing them as he moved past them, trying to escape the nightmare he found himself in.


    Following that, he traveled for hours and was growing weaker; even mana or stamina potion couldn''t entirely refresh him due to the constant fighting. After hours of walking, he started looking for a place to rest.


    ''I need to sleep,'' he thought while yawning. ''I can feel the heavy feeling taking over his body.''


    Atlas soon spotted a narrow ledge above one of the tunnel entrances. Without hesitation, he used Void Step to teleport up, his form briefly flickering before solidifying on the ledge. Once there, he spread some blankets and lay down, settling in to rest.


    While getting comfortable, he pulled out some chocolates and started eating before yelping due to the sudden pain that hit him. Shortly after, he heard the scuttling coming from below, which caused him to look over.


    ''What monsters are coming now?'' he thought while scanning his surroundings. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He could see hundreds of Chaos Mawlings rushing around his chamber thanks to the Night Eyes Runes on his helmet. When he saw this, Atlas became concerned but stayed quiet as the monsters rushed off.


    ''Seems like they can''t find me but I will stay up here until they move on.''


    Following that, Atlas curled up in his blankets, feeling warm and at peace before falling asleep. Hours later, he was woken up by a resounding roar laced with anger, causing the walls to shake.


    He sat up as Medusa''s voice rang in his head, ''You''re trapped in the Netherrealm Master! This is a bridge between our world and the Chaos realm.''


    Atlas''s heart dropped when he heard this, but his eyes narrowed. ''How do you know this? You were in a dungeon.''


    That''s when he listened to her laugh before she explained, ''Do you think we were always in there? My parents came from the Netherrealm and was trapped in the dungeons when the Voidwalker banished the Chaos King.''


    ''Makes sense as that''s why monsters infest Valoria,'' Atlas replied. ''But how do I get out of here with one arm?''


    ''I don''t know. Like you said I was in a dungeon, I only heard stories from my parents,'' Medusa answered.


    Atlas let out a weary sigh, his frustration bubbling as he instinctively flapped his arm stump. The motion churned his stomach, making him feel sick, though he was relieved he''d had the foresight to store away his armor.


    ''Can''t afford to lose anything at the moment,'' he pondered. ''I''ve got some food but not much.''


    Shaking his head to clear the thoughts, he packed the blankets and crept to the edge of the ledge, peering below. No creepy child-like monsters were roaming, so he jumped down and landed with a thud that echoed off the stone walls.


    Atlas descended into one of the tunnels, his eyes scanning for any sign of an exit from the hellish labyrinth he was trapped in. The silence only annoyed the search as he pushed forward, step after step.


    Eventually, the tunnel opened into a massive chamber, but what lay before him was nothing short of nightmarish¡ªa vast, twisted jungle, its foliage dark and gnarled, pulsing with an eerie, hellish glow.


    ''Save her world, she says. Find a family, she claims. All I''ve found is horror and nightmares!'' Atlas seethed inwardly, his gaze drifting upward in frustration. ''I regret ever agreeing to her bullshit request. Trouble''s all I seem to find and now I''ve lost my arm.''


    He was annoyed and frustrated, but he started walking toward the jungle when a creepy howl rang out. Atlas stopped walking and waited for whatever was coming. He readied his sword and magic while steeling himself for the fight.


    The trees swayed unnaturally as if something massive was moving through the jungle. The howling grew louder and more feral, signaling the approach of monsters. Suddenly, something leaped from the treetops, crashing down with enough force to shake the ground.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 202 - 202: Voidbound

    Atlas instinctively stepped back, gulping as his heart raced when he saw the newcomer, several man-sized monkeys with black fur and glowing malice-filled red eyes. This new creature put him on edge as he scanned it.


    [Chaos Apes] S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Rank: C - 500 Exp]


    [Make sure to use Void Veil on them, boy!]


    They were circling him while letting out creepy laughs and hungry growls. Atlas looked around and tried to summon some of his monsters, but nothing happened, causing him to think in frustration, ''Why can''t I use my skills? Is chaos blocking me from using them?''


    A few minutes later, he was trapped by the Chaos Apes, but Atlas smiled before casting Void Veil, which drowned their surroundings in a dark blue color. The monsters went wild when they realized he had vanished.


    He laughed before thinking, ''They cannot see me; now its time to take advantage of it.''


    Shortly after, Atlas lunged out of the dark and cut down two creatures before casting Void Lance at another. The surviving monsters tried to attack him, but he vanished thanks to Void Veil.


    Atlas unleashed a Void Barrage, obliterating the remaining creatures and leaving him alone on the nightmarish jungle''s outskirts. With no other choice, he stepped inside, the oppressive heat immediately clinging to his skin.


    ''This is a horrible place,'' he internally complained while glancing at the trees above. ''Hopefully, there aren''t any big monster spiders wandering around.''


    Giant insects buzzed overhead, their size enough to shiver down his spine. Determined to find a way out, Atlas pressed forward, eyes darting around for any sign of an escape, just as he heard a rustle to his right.


    Suddenly, something lunged from a nearby bush, startling him. Instinct kicked in as he threw a Void Punch, his fist crashing into the skull of a Stegosaurus-like creature, sending it reeling, but that''s when more of the monsters rushed out.


    They protectively circled the creature he punched as Atlas scanned them to find their rank and names, which caught his interest.


    [Scalebreaker]


    [Rank: A - 1000]


    [Don''t bother with these things; they are generally harmless]


    Atlas sized up the massive Scalebreaker as it squared off against him. He raised his hand. "Your friend attacked me first," he said, his voice steady. "I could have killed it, but I chose not to. If you want to fight, I''m ready. But if you''d rather go our separate ways, I''m fine with that too."


    The monster looked at him before huffing before it returned to the injured Scalebreaker. When Atlas saw this, he thought in confusion, ''I assumed all monsters down here would be hostile.''


    After that, he continued walking through the jungle, fighting only more Chaos Apes that tried to ambush him from the surrounding foliage. Atlas blocked most attacks, but a few slipped past his defense.


    The ape''s fist slammed into Atlas, shattering ribs and denting his helmet. He coughed up blood, pain radiating through his body. Gritting his teeth, he lunged forward and stabbed the monster through its skull, watching as it collapsed to the ground, lifeless.


    ''Finally! It''s dead,'' he thought while standing there catching his breath.


    Once the battle ended, Atlas removed his helmet and stored it away before taking a deep breath. The armor made him sweat, causing him to compromise, and he left the rest off as his azure eyes scanned his surroundings.


    ''There has to be something in this damned jungle,'' he thought as he heard more rustling coming from behind him.


    Atlas spun around and readied to cast Void Wave but instantly stopped when he saw the group of Scalebreakers. He watched as the herd leader stepped forward and nudged his body with its giant head.


    When the monster did this, Atlas smiled before stroking the dinosaur before a smaller one approached and let out a low noise, causing the leader to lower its body to let him on top of it, which confused him.


    ''''Is it asking me to ride it?'''' he muttered.


    Then Atlas climbed onto the Scalebreaker''s back and sat between its sails as an old woman''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Stay there young one. The Chaos Army won''t find you, as we''ve been here since the last Voidwalker died.''


    A notification popped up when he heard the monster''s words, making his eyes widen in shock.


    [Skill: Voidbound - Reclaim your predecessor''s monsters that were lost over history - They have to agree to it and accept you as their new Master]


    [Otherworld: Allows you to house the Voidbound Monsters. It''s a separate space that will allow them to grow stronger. You must send five hundred mana into it once daily, and your army will thrive.''


    ''What are these, and why have I unlocked them now? Maybe these Scalebreakers are the first monsters?'' Atlas thought before looking at the herd leader and questioning, ''Is there any more Void Monsters in this hellish place?''


    The massive creature halted, letting out a bellow that echoed through the jungle. In response, the surrounding beasts began feeding while others took defensive positions, guarding the herd.


    Atlas quickly realized there were hundreds of them scattered all around, ''Where did all these monsters come from?'' he thought.


    Shortly after, the Scalebreaker leader replied, ''There is one more, but he is angry. He thinks the old master abandoned us.''


    ''I understand, but I''m not the old Voidwalker,'' Atlas commented as he offered his new friend something. ''Do you want to return to the Otherworld once we finish the journey?''


    The monster turned to him and nodded, ''''Yes, Master. I haven''t heard that name in many years.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he grew confused and asked, ''''How long have you been down here, and why haven''t you died of old age, as the old Voidwalker has been gone for countless years?''''


    The Scalebreaker quickly answered before she started eating, ''Thanks to the Old Master''s mana and the chaos energy all around us, it has prolonged our lives. We only return to the Great Beyond once slain.''


    "What if I use Voidbound?" Atlas mused aloud, his voice laced with curiosity. "Will you become like the other void monster?"


    She nodded while explaining, ''Yes, but only if we accept that you will be our new Master.''


    ''''Okay. Where are we going now? At this point, you''ve been walking for ages,'''' Atlas said while looking at the jungle around them.


    ''There is something deep that you need to see, and it may help you escape the Netherrealm,'' she replied as the herd chowed down on the grass and brushes.


    Atlas watched the creatures eat, the eerie calm settling over the jungle. But soon, a deep rumble shook the ground beneath, instantly putting him on edge. He leaped down from his vantage point, quickly readying his spells.


    The Scalebreaker, noticing his unease, tilted her head. "What''s wrong, Voidwalker?"


    Atlas shot her a tense glance, his eyes narrowing. "Something''s coming," he muttered. "And it''s big."


    Seconds later, a Tyrannosaurus appeared and let out a roar when seeing the Scalebreakers. Atlas quickly scanned it before attacking using his strongest spell.


    [Grimjaw Rex]


    [Rank: A+ 1500 Exp]


    [You can''t fight this monster]


    Atlas shook his head as he turned to the Scalebreaker leader as the other monsters hid behind her. "I''ll distract it. You wait for the right moment to strike. I''m not strong enough to take it down without your help."


    She nodded in agreement, and Atlas smiled grimly. Without wasting another second, he cast Void Bomb at the approaching Grimjaw Rex. The spell shot through the air and collided with the beast''s head, exploding on impact.


    The force sent the massive creature stumbling back as a boom rang out, which Atlas took advantage of before rushing forward and casting Void Infusion on his sword. He tried to slice through its ankle, but it bounced through the creature''s thick hide.


    Atlas was concerned before peppering its giant body with Void Arrows and Lances. Even those couldn''t pierce it. He was growing concerned as he ducked under a tail swipe and used Void Step to avoid getting swallowed whole by its massive jaws.


    Just as he dodged the last attack, the Scalebreakers joined the fray and used their deadly tail to stab the Grimjaw Rex in its flank, causing the monster to roar in agony before more tails hit it.


    He scrambled back as the herd of friendly monsters tore the bigger one apart. Atlas was amazed at the scene, but soon the Scalebreaker Leader approached. Her tail swung side to side as she spoke, ''Let''s keep moving before more come Master.''


    Atlas climbed onto the monster''s back, settling in as the herd continued its trek through the dense, nightmarish jungle. The howls and roars of other creatures echoed through the vast underground world, a constant reminder of the dangers lurking all around.


    Hours slipped as the jungle grew thicker, forcing the Scalebreakers to smash through the dense brush with brute strength. Finally, after an eternity, they emerged into a clearing. Before them stood a massive building, ancient and overgrown with vines and foliage, its structure barely visible beneath the layers of nature.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 203 - 203: Damn Things Keep Jumping Me

    Atlas stared at the large building in the middle of the jungle, which confused him. He looked at the Scalebreaker and asked, ''''What is this place?''''


    She let out a bellow, which caused the herd to rest in the clearing where they would be safe before she explained, ''This has been here as long as we have. I believe it was a library of some sort.''


    ''''A library?'''' Atlas muttered before approaching the entrance.


    The large stone doorway was covered in vines and other brush, but something told him to go inside. Once Atlas was close, he returned to the Scalebreaker leader and said, ''''Wait here. I shouldn''t be too long.''''


    She nodded and ordered her herd to keep an eye out while he stepped inside the library. Atlas looked around as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, but he saw a large foyer covered in dust.


    ''What people built this, and how long ago was it?'' he thought while scanning his surroundings.


    A dark counter was off to the right, while benches lined a wall to the left. Atlas noticed an old fountain built in the center of the foyer. Shortly after that, he spotted a staircase that descended into the darkness.


    ''I''m guessing I need to go down there,'' he thought.


    Then, Atlas descended while readying Nightblade but groaned when he saw his stump. He shook his head and entered the darkness, only to see a set of doors torn off the hinges, causing him to think, ''What kind of monster did this?''


    When stepping through, he noticed several hallways leading in different directions, which annoyed him. Atlas didn''t know which way to go while standing there until a surprising notification popped up.


    [Voidwalker. Welcome the Path''s first temple lost in great catalysis that destroyed the old world]


    Atlas was about to reply, but the writing popped up once again.


    [You will find something that will aid you on your journey to fight the Chaos King, but the library is full of danger, and if you survive, you will grow stronger]


    After reading that, Atlas deadpanned before raging to himself, ''What do you think I''m doing!''


    He started walking down the tunnel directly in front of him while readying himself for an attack that never came. Ten minutes later, he reached a dead end, but something was off about the scene.


    Several skeletons lay huddled in a corner, surrounded by rubble scattered across the ground. Atlas paused, briefly wondering what had happened to them. But with a shake of his head, he pushed the thought aside, turned around, and began walking back the way he came.


    Following that, he continued searching all the tunnels and found nothing until checking the last one, which led to a basement-looking place with a pedestal in the middle. Atlas''s eyebrow raised as he thought, ''That is a trap, but it looks important.''


    Atlas approached and noticed an ingot of metal that looked like the last piece he found that added camouflage to his armor. He reached out and took hold of the material, but it vanished into his body.


    [Anti-Chaos Rune added to the Nightfall Armor - Will protect you against the taint and corruption of the enemy]


    As he read that, a boom was heard, and the way out was blocked. Monsters poured into the room like a flood. Atlas spotted a key on the pedestal and grabbed it while casting Void Veil, which confused the goblin-looking monsters.


    When Atlas saw them, he backed off and scanned the newcomers using Void Sight.


    [Chaos Goblin]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Use explosive magic on these rats! If they hurt you, then you''re a fool]


    Atlas chuckled when hearing that before dashing around the battlefield and killing the Chaos Goblins, who were confused because Void Veil was hiding him in its shadows. He started killing them while making his way toward the exit,


    It was lit up by torches like a beacon in the night. Atlas cast Void Barrage, which took out hundreds of monsters. A battle erupted as he dodged the crude weapons and strange spells that flew in his direction.


    With only one arm, Atlas struggled to kill as many creatures, but he noticed a faint wisp of smoke dissipating each time the enemy weapons hit him. The strange phenomenon confused him.


    ''Why did it need an ingot to turn into this?'' he pondered, unleashing Void Barrage to blast away the swarming monsters. ''Maybe the Rune was embedded in the ingot and transferred to the armor?''


    Atlas shrugged off his thoughts; they didn''t matter now. He needed to escape the chamber, which was suddenly shaking around him. As rubble crashed to the ground, he turned toward the open entrance.


    He fought off several Chaos Goblins, dispatching them before dashing for the exit, the remaining monsters hot on his heels. Arrows and spells whizzed past him, and though pain flared from where they struck, he pushed through, determined to escape this hellhole.


    ''Hopefully, I will find some peace in the coming days. This is getting stupid now,'' he mused with a fed-up expression.


    By the time Atlas reached the tunnels, the library collapsed behind him. Just then, an arrow struck his shoulder, but he pressed on, adrenaline fueling his escape. He let out a yelp of pain as he continued running.


    Atlas sprinted toward the distant light, hope surging within him. But to his horror, the floor beneath him suddenly crumbled, giving way and sending him plummeting into the darkness below.


    ''Not this shit again!''


    As Atlas fell, he got an idea and quickly cast Void Step to reach the edge, but as he did, something tackled him while cackling. The sound sent shivers through his body before he cast Void Wave, which sent the creature flying.


    He glanced back and noticed a more human-looking creature, but its black eyes and grey skin spoke of something different. Atlas didn''t bother scanning the thing before blowing it away with Void Blasts. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''I need to get out of here now I have the new Rune.''


    The spell sent the monster back to whatever realm it came from as Atlas exited the library just as it fell into a dark cavern that opened up. When the Scalebreakers saw this, they backed away.


    Atlas thought he was safe for a moment, but suddenly, one of the creatures lunged out of the darkness, biting down on his shoulder. The shock of the attack caught him off guard, but he quickly drove his weapon through its head, killing it.


    ''Damn, things keep jumping me!''


    As he pushed the creature off him, a wave of pain surged through his body. Stars danced before his eyes as the familiar poison coursed through his veins. But this time, the Rune activated, attempting to heal him.


    The sensations sent him into a scream of agony as it fought against the venom''s grip. Soon enough, Atlas threw up some black stuff but soon felt better before standing up. However, he felt the weakness take him out.


    ''This is bad. What is more monsters appear?'' he thought with a foggy mind.


    His vision was dark, but he was gently picked up and placed on something as the Scalebreaker leader''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Rest, Master. We will protect you.''


    Atlas blacked out as his body underwent a tumultuous transformation. The Anti-Chaos Rune fought against the taint while improving him, breaking down and rebuilding his muscles to grow stronger and thickening his bones to withstand damage better.


    In a twisted way, Chaos was aiding him, which would anger the Dark Gods, but the Rune''s regeneration couldn''t restore his missing arm¡ªonly a powerful healer could accomplish that, and he hoped one would be in Carthage.


    The night passed as the Scalebreakers circled their leader, guarding Atlas while he recovered. The immense stress of the previous day had taken its toll, and he fell into a deep sleep.


    When Atlas finally woke up the following day, he felt refreshed, but his gaze fell on the stump, and he sighed, "I miss my arm. It feels so strange not having it anymore," he mused, confusion swirling within him.


    Following that, he pulled out a Forest Boar Meat Box and started eating while recovering his energy as birds chirped and a light fog settled over the area. Atlas soon finished the food before standing up on the monster''s back.


    She soon woke up and spoke in a groggy voice, ''What are you doing Master?''


    ''''Stretching,'''' Atlas answered while putting away the rubbish before jumping off the monster''s back. ''''We can move toward the other libraries. I found a key, and I''m guessing it''s to open the exit.''''


    ''Yes, Master. There is one more, and then we can go find the other Void Monster so you can claim him,'' she revealed.


    The Scalebreaker herd prepared to travel through the jungle, warding off larger monsters. After hours of navigating the dense foliage, Atlas finally caught sight of another library, excitement bubbling within him at the prospect of discovery.


    ''I wonder what horrors await inside this place,'' he chuckled, a mix of anticipation and curiosity coursing through him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 204 - 204: The Otherworld

    Atlas stepped into the second library, which went the same as the first one as more Chaos Goblins attacked when he first entered. Thanks to Void Guard, he blocked the sudden ambush before blasting them away with Void Barrage.


    His void magic obliterated hundreds of creatures, clearing a path toward the pedestal where a strange, floating orb hovered at its center. As Atlas approached, a warning flashed through his mind, urging him to step back¡ªjust as something slammed into the spot he had been standing moments before.


    "What the fuck is it now!" Atlas growled.


    As the dust settled, a figure emerged¡ªa human or at least something that resembled one. Chaos mana radiated off him in thick waves, making Atlas tighten his grip on Nightblade, preparing for a fight.


    ''A Wendigo mixed with Slenderman?'' he mused before readying himself to fight.


    Without warning, the being lunged, forcing Atlas on the defensive. He blocked most of the rapid strikes but struggled to keep up with only one arm. The assailant seized him by the collar, effortlessly hurling him across the chamber.


    He used the moment to reach for the floating orb on the pedestal, which activated when it made contact with him. Atlas, landing on his feet after being thrown, suddenly screamed in agony as something foreign invaded his body.


    ''More poison!''


    A searing pain shot through his stump, and he watched in shock as an azure-blue limb began to grow, replacing the arm he had lost. The new limb pulsed with the same brilliant glow as his eyes.


    Atlas flexed his fingers and could feel the raw power coursing through him. In an instant, the Chaos Being lunged again, but Atlas effortlessly caught its fist this time. A grin spread across his face as he met the creature''s stunned gaze.


    "Not so fast," he growled.


    With a twist, he threw the creature off balance, sending it stumbling backward. Before it could recover, Atlas clenched his new fist, the blue light intensifying as void energy surged through him.


    In one quick motion, he unleashed a devastating Void Punch, the force rippling through the air as it connected with the creature''s chest, causing a loud clap that sent it hurtling across the chamber.


    Atlas was shocked, but a notification popped.


    [Artifact - Void Orb - Created by an ancient mage to replace the Voidwalker''s lost limb - Made to be the nemesis of Chaos]


    ''What the fuck! Did whoever made this knew I would lose my left arm?'' he thought in confusion.


    Following that, Atlas started fighting the monsters and managed to use Void Sight on it to find out what rank it was.


    [Chaos Mutant]


    [Rank: C - 500Exp]


    [Use your new arm to take it out]


    After absorbing the advice, he sprinted toward the Mutant, narrowly dodging its clawed swipe before landing another solid punch. The creature tried to defend itself, but the force sent it skidding across the ground.


    They clashed fiercely, but Atlas gained the upper hand. His new arm left scorching marks seared into the Mutant''s torso. Minutes later, the monster became enraged and started trying to attack wildly, which turned the fight in his favor.


    ''I can see the damage building up,'' he thought excitedly. ''Now If I can stab the damn thing and blow it up.''


    Then, he deflected the sharp claws before stabbing the creature in the leg and casting Void Bullets inside. The explosion sent him flying but blew its leg off, bringing it crashing to the ground.


    Atlas landed with a thud but burst forward and closed in on the Chaos Mutant before stabbing it through the head, ending its life. Following that, he collapsed and groaned as his new arm started hurting, and the Void Orb melded to his skin.


    ''This hurts so much. It''s like torture,'' he thought while cradling his arm.


    Now Atlas wasn''t fighting; he could feel every second of it, the burning that made him clench his teeth. Ten minutes later, the pain faded, and now he owned a glowing blue arm that looked like it belonged in a sci-fi show.


    He shrugged and decided to use the Goggles of True Sight to see if there were any hidden rooms but found nothing. Atlas sighed before leaving the library behind, where he saw the Scalebreakers relaxing around the cleaning.


    ''Seems like nothing has attacked them,'' he thought while approaching the leader.


    When Atlas approached, she raised her head and happily said, ''I saw you found the older master''s gift for you.''


    ''Yes it seems he knew I was going to lose an arm,'' he replied while climbing on her back as he scanned their surroundings.


    Thanks to the goggles, Atlas couldn''t see anything, but that''s when he said something that excited the dinosaur, ''Your name will be Cera. Do you want to rejoin the Otherworld? Your herd will be safe there.''


    Cera looked back with her dark eyes before nodding. Excitedly, she revealed, ''Yes, Master. Everyone here knows you''re the true Voidwalker.''


    Atlas smiled while placing his hand on his head and activated the skill Voidbound, which covered the monster in a beautiful azure glow. Soon enough, a notification popped up, surprising him.


    [Otherworld: The Scalebreakers have returned to the Otherworld - Make sure to use your mana to creature somewhere for them to live and grow - Only you and your women can enter, and if anyone else tries, the void will kill them]


    ''That''s good, as no one can sneak inside,'' he thought before jumping off Cera''s back.


    As Atlas hit the ground, he activated Otherworld, summoning a vast azure portal that shimmered before him. Without hesitation, he stepped through, emerging into an endless expanse of flatland stretching toward every horizon.


    The barren, featureless landscape stirred his curiosity, drawing him deeper into the mystery of this strange new realm, ''The notification said I have to use mana to create something for the Scalebreakers,'' he thought.


    Atlas turned around as Cera entered the portal and spoke while glancing around, ''It gives me the same feeling as the old master''s realm, but your mana is much stronger than his.''


    He was just about to reply, but a screen popped up, giving him several options to add things to the landscape.


    [Stage 1]


    [Lush Jungle - Grows over time and spreads out when you inject more mana into it - Cost: 1000 Mana]


    [Rivers - Gently alters the terrain, enhances the fertility of nearby land, and provides water for creatures - Cost: 500 Mana]


    [Floating Islands - Suspended above the ground, these islands provide new realms for your monsters to explore/Can make yourself a home - Cost: 3000 Mana]


    [Grasslands - A fertile expanse of open plains/Food for certain members of your army - Cost: 500 Mana]


    [Hills - Gently rolling terrain that adds texture to the landscape - Cost: 750 Mana]


    [Mountains - Majestic peaks rise from the earth, providing shelter for rare species - Cost: 2000 Mana]


    [Scalebreaker Nest- Home for the first of the Void Army - Cost: 2000 Mana]


    [Seasons - Manipulate the climate to reflect the cycles of nature or shift into new seasons - Cost: 1500 Mana]


    When Atlas saw this, he became excited but thought, ''Can I force other monsters to join my army? The meat eaters will need prey to hunt.''


    [Yes, Voidwalker, but they have to submit to you before you use Voidbound on them]


    ''How big is the Chaos Army?'' he shivered. ''I will only recruit the strongest monsters.''


    Then, Atlas turned to Cera and smiled, ''''Get the herd inside while I create a home for you guys.''''


    The monster nodded before stepping through the portal, and seconds later, a swarm of baby and young Scalebreakers followed in a chaotic rush, trailed by the towering adults. Atlas quickly realized there were over a hundred of them.


    Seeing the number made him think, ''''Wow. Hopefully, I can get more of these things in the future.''''


    Following that, Atlas pulled up his mana amount and was pleasantly surprised to see it. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Mana: 8666/8666 (1000)]


    ''Oh nice, I can create a lot right now and maybe make some mountains for the second monster down here,'' he thought excitedly.


    Atlas considered creating the Scalebreaker Nest, causing the ground to tremble as ancient-looking trees popped out all around them. Ferns that looked like they came from Earth popped up as the nests were built last.


    They were between the trees and bushes, but their area was circled by massive trees that acted like a wall to stop more giant monsters from getting to them. Once Atlas was finished, he felt all the mana being sucked from him while doing it.


    "Their nest is complete; now for the jungle, rivers, and mountains," he pondered.


    With that thought, Atlas began to shape the surrounding jungle, watching it stretch for miles in every direction. As he worked, he floated gracefully into the air, and a metallic platform emerged beneath him, granting him a breathtaking view of the vast landscape.


    ''So beautiful but it seems never ending,'' Atlas mused. ''Is the power of the Void?''


    He shrugged and focused on shaping the rivers, watching as they snaked gracefully through the landscape, disappearing into the distance. In the north, majestic mountains began to rise, their peaks piercing the sky.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 205 - 205: Slowly Getting Stronger

    Once Atlas completed the scenery, a sense of pride washed over him; the land finally became vibrant and lively. With a final thought, he added the changing seasons to Otherworld as the Scalebreakers entered the realm.


    They looked around in shock and awe as Cera approached. ''This place is amazing, Master. We can raise our young here in safety,'' she said.


    Atlas smiled as he jumped off the rock he was on and replied in a curious voice, ''''Who is this other monster? And you''ll be safe in the nest if you keep your guard up.''''


    Cera nodded thoughtfully and said, ''He''s a massive Stormeagle, but be careful because his hostile to everyone. I''ve tried talking to him, but it''s no use. You might have better luck if you confront him directly. That could work. Just look for the tallest mountains, and that''s his home.''


    Following that, she got back to organizing the Scalebreaker herd; Atlas left the Otherworld and appeared in the jungle, causing the hot air to brush against his skin, ''I hate this place. Hopefully, I can get out of here soon.''


    Atlas started walking while readying his blades. A group of raptor-like monsters tried to ambush him from the surrounding bushes. He quickly cut several down while jumping all over the place like a jackrabbit.


    ''I''m getting faster but I need to start being careful from now on.''


    Once they were all dead, Atlas collected all thirty-three red Monster Cores. After that, he continued through the jungle until spotting a mountain in the distance, which confused him even more.


    ''Why is it underground? What sort of realm am I in?'' he thought while approaching his destination.


    Atlas shrugged before reaching the foot of the mountain, and thanks to the eerie aura radiating from its peaks, the other monsters were kept away. He started using Void Step to climb up but soon ran out halfway and had to stop to rest.


    Once up there, he sat down to catch his breath and recover some mana he expanded. While relaxing, Atlas noticed the trees below moving, which caused him to grow worried as he used Void Sight.


    [Jungle Titan]


    [Rank: Titan - 80000 Exp]


    [Run or hide!]


    When Atlas spotted the massive creature, resembling King Kong but with a far more menacing appearance, he froze. The beast lumbered past without noticing him, and he let out a quiet sigh of relief once it was safely out of sight.


    ''I should check my status; it''s been a while since I''ve done it,'' he thought while pulling it up.


    [Level Up: 204¡ú233]


    [Experience: 100/10000]


    [Experience Gained: 282380]


    [Health: 2254¡ú2626(200)]


    [Mana: 8666¡ú10086(1000)]


    [Strength: 2584¡ú2896(100)]


    [Stamina: 3166¡ú3544(250)]


    [Charisma: 860¡ú900]


    [Intelligence: 1964¡ú2504]


    [Core Rank Up: Mid Adept¡úHigh Adept]


    [Core Points: 33090/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 110870]


    [Void Realm: 1¡ú3]


    ''Slowly getting stronger,'' Atlas thought with a smile, but that dropped as a storm started, causing chaos around him.


    It threw debris around as boulders and torn-out trees flew everywhere; they crashed around the side of the mountain with a loud boom that shook the ledge. The jungle below swayed, causing him to grow concerned, but Cera''s voice sounded in his mind, ''A storm has his the Otherworld Master. It is the exact same as the Chaos Realms weather.''


    Hearing this, he grew curious and wondered, ''Are the seasons connected to the outside?''


    Atlas shrugged off the thought, realizing he was safe on the ledge. Wrapping his cloak tightly around himself, he settled in comfortably, content with his secure vantage point. While resting, he activated the Void Realm skill.


    Following that, he reappeared on the plateau and felt the rumbling start as the Void Golems started to swarm him. When seeing this, Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how many he had to kill.


    [Void Golem ¨C 43231/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 210359/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 90204/100000] Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Seeing his opportunity, Atlas burst forward, quickly carving through the stone monsters. The battle erupted in full force, and he dispatched hundreds of them. However, the appearance of the Warrior Golems changed the tide, forcing him to take the fight more seriously.


    ''I got to start thinking smarter,'' he thought while blocking several punches.


    Atlas unleashed his magic, sending groups of monsters flying while his blades sliced through the tougher Golems. Chunks of stone were cleaved from their bodies, but when the challenge grew, he cast Void Infusion.


    He cut the Golems in half, their massive forms crumbling at his feet. Atlas continued battling the relentless waves of monsters, but as his mana dwindled, exhaustion set in, causing him to return to the real world.


    With a shake of his head, Atlas pulled up the Void Golem total and was surprised to see it.


    [Void Golem ¨C 19009/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 200123/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 89774/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    After that, Atlas opened his eyes and noticed the Chaos Realm storm had subsided, clearing the way for him to leave the ledge. With determination, he continued his climb up the mountain.


    Ten minutes later, Atlas finally reached a plateau where a large, ominous cave loomed at the far end. ''I bet that''s the eagle''s home,'' he thought as he cautiously approached.


    Suddenly, a loud screech echoed across the mountainside. The unexpected noise made him jump. Spinning around, he spotted a giant flying creature crashing onto the plateau. When seeing this, Atlas''s eyes widened in shock¡ªthe beast was the size of an elephant.


    Its massive wings stretch far across the rocky landscape. Atlas gulped when seeing it and quickly scanned it.


    [Stormeagle]


    [Rank: Monarch - 60000 Exp]


    [Try talking to it, boy! Don''t just stand there looking at it]


    ''I''m not stupid!'' Atlas replied to the advice.


    Then, he shook his head before speaking to the Stormeagle, ''''Do you understand me?''''


    The monster stopped moving and stared at him with its bright yellow eyes. Atlas could sense the intelligence behind them. While looking at each other, a deep voice appeared in his mind: ''You''re not the old master; I guess he died?''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''I don''t know; I woke up when I was injured and became the Voidwalker. I heard you were my predecessor''s monster,'''' he answered.


    ''I was but he left us here to rot when fighting the Chaos King,'' the Stormeagle replied. ''Why shouldn''t I eat you?''


    ''''Firstly, I''m skin and bones. I wouldn''t be worth the effort to eat, plus I''m the new Voidwalker; you can''t judge me by the previous one''s actions,'''' Atlas revealed while putting away his blades and sitting down on a nearby rock.


    The massive creature tilted its head, then plopped down opposite Atlas, its voice deep and rumbling as it asked, ''Do you plan to rule the world?''


    Atlas shook his head. ''''I want to enjoy life and explore the world. Maybe settle down with a family one day. But right now, I''m just... exploring.''''


    The monster''s yellow eyes narrowed as it scrutinized him. ''Is the Scalebreaker woman with you?'' it asked.


    Atlas nodded and summoned Cera. An azure portal shimmered into existence, and moments later, the Scalebreaker leader stepped through, her eyes scanning the scene as she spoke, ''Looks like you''re not as angry anymore, Raymond.''


    ''I''m still furious with the old master,'' the Stormeagle rumbled, its voice tinged with regret. ''But when I saw this boy, I realized... he''s gone. He''s dead. And now I understand¡ªI didn''t just hate him for leaving. I miss him.''


    Cera looked down before turning to Atlas. ''It''s a shame he''s gone, but I''m sure we''ll find out why if you join the new master,'' she said.


    He smiled at the monster as Raymond exclaimed, ''You already accepted him! How do we know he isn''t a deviant!''


    Atlas was shocked as he retorted, ''''I treat all my monsters fine! I don''t see them as weapons but companions.''''


    Cera agreed with a nod while adding, ''You should see the Otherworld. It''s so much better than the last one. The mountains are beautiful, and the mana is thick and plentiful, thanks to the master.''


    Raymond turned to him and spoke hopefully, ''Take an oath not to abandon us when you no longer need to fight.''


    Atlas felt confused at the request but shrugged it off before speaking. ''''I promise not to get rid of my monsters. They will only be free once I pass from this world.''''


    Suddenly, the Stormeagle lunged at him, shrinking in size as it pounced. It collided with Atlas''s chest, knocking him to the ground with a thud. The air whooshed out of his lungs, and he laughed as the bird nipped at him.


    Cera burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement. ''It seems like you have a new friend, Master! Stormeagles are extremely loyal, and once they choose someone, there''s nothing you can do to shake them off.''


    Shortly after that, Atlas pushed Raymond off him while he was speaking, ''''Do you know the way out of her boy?''''


    The Stormeagle looked at him and nodded, ''Yes yes. I can fly us there, but a metal door blocks the path forward.''


    When Atlas heard this, the key he found came to mind, and he sent Cera back to the Otherworld before speaking to Raymond, ''Go back to your normal size. I want to get out of this horror-filled place.''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 206 - 206: Hold On Tight

    Raymond turned into his average size, allowing Atlas to jump on the Stormeagle''s back. He settled in as it took off with a massive flap of its wings and started soaring through the sky as it spoke, ''Master. You won''t be able to summon me to the real world for a while as I''ll use up too much of your mana.'' Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was confused, but the monster explained, ''You have to be Master or above but that doesn''t matter because you''re growing strong, I can feel it.''


    Atlas nodded as the two traveled through the Chaos Realm, where Atlas saw Titans and Monarch-ranked monsters fighting below. Large booms rang out as the creatures, causing Raymond to fly higher as he ranted, ''Always fighting. It gets boring after a while.''


    Hours passed, and another mountain came into view. The monster landed with a crash, causing Atlas to gaze up where the peak pierced the clouds, ''What is this? The way out of this place?'' he thought.


    He jumped off Raymond''s back before activating the Otherworld portal the Stormeagle stepped through while speaking, ''Be careful on your climb, Master. It''s dangerous, but I know you can do it.''


    After the monster entered the portal, Atlas started climbing up the mountain, and thunder boomed around him as he reached the peak. A little while later, he reached the top and saw a metal door in the middle of the area.


    ''What the hell? That''s random,'' he thought before approaching it.


    When Atlas got close, the metal key appeared from his storage and flew into the lock. A click was heard, and the door opened, causing him to get excited. However, as he went to rush forward, a sharp pain shot through him.


    He dropped to the ground as a notification popped up. [The Void Orb is deactivated until you attain the rank of Arch Master. Its mana consumption and overwhelming power exceed your current body''s capacity, especially outside the Chaos Realm]


    Moments later, the Void Orb deactivated and vanished into his Dimensional Storage, surprising him. It wasn''t long before the weight of the situation sank in¡ªhe''d have to fight with only one arm once more.


    ''Oh fuck! Now I''ll be useless again,'' he thought as depression started to take over, but he shook his head. ''I''ll just train myself. I must learn to fight without magic or my Regeneration if anything happens.


    With his mindset, Atlas rose to his feet, only to be caught off guard by a sharp jolt of pain. The phantom sensations radiating from his stump irritated him, a constant reminder of his loss.


    He shook his head and stepped through the door only to appear on the Tenth Floor of the Siren''s Abyss Dungeon. Atlas was taken by surprise but quickly activated Aqua Lung and summoned Medusa.


    When the azure portal opened, a monster lunged at him from behind a nearby boulder that Atlas dodged and sliced down its side with Nightblade. Blood poured into the water as the Death Serpent tore into the new foe.


    Atlas cleared some space and scanned the monster using Void Sight.


    [Giant Sea Snake]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Use magic against it]


    ''Stronge,'' he thought with a growing smile before looking at the creature''s tail. ''I''ll attack it from the rear while Medusa does her thing.''


    Atlas dashed forward and stabbed into the Sea Snake''s tail before ripping at the flesh. The monster released a pain-filled roar, allowing the Death Serpent to trap it even more. Once the battle ended, Medusa looked at him with red eyes and spoke concernedly, ''Why have you only got one arm now? What happened down there?''


    He chuckled while waving his stump and explaining, ''Oh something called a Chaos Mawling bit me and injected something into me causing me to lose my arm.''


    Medusa looked shocked but nudged his body while letting out a love-filled hiss, making Atlas smile. He stroked the caring monsters before they started traveling through the dungeon while he made more of an effort to use his speed and blades,


    While doing this, the Death Serpent asked in a baffled tone, ''Why ain''t you using magic Master?''


    Atlas cut down several Sirens while bobbing and weaving around the creature''s claws. He felt himself growing tired compared to when he used Void Step. After fighting, he turned to Medusa and answered, ''I can''t keep relying on spells to fight; what happens if I get stuck in a realm that blocks my magic?''


    The monster nodded her head before the two continued until reaching Floor Fifteen, where the first Sub-Boss was. Atlas stepped into the underwater colosseum and glanced around, only to see that the sea had claimed the arena.


    ''I wonder what monster I''ll be fighting now,'' he mused as the excitement boiled up inside him.


    Soon enough, a massive shadow loomed over Atlas and Medusa. He glanced up and startled a giant shark, immediately scanning it.


    [Queen Hunter Shark]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Use speed, boy! She''s like a gold digger chasing a rich guy¡ªwon''t stop until she''s got her teeth in your bony behind!]


    Atlas chuckled at the advice as the shark spun around to face them. Medusa shot forward like a rocket, aiming for the massive creature. The shark lunged to bite her, but the Death Serpent expertly dodged and retaliated by sinking her fangs into the monster''s flesh.


    ''Death by a thousand cuts!'' he thought while the monster''s blood poured out like a waterfall.


    Seizing the moment, Atlas activated Void Step, appearing on the queen shark''s head like a crazy acrobat. He began striking it wildly, but the shark quickly shook him off, swinging its tail with a ferocious swipe that sent him crashing down to the arena floor.


    ''That hurt,'' Atlas thought as his head spun, but his Regeneration soon kicked in, helping him regain his footing.


    Once he was upright, he cast Void Blast beneath himself. The surge propelled him through the water, crashing into the Queen Shark and slicing across her side. The creature let out a furious roar of pain, echoing through the arena.


    With Atlas''s relentless strikes and Medusa''s constant biting, the massive shark began to slow down. Seizing the opportunity, Atlas leaped onto its back once more, driving his blade deep into its skull.


    The creature went berserk due to the sudden pain, ''I better hold on tight!''


    It shook off the Death Serpent in its frenzy, whipping her with its tail while Atlas clung on for dear life. After that, he used one spell because he could not damage it enough with Nightblade.


    ''I need to use magic with this monster.''


    Atlas quickly cast Void Bomb into the Queen Shark''s body and, when it exploded, caused it to turn into meat chunks. He was sent flying, but Medusa quickly caught him before he flew into the darkness below.


    ''That was close. I would have found myself in another chasm with creepy bugs,'' he thought while holding onto the Death Serpent as she swam back to the arena.


    When he arrived, Atlas cast Aqua Lung as he collected the glowing purple Monster Core that lit up the surrounding area. He also found a pile of gold coins and a silver key that caught his attention.


    ''Another boss room key?''


    After that, Atlas jumped on Medusa''s back and continued through the dungeon, killing any monsters they encountered. Thanks to the Death Serpent growing in strength along with him, she could deal with most creatures.


    While traveling through the twenty-second floor, they encountered a new monster that ambushed them from above. Thanks to Nightblade being strong, he deflected a bite before using Void Blast on the newcomer.


    As this happens, Atlas uses Void Sight on the monster to see its name as they look like creatures from Earth''s past.


    [Tempestfin Plesiosaurus]


    [Rank: B+ - 1000]


    [Be careful, boy, or they will bite your little worm]


    When Atlas read the advice, his face went red as he raged, ''What the fuck is that! Don''t you dare any devious plans, Nyx!''


    He activated Void Guard just as another Tempestfin slammed into him. The azure barrier shimmered, absorbing the impact. Without wasting time, he drove Nightblade into the creature''s skull, causing it to go lifeless as more enemies swarmed in.


    ''Here we go again,'' Atlas thought while casting a Void Lance through a bigger one and tore it apart.


    Medusa let out a furious roar and went wild, tearing into another opponent with savage ferocity. Atlas hovered in place, bracing himself for the next attack. Suddenly, a Tempestfin crashed into him from behind.


    The monster sank its teeth into him, but his armor absorbed most of the bite, sparing him from severe damage. Atlas stabbed behind him and managed to pierce its skull just as he cast Void Wave to clear some space.


    The two of them battled the Tempestfins as more appeared from the darkness around them. Medusa quickly tore through them as Atlas cut their fins off, leaving them flopping around in the water.


    Soon enough, all the monsters were dead. Atlas grabbed hold of the Death Serpent after collecting all the cores before they continued through the dungeon and avoided any more ambushes from the creatures lurking in the darkness.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 207 - 207: A Secret Room

    Atlas and Medusa continued through the dungeon. They only came across Sirens, Giant Crabs, and other monsters that were easy to deal with. Soon enough, the duo reached the next Sub-Boss.


    ''I wonder what monster will appear now?'' he pondered.


    When they arrived at the arena, more singing was heard, but Atlas stopped that by rushing around and killing the Sirens until a large one appeared, causing him to scan it to see if it was of the same rank as the Queen Shark.


    [Queen Siren]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Sub-Boss: 2/3]


    [Used speed and Nightblade to deal with these creatures]


    ''Distract the others while I deal with the Sub-Boss Medusa!'' Atlas ordered as he dashed toward the enemy.


    She tried to swing her sharp claws at his torso, but he quickly dodged it before slashing down the side of the Queen''s tail. The monster let out a pain-filled screech, causing his ears to hurt as he was battered away.


    Atlas hit the ground with a thunderous crash as the Siren lunged at him. He raised his sword just in time to block its attack, sparks flying from the clash. Despite his efforts, he struggled against the beast, which slashed at him with its claws, raking across his torso.


    ''Damn, that hurt!'' he thought as the claws of the creature tore open the exposed parts of the armor.


    While the armor absorbed much damage, it wasn''t enough to protect him completely. Atlas let out a roar of pain before casting Void Wave. The powerful mana surge sent the Siren staggering backward, giving him a brief moment to plan his next move.


    ''I need to defeat this fucker; she is annoying me.''


    Atlas glanced around and noticed Medusa was eating the other monsters, taking the pressure off him. Following that, he got to his feet as the queen dashed toward him and went to swipe, but he blocked the attack before head-butting the surprised creature.


    A boom rang out, and the Sub-Boss was sent stumbling backward, allowing him to cast Void Bomb at her. The azure projectile sliced through the water and connected with the creature, causing an explosion.


    The Siren Queen was momentarily sent flying into the distance, but she quickly recovered and charged back in, attacking with renewed ferocity. He managed to block most of her strikes, but a few got past his defenses, leaving painful slices across his body.


    Each hit chipped away at his strength, and Atlas could feel his energy waning as fatigue set in. Just as he began to falter, the Siren Queen seized the opportunity, sinking her teeth into his shoulder and tearing at his flesh.


    The sharp pain surged through him, igniting a desperate instinct to fight back even harder. Atlas let out a roar of agony while casting Void Blast to get the creature off him as he cast Void Punch.


    When his fist connected with the queen, she was sent flying into the air as the battle around them died. While that happened, the Death Serpent rushed in and finished off the queen thanks to her rank, which relieved Atlas.


    He slumped down as exhaustion overtook his body, but Medusa spoke concernedly, ''Master. There''s an air pocket you can rest in, I think it''s a Safe Zone.''


    ''Take me there,'' he replied in a strained voice.


    The monster nodded before swiftly scooping up the bright red core. Atlas clung tightly to the serpent as it surged forward, bursting into the small Safe Zone. He dropped to the ground as they landed, crawling toward a nearby bench.


    Exhausted, Atlas collapsed onto the bench and drifted into a deep sleep. Medusa instinctively curled around him, providing warmth and a protective barrier against threats.


    By the time he woke up, most of the wounds were healed, and Atlas could think straight, but when seeing his stump, he sighed, ''I need to rank up even more, but I''m tired of fighting so much. Maybe I can give it a rest for a little when I finish this dungeon.''


    Following that, Atlas stood up and noticed Medusa was protecting him. Her gesture made him smile as he stroked the giant serpent. The Death Serpent soon woke up and let out a happy hiss when she saw him.


    ''You''re okay, Master; I''m relieved you''re awake so soon. The damage you took was bad,'' she expressed in a cheery voice, which caught him off guard.


    Atlas chuckled before gazing around the cave while taking off his helmet to replace it with the Goggles of True Sight. Once they were on, he scanned the cave and found a small door on the other side. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''I should keep these on all the time,'' he thought.


    With that, he made his way over to it while pulling out a Forest Chicken Wrap and eating to recover the rest of his energy. Atlas soon arrived at the secret entrance and wondered how to open it before kicking it, causing the stone to crumble.


    After this, he was surprised when Medusa slithered up to him and said, ''What have you found?''


    ''A secret room. It seems to be created by a trapped adventurer, and the dungeon liked the idea of people searching for it,'' Atlas replied.


    Just as Atlas was about to enter the room, a thunderous roar echoed from the water, freezing him in place. He spun around, scanning the area for the source of the sound. Medusa, her eyes narrowing in caution, spoke in a wary tone, ''I''ll check it out. You search the room.''


    He nodded and stepped inside the room, his eyes immediately drawn to two skeletons dressed in ancient, rusted armor long forgotten to time. But it wasn''t the skeletons that held his attention¡ªit was the object lying between them.


    Curious, Atlas cautiously approached and picked it up when he realized it was a necklace, which caused him to use Void Sight.


    [The Lost Princesses Necklace]


    [Rank: Artifact]


    [Level: 5]


    [Keep this object safe - Suitable for a defender as it increases the user''s Health and Strength by 300]


    When Atlas read the notification, he smiled, ''This will be perfect for Estelle.''


    Following that, he checked the bodies but found nothing except dusty gold and silver coins, which he had stored away before leaving the secret room. When he stepped outside, he couldn''t see Medusa.


    ''Where has that serpent wandered off to?''


    Atlas jumped into the water while activating Aqua Lung as he looked for his companion. He spotted her fighting Giant Crab and Snake monsters. When he saw this, he used Void Step to get closer before slicing through one of the crabs'' large pincers.


    The monster was stunned, but Atlas pressed his advantage, relentlessly attacking the massive crab as Medusa battled the snake nearby. Chaos erupted around them, with Atlas dodging a flurry of attacks while his blade sliced through the crab''s thick carapace.


    He cast Void Infusion on Nightblade in a decisive move, causing the sword to hum with dark energy. With newfound power, he slashed through the monster''s limbs, severing them individually.


    The creature''s movements slowed as it struggled, weakened and vulnerable from the crippling blows. Atlas continued striking, which overwhelmed the Giant Crab as its limbs were cut off.


    As Medusa finished devouring the snake, she swiftly turned her attention to the crab, launching a rear attack. A loud crack echoed through the air as her fangs pierced through the creature''s shell.


    ''Her bite is powerful!'' he thought as excitement surged. ''She''s getting stronger.''


    Seizing the moment, Atlas channeled mana into his fist, delivering a powerful punch to the weakened monster. The impact shattered the crab''s shell with a loud crack, but the force snapped the bones in his hand.


    Pain shot through him, yet the sight of the crumbling beast confirmed the fight was over. Atlas''s hand started slowly repairing as he stored away the gold coins and Monster Cores before climbing on Medusa''s back.


    ''Hold on, Master,'' she said before dashing forward. ''I will kill most of the monsters we came across.''


    Following that, the duo traveled through the dungeon. While doing that, Atlas knew there was a sixty-floor dungeon, and the next Sub-Boss would be on fifty. Medusa was eating Hunter Sharks and Merfolk on the way to the staircase down.


    ''Thankfully


    Most couldn''t stand up to her because she was an S-ranked monster, which allowed Atlas to recover his strength. The surrounding landscape turned from an underwater forest to grasslands.


    While traveling, Medusa informed him that there are more Safe Zones above. After hours of traveling, they reached the thirty-third floor, where they encountered a new monster that looked like a giant evil-looking fish.


    Atlas quickly scanned it while the two stopped swimming and watched the creature patrolling the staircase.


    [Blackscale]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Magic! This is like an angry wife trying to take all your life savings; you must fight to get to the next floor]


    ''What is it with this advice?'' he thought while floating there.


    The monster, the size of a small bus, was covered in jet-black scales, allowing it to vanish into the shadows effortlessly. Its presence was menacing, blending into the darkness like a predator waiting to strike.


    Atlas stood there, trying to figure out how to take on such a beast, when the creature suddenly turned, its glowing red eyes locking onto them with an eerie intensity. A chill ran down his spine as he realized the fight was inevitable.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 208 - 208: Whats This Things Problem

    Atlas watched as the Blackscale lunged at him and Medusa, its massive body cutting through the air like a dark shadow. In an instant, they split apart to avoid the creature''s assault.


    ''That was close! This thing was fast.''


    He cast a Void Lance, aiming it directly at the beast. When the azure projectile struck its tough hide, it shattered one of its scales with a resonating crack, but that was all. The monster barely flinched, its eyes narrowing as it prepared to retaliate.


    It lunged in his direction, causing Atlas to use Void Step to get out of the way as Medusa slammed into the monster''s body. He took the opportunity to use his Voidwalker Form, and when the skill was activated, his body changed.


    Atlas transformed into a terrifying monster, limbs elongating and body bulking up, taking on the grotesque shape of an eldritch horror. Tendrils of dark energy pulsed from his form, and the ground seemed to tremble beneath him.


    The Blackscale suddenly halted mid-attack. Its predatory instincts kicked in as it sensed the overwhelming shift in Atlas''s aura¡ªa presence far more dangerous than before. The beast hesitated, unnerved by him.


    As the change finished, Atlas lunged at the monster so quickly that it or Medusa couldn''t see him. His claws tore through the black scales, causing them to shatter under the force, sending the beast crashing into the dungeon wall.


    Following that, Atlas dashed at the dazed giant snake before plunging his clawed hands into its body just as Medusa bit down on its neck. He tore right through its torso and covered the floor with blood.


    ''Now it''s dead! Thank god,'' Soon enough, the Blackscale vanished into the dungeon, but that''s when Sirens, Giant Crabs, and Snakes attacked. Atlas went crazy before savagely slaughtering them as they appeared.


    Half an hour later, all the monsters lay slain, their bodies dissolving as they returned to the dungeon from which they came. Atlas reverted to normal, feeling exhaustion wash over him like a tidal wave.


    ''Maybe I should rest?'' he thought. ''No, I need to keep moving forward.''


    His limbs ached, and his breath came in ragged gasps. Without hesitation, Atlas pulled out a stamina potion and quickly downed it, feeling the green liquid giving him some missing energy and making him feel refreshed.


    Once Atlas felt better, he stepped down the stairs and reached the thirty-fourth floor, where they encountered more of the same monsters. With Medusa''s help, he killed all the attackers and finally reached the last Sub-Bosses arena.


    ''At least I''m close to completing this horrible dungeon.''


    Unlike the others, Atlas had to descend into a dark valley that led to the Dungeon Boss. When he and Medusa stepped onto the sandy ground, a shield blocked them in, but that''s when something rose from a large dune.


    His eyes widened when he spotted a Giant Crab, but this one was at least ten times the size of the previous monsters. It was dark red and had giant pincers that made him nervous. The beast stared at him with its black eyes, and Atlas could tell it hated him passionately.


    ''What''s this things problem?'' he thought.


    Atlas gulped as he gripped Nightblade tighter. Medusa''s voice rang in his mind, ''We can do this, Master. You''re becoming strong and is quick enough to dodge any of its attacks.''


    When Atlas heard this, he nodded before using Void Sight on the Sub-Boss to determine its name and rank.


    [Reefclaw]


    [Rank: A+ - 1500 Exp]


    [Sub-Boss: 3/3]


    [Keep out of the way of its pincers and watch out for its magic]


    Following the explosion, Medusa vanished into the shadows, disappearing as the Reefclaw lumbered forward, its massive form shifting the sand beneath its feet with each step. Atlas wasted no time, unleashing a Void Barrage at the advancing beast.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the water with deadly precision, striking the creature head-on. Each impact sent ripples through the water, but the Reefclaw pressed on, undeterred by the barrage, as it bore down on him.


    ''What is this thing!'' he internally panicked. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A massive explosion erupted, sending shockwaves through the water and causing the Sub-Boss to stumble backward. Despite the blast, it remained undeterred, regaining its footing and continuing its relentless advance.


    Its sheer size made it an unstoppable force. Atlas didn''t know what to do, just as Medusa rushed out of the shadows and tried to bite one of the monster''s legs. However, the Giant Crab quickly sliced the Death Serpent in half.


    ''Oh shit! This is bad,'' Atlas thought before dashing in the creature''s direction.


    When the Reefclaw noticed Atlas attacking and sent a wave of chaotic water in his direction, he used Void Step to vanish as its pincers crashed into the ground. He reappeared not far away, only to notice its massive, dark red body cast a shadow over the arena.


    The ground trembled under its colossal weight as its eight tree-sized legs carried it toward him, ''This is going to be a hard battle,'' Atlas mused excitedly. ''But I can use my speed, magic, and sword.''


    The creature''s black, soulless eyes locked onto him with hatred as it raised its enormous pincers. With a loud crack, the Reefclaw''s left pincer came down in a blur, aiming to crush him into the sand as the claw obliterated the ground where he stood moments before.


    Sand exploded into the air, and the sheer force of the blow sent shockwaves through the battlefield. Atlas managed to jump out of the way before using Void Step to get behind the Giant Crab.


    "Too slow!" he growled, his voice carrying a surge of adrenaline as he reappeared a few feet away.


    Without hesitation, the Reefclaw swung again with its right pincer. But once again, Atlas dodged to predict the trajectory of the beast''s attack. He rolled to the side, feeling the rush of wind as the claw grazed past him.


    ''So lucky that I''m fast otherwise, I''d be crushed into pulp.''


    Atlas knew he couldn''t keep dodging forever. His body was already aching from previous battles, and the monster''s size gave it an almost advantage. But his eyes narrowed as he gripped Nightblade, its edge gleaming with azure energy thanks to Void Infusion.


    ''I need to slow this thing down,'' he pondered while glancing around. ''I wish I had my left arm; why did that artifact deactivate!''


    He shook his head and threw three Inferno Bombs at the Reefclaw, who raised its pincer. When the explosives hit, they erupted, causing the monster to roar in pain as the red flames burned its carapace.


    Atlas charged forward, deftly dodging the snapping jaws of the Reefclaw as he focused on its left front leg. With a swift strike, he sliced through the creature''s thick carapace, eliciting the beast''s sharp hiss of pain.


    Seizing the moment, he quickly cast Void Blast, aiming directly at its face. The azure projectile shot forward, and when it connected, a small explosion erupted, forcing the Reefclaw to reel back, disoriented by the sudden blast.


    Atlas continued to attack, using his speed to avoid any attacks, unleashing a hail of Void Bullets that peppered the monster''s body, each impact weakening the creature. Seizing the opening, he moved in and sliced through several more of its legs thanks to Void Infusion.


    The Reefclaw let out a guttural hiss as its body crashed to the ground, its remaining legs unable to support its weight. Despite its fall, the creature remained dangerous, its massive pincers snapping violently at him.


    Atlas pressed the assault, casting spell after spell while darting in close to slash through the Reefclaw''s tough carapace. Blood gushed from the wounds, staining the sand and water around them.


    In a desperate bid for survival, the beast thrashed wildly, its flailing limbs sending debris flying, ''Now I''ve got it. It''s time to die, beast,'' Atlas thought, excitement surging through him as he saw the creature weakening. Sensing victory was near, he readied himself for the final strike.


    He summoned a charged Void Lance, gathering his energy and focusing intently. With a swift motion, he hurled the projectile directly at the Reefclaw''s face. The extra mana infused within it amplified its power, allowing it to pierce through the creature''s tough flesh.


    The moment it exploded inside, the Reefclaw shuddered violently, its body convulsing in a final, desperate attempt to resist. But it was futile; with one last hiss, the massive creature fell, defeated at last.


    Atlas was happy and approached the corpse to collect the loot, but he noticed it didn''t vanish just as its claw flew out and tore through his legs. Feeling his leg cut off, he dropped to the ground and cast Void Bomb at the half-dead monster.


    He let out a scream of pain, but Regeneration kicked in and slowly started healing it, but the agony of it all knocked him out. Atlas sunk into the comfortable sand as an older man''s voice rang out in surprise.


    [I''m surprised you beat that boss, Dungeon Conquerer. One more to go, then we shall meet]


    The new stump started regrowing as the Reefclaw sank into the dungeon, leaving behind the shining Monster Core and pile of loot.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 209 - 209: Deep Sea Golem

    Atlas woke up with his body fully healed and his helmet keeping the water at bay, but he felt his breath getting shallow. He quickly activated Aqua Lung again, which allowed him to breathe while standing up.


    ''Now, onto the boss,'' he thought with a tired smile. ''After this, I will have a break in the Otherworld.''


    Then, Atlas walked toward the staircase leading to the Bosses Arena. When he got close, he summoned Medusa, who appeared before letting out a roar that echoed throughout the dungeon.


    She swiftly swam to him, playfully rubbing her head against his body. Atlas smiled, his hand gently stroking the sleek scales of the Death Serpent. With a surge of energy, he wrapped his arms around her as they took off.


    Medusa effortlessly glided through the water until they reached the staircase leading down, ''Here we go,'' Atlas thought, excitedly lighting up his face.


    Soon enough, they entered the arena, which blocked their escape with the usual shield that circled the area. Atlas wondered what had happened until torches lit up the battlefield as something rose from the ground.


    When he saw this, his eyes widened in shock. The ground started to shake, and a massive Golem appeared. It was the size of a house made from dark stone, and its list eyes glowed red as it looked ancient.


    The stone monster moved slowly like an old person, but its aura radiated strength, making him gulp, ''This is going to be hard. My sword won''t be able to pierce it,'' he thought while gazing at the Dungeon Boss.


    Atlas quickly used Void Sight to determine the creature''s rank to see if he could beat it.


    [Deep Sea Golem]


    [Rank: S - 10000 Exp]


    [Siren''s Abyss Dungeon Boss]


    [Don''t go near it and use the Death Serpent to help]


    ''Rank S,'' Atlas thought with wide eyes as he gulped. ''I''m going to need Medusa''s help.''


    Following this, he cast several Void Bombs at the stone behemoth, and when the magic connected, explosions rang out. Medusa shot into the shadows as Atlas summoned the Hill Giant on top of the Golem.


    ''This should slow it down.''


    The Dungeon Monster moved slowly but managed to damage the boss, allowing Medusa to coil around its legs. Atlas seized the opportunity, casting six Void Lances streaking through the water like lightning bolts.


    ''I need to bring it down; that''s my only chance at winning.''


    As the azure projectiles struck the Golem, explosions erupted, sending shockwaves through the water as the spells burrowed deep into the stone. The sudden assault sent the monster reeling, forcing it to stumble backward before it crashed to the ground.


    This allowed Atlas to get some space from the boss as he continued casting spells that knocked off some of its attacks aimed at Medusa. Sand flew all over the place as the arena shook due to the impact; the monster lost its temper and became enraged.


    In a rage, it swung its massive arm, sending the Hill Giant flying away from the fray. Atlas sent the monster back to the Dungeon Realm before he attacked the Sea Golem with several Void Bombs that chipped chunks of stone off.


    He looked at Medusa and shouted, ''''Keep it down, and don''t let the thing grab you!''


    The Death Serpent nodded in agreement as Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Lances at the monster. The azure projectiles struck, burrowing deep into its body and eliciting a deafening roar as it swung at Medusa.


    With speed, she dodged the sudden attack, and Atlas quickly followed up by hurling several Inferno Bombs at the creature''s head, igniting a fiery explosion that lit up the arena. Seizing the moment, Atlas unleashed a series of Gravity Bombs, anchoring the beast firmly to the ground.


    Following that, he appeared next to Golem''s head and cast a Void Bomb at it, which he fully charged. When the explosive spell connected, an explosion erupted, which sent him flying across the arena,


    Medusa quickly caught him as she spoke, ''You''ve weakened it; I may be able to take out one of its limbs.''


    Atlas nodded before throwing some Smoke Bombs as the Golem tried to get up. A white mist appeared and blocked the boss''s vision, allowing Medusa to sneak attack while he started casting Void Blasts at its knees.


    Every time a spell connected, chunks of stone blasted off, which weakened the Golem. As this happened, the Death Serpent moved in and wrapped around its head, which caused the monster to try to get her out of it.


    With the Golem pinned down by the Gravity Bombs, Atlas seized the opportunity, moving in to blast off one of its legs with a powerful spell. The boss staggered, growing weaker as its movements became more sluggish.


    ''If I continue like this Medusa can get the upper-hand.''


    He kept targeting its remaining limbs, unleashing a relentless barrage of spells. Still, his mana reserves ran dry after casting hundreds, ''Damn, I need to rest,'' Atlas thought, retreating to catch his breath as Medusa tore into the wounded boss.


    Once his mana was replenished, he summoned a Hill Giant that crashed into the Golem, further intensifying the chaotic battle. Sand erupted into the air, obscuring his vision as the violent clash raged on, leaving him momentarily blind to the ongoing destruction.


    Atlas narrowed his eyes, sweat mixing with the cold water around him as the towering Deep Sea Golem managed to stand up after battering away the Giant and throwing off Medusa. Its red eyes glowed with ancient fury, but he didn''t flinch, "Let''s see how you handle this," he muttered, summoning dark energy into his palms. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He hurled a series of Void Bombs at the Golem''s massive arm. The explosions erupted on impact, sending cracks spidering through the stone. Chunks flew off, exposing the brittle rock beneath.


    ''The magic is weakening the monster,'' he thought with a smile.


    The Golem roared in pain, lifting its arm for a retaliatory strike, but Atlas was faster. He summoned more Void Bombs, this time targeting its legs. The blasts echoed through the water, shattering one of the creature''s knees and causing the behemoth to stumble.


    "You''re not getting back up." he dashed forward, hurling another Void Bomb at its remaining leg. The impact sent shards of stone spiraling in all directions, and the Golem crashed to the ground with a loud thud.


    Its arm lashed out in desperation, but Atlas dodged easily, launching one last, fully charged Void Bomb at the creature''s head. The explosion shattered its skull, and the Golem collapsed in defeat as he dismissed the Hill Giant, who started drowning.


    Breathing heavily, Atlas looked down at the stone corpse that started to fade away as he dismissed Medusa before speaking, "Not so tough without your limbs, are you?"


    After the intense battle, he watched the Deep Sea Golem slowly sink back into the dungeon. An old man''s voice echoed through the chamber, [Collect your loot and step through the portal, Conqueror].


    Obeying the Dungeon Master''s command, Atlas gathered the spoils of victory and stepped through the shimmering translucent portal. He was in a small, dimly lit room on the other side.


    The dungeon''s core at its center gleamed as he replied to the voice. [Do you want to join my Dungeon Realm? I already have a few of your siblings]


    After speaking, the core flashed, and the old man answered cheerfully. [Yes, young man. I would like that; I''ve been alone for so long, some company would be welcome]


    Atlas nodded in understanding and placed his hand on the Dungeon Core, feeling its energy pulse as it merged into his growing collection. As soon as the connection was made, a detailed representation of the Siren''s Abyss Dungeon appeared in his mind.


    [Thank you for freeing me, Dungeon Conqueror. Chaos was close to breaching my defenses, but with your power, they cannot touch me anymore] The older man said, his voice filled with relief and appreciation.


    Then, Atlas got to know the Dungeon Master even more before returning to the surface. When he stepped through the portal and exited the place, the guards looked at him wide-eyed.


    The commander halted in front of him, his face etched with concern. "What happened to you, boy? You''ve been inside Siren''s Abyss for days, and now you reappear¡ªmissing an arm?"


    Atlas chuckled, waving the man''s worry aside. "The dungeon had a few creatures that didn''t belong there. One of them bit me, injected a nasty poison. I had no choice but to cut the arm off," he said, his tone light despite the gravity of his words.


    ''''Doesn''t potions heal it?'''' the commander said while handing one over.


    ''''It doesn''t work. I need a high-ranked Healer to do it, but I don''t know where to find one,'''' Atlas replied while glancing around.


    The man nodded in understanding. ''''Interesting. We''ll send out an order for a high-ranked group of adventurers to check the dungeon out.''''


    Following that, Atlas left the fortress behind and walked off the road until he reached a safe place to summon Theo. The Blood Bat King appeared, allowing him to jump on the monster''s back as he spoke, ''Let''s head to Carthage. I need to heal my arm.''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 210 - 210: Dodge Now

    Atlas was resting on Theo''s back as they raced across Aridonia, and the sun beamed down; thanks to growing stronger, the Blood Bat King could deal with most monsters that tried attacking them on their journey.


    He watched as the dungeon creature tore apart a group of ulcer-looking monsters. A few hours later, the sun started to set as they passed by a giant karst; Atlas pointed at it and spoke to Theo, ''Land there boy; I need to rest.''


    The summoned monster agreed and landed on the stone pillar with a thud. When he jumped off its back, a notification popped up.


    [Dungeon Conqueror, the Otherworld and Call of The Void unlocked the Monster Realm to organize your creatures even better]


    Atlas''s eye widened in shock, but when he saw this, he activated it, and an azure portal appeared, causing Theo to be wary as the monster spoke, ''Why does it feel like the Void Realm but different?''


    ''''It combined with another useful skill of mine,'''' he answered the Blood Bat King.


    Following that, Atlas entered the portal only to see the land he built for the Scalebreakers and Stormeagle, but what caught his attention was the five portals hanging in the air representing the dungeons he conquered.


    Theo soon entered the Voidwalker Realm while glancing around in fascination before speaking in an amazed voice, ''Can you summon a few more of my kind Master? I believe we can live here as we would be outside the sungeon.''


    Atlas looked at the Blood Bat King and agreed with a nod while pulling up the Stage One list for the Monster Realm.


    ***


    [Stage 1]


    [Rivers - Gently alters the terrain, enhances the fertility of nearby land, and provides water for creatures - Cost: 500 Mana]


    [Floating Islands - Suspended above the ground, these islands provide new realms for your monsters to explore/Can make yourself a home - Cost: 3000 Mana]


    [Grasslands - A fertile expanse of open plains/Food for certain members of your army - Cost: 500 Mana]


    [Hills - Gently rolling terrain that adds texture to the landscape - Cost: 750 Mana] Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Mountains - Majestic peaks rise from the earth, providing shelter for rare species - Cost: 2000 Mana]


    [Increase realm size - More space for the monsters - Cost: 5000 Mana]


    [Underground Tunnels - Tunnels under the earth - Cost: 4000 Mana]


    [Large lake - Cost: 3000 Mana]


    [Mansion - Build a home for yourself wherever you want, including everything needed to live inside the Monster Realm - Cost: 50000 Mana]


    ***


    Upon noticing this, Atlas expanded the realm, creating a vast lake for Medusa. He then introduced floating isles and extended the grasslands, giving Nala and her pack space to roam freely.


    After that, he summoned the Death Serpent, Death Gorillas, Dreadmaw Lions, and more Blood Bats. The creatures expressed their gratitude before setting up their new homes throughout the realm.


    ''I can feel them at peace,'' he mused. ''I need to get more monsters, but I won''t add just any; they must be strong and smart.''


    Atlas sensed that Raymond and Cera were busy with their lives. He smiled when he saw all his monsters growing stronger thanks to basking in his void mana, which would be helpful in the future.


    Once done, he summoned Drax, the Void Raptor King, and a dozen smaller ones. The giant monster looked at him as his voice rang in his mind, ''Make yourself at home. When I call upon you, it will cost the same, but I can summon you to the Voidwalker Realm at no cost.''


    The colossal dinosaur nodded in acknowledgment before unleashing a mighty roar to command its horde of Void Raptors. The monsters charged into the dense jungle to set up their new homes.


    Afterward, Atlas set up his tent and built a fire, admiring the Monster Realm and the starry sky above. "I''ll gather more creatures for my growing army," he muttered, "but they must be strong."


    He added more wood to the firepit before lying down, gazing up as shooting stars streaked across the night sky. Once it was roared to life, Atlas pulled out his sleeping bag and lay down.


    Feeling comfortable, Atlas drifted off to sleep as the roars and chirps of the surrounding creatures echoed through the night, yet none dared approach his camp. The following day, he awoke with a yawn, only to see a fierce storm raging across the Voidwalker Realm.


    Atlas stood up, packed away his gear, and called for Nala. The lioness appeared within seconds, licking him affectionately, bringing a smile to his face. He stroked her sleek fur before climbing onto her back, and together, they charged through the portal.


    They appeared atop the karst, and Nala started jumping down as Atlas spoke, ''We''re heading Southeast. We need to reach Carthage to heal my arm and Lilith.''


    Following that, the duo traveled across Aridonia and dodged army patrols. It took them a few days to reach the area the capital was in, but as they got close, chaos erupted. Nala barrelled straight into a battle.


    Thousands of soldiers clashed in a brutal battle, and the moment both sides spotted Atlas and Nala, they attacked. ''What''s going on here?'' he wondered, his eyes narrowing. ''Looks like we''ll have to fight our way through.''


    Nala tore through dozens of enemies with lethal precision while Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets, cutting through the swarm of attackers. Explosions rang out and sent the soldiers flying.


    The lioness bounded across the battlefield as arrows flew toward them, causing him to cast Void Guard. As the shield appeared, the projectiles pinged off it, allowing them to pass through unharmed.


    Hours later, Nala stopped running when the duo arrived on top of a hill a mile away from the Nubian capital. Atlas spotted the massive city stretching out in all directions, with three walls guarding different sections.


    ''This place is giant,'' he mused. ''How am I going to find a spirit mage?''


    Atlas shrugged before speaking to Nala, ''''Don''t go near the city, girl; they will target us.''''


    ''Yes, Master. There are some woods nearby; I will stop there,'' she replied as she dashed down the hill.


    A sudden, ominous feeling washed over Atlas as they neared the city, and he shouted, "Dodge now!"


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than explosions erupted around them, hurling him through the air. Nala let out a pained roar, but Atlas swiftly sent her to safety before crashing down himself, with his Void Guard absorbing most of the impact.


    Fueled by a rising fury, Atlas sprang to his feet, eyes locked on the horde of Nightowls and Immortal soldiers charging toward him. A momentary pang of uncertainty flickered in his mind, but he quickly crushed it.


    ''I can''t back down. Only the strongest survive,'' he thought, his heart pounding with resolve.


    The first Nightowl assassin darted in, blade flashing in the dim light. Atlas knocked aside the attack, then drove his blade through the killer''s throat in a single, lethal thrust. He spun on his heel without hesitation, narrowly avoiding another attacker''s strike.


    With a slash, he severed the soldier''s ankles, sending the foe crashing to the ground in agony. Atlas unleashed his fury with a primal roar, moving like an azure storm through the battlefield.


    These were the hunters who had chased him across Aridonia, and now they had finally caught up. But they would regret it. His body surged with energy as he faced them head-on, Void Guard shimmering around him like a shield of darkness, deflecting incoming strikes from every direction.


    Sparks flew as swords clashed against the shield, but none could break through. Atlas lunged at an Immortal soldier and slammed his palm into the soldier''s chest while unleashing a devastating Void Blast right in their face.


    The explosion sent the Immortal flying back, his armor shattered, leaving nothing but a crater where he once stood. More enemies swarmed him, but he was a blur of motion, dodging and countering brutally.


    Atlas ducked beneath a Nightowl''s sweeping attack, but it knocked his sword out of his hand. He still managed to retaliate with a bone-shattering punch, Void energy rippling from his fist as the attacker''s body crumpled.


    Another Immortal came at him with a spear. Atlas spun out of the way and delivered a devastating upward strike, slicing the weapon in half before driving his blade through the warrior''s chest.


    With every enemy that fell, his fury only intensified. Each strike, block, and dodge became sharper, driven by an unyielding rage that carved a path through the relentless horde trying to capture or kill him.


    Twenty minutes later, even more Immortals and Nightowls surrounded him, their faces filled with shock as they took in the battlefield littered with hundreds of lifeless bodies. His remaining arm hung limp by his side as an enemy managed to slash it.


    ''I need to get out of here,'' Atlas thought, glancing around the chaos as an idea came to him, causing a smile to appear.


    In a flash, he began hurling Thunderclap, Frostfall, and Inferno Bombs at the enemy, creating utter mayhem. As smoke enveloped the area, he summoned Theo, who swooped in to lift him high into the sky.


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 Chapter 211 - 211: Little Gremlins

    As they climbed into the sky, a wave of spells surged toward them. The Bat King instinctively wrapped its wings around Atlas, bracing for impact. They were struck, the monster roaring in pain as they plummeted to the ground, crashing down with a thunderous boom.


    ''Ouch,'' he thought while his head spun.


    Atlas wasn''t inured that bad, but Theo returned to the Voidwalker Realm just as he summoned Medusa. He grabbed the Death Serpent before the monster dashed for the nearby river.


    The Nightowls and Immortals pursued relentlessly, but Atlas unleashed a relentless barrage of Void Bombs and Bullets in their direction. Explosions erupted around them, sending several warriors tumbling through the air.


    Meanwhile, Medusa zipped through the water with astonishing speed, slicing through the waves like a rocket. He glanced over his shoulder, but their pursuers had vanished into the distance.


    Atlas became excited as the serpent became invisible underwater. He relaxed, but Medusa''s voice sounded in his mind, ''What''s the plan, Master?''


    ''It seems like the Nubians are in league with the empire,'' Atlas answered. ''We can head north to meet the others while looking for a Spirit Mage.''


    ''Yes, master,'' she responded before diving deeper into the river. Hours later, they arrived at the ocean, and Medusa lunged out of the water.


    Atlas dismissed Medusa with a nod before summoning Theo. The creature materialized and greeted him with a happy chirp, nudging him affectionately. Smiling, Atlas stroked Theo''s rough hide before climbing onto its back.


    They took off into the sky with a leap, soaring northward. While flying, he sent Amethyst a message but didn''t receive a reply. He summoned a Darkling and ordered it to fly ahead to find the girls.


    After that, Atlas and Theo continued north but had to fly lower as the storm could throw the Blood Bat King everywhere. He held on as the wind increased while thunder rumbled overhead.


    The monster flew for hours, and they didn''t see any land. Atlas glanced around and noticed a silhouette in the distance. He tapped Theo and pointed at it, "Go there!"


    When Theo heard that, he dived and tried to escape the wind while heading for the growing island. Atlas spotted a dozen ships, causing him to worry as he spoke, ''''Land on the mountain peak; other people are hiding from the storm.''''


    Following Atlas''s command, Theo swiftly reached the mountain''s base and began a rapid ascent. The Blood Bat King abruptly halted as they scaled the rugged cliffs, spotting a cave on the mountainside.


    ''Perfect,'' Atlas thought, eyeing the hidden entrance. ''A place where no one can reach me.''


    He jumped off Theo''s back once inside, landing lightly on the rocky ground, already plotting his next move in the secluded shelter. Atlas noticed enough room for them to rest and start a fire.


    Once everything was set up, Atlas leaned against Theo, who was drying off using the flickering flame. While doing that, the storm picked up outside, causing him to question, ''''Is the winter normally like this?''''


    Theo nodded while replying, ''Mana affects everything in this world, master. From people to weather, it interacts with everything but this year seems worse compared to my time outside.''


    He nodded understanding before pulling out a rabbit kebab and eating while watching the thunder light up the sky. Atlas could see a herd of elephant-like monsters walking out of the ocean, which surprised him.


    ''What the hell are they?'' he internally asked himself.


    Atlas brushed off the discovery, finishing his meal and settling into his sleeping bag. Once comfortable, he activated the Void Realm and reappeared on the plateau. A rush of excitement surged when he realized his arms were intact.


    ''At least I''m not weaker here,'' he thought with relief.


    His thoughts were interrupted by a distant rumbling drawing closer. Without hesitation, Atlas unleashed a volley of Void Bombs toward the approaching threat, following it up with a rapid barrage of Void Bullets.


    The oncoming Golems, crashing into the sea below with thunderous splashes, stood no chance. Atlas continued fighting and bringing down the number of monsters he had to kill, thanks to being strong.


    A few hours later, he checked the monster total to see how many he had gotten rid of.


    [Void Golem ¨C 65811/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 221912/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 91011/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Oh nice, not long until I clear the Void Golem section,'' Atlas thought before casting Void Blast at a group of Warrior Golems.


    Following that, he continued battling the stone monsters before running out of steam and had to retreat to the real world. Once back in his body, he opened his eyes to see a wall of rain blocking his view.


    ''It hasn''t stopped yet? Let''s go in the realm to stay out of it,'' Atlas thought while jumping up.


    He grabbed the sleeping bag and ushered Theo through the portal, which pleased the Blood Bat King. When he entered the Voidwalker Realm, it was peaceful but cold. Theo took off and flew towards his nest while Atlas found a tree to camp under.


    Once he was done with everything, he noticed a group of baby Scalebreakers staring at him. Their tails wagged like over-excited puppies, and their glowing red eyes sparkled with mischief.


    Atlas grinned and pointed at them. ''''What are you little gremlins up to? Shouldn''t your moms be freaking out by now?''''


    Before he could blink, the mini-monsters charged at him like a stampede of toddlers after cake. They tackled him to the ground, nibbling and licking him all over. Atlas burst into laughter, half-heartedly swatting at them, careful not to use his full strength.


    The little creatures were making excited and adorable noises until a bellow scared them. He watched as they hid behind him, making Cera laugh as she spoke, ''It seems like the young ones like you, Master. The old master didn''t like interacting with us.''


    Atlas frowned when he heard this before grabbing one of the babies and pampering it with strokes, causing it to go wild. He laughed as the baby struggled out of his arms and escaped before the group ran to Cera. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He smiled while standing up and approaching the matriarch of the Scalebreakers. He stroked her while replying, ''''I''m not like him, Cera. I appreciate everything my monsters do for me and feel heartbroken when you get hurt.''''


    The monster let out a happy bellow before nudging him with her head, ''You treat us too good Master. We have never been this happy, even old Raymond has been checking in on the young ones.''


    Afterward, Atlas exchanged a few words with the creature before she returned to her nest. Turning his focus back to the realm, he shaped new landscapes, crafting the terrain with careful precision.


    Once satisfied, he leaned against a tree, considering which creatures to introduce next. After a brief pause, he summoned ten Thunderclaws and Razorwings from the Moonshade Grotto, which would live here.


    The monsters briefly regarded him, then scattered across the realm, each eager to find their territory and thrive in their new environment. He summoned a herd of Mistwalkers from the Blackthrone Hills Dungeon.


    Atlas watched in awe as the mammoth-like creatures entered the Voidwalker Realm, their deep bellows echoing around him. They roamed the grasslands, playfully mingling with a few younger Mistwalkers, their curiosity evident in every step.


    A smile spread across Atlas''s face at the sight, but he knew he had to pause his summoning. His mana reserves were running low, and fatigue was beginning to weigh on him. Crawling into his tent, he surrendered to the exhaustion that enveloped him and drifted off to sleep.


    As Atlas slept, he was transported to a cold tundra surrounded by towering mountains that pierced the sky. In the distance, a fortress loomed, its imposing structure drawing his gaze. Intrigued, he shrugged off the chill and began to approach it.


    ''Is this a dream or a vision?'' he wondered, glancing around the stark landscape. The biting wind whipped around him as he tried to make sense of his surroundings.


    Just as Atlas began to close the distance, a massive horde of monsters surged toward the fortress, their ferocity evident in every charging step. His attention was immediately drawn to the violet magic streaking through the sky, bursting like fireworks amidst the chaos.


    Explosions echoed through the air as more spells soared into the fray, lighting up the tundra with power flashes and illuminating the fierce battle before him. Atlas watched as earth and light magic hit the monsters.


    Atlas recognized the magic and thought, ''The girls are here?''


    An unsettling chill ran down his spine as he watched the unfolding chaos. He sensed the presence of Chaos Monsters lurking within the horde. Before Atlas could do anything, he was woke up to something licking his face.


    ''''What the fuck?'''' he opened his eyes while mumbling, only to spot a baby Scalebreaker standing on his chest while letting an adorable chirp.


    Atlas smiled when seeing this and stroked the creature before dragging it into a hug, which shocked it, but it didn''t complain while getting comfortable.


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 Chapter 212 - 212: Poor Family

    Atlas woke up the following day to find the little Scalebreaker cuddled up to him, letting out adorable snores that made him smile. He shook his head before climbing out of the tent, only to run into Cera, eating in a nearby bush.


    Her head poked up as she spoke, ''Did the little one join you, Master?''


    ''Yes, it appeared in the middle of the night and took me by surprise,'' Atlas replied while freshening himself up in the nearby lake.


    While doing that, he spotted Medusa swimming at the bottom while digging around. Atlas didn''t linger long. He said his goodbyes to Cera before leaving the Realm. Seconds later, he was standing on the karst.


    Atlas gazed out to the calm landscape and summoned Theo, who appeared with an excited chirp as he spoke, ''We can get far today, master. The weather is good.''


    He nodded before climbing on the monster''s back before it took off and started soaring across Aridonia. Atlas had to find the shortest place to cross the dangerous monster-infested sea.


    Days passed as they followed the coast, looking for a crossing, but the duo had no luck. Theo looked back at him and warned, ''''Hold on tight. The storm will force us to go lower.''''


    The wind roared as Theo soared above the crashing waves, his powerful wings slicing through the salty air. Atlas tightened his grip on the monster''s fur, feeling the immense strength of the beast beneath him.


    Below, the sea churned like a boiling cauldron, its dark waters teeming with shadowy shapes that surfaced before vanishing beneath the foam. Theo let out a screech as he dove lower, skimming just above the water''s surface.


    ''Too close! I hate storms and the sea,'' he thought while panicking.


    Massive tentacles thrashed, and serpentine figures coiled through the depths. Sea monsters, some larger than ships, lurked just beneath the waves, their eyes glowing with malevolent hunger as they sensed the two intruders above their domain.


    Atlas gulped when sensing some of the monsters, but as something jumped out of the water, Theo ascended sharply and dodged the sudden attack. The Blood Bat King dodged the giant fish monster leaping out of the water.


    ''Master! The storm is clearing up, but we need to wait a few more minutes,'' Theo said in a concerned tone.


    ''No problem, just don''t let the sea creatures catch us,'' he replied, looking over the edge.


    A massive shark was fighting with an even more enormous whale, which amazed Atlas as he mused excitedly, ''Titans of the sea, one day I will fight them when I''m strong enough.''


    ''Zaranadar!'' he internally cheered.


    Following that, Theo quickly headed toward the nearby beach and crashed down, as the monster was tired and needed to rest. Atlas fell to the soft sand with a smile, and the warm sand caused him to sigh.


    ''Dryland,'' he mused with a relieved smile.


    While lying there, a splash was heard, causing him to look up. Only to see a sizeable mosasaur-looking monster lunge out of the water and grab Theo. Atlas quickly dismissed the Dungeon Creature as the beast crashed on the beach.


    He quickly cast Void Lance at the side of the monster''s head and watched it burrow through, but it didn''t kill it. Atlas soon realized it was much stronger than anything he''d encountered, making him wary.


    Without wasting more time, he cast Void Step to escape the monster that went for him again. Atlas started walking until spotting a fortress in the distance. '' At least I can level up again, but I''ll be more careful heading north,'' he thought before activating his disguise. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, he made his way to the fortress, and when spotting the guard, he approached with a fake smile before asking, ''''Excuse me, can you point me to the nearest train station, please?''''


    The soldier looked down at him with narrowed eyes as he pointed west, ''''Three days walk that way young man. Be careful, though; sea monsters have been reported in the local area.''''


    Atlas nodded before continuing west while keeping an eye out on his surroundings. The road was about a mile from the chaotic shore where waves crashed against the sand. While walking, he noticed a carriage not far ahead.


    ''I wonder who these people are?'' he thought as his curiosity was piqued.


    As Atlas approached the bridge up ahead, a swarm of monsters suddenly surged from the sea, attacking before the carriage could cross. Three guards rushed to fend them off, but the sheer number of creatures overwhelmed their defenses.


    He noticed they looked like humans mixed with fish, using weapons made from monster teeth. Atlas noticed they would throw themselves at the defenders and overwhelm them with numbers.


    Without thinking, he summoned ten Savage Void Bears and their Queen before ordering them to destroy the fish people. While this happened, Atlas used Void Sight on the


    [Aquarids]


    [Rank: D - 500 Exp]


    [Weak to explosive magic]


    When Atlas saw this, he started casting Void Blasts into the swarm, which exploded on contact just as the Savage Bears crashed into them. He quickly jumped on the Void Bear Queen while thinking, ''They will be easy to deal with thanks to the Void Monsters.''


    Following that thought, Atlas used his magic and the Void Bears to decimate the Aquarids, but the carriage''s occupants were butchered. He avoided looking at the torn-up bodies of the family inside while carrying on after dismissing his monsters.


    ''Poor family but they should have more guards.''


    After a few more hours, he arrived at the Morozov station. Atlas noticed it was quiet, which creeped him out. While walking toward the entrance, his instincts kicked in and told him to run, but it was too late.


    An explosion ripped through the building and caused Atlas to cast Void Guard to try to block the shock, but it was sent crashing into a guard shack nearby. Seconds passed, and he was dazed as his head spun.


    ''What was that?'' he thought while shaking his head.


    People were screaming while Morozov soldiers rushed around talking about an attack, but the ringing in his ears was too much. Atlas stood up while summoning Nala, who scooped him up before running north.


    Hours later, the lioness stopped at the top of a hill, allowing Atlas to climb off and sit down as the ringing stopped not long ago. While traveling here he saw hundreds of soldiers rushing all over.


    ''I wonder who attacked the station? It''s normally neutral in conflicts between realms,'' he thought while setting up his tent.


    Atlas shrugged before getting out of the tent and sleeping bag. Nala said, ''Summon some of my kind, Master. We will protect you while sleeping.''


    He nodded before bringing out more lions who circled his camp while the queen lay nearby. Atlas smiled when seeing this and climbed inside after eating and getting comfortable before activating the Void Realm.


    When he appeared on the plateau, the Void Golems approached, but Atlas quickly wiped them out. Void Barrages and Bombs wiped out thousands of them. As the warriors appeared, he started using his speed against them.


    Atlas darted across the battlefield like a rabbit, effortlessly dodging punches, and Earth Bullets hurled in his direction. Hours passed, and fatigue set in as his mana reserves dwindled, forcing him to rely on his trusted Nightblade.


    Despite his weariness, a smile crept across his face when he noticed the Void Golems had stopped coming, ''Finally cleared those, now for the warriors and commanders,'' he thought as his excitement skyrocketed.


    He quickly pulled up the monster total to see how many he had left to deal with.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 216235/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 89511/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Without hesitation, Atlas rushed forward, carving through a dozen more Warrior Golems with swift strikes thanks to Void Infusion. Just as he gained ground, a commander delivered a powerful kick, sending him flying.


    ''Oh god, I was growing sloppy,'' he thought while falling into the sea below.


    The next moment, Atlas jolted awake in his tent, the sounds of growls echoing ominously around him in the real world. He shook his head before pulling out some chocolate and eating before sleeping.


    The following day, Nala carried him further north and noticed all the destruction thanks to the ongoing war. Atlas saw refugees walking everywhere, looking scared; Achaemenids patrolled what was left.


    Atlas continued his journey, facing constant threats along the way. Bandits, monsters, and even Nightowls who tracked him down attacked relentlessly. The sight of the Nightowls left him confused, but they dealt with the attacker''s thanks to Nala and the other monsters by his side.


    Thanks to the speed of the Dreadmaw Lion, Atlas managed to escape most of the ambushes along the way. A fierce battle was underway when they finally reached the Allied lines; spells and mana shells flew everywhere as explosions rang out.


    ''What is going on here?'' Atlas thought with a smile. ''More experience.''


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 Chapter 213 - 213: Desolate Landscape

    Atlas watched as the Thalassians, Aethyrians, and orc battled against the Achaemenidians who were beating them. Without wasting any more time, he cast several Void Bombs and started sending mana into the spells.


    ''This will send them reeling before I launch my attack,'' he mused excitedly.


    They grew powerful and unstable, but Atlas sent them slicing through the air before crashing into the horde of enemies. Explosions rang out, causing chaos among their ranks. He downed a few mana potions to top up his pool.


    ''I feel much better. Let''s bring some friends out for the fun.''


    After that, Atlas summoned as many Dreadfiends as possible, totaling forty creepy-looking humanoids. He ordered them to attack the Achaemendians, who were taken by surprise as the creatures lunged at them.


    The Dreadfiends crashed into the enemy lines and tore apart the shocked soldiers. Then, Atlas rushed down while summoning Nala, who stuck close as he used Void Step to crash into a large knight-looking man.


    He thrust his blade through the soldier''s neck before he jumped to the side while casting Void Arrows that punctured the Achaemenidian armor. Dozens of soldiers dropped, which boosted the defender''s morale.


    Following that, the Dreadfiends tore a hole through the enemy army, allowing Atlas to rush through while cutting down so many Achaemendians who tried to stop him. Nala followed behind and used her claws to kill.


    When Atlas closed in on the defender lines, a large man blocked his path, causing him to skid to a stop. He looked at the man before narrowing his eyes while using Void Sight to figure out his rank.


    [Marcus Hammerheart]


    [Level: 450]


    [Rank: Master]


    ''Special forces, maybe? It doesn''t matter. They will die anyway,'' he thought before shrugging. Atlas swiftly dashed toward the man wielding a massive hammer, narrowly dodging the incoming swing.


    He ducked low, aiming a slash at the man''s ankles. In response, the Achaemenid leaped over the strike, forcing him to retreat just in time as the giant slammed his weapon into the ground.


    Atlas started paying more attention and struck the man around his legs, causing them to shake just as Nala lunged at him. The knight was taken by surprise and crashed to the ground.


    The Dreadmaw Lioness lunged, attempting to bite the man''s throat, but he struggled to hold her back. In his distraction, he failed to notice Atlas closing in. With a swift motion, Atlas stabbed through the man''s helmet, blood exploding from the back of his head.


    Without hesitation, Atlas leaped onto Nala''s back just as she surged forward, her powerful muscles propelling them away from the chaos. Meanwhile, the Dreadfiends held the enemy army at bay, buying them time.


    ''These creatures are useful,'' he mused. ''Maybe they''ll grow stronger over time?''


    As they fled across the battlefield, the defenders regrouped and charged at the Achaemenidians, determination lighting their eyes. They ignored Atlas as the lioness leaped over the river and landed with a thud.


    He turned around to see the battle erupt again; Atlas smiled before summoning more Dreadfiends and ordered them to kill as many Achaemenids as possible. Following that, Nala continued running across the desolate landscape.


    Farms burned in the distance, casting an eerie glow over the landscape as more bodies littered the road. Empire troops lay alongside Alliance soldiers, their lifeless forms piled up to one side. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The scene made Atlas think while glancing around, ''Did the defenders retake this part?''


    Atlas scanned his surroundings, noting the bodies strewn about in various states of decay. ''Some look months old while others have been dead for a few days,'' he pondered while glancing around.


    Shaking his head, he pressed on, confronted by scenes of death and destruction at every turn. They navigated through burning villages and battlefields littered with the fallen, where scavengers picked at the remains of dead soldiers.


    ''The empire is causing so much chaos,'' Atlas wondered. ''It looks like the Alliance will lose this war which means the Achaemenidians will surge north.''


    Nala continued their journey until the sunset, prompting Atlas to instruct her to find a place to rest for the night. Hours later, they settled on a mountain ledge that offered a stunning view of the vast forest below.


    ''Valoria is beautiful,'' Atlas thought with a smile. ''I can''t wait to see the north.''


    As darkness descended, the air was filled with the echoes of monster roars and howls that reverberated through the trees. In response, Nala let out a fierce roar of her own, a powerful sound that echoed across the forest.


    ''I wonder what creatures are lurking in the darkness below,'' he mused while eating chocolate.


    Atlas set up his tent before settling down for the night. Much of his journey north had been like this¡ªtraveling with Theo or Nala, then resting amid the chaos surrounding him. Weeks had passed since he set out, and now he was nearing the wolf kingdoms.


    He attempted to contact Amethyst throughout his travels, but the Lover''s Band remained unresponsive, leaving him frustrated. Atlas continued until he found himself in a mountain town, the last settlement, before reaching the city, where the girls awaited him.


    ''It feels like somethings blocking them from contacting me.''


    The town was called Mountainholm, and explorers used it as a home base for exploring the Northern Wastes. Atlas was looking for some food to restock his Dimensional Storage before leaving this place.


    ''Why do people look so angry here?'' he pondered while walking down Main Street looking for a decent food stall.


    Soon enough, Atlas came across a stall selling meat skewers, the mouthwatering aroma drawing him in. He approached the stall and saw an old man standing behind the counter, patiently waiting for customers.


    As Atlas neared, he removed his helmet and smiled, "Can I please get two hundred meat skewers?"


    Surprised, the old man raised an eyebrow but got to work, preparing the large order. As Atlas watched the skewers cooking, another irresistible aroma caught his attention. He followed it to a nearby stall selling meat buns and dumplings.


    ''These smell delicious; I''m glad I bought enough of them.''


    His stomach grumbled loudly at the sight, and he ordered two hundred of each without hesitation. The owners, clearly taken aback by the massive order, exchanged surprised glances but quickly agreed, eager to fulfill his request.


    Following that, Atlas grabbed the meat skewers when they were finished and paid a few gold coins before returning to the last two orders. Once all the food was collected, he left Mountainholm as the guards would lock the town down due to an incoming winter storm.


    ''This place is gloomy and the people look angry,'' he thought while glancing at the dark building that led to the northern gate.


    Smoke came from the chimneys as children played on the streets, only to scatter when Atlas closed in on the gate. People watched him pass by as he had all his armor on, causing them to grow curious.


    A few minutes later, he appeared at the northern gate and tried to walk out but was stopped by the guard, ''''Where are you going, little adventurer? It''s dangerous in the White Waster,'''' one of them revealed.


    Atlas stared at them before responding, ''''It''s fine. I''m heading to Northreach City, where my party is waiting.''''


    The guards looked conflicted but nodded while opening a man-sized door that would let him leave Mountainholm. Atlas continued traveling while eating meat buns before coming across a crossroads.


    Hours later, Atlas was walking through a tight mountain pass when he came across a trade caravan camped off the side of the road. As he got close, he noticed it was ransacked, and blood covered the ground.


    ''What happened here?'' he pondered while glancing around.


    Large man-like footprints littered the ground, along with the patches of blood staining everything around him. He was confused but knew monsters were attacking the people; shortly after that, he started looting everything.


    Atlas pocketed the coins and continued down the mountain road. He summoned Nala, who immediately warned him, "There''s a powerful monster lurking, Master. We need to get out of here now."


    Before he could react, a sudden woosh filled the air. In the blink of an eye, a massive bird swooped down and snatched him up, lifting him high into the sky. Panic surged through him as the creature soared over the mountains, far from any chance of escape.


    The ground beneath Atlas fell away as his mind raced, desperately searching for a plan. With no time to spare, he thrust his blade into the monster''s foot, but the steel merely glanced off, unable to pierce its hide.


    He pointed his hand at the creature''s underbelly before casting Void Bomb. An explosion erupted, causing the monster to let out a pain-filled roar before dropping him, but the rough wind swept him along.


    Atlas plummeted through the air, his heart pounding, but he held off, waiting to cast Void Step and break his fall. As he fell, the bird-like monster swooped down. Without hesitation, he began casting Void Barrage, aiming directly at the creature.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air before peppering its torso, causing it to veer off course, but it managed to clip him with its beak.


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 Chapter 214 - 214: The Chosen One

    Atlas plummeted through the sky, the wind howling in his ears as the clouds whipped past him. Below, the snowy mountains rose like a hostile army, their jagged peaks cutting through the sky.


    He twisted in midair, trying to slow his fall, but the peaks rushed toward him at breakneck speed. Icy ridges and cliffs jutted out, waiting to tear him apart. Atlas braced himself as he crashed into the stone, the impact sending shockwaves through his body.


    Thanks to the impact, Atlas was hurled off course; he kept slamming into the rock, desperately plunging his blade into any surface he could find, only for it to glance off uselessly, ''Oh fuck! I swear, Luxia, I will burn this world if you keep putting me through this shit,'' he internally raged.


    Plunging downward, he tumbled into the snowy abyss below, battered by the unforgiving terrain. Each brutal impact against the rocks dented his armor, sending pain shooting through his entire body.


    He used his magic, hoping to control his descent. Still, it only unleashed a roaring avalanche that dragged him mercilessly down the mountainside until his head cracked violently against the stone, and darkness consumed him.


    Hours later, Atlas awoke at the bottom of a ravine buried beneath a thick layer of snow. Groaning, he forced himself to climb out, but exhaustion, pain, and the biting cold gnawed at him relentlessly.


    His surroundings were bleak, offering no sign of life or shelter¡ªjust an endless expanse of ice and stone. A trembling rippled through the ground as he sat there, ''Oh goddess. What''s coming now?''


    Atlas tried to push himself upright, but agony surged through his head and body, forcing him to collapse back onto the frozen ground. He sat there, breath ragged, waiting for his regeneration to kick in.


    While resting, something told him to move, so he rolled out of the way just in time, but a searing pain shot through his side, causing him to yelp in agony. Atlas let out a furious roar, only to discover a massive white snake sinking its fangs into him.


    Panic surged as he instinctively drew his weapon, slashing at the serpent. At that moment, he realized his mana was being drained, and the creature injected him with poison that paralyzed his body.


    Desperation clawed at him as he struggled against the encroaching darkness. Unconscious, he was seized by a massive serpent that dragged him into its icy lair, navigating through tunnels filled with frost and shadow.


    Eventually, the creature tossed him beside a nest brimming with eggs. The monster then settled nearby, patiently waiting for them to hatch.


    ***


    [One day prior]


    After finishing her daily chores, Nuliajuk sat on her ledge, eating some Giant Mammoth meat. Soon, she climbed into bed and quickly fell asleep, but this time, instead of dreaming of her family, the Goddess Sedna appeared.


    They stood in a snow-covered clearing as the woman spoke, "The Voidwalker will arrive soon, and you must go to his aid; otherwise, the Frost Serpents will claim him."


    Upon hearing Sedna''s words, Nuliajuk''s eyes widened in shock. ''''He''s in Death Valley? That''s nowhere near the south!''''


    The goddess chuckled softly, her voice tinged with amusement. "A Snow Eagle snatched him up and carried him across the wasteland," she revealed.


    Nuliajuk sighed before questioning, ''''How long until he arrives?''''


    ''''He will be here in one day; you need to travel to Death Valley and bring him back to your home before the moons collide,'''' Sedna revealed. ''''A mana storm is approaching the north and will plunge the wasteland into chaos.''''


    She nodded as the goddess continued, ''''Leave as soon as possible and get Atek to hunt as many monsters as he can. Your cave has the spring, and you will need even more food to last the storm.''''


    After that, Nuliajuk awoke to find Atek standing by her bedside, his yellow eyes glowing in the dim light, which made her smile. She sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and said, ''''Boy, you need to go out and hunt as many small monsters as you can.''''


    Atek tilted his head in confusion, prompting a soft giggle from Nuliajuk. She continued, ''''A mana storm is on its way, and we''ll be stuck here for a while. So we need loads of food; we can''t survive off the plants that grow here.''''


    The big cat nodded its head before growing in size, and Nuliajuk concluded, ''''I have to rescue the Chosen One; he is stuck in Death Valley to the north.''''


    Following that, Atek rushed out of the cave to hunt for the storm while she stood up and walked outside. When Nuliajuk felt the cold air brush against her brown skin, causing her to smile. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Now I get to meet the Chosen One; I wonder what he''s like,'' she thought.


    Soon, she transformed into her Frostbear form by jumping off her ledge. Nuliajuk crashed into the ground below, causing a massive snow cloud to billow up. Without waiting, she started running north.


    Nuliajuk continued to speed up as she saw monsters fleeing to find shelter before the mana storm hit. Large Snow Deers rushed into a nearby forest to hunker down while Snow Eagles fled to their nests.


    She sprinted across the unforgiving landscape for hours, fending off countless monsters that lurked in the shadows, waiting to attack her. Finally, Nuliajuk found peace in a snow-covered clearing, where she began to feast on an Ice Boar that had attacked her.


    The creature charged from behind as she caught her breath, striking Nuliajuk''s hind legs, causing her to whirl around. She clamped down on its neck and snapped it with a powerful bite.


    ''I love boar meat,'' she thought while eating. ''Maybe I can get some on the way back?''


    Nuliajuk shrugged off the encounter as she finished her meal. Then, using her earth magic, she created a sturdy shelter for the night. Once inside, she curled up in a cozy nook and drifted into a deep sleep.


    The following morning, she awoke to a roar and the footsteps of a herd of monsters, causing her to open a little hole in her shelter. A herd of Plains Elephants rushed by as a Terrorclaw chased behind.


    ''Seems like everyone is hunting for the storm,'' Nuliajuk thought before destroying the shelter and continuing her journey.


    Hours later, the clouds went dark, casting a shadow over the landscape, but something caught her attention. A blue glow lit the sky high above; she gazed up, thinking, ''Is that a star?''


    Just as that thought crossed his mind, an explosion rang out, which shocked her to the core as she muttered, ''''It''s the Chosen One.''''


    After that, Nuliajuk raced toward Death Valley, chasing the flickering lights until they disappeared into the snow-capped peaks. Reaching the entrance, she wasted no time and plunged into the ravine.


    Before long, she spotted a figure lying in a crater, and her eyes widened in shock as an Ice Serpent coiled around him, dragging him into a tunnel. Nuliajuk stopped running and transformed into her humanoid form.


    ''Damn, I hate these monsters, but I''ll be able to kill them with ease,'' she thought while entering the tunnel and taking out her knife.


    Nuliajuk slowly entered the darkness as she tried to remember everything she knew about the Ice Serpent, ''It burrows deep into the earth to raise its young and eat in peace. They aren''t strong monsters, so this should be easy.''


    After that, she reached the first chamber, where thousands of bones littered the ground. Nuliajuk jumped down and landed with a thud, but she instantly transformed into her Frostbear form and swiped at a lunging snake.


    Her claws sliced through the creature''s body, severing it in half before it crashed to the ground. Without hesitation, she dashed through the tunnel, drawn by the scent of blood that piqued her curiosity.


    Nuliajuk burst into a nesting chamber, her heart sinking as she saw the armored figure gnawed on by a pack of baby Ice Serpents. As she entered the scene, the mother serpent lunged at her, sinking its fangs into her flank.


    She let out a roar of pain, then retaliated fiercely against the swarm of Ice Serpents. The battle was brutal; they were slashing and biting at one another. Nuliajuk gained the upper hand, tearing into the mother serpent''s body before ripping it in two.


    When the creature stopped moving, she flung the lifeless body aside before walking up to the figure. She swiped at the baby serpents while looking at the figure with black armor and blue trimming.


    Nuliajuk noticed the armor was damaged but slowly knitted itself back together. Curiosity piqued, she leaned forward and carefully removed the helmet. Her breath caught in her throat as she gazed at the boy beneath it.


    His snow-white, scruffy hair stood out sharply against his pale skin, and his pointed elf ears framed his youthful face, leaving Nuliajuk momentarily stunned. She quickly shook off her surprise, slipping the helmet back on before carefully lifting him into her arms.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 215 - 215: What Kind Of Monster Is He

    [Nuliajuk''s POV]


    When Nuliajuk left the cave, she left the ravine, where explosions suddenly erupted, causing her to cast an Ice Shield around them quickly. The shockwaves hit her from all sides, shaking the ground.


    As the blasts finally faded, she cautiously opened a hole in the barrier, her heart racing. A massive airship loomed high above, circling the skies like a predator. Her light blue eyes narrowed as she stared at it.


    ''What does this thing want?'' she wondered, her gaze sharpening.


    Moments later, she noticed several small black dots descending from the craft, growing larger as they neared. As that happened, Nuliajuk heard a massive screech, causing her to glance up.


    Her eyes widened when she realized what appeared, ''The Snow Eagles are here. It looks like they will attack that thing.''


    As the dark figures closed in, Nuliajuk braced herself for battle. Spotting the danger, she cast an Ice Shield over the young man, enveloping him in a barrier before unleashing a barrage of Water Bullets toward the approaching foes.


    ''This should hold them back,'' she thought while glancing around. ''This is going to be harder than I expected.''


    Without hesitation, Nuliajuk charged forward, fists clenched, as the clash erupted. Each of her punches landed with explosive force, echoing through the air with thunderous booms, driving them back with every strike.


    She lunged forward as her fist connected with the nearest figure with a thunderous sound. The force sent the enemy flying back, but more rushed in. She pivoted, slamming her elbow into another attacker.


    Nuliajuk followed up with a deadly punch that shattered the black-clad figure''s defense. A third enemy tried to attach her from behind, but she spun, driving her fist into their chest, sending them sprawling.


    There was silence as the figures fell at her feet for a moment. She straightened, breathing heavily, but before she could catch her breath, more shadows emerged from the mist, surrounding her again.


    ''This isn''t working; I need to transform to escape with the Chosen One,'' Nuliajuk thought while assessing the situation.


    Without hesitation, Nuliajuk shifted into her Frostbear form, her body growing massive and covered in thick, icy fur. With a deep growl, she slammed her powerful front paws onto the ground.


    The earth trembled beneath her, and a ferocious Ice Storm erupted in response. Snow and ice swirled violently, whipping through the air and engulfing the battlefield in a blinding blizzard.


    As the storm raged behind her, Nuliajuk dashed toward the young man, scooping him gently into her massive jaws. Without wasting a second, she bolted from the chaos, her powerful legs tearing across the snow-covered ground.


    The enemies gave chase, forcing her to lash out with her sharp claws. Each swipe tore through the attackers, reducing them to a blood mist that stained the snow red. Following that, she sped through a narrow mountain pass, her breath heavy.


    Suddenly, several spells struck her from behind, hitting with enough force to send her sprawling across the ground. Nuliajuk let out a deep growl, shaking off the pain. But something in the air froze her in place¡ªa dark, oppressive energy.


    She turned to the young man, his legs trembling beneath him. Gripping a blade in one hand, a blue aura pulsed around him. His body began to shift, morphing into a terrifying creature of shadow and flesh.


    His limbs stretched unnaturally, ending in claws sharper than hers, while his armor fused into his skin, becoming part of him. Only then did she truly see the face of the Chosen One¡ªeyes glowing an intense azure, teeth like razors gleaming under the eerie blue light.


    ''What kind of monster is he? I know this is the Void Element as the stories described this feeling,'' she pondered while backing off.


    Nuliajuk''s eyes widened in disbelief as the boy began slaughtering the attackers. With a guttural snarl, he lunged. The first attacker didn''t even have time to scream. A flash of claws and blood splattered the ground.


    The Chosen One moved faster than her eyes could follow, tearing through his enemies with savage precision. His limbs, now grotesquely elongated, whipped and slashed through the air, cutting down men like they were nothing but wheat to the scythe.


    The flesh was ripped apart, bones shattered with sickening crunches, and the sharp scent of blood filled the air. Nuliajuk had seen death before and dealt with it herself, but this was different.


    ''Why isn''t he targeting me? It would be easy for him to fight me with this kind of strength,'' she thought in confusion.


    This was chaos incarnate. The beast fought with no hesitation and no mercy, tearing apart anyone who dared challenge it. One attacker charged, spear raised, but he was thwarted mid-stride, his body split open in a spray of crimson.


    Another tried to flee, but the monster''s claws caught him by the throat, lifting him effortlessly before crushing the life from the man in a single squeeze. Afterward, the boy killed the remaining attackers.


    As the impromptu battlefield fell silent, Nuliajuk caught his gaze. The Chosen One''s eerie azure eyes locked onto hers before he suddenly collapsed into the snow, returning to his standard form.


    The unexpected turn of events left her even more bewildered. ''''Should I still help? He might harm Atek if I take him home,'''' she muttered as a thunderous boom echoed overhead.


    With a sigh, Nuliajuk scooped the boy up in her maw and sprinted south, determined to escape the approaching mana storm. She ran through the Northern Wastes, ignoring all the fleeing monsters that avoided her.


    By the time she reached the valley where her home was, the wind was picking up. Nuliajuk leaped onto the cliff face and started climbing using her claws as Atek appeared carrying a baby mammoth.


    Once she reached the top, she rushed into the cave, transforming into her humanoid form and placing the Chosen One on the spare bed. After that, she let out a breath of relief before Atek entered and growled.


    Nuliajuk turned to the Frostfang, scolding him firmly. ''''You will not eat him! I''ll find us more food; if we''re lucky, the storm won''t hit for another day.''''


    The tiger let out a low growl, but she swiftly bonked him on the head. ''''Atek! You both need to get along¡ªhe''s a part of our lives now.''''


    Huffing in response, the Frostfang left the cave, prompting Nuliajuk to mutter under her breath, ''''Stubborn child.''''


    After that, Nuliajuk went hunting and picked off a dozen Giant Mammoths. The next day, they dragged them back to the cave and stored them in the ice room, which kept the corpses fresh.


    Once they were done hunting, Nuliajuk walked onto the ledge where Atek sat while looking over the valley. She watched as flying monsters fled further south to avoid the storm that would stop at the mountains blocking the way to Astoria.


    Nuliajuk couldn''t see anything; she turned to the Frostfang and spoke, ''''Have there been many monsters below? They should have hidden already.''''


    He let out a deep growl, causing her eyes to widen, ''''Herds of Snow Deer are trapped in the valley? Are they stupid?''''


    The Frostfang nodded as the storm picked up, and Nuliajuk saw the cold crossing over the mountains opposite. She turned to Atek and spoke concernedly, ''''Let''s get inside before it hits. We don''t want to be frozen out here.''''


    After that, the two entered the cave, where Nuliajuk moved a large boulder to block the entrance, shielding them from the biting cold outside. Once secure, she lit torches throughout their cave home, casting flickering shadows on the walls.


    Finally, she went to the room where the Chosen One lay. He was still unconscious, which caused her to think, ''Did he burn through his mana? Must be the case.''''


    After checking on him, Nuliajuk set out to complete her chores, the howling wind echoing outside the cave. Curiosity tugged at her as she approached the boulder, noticing it was frozen solid.


    ''''What''s going on here?'''' she wondered aloud. ''''It can''t be that cold outside. This mana storm must be different.''''


    Then, Nuliajuk sorted out some food for the coming week and entered their cold room. She gutted the monsters before cutting off all the good meat and storing it in her ice box. ''At least me and the Chosen One will have meals in case we''re stuck here,'' she said.


    The young woman continued to do this for a while, butchering several Giant Mammoth bodies and giving the leftovers to Atek, who happily ate everything, including the monster bones. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once she finished in the cold room, Nuliajuk went to the bathroom. As she stepped inside, she activated a few runes, and the water began to bubble as the warmth enveloped it. A smile spread across her face.


    Nuliajuk stripped off her clothes and slipped into the water before sinking deeper until only her nose was out. She relaxed in the hot water for hours until climbing out when her stomach rumbled.


    ''He''ll still be asleep, I''ll make something to eat before he gets up,'' she mused while drying herself off.


    After that, she got ready and left the room, only to stop when she saw the Chosen One sitting up, rubbing his head while groaning.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 216 - 216: Seeing You Surprised Me

    Atlas came to and was confused as he saw a cave ceiling illuminated by torches on the walls. ''Where am I? Didn''t that snake poison me?'' he thought.


    That''s when a horrid stench hit his nose, causing him to dismiss his armor, only to see the clothes covered in a foul-smelling liquid underneath. He shook his head before scanning the room he found himself in.


    He was sat on a comfortable bed, surrounded by monster hides that covered the ground like a makeshift carpet. Atlas noticed a sturdy table in the middle of the room, flanked by three chairs.


    A few bookcases and shelves adorned the walls, filled with various items and trinkets. ''Am I in a hermit''s home?'' he wondered, his gaze drifting to the nearby door.


    There were several all over the room that he guessed led to other parts of the cave. While sitting there, Atlas shook his head before checking his status to see how much he had leveled up during all the fighting.


    [Level Up: 233¡ú258]


    [Experience: 1300/10000]


    [Experience Gained: 251200] Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Health: 2626¡ú2786]


    [Mana: 10086¡ú10334]


    [Strength: 2896¡ú3078]


    [Stamina: 3544¡ú3758]


    [Charisma: 900¡ú984]


    [Intelligence: 2504¡ú2616]


    [Core Points: 72490/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 39400]


    [Void Lance: ¡ú2]


    [Void Punch: 0¡ú1]


    [Void Infusion: 2¡ú3]


    [Aqua Lung: 2¡ú3]


    [Light: 0¡ú1]


    ''Oh, I leveled up twenty-five times!'' he thought, a surge of excitement filling him.


    The sudden headache made him grimace, but a soft click quickly pulled his attention away. Absentmindedly scratching his head, Atlas looked up¡ªand his breath hitched at the sight before him.


    A woman in her twenties stood there, watching him with wide eyes. Her flawless, smooth, dark brown skin highlighted her bright blue eyes, which seemed to shine with anger and confusion.


    Dark brown hair was pulled into a high ponytail, revealing her slender neck. The young woman wore nothing but a thick towel, which clung to her hourglass figure, showcasing her well-endowed chest, toned arms, and tight stomach.


    Atlas''s eyes briefly lingered on her long, slender legs before he quickly snapped out of it, realizing the wave of irritation radiating from her. Her voice sliced through the tension, icy and sharp.


    "Stop staring; it''s rude," she said, her bear-like ears twitching with annoyance.


    He turned away from the young woman before replying, ''''I''m Sorry. Seeing you surprised me. Thank you for saving me from that serpent; it knocked me out.''''


    After speaking, Atlas got no reply as he heard rustling, but something told him to move; he quickly cast Void Step as a giant cat crashed into the spot he was just in, causing his eyes to widen as he summoned Nightblade.


    An angry voice rang out as he moved toward the monster, ''''Atek! Don''t you dare attack our guest; what have I told you?''''


    The woman scolded the large cat, her voice sharp, causing the creature to shrink back at the sound of her words. Then, turning her intense gaze toward Atlas, she warned, "You may be the Chosen One, but I will kill you if you hurt him."


    ''''He tried to attack me! Don''t threaten me over his actions,'''' he responded with narrowed eyes.


    She scoffed and walked off, leaving the cat to glare at Atlas with a dirty look. He scowled back and muttered, "You''re lucky she saved you. I would''ve turned you into a cloak¡ªone for me and my girls."


    The cat narrowed its eyes as if offended by the statement. It lunged at him, which caught Atlas off guard. However, he was able to cast Void Guard, causing the monster to crash into it. The impact sent him crashing into the nearby wall.


    Atlas went to get up, but the cat pounced. It landed on top of him while growling. He didn''t break eye contact while casting Void Punch into the creature''s side, which sent it flying across the room, causing a stir.


    As the monster hit the ground, the woman rushed back angrily and declared, ''''Atek! What did I tell you? Go to the boulder and don''t show your face anymore.''''


    He watched the cat slink off with its tail between his legs, causing Atlas to laugh, but the woman spun on him, ''''And you! Why are you tormenting my companion?''''


    Atlas met her gaze before sighing, ''''It''s clear he doesn''t like me; I will stay away from the cat if he returns the favor.''''


    The woman looked at him briefly until she nodded, ''''I''m Nuliajuk Sivuraq. What''s your name?''''


    ''''Atlas,'''' he replied with a friendly smile. ''''Why does it feel cold? I''ve felt Frostwinter, but this is something different.''''


    Nuliajuk giggled before revealing, ''''That would be a mana storm. It happens once a year, but this time, it seems even colder.''''


    Atlas nodded while wrapping his cloak tighter around himself, but the biting cold still seeped through. As he shivered slightly, Nuliajuk''s voice broke the silence as she left the room, "Rest. I''ll bring us some food."


    Once she was gone, Atlas sat back down and wanted to clear Level Three of the Void Realm. He activated the skill and appeared on the plateau, which was eerily quiet as there was no more normal Void Golems.


    ''I nearly forgot I cleared them the last time,'' he mused excitedly.


    That''s when the ground started trembling as the Warrior Golems rushed out of the mist that surrounded him. Atlas yelped at their speed but dodged the first set of strikes before retaliating with Void Barrage, which peppered the stone monsters.


    Atlas continued battling the larger creatures, noting they were slower than the first but far stronger. Each time he blocked one of their punches, the sheer force behind it reverberated through his body, leaving him stunned.


    He shook his head before continuing to fight, using his blades and magic to beat the bigger Golems. Atlas was redirecting their giant fists that passed too close to his face as he leaned back.


    Following that, the battle went on for another hour until one of the warriors managed to sneak up on him and hit him with a sucker punch. Atlas was sent crashing along the ground before falling straight off the edge and waking up in the room.


    Atlas was confused but pulled up the monster tally to see how many he had killed during the fight in the Void Realm.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 203111/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 89123/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Gone down a little,'' he mused as Nuliajuk returned holding two plates full of meat.


    When smelling the delicious food, Atlas''s stomach grumbled, causing the woman to giggle as she spoke, ''''You will like this; the Giant Mammoth meat is delicious.


    ''''Thank you, Nulia,'''' Atlas smiled as she handed him the plate.


    After hearing him, Nuliajuk remained still for a moment, then shook her head and quietly began eating. He followed her lead, enjoying the warmth of the meat and mushrooms. A low rumble echoed through the cave as they settled into the meal.


    ''An earthquake?'' he thought while looking at the cave''s ceiling.


    Atlas glanced over at Nuliajuk, noticing how her bear ears twitched in response to the noise, ''''The storm is getting worse; maybe the cave entrance may be blocked,'''' she said to his silent question.


    Following that, the young woman went quiet, leaving Atlas confused. He shrugged before eating even more as the cave tumbled. The beast Atek rushed into the room and let out a low growl.


    When Nuliajuk heard this, she spoke to them in a concerned voice, ''''Don''t wander around the cave; a few corridors could collapse due to the storm.''''


    Atlas smiled as he pulled out some meat buns and started eating, which surprised Nuliajuk and Atek when they smelled the food. Her head snapped to him as she spoke, ''''Where did you get that from?''''


    ''''My storage,'''' he answered before offering one to her and the cat. ''''Here, taste one; it''s a mean bun from the last town I visited.''''


    As they continued eating, the cave suddenly shook violently, far more intense than before. A roar echoed from deep outside, reverberating through the stone walls. Atek, who had been quietly curled up near the fire, jumped up in terror.


    His fur bristled as he scrambled to hide behind Nuliajuk. His wide eyes darted around, trembling at the sound. Nuliajuk stood up, her expression tense but calm. Atlas could tell she was worried.


    ''What kind of monster is inside to worry her?'' he thought.


    "Stay here," she muttered, her hand resting briefly on Atek''s head to calm him before moving toward the entrance.


    Atlas followed behind as he questioned, ''''What''s going on, Nulia? I can tell there''s something outside.''''


    The brown-skinned woman stopped walking and looked at him worriedly before answering, ''''The Dark Ones roam the land outside trying to hunt anyone trapped in a storm.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his eyes widened before she started walking again and made it to the boulder. The giant stone moved slights as he saw it, causing him to think, ''Are they trying to get into the cave?''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 217 - 217: Now Lets End This

    Atlas was sitting in front of a fireplace as the cold seeped into his bone, and the stump of his left arm stung. He cradled it, causing Nuliajuk to question with curious blue eyes, ''''How did you lose your arm? It must be hard at your age.''''


    He looked at the young woman and sighed before speaking, ''''A Chaos monster bit down and managed to tear it off; it won''t heal due to something it injected into the wound.''''


    Nuliajuk nodded as she responded, ''''Will you try to heal it?''''


    Atlas shook his head and took out the Void Orbs that let out a beautiful azure glow, ''''I have to become an Arch Master before I can use it again. When I can, it will give me a new limb, which I''ve used but deactivated because I wasn''t the correct rank.''''


    ''''It does make sense; some artifacts are like that,'''' Nuliajuk said while stoking the fire.


    As she did that, Atlas watched her and noticed her toned figure, but she was still womanly with a thin waist and thick thighs and large boobs. He shook his head before she caught him looking at her again.


    Following that, the two of them continued to shelter from the storm; while doing that, Atlas created the Dark One Runes because they were lurking outside, making strange noises. This caused him to grow frustrated.


    ''''Sit down, boy, the creatures won''t be able to get in, and the storms are only getting worse,'''' Nuliajuk said while cooking some soup.


    Atlas agreed with a nod and sat down before activating the Void Realm. Seconds later, he reappeared on the plateau. While standing there, he took out his blade and cast Void Infusion on them.


    Afterward, he quickly pilled up the monster total for the Void Golems to see how many he had to take down.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 203111/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 89123/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    When Atlas heard a Warrior Golem charging him, he smiled before casting Void Blasts on the ground. As that happened, the stone monster tripped into the small crater. As that happened, he dashed forward and cut through its body while casting Void Bomb at an incoming group.


    ''This should wipe out dozens of the bastards!''


    Atlas used Void Step to escape the shockwave, only to cut down another dozen Golems without much effort, ''This is getting easier,'' he thought excitedly while killing even more monsters.


    He barely managed to block the surprise attack from the Golem Commander, but the sheer force sent him flying back. Determined, Atlas quickly activated his Voidwalker form, transforming into his monster form.


    ''I can''t maintain this for long, but it''ll be enough,'' he thought as he dashed forward with incredible speed.


    His claws gleamed with dark energy as he tore through hundreds of Golems, shredding them apart with unstoppable force. Atlas let out an earth-shattering roar that stunned the surrounding monsters before he pounced and destroyed hundreds more.


    Atlas pushed himself beyond his limits, feeling his muscles strain and tear with every powerful strike. His claws ripped through the ranks of Warrior Golems like a whirlwind of destruction.


    ''''If I want to survive in this world,'''' he growled to himself, ''''I''ll need to get stronger¡ªbut I can''t lose control.''''


    Each swing of his claws sent waves of energy crashing into the enemy, but even as his strength faltered, his resolve burned brighter. Atlas continued taking out the Warrior and Commander Golems.


    An hour passed, and exhaustion gripped him like iron chains. Sensing weakness, the monsters surged forward, unleashing a relentless, ferocious onslaught. Their strikes fell like thunder, each blow driving him deeper into despair.


    Following that, Atlas felt the injuries building up as the largest Commander, Golem, towered over him, its azure eyes glowing in excitement, ready to crush him into the dust. He gritted his teeth, summoning the last of his mana.


    It flowed through him like a waterfall, igniting a storm within. He could feel the weight of his fatigue and the near-absence of mana, but he refused to give up. ''''Keep going until they send me back to the real world,'''' he muttered while gritting his teeth.


    With a deep breath, Atlas straightened his spine as he looked up at the Golem, a fierce determination burned in his eyes. The world around him blurred, narrowing to the colossal monster before him.


    ''Use one hundred percent!'' With a roar reverberating through the air, he focused all his remaining strength and mana into a powerful Void Punch.


    Atlas stepped forward, the ground trembling beneath his feet as he gathered the void mana swirled around him, ''''Now let''s end this!'''' he declared.


    Shadows twisted and coiled at his fists, forming a dark sphere that pulsed with power. He could feel the Golem''s mocking gaze, but he ignored it. In one explosive motion, Atlas unleashed a Void Punch, the air shuddering with raw force. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The charged-up mana shot forth, a comet of azure light, colliding with the Golem with a bone-rattling impact. The shockwave rippled outward, sending debris flying and echoes of the blast roaring across the plateau.


    Atlas watched hundreds of Warrior Golems hurled into the sea below before he was abruptly pulled back to the real world due to the exhaustion kicking in. As he opened his eyes, a wave of exhaustion washed over him.


    Before doing anything else, he pulled up the monster tally to see how many Void Golems he killed in his rampage.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 161981/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 87011/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Nice, not long until I finished level three,'' he smiled.


    Atlas quickly removed a stamina potion from his pack and gulped it down, hoping to regain strength. While doing that, he didn''t realize Nuliajuk and Atek were watching him with concerned expressions.


    Nuliajuk''s eyes narrowed as she fixed her gaze on him, "Where did you just go?" she asked. "You weren''t here."


    Atlas sighed before explaining most of what he knew about the Void Realm, feeling that Nuliajuk deserved to know after saving his life. Half an hour later, her blue eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked, "Can I join you one day?"


    He chuckled at the question but nodded in agreement, realizing it would be beneficial to have some help. The two continued their conversation, with Atlas sharing tales of the monsters he had unlocked so far, each story captivating Nuliajuk even more.


    As the days passed, Atlas and Nuliajuk did their best to keep warm. One morning, Atek roused him with a deep, menacing growl. Startled, Atlas sprang up and drew Nightblade just as the boulder blocking their entrance exploded.


    Reacting quickly, Atlas cast Void Guard around himself and Nuliajuk as the large chunks of stone struck the azure shield. As the dust settled, a sense of foreboding washed over him, prompting him to mutter, ''''Chaos is here; we need to go.''''


    The atmosphere shifted dramatically as several armored knights charged from the tunnel. As Atlas took in the scene, he realized these were not ordinary knights; they appeared mutated, their living armor writhing and shifting across their bodies like a hideous second skin.


    When Nuliajuk saw them, she growled, ''''Devils of the north!'''' she said before turning to Atlas, ''''Get out of here; I will hold them off. They are hunting for you, Chosen One.''''


    He ignored her before stepping forward and casting a dozen Void Lances that tore through the creepy-looking knights. After that, Atlas used Void Sight on the creature and Atek to figure out their rank.


    [Chaos Knight]


    [Rank: C+ - 1000 Exp]


    [Use magic and the Nightblade; that blade will do damage to them]


    [Frostfang Tiger]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Don''t mess with it; the creature is friendly]


    Realizing the gravity of their situation, Atlas readied his blade. But before he could make a move, Atek let out a fierce roar and lunged at the Chaos Knight charging toward Nuliajuk. The Frostfang swiftly took the creature down, ripping through its armor ferociously.


    Atlas was about to help the tiger, but a bigger Chaos Knight punched it. Atek flew across the chamber before crashing into the wash with a sickening thud, seeing that he quickly cast Void Infusion over his blade and charged at the remaining knights.


    With a surge of power, he tore through their living armor, and each strike burned the Chaos Knight with void mana. In the meantime, Nuliajuk panicked when she saw her companion get attacked.


    She lost her temper and transformed, stunning Atlas with the sudden display of her true power. Nuliajuk let out a vicious roar and charged at the creatures, ruthlessly tearing them apart.


    ''She''s a massive polar bear!'' he thought in shock and awe


    Atlas watched in awe as she unleashed her strength; the enemies didn''t stand a chance against her ferocity. With the young woman''s help, they pushed the Chaos Knights back to the entrance, thanks to the tight spaces of the corridors.


    Just as Nuliajuk swatted away the last three knights, her big blue eyes widened in alarm. Without warning, she grabbed Atlas by the scruff of the neck and dashed back into the cave.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 218 - 218: You Shouldnt Pry

    Confused, Atlas turned to look at the entrance just in time to see a dozen charged mana missiles zooming toward them. He watched as the missiles slammed into the stone, causing the mountain they were on to shudder.


    ''Where the fuck did they come from?'' he thought as Nuliajuk barrelled through the cave.


    They arrived in the chamber; she let Atlas down before returning to her humanoid form. Confusion washed over him, but the sound of more explosions echoed through the cave, causing it to tremble around them.


    Nuliajuk quickly tapped a series of runes, and a hidden door swung open. Turning to him, she said urgently, ''''Take Atek and go. I''ll be right behind you; I must close the door before they enter.''''


    Atlas nodded as the Frostfang limped into the shadows, and he followed closely behind. Nuliajuk pushed him through the door, quickly closing it just seconds before the mountain cracked.


    ''Oh, fuck, not this again,'' he thought, annoyance flooding through him as he realized what was about to happen. ''I swear, Luxia, I will burn this damn world for this madness.''


    The ground beneath them began to crumble, prompting the young woman to leap forward and scoop up Atek just as the staircase vanished beneath their feet. The three of them plummeted into the darkness as the mountain collapsed.


    Following that, the two of them passed through something and slammed into a lake, causing a massive explosion. Atlas was confused as his instincts told him to run, but he panicked when something clamped down on his torse.


    ''''Get off me!'''' he raged before casting Void Wave and destroying the monster that had grabbed him, allowing him to Void Step out of the water only to see Nuliajuk fighting a massive crocodile covered in blood.


    Atlas rushed toward her while casting Void Lances and Bullets at the monster. The azure projectiles peppered the beast''s body, causing it to back off just before he scanned it to find out what they were.


    [Dark Swamp Drakes]


    [Rank: D - 300 Exp]


    [Physical attacks are better than magic]


    Without wasting a moment, Nuliajuk rushed toward Atek, and Atlas dashed toward the Swamp Drake. He sliced into its flank, feeling the resistance of its tough hide before swiftly running down the creature''s side.


    ''This should kill you! I''ve had enough of fighting monsters now.''


    Then, Atlas cast Void Bomb into the monster''s insides, the dark energy surging through its body. Turning his attention to the second creature, he noticed Nuliajuk charging across the swamp.


    He could sense the young woman''s fury as she barreled into the creature, sinking her teeth deep into its neck. A loud crack echoed through the swamp as she effortlessly snapped the monster''s neck, her raw power on full display.


    Atlas was taken aback, momentarily stunned, but quickly shook his head to regain focus. He scanned her, but something blocked his perception. Confusion washed over him as Nuliajuk approached, blood covering her head to toe.


    ''Does she have an artifact that blocks Void Sight?'' he thought.


    With a shimmer of energy, she transformed back into her humanoid form while speaking angrily, ''''You shouldn''t pry into people''s secrets, but if you must know, I''m Master Rank, and that''s all you need to know.''''


    Following that, she approached the struggling Atek. Atlas took out some health potions and handed them to the young woman, who accepted them. That''s when he sensed a familiar feeling causing him to mutter, ''''We''re in the Chaos Realm, for fuck sake.''''


    When Nuliajuk heard that, her blue eyes widened in shock, but she still gave Atek the health potion as she spoke, ''''This is the Underworld; my people speak of entrances in the Lost Forest in the far west.''''


    Atlas was confused but shook his head and summoned Nightblade before sheathing it. He replied in a tired voice, ''''Let''s find a place to rest for now; this place will be hectic once the Chaos monsters realize we''re here.''''


    Nuliajuk nodded while scooping up the injured cat as Atlas scanned their surroundings. They found themselves in a lush swamp bordering a jungle, causing him to sigh, ''''Damn, I''m starting to hate jungles and forests.''''


    ''''Let''s just get going; we need to find a safe place,'''' the young woman replied, unsheathing a machete and cutting through the underbrush.


    They then traveled through the jungle until they found a ledge high on a mountain. Atlas pointed toward it before speaking, ''''I can use Void Step to get us up there if you can''t climb.''''


    Nuliajuk glanced at him as she answered with a grin, ''''I''ll have no issues carrying Atek. Just watch Chosen One.''''


    Atlas chuckled, stepping back as the young woman shifted into her polar bear form. With a burst of energy, she dashed toward the steep mountainside, using her powerful claws to climb the rocky surface.


    He watched her shuffle up the mountain, unable to contain his laughter at the sight. Atlas followed behind, casting Void Step to appear on the ledge as Nuliajuk reached before growling at him.


    ''''Now make sure Atek''s comfortable, and I''ll set up the tent,'''' Atlas said with a smile as he got to work.


    In less than ten minutes, Atlas had everything set up while Nuliajuk worked to start a fire using a piece of wood and metal. She struck them with a forceful smash, creating sparks that ignited a small flame.


    A smile spread across her face as she exclaimed, ''''There we go! The fire will keep the cold at bay.''''


    Atlas approached and handed her a Horned Rabbit Kebab, which she happily accepted and eagerly started eating. He sat beside her while looking at the landscape below and noticing it was dark.


    Without thinking, he jumped up and started drawing the Dark One''s Runes, which surprised Nuliatuk, causing her to question, ''''What are you doing? Are those creatures down here?''''


    ''''Yes. They are everywhere,'''' he replied just before finishing the Runes. ''''And the things keep finding me.''''


    Afterward, Atlas sat back down and noticed a mountain range encircling their area. Trees stretched high into the dark clouds, but he ignored them while pulling out a handful of dumplings before eating.


    Nuliajuk was checking on Atek, who was sleeping, but she woke him up, saying, ''''Shrink boy, and I''ll carry you.''''


    Following that, Atlas watched as the Frostfang glowed before turning into the size of a kitten, which shocked him. Nuliajuk picked him up and stuffed him into her coat as she snuggled up to her while recovering.


    ''''You treat him so good; it reminds me of Lilith,'''' Atlas revealed, causing him to frown as he took out the Monster Vault she was resting on.


    He saw the Honey Badger sleeping, but he knew she was injured. Nuliajuk noticed this, which caused her to question, ''''Whose Lilith? A lover?''''


    Atlas chuckled before replying, ''''She is an Arzuros. I met in a cave where she attacked me, but then we ended up bonding.''''


    Nuliajuk giggled as she spoke, ''''It makes sense that you''d bond with that creature; they are solitary monsters that attack anything that comes near.''''


    ''''Yes, I''ve experienced that, which was funny,'''' Atlas said with a chuckle.


    The two of them continued to speak until he grew tired and stood up before getting into the tent. He said, ''''You''re welcome to share the tent with me; I only have one that can fit us both.''''


    The woman looked at him with narrowed eyes and warned him, ''''You better not try anything, boy.''''


    Atlas just looked at her with a deadpan expression before snapping, ''''What do you think I am? Of course, I won''t touch you.''''


    After speaking, he crawled into his sleeping bag while activating the Void Realm and appeared on the plateau. He quickly pulled up the monster tally to see how many he had to deal with.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 161981/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 87011/100000] S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    After that, he heard the Warrior Golems before casting Void Infusion on the blades as the monster made its first appearance. It dashed toward him and swung its massive fist. ''Too slow,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    He leaned back to dodge the attack, casting Void Bomb into the creature''s chest. An explosion erupted, sending a dozen Golems flying off the plateau. As a result, the monsters were thrown into chaos.


    ''They can''t keep up with me,'' he thought with an amused grin.


    Atlas started bouncing around the battlefield, dodging most monster attacks, but he blocked them with Void Guard. The azure shield deflected the punches before he continued attacking using his blades.


    Thanks to Void Infusion, Atlas carved through the stone bodies, causing them to crash to the ground around him. He continued casting dozens of spells that caused explosions to ring all over the plateau.


    The battle went on for hours until Atlas was growing tired and sluggish. The Golems gave him some space as they regrouped, and while doing that, he pulled up the monster total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 133529/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 85659/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not so many left, this is going quicker then I expected,'' Atlas thought while catching his breath.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 219 - 219: You Seem Happy Now

    Atlas continued battling the Void Golems, wiping out thousands of monsters as they became stone chunks. Following this, the stone creatures appeared, charging at him before throwing a few punches. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He dodged many attacks with a smile while casting a dozen spells that peppered the Warrior Golems. Soon enough, Atlas grew tired as he ran out of mana and dropped to one knee as the exhaustion set in.


    ''That''s enough; I need some rest,'' Without wasting time, he returned to the real world, where he noticed Nuliajuk crawling into the tent. Atlas smiled before facing away from the young woman as he checked the monster total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 101313/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 85412/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Following that, Atlas lay there as his mana was recovering; thunder boomed overhead just as a roar echoed across the Chaos Realm. He turned over to see Nuliajuk staring at him with gleaming blue eyes.


    The young woman smiled as she spoke, ''''You need to be more careful in your future fights, or you''ll be losing more than an arm.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding as Nulia stroked Atek, whose head poked out of her jacket while he enjoyed the pampering. This made him smile before asking, ''''How long have you had him?''''


    ''''Many years now, I found him as a kitten when a Windwalker killed his parents,'''' she revealed while stroking the little cat''s chin.


    Then, something unexpected happened, startling both of them. Atek crawled out from her jacket, limping toward him. Concerned, Atlas sat up and gently scooped the little being into his lap, his fingers instinctively stroking its soft fur.


    ''What is this creature doing?'' he thought with confusion. ''I thought he hated me?''


    As he did, he channeled mana to his fingertips, sending it into the cat''s body. The little Frostfang began to purr, the soothing energy easing its pain as it nestled closer into his embrace.


    Nulia was shocked before shaking her head and speaking with a small smile, ''''It seems like he likes you, and whatever you''re doing is helping him. The mana is repairing the injuries and strengthening his body.''''


    After that, Atlas pulled out a pile of blankets and offered some to Nulia, who smiled warmly at the gesture. With a contented sigh, he cuddled up with the fluffy cat as exhaustion quickly knocked him out.


    Sleep overtook him; the gentle flow of mana he''d sent into Atek worked its magic, healing the small creature throughout the night. By morning, he was woken by something licking his face.


    ''What the hell is that?'' Atlas thought while opening his eyes.


    He saw the Frostfang Atek, who was fully recovered and full of energy, bouncing over him and making playful, adorable noises. Groggy but amused, he couldn''t help but smile at the sight.


    "You seem happy now. Feeling better, I hope?" he said with a grin, gently stroking the cat''s head.


    In response, Atek playfully nibbled at his fingers. With a chuckle, Atlas grabbed the little furball, launching into a playful attack of strokes and pets. The creature went wild, making adorable growls while nipping at his hand, clearly enjoying the game.


    Atek was in full mischief mode, scrambling up Atlas''s body and plopping down on his shoulder before sinking his tiny teeth into one of his pointy ears. He shivered at the sudden sensation, a sharp tingle running through him.


    Laughing and trying to push the cat away, he muttered, "You little shit, don''t bite those¡ªthey''re sensitive!"


    But Atek kept at it, clearly enjoying the reaction, his playful spirit refusing to let up. The playful chaos woke Nulia up, causing her to blink when she saw the two of them play fighting, which made her smile.


    She stretched before speaking, ''''What are you doing? Why are you pining him to the ground?''''


    Atlas paused his playful attack on the little creature when he heard Nulia''s voice. The little furball immediately seized the opportunity, wriggling free from his grasp and darting toward her.


    Nulia scooped him up, cradling him gently as she began to baby him. The cat nuzzled into her affectionately, soaking in the attention, while Atlas watched with an amused smirk while brushing himself off.


    ''Let''s go check outside,'' he thought while drinking water.


    Following that, he crawled outside the tent but was shocked to see a thick wall of mist blocking his view of the jungle below. While standing there, he summoned a few Darklings and ordered them to scout the area.


    The dark creatures nodded before vanishing into the mist. Atlas brought out three Werewolves, who started nudging up against him. He smiled when this happened and stroked the giant monsters.


    Shortly after that, Nulia exited the tent and went on the defensive, but Atlas quickly spoke in amusement, ''''These are mine; I''m getting them to scout the ground below while other monsters are already scouting.''''


    She narrowed her eyes before exclaiming, ''''Their Rank A Monsters, how are you controlling them?''''


    When Atlas heard this, he went quiet, which Nulia took as a signal that he didn''t want to discuss. The Werewolves jumped off the ledge as he suggested, ''''We should wait for the monsters before moving out. The Chaos creatures love to lay ambushes, and I don''t want to deal with the Mawlings anymore.''''


    After speaking, she agreed with his plan and crawled back into the tent to rest. Atlas chose to sit outside to wait for the Darklings, and while doing that, he checked his status to see if he leveled up.


    [Experience: 5860/10000]


    [Experience Gained: 4560]


    [Health: 2786¡ú2798(200)]


    [Mana: 10334¡ú10358(1000)]


    [Strength: 3078¡ú3092(100)]


    [Stamina: 3758¡ú3772(250)]


    [Charisma: 984¡ú988]


    [Intelligence: 2616¡ú2620]


    [Core Points: 75610/100000]


    [Core Points Gained: 3120]


    ''No level up but my stats went up a little,'' Atlas smiled before activating Void Realm.


    He reappeared on the plateau and started fighting the Warrior Golems by wiping them out with Void Barrages and Blasts. Explosions rang out everywhere as the stone monsters were sent into the water below.


    Atlas continued casting spells that tore through the enemies, causing them to fade back into the Void Realm. The battle continued until he ran out of mana, but he fought until a Golem Commander hit him with a sneak attack.


    He was jolted back to the real world, where werewolves surrounded the tent, their eyes gleaming with intensity. The leader stepped forward and informed him that monsters were roaming in the mist below.


    ''Interesting,'' Atlas mused with a curious expression. ''Are they waiting for us? It really doesn''t matter as we''re safe for now.''


    He shrugged before checking the monster total of Level Three and was surprised to see the number of Void Warrior Golems he had dealt with.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 86189/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 853104/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''''I might as well tire myself while trapped up here,'''' he muttered before activating Void Realm again.


    When he entered, Atlas felt tiredness messing with his body, but he ignored that and started casting Void Bombs and Lances, which took out dozens of stone monsters and brought them crashing to the ground.


    After casting Void Infusion on his swords, he rushed into them and cut them to pieces. Atlas continued fighting the Warrior Golems and deflected many of their attacks. This caused him to smile while thinking, ''This is getting so much easier, I can''t wait to see what the next monster is.''


    Following that, Atlas rushed forward and continued to cut down more monsters that vanished into the realm, but that''s when the Golem Commanders appeared. He gulped when he saw they looked stronger than the ones he had fought before.


    ''Why are they getting stronger?'' Atlas wondered, bracing himself behind the Void Guard shield.


    A thunderous crack split the air as the stone fist slammed into the azure barrier, sending Atlas skidding backward from the sheer force. He gritted his teeth, shaking off the impact, and quickly retaliated, launching a Void Lance into the golem''s chest.


    The dark projectile pierced through its target, continuing its deadly path and taking out a dozen more in a single, swift strike. Atlas cleared some space before returning to real life, which caused him to check the total.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 84617/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 853064/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    Afterward, he pulled out his second-to-last Forest Boar Meat Box, savoring the meal''s warmth as he ate. Suddenly, Atek burst out of the tent, eyes fixed on him. The little cat puffed up and attempted a menacing roar but only managed a cute, high-pitched squeak.


    He smirked at the tiny creature''s effort before patting his leg and saying, "Do you want some? It''s hot, though."


    Without hesitation, the little cat leaped onto his lap and eagerly shoved its small head into the box, eating alongside him. He chuckled at the sight, amused by the cat sharing his meal, causing him to stroke its soft white fur.


    ''''You confuse me. First, you want to attack me, but now you''re all over me?'''' Atlas asked the monster before eating some boar meat.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 220 - 220: Not Fast Enough

    Atek paused mid-bite and glanced up at him, letting out a tiny growl. The attempt at being fierce only made him laugh harder. Atlas finished eating and gave the rest to the Frostfang, still sitting on his lap and covered in sauce.


    While doing that, Nulia''s teasing voice reached his ears, ''''Are you trying to steal my companion, Chosen One?''''


    He glanced back and saw the brown-haired young woman poking her head out of the tent, causing him to smile. Atlas shook his head, ''''No, he just wanted something to eat and decided that my dinner would be the right choice.''''


    Nulia beamed at him before disappearing into the tent, leaving Atlas puzzled. He shrugged off the confusion and looked down at Atek, who had already finished eating and was sitting contentedly on his lap.


    ''Let''s relax while we wait,'' Atlas thought, getting comfortable and staring into the mist while stroking the fluffy cat.


    He remained seated for a while but eventually retreated as the weather took a turn for the worse. Once inside the tent, the cat hopped down from his lap and curled up at the base of their feet, eliciting a smile from Nulia.


    She glanced at Atlas before speaking softly, ''''Come here, Chosen One.''''


    The young woman quickly wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a hug. ''''The cold has come,'''' she said, her voice soft. ''''We need to keep warm.''''


    Atlas didn''t fight Nulia and got comfortable as the tent started shaking due to the wind outside. But despite that, the warmth caused him to drift off to sleep as the storm caused chaos outside.


    The following morning, Atlas awoke to the fragrant scent of flowers, only to realize that Nulia was still hugging him. He shook his head and carefully crawled out of her embrace before sitting up, ''That was a comfortable sleep,'' he mused.


    Once fully awake, he exited the tent, greeted by a thick mist in the air, evidence that the storm had passed. Standing there, he saw footprints scattered all over the ledge where they had been resting, leaving him baffled.


    ''What kind of creature climbed up here?'' Atlas thought while glancing around.


    As he stood there, a gut instinct warned him not to turn around¡ªbut he ignored it. Instantly, Atlas cast Void Guard as a monster lunged at him from above. The impact sent him hurtling off the ledge, plummeting toward the ground below.


    ''Not this shit again!'' he internally raged.


    Without wasting a moment, he began to grapple with the creature mid-fall. It was a strange, twisted Dark One, gnashing its teeth as it tried to bite him. Reacting swiftly, Atlas unleashed Void Punch, delivering a powerful uppercut.


    A resounding boom echoed as both crashed into the ground. Atlas had the wind knocked out of him, but he managed to scramble to his feet as more monsters attacked him from the jungle.


    ''Oh god, there''s more of them!''


    He quickly used Void Infusion on Nightblade before carving through the creature''s skinny torsos while casting Void Bullets at another group. Atlas had to battle as more of them joined the fray.


    It was overwhelming, but a sudden roar echoed throughout the jungle as Nulia crashed down in her bear form while Atek followed. The duo slaughtered the Dark Ones before the younger woman grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and retreated to the ledge.


    The Frostfrong Tiger made sure no creatures could get to Atlas, which made him smile as he was carried up the side of the mountain like a bad child. When Nulia reached the top, she let him go as she returned to her humanoid form.


    After that, the young woman checked on him and sighed in relief before speaking worriedly, ''''What happened? How did you get down there?''''


    Atlas chuckled as he explained that a Dark One had ambushed him from behind, shocking Nulia, but she quickly said, ''''Set up more Runes, and we should be able to look for an escape from this place.''''


    He nodded in agreement as the large cat returned and pounced on him. With a playful swipe, the big feline pinned him down, its tail swaying from side to side. Atlas struggled to free himself, but it was no use.


    Atek began licking him relentlessly, leaving him both amused and helpless. Nulia watched this with a big smile before speaking, ''''Come on boys, get in the tent. It''s going to get cold soon.''''


    The big cat licked Atlas several times as he shrank and joined Nulia in the tent. He stood up while wiping himself before walking inside and getting comfortable. While lying on a blanket pile, he tried to reach the Golem King.


    ''I need to clear this level, it''s repetitive now,'' he mused while closing his eyes.


    Atlas activated the Void Realm and appeared on the plateau. Seconds later, he had to jump to the side as a boulder flew at him. He quickly countered by casting Void Lance as the Golem Commander.


    When the azure projectile tore through the stone monster, it hit a dozen more that were behind it. This pleased Atlas as he continued casting spells into the horde of never-ending Golems.


    ''I should continue using my magic until I run out of mana.''


    An hour passed, and he was breathing heavily due to the repeated use of magic, but that didn''t stop him from checking the monster total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 81002/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 852721/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Slowly going down but not fast enough,'' Atlas thought before bursting forward and carving through the monsters.


    He brought down hundreds at a time while blasting them with most of his spells. Atlas watched as the Golem flew into the water below. This continued for hours until he ran out of mana and had to return to the real world.


    Atlas opened his eyes, realizing just how exhausted he was. He rolled over and quickly drifted back to sleep without a second thought. After what felt like only moments, he was shaken awake by Nulia''s voice.


    "Wake up," she said softly, "we can move on."


    He sat up while stretching and letting out a loud yawn before replying, ''''Thank you. Let''s have some breakfast before we head out.''''


    Atlas pulled out some Orc Meat Boxes and handed one to Nulia, who smiled while eating the hot food. The duo started to eat as she gave Atek some meat, which the little cat enjoyed and began to harass him.


    ''I swear to god, this things hates me!'' he internally complained as the cat climbed into his lap.


    Before the monster could snatch Atlas''s food, he quickly pulled out some Forest Chicken Wraps and offered them to the Frostfang. Atek sniffed the wraps, then accepted the gift, eagerly munching on it while making adorable growling noises of delight.


    The trio continued eating until they were satisfied, and Nulia gestured to the north, where a range of mountains loomed. ''''We should head that way. Once we climb higher, we''ll get a better view of our surroundings.''''


    Afterward, Atlas stored away the tent and prepared to move. They jumped down, and as Nulia and Atek transformed, he summoned Theo. The Blood Bat King surprised them by dropping him to the ground below before soaring into the sky to follow. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Where did that monster come from?'''' Nulia questioned as she appeared beside him.


    Atlas chuckled before answering as he climbed onto her back, ''''I can summon creatures to help me during a battle or for travel.''''


    The bear woman nodded, but he continued, ''''What are you?''''


    Nulia giggled, which was strange in her bear form. She shook her head while answering, ''''I''m a Frostbear. There are tribes of us living in the western part of the Northern Wastes.''''


    Atlas nodded as the trio traveled through the jungle just as the Darklings and Werewolves returned. When he spotted them, he learned there was a way out in the far south, causing him to think, ''What''s going on? There''s an exit, but it will take ages to get there.''


    They continued traveling through the jungle while fighting off Chaos Wolves that tried to ambush them. Atlas was ready to cast Void Barrage on any groups of monsters that came too close.


    Nulia and Atek were perfect deterrents for the hordes of creatures that lurked in the shadows surrounding them. It took them hours to reach the base of the hill, causing him to comment, ''''This place is giving me a bad feeling.''''


    The other two agreed with a nod as Nulia responded, ''''We can deal with them, just be on watch.''''


    ''''Okay, let''s go,'''' Atlas said while glancing around and readying his magic. ''''Can you smell any monsters?''''


    ''''No, I haven''t smelt anything since those monkeys ambushed us a few hours ago,'''' Nulia replied as they climbed the hill.


    As the trio reached the summit, they saw a dense, vibrant jungle stretching out in all directions. At that moment, the Werewolves and Darklings emerged from the shadows behind them.


    With a wave, Atlas dismissed them, sending the creatures back to the Otherworld, where they could rest.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 221 - 221: Void Smash

    Atlas stood atop the hill, his gaze fixed on the southern horizon. An ominous mountain range loomed in the distance, its jagged peaks stretching endlessly into the sky. The sight filled him with foreboding as he thought, "It will take us weeks to reach that."


    While staring into the distance, Nulia spoke as she appeared beside him, ''''We will get going soon. Atek needs to rest, and you need to recover your mana.''''


    He nodded in agreement before responding, ''''I need about ten minutes, but I think we may have visitors.''''


    ''''What do you mean?'''' Nulia questioned as she scanned their surroundings.


    Atlas pointed toward the path ahead, his voice unbothered. "A group of Chaos Mutants and other creatures are lying in wait. They plan to attack once we begin our journey."


    He glanced at her, noticing how her blue eyes widened in surprise, only for a confident smile to follow. A spark of excitement lit up her face. "Let them try," she said. "Atek and your monsters can ambush them from behind while they focus on us.


    ''''Sounds good to me,'''' Atlas replied with an excited grin. ''''We can beat them, but we must be careful when fighting these creatures.''''


    The young woman nodded, ''''Yes, you''re right, and it seems like you''re learning during our trek.''''


    Then, Atlas decided to use some monsters he hadn''t done so far. With a wave of his hand, he summoned a dozen Dark Termites from the Shattered Chasm Dungeon; the giant insects appeared and greeted him with a nod.


    ''''Burrow under the ground and circle the enemies below,'''' he ordered with a glint in his azure eyes. ''''Wait for my command to attack.''''


    After that, he quickly downed three mana potions before waiting for its mana to recover some more before summoning dozens of Howling Ghouls, which shocked Nulia and Atek, but they said nothing while watching the creatures.


    Once all the monsters appeared, he ordered them to charge at the hiding creatures. The horrifying Ghouls rushed down the hill while letting out creepy howls. As the humanoid creatures got close, a battle soon erupted as Chaos Knights and Mutated Humans charged against his monsters.


    As the two sides crashed together, Nulia transformed into her Frostbear form and charged into the fray, followed by Atek, who let out a roar before pouncing on a Chaos Knight and crushing its helmet with his jaws.


    While this happened, Atlas started casting Void Arrows and Bullets into the creatures. The azure projectiles sliced through the air before burrowing into the Chaos Monsters'' chests, causing them to explode.


    ''Looks like they''re weak against my void magic,'' he thought with a big smile.


    That''s when he spotted Nulia savagely fighting a group of knights. Her large claws tore them in two as Atek stayed close by. While this happened, the Dark Termites emerged and slammed into the enemy''s rear.


    Atlas wove through the chaos, casting spells as he evaded the lunges of the Mutated Humans. As one of the hideous creatures lunged at him, he sidestepped and severed its head.


    Black blood erupted like a fountain, but he paid it no mind, his focus unwavering. Then, Atlas summoned Nala and the Dreadmaw Lions, who jumped out of a portal and flew over him, ''This should turn the tide in our favor,'' he thought.


    Nala let out a fierce roar before biting a Chaos Knight in half. Just after that, Atlas spotted more monsters joining the fight against them. He looked toward Nulia and Atek before ordering all his summoned creatures to protect them.


    This left him alone, but he quickly sprinted toward them while skidding under a sword swing. Atlas felt the wind against his face, causing him to cast Void Blast at the knights. The spell sent it crashing through the creatures behind it.


    As Atlas drew closer to Nulia, a colossal Chaos Troll suddenly loomed between them, forcing him to halt. A surge of determination ignited within him. He pointed his hand to the ground and unleashed a powerful Void Blast, launching himself high.


    "Here we go," he muttered while excitement fueled him.


    When high enough, Atlas cast another Void Blast that propelled him directly toward the towering troll. Spinning like a whirlwind, he readied his fist, channeling his energy into a new spell.


    "Void Smash!" when his punch connected, a thunderous clap reverberated, sending the troll hurtling backward as if struck by a storm.


    But the force was too much; Atlas felt a sharp pain as his arm snapped under the strain. Half unconscious as he soared toward Nulia, she opened her maw wide and caught him mid-flight, her powerful legs carrying them away from danger.


    [Void Smash Unlocked]


    While fleeing through the dark jungle, Nulia heard the howls of Chaos Monsters echo, their twisted shapes clawing through the chaos with a terrifying speed. She let out a guttural growl before she created a path of frost, slowing the monsters behind them.


    ''''I can hold them off for a moment!'''' she roared, facing their pursuers.


    As the nearest monster lunged, Nulia reared back on her powerful hind legs, swinging her massive paw and sending a wave of ice crashing toward the creatures. The ice spread like a tidal wave, freezing several monsters in their tracks.


    Seeing the situation, he lifted his broken arm and spammed Void Bomb and Barrage at the pursuing monsters. Explosions quickly tore through their ranks, allowing them to escape as she climbed up the side of a mountain using her claws.


    Halfway up, the pain took Atlas and knocked him out while his body repaired itself. When Nulia noticed this, she laughed, ''Stupid boy, you always push yourself, but thank you for helping us escape.''


    Following that, they reached a cave, where Atek guarded the entrance alongside Nala, whom the cat was interested in. The lioness growled at the Frostfang. Nulia giggled at their interaction before starting a fire after placing him down.


    A few hours later, he woke up with a bad headache, causing him to pull out a health potion and down it. Atlas felt better as his arm was stitched together, bones snapped, and flesh mended.


    ''That was stupid, but at least I unlocked another spell,'' he mused before sitting up and rubbing his head.


    Atlas glanced to the right and noticed Nulia sitting in front of the fire while meditating while Nala and Atek were sitting at the cave''s entrance, ''So the lioness is here? That''s good.''


    Following that, he stood up and stretched his body before stretching. Once done, Atlas approached the entrance and started creating the Dark One Runes, and Nala nudged her head against him.


    ''''Hello girl,'''' he said while stroking through the lioness''s soft fur, causing the big cat to purr in happiness. ''''Thank you for helping me back there.''''


    Once Atlas pampered the Dreadmaw Queen, he returned to the fire where Nulia was sitting as she spoke, ''''We have to give it some time for the horde to move on; it''s the same in the Northern Wastes.''''


    He nodded in understanding before pulling out a Fores Boar Meat Box and handing it to the young woman who smiled at him, ''''Thank you, Atlas; once I get a chance, I''ll cook for you.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me,'''' he replied while eating the last Orc Meat Box just as he realized there wasn''t any left.


    The two began digging into the hot meal as Nala and Atek curled up near the entrance, keeping watch to ensure their safety. After finishing their food, Atlas unpacked the tent and sleeping bag, preparing their camp for the night. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While doing that, Nulia started meditating, giving him enough time to try the Void Realm again. Atlas got comfortable, activated the skill, and appeared on the plateau, where the Warrior Golems appeared.


    They charged at him with wild abandon, swinging their massive stone fists, forcing Atlas to dodge their heavy blows. In response, he quickly cast Void Infusion on his blades, then sliced through the stone creatures'' bodies.


    Atlas watched as the monster crashed to the ground, then swiftly turned his focus to the next Warrior Golem. Without hesitation, he unleashed a Void Barrage, blasting the creature away with a powerful surge of energy.


    He continued fighting for hours and managed to clear some space. Atlas backed off while checking on the monster total to see how many he got rid of during this battle, causing him to think, ''Shouldn''t be too much.''


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 78516/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 852317/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    When Atlas heard this, he grew annoyed and started attacking the Warrior Golems. He started butchering them with ease, and the creatures were sent back into the Void Realm just as he started running on fumes.


    He killed a few Golem Commanders and was sent flying into the water below, only to wake up with a yelp. This caused Nulia to open her beautiful blue eyes as she spoke, ''''Were you in that place again?''''


    Atlas nodded before answering in a fed-up voice, ''''Yes, been trying to get the total down, but it''s getting extremely boring now.''''


    The young woman giggled, ''''How about I come with you next time? With the two of us, we can clear loads of monsters.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 222 - 222: I Love The Name

    Atlas looked at Nulia before nodding, ''''Once I recover, we can try, but be warned, the Golem''s attacks hurt,'''' he said with a chuckle.


    The young woman waved him away as she replied, ''''That doesn''t matter because I can help you.''''


    Following that, the two of them spent the night in the cave as the Dark Ones lurked outside, and these were different. Atlas instantly felt the pure Chaos emanating from them, causing him to shiver while speaking, ''''They are stronger than the ones in the outside world.''''


    Nulia nodded. ''''They are by a rank or two. Fighting them was easy, but there''s something about the creatures I can''t put my finger on,'''' she said in a curious voice.


    "They''re powered by Chaos," he explained, his voice serious. "That awful energy seeps into their bodies, making them stronger."


    Atlas casually pulled out some dumplings as he spoke and began eating, surprising Nulia. She giggled while asking, ''''Are you hungry again? Wasn''t that meat box enough?''''


    He shook his head while replying, ''''When I fight in the Void Realm, it burns through my energy.''''


    After that, the two of them continued eating. Atek suddenly appeared and let out a growl, causing Nulia''s eyes to widen. She quickly jumped up and used her ice magic to create a wall blocking the outside as something smashed against it.


    Atlas grew curious and followed behind the young woman as she spoke annoyedly, ''''The Dark Ones broke the Runes. They may have had help, but we got to it in time.''''


    He went further into the cave as some large punched the ice wall, causing Nulia to grunt. Atlas turned back and saw her struggling; he quickly approached and sent his mana into her body.


    ''This should help,'' he thought as an azure glow washed over her.


    Thanks to the boost, Nulia strengthened the ice wall and stopped the attacks from damaging it. Once that was done, she turned to him with a tired smile, ''''Thanks for that; I was caught off guard.''''


    Atlas nodded with a smile before sitting by the fire; while Nulia fell asleep while being kept warm by the flames, he activated the Void Realm Skill and appeared on the plateau just as the Warrior Golems charged toward him.


    Without wasting time, he started casting Void Blast at the stone monsters. The explosions rang out, causing them to fly off the side of the plateau as Atlas continued cutting through the Golems using Void Infusion on his blade.


    Hours slipped as Atlas continued his work, pouring every ounce of mana into his task. Finally, when his energy was depleted, he was jolted back to reality, awakening before a crackling fire.


    Atlas shook his head while checking the monster total, only to be shocked by the amount he had killed on his last run.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 51329/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 848719/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Slowly going down,'' he thought with a tired smile.


    Atlas swiftly activated Void Realm again, diving back into the battle against the Golems. He methodically tore through their ranks, casting every spell he could muster. However, he soon reached his limit.


    After a grueling fight, he settled by the fire, but exhaustion overwhelmed him, and he collapsed. As the weather outside grew increasingly fierce, Atlas slipped into a deep sleep, oblivious to the storm raging beyond.


    The following morning, Nulia nudged him awake as she spoke, ''''Get up, Chosen One; we need to keep moving while the storm has calmed down.''''


    Atlas brushed her aside, muttering, ''''I''m coming, woman.''''


    Just then, he felt a light tap on his head, followed by Nulia''s giggle. ''''Shut up, elf boy. Let''s get going.''''


    He stood up, stretching his stiff muscles as his joints cracked from the uncomfortable ground. As he rose, he pulled out some dumplings and began munching, offering one to Nulia with a grin.


    Atlas jumped on Nala''s back as Nulia transformed into her Frostbear form, dismissing her ice wall and dashing out. The Dreadmaw Lion Queen followed behind, with him on her back. The group traveled through the Chaos Realm for weeks.


    They had to fight many monsters on the way, but they always came out on top, thanks to Atlas''s creatures. Sometimes, he was injured, and Nulia helped him recover just as he did for her.


    The trio continued south only to stumble across a scorching hot desert, which caused Atlas to comment, ''''Everything ends with this place, Nulia. We''ve been traveling for weeks now.''''


    ''''I know, I should have listened to you back then,'''' she replied in a fed-up voice. ''''I swear to God, if we get lost, it''s on you, Atlas!''''


    The trio finally stepped into the desert, Atek protested loudly, and Atlas laughed. Nulia quickly scolded him, which only made him laugh harder. The Frostfang Tiger growled at him, but he cheekily shot the cat a middle finger.


    As fate would have it, they soon found themselves lost in the vast Chaos Realm, battling chaos monsters. Four long, grueling years later, they finally reached the mountain that marked their escape.


    Nulia appeared beside him, looking up with a teasing smile. ''''It''s not fair that you''re taller than me now, Alt.'''' S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Do you intend to keep calling me that? Ever since I was cut off when I fell into that horrible swamp, and you''ve never let me live it down,'''' Atlas responded.


    ''''No, I love the name, and it''s yours,'''' she replied with a smile. ''''Now let''s get out of here; I''m sure the others have missed you.''''


    The duo started climbing up the mountainside until reaching a ledge where a metal gate was built into the stone. Atlas was confused and muttered out loud, ''''I hope it doesn''t take us another four years.''''


    ''''That was partly your fault because you got us lost in the snowy tundra, then that horrible underground labyrinth, and finally that hot desert,'''' Nulia giggled.


    Atlas turned to the beautiful Frostbear, ''''Shut it, you; how was I supposed to know a Djinn messed me with that one time, I wasn''t expecting it.''''


    Nulia''s smile widened as she added, "Atek did warn us, but you just had to wander into its lair. Lucky for you that you wield the Void, or you''d be screwed."


    Atlas nodded in agreement, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he approached the ancient door. He pulled out the key they had taken from a Chaos Troll and slid it into the lock. The gate began to glow, a soft hum filling the air, and to their shock, it creaked open before them, revealing the outside world.


    When he felt the fresh air brush against his skin, Atlas sighed in relief, but that soon vanished when a message from the Lover''s Band appeared minutes later. [Azhar''Zul! Help; the monster waves and Achaemendians are besieging the fortress we''re sheltered in, but weird magic had encompassed the Northern Waste that''s distorting time and trying to transform the landscape until a second ago]


    ''What the fuck is going on?'' he thought before replying. [How long have we been out of contact, Amethyst?]


    The phoenix girl quickly replied. [I''m so happy that you''re alive, my love. It has been close to two years since we lost contact and the Chaos Monsters appeared, and this time, they were more vital than ever before]


    When Atlas heard this, he quickly checked his status because he had been leveling non-stop and had a few opportunities to nearly complete Level Three due to it being blocked most of the time in the Chaos Realm.


    [Age: 14¡ú18]


    [Level Up: 258¡ú388]


    [Experience: 860/20000]


    [Experience Gained: ????]


    [Rank Up: Journeyman¡úExpert]


    [Health: 2798¡ú3568(200)]


    [Mana: 10358¡ú25898]


    [Strength: 3086¡ú4280]


    [Stamina: 3772¡ú5380]


    [Charisma: 988¡ú1248]


    [Intelligence: 2620¡ú3444]


    [Core Rank Up: Adept High¡úJourneyman Mid]


    [Core Points: 12120/300000]


    [Core Points Gained: ??????]


    [Spell: Void Bullet: 4¡ú8]


    [Spell: Void Arrow: 3¡ú7]


    [Spell: Void Blast: 3¡ú7]


    [Spell: Void Wave: 3¡ú6]


    [Spell: Void Lance: 2¡ú6]


    [Spell: Void Punch: 1¡ú5]


    [Spell: Void Guard: 3¡ú8]


    [Spell: Void Step: 4¡ú8]


    [Spell: Void Veil: 4¡ú7]


    [Void Infusion: 3¡ú6]


    [Void Smash: 0¡ú2]


    [Skill - Void Realm: 3¡ú5]


    [Skill ¨C Void Sight: 3¡ú5]


    [Skill ¨C Duel Wielding: 6¡ú8]


    [Skill ¨C Health Regeneration: 4¡ú6]


    [Skill ¨C Dimensional Storage: 3¡ú5]


    [Skill ¨C Light: 1¡ú3]


    [Skill ¨C Dungeon Conqueror: 1¡ú2]


    [Skill ¨C Voidwalker Form: 0¡ú2]


    [Skill ¨C Voidbound: 0¡ú1]


    [Skill ¨C Otherworld: 0¡ú1]


    ***


    [Atlas''s Status before the timeskip]


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 14


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: Voidwalker/Dungeon Conqueror


    Level: 258


    Rank: Journeyman


    Experience: 5860/10000>3000000


    Affinity: Void


    ***


    Attributes:


    Health: 2798 (200)


    Mana: 10358 (1000)


    Strength: 3086 (100)


    Stamina: 3772 (250)


    Charisma: 988


    Intelligence: 2620


    ***


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Adept High


    Core Points: 75610/100000


    Body Tempering Level:


    ***


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (4) Lv-1: Void Arrow (3) Lv-2: Void Blast (3) Lv-2: Void Wave (3) Lv-3: Void Lance (2) Lvl 2- Void Punch (1) Void Smash (0)


    Defence: Lv-1: Void Guard (3)


    Support: Lvl-1: Void Step (4) Lvl-2: Void Veil (1) Lvl-2: Void Infusion (3)


    Utility:


    ***


    Skills: Void Realm (3) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (3) Dual Wielding (6) Health Regeneration (4) Dimensional Storage (3) Aqua Lung (3) Light (1) Dungeon Conqueror (1) Maskweaving (3) Voidwalker Form (0) Voidbound (0) Otherworld (0)


    ***


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 223 - 223: Its A Golem Army

    ''Oh wow, I''ve improved so much,'' Atlas thought as excitement and worry rose inside him.


    He looked at Nulia and spoke worriedly, ''''The girls are in trouble; Monster Waves are attacking the fortress they''re in.''''


    The Frostbear woman narrowed her eyes before excitedly saying, ''''They stand no chance against us, Alt; we''ve been fighting monsters for years.''''


    Atlas nodded with a growing smile as he spoke, ''''Do you want to wait in the Monster Realm or travel with me? I''ll summon Raymond, as he can fly faster than Theo.''''


    Nulia beamed as she stepped closer and traced his jawline with a loving smile, ''''Why would I let the man who will be my future husband fight alone?'''' S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "One day, you''ll be mine, Mama Bear," Atlas said with a sly grin.


    She nodded, her warm brown skin glowing in the soft light of the setting sone. "I won''t come between you two," she replied gently. "It''s not right, and I wouldn''t want that done to me."


    "I get that, but we need to talk to her about us when we reunite," Atlas said. "If I''m being honest, I don''t think she''ll mind. Amethyst has a kind heart."


    Following that, he opened a portal to the Otherworld and summoned Raymond the Stormeagle, who stepped out of the azure portal and let out a loud screech as he spoke, ''''Master and Mistress. You need to speak to that criminal, Atek; he was trying to attack me while I washed my wings.''''


    Atlas started laughing, and Nulia followed suit, causing Raymond to be offended. He declared, ''''You two shall not laugh at me! I am a Royal Stormeagle and protector of the Otherworld; I demand respect.''''


    ''''Oh shut up,'''' Atlas waved the dramatic monster away. ''''We need to find a fortress in the middle of the tundra; I believe they are in the North East.''''


    ''''Get on my back, master. We shall find this fortress you seek,'''' Raymond said, lowering his giant body. ''''Hold on tight because I will fly faster than anything you''ve ever seen.''''


    Atlas chuckled before grabbing Nulia''s hand and using Void Step to get on the Monarch Monster''s back. While getting comfortable, he felt the drain of summoning the mighty creature, causing him to down a few mana potions.


    ''Shit, these are the last ones,'' he internally complained. ''I''ve got more than enough gold to buy even more, so it doesn''t matter.''


    Raymond spread his massive wings and soared into the sky, leaving Nulia glancing around nervously. She quickly spoke up, "We''re in the far west. My mother always said this place is dangerous, full of Titans roaming around, hunting for food."


    Atlas looked over the side as the Stormeagle confirmed Nulia''s words, ''''She''s speaking the truth, master. I can sense many monsters at my rank or above, which is spooky.''''


    ''''Just don''t land on the ground then; I don''t want to punch another troll again,'''' he replied to the Monarch Monster.


    Nulia giggled, ''''At least you stopped breaking your arm when you use Void Smash; that''s one good thing.''''


    Atlas looked at the Frostbear woman with a deadpan expression as he retorted, ''''But it fractures every bone instead, and that shit hurts for days.''''


    Raymond and Nulia started laughing, which caused Atlas to smile. He activated the Void Realm and grabbed the woman''s arm. The two of them reappeared on the plateau, which made her yelp in surprise.


    Her blue eyes turned to him while she warned, ''''Next time, tell me when you''re going to do that, idiot.''''


    Atlas chuckled and waved her off, channeling Void Infusion into his blades. Meanwhile, Nulia shifted into her Frostbear form, charging straight at the Commander Golems. As she rushed forward, he quickly glanced at the monster count.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 329/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 62134/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Not long now,'' Atlas thought, a broad smile spreading across his face. ''Especially with Nulia''s help.''


    He watched as she barreled into the group of Warrior Golems, her massive claws ripping through them. Without waiting, Atlas began firing Void Bullets at the Commander''s legs, sending the towering creature crashing to the ground.


    Without hesitation, he charged forward, his blades infused with Void energy, and began slicing through the stone monsters, cutting them down in a ruthless onslaught while dodging the many stone fists.


    ''Hopefully, there aren''t any more ridiculous amounts of monsters,'' Atlas mused with a grin. ''But I guess it makes sense¡ªafter all, it''s a Golem army.''


    Atlas leaped over a Golem''s massive arm, his movements swift and precise. Mid-air, he cast a Void Bomb, launching it directly at the Commander. The explosive impact slammed into the Commander''s torso, sending it flying like a boulder.


    After an explosion rang out, the massive creature crashed into the approaching Warrior Golems, mowing down dozens of them like bowling pins. Atlas went wild and started cutting down any monsters that got close while using his magic to defend himself.


    ''This is getting better with Nulia,'' he mused while turning to the Frostbear woman barreling through a group of twenty Warriors.


    The battle continued until only Golem Commanders continued to charge forward, which Nulia held at bay, but Atlas could see the blood splattering the ground every time one of the stone monsters landed a hit.


    Without a second thought, Atlas sent Nulia back to the real world to recover and then focused on helping the girls. His pace quickened as he charged into the fray and unleashed a barrage of Void Bombs.


    Each blast tore through the horde of Golems, decimating them one after another as Atlas sprinted forward, relentless in his assault. Soon, however, his mana ran out due to all the fighting, and he returned to the real world.


    Opening his eyes, Atlas was greeted by a starry sky. Two moons glowing brightly overhead cast a silvery light on the world below. When he looked over the side of Raymond, he noticed a Monster Wave stretching into the distance.


    ''Oh shit,'' he thought in shock. ''So many monsters. Glad I got Raymond to fly us to the girls.''


    Following that thought, Atlas sent Amethyst a message that they were on the way, which made the phoenix girl happy.


    ***


    Amethyst read Atlas''s message, making her smile as explosions rang out everywhere. The Golden Lion Legion barely held onto the fortress with the small army''s mana cannons and mages.


    ''We won''t last much longer, but at least he''s back now.''


    She was standing on a balcony watching a wave of monsters rushing toward the wall, only to be torn apart by the cannon fire. Amethyst was amazed at the sheer power the weapons of war rained down.


    The older woman constantly fought on the frontlines while she bombarded the horde from above when there weren''t any flying monsters to intercept her. Estelle told her that the legion had thousands of soldiers, and despite the cold weather, more ships arrived.


    People wanted to fight for the Mahdi, ''Why do they always come up with different names for Azhar''Zul?'' she giggled.


    Following that, Amethyst summoned her wings before taking off and flying toward the walls, where Artemis and Grishna were flinging spells into the horde. When she hit the stone, the brunette turned to her and said, ''''What are you doing here Little Bird? We''ve got this covered.''''


    The orc woman greeted her, ''''Amethyst, Estelle was looking for you. Something about scouting the surrounding area when we push the monster wave back.''''


    ''''Okay,'''' she replied with a cheerful smile before looking at Artemis with narrowed eyes. ''''Shut up, fish; I will cook you if you continue.''''


    Grishna started laughing, causing the brunette to scoff, ''''Well, I heard the cooks are specialists in cooking birds. Should I have a word with them?''''


    Amethyst giggled before taking off as she retorted with a grin, ''''Catch me if you can bitch.''''


    Afterward, she flew toward the north gate while swooping down and dodging the fortress towers. Ten minutes later, she spotted the blonde knight directing soldiers on the wall while cannons fired into the monster horde.


    Estelle turned around with a warm smile as she descended and landed quietly behind the party''s defender, who greeted her. ''''Hello, Amethyst! What are you up to tonight?''''


    The phoenix girl shrugged, glancing toward the horizon. ''''Not sure. I was thinking about peppering the horde with my cosmic spells, but that would waste my mana.''''


    ''''I have a job for you,'''' Estelle responded before screaming at a crew of soldiers working on the cannon. ''''Clean that damn gun, or I''ll make you run around the keep again.''''


    Amethyst watched the men speed up, causing her to giggle as she questioned, ''''What is this job, blondie?''''


    Estelle giggled, playfully ruffling Amethyst''s hair. The phoenix girl swatted her hand away, clearly annoyed. ''''Stop that! I''m not a kid anymore. I''m seventeen nearly eighteen now, and Azhar''Zul and I can make things official in a few months.''''


    ''''No rushing into things, Little Bird,'''' the blonde replied. ''''Remember, when your kind has sex, it means you want the other person as a lifelong mate, and that choice is a very important one.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 224 - 224: Magic And Blades

    As the girls fought back against the Monster Waves, Atlas, and Nulia soared over the Northern Wastes, their eyes widening at the sight of even more hordes. He turned to the bear woman, furrowing his brow. ''''Why are they all heading east?''''


    ''''It''s clear they are heading for the fortress where the other girls are fighting,'''' she replied, concern evident in her voice.


    Atlas nodded with a worried expression but activated the Void Realm because he wanted to fight the Golem King so he could use him in the upcoming battle. His consciousness faded, and the two of them appeared on the plateau.


    He was taken aback to see Nulia standing there smiling at him. She said excitedly, ''''I touched you so I can join and help.''''


    ''''Thank you, Nulia,'''' Atlas replied with a grin as the Warrior Golems rushed at them.


    The young woman transformed into her Frostbear form and slaughtered the stone monsters. Atlas started flinging spells at the Golem, which brought them crashing to the ground just before he dashed forward.


    While sprinting forward, he infused his blades with Void magic, slicing through the Warrior Golems'' bodies. Together, they relentlessly cut down everything in their path. The battle raged on for hours, and by the end, both were left panting, exhaustion finally catching up.


    Atlas was catching his breath while checking his monster total, and he quickly noticed that the Warrior Golems had stopped appearing.


    [Void Golem ¨C 000/1000000]


    [Void Warrior Golem ¨C 000/500000]


    [Void Golem Commander ¨C 61751/100000]


    [Void Golem King ¨C 1/1]


    ''Only the Golem Commanders left, which is good,'' he thought excitedly.


    Afterward, the duo pressed on, cutting down wave after wave of stone monsters, slaying hundreds. When they finally returned to the real world, Atlas realized Raymond hadn''t ventured far, leaving him puzzled.


    She giggled at his confusion and explained, "The Northern Wastes are vast, Alt. It''ll take us a couple of days to reach the area where the girls are."


    Atlas nodded in understanding before downing one of his last stamina potions, feeling his strength return as the fatigue faded. Refreshed, he entered the Void Realm again, determined to cut down more Golems and reduce their numbers so he could try Level Four.


    Nulia joined him again, and the two attacked the Golem Commanders, who were bigger than the Warriors and regular ones. Thanks to his speed, Atlas used magic and blades to take them down.


    The Frostbear woman barreled through the horde of stone monsters and used her sharp claws to tear through their bodies. While this was happening, Atlas was killing hundreds of monsters and bringing the total down.


    Hours later, Nulia was forced back into the real world when a commander landed a powerful, unexpected punch. Frustrated, Atlas unleashed his Void Barrage, sending a relentless volley of blasts into the horde, tearing through their ranks.


    Atlas fought fiercely, but as exhaustion set in, he was forced to retreat from the Void Realm. He was met with the howl of a raging storm when he reappeared in the real world. Wind and snow swirled violently around him, disorienting him for a moment.


    Suddenly, Raymond''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Master! Hold on tight.''


    The Stormeagle dived sharply as a deafening boom erupted. Atlas caught sight of Atek, now in his tiny form, peeking out from inside Nulia''s coat just as she lunged toward him. She wrapped her arms tightly around him and spoke in a panicked voice, "Don''t let me fall, Alt."


    Atlas smiled at her words, wrapping one strong arm around her waist. Leaning in, he whispered into her ear, "I''ve got you, don''t worry."


    Shortly after, Raymond let out a screech before dive-bombing some giants traveling toward the fortress. When Atlas saw this, he asked the bird, ''What are you doing?''


    ''Taking out some of the foul Chaos Monsters, Master,'' the Stormeagle replied. ''I hate these with a passion after their kind slaughtered my mate many years ago,''


    When Atlas heard this, his eyes narrowed before he started flinging Void Bombs at the Chaos Wave. As the azure projectiles slammed into the monsters, an explosion tore them asunder as the ground shook.


    Raymond released another piercing screech, unleashing a torrent of lightning as he streaked past the creatures below. His attacks rippled through the storm. When the chaos finally settled, and the winds died, Atlas prepared to activate the Void Realm again.


    But before he could, Nulia stepped in, grabbing his arm. "A third time?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with worry. "You''ll harm yourself! I won''t let that happen."


    Atlas''s eyes narrowed, ''''We need the Golem King to have a chance in this fight! I cannot fight all the strong monsters or Chaos Beings Nulia. We need the help.''''


    Nulia hesitated momentarily, but then her blue eyes ignited with determination. ''''We''ll do it together!'''' she exclaimed, her voice unwavering. ''''We''re a team, and nothing can stop us.''''


    Atlas smiled at her spirit before activating the Void Realm. Together, they plunged back into battle, taking on the remaining Void Commander Golems. After a fierce fight filled with intense clashes, they emerged victorious.


    After the battle, the ground trembled beneath them, and Atlas and Nulia turned to see the colossal form of the Void Golem King emerging from the shadows. Its massive frame loomed over them, and its glowing blue eyes locked onto them.


    Nulia stepped back, swallowing hard as fear crept into her voice. ''''We can''t fight this monster, Alt! It''s too strong,'''' she said, her tone betraying her nervousness.


    ''''We just need to make it fall into the water below to defeat it,'''' Atlas revealed with a smile. ''''There isn''t much time before the girls are overrun.''''


    Without hesitation, Atlas charged forward, his fists crackling with potent Void mana, causing them to shake due to the power. Sensing the threat, the Golem King roared in fury and swung a massive fist toward him, but he was quicker.


    ''Too slow motherfucker!''


    He dodged the building-sized limb, feeling the rush of air as it narrowly missed him. With a surge of determination, Atlas landed on the Golem''s arm and sprinted toward its head. The ground shook beneath him as he closed the distance, adrenaline fueling his speed.


    Atlas unleashed a fully charged Void Punch, a devastating blast that resonated through the air like thunder. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the creature, knocking it back and staggering the colossal monster.


    That''s when Nulia appeared in her human form and started casting ice on the plateau''s ground, causing it to turn slippery, which caught the Golem King off guard. Once she did that, the young woman looked at him with bright blue eyes and said, ''''Finish it, Atlas!''''''


    He nodded before sprinting toward the Golem King, who retaliated by hurling massive boulders in his direction. But thanks to Void Step, Atlas dodged each one, weaving through the debris.


    When getting close, he channeled the remainder of his mana into his right fist, the energy swirling around him as he prepared for his ultimate attack. With an amused rumble, the Golem King finally spoke, ''Seems like you''re in a rush, Voidwalker. Allow me to slow you down.''


    Atlas watched as the giant stone monster began casting something; that''s when mana crackled around it, causing him to think while gritting his teeth, ''I need to deal with it before that spell is ready.'' sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Panic surged through him as he started sprinting toward the Golem King. When Atlas got close enough, he used Void step to get into the air, swinging his fist down and unleashing a devastating attack.


    ''''Void Smash!''''


    His fist connected with the Golem King in a mana explosion, sending the colossal creature staggering back, teetering on the plateau''s edge. Victory felt within reach for a moment, but Atlas''s heart sank when the monster didn''t fall.


    ''It weren''t enough! Fuck,'' he thought while backing off.


    But just as the Golem King struggled to regain its balance, a dozen shimmering Ice Lances shot through the air, piercing the icy wind with deadly precision.


    The lances struck the Golem''s torso, each exploding on impact and driving it further off balance. With a final roar, the Golem King was sent tumbling into the sea below, crashing into the dark depths.


    ''It''s done thanks to Nulia and her ice magic,'' Atlas thought with a tired smile.


    He could hear the roar of the waves crashing against the stone below, echoing around Atlas, signaling the end of their titanic clash. As they stood victorious, Nulia stumbled over to him, and he instinctively wrapped his arm around her.


    ''''Thank you, Nulia. Without you, I would have lost,'''' he said earnestly.


    Her eyes sparkled with delight, and she giggled softly. ''''I told you we''re a team and help each other. Now, let''s return to Raymond and rest up for the next fight.''''


    Following that, the duo returned to the real world, where Raymond was perched on a covered ledge as the wind was causing chaos. When Atlas saw this, he questioned the Stormeagle, asking, ''Everything okay?''


    ''Yes, Master, just resting as you two nearly fell off a little while ago,'' the Monarch Monster replied.


    Following that, Raymond took off again, and the two managed to rest for hours until they caught up to the Chaos Wave heading for the fortress. When they got close, explosions rang out, and Atlas quickly noticed the violet glow through the dust.


    ''''They''re nearby, Nulia!'''' Atlas exclaimed with excitement. ''''Get ready to fight everyone!''''


    Without waiting for a response, he leaped off the Stormeagle''s back, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he fell toward a towering Chaos Giant looming in the distance.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 225 - 225: Chaos Captain

    Amethyst nodded in agreement as she changed the subject, ''''And I''ve chosen Atlas as my mate, but don''t avoid my question. What is this job?''''


    Estelle giggled before answering, ''''I need you to scout the surrounding areas once the defenders push back the Monster Wave.''''


    ''''What if there are flying creatures like last time?'''' Amethyst answered while gazing at the dwindling horde.


    ''''Use them to level up; we''ve all been getting stronger due to the constant fighting,'''' the blonde answered.


    Amethyst nodded with a smile before spreading her wings and taking off. She soared gracefully through the sky as she watched the landscape unfold beneath her. The wind whipped around her as she soared over the snowy landscape.


    The world beneath seemed silent and still, but she kept her sharp eyes trained on the ground, scanning for any signs of movement. Snow-covered trees stretched endlessly, broken only by the occasional jagged cliff or frozen stream.


    She continued flying around the Northeast. Forests stretched in all directions, but the tundra caught her attention. Giant Mammoths roamed the land looking for food, which caused her to smile.


    ''So many different monsters here,'' Amethyst thought while glancing around. ''If not for all the attacks, it would be peaceful.''


    Then, Amethyst spotted it in the distance¡ªa dark ripple in the snow, a massive Monster Wave stirring beneath the surface, ready to rise. She narrowed her gaze and angled her wings, preparing to dive.


    She swooped down and started peppering the horde with Cosmic Blasts that burned to ash with violet fire. After that, Amethyst heard several horrifying screeches echoing across the sky.


    Her head snapped toward the monsters as she spotted several wyverns soaring straight for her. Panic surged through Amethyst, and she quickly turned to flee. Her heart raced as the creatures closed in, their screeches echoing.


    ''''Where did they come from!'''' she muttered to herself.


    She flapped her wings harder to gain speed as the newcomers pursued her, but that''s when a wave of mana shells flew across the sky, peppering the wyverns and causing them to plummet to the ground below.


    ''Thank the goddess for the cannons, or they would have caught me.''


    Following that, Amethyst flew back to the fortress and, when getting close, was hit by a powerful blast that caused her to yelp in pain as she crashed onto the wall. While lying there, she felt a comforting feeling wash over her.


    She looked up and noticed Estelle standing there with a worried expression. The blonde spoke in an anxious tone while checking her over, ''''What happened? The last time I saw you was when you were close to the walls.''''


    Amethyst got up once the damage was mended, thanks to Healing Light; she shook her head before answering, ''''I was scouting the mountain pass to the east and saw a massive horde heading in this direction. I fled, of course, but Wyverns chased me until the Mana Cannons opened fire at them.''''


    Estelle nodded in understanding as she spoke, ''''The scouts reported another wave, but this one looks like it will overrun us. Did you send Azhar''Zul a message?''''


    ''''Yes, he''s on his way but is on the other side of the Northern Wastes,'''' Amethyst answered as Grishna and Artemis appeared.


    The orc woman started checking on Amethyst, ''''Are you okay, Little Bird? We see you crash when that spell hit you.''''


    "I''m fine, Grish. The spell burned, but Estelle''s healing magic did wonders to help," she replied with a smile.


    Artemis was about to talk, but a roar echoed across the land, causing them to turn to the source. That''s when a massive giant slowly approached the fortress, but something was wrong.


    Amethyst''s eyes widened as she revealed, ''''That''s a Chaos Monster! I''ve felt this aura before.''''


    The three women were surprised when the brunette asked, without taking her eyes off the incoming threat, ''''Why would it be here? We''re in the middle of nowhere.''''


    ''''It''s coming for us,'''' Grishna answered everyone''s question.


    Everyone turned to her, waiting for an explanation. The orc woman sighed as she explained, ''''We''re connected to Azhar''Zul, and somehow these Chaos Beings know this; that''s why they''re attacking the fortress to get at us.''''


    When the other three heard this, they agreed with concerned nods as Rollo appeared, ''''My Ladies! The monsters are getting close to the walls; we will start firing.''''


    Estelle looked at the older man and agreed, ''''Do that; we will start casting spells into the Monster Wave.''''


    Following that, the four women unleashed a barrage of spells at the horde of monsters closing in on the fortress. Amethyst took the lead, channeling her energy into a Cosmic Blast that erupted from her fingertips, unleashing a storm of chaos.


    The energy cascaded down like raining stars, tearing through the Blightborn''s bodies with explosive force. Next was Grishna, who focused on the metal orbs in her hands. With a chant, she hurled them into the crowd of creatures.


    A piercing shriek erupted from the orbs as they detonated, sending the frontline of monsters crashing into their ranks. Seizing the moment, she cast Razorwind Blades, which sliced through the air, cutting through the crowd of enemies.


    Estelle raised her sword high, her voice steady as she invoked, ''''Dawn''s Wrath!''''


    A blinding white light erupted in the sky, swirling before swooping down to engulf the Chaos Monsters¡ªthe burning wave washed over them, incinerating the creatures, which shocked everyone.


    It consumed them from the inside out, leaving only ash in its wake, much to the delight of the soldiers who rallied behind her, their spirits lifted. With the battlefield momentarily illuminated, Artemis sprang onto the wall as a big smile appeared on her pretty face.


    She unleashed Arc Lightning, crackling through the clouds overhead. A lightning bolt struck the horde relentlessly in a stunning display of power, decimating them even more. The air buzzed with energy.


    Amethyst gazed at the three women, her eyes wide with disbelief. Suddenly, the Chaos Giant let out another thunderous roar, drawing closer to the fortress. An azure glow illuminated the dark sky, catching everyone''s attention.


    A loud boom echoed across the tundra as the giant crashed to the ground, sending shockwaves through the air. Amethyst''s excitement erupted, "Azhar''Zul is back! And he just punched that massive monster!"


    ***


    As Atlas dove toward the towering giant, he gathered every ounce of his strength, preparing to unleash one of his most devastating attacks. The moment his fist collided with the Chaos Monster, he released the full force of his power in a single blow.


    "Void Smash!" he shouted.


    A dark ripple spread across the monster, momentarily distorting its shape before an explosive shockwave resonated outward. The ground shook violently as the Chaos Giant staggered backward before crashing to the earth with a thunderous crash.


    Then Atlas summoned the Void Golem King, who flew out of the portal and landed on the Chaos Giant. The two behemoths started fighting, but he continued summoning Golem Warriors and Commanders until he was low on mana.


    ''I need to take a break with the magic.''


    His minions surged through the Chaos Horde, obliterating the enemy with their colossal stone fists, reducing them to a bloody paste. Just then, Nulia and Atek plunged into the fray, towering in their massive forms.


    The Frostbear woman unleashed her formidable claws, slicing through the smaller Chaos Monsters with lethal precision, turning them into a crimson mist. Atlas smiled before spamming Void Barrages into the approaching Blightborns.


    ''This should take out enough and earn me a lot of experience,'' he mused.


    As the creepy humanoids charged forward, the azure projectile wave cut them down and turned their bodies into Swiss cheese. The fortress then started attacking even more, and explosions erupted everywhere.


    Atlas turned to his blades to save some mana and cut down dozens of horrifying monsters. They came crashing down as a notification popped up, shocking him to the core but making him smile.


    [Mana Regeneration Unlocked]


    ''Oh nice,'' he thought with an excited grin,


    Following that, Atlas summoned more beasts to crush the Chaos creatures. Warrior Giants appeared at his command, their enormous blades cutting through the horde. Each swing cleaved through countless monsters, drenching the battlefield in blood.


    Nulia and Atek were ripping through a group of Blightborns, their powerful forms leaving a trail of destruction. As Atlas watched them, a sudden sense of danger gripped him¡ªsomething was rushing toward the duo.


    Without hesitation, he activated Void Step, vanishing instantly and reappearing between them and the approaching threat. Atlas used Void Blast to throw the charging enemy off course.


    In front of him stood a tall, gangly humanoid with an unsettling presence. Its long, blood-soaked claws glistened as it slowly licked the crimson liquid from its fingers, its eerie eyes locked onto him. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He shook his head, unfazed, and activated Void Sight, scanning the creature to uncover its level and rank to see if he could win.


    [Chaos Captain]


    [Level: 423]


    [Rank: Master]


    ''A rank above me; I should be careful,'' Atlas thought while gripping Nightblade and readying his magic.


    Following that, the creature dashed forward and tried punching him, but Atlas leaned back before retaliating with a slash across its chest. Blood splattered over everything as he cast Void Wave.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 226 - 226: Otherworld Treehouse

    Atlas engaged the Chaos Captain in a fierce battle, trading blows with determination, but he quickly realized he was at a disadvantage with only one arm. Sensing the tide turning against him, he decided to use magic.


    ''Time to use Void Lance to pierce its hide!''


    Without thinking, he spammed Void Bullets at the creature, causing an explosion to ring out, which sent it stumbling back. The monster horde was being decimated by all the monsters and the Golem King.


    ''This is going better than I expected,'' Atlas thought as he narrowly dodged a swipe from the Chaos Being''s razor-sharp claws.


    He felt the rush of wind against his armor. Seizing the moment, he unleashed a Void Blast; the projectile flew toward the creature''s chest. With a resounding impact, the Chaos Being crashed backward.


    Atlas followed behind while casting Void Punch and landing a blow on the monster''s face, which caused it to crash into the ground and cause a crater. As that happened, more Chaos Captains appeared and surrounded him.


    ''Oh shit, this just got worse,'' he thought.


    As the leader lunged, its claws slashing through the air, Atlas found himself unable to react¡ªits speed was overwhelming. An unexpected force intervened just a few feet away, deflecting the attack and sending sparks flying everywhere.


    ''''Get it together, Azhar''Zul! The others are fighting too!'''' Estelle shouted, her voice ringing as she unleashed a powerful Solar Slash, illuminating the battlefield.


    The blade, shining with radiant energy, sliced through the creature''s form, leaving a trail of brilliance in its wake as she let out a fierce battle cry. Atlas watched the Chaos Captain collapse to the ground before she started fighting more.


    He joined in and started casting Void Lances that tore through the creature''s body. Atlas quickly summoned the Dreadmaw Lion and Death Gorillas, who had poured out of an azure portal only to destroy the remaining monster horde.


    Atlas needed to sit down as he burned through his mana. He sat on a fallen tree as Nulia and Atek appeared. He noticed they were covered in blood, but the Frostbear woman transformed into her humanoid form as she smiled.


    She hugged him before asking, ''''Can Atek rest in the Otherworld? I think he took some hits during the fight.''''


    ''''Of course,'''' Atlas opened the portal as the Frostfang meowed thanks.


    A violet glow illuminated the sky as he continued, causing a smile to break across his face. He raised his arm as Amethyst barreled into him, the impact sending them both tumbling from the tree and crashing into the ground.


    Atlas removed his helmet, gazing up at the phoenix girl, who looked down at him with unrestrained excitement, her eyes sparkling with energy. Without hesitation, she grabbed his collar, leaned down, and shared a passionate kiss while straddling him.


    He held her tightly, feeling the warmth of her wings wrapping around him protectively as their kiss deepened. But Amethyst suddenly pulled back, her eyes flickering with concern as they fell on his missing left arm.


    "What happened to you, Azhar''Zul?" she asked softly, her voice laced with worry. Where''s your arm?"


    Atlas smiled faintly, lifting his stump as he spoke. "I got bit by something called a Chaos Mawling in the Chaos Realm," he explained, his tone almost casual. "But I found an artifact that''ll give me a new arm. The catch is, I need to become an Arch Master to use it."


    Amethyst''s violet eyes glowed before a smile appeared. The other three women materialized as the two got up. Estelle, Artemis, and Grishna stared at Nulia, ignored them, and approached him, ''''We should go back to the Otherworld to rest? You should have enough mana to build the treehouse now.''''


    ''''Yes, let''s take the others and head there,'''' Atlas replied, opening a portal before turning to his party. ''''Come with me, ladies; I will explain everything that happened. More Chaos Monsters are coming, and the fortress can fight them.''''


    Just as he spoke, the Void Golem King charged forward and started crushing the approaching horde, and the mana cannons began firing at them. Following that, everyone entered the portal.


    The four women were shocked when they witnessed a prehistoric jungle with a creepy aura. Estelle spoke while gripping her sword, ''''What is this place, Azhar''Zul?''''


    Atlas turned to the blonde woman, who looked exactly as he remembered¡ªunchanged by time. She wore gleaming knight''s armor that did little to conceal her well-endowed chest and hourglass figure.


    Her bright blue eyes sparkled with curiosity and concern as she gazed at him. Atlas smiled before closing his eyes and creating the treehouse he planned to build for a few weeks. He started to imagine a massive Sequoia tree sprouting from the ground.


    Seconds later, a dark red tree erupted from the ground and shot into the sky, shocking the five women who jumped back. Atlas smiled when sensing them but started to create a treehouse at the bottom.


    It looked like a fantasy version of the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse from Earth, which made Atlas smile but exhausted. He stumbled, but Amethyst grabbed him with a smile as she spoke, ''''It seems like you''ve got a lot to tell us.''''


    ''''There is so much, but let''s get inside,'''' he replied while the group approached the staircase.


    Five minutes later, they stood in a foyer made from beautiful light redwood with basic furniture decorating the place. Grishna stepped forward and exclaimed, ''''This reminds me of the Forest Orc Tribes; they would love this place.''''


    Atlas watched as the orc woman approached the bathroom, unable to resist admiring her powerful physique. Her thick, well-defined muscles still maintained a distinctly feminine grace.


    As she paused, Artemis turned toward him, her brown eyes narrowing in suspicion, "Why are you older?" she asked, her tone laced with confusion. "It doesn''t make sense¡ªyou were the bird''s age."


    "Well, that''s a long story, so everyone should sit down," Atlas replied, prompting the others to follow his lead.


    Once everyone was settled, he sat in front of the women and began recounting his tale, starting from the day he was kidnapped. Nulia had heard parts of it before, but her shock grew as he told his story.


    A few hours later, Atlas finished speaking and was nodding off but forced himself to stay awake as Artemis was the first to say, ''''So you''ve explored the depths of the sea and been to another realm all while conquering dungeons with your new power?''''


    ''''Yes, and if you don''t believe me, look outside,'''' Atlas said while pointing at the treehouse''s balcony. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The women did as he said and rushed outside only to see a massive herd of Scalebreakers and Thundoraptors hunting the Stegosarus-like monsters. Atlas motioned to them as he explained, ''''I''ve been gathering creatures on my journey to add them to the Otherworld; they will aid me whenever I call.''''


    Estelle turned to him with an expression of horror as she questioned, ''''You can control monsters?''''


    Atlas nodded with an innocent smile, ''''Yes, and most of them are lovely, even the ones that look vicious.''''


    After speaking, he shouted, ''''Tyson! Come here, boy.''''


    The five women stared at him, their expressions a mix of disbelief and skepticism, until an earth-shaking roar echoed through the air, making them jump in fright. Atlas laughed at their reactions; the sound caused the ground to tremble.


    Atlas couldn''t help but smile, ''''Now watch my power, ladies,'''' he said with a teasing glint in his eye. ''''And try not to let your panties get too wet.''''


    Grishna laughed alongside Artemis while the others turned red at Atlas''s teasing remark. When Atlas caught sight of Estelle acting like a giddy teenager, it made him smile. Without hesitation, he cast Void Step and appeared outside.


    He was just in time to witness a massive monster crashing out of the jungle. It was an evil-looking Allosaurus with jet-black skin and sharp teeth that would render metal into scrap. Its eyes narrowed as it sniffed the air.


    Atlas watched as it locked onto the woman and let out an angry roar reverberating through the clearing. In defiance, Grishna shot the creature the middle finger, her bravado unshaken despite the danger.


    ''''Don''t threaten them, Tyson, or I''ll punch you again,'''' he warned the dinosaur, who growled at him in defiance.


    When Atlas saw this, he charged up his fist before dashing at the monster''s head and using Void Punch to teach it a lesson. The Allosaurus crashed into the ground with a boom when his attack hit.


    He knew it was dead, so he scolded it, ''''Never growl at me! You seem to forget I''m your master!''''


    Ten smaller ones appeared and circled him as that happened, but Atlas chuckled before rushing around, beating them up until the dinosaurs were squirming on the ground after being taught a lesson.


    By the time he was done, the five women had appeared and stared at him like monsters. Amethyst stepped forward and spoke in shock, ''''Azhar''Zul, you do know these Terrorjaws are menaces to most races in Aridonia.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 227 - 227: Like Tears In The Rain

    ''''No, they are annoying pests who like to make me jump when I''m not expecting it,'''' Atlas replied, kicking one who tried to nibble him.


    He pointed at the creature, ''''See? They''ve just been beaten and still want more.''''


    The women laughed as Estelle commented, ''''It seems like you''ve grown into a fine young man, but now it seems like we need to test your strength.''''


    Atlas grinned, holding up his stump. ''''You''re challenging a cripple, blondie? But sure, let''s fight; I''ve been looking forward to this.''''


    With that, he created a battlefield outside the treehouse, the thrill of the impending clash sending his excitement soaring. Once everything was set, he and Estelle stood opposite the makeshift arena.


    Estelle stood poised with her sword while Atlas gripped Nightblade, his focus unwavering. Grishna swaggered into the center, raising her arms in a playful gesture as she looked at him with a knowing smile. "If you beat blondie, I''ll give you a special treat tonight, handsome."


    Atlas felt his cheeks flush at her words, but Amethyst retorted before he could respond, ''''Two more years! We all agreed to wait until I come of age!''''


    Grishna''s green eyes sparkled with mischief as she nodded. ''''That''s right¡ªno sex until the Little Bird gets her night as the first wife; there are other things I can do to satisfy him,'''' she mumbled, her tone light yet serious.


    Following that, the orc woman raised her hand to signal the start of the fight. When it came down, Estelle raised her blade and cast Solar Slash, which flew in his direction, causing Atlas to smile.


    He cast Void Infusion over Nightblade. In an instant, he vanished, leaving Estelle shocked to her core. She had barely a heartbeat to brace before Atlas reappeared directly in front of her, unleashing a powerful strike aimed at her.


    She quickly raised her sword to block the attack, and sparks flew as their blades collided, illuminating the battlefield with light flashes. Estelle danced around him, her footwork elegant as she parried his strikes, her blue eyes focused.


    Each movement was a blend of skill and technique, neither willing to give an inch. Atlas pushed his speed to the limit, darting in and out like a shadow, while Estelle relied on her training and instinct to keep pace.


    ''She can keep up!'' he thought in shock as they continued to clash.


    Atlas started using his speed before creating sonic booms as he moved too quickly, and when he struck at the blonde, she quickly raised her sword. When she did that, he ducked down and dropped his blade.


    He cast Void Punch, preparing to strike, but just before his fist could make contact, a brilliant white barrier materialized in front of him. The impact sent shockwaves through his hand, causing his fingers to break and forcing him to grit his teeth against the pain.


    ''Fuck!'' Atlas raged as he tried to jump back, but it was too late.


    Seizing the moment, Estelle countered with a kick to his chest, knocking the wind out of him. Before he could recover, she unleashed a Light Blast, the energy surging toward him and sending Atlas hurtling across the battlefield.


    He crashed to the ground, his head ringing from the force of the impact, but as his Regeneration kicked in, he pushed through the pain and stood up as the bones repaired themselves.


    ''The pain is still there, but it''s not as bad as it used to be,'' Atlas thought while staring at his hand.


    Estelle darted toward him so quickly that it caught him off guard, causing him to cast Void Wave, which sent her skidding back as Atlas flexed his hand and darted toward the blonde while casting Void Lances, and Bullets peppered her defenses.


    An explosion erupted, sending her backward, but Atlas was already there, smiling as he unleashed Void Punch. She quickly raised a shield, and his fist connected with a resounding clap, the force propelling her through the trees.


    Estelle cast Healing Light on herself as she tumbled through the underbrush, mending her injuries instantly. Regaining composure, she retaliated with a Light Blast aimed directly at him.


    Atlas sidestepped the spell, but before he could react, the blonde appeared beside him, her blade pressing firmly against his neck. She slid behind him, whispering, "You''re impressive, Azhar''Zul; I see you took my advice to heart; at least you won''t die now."


    "I had to," he replied, his voice steady as he held her soft hand gently. "I''ve seen things that would shatter people''s belief, I''ve seen monsters that could bring empires to their knees and if I were to die, all those moments would vanish¡ªlike tears in the rain."


    Estelle wrapped her arms around him, leaning her head against his back as she spoke softly, ''''You''ve matured so much. I don''t see that rash boy anymore; I see a man who has faced hardships on his journey back to us.''''


    ''''You can''t sit around and wait for someone to come to your rescue. You have to make your own way,'''' Atlas replied as all the memories of everything he had been through.


    While that happened, Grishna approached and commented with a warm smile, ''''We''re heading back inside. You two lovebirds can stay here.''''


    As the other women entered the treehouse, leaving them alone, Atlas took Estelle''s hand and led her into the jungle''s depths. The blonde glanced at him, confusion flickering, but she remained silent.


    ''''There were many times I nearly died,'''' he began, his tone serious as they walked. ''''When we were trapped in the Chaos Realm, I finally realized how reckless I had been. I needed to be smarter before acting, to think things through rather than rushing headlong into danger.''''


    ''''I understand that, and it''s a good thing, Atlas,'''' Estelle said, stopping him as her blue eyes shimmered with understanding.


    Atlas smiled at her, but she leaned in and pressed her lips against his before he could respond. A jolt of electricity surged through both their bodies at the contact, and the blonde jumped back, her fingers instinctively grazing her lips.


    ''''Seems like there''s a spark between us, blondie,'''' Atlas said with a smile while pulling out some monster meat to eat.


    Estelle stood there before shaking her head and speaking sternly, ''''This didn''t happen. Don''t mention it to the others.''''


    ''''No problem,'''' he answered as confusion washed over him.


    Atlas shrugged and continued walking, leaving Estelle behind with an expression he couldn''t read. He walked deeper into the jungle until stumbling across a wolf monster''s den, which caught him off guard.


    ''I can''t remember getting these creatures but we did capture thousands of monsters in the Chaos Realm,'' he pondered as the pack leader appeared at the entrance.


    The giant wolf nodded before returning inside as adorable yips and howls came from the monster''s home. Atlas continued walking as he pushed through the dense underbrush of the jungle, the vibrant sounds of wildlife filling the air around him.


    Moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the ground as he moved. As he navigated the winding path, anticipation tingled in the air. After a few minutes, he stepped into a massive clearing, and his breath caught in his throat.


    Before him lay the Scalebreaker nest, an impressive sight surrounded by towering trees. The nest was a chaotic blend of large, jagged scales and twisted branches, radiating a primal energy.


    While standing there, Atlas suddenly heard a chorus of chirps around him. A grin spread across his face as he said with an amused voice, ''''I know you little ones are lurking around.''''


    As he spoke, the baby Scalebreakers launched their ambush, led by the now fully grown Sera, ''''Don''t you get involved! We''ve already talked about this girl!'''' he exclaimed.


    But the cheeky monsters barreled into him, using her weight to knock him off balance. Before he could regain his footing, the others swarmed him, their tiny tongues licking every inch of exposed skin.


    Atlas started laughing while trying to push the little creatures off, but when he got one away, another three jumped him. As this happened, Cera''s amused voice sounded in his mind, ''This is your fault, master. You''ve been spoiling every batch of younglings we''ve had, and they love you like a big brother.''''


    When the babies realized the matriarch was there, they scattered like hooligans. Atlas pretended to scold them, but the surrounding Scalebreakers knew he enjoyed the silly creatures.


    After that he turned to Cera and answered, ''''They are cute, I can''t help but visit them as much as I can.''''


    The older monster giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ''''Oh, you know we cherish you, master? The one barely paid us any mind, and here you are, bothering us daily. We''re starting to get a little bored with your company,'''' she teased, playfully scooping him up with her massive tail.


    He laughed before stroking the massive Scalebreaker, and she asked in a curious tone, ''''Who is that beautiful young woman watching you?''''


    Atlas turned around only to smile when he saw who it was.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give] S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 228 - 228: What Nightmare Have I Walked Into

    Atlas noticed Artemis standing there watching with her beautiful brown eyes, which made him smile. He jumped off Cera and approached the brunette, saying, ''''What brings you out here, Arty?''''


    ''''Estelle was acting weird, and I guessed it had something to do with you,'''' she answered while watching the Scalebreakers discuss their business.


    He shrugged as he led her to a nearby log, casually explaining, "We had a disagreement and decided to give each other some space."


    As the duo sat down, a pack of giant Shadow Cats suddenly rushed past them, their powerful strides shaking the ground. Artemis''s eyes widened in shock. "Where did you get all these creatures from?" she asked, astonished by the sight.


    Atlas chuckled at her reaction before explaining, ''''We were stuck in the Chaos Realm for four years, and over that time, I collected thousands of monsters with Nulia and Atek''s help. They don''t come near me, but some have started to.''''


    Once he finished speaking, a group of giant fox-looking monsters known as Firetails wandered nearby. With a grin, Atlas turned to the brunette and said, ''''Watch this.''''


    After that, he stood up and approached the family, calling them, ''''Do you want some food?''''


    He pulled out some cooked monster meat and tossed it to the ground. The Firetail family hesitated, creeping forward. But a deep bellow from Cera, echoing from behind them, seemed to reassure the creatures.


    With newfound confidence, they approached him as if sensing they were safe in his presence. Artemis watched, her eyes wide with fascination. Atlas stroked them gently as the creatures neared, their fur soft beneath his hands.


    ''''I''m creating a secret army,'''' he explained calmly, glancing at her. ''''I''ll let the creatures here grow strong; when the time comes, they''ll be ready.''''


    The brunette was shocked but giggled before responding, ''''Well, you have certainly changed since the first time we met.''''


    Atlas chuckled while raising his stump, ''''Yes, I''ve changed,'''' he said with a smirk.


    Artemis looked guilty, but soon enough, Cera appeared and spoke amusedly, ''''She is pretty, Master. Is she your lover?''''


    ''''No,'''' he answered. ''''She''s in my adventurer party. Her name is Artemis, and I''m sure you''ll see her throughout the jungle.


    The Scalebreaker Matriarch nodded, ''We will make sure she''s safe.''


    Cera turned to Artemis, who was shocked, but the creature nudged the brunette. This caused her to smile as she stroked the Scalebreaker, ''''Is this the leader, Azhar''Zul?''''


    ''''Yes, she was one of the first creatures that moved to the Otherworld,'''' Atlas answered. ''''Do you want to see more?''''


    Artemis smiled as she asked in a curious tone, ''''Do you have any water? I fancy a swim.''''


    He nodded, taking her soft hand and leading her through the jungle until they arrived at the serene lake Atlas had created some time ago. The clear water sparkled in the sunlight, and when Artemis saw it, a broad smile spread across her face before she quickly dived in. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Join me Azhar''Zul!'''' she exclaimed while vanishing.


    Atlas chuckled, activating Aqua Lung with a grin before following her into the lake. He sank effortlessly to the bottom, marveling as he watched the brunette gracefully slicing through the water, her movements smooth.


    The underwater world around them was breathtaking¡ªa vast, submerged forest of tall, swaying plants reaching up like trees. Rays of moonlight pierced through the water''s surface, casting shimmering beams across the vibrant marine life.


    Schools of colorful fish darted between the branches, which amazed Atlas. He started walking toward the brunette, but she darted away and vanished into the underbrush before she appeared behind him.


    Artemis wrapped her arms around his shoulders, a smile lighting up her face. "I''m glad you could join me down here," she said softly.


    The brunette grabbed his hand and shot off, catching Atlas off guard as she zoomed around the lake before leaping out of the water. She landed on two feet as he flopped like a fish before lying there looking at the starry sky.


    ''''Next time, let me know when you do that,'''' he said, sitting up and dismissing his helmet.


    His hair was wet and all over the place, causing Artemis to giggle. ''''I will, but that lake is amazing. There are some monsters under there, but they''re hiding.''''


    Then, Atlas climbed to his feet, and the two headed back to the treehouse. As the duo trekked through the jungle, the brunette commented, ''''Those Scalebreaker babies loved you. Do they always try to ambush you?''''


    ''''Yes, every batch of younglings have messed with me,'''' Atlas answered with a smile. ''''Thanks to their older siblings encouraging the silliness.''''


    Artemis giggled as they made it back to the treehouse. When they entered, Grishna teased Estelle, ''''Blonde Princess! When will the food be ready?''''


    ''''Shut up bitch! You could help me if you''re that hungry,'''' Estelle quickly retorted while cooking some meat.


    As the enticing aroma wafted through the air, Atlas''s stomach grumbled in response, but he knew the food wasn''t ready yet. He slumped into a nearby chair, contemplating whether to try Level Four of the Void Realm.


    Just as he was about to activate it, Amethyst chimed in with a cheerful voice, ''''Azhar''Zul, when we get back to Astoria, can I tame some birds to bring into the Otherworld?''''


    ''''Of course, you can; there''s more than enough room here,'''' he answered with a smile.


    The phoenix girl and Nulia started speaking while Artemis was resting in front of the fire with her eyes closed. Atlas got comfortable and activated Void Realm, only to appear in a ruined temple.


    He glanced around the hall and noticed everything was in disarray¡ªfurniture was smashed, and bloodstains marred the once-pristine floors. The chaotic scene sent a chill down his spine.


    ''What nightmare have I walked into now?'' Atlas pondered while taking out his blades.


    Following that, he walked toward the entrance only to smell smoke and blood that hung in the air. When Atlas appeared outside, he saw a destroyed city that stretched out in all directions.


    As he entered the city, the atmosphere felt heavy and charged, an unsettling silence enveloping the streets. Atlas''s senses heightened when seeing the eerie surroundings, noticing the flickering lights that cast long shadows.


    Suddenly, a horrifying howl pierced the air, echoing off the walls. The sound sent shivers down his spine, and instinctively, he tightened his grip on his weapon, readying himself for whatever nightmare lurked just out of sight.


    Atlas gulped before cautiously advancing through the dark street; a flicker of movement caught his eye. He turned to see a group of humanoids shuffling toward him, their forms shadowy and indistinct in the twilight.


    At first, he was confused and didn''t know what or who they were until he used Void Sight on the newcomers.


    [Void Ghoul]


    [Rank: D]


    ''Oh shit,'' Atlas thought. ''This shouldn''t be too hard.''


    That''s when he took a closer look at their gaunt faces, which were twisted in grotesque expressions. Their skin had a sickly pallor that gleamed under the dim light. He quickly noticed the creatures'' sharp claws and shark-like teeth.


    Atlas''s heart raced as he stepped back, assessing their menacing approach. The Ghouls'' hollow eyes locked onto him with ravenous hunger, and a guttural growl escaped their lips. He could feel the weight of dread settling over him as he prepared to fight against the nightmarish creatures.


    ''I should be able to clear this level quickly,'' Atlas thought before sending several Void Lances at the Ghouls.


    The azure projectiles streaked through the air, illuminating the surroundings with a brilliant glow as they sliced through the night. The spells struck their targets in a heartbeat, exploding with violent force.


    Atlas watched as the magic tore the creatures apart, scattering limbs and body parts in all directions and splattering the ground with blood. The sheer power of the attack left the air charged and filled with the aftermath of destruction.


    Following that attack, he dashed forward and cast Void Infusion on his blades. When reaching the first Void Ghoul, he cut straight through its torso before ducking under a swipe of another.


    ''That was close,'' he thought while casting Void Wave.


    The sudden attack sent the Ghouls flying, allowing him to kill the remaining creatures. Once Atlas was done, he pulled up the monster total for the fourth level.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 21/20000]


    [----]


    [----]


    [----]


    After checking, Atlas continued through the city, trying to find any clues as to where the boss was. During his journey, the Void Ghouls continued ambushing him, but thanks to the constant fighting, he grew used to them.


    Void Infusion and his speed allowed him to cut through the first wave of creatures. But the tide shifted as more poured in, surrounding him from every angle. Their sheer numbers became overwhelming, and danger crept closer with each second.


    Atlas pressed on, his body growing weary with each swing, but his resolve remained firm. He knew this was when things would get complicated. The once relentless monsters had fallen silent, leaving only the eerie quiet of the empty streets.


    As he made his way through the city, no more creatures dared attack, but the ominous atmosphere lingered. After ten tense minutes, he arrived at an open square.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 229 - 229: Do You Like These Ladies

    Atlas stopped walking as a bad feeling washed over him, ''There''s something watching me,'' he thought while scanning his surroundings.


    Seconds later, he couldn''t see anything and stepped into the square only to have something thrown at him. Atlas jumped to the side as something exploded and peppered him with splinters.


    He yelped as a few projectiles embedded themselves in his backside, prompting him to leap to the side. His heart raced as a larger Ghoul emerged from the shadows, its presence making the hairs on his neck stand on end.


    Atlas quickly activated Void Sight, scanning the menacing newcomer, ''I wonder what this creature was.''


    [Void Savage Ghoul]


    [Rank: C]


    ''Here we go, this is going to be a hard fight,'' he thought while gripping his blades tighter.


    The Savage Ghoul charged forward while letting out a horrifying howl as Void Ghouls poured out of the surrounding shadows. Atlas quickly deflected several swipes before stabbing them through the face.


    Creatures fell one by one as Archer moved like the wind, quickly cutting through them. But when he faced the larger Ghoul, he promptly threw up a Void Guard just as its claws came slashing down.


    The moment its claws collided with the glowing azure shield, the force sent him skidding backward, his feet digging into the ground as he fought to regain balance, ''Oh shit, it''s strong,'' Atlas thought before flinging several Void Lances at the Savage Ghoul after cutting down a few smaller ones.


    His azure projectiles sliced through the air until they connected with the stronger monster and sent it crashing into the ground. Atlas dashed forward while readying his blade and piercing through its skull.


    Then, Atlas darted through the battlefield like a blur, his movements fluid and precise. His blade sliced through the Void Ghouls with each strike, leaving darkened bodies crumpling behind him.


    He easily dodged their claws, anticipating their every move, his speed making him untouchable. As a Ghoul lunged, Atlas spun, his blade flashing in the dim light, severing the creature mid-air before landing softly, already moving on to the next target.


    His eyes burned with focus, each kill as swift as the last, his skill turning the chaotic fight into a deadly dance. An hour later, all the creatures lay dead, and Atlas was covered in sweat and felt his limbs were heavy. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''What the hell! They were hard to fight,'' he thought while dismissing his helmet.


    Following that, Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how many he had killed during his first run through Void Realm Four.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 237/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 8/10000]


    [----]


    [----]


    ''This will take some time but not as long as the Void Golems,'' he thought before getting ready to fight.


    Atlas fought relentlessly through the horde of Void Ghouls, dispatching any Savages that tried to ambush him with swift, lethal strikes. The battle stretched for hours, each swing of his weapon carving through enemies as exhaustion slowly crept in.


    Due to all this, he ran out of mana and eventually depleted, and his arms ached from the constant combat. Only when he was utterly drained did he finally return to the real world, breathless and weary, the battlefield fading around him.


    His eyes fluttered open, and he saw Grishna smiling over him. "What were you fighting? It looked fun," she teased.


    Atlas grinned at the sight of the beautiful orc woman and, without a second thought, pulled her into his lap. Grishna''s eyes widened in surprise, but before she could react, Artemis, watching nearby, giggled at the scene.


    Grishna remained frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do, until his hands accidentally brushed against her big boobs. She gave him a knowing grin, her surprise quickly fading into amusement.


    ''''Oh, do you like these ladies?'''' the green-skin beauty said while grabbing her chest.


    Atlas nodded with a grin, his hands slowly cupping Grishna''s breasts. They spilled out over his fingers, too large to hold completely. ''''I do, Grish,'''' he replied playfully, his voice low.


    Grishna''s grin widened, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she watched him, amused by his boldness. She leaned in and whispered in a low tone, ''''Does that mean you want me to be your lover? Like the Little Bird?''''


    ''''That would be nice,'''' Atlas said with a soft smile, his tone sincere, ''''but let''s not rush into anything, Grish." He paused momentarily, his gaze shifting between her and the others. ''''I do like you girls a lot, but I''d rather let things grow naturally instead of letting lust take the lead.''''


    Grishna''s expression softened, her playful demeanor giving way to understanding, while Artemis nodded approvingly from her spot nearby. Estelle called everyone for dinner, and the atmosphere shifted from playful banter.


    One by one, they all made their way to the table, laughter and chatter filling the air as they settled down to share a meal. When Atlas got close, he smelled something delicious and noticed a bowl of stew.


    Atlas settled into his seat next to Amethyst and Artemis, who were already diving into their meal. He eagerly tried the stew and tore off a piece of the warm bread, instantly loving the comforting flavors.


    A grin spread across his face as the group began to ask him about his dungeon runs. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out two silver boss tokens, gold and bronze. The sight of them drew gasps from the five women around the table.


    Their eyes widened in shock and excitement as they leaned in closer; Nulia quickly commented curiously, ''''How come you never told me during our time in the Chaos Realm?''''


    ''''You never asked,'''' he answered, finishing a mouthful of bread dipped in the stew. ''''We will be doing even more dungeons; I need more.''''


    The five women exchanged determined nods, their expressions steeling as Artemis spoke up. "There''s a dungeon near the fortress. Remember, Rollo reported that his scouts found them."


    As the name Rollo echoed in Atlas''s mind, an irrational wave of jealousy surged, tightening his chest. The way the women spoke about him, filled with familiarity, ignited a fierce protectiveness within him.


    He leaned forward, the edges of his vision blurring with a haze of anger. The atmosphere in the room shifted, thickening with tension as if a predator had entered their midst. A powerful aura pressed down on them all, except for the Frostbear woman, who remained untouched.


    Everyone''s gaze snapped to Atlas, whose eyes glowed with an unsettling intensity as he spoke in a cold, measured tone, ''''Who is Rollo?''''


    A heavy and charged silence enveloped the room until Nulia broke it with a knowing smile. ''''I knew you had a jealous streak, but I didn''t realize it was this bad.''''


    The words lingered in the air, a mix of challenge and invitation, as tension crackled like a storm about to unleash. Atlas locked eyes with Artemis, who swallowed hard, while Estelle added, ''''He''s the leader of the Golden Lion Legion and has been looking for you since you arrived.''''


    He turned his attention to the blonde, and the other three nodded in agreement, helping to lighten the atmosphere. Grishna chuckled and said, ''''Well, it seems Atlas is a jealous lover. That''s a good thing. Some men don''t care about their women, but he does.''''


    After that, Atlas stood up, his voice laced with confusion, and said apologetically, ''''Sorry about that, ladies,'''' before exiting the room and stepping outside.


    ''What was that about?'' he thought while entering the surrounding jungle. ''I''ve never been jealous until hearing them speak about another man.''


    Atlas climbed into a tree that offered a clear view of the Scalebreaker nest, settling in as he sought distraction by diving into the Void Realm to face more Void Ghouls. Upon appearing in the ruined city, haunting howls echoed around him as the creatures surged forward.


    Without hesitation, Atlas cast Void Infusion on his weapons, then lunged into the fray, slicing through their torsos and sending the creatures crashing to the ground. He ducked and weaved, narrowly avoiding their vicious attacks.


    ''They are slower compared to me,'' he thought as the excitement ignited.


    His movements were sharp, and anticipated each strike with ease. Sparks erupted as his blades clashed with their claws. Atlas gritted his teeth while deflecting all the attacks before casting Void Wave.


    An azure wave of energy surged from Atlas, slamming into the Void Ghouls and sending them crashing into nearby buildings. As the dust settled, he moved through the city, finishing off the ghouls that had stopped ambushing him.


    Their once-relentless attacks were reduced to desperate flails under his blade. Following that, Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how many creatures he had killed during this session.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 561/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 8/10000]


    [----]


    [----]


    Atlas continued until running out of mana and reappeared in the real world, where a battle below occurred. He looked over the edge and watched a pack of Forest Tigers fighting a few Bloodtalons as blood flew everywhere.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 230 - 230: This Level Wont Take Long

    Atlas continued watching the monsters fighting below the treehouse, but seconds later, he heard Amethyst''s voice, ''''Azhar''Zul, are you okay?''''


    He turned around and froze for a moment, his eyes landing on the young phoenix woman standing there, her radiant smile lighting up the room. The sight of her stirred something deep inside him, and without hesitation, he stood up.


    Atlas approached the surprised beauty, his heart racing as he embraced her tightly. He leaned in as her warmth surrounded him and whispered, ''''I''ve missed you so much, my pigeon girl.''''


    Amethyst giggled before returning the hug as she replied, ''''Me too; I can''t believe you went through all that and managed to make it back to us.''''


    ''''I know, it took years, but I''m here now and ain''t planning to go anywhere,'''' Atlas answered before lifting her chin and kissing her.


    Time seemed to slow as they continued, the world outside fading away. Each kiss was filled with longing and the quiet need that had built up between them during their time apart. The connection between them grew stronger.


    Their breath mingled as they lost themselves in the moment, neither wanting it to end. Soon enough, Amethyst backed away before speaking, ''''Can I help you in the Void Realm, please?''''


    A broad smile spread across Atlas''s face as he replied, "Of course, but be careful¡ªthe monsters are powerful Ghouls."


    The phoenix woman smiled back, her eyes glowing with confidence. Without hesitation, she reached for his hand, her touch warm and familiar. As Atlas sat down, she gracefully slid onto his lap and got comfortable.


    Soon after, he activated Void Realm, and the duo appeared in the creepy streets covered in darkness. When Amethyst saw this, she became wary and ensured the Ghouls weren''t nearby.


    Atlas was about to speak when a chilling howl echoed through the city, followed by several more, growing louder and closer. Amethyst immediately grabbed his arm, her eyes wide with concern.


    He gave her a reassuring smile, his expression calm despite the looming threat. "Take off," he instructed gently, his voice steady. "Stay in the air and cover me."


    The violet-haired beauty nodded as she unfurled a pair of stunning wings that matched the color of her hair, shimmering like the Void Realms sky. Instantly, she took off into the air, soaring above the chaos.


    ''She''s so much stronger than when we first met,'' Atlas smiled while watching his girlfriend sending her magic into the streets below.


    Amethyst began casting her cosmic spells as the incoming creatures approached, radiant bursts of energy lighting up the darkened sky. Each spell crackled with power as they struck the approaching ghouls, illuminating the scene.


    Once that happened, Atlas noticed a horde of creatures rushing toward him while letting out an eerie snarl. The sounds bounced off the buildings, causing him to cast Void Barrage into the swarm.


    Explosions erupted as Amethyst''s spells connected with the Ghouls, sending them hurtling through the air. Seizing the moment, Atlas dashed forward as he closed the distance. He weaved in and out of their attacks, ducking and diving, his instincts sharp.


    As he got within range, he started stabbing the creatures fiercely, his blade finding its mark repeatedly. Each thrust was calculated, and he moved fluidly, countering their strikes with his own.


    Meanwhile, Amethyst continued to unleash her Void Blasts, azure projectiles piercing through the Ghouls'' torsos with deadly efficiency. While she did that, Atlas cut the creatures in two thanks to Void Infusion coating his blades.


    Ten minutes later, the battle ended as the Ghouls ceased their relentless assault, allowing Atlas and Amethyst a moment to catch their breath. The air was tense, but the silence was a welcome relief.


    Atlas pulled up the monster tally on his interface, eager to see how many they had taken down. When the results flashed before him, he was taken aback, his eyes widening in disbelief at the staggering number.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 1789/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 178/10000]


    [----]


    [----]


    When Atlas saw that, he got excited. Amethyst landed next to him with a pretty smile, and she spoke with a giggle, ''''That was fun, but the Ghouls started throwing stuff at me.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about it; you''re too fast for them to catch,'''' he replied as the duo continued through the ruined city.


    The battles they faced were getting more challenging as Savage Ghouls appeared. Atlas had to concentrate as he deflected most of the attacks, but a few made it through and bounced off his armor.


    ''That was close,'' he thought before swinging up with Nightblade and carving through the creature''s skull.


    After a fierce battle, Atlas successfully cleared the area, taking down every last of the Savage Ghouls. Though he had sustained some injuries, the pain was quickly overshadowed by the comforting sensation of his Health Regeneration kicking in.


    He felt the warmth of healing wash over him as the wounds closed, the bruises faded, and energy returned to his body. Once they recovered, the couple continued through the deserted city streets, their hearts racing from the battle.


    ''This level won''t take too long now that I have help for the girls,'' Atlas mused while scanning his surroundings.


    They navigated the shadows, keeping their eyes peeled for any signs of danger until they finally emerged into a large square. The expanse was eerily quiet, and the cobblestones were cracked and overgrown with weeds.


    Just as they began to relax, a low growl reverberated through the air, causing them to tense. A massive Ghoul emerged from the shadows, towering above them with a twisted, grotesque form that dwarfed the warriors.


    Its red eyes glowed with a menacing hunger, and a chilling grin stretched across its decayed face. Atlas studied the newcomer before using Void Sight to determine the monster''s rank and strength. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Brute Ghoul]


    [Rank: Rank B]


    [This is a rage-filled Karen that wants to talk to your manager]


    When Atlas saw the advice, he was stumped and didn''t know what to think but looked at Amethyst, ''''Take off and hit them from a distance; this big one will be a problem,'''' he said while readying his magic.


    He threw several Inferno Bombs that connected with the Brute''s chest. He exploded, causing it to roar in agony as Amethyst soared into the sky while bombarding the creatures with Cosmic Blast and Barrage.


    Explosions sent the smaller Ghouls flying back as Atlas dashed forward and dodged a wild swing from the monster''s fist. Once in the clear, he cast a dozen Void Lances at the leader, who blocked the attacks.


    But this is what Atlas wanted as he slid next to him while slicing through the man''s ankles, causing him to crumble to the ground. He rushed in and started hitting the Brute with a dozen slashes.


    ''Death by a thousand cuts! Now die.''


    Once Atlas was done attacking and calmed down, he quickly noticed the ground was soaked in blood as the massive Brute Ghoul fell, its lifeless body dissipating into the air and vanishing back into the Void Realm.


    The echoes of battle faded, leaving only the sound of their heavy breathing and the city''s silence. Archer and Amethyst pressed on once the immediate threat was eliminated, but exhaustion set in.


    ''We need to rest for a while,'' he thought while looking for the quiet street.


    They trudged through the streets, fatigue weighing heavily on them, their bodies smeared with blood. Atlas pulled out some ale and gave a bottle to the phoenix girl before taking a drink that refreshed him.


    He pulled up the total to see how much it went up.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 1789/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 178/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 1/5000]


    [----]


    ''It''s going up quick. Now I just need to unlock the boss, and then we''ll be good to go,'' Atlas chuckled.


    Following that, he grabbed Amethyst''s hand and returned to the real world, where his mana was getting low. When the two appeared on the balcony, a strong gust brushed against them.


    ''''Would you like something to eat, my love?'''' the phoenix woman questioned.


    Atlas smiled when he heard and leaned forward to kiss the surprised young woman. After that, she dragged him inside, where the others were relaxing. Estelle looked at him with a smile, ''''Do you want some tea, Azhar''Zul?'''' she asked.


    At the sound of the question, Atlas nodded and settled down, searching for a comfortable position. He kicked off his boots with a relieved sigh, feeling the weight of exhaustion wash over him.


    ''The battles in the Void Realm have taken its toll on me,'' he thought with a smile.


    Just then, Estelle appeared with a warm smile as she approached with a steaming cup of tea in hand. The rich aroma wafted up to him, instantly soothing him before he took a sip and loved the taste.


    When the tea hit his tongue, he felt slightly refreshed while watching the flames in the fireplace. Atlas was relaxed as the smell of meat hit his nose, causing him to turn around and notice Amethyst and Artemis cooking some food.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 231 - 231: I Am A Mighty Cosmic Phoenix

    As Estelle commented to the group, Atlas and the women ate breakfast at the table, ''''What''s the plan? The war in the south is in full swing, and the Achaemendians are moving fast.''''


    ''''Do we travel further north?'''' Artemis answered. ''''They shouldn''t travel this far.''''


    ''''The Northern Wastes are dangerous and full of strong dungeons. Could we go there? I have a place for us to live while there,'''' Nulia suggested to the group.


    Everyone looked at the Frostbear woman as Grishna questioned, ''''Won''t it be cold there? I hate it.''''


    ''''It''s not that bad in my cave home; you can ask Atek, and he will back me up,'''' she answered as her blue eyes gleamed. ''''We''ll be safer there until the Achaemendian war stops?''''


    Atlas listened to them but got an idea; he looked at Nulia before inquiring, ''''How many dungeons are in the Northern Wastes?''''


    The brown-skinned woman thought briefly; seconds later, she answered, ''''A few dozen scattered across the tundra; they are different from each other and offer a perfect opportunity for us to level up.''''


    ''''That sounds good,'''' Atlas replied, outlining his plans. ''''We can remain in the Otherworld while I head north on Raymond. We can level up and grow stronger if you''re willing to help me catch more monsters for my army and tackle some dungeons. Once ready, we''ll head south to stir things up with the Achaemendians.''''


    After hearing his idea, which wasn''t bad, all five women gave thoughtful expressions, but Amethyst was the first to speak in a curious voice, "Can I still help you tame birds for this place?"


    ''''Why do you want to tame so many monsters, Little Bird?'''' Artemis quipped with a smile.


    The phoenix woman turned to the brunette with narrowed eyes as she retorted, ''''Because birds are powerful monsters and could benefit the Otherworld and Azhar''Zul, Fish.''''


    Before Artemis could reply, he interrupted with a smile, ''''Arte, can you tame sea monsters? I know you''re a Siren.''''


    Her brown eyes gleamed before she nodded, ''''I can, but you may have to come with me.''''


    When Amethyst heard this, she protested, ''''You want to spend alone time with him! We agreed to wait until I was eighteen, only half a year away.''''


    Artemis giggled while answering, ''''We all have to share Little Bird. Don''t complain, and let me spend time with him.''''


    ''These women are lionesses,'' he thought with a chuckle. ''They are always snapping at each other.''


    Then Estelle asked him curiously, ''''Can you travel with us inside the Otherworld? Won''t it put a strain on you?''''


    Atlas shook his head, ''''No, it''s a separate realm from the real world, which confuses me, but it''s something to do with me being a Voidwalker,'''' he answered.


    Following that, the group agreed to stay in the Otherworld while Atlas and one of them would travel with him so he didn''t get into trouble. Once everything was settled, Estelle and Grishna wanted to train, and Nulia joined them.


    This left Artemis and Amethyst, the Siren woman, wanting to swim. She kissed him on the cheek while leaving the treehouse with a beaming smile as the phoenix angrily threw a fork at her.


    Atlas chuckled at the sight, but Amethyst pulled him onto the balcony before he could react. She turned to him, flushed with a deep red, and spoke hopefully. ''''Will you wait for me, my love? I''m your first wife, and it''s only right that we share our first time.''''


    He was caught off guard but nodded with a smile. ''''I won''t sleep with the others; I''ll wait for you. After all, you''re my pigeon girl.''''


    Amethyst''s face flushed with irritation as she started hitting him playfully. ''''Stop calling me a pigeon!'''' she exclaimed. ''''I am a mighty Cosmic Phoenix, and I''ve chosen you as my life mate!''''


    Atlas was taken aback but nodded in agreement. ''''I''ve chosen you too, Amethyst, but you know there are also the other four. I''m growing close to them.''''


    Amethyst sighed at his words, a hint of frustration in her voice. ''''I know you like them, especially Blondie with her giant boobs. You''re always staring at those airbags!''''


    He chuckled, shaking his head. ''''Yeah, they''re pretty amazing, but yours? They''re perfect.''''


    When the purple-haired woman heard this, she went bright red, causing Atlas to continue with his sweet words as he embraced her, ''''Once you turn eighteen, we will go out on a date and have a special night.''''


    Amethyst beamed before nodding, ''''That would be nice. My mother told me a lifemate would ensure the first time was special. Did you know a Cosmic Phoenix was with the last Voidwalker?''''


    ''''Yes, and you, her descendant pigeon,'''' he teased, smiling as he leaned in to kiss her forehead. ''''But none of that matters because I like you, Amethyst Flameheart.''''


    Her delicate hand cupped his cheeks, pulling him closer. Then she kissed him, and the moment their lips touched, a surge of electricity shot through his body, sending a thrilling jolt that made his heart race.


    After the kiss, they parted, and Amethyst smiled softly, ''''I''m going to do some flying to clear my head.''''


    Atlas nodded before responding. ''''Enjoy yourself. I''ll be working on creating more for the Otherworld, so keep an eye out for any changes,'''' he replied with a grin, bidding farewell to the phoenix woman as she spread her wings and took off into the sky.


    Once she was gone, he sat down and decided to clear out more Ghouls, which would be helpful in the future. With that thought, he activated Void Realm and appeared in the destroyed city.


    He drew his swords, and the Void Ghouls'' eerie howls echoed from all sides as they darted out of the shadows. Bracing himself, he cast Void Guard, creating a shimmering barrier, and sent a few creatures flying.


    Without hesitation, he unleashed a volley of Void Arrows, the azure projectiles slicing through the air and searing holes into the creatures. Their twisted forms disintegrated back into the realm, but monsters surged forward, ready to overwhelm him.


    Then, Atlas sliced through the Ghouls'' bodies until he encountered a Brute Ghoul that sent a powerful punch in his direction. He crossed his blades to block the attack, and when it connected, his arms shook due to the force.


    With a surge of power, he cast Void Wave, unleashing a devastating shockwave that blasted the surrounding creatures, forcing them back and clearing some space. Seizing the opportunity, he channeled his energy into Void Smash.


    He pulled his fist back, dark energy swirling around it, before launching it forward with bone-crushing force. The moment his fist collided with the Brute''s chest, a loud clap echoed through the battlefield.


    The impact obliterated the Brute''s chest in a burst of energy, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. He dove back into the fray without missing a beat, clashing with the swarming Void Ghouls.


    ''This is easier than I expected,'' Atlas thought, a fierce grin.


    Void Punches and Smashes tore through the horde, each blow triggering explosive bursts of dark mana. With every strike, hundreds of enemies were wiped out. Once enough were dead, he pursued the fleeing Ghouls, thinning their numbers.


    After Atlas killed all the creatures, he needed to catch his breath while leaning against a nearby wall.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 4912/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 328/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 1/5000]


    [----]


    Following that, he continued fighting the Void Ghouls until he came across a group of Brutes who started attacking him. Atlas managed to deflect many strikes, but some caught him off guard and slammed into his stomach.


    He was catapulted through the city while crashing through buildings and causing some to collapse on top of him.


    Atlas tore through the Void Ghouls; his fists charged with mana as he unleashed Void Punch after Punch. Explosions erupted with every hit, disintegrating the creatures in waves. His breath came in heavy gasps, but he pressed on, his strikes accurate and devastating.


    Suddenly, he felt the energy within him wane. As he went to cast another spell, nothing happened. His mana was depleted. Atlas cursed under his breath, stumbling slightly as the weight of exhaustion hit him.


    Sensing his vulnerability, the Ghouls began to close in, but he returned to the real world and noticed the two moons hanging overhead. Following that, Atlas relaxed on the balcony while a storm started.


    A blizzard swept through the real world, and Atlas swiftly blocked its effects from reaching the Otherworld. He activated the Otherworld''s seasons with a quick adjustment, letting its unique weather patterns take over.


    Atlas gazed out over the vast expanse of the Otherworld. The landscape sprawled before him, a wave of colors shifting with the changing seasons. Towering trees, their leaves shimmering, swayed gently in the breeze while distant mountains loomed, their peaks kissed by clouds.


    ''This place is beautiful and its all mine,'' he thought with a greedy smile.


    While standing that, Grishna appeared beside him with a grin, ''''The Little Bird loves you Atlas, do not break her heart.'''' S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 232 - 232: Are They Intelligent

    Atlas glanced at the beautiful orc woman and nodded, ''''I won''t let any of you down,'''' he said with a charming smile.


    Grisha beamed as she excitedly asked, ''''Can we test out your Void Realm with the others? I want to see it.''''


    ''''Yes, gather the others and meet me in the living room,'''' Atlas replied while stretching his only arm before walking inside.


    He quickly noticed Estelle standing there, and when spotting him, she smiled, ''''Ah Azhar''Zul, I''ve been thinking, once I level up some more, I can try to heal your arm.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his eyes widened, but he nodded, responding, ''''That sounds good to me, thank you.''''


    The blonde flashed him a dazzling smile before stepping closer and kissing his cheek quickly. He was caught off guard, and her laughter bubbled as she said, ''''Grish mentioned that we''re helping you with the Void Realm?''''


    Atlas nodded as Artemis, Amethyst, and Grishna entered the living room, their faces excitedly lit. He gestured for them to come closer. ''''I need you all nearby to activate the skill, ladies.''''


    Once everyone was close, Atlas selected the skill, causing everyone to appear in the destroyed city as he spoke, ''''Be careful, ladies. The Void Ghouls are sneaky creatures and ambush you from the shadows.''''


    Upon hearing this, Estelle drew her shield and moved to the front, positioning herself protectively. Artemis and Grishna flanked her, standing slightly behind on either side, while Amethyst remained at the center of their formation.


    He observed the scene with fascination, Nulia standing quietly at his side. Seeing this, Atlas smiled before turning to the brown-skinned beauty, ''''You protect the rear while I move around the battlefield.''''


    Nulia nodded with a smile as she transformed into her Frostbear form and let out a heart-shaking roar, answered by hundreds of horrifying howls that echoed throughout the city, causing everyone to prepare for an attack.


    ''They always start off like this,''


    Atlas mused as the excitement ignited.


    With a deafening roar, the first wave of Ghouls charged forward, their shrieks splitting the air. Estelle, Artemis, and Grishna stood momentarily stunned by the sudden onslaught but quickly regained their composure. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With fierce determination, the brunette unleashed her sling, launching searing mana bolts piercing the creatures'' skulls. Estelle slammed her shield into the ground with force, creating a wall of blinding white light that shimmered like an impenetrable fortress.


    In the meantime, Atlas marveled as Amethyst unfurled her shimmering wings, taking to the sky in a breathtaking display. From above, she rained down devastating bursts of cosmic magic, her attacks tearing through the Ghouls.


    Meanwhile, Grishna, spear in hand, dashed into the fight. Her movements were a blur as she effortlessly skewered dozens of Ghouls, her spear an extension of her body, keeping the hideous creatures at bay before dispatching them.


    ''She''s a warrior; maybe she can help me train one day,''


    Atlas thought while admiring the young woman.


    As Grishna carved her way through the horde, Estelle charged forward like an unstoppable force of nature. With her shield blazing and her power surging, she plowed through the masses, crushing hundreds of Ghouls beneath her and leaving a trail of devastation in her wake.


    The battlefield trembled beneath their might; Atlas was excited, but Nulia noticed some sneaky creatures trying to attack the women from the flank. The Frostbear woman charged forward and tore them apart with ease.


    ''Glad Nulia is a friend and not foe; her bear form is powerful.''


    After that, Atlas got involved and cast Void Infusion on his blades before carving through the monsters'' bodies, causing them to collapse. That''s when he spotted several Savage Ghould heading straight for Grishna.


    He noticed the orc beauty spotted them and grinned, a fierce glint in her eyes. Without hesitation, she hurled a metal ball toward them. The instant it struck the ground, it emitted a piercing shriek that disoriented the Ghouls, their grotesque forms stumbling in confusion.


    Wasting no time, Grishna surged forward, her spear a blur as she drove it through them with deadly precision, each thrust ending a life as she tore through their ranks. Amid the chaos, Atlas''s sharp gaze caught sight of mana bolts slicing through the horde, picking off Ghouls from a distance.


    He turned just in time to see Artemis, who had abandoned her sling for a gleaming sword. As the creatures closed in, she lunged forward with lethal speed, her blade cutting through the air, carving into the advancing Ghouls with the grace of a warrior born for battle.


    ''So I don''t have to worry about them all,''


    he thought with a smile.


    ''They all can fight and are strong.''


    As the battle continued, Atlas wiped out a group using Void Barrage before pulling up the monster after an hour of fighting with the women.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 6999/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 1176/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 1/5000]


    [----]


    Atlas smiled when he saw this; he started spamming Void Arrows and Bullets that sliced through the air and connected with a group of Savaga Ghouls, causing them to fall to the ground as holes were burned through their foreheads.


    ''Looks like they''re weak to those spells,''


    he pondered while casting more.


    The battle raged on, a relentless storm of steel and magic until the first finally fell. A pack of Void Ghouls, moving with unnatural speed, managed to ambush Artemis. Their claws tore at her, but he reacted instantly and sent her back to the real world in a flash of light.


    As soon as she disappeared, Grishna became the next target. The others followed one by one due to the overwhelming number of creatures¡ªAmethyst, then Nulia¡ªvanishing from the battlefield as he sent them safely away.


    Now, only Atlas and Estelle remained, standing firm against the horde. Estelle, shield raised, was a bastion of light and unyielding power as the two defended against the Void Ghouls'' vicious sneak attacks.


    The odds were growing, but neither wavered; Estelle cut down a dozen creatures before a Ghoul Brute managed to land a punch on the blonde. She was sent crashing to the ground, forcing Atlas to send her back to the real world.


    Once alone, the Ghouls circled him as the Savages growled at him, but a Brute stepped forward with a knowing smile. Atlas was shocked,


    ''Are they intelligent? Maybe this type is?''


    he thought while glancing at the others.


    That''s when he noticed the intelligence in their eyes and gulped before the Brute chuckled as it charged forward. As the creature got close, it swung a powerful punch that Atlas dodged, narrowly avoiding a colossal fist that cratered the ground where he''d stood.


    He cast Void Blast at the Brute when he got enough space between them. The bolt slammed into the creature''s side, but instead of recoiling in pain, the Brute turned its head, eyes narrowing as if calculating its next move.


    ''Yeah, it''s smart! This is bad.''


    Atlas backed off when realizing this creature wouldn''t be easy to defeat. With that thought, he steeled himself before casting several Void Bombs at it; the azure projectiles sliced through the air and slammed into the stronger Ghoul.


    ''This is my chance; maybe I can end it,''


    he thought with a tired smile.


    Explosions rippled across the street they were fighting on, but Atlas dashed forward and sensed the fist. He sidestepped the attack before driving his blade into its flesh and sliced it open before casting Void Bullets inside, causing the creature''s arm to explode.


    Atlas could feel the Brute''s rage building as it was injured from his last attack. The beast snarled, swiping at him with its massive claw that appeared out of nowhere, but Atlas was already moving.


    His body blurred with speed, dodging the strike and weaving between the Brute''s lumbering swings. He unleashed a Void Barrage that pummeled the enemy''s thick hide, stunning the creature further.


    Following that, he sheathed his weapons before using Void Step and unleashing a Void Smash on the Brute''s face. When his fist connected, a loud clap was heard as the creature''s head exploded.


    Atlas dropped to the ground, exhausted and out of mana, as the other Ghouls jumped on him, ending his go at Level Four. Opening his eyes, he noticed the five women gossiping around the kitchen table.


    Before getting up, he checked the monster''s total, as they killed many creatures during their fight.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 9231/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 3711/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 2/5000]


    [----]


    ''Nearly halfway done already,''


    Atlas thought before shaking his head and standing up.


    When the women noticed him, Amethyst jumped up and declared with a big smile, ''''We''ve decided to help you fight those horrible creatures, Atlas.''''


    The other four nodded in agreement as he answered, ''''We can try in a few hours; if I go back now, I will be tired and slower than the last time.''''


    ''''Why is that? Isn''t it your realm?'''' Artemis questioned with a curious expression on her pretty face.


    Atlas joined them at the table, explaining, ''''It doesn''t belong to me; that''s the Otherworld we''re in now. The Void Realm is a creation of something I don''t know, but sometimes I''ve felt eyes on me when fighting a few times.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 233 - 233: The Only Orc I want (R-18)

    Following their fight in the Void Realm, the women rested as they did their things, but Grishna grabbed his hand with a grin, ''''Come with me, Azhar''Zul. I got something for you,'''' she said.


    Atlas was curious and let the orc woman take him into another part of the treehouse as he questioned, ''''What are you up to, Grish?''''


    The woman didn''t turn back as she answered, ''''Now I''ve seen how strong you''re and know you will only grow. I want to become your woman, but my promise with the Little Bird forbade me from being claimed.''''


    His eyebrow raised in interest as she continued, ''''So to prove my words, I will become your woman, but once you bed Amethyst, I want it after.''''


    As Atlas heard this, he got excited, and they reached a bedroom resembling Grishna''s. She pushed him onto the bed and straddled him as her large soft boobs squashed against his chest, causing his lust to ignite.


    His cock went hard and rubbed against the orc woman''s pussy, causing her to hug him tight as she moaned, ''''Mmmghh~~ Bless the goddess for bringing you here, Atlas.''''


    Atlas felt his body shiver as she bit into his neck while gyrating her thick waist, causing pleasure to crash against both of their bodies. Soon enough, Grishna stopped biting him before unbuttoning his shirt after he dismissed his armor.


    When the orc woman noticed his toned physique and perfectly chiseled muscles, she bit her lip before exclaiming in a lust-filled voice, ''''Your body is something else, and it''s mine now; you will have no other orc lover? Only me.''''


    ''''Of course, my Grishna is the only orc I want,'''' Atlas replied, causing the woman''s body to tremble as she dropped to her knees.


    Her green eyes gazed at him as she tugged his pants down, allowing his cock to pop out, shocking the orc woman. Grishna grabbed hold of it and slowly started stroking it while speaking in a breathless voice, ''''You''re massive, and I can''t wait until this beast claims me.''''


    Atlas shivered when hearing her seductive voice, but the next moment, she leaned forward and ran the tip of her tongue along his tip, causing him to groan. Grishna was happy with his reaction and started to pump even faster.


    ''''Does this make you feel good, husband?'''' she asked in a sultry tone.


    He nodded, leaning back on the bed and answering, ''''It feels so good, Grish. Please don''t stop.''''


    It was getting too much for him, but he felt a warm feeling envelop his cock as her slimy tongue licked every part of him as she bobbed her head up and down. Atlas grabbed her head and started thrusting into her mouth.


    Grishna accepted all over it as he started to fuck her mouth until he shoved it deeper and released his seed down the orc woman''s throat as she let out a seductive moan, ''''Mmmmmm~~.''''


    Soon, Atlas was breathing heavily as she stood up while licking her plump lips, ''''That was delicious, but do you want to continue this, my husband?''''


    He looked at her before nodding with a grin, ''''Sit on my face. We can''t have sex, but I can taste you at least.''''


    When Grishna heard this, she got excited as her pointy ears twitched while climbing on the bed while hiking up her dress. The orc woman climbed on Atlas''s face, and he noticed she wasn''t wearing any panties, and her perfect pussy was on show.


    It was neat with a tuff without any hair causing Atlas to lean up and run his tongue along her wet slit, causing Grishna to push his head into her pussy as she let out moans as the pleasure washed over her body, ''''Mmmghhh~~ Nmmmmhh~~.''''


    He grabbed her toned thighs that were clamped down on his head as his tongue slipped into her tight passage, which caused her to tremble with delight as her love juices poured into his mouth. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Looks like someone likes licking his orc,'''' she purred while grinding her waist on his face. ''''Mmmghhh~~ feels so good.''''


    Atlas started swallowing as much as he could as the sweet and tangy taste was something else, and he was worried about getting addicted to it. Following that, he continued licking Grishna until her body trembled and started squirting all over his face.


    The orc woman collapsed on the bed while she caught her breath, and Atlas noticed her boobs bouncing all over the place due to the motion. He sat up with a drenched face, causing Grishna to giggle.


    ''''That was amazing, my mate. I can''t wait to make love to you,'''' she said tiredly.


    The door opened, and Artemis appeared with a knowing smile, saying, ''''I see you two didn''t break the rule.''''


    Atlas laughed as the brunette turned to the orc woman. She continued in a knowing voice, ''''Moving fast?''''


    Grishna waved her away with a pleased smile, ''''Well, feeling that deadly tongue on my pussy was worth it, but you know us orcs, we live in the moment, and I like Atlas, so I made my move and to my surprise, he was up for it.''''


    ''''Because all of you are already mine, but it seems you ladies are accepting it now,'''' he questioned both women.


    Artemis laughed as she revealed, ''''Well, considering you''re eighteen, taller than all of us, and extremely handsome, why wouldn''t we accept it? It was difficult when you were a young boy to see you as anything but a little brother, but now it''s different.''''


    Atlas understood, which caused him to think. He remembered everything he had been through and was happy where he was, but something deep down told him to keep moving forward.


    ''I don''t set the pace; I race against it,'' he thought to himself before standing up, only to be confronted by Artemis.


    She scrunched her nose and said, ''''I can smell Grishna all over you.''''


    Atlas chuckled as he headed toward the bathroom, leaving Artemis and Grishna to share a laugh at his reaction, finding it endearing. He walked across the treehouse and heard Amethyst and Nulia talking in the living room.


    As he stepped into the bathroom, Atlas heard soft humming and wondered who it might be. ''


    It must be Estelle,''


    he thought.


    When he looked up, he was greeted by the sight of the blonde knight, her big blue eyes sparkling with delight. ''''Azhar''Zul! Join me; I''ll wash your back,'''' she said with a warm smile.


    Without waiting, Atlas stripped out of his clothes with a knowing smile, and Estelle''s eyes widened when she saw him naked. He stepped forward, got in the hot water, and saw the blonde in her birthday suit.


    Estelle was stunning. Her soft blonde hair was tied into a bun, different from her usual style, but what truly caught Atlas''s attention were her abundant breasts, perfectly perky and defying gravity.


    They ended in pink nipples, hard and enticing, tempting him to lean in and suck one of them. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he let his gaze drift down her toned hourglass figure, evidence of her dedication to fitness.


    She managed to maintain her feminine curves while showcasing her athletic physique, a combination that left him momentarily speechless, ''Wow she''s sexy,'' he thought with a grin.


    ''''What are you staring at, Azhar''Zul?'''' Estelle asked in an amused voice.


    ''''Don''t act stupid; you know I''m admiring my blonde knight,'''' Atlas answered in a heartbeat. ''''You''re gorgeous, Estelle.''''


    She beamed before speaking, ''''Thank you, Atlas, but turn around. I need to wash you.''''


    Atlas did as she asked and felt the soft hands rubbing soap on his back before rubbing his shoulders. He relaxed and slumped against the blonde, who put his head on her massive, soft pillows.


    His eyes closed as Estelle washed his chest. She commented in a hopeful voice, ''''Do you like me, Atlas?''''


    Without moving, he answered honestly, ''''Yes, I do.''''


    Hearing his answer, she smiled and asked, ''''Why would you want to be with a woman like me?''''


    Atlas opened one eye as he questioned, ''''What do you mean?''''


    Estelle sighed, a shadow of sadness crossing her beautiful features. ''''Back in the Argonia Kingdom, many people called me a tomboy, saying no man would want a woman who acts like a male,'''' she confessed.


    Hearing this, Atlas sat up and turned to face her, brushing aside her worries with a gentle kiss. Their lips connected, and he felt the warmth and softness of her juicy mouth against his.


    To his delight, Estelle quickly returned the kiss with a passion that ignited between them, erasing the weight of her insecurities in that shared moment. Soon enough, Atlas broke apart as he brushed a lock of hair out of her face.


    ''''I find you beautiful and would love to be with a loyal woman like yourself,'' he revealed, causing the blonde to hug him tightly.


    Estelle quickly shoved his head into her cleavage. Following that, she got back to washing him with a happy smile. Atlas relaxed as the hot water and soap washed over him, as he closed his eyes.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 234 - 234: Can You Spend The Night With Me

    Estelle continued to wash Atlas as she pushed her giant boobs against his back, which made him shiver, ''''Are you teasing me, blondie?'''' he asked with a chuckle.


    She stopped moving before leaning into his pointy ear and whispered, ''''Do you dislike it, Atlas?''''


    ''''No, I like it and want you to continue,'''' he replied, leaning against her chest and feeling its soft touch.


    The blonde giggled as she started to kiss his neck, sending a shock through his body as he reached back and squeezed her thick thighs. Estelle let out a moan, which turned him on even more, ''''Mmmmghhnn~~.''''


    ''''We should stop before it goes any further, Atlas,'''' she said, her voice breathless as his hand inched closer.


    Hearing her words, he immediately removed his hand, keeping things respectful. ''''I won''t rush you, Estelle. When the time is right, we''ll take that step.''''


    Her smile widened at his response, and she leaned in slightly, whispering, ''''Thank you, my husband.''''


    Following that, the two of them continued washing before Atlas stepped out because he couldn''t keep staring at her boobs as it was making her go red. Once the cold air hit his skin, he shivered.


    ''''Make sure to wrap up; it''s getting colder,'''' Estelle smiled while appearing beside him.


    Once the blonde finished speaking, they both began drying off, the air filled with a sense of calm. He grabbed some fresh clothes from storage and quickly put them on before leaving the bathroom.


    As Atlas stepped out, he couldn''t help but think, ''


    I hate Frostwinter; the air is too cold.''


    He shivered slightly, wishing for the warmth of a distant sun.


    Estelle followed, slipping into her armor with practiced ease. The metal clinking echoed softly as she fastened each piece. Atlas looked at her with a raised eyebrow, ''''Do you need to wear that while we''re relaxing?''''


    ''''We should start training for the dungeons,'''' Estelle replied while putting on her helmet. ''''Plus, the Fish and Little Bird want to fight me to see how strong they''ve become.''''


    Atlas nodded before saying farewell to her as he found a place to relax while jumping into the Void Realm. His consciousness was sucked into the destroyed city as howls started ringing out.


    He drew his swords, channeling Void Infusion into them as dark energy surged along the blades. Focusing his thoughts, he pulled up the monster total for this level.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 9231/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 3711/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 2/5000]


    [----]


    Following that, a dozen Savage Ghouls rushed out of a nearby street and tried to attack him, but Atlas dodged their attacks while countering with a few swipes that decapitated the creatures.


    He noticed the Ghouls were trying to encircle him, but when Atlas used Void Wave, it sent the monsters flying into the surrounding buildings. This allowed him to dash toward the downed foes and thrust his blades into their skulls.


    Atlas''s twin swords humming with Void energy. With every swing, the blades cut through the decaying creatures like they were made of paper. His movements were a deadly dance as he slashed and spun, quickly severing limbs and heads.


    ''This is getting easier,''


    he thought with an excited smile.


    Hundreds of Ghouls fell beneath his ruthless assault, their shrieks of pain and death echoing through the city streets. Two more rushed him for every one that fell, but Atlas didn''t falter as he continued fighting the creatures.


    His void-charged strikes obliterated the groups of creatures, leaving nothing but ash in his wake. But just as the last wave of Ghouls collapsed, the ground trembled. The Brutes had arrived¡ªmassive, hulking beasts with thick, armored skin.


    ''Looks like things just got hard,''


    Atlas mused as he readied to attack the bigger monsters that would put up a good fight.


    Without waiting for the Ghoul Brutes to move, he cast Void Bomb at them. The azure projectile sliced through the air and slammed into the rage-filled creature, causing a massive explosion.


    It sent every Void Ghoul flying and slamming into the building, and a few Brutes were wiped out due to the blasts. When Atlas saw this, he quickly checked the monster''s total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 10919/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 3989/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 12/5000]


    [----]


    ''Nearly done with the first too but now to fight with the Brutes,''


    he mused while spinning his blades.


    The Brute Ghouls charged forward and started to punch out, but Atlas ducked and sank out of the way. He felt the wind past his face as he leaned out of the way of one strike, but he countered with a Void Blast into the creature''s chest.


    An azure explosion erupted, but Atlas used Void Step to escape the shockwave as the creature was burned to ashes. Following this, the battle erupted as more Brute Ghouls started charging in.


    They soon overwhelmed him with their numbers, causing Atlas to reappear in the treehouse. He was sweating and felt phantom pains as the Ghoul''s fists still left a mark even in the real world. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While sitting there, Nulia appeared with a warm smile and spoke, ''''Atlas, you need to rest. Give the Void Realm a rest for a while.''''


    ''''I know, but I like getting the numbers down,'''' he replied while sitting up as the brown-skinned beauty sat on his lap.


    She put her forehead against his and questioned in a longing voice, ''''You do know how I feel about you?''''


    Atlas nodded with a smile before answering, ''''You like me, but you don''t want to rush things in case it ruins what we''ve got going.''''


    Nulia beamed as she continued, ''''Can you spend the night with me? I miss those cold nights we used to cuddle up.''''


    ''''Of course. I used to love cuddling you; for some reason, you were always warm,'''' Atlas responded as he grabbed her big boobs. ''''I especially loved these soft girls; when can I pamper them?''''


    The young woman giggled before swatting his hands away, saying, ''''We have to take the pledge, which means we would be connected for life. That''s a big change, Atlas. Can you give me some time to think?''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement as Nulia smiled, ''''Thank you for understanding; I will cook something to eat for us and Atek; he has been hibernating since healing from his injuries.''''


    ''''I hope he wakes up soon; I miss that fluff ball,'''' he replied while eating some dumplings.


    Nulia started laughing, ''''You two were truly best friends; I didn''t think he''d warm up to you like that,'''' she said with a cheerful voice.


    The young woman left the living room, causing Atlas to approach the balcony around the treehouse. Outside, he spotted Artemis, Amethyst, and Grishna fighting Estelle, who was defending herself from the trio''s attacks.


    Atlas watched as the blonde blocked a Cosmic Blast from the phoenix girl before raising her shield to block Grishna''s spear thrust. Estelle quickly activated a skill, and Shield Bashed the orc woman.


    She was sent flying, crashing hard into Amethyst, as Artemis charged in with her sword, launching a flurry of strikes at the knight. Atlas watched intently as Estelle skillfully deflected most of the attacks.


    But in a brief moment of vulnerability, a Lightning Slash slammed into her shield, crackling with power. The impact forced the blonde knight to skid backward, her footing faltering as the sudden attack caught her off guard.


    Before she could recover, Grishna unleashed a barrage of Earth Bolts, the dozen projectiles slicing through the air before hammering into Estelle''s defenses, straining her shield under their relentless assault.


    ''It seems like all of them have got stronger during our separation,''


    Atlas pondered with a smile.


    After that, he watched Estelle batter away Artemis and Amethyst before challenging Grishna to a fistfight. The orc woman waved the other two away with a big smile, ''''Now we get to fight properly, blondie; we may be with the same man, but that doesn''t mean we can be friends.''''


    Estelle scoffed, her tone sharp. "It''s only because of Azhar''Zul that I tolerate you," she said, but her expression softened slightly. "But I''ll admit, you''re a skilled warrior¡ªsomeone I''m glad to fight beside."


    Her words left everyone momentarily stunned, the rare compliment catching them off guard, especially considering the two women''s previous relationship. When Grishna heard this, she approached the blonde.


    Atlas stood uncertain, not knowing what to expect. But when Grishna extended her hand with a warm, friendly smile, she spoke softly, ''''Want to put the past behind us, sister? We can''t keep attacking each other when we care for the same man.''''


    Estelle glanced at Grishna''s outstretched hand before taking it with a genuine smile. ''''I''m sorry for insulting you,'''' she said. ''''I see now that you''re a kind woman and truly care for Atlas.''''


    ''Oh looks like they just become civil with each other,''


    he thought.


    ''''Don''t think being friends gets you out of our fight, blondie,'''' Grishna said excitedly.


    The blonde giggled and shook her head before replying, ''''How can I forget? I know you Orcs love a good fight.''''


    ''''No weapons or magic, just fists, and our husband can be the referee?'''' the Orc woman announced while her green eyes landed on Atlas.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 235 - 235: Chaos Is In Control

    ''''Okay, I will be your referee,'''' Atlas responded to Grishna.


    The Orc woman beamed with satisfaction, her tusked grin wide and genuine. Now at ease, Estelle set down her sword and shield, then squared her stance, preparing for the fight ahead.


    Grishna, with her robust Orc frame, moved first, throwing a heavy punch at Estelle''s torso. Quick and agile, the blonde sidestepped and countered with a sharp jab to the other woman''s shoulder.


    The two exchanged blows, each hit packed with skill and precision. Atlas couldn''t help but smirk as he watched them, their strength and competitive spirits on display. It was a battle of equals, and he admired how far they had come.


    Atlas watched the two beautiful women circle each other, eyes locked, the air crackling with intensity. Without warning, Grishna lunged forward, her Orc fist barreling toward Estelle like a sledgehammer.


    The blonde reacted instantly, dodging the attacks as she delivered a lightning-quick jab to Grishna''s side. The impact was fierce, but the orc merely grinned, her tusks gleaming in the dim light.


    She retaliated with a crushing hook aimed at Estelle''s jaw. Atlas saw the blonde duck just in time, spinning on her heel to deliver a sharp uppercut that sent Grishna stumbling back a step, her grin never fading.


    Fists flew in a blur of raw power and skill, each woman refusing to give an inch. The ground beneath them seemed to tremble as their blows collided, the sounds of fists meeting flesh echoing like thunder.


    The battle raged on; each punch flew without care. Atlas watched as the Orc woman finally ducked under one of Estelle''s swings, expertly sweeping the blonde''s legs from under her, shocking everyone.


    ''That was sneaky but good,'' Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    he thought with a smile.


    Estelle crashed toward the ground, but not before delivering a crushing, head-ringing punch to Grishna''s face. The impact echoed with a resounding clap, causing the Orc to stagger back, dazed but still grinning, as she hit the ground with a thud.


    Both women, blood pumping, seemed even more determined than before. Atlas continued to watch, and when it became clear that neither woman could get the upper hand, he joined in with a smirk.


    Thanks to Void Step, he appeared behind Grishna before charging a punch, but Estelle shouted, ''''Behind you, Grish!''''


    The Orc woman dived to the side before casting an Earth Bolt that the Void Guard blocked before his punch closed in Grishna, who crossed her arms. When his fist connected, a clap rang out, but she was sent flying into the forest.


    A sudden Light Blast slammed into Atlas, launching him through the air. He bounced painfully along the ground before crashing into a giant tree. "Ah, shit, that hurt," he groaned, sliding to the ground in a heap.


    Pushing himself up, Atlas quickly drew Nightblade just in time to deflect an attack from Artemis, her sword gleaming as she lunged with a wicked smile. He parried her strike to the right, skillfully redirecting the force.


    He quickly cast Void Wave, a dark surge of energy that blasted into the brunette, sending her hurtling into the depths of the forest. Atlas turned to Estelle and started casting Void Lances at the knight.


    The blonde raised her shield just in time to block the spells that slammed into the metal, forcing Atlas to use Void Step to reappear behind her. With a playful smirk, he smacked her bubble bum, eliciting a surprised yelp.


    ''''You''re mine in this life and the next, Estelle,'''' he said with a smile.


    But before she could react, a Void Blast struck her legs, spinning her through the air like a Ferris Wheel. She finally crashed to the ground with a heavy thud, the impact reverberating through the clearing as she lay momentarily dazed.


    ''''That leaves Amethyst. Now, where is that pigeon woman?'''' Atlas muttered with a smile as a whoosh sliced through the air and a foot connected hard with his face.


    A loud boom resonated as he crashed into the ground, the impact sending shockwaves through the earth. Amethyst had unleashed a mana-infused kick to his head, and his vision blurred as he felt the force of the blow.


    When Atlas came to, he found himself at the bottom of a crater, his body pressed into the earth by the sheer power of the attack, his head ringing from the impact, ''When did she get that strong,'' he thought while standing up.


    He shook his head, dusting himself off as he climbed out of the crater, and caught sight of Amethyst standing there with a proud smirk on her face. Just as Atlas regained his footing, she dashed confidently toward him.


    But he couldn''t help but smile, sidestepping the young woman easily and swiftly tripping her. Amethyst went headfirst into the crater he had created, landing with a soft thud. She lay there, dazed but still wearing a silly grin, her pretty features illuminated by the sunlight.


    It was a comical sight, and despite the intensity of their battle, Atlas couldn''t help but chuckle, ''''Are you okay, Amethyst?''''


    ''''I''m fine! Just laying here admiring the sky,'''' a muffled voice replied.


    Suddenly, a primal instinct urged Atlas to move, but he was too late. A massive white bear barreled into Atlas, sending him flying. Dazed, he hit the ground hard, only for Nulia to chase after him, pinning him down as his head spun from the impact.


    The Frostbear growled inches from his face, but Atlas managed to smile through the chaos. Drawing upon his power, he launched his strongest attack, ''''Void Smash.''''


    A brilliant blue light erupted from his strike, sending the bear crashing into a nearby tree with a resounding thud. But Nulia quickly recovered, springing back to her feet as if the attack was a scratch and lunging at him.


    She clamped her powerful jaws around his legs, and Atlas screamed in pain as she bit down. That''s when he heard Grishna''s voice, ''''She''s enraged! How the fuck did he manage to do that.''''


    Nulia was far from kind; she slammed Atlas into the ground, her teeth piercing his flesh as blood oozed from the wounds, fueling the bear''s rage even further. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he pulled back before delivering a powerful Void Punch.


    A loud boom echoed through the air as the attack landed, forcing Nulia to release her grip. Atlas was thrown to the ground with a jarring thud, but the Frostbear was on him again before he could catch his breath.


    Just then, Estelle appeared like a flash of light, charging in with a Shield Bash aimed squarely at Nulia. But the enraged bear barely flinched, her wild eyes locked onto Atlas, disregarding Estelle''s attack''s impact.


    The battle had escalated into chaos, and the heartbreaking reality set in: Nulia had utterly lost control. She swung her massive claw with a primal roar, swatting Estelle away like a mere distraction.


    Atlas barely had time to react before the woman turned her full fury on him. Her claws raked through the air with terrifying speed, tearing into his flesh and leaving deep, agonizing gashes.


    Pain shot through him, but it was Nulia''s unrecognizable eyes that shattered his heart. This was not the woman he once knew; she was a storm of rage, consumed by instinct. But that''s when he sensed something that caught him off guard,


    ''Chaos is in control of her!''


    Before Atlas could react, Nulia lunged at him with a ferocity that took his breath away. Her claws raked across his body, slicing through armor as if it were mere fabric, and he felt the searing pain as she tore into his flesh, muscle, and even bone.


    Each brutal strike felt like an eternity, the agony overwhelming as blood sprayed across the ground, soaking the earth and staining it a deep crimson. Atlas gasped, his vision blurring as he struggled to breathe.


    That''s when he realized he might die as his life ebbed away, and everything came crashing down around him. Desperation clawed at his heart. Nulia was relentless, her eyes wild with fury, entirely consumed by the beast within.


    With a primal snarl, she clamped her jaws around the back of Atlas''s neck, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. She slammed him down repeatedly, treating him like a rag doll, the sickening sound of impact echoing through the air.


    The sight was horrifying, and the other women who had rushed to the scene watched in shock and disbelief, their hearts pounding as they witnessed it. They could only stand frozen, torn between their desire to help and the terror of what Nulia had become.


    Grishna lost her mind and charged while casting dozens of Earth Bolts and Razorwind Blases that slammed into the enraged bear. Nulia swiped at the Orc woman, who ducked under it before unleashing a fully charged Iron Fist.


    When her fist connected with their friend, she was sent flying back, but not before a swipe opened up Grishna''s stomach. Estelle quickly rushed in, grabbed her, and dragged her away as she screamed, ''''I will heal her! Secure Atlas now, or he will die!''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 236 - 236: You Shall Not Hurt Master

    Atlas felt himself fading, the world dimming around him. Through his remaining eye, he caught a glimpse of the blue sky above, starkly contrasting the chaos enveloping him. All he knew was that Nulia''s claws had brutally destroyed his left eye.


    ''Am I going to die?''


    he thought as his mind started to turn foggy.


    A large slice ran down the side of his face, exposing his teeth and causing blood to flow out like a waterfall. His breaths were shallow and ragged; each inhaled a struggle against the darkness closing in.


    Thanks to his resilience, he was still alive, his Regeneration working tirelessly to keep him from slipping into the abyss. But even as the healing magic coursed through him, the relentless ache of his wounds threatened to drown him in despair.


    While lying there, he noticed Grisha go down due to Nulia''s claws, but Estelle quickly dragged her back as the others started attacking. Artemis used Gaia''s Glide to charge at the enraged Chaos control woman.


    ''''Come on, Little Bird! We need to get Atlas now!'''' she shouted as the phoenix woman took to the sky.


    The brunette skated across the ground and cast Arc Lightning several times as her sword was pointed at the Frostbear. The magic burst from her outstretched hand and slammed into Nulia, slowing her down.


    ''Damn, that didn''t stop her!''


    she thought in frustration while approaching the monster.


    Artemis gritted her teeth before sliding under a sudden bite and hitting Nulia with three Earth Spikes. The stone objects slammed into the bear''s flanks and pierced her thick hide as she was hit with a dozen Cosmic Blasts.


    Amethyst soared through the air with a fierce battle cry, her body charged with rage as she used her Cosmic Punch against Nulia. A loud explosion resonated through the woods as her tiny fist connected with the bear''s flesh, shaking the ground beneath them.


    In an instant, the phoenix woman was propelled backward, crashing deeper into the forest and leaving a trail of chaos in her wake. Nulia was sent crashing along the ground as the force was too much.


    Atlas struggled to rise, but the Frostbear was upon him instantly. He could only watch as Nulia approached, poised to strike. Just then, Artemis stepped in front of him, a reassuring smile on her face.


    ''''Gaia''s Embrace!'''' she cast her defensive spell, summoning a thick stone wall that sprang up between them.


    However, Nulia seemed unfazed, crashing through the barrier with terrifying ease. Estelle emerged from the shadows as the bear pressed forward, launching herself at the Chaos-controlled woman''s flank with incredible force.


    The impact sent the beast stumbling, momentarily thwarting its advance and giving Atlas a fleeting glimmer of hope, but that was snatched away as Nulia turned to Estelle and cast Ice Blast from her maw.


    ''They won''t win, I can''t summon any monsters, my brain is hurting and I can''t concerntrate.''


    Atlas watched as the blonde raised her shield to block the incoming attack, the sheer force propelling her through a dozen trees before she finally landed with a sickening thud. Artemis tried to defend him, but she knocked the brunette unconscious with a swift swipe of her claw.


    Meanwhile, the enraged bear unleashed an Ice Blast, but Amethyst appeared out of nowhere and wrapped her wings around them, creating a protective barrier just as the spell sent them flying across the Otherworld.


    Nulia scanned the area, but the other women were nowhere to be found. Menacingly, she approached the dying Atlas as he raised his ruined hand and unleashed a Void Bomb at the monster.


    The azure projectile sliced through the air, striking her squarely in the face. However, all it did was stagger her backward, barely slowing her advance. This angered the Frostbear even more as she charged forward.


    Nulia spun Atlas around after grabbing one of his legs and tossing him while slashing at him with her other claw. By this time, his body felt completely numb, and the pain started to disappear as he crashed into the ground, feeling his bones snap.


    ''The pain is fading but the thumps are annoying now,''


    he thought with a foggy brain as the assault was too much for his body.


    She hurled him across the clearing, and he crashed into the trunk of a tree, blood spilling from his mouth. Atlas watched in horror as she advanced, her teeth stained with crimson, sending a chill through his battered body.


    Just as she prepared to deliver the death blow, something struck her side with a ferocious force. Nulia stumbled, momentarily disoriented, and in that instant, Atek, the Frostfang Tiger, stepped forward, his fur bristling and eyes glowing with a protective ferocity.


    He growled low, a primal warning resonating in the air as he positioned himself between the bear and the dying Atlas. The tension in the air thickened, and Atek stood firm, a fierce guardian ready to defend him.


    Atlas noticed the white tiger looked at him with pure sadness in its yellow eyes. It walked up to him and started licking his face, which brought a strained smile as he tried to stroke the big cat.


    ''''Thanks for helping me, but get out of here, boy,'''' he mumbled as his hands stained its white coat with blood, but Atek purred when he felt Atlas''s touch, following that, coughed up loads of blood just as a roar rang out.


    The Frostfang Tiger spun around as Nulia started charging again. His sharp fangs gleamed as frost curled from his breath. Atlas watched as the Frostbear roared and went to attack them, but the big cat was quicker as he lunged, sinking his teeth into her thick hide.


    She howled in fury, swiping her giant claw across his side, sending him skidding back. With a growl, Atek pounced again, claws glowing with frost as they slashed through the air. He met her blows in a fierce clash of strength and primal fury.


    Atlas started to fade as his life was slipping, but he was brought back to reality as something crashed down next to him. The big cat''s glowing yellow eyes dimmed due to the severe injuries he received.


    ''Oh no, he''s dying!''


    he thought in panic.


    His heart clenched at the sight, causing him to help the cat; with sheer determination, he ignored his agony and dragged himself toward the wounded Frostfang. Every movement sent waves of pain through him, but he refused to stop.


    Atek growled weakly in protest, his body trembling, but Atlas pressed on until he finally reached the creature''s side. He ignored Nulia''s ferocious charge and pressed his trembling hand on the neck of the beast.


    ''I''ll heal you with the last of my mana and get you back to Estelle so she can heal you,''


    Atlas thought as his head spun. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Summoning every ounce of mana he had left, he funneled it into the tiger, his body shaking with the strain. With a final surge of power, he sent Atek toward the treehouse entrance just as Nulia, now wholly tainted by Chaos, reached him.


    Her claws tore into his back, slicing deep, and his flesh ripped open under the savage assault. Pain wracked his body, yet all that escaped him was a low whimper. In that agonizing moment, a distant memory surfaced¡ªhim and his father at the local park, the sun warm on his face, laughter in the air.


    The scene shimmered in his mind, pulling him away from the torment, even as Nulia''s claws dragged him deeper into darkness. The man looked worried, but Atlas had never noticed it that day.


    ''''Did you know I can''t wait to see you grow up, boy? Your mother and I love you so much, but you need to stay awake,'''' his father said warmly as they sat on a bench.


    ''''I can''t; my body is broken, and Nulia is on top of me,'''' he answered in a tired voice.


    His Father chuckled, ''''You still care for her even after this? You surprise me, son.''''


    Atlas shook his head before explaining, ''''It''s not the woman I know; Chaos has taken control of her, and I need to get rid of it.''''


    ''''Half dead?'''' the man asked.


    ''''It doesn''t matter; she needs to be freed from that nasty power,'''' Atlas said before his Father smiled.


    ''''That''s my boy; now save your woman. She''s wasting away due to that horrid stuff.''''


    Following that, Atlas woke up as his head was in Nulia''s mouth, but he raised his hand and placed it on her snout. He started sucking out the Chaos energy as it barreled toward his body, knowing it wanted him.


    Nulia stopped biting down and went still until she dropped him just as she got battered by a massive spiked tail. Dozens of rage-filled roars echoed as Atlas''s monsters finally arrived; a group of Scalebreakers circled him, and Cera''s glowing eyes landed on the Frostbear.


    ''You shall not hurt Master, woman!''


    she declared as Nulia stared at the newcomer angrily.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 237 - 237: Chaos Energy

    The Scalebreaker Matriarch reared up and slammed into the ground in a show of strength, but the Frostbear charged forward. As she got closer, another monster appeared, causing Atlas to order them,


    ''Do not kill her! She''s under the control of my enemy. Lock her down, and I will help her.''


    When the creatures heard this, they agreed and started fighting Nulia. Cera and Tyson tied her down, and a loud screech echoed across the otherworld. Raymond dived down and clamped the Frostbear in his talon.


    Nulia couldn''t move as the Stormeagle was too strong for her. She raged but was forced to stay still. When Atlas saw this, he spoke to them,


    ''Bring me close to her; I need to get the Chaos out of her.''


    They agreed, and Tyson scooped his broken body in his mouth before taking him to the angry bear and placing him down so she wouldn''t bite him. Atlas coughed up even more blood as he put his hand on her giant body.


    He started sucking out all the Chaos energy that was destroyed as soon as his void mana touched it. Minutes later, Nulia stopped thrashing around before she collapsed, causing Atlas to sigh as if it were all gone.


    Following that, he collapsed as the pain was too much, and all he heard was the faint screaming of the women rushing toward him. That''s when Estelle and Artemis arrive at the scene and stop short when they see the monsters.


    The creatures hesitated, gazes fixed on the two women until the Scalebreaker Matriarch unleashed a thunderous bellow. The roar sent the monsters scattering, clearing a path for Estelle.


    She hurried to Atlas''s side, but when she reached him, a gasp of horror escaped her lips. His left eye was destroyed, and the flesh on that side of his face sliced open to the bone. The sight made her stomach twist in disgust.


    Though his armor was slowly mending itself, it revealed deep, brutal slashes across his body, blood seeping from the wounds. Estelle''s hands trembled as she took in the extent of his injuries, her heart pounding with fear and desperation.


    ''''This is bad, Estelle. Can you heal him?'''' Artemis asked as her brown eyes couldn''t stop staring at his broken body.


    Without saying a word, the blonde began praying, her voice soft but urgent, before casting ''


    Healing Light


    .''


    A warm glow enveloped Atlas, and though some of his wounds began to close, not all could be healed. Exhausted, she lowered her hands as the spell faded. Just then, Grishna and Amethyst appeared.


    The younger woman, panic written across her face, rushed to them. Her eyes widened in fear as she took in the sight of Atlas. ''''Is he still alive? Tell me, Estelle!'''' she demanded, her voice trembling with desperation.


    ''''Barely, he''s holding on, but we need to get him back to the treehouse and find stronger health potions to try to beat the infection that''s taking hold of his body,'''' Estelle said as a bright glow emanated from Nulia.


    The Frostbear woman returned to her humanoid form, looking horrified, heartbroken, and desperate. She turned to the four women with tears in her blue eyes, ''''I didn''t mean it! Chaos infected me, but Atlas freed me from it.''''


    Grishna ignored the frantic voices around her, her fury blazing as she marched straight toward the Frostbear woman. Without hesitation, she threw a solid punch at Nulia''s jaw, the impact echoing as her head snapped to the side.


    ''''You nearly killed him! You brutalized our husband!'''' Grishna roared, her voice thick with rage.


    She raised her fist to strike again, and Nulia stood there, ready to take it. But before Grishna could land the next blow, a weak, strained voice broke through the tension. ''''Don''t hurt her...'''' Atlas managed, his voice barely above a whisper. ''''Chaos infected her body... it''s gone now.''''


    Though he was fading, he still lifted his head, his one remaining eye opened as he defended Nulia, who couldn''t bring herself to meet his gaze. ''''Come here,'''' he said softly, his voice filled with compassion and exhaustion.


    Grishna, still seething, grabbed the Frostbear woman''s arm and roughly dragged her toward Atlas, throwing her down at his side. Nulia stumbled but didn''t resist. With Estelle''s Healing Light, Atlas raised his hand weakly and gently cupped Nulia''s cheek.


    ''''It wasn''t your fault,'''' he whispered, his voice filled with kindness despite the unbearable pain. ''''Don''t hold it against yourself. Take the others and head north. Find me the Healing Frost Plant... it will help me recover.''''


    Nulia finally looked at him, her eyes filled with guilt and uncertainty, but she nodded, knowing his words were her only salvation from the weight of what had happened, ''''I''m sorry, Atlas. I will spend my life making it up to you.''''


    He gave her a weak smile and whispered, ''''Come close if my face doesn''t scare you.''''


    When Nulia heard this, she shook her head and rebutted his comment, ''''You don''t scare me; you never could.''''


    She moved close, and Atlas grabbed her before dragging her closer and kissing the shocked woman, but when she felt her mana rushing into him, she returned to kiss, which surprised the others.


    Grishna opened her mouth, rage still simmering, but Estelle gently touched the Orc''s shoulder before she could speak or move.


    ''''He''s forgiven her,'''' Estelle said softly, her voice calm yet firm. ''''You heard Atlas¡ªChaos did this, not her. They spent years together, and the two care about each other.''''


    Grishna''s fists loosened slightly, her anger slowly giving way. She glanced between Atlas and Nulia, seeing their unspoken bond, and let out a heavy sigh, her fiery temper cooling, though not fully extinguished.


    "I still don''t like it; she could have killed him!" the Orc woman said as Artemis and Amethyst nodded in agreement.


    Estelle sighed before explaining, ''''They had been trapped in the Chaos Realm for years. Some had hidden inside Nulia and waited for the perfect time to attack; those vile creatures hate Azhar''Zul as he is their weakness.''''


    ''''There was that one being we met years ago; he wanted to wait until Atlas was stronger so he could eat him,'''' Amethyst said while staring at him.


    Following that, the phoenix woman approached the two as Nulia stood up and yelped when seeing Amethyst standing there. The Frostbear woman shook her head before speaking, ''''I''m sorry for what I did. When he managed to hit me with Void Smash, it activated the Chaos Energy inside, causing me to go into a wild frenzy.''''


    ''''It won''t happen again?'''' Amethyst asked Nulia with narrowed eyes as she noticed the woman''s mana was again normal.


    The brown-skinned woman nodded, ''''I unlocked a skill that helps shield me from Chaos Energy,'''' she explained.


    Amethyst kept staring at her before questioning, ''''Do you love him? And be honest.''''


    Nulia''s brown cheeks went dark, but she still answered, ''''I do. He is a good man and would make a brilliant husband, but I don''t think I deserve the title of wife after what I did to him. I disfigured him and ruined his handsomeness.'''' sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Stop being stupid; we will get him fully healed,'''' the phoenix replied with a smile. ''''I''m sure he doesn''t hold it against you.''''


    After that, the women rallied around Grishna, who scooped him into her arms as she spoke in a heartbroken voice, ''''Don''t worry, husband. We will make sure you''re fully healed and back to your handsome self.''''


    He let out a strained chuckle, but it quickly faded as darkness overtook him, and he fell unconscious. The women rushed to carry him back to the treehouse, where Atek rested in Atlas''s room.


    Grishna carefully placed him in bed, and as soon as he was settled, the Frostfang Tiger shrank in size and leaped onto the mattress. Atek nudged Atlas gently with his head before curling up and resting beside him.


    The Frostbear woman watched the scene unfold, her heart heavy with guilt. She stepped closer, her voice soft and apologetic as she stroked the little tiger, ''''I''m sorry for hurting you.''''


    Atek nudged against her hand, and a smile broke across her face. Artemis watched the moment and commented, ''''It seems he has forgiven you. You''re a lucky lady, Nuli.''''


    Nulia''s smile faded, replaced by a somber expression. ''''I know I don''t deserve them both,'''' she said, her voice laced with sadness. She shook her head. ''''But I will retrieve the plant he needs to heal. Amethyst can come with me; she can fly, making things easier.''''


    After that, the women entered the living room after ensuring Atlas was fine, but Grishna stayed behind while removing his armor and clothes. When the Orc woman managed it, she was beyond shocked.


    His body was covered in large slice wounds that clotted with blood. She lifted the covers and checked a particular part of him that she hoped, ''''Oh goddess, there''s not one spot not free from cuts, but at least the monster is fine.''''


    Once Grishna finished that, she leaned over and kissed him before leaving the room to speak with the others.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 238 - 238: This Doesnt Feel Right

    When the women left Atlas alone, his mind was still aware, but he couldn''t move his body due to exhaustion, causing him to activate Void Realm and appear in the destroyed city as howls rang out.


    ''Looks like I''m not injured in this world,''


    he thought while taking out his swords. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Now, let''s clear the level before the ladies heal me.''


    Following that, Atlas spotted the Void Ghouls rushing toward him while letting out a snarl, but he sidestepped the creature''s attack before decapitating with a quick swing of Nightblade as he cast Void Wave.


    The azure wave shot out and struck the surrounding monsters, sending them back to the realm. Atlas continued fighting without a break and kept pushing himself until he ran out of mana.


    He jolted awake in the real world, the sharp clarity of consciousness bringing a rush of memories¡ªhis left eye was gone. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he tried to sit up, but the searing pain from missing muscle and fresh scars surged through his body like fire.


    ''''Ahhh, damn it,'''' Atlas grimaced, forcing himself upright despite the agony. Panic swelled in his chest as he thought, ''


    Why isn''t Regeneration working?!''


    Once he was upright, the pain was worse, but he pushed it to the side while standing up to grit his teeth. Atlas shuffled toward the window and opened it only to feel the cold air hit his body.


    ''''That felt good,'''' he muttered while watching the trees sway in the distance due to the monsters.


    Atlas pulled up the Level Four monster total to see how many Void Ghouls he had killed during his run.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 12981/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 5313/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 48/5000]


    [----]


    ''Nearly done,''


    Atlas mused before walking onto the balcony and sitting in the comfortable chair.


    ''I can''t sense Nulia or Amethyst, anyone.''


    As he sat there, the door suddenly crashed open, and Grishna stormed out, her expression frantic until her eyes landed on him. Seeing him sitting upright brought an instant wave of relief to her face. She sighed heavily, her shoulders relaxing.


    "What are you doing out here?" she scolded gently, rushing over. "It''s cold, and you''re only going to make yourself worse." Her voice held a mix of concern and frustration as she knelt beside him, her eyes scanning his injuries.


    She started fussing over Atlas, which made him smile as he spoke in a strained voice, ''''I''m fine, Grish. It hurts sometimes, but I''ll get better.''''


    ''''Oh, shut up, will you?''''Grishna teased, her tone light but affectionate.


    ''''We''ve all agreed to help you, just like you''ve done for us. Come inside and let little ol'' me pamper you some more.'''' She gently took his arm, guiding him back toward the warmth of the house.


    Atlas chuckled despite the pain, wincing as they passed a mirror. His reflection caught his eye, and the grim reality hit him again. ''''My face is destroyed... one side is practically gone,'''' he muttered, his voice heavy with frustration.


    Grishna turned to him with a soft, reassuring smile. ''''You''re still handsome to me if that helps,'''' she said sincerely, her eyes locking with his. ''''And I doubt the others feel any differently. Now stop fussing and get in bed before your muscles give out.''''


    He nodded before collapsing into bed, saying, ''''Have Amethyst and Nulia gone already?''''


    ''''Yes, they left a couple of hours ago,'''' Grishna answered with a smile. ''''Now get some rest; I will make us some tea.''''


    Just as the Orc woman walked out of the room, a pain struck him, but this wasn''t any normal pain. It was one in his very core, ''Ahhh shit, what is happening now?'' he thought as his mind clouded.


    [Chaos Spirit Infection: Chaos has damaged more than your body - A spirit mage is needed to heal you]


    When Atlas read that, his body shut down, but before his mind could, he activated Void Realm and appeared in the city. He looked around as the howls rang out, causing him to mutter with a smile, ''''Well, at least I can train in here while waiting to be healed.''''


    Following that, he started battling the Void Ghouls, and he found it even easier to kill them. Nightblade and Stormforge tore through the monsters'' ranks thanks to Void Infusion. While fighting, a notification popped up, which took him by surprise.


    [Goddess Luxia has remade your Void Form so you can wield it, but once you do it will damage your spirit even more. "You better not die, boy! Consider this my apology for everything you''ve been through," she warned, her voice carrying power and a strange sense of care.]


    Once Atlas read that, he started killing even more Ghouls and Savages, causing them to vanish into the Void Realm. He fought for hours until returning to the real world, where Estelle was casting Healing Light on him.


    He smiled faintly before whispering, ''''We need to find a spirit mage to heal me, but I have something that can help.''''


    The three women exchanged glances, their expressions of concern and determination. He quickly sent a message to Amethyst, hoping for a prompt reply. When several moments passed in silence, he frowned and asked, ''''They went after the Frost Plant, right?''''


    ***


    While Atlas recovered in the Otherworld, Nulia and Amethyst rushed across the Northern Wastes. Whenever the two encountered any monsters, the Frostbear woman tore them apart in a wild frenzy, causing Amethyst to be wary of her.


    Nulia sensed this and stood on two feet, which brought her face to face with the phoenix woman whose purple eyes blazed with determination to help Atlas. She shook her head and spoke, ''''I didn''t mean to hurt him, Little Bird; I would die for him!''''


    ''''I know you would,'''' Amethyst replied, her voice soft yet resolute. ''''But it''ll take time for things to return to normal, even though Atlas doesn''t care about appearances.''''


    Nulia nodded in quiet agreement, her gaze thoughtful. As they pressed on, the air grew colder, and soon, they found themselves at the entrance to a narrow mountain pass. That was casting long shadows that made the pair uneasy.


    Amethyst exchanged a glance with Nulia, worry flickering in her eyes. ''''This doesn''t feel right,'''' she muttered, her hand instinctively moving toward her weapon. ''''We need to be careful from here on.''''


    ''''I agree,'''' the Frostbear woman replied. ''''I can feel a powerful monster resides in here.''''


    Amethyst and Nulia cautiously entered the mountain pass, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls. They walked silently for ten minutes, the cold air biting at their skin as the towering cliffs loomed above them.


    Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The familiar world behind them seemed to vanish, replaced by an oppressive darkness that clung to everything. A thick fog rolled in, and eerie growls reverberated off the walls, bouncing back and forth in a haunting symphony.


    The sound of unseen monsters lurked in every corner, making the hairs on their necks stand up. Something lunged out of the shadows as they took a corner, but Nulia swiped the monster and tore it in half.


    Amethyst saw a strange-looking monkey crash to the ground before she started casting Cosmic Blasts into the attackers. Her purple magic lit up the world as Nulia let out an earth-shaking roar and destroyed every creature that got close.


    The battle continued until the monsters stopped appearing, causing Amethyst to land while dismissing her wings. Nulia returned to her humanoid form as she spoke, ''''The Frost Plant should be at the end of this mountain pass.''''


    "Okay, let''s get going and find it so we can return to the Otherworld," the Phoenix woman commented.


    Following that, the women exited the mount pass after fighting more monsters, and when they reappeared, it was a long pathway that hugged the cliffside, causing Amethyst to look over the side only to see the rough see.


    Thanks to her eyes, she could see the creatures lurking in the deep water. There were octopus-looking monsters clinging to the side of the mountain, waiting for prey to pass by, which made her shiver.


    "We better not fall in there, Nulia. There are things below the waves waiting for something to eat," she informed the other woman.


    The Frostbear woman gulped before the two started carefully walking the pathway. Howls and screams rang out, causing Amethyst to spin around as a horde of monkey monsters appeared.


    As one of them lunged forward, it rushed toward them, and Amethyst quickly unleashed her Cosmic Blast. The bright sphere erupted from her hands, illuminating the dark pass as it soared through the air.


    With a roar, the blast collided with the nearest creature, sending it tumbling backward off the cliff''s edge. The monster screamed as it plummeted into the churning sea below, followed by another beast caught in the shockwave.


    After that, the two continued as Amethyst used her magic to hold the creatures back while Nulia created an Earth Wall that knocked more into the sea below.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 239 - 239: That Was Intense

    While Nulia and Amethyst journeyed north, Atlas needed to rest, his body gradually deteriorating under the strain of Chaos Energy. As he sat on the edge of the bed, a feeling urged him to head south in search of a spirit mage.


    The thought annoyed him, but when he shared it with the remaining girls, their eyes widened in surprise. Grishna, however, stepped forward confidently. ''''I''ll travel with you, Artemis,'''' she offered.


    When Atlas heard this, he nodded, ''''I will summon Nala and some Dreadmaw Lions to go with you.''''


    He attempted to get up, and Estelle tried to stop him, but he raised his hand, ''''I need to move, blonde; I''m starting to go crazy staying in bed.''''


    ''''Just be careful, my love; I don''t want you to hurt yourself,'''' the blonde knight commented as she hovered around him.


    Atlas narrowed his eyes at the sudden decision, but Grishna''s cheerful voice cut through the tension. ''''We''ll leave now. I''ll tell Rollo what''s happening before we set off,'''' she said brightly.


    Everyone nodded in agreement, and as Artemis stepped forward to gently kiss his cheek, a deep roar echoed from outside, causing the atmosphere to shift. Atlas glanced toward the balcony and shuffled over to it.


    ''Let''s see if that''s Nala and the lions,''


    he thought while stepping out.


    Estelle was behind him, making the other two girls giggle as she fussed. He smiled when seeing the Dreadmaw Queen, and her voice sounded in his mind,


    ''Are you okay, master? What happened to you?''


    Atlas sighed when he heard this before explaining everything, which angered the monster, but he calmed her down, asking, ''''Can you take two of my women south to find a spirit mage?''''


    ''Of course, Master. I shall keep them safe,''


    Nala answered in a determination.


    Then, Atlas turned to Grishna and Artemis, ''''The lions are ready to leave and will protect you from other monsters,'''' he said.


    The duo smiled before saying farewells as they made their way to the creatures below; he collapsed into a nearby chair. Estelle approached him like a concerned mother, making him smile as he summoned his helmet to cover his face wound.


    It had started hurting him, causing it to bleed, which made him paranoid. When Estelle saw this, she frowned, ''''What are you doing, Atlas?''''


    ''''My face hurts due to the wind and its weeping,'''' he answered with a cringe. ''''It''s disgusting.''''


    Estelle got angry and retorted, ''''No, it''s not you, stupid man. You''re still handsome, and I would happily be with you as you are.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he smiled as she sat beside him and finished speaking, ''''Can you take it off, please?''''


    He nodded and dismissed the helmet, causing the blonde to smile as she leaned over and kissed him. Atlas felt her cup on the left side of his face as if it didn''t bother her, ''Does she not care?''


    Following that, Estelle stopped kissing him as her hand traced down his body while she whispered, ''''We can''t have sex but can do other stuff.''''


    Atlas grinned when hearing this and lowered his pants which made the blonde smile while taking his cock and stroking it. Her actions caused him to groan as she sped up as he undid her dress, revealing her alluring cleavage.


    Estelle stopped her stroking and removed her dress, revealing her sexy body, which turned Atlas on even more. His eyes widened in surprise, but she dropped to her knees while grabbing his cock with two hands and started to stroke once again.


    His head dropped down, and Atlas groaned as pleasure shot through his body, causing his pain to flare up, but he ignored it. Estelle gently stroked him before she spoke with a smile, ''''Will you take responsibility for me, Atlas?''''


    ''''Yes, we''re a party and sticking together,'''' he replied while relaxing in the chair as she started to kiss his shaft, which made him shiver passionately.


    When she did that, Atlas liked it, but the Chaos Energy flared and caused him to yelp in pain, causing Estelle to jump up while casting Healing Light on him, which only made it worse. He gritted his teeth as the pain faded away.


    The blonde calmed down as he commented, ''''We''ll have to wait until the others get back with the medicine to continue.''''


    Estelle nodded sweetly, responding, ''''Do you want to try the Void Realm together? Maybe we can move to the next level while waiting.''''


    ''''Yes, it will take my mind off the pain,'''' Atlas replied before grabbing her soft hand.


    Following that, he activated Void Realm, and the two appeared in the destroyed city, where he was fully healed. Atlas took out his swords while casting Void Infusion as howls rang out, signaling the start of the attack.


    Void Ghouls surged from the surrounding buildings, their horrifying howls echoing through the streets and shattering Estelle''s spine. Just as panic threatened to take hold, a sharp smack on her round behind snapped her back to reality.


    Atlas observed with pride as Estelle expertly swung her weapon, cutting a Ghoul in half before moving on to the next. A smile spread across his face at her fierce determination, and he joined the fray.


    He charged forward, slicing through the nearest Ghoul with a stroke. Dark ichor splattered across his armor as he dodged another attack, his movements fluid and precise. Beside him, Estelle stood her ground, raising her shield just in time to absorb a heavy blow from a ghoul lunging at her.


    The impact rattled her, but she quickly retaliated, swinging her sword that cleaved through the creature''s midsection. Atlas started using his magic, beginning with Void Wave, which sent a dozen ghouls crashing into the buildings. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, he dashed forward while casting Void Bullet, which peppered the horde of monsters and stopped them coming for a second, allowing him to check the monster total to see how many they killed.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 14519/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 6851/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 48/5000]


    [----]


    ''Not many left; we can clear most of them in this run,''


    Atlas thought as he swiftly cut down three Savage Ghouls that charged at him, his blade slicing through the air with precision.


    He unleashed Void Barrage, a powerful spell that erupted from his fingertips and decimated dozens of the creatures. Meanwhile, Estelle stood firm beside him; her shield raised defiantly as she fended off any remaining ghouls that dared to approach.


    The blonde warrior expertly deflected their attacks by creating a protective barrier around Atlas as his magic quickly finished off the remaining foes. Together, they formed a seamless partnership and worked well as a team.


    Twenty minutes later, the Void Ghouls stopped appearing as an enraged roar echoed across the city, causing Atlas to warn the blonde, ''''The Brutes are coming; be careful.''''


    Estelle nodded with a smile while readying for the incoming fight. Shortly after that, the couple noticed three Brute Ghouls rushing toward them. One of the creatures swung its massive arm toward her with deadly intent.


    The blonde sidestepped the swing, feeling the rush of air as the Brute''s fist narrowly missed her. Seizing the opportunity, she gathered her energy, her palms glowing with radiant light, ''''Light Blast!'''' she shouted, unleashing a brilliant energy beam that shot toward the creature.


    It struck the Brute square in the chest, illuminating the dark surroundings with a blinding brilliance. The force of the impact sent the creature staggering back, its roar of fury echoing through the chaos.


    Atlas followed up with a Void Bomb that sliced through the air and connected with the creature''s chest. The spell erupted and wiped out many creatures before he started casting Void Barrage.


    The azure projectiles peppered more Void Ghouls and Savages that continued coming. Estelle stood in front, holding most of them back. Atlas thinned out the horde thanks to his magic, but soon enough, the blonde was sent back to the real world.


    It was too late when he realized what was happening; he could do little more than defend himself. The creatures swarmed around him, and the Brute Ghouls caught him off guard with a powerful punch to the gut.


    Following that attack, he returned to the treehouse balcony, where Estelle waited for him, a radiant smile lighting up her face. ''''That was intense,'''' she said sweetly. ''''Those Brutes came out of nowhere and sent me back here!''''


    Atlas chuckled before responding, ''''Yes, that sent me back here. I can still feel the creature''s power after it landed the attack.''''


    Estelle smiled as she stood up and asked, ''''Would you like some Moonflower Tea? It may help with the pain.''''


    ''''Yes, please,'''' he answered while slumping in the chair while watching the two moons above.


    The blonde walked inside, leaving Atlas alone; that''s when he checked the monster tally to see how many the duo had killed.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 17921/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 7516/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 48/5000]


    [----]


    ''Nearly done with the first set of Ghouls, maybe a few more goes with the girls and we will reach the boss,''


    he thought with a smile.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 240 - 240: I Pushed Myself Too Far

    After checking the total, Atlas relaxed just as Estelle appeared. She was wearing a comfortable-looking nightgown that failed to hide her hourglass figure. He shook his head before taking the tea she offered with a smile.


    ''''Thank you,'''' he said.


    The blonde woman beamed as she joined him on the seat, rested her head on his shoulder, and smiled as she drank some tea. Atlas felt warm and sunk into her as the two grew comfortable watching the night sky.


    As they rested, the couple started to fall asleep. Estelle gently ran her fingers up and down his only arm, which relaxed him; Nulia and Amethyst left Mount Pass behind, drawing closer to the plant that would help him.


    Meanwhile, Grishna and Artemis faced their trials on the journey south. Unbeknownst to them, the tides of war had finally reached the northern lands. The once-mighty Astorian Empire had fallen to the relentless Achaemenids, their forces sweeping the region like a storm.


    ***


    ''''Come on, Little Bird,'''' Nulia said as they entered a snowy forest.


    Amethyst glanced around and noticed the overwhelming amount of mana lingering in the air. She shook her head before replying to the Frostbear woman, ''''I''m coming! The snow is deep here.''''


    Nulia giggled before shifting into her massive bear form, her voice now a deep, rumbling growl. ''''Climb on. It shouldn''t be too far from here.''''


    The phoenix woman gracefully mounted her back, and with a powerful surge, the Frostbear woman charged through the forest, her heavy paws thudding against the earth as they sped beneath the canopy of trees.


    After running for an hour, Nulia felt something off coming from around them and quickly jumped to the side as an explosion rang out in the spot they were just in. Amethyst panicked and started casting Cosmic Blasts at the ambushing monsters.


    The Frostbear woman tore them apart with ease. Explosions, howls, and screams of pain echoed throughout the forest. Nulia started using magic to remove dozens of creatures that dropped to the ground.


    Amethyst quickly recognized the attackers as Chaos Monsters, fury igniting within her. With a wave of her hand, she unleashed her phoenix fire, incinerating them in a blaze of heat and light.


    Beside her, Nulia held off the larger creatures, launching Ice Blasts and Bolts into the horde. Purple and blue energy flared across the forest, lighting the trees and scattering nearby creatures in fear.


    After hours of trekking through the snowy forest, they finally reached a clearing. The air was crisp, their breath visible in the cold. Before them, a majestic waterfall cascaded down icy cliffs, its waters crashing into a half-frozen pool below. Mist rose from where the water met the ice, shimmering in the pale winter sunlight.


    Amethyst paused, her fiery aura dimming as she admired the scene. "It''s beautiful," she whispered, her breath warm in the cold air.


    Nulia, still in her bear form, nodded, the snow crunching beneath her heavy paws. "A brief moment of peace," she rumbled. "But we should keep moving."


    Before they could take another step, the atmosphere shifted ominously as a Chaos Aura enveloped them. From the shadows, Blightborns emerged¡ªcreepy, humanoid creatures twisted by dark magic, their eyes glinting with malice.


    As Amethyst drew closer, Nulia instinctively transformed into her human form, muscles tensed, ''''Little Bird, soar high and leave me,'''' she commanded, her voice steady and fierce as she summoned her razor-sharp claws.


    "No, I won''t!" Amethyst shouted defiantly, her hands radiating with vibrant purple mana. Her eyes flared with intensity as she unleashed a piercing screech that reverberated through the forest, echoing for miles.


    In response, a horrifying roar pierced the air, freezing the Chaos Beings in their tracks. The sky ignited in brilliant shades of blue as a mana storm erupted overhead, swirling with raw energy.


    The deafening roar continued, echoing like a fierce battle cry, like someone had been pushed to madness. Amethyst''s face showed a worried expression, but she let out several more screeches.


    ''''What are you doing!'''' Nulia demanded when hearing the new roar.


    She looked at the brown-skinned woman and spoke regretfully, ''''I''ve awoken a monster inside Atlas, and he is angry.''''


    Minutes dragged on as the Chaos Monsters launched their assault, forcing the two women into a fierce battle. They fought hard, but as time passed, the relentless tide of Blightborns and other horrifying monsters began to push them back.


    When all hope seemed lost, another roar echoed overhead, reverberating through the chaos. Suddenly, a brilliant blue comet streaked across the sky, hurtling toward them with breathtaking speed.


    It crashed into the ground with a thunderous impact, unleashing a wave of fire that engulfed the surrounding monsters and obliterated their foes in a breathtaking explosion.


    ***


    While resting, a panicked screech pierced through the air, igniting panic in Atlas''s eye. He jumped to his feet as the sound reverberated throughout the Otherworld. ''Amethyst!'' he thought.


    Without a moment''s hesitation, he activated his Voidwalker Form. A wave of excruciating pain washed over him, threatening to consume his entire being as his flesh was burned away, but he pushed it aside.


    The women were in danger. Shadows began to coil around him as he transformed into a living silhouette, his body stretching and twisting into an imposing figure. Long, sinewy limbs ended in razor-sharp claws, and his teeth glinted like knives, capable of tearing through steel.


    As he grew taller, an aura of darkness enveloped him, consuming all traces of light. Estelle, watching in panic, felt a chill run down her spine. ''''Atlas!'''' she called out, fear lacing her voice.


    With great effort, he turned to her, his voice strained, ''''Stay here and only come when I summon you and bring the monster Tyson.''''


    Atlas surged across the Northern Waste like a wild monster. The frozen landscape blurred around him as he raced forward, the biting cold unable to penetrate the primal energy radiating from his Voidwalker Form.


    His clawed hands tearing through the snow and ice. Shadows danced around him, swirling like smoke as he embraced the chaos within. The ground trembled beneath him with every powerful stride, echoing his raw fury.


    Ahead, he could sense the presence of Amethyst and Nulia. The air crackled with tension, the distant sounds of battle drawing nearer. With a fierce roar that echoed across the icy expanse, Atlas pushed himself harder, the darkness flowing through him like a raging river.


    ''Can''t let it take over,''


    he thought while something was trying to fight for control, but he beat it.


    Following that, Atlas pointed his hand at the ground and fired a Void Bomb; when the spell exploded, it sent him soaring high into the air, where he used other spells to zoom toward the phoenix screeches.


    Five minutes later, he spotted a battle in a snowy forest, and without thinking, he cast his strongest spell while falling toward the horde of Chaos Monsters, which he could sense from where he was.


    Atlas soared toward the ground like a missile, and when getting close, he let the fully charged spell go as he touched the earth,


    ''Void Smash.''


    A wave of azure fire washed out like a tidal wave and annihilated any monster caught in its wake, but to his surprise, it didn''t harm the girls as Amethyst cast a Cosmic Shield, but it was unneeded.


    Once the attack was over, Atlas appeared in the center of a crater, causing him to stumble as he returned to his humanoid form. He managed to drop to one knee while coughing up blood that stained the stone below.


    ''Ah shit, I pushed myself too far,''


    Atlas mused with a stupid smile as he opened a portal to the Otherworld and collapsed into it. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nulia and Amethyst stood at the top, clutching white and blue flowers. Without hesitation, they leaped into the crater, following closely behind Atlas. They quickly found themselves separated.


    Atlas crashed down into the center of the Scalebreaker nest, his arrival causing an immediate stir among the monstrous creatures, which erupted into a frenzy of panic and confusion.


    ''Calm down!''


    Cera''s voice rang out, cutting through the chaos like a blade.


    The Scalebreaker Matriarch rushed toward Atlas, her presence a beacon of authority amidst the turmoil. She started nudging him, but he was unconscious. The monster gently scooped him up using her tail while thinking,


    ''What have you done now, Master?''


    Following that, she told the other monsters that she was taking him back to the treehouse, where the three women panicked, but Nulia started creating the cream needed to heal Atlas with the help of Estelle.


    The Scalebreaker Matriarch traveled through the jungle as she hummed a gentle tune to him. As the jungle passed, other Scalebreakers followed behind to protect her in case any monsters attacked her.


    Cera''s gaze fell upon Atlas, and a warm smile graced her features,


    ''You''re like a rowdy son,''


    she said, her voice filled with a strange mix of affection and authority.


    ''But I still care about you, Master, even if you are the Voidwalker.''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 241 - 241: Were Perfect Strangers

    Atlas woke up feeling weaker than before, thanks to using his Voidwalker Form, which sapped his strength. While lying there, he decided to clear more of the Void Ghouls to grow stronger while Nulia cooked up the potion.


    Following that, he activated Void Realm and appeared in the destroyed city, where he pulled up the monster tally to see how many Ghouls were left to kill.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 17921/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 7516/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 48/5000]


    [----]


    ''Not many left now,''


    Atlas thought, taking out his blades and casting Void Infusion on them as the howling started.


    Hours passed as he slaughtered untold numbers of creatures. His mana was running low, but it was slowly returning thanks to Regeneration. This allowed him to fight for longer as the Brute Ghouls appeared.


    ''These are getting easier to kill,''


    he thought as adrenaline surged through his veins.


    ''Hopefully, I can clear this level soon.''


    Thanks to his speed, the bigger creatures couldn''t keep up with Atlas as he carved through their legs. Dozens of them died before they landed a hit on him; he crossed his swords, but when the claws hit him, he was sent flying.


    Atlas crashed through walls and stopped himself by using Void Step. He reappeared before the Brute and cast Void Punch, which connected with the creature''s chest and caused a loud clap.


    Atlas''s punch landed with crushing force, sending the Brute Ghoul hurtling backward, crashing through a cluster of monsters behind it. Without wasting a second, he surged forward, slicing through enemies in his path, each swing clearing a bloody arc.


    But as he pressed on, he was blindsided¡ªseveral ghouls leaped at him from the shadows, their claws tearing into his armor as they pinned him down. Atlas returned to the real world as the women entered the room.


    He quickly checked the monster total to see how many he killed on that run.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 20000/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 8795/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 179/5000]


    [----]


    Atlas was pleased with the results just as he noticed Amethyst with a pretty smile on her face while speaking, ''''At least you''re not dead! I''m glad you came and helped, my love.''''


    ''''Why wouldn''t I have come?'''' he responded. ''''Have Grish and Artemis come back?''''


    Estelle shook her head, ''''Not yet, but they have Nala and the lions; I think they''ll be fine,'''' she commented.


    When Atlas heard this, he closed his eyes and sent a message to Raymond the Stormeagle,


    ''Can you do something for me, bird?''


    A boomed voice answered seconds later,


    ''Yes, master, what is it?''


    ''I need you to fly south and find my two women,''


    he instructed.


    ''Once you find them, protect them at all costs and keep the Chaos Monsters from harming them.''


    Then, Atlas opened a portal for Raymond to fly through before turning to Nulia, ''''Did you get the potion?''''


    The brown-skinned beauty nodded with a smile as he handed over a bottle containing blue liquid. He started swallowing the potion, and when it touched him, he felt a burning sensation running across his body.


    Atlas let out a yelp as poisons were pushed out of his body. The women scrunched their noses up as Amethyst opened a window to let fresh air in, ''''It''s getting rid of the Chaos poison lingering in your system.''''


    When the phoenix woman spoke, Estelle questioned, ''''How do you know that Little Bird?''''


    ''''I can see the dirty mana inside the stuff, which makes my skin crawl,'''' she replied while holding her button nose as her ears twitched.


    Atlas was just about to speak, but a notification made him smile.


    [An unknown person has unlocked Void Orc - will replace your left eye and arm but deactivate if you run out of mana]


    ''Is this the goddesses doing? Wouldn''t she have said something?''


    he thought as his missing pieces returned in a beautiful, shiny blue color.


    The magic burned to his skin while sitting up, causing Nulia to comment, ''''What just happened? And why do you have a glowing arm?''''


    Atlas opened his mouth to respond, but Raymond''s panicked voice suddenly thundered through his mind,


    ''Master! They''re under attack by a small army¡ªonly three lions remain standing!''


    Hearing this, Atlas''s expression hardened, and his voice dropped with urgency. ''''The others are in danger¡ªthe Achaemenids have them. We have no time to waste.''''


    Estelle, Amethyst, and Nulia looked concerned, but he ignored them before transforming into his Voidwalker form and dashing out of the Otherworld. Atlas traveled like the wind as his anger reached new levels, and when he saw Grishna and Artemis in their state, something clicked.


    From the depths of the Void, a monstrous power surged into Atlas, filling his veins with raw, primal strength. Ahead, he saw an Immortal lifting a near-dead Orc woman, and nearby, Artemis barely stood, her body battered and drenched in blood.


    Rage blotted out every thought. Atlas unleashed a terrifying roar that echoed through the mountains, shaking the earth. In a blur, he launched himself forward, the force of his dash ripping the air in a thunderous sonic boom.


    He tore through the ranks of Achaemenidians, his claws slashing mercilessly, leaving arcs of blood splattered across the ground as he carved a path of vengeance toward Grishna and Artemis.


    Atlas''s sudden actions caught the Achaemenidians off guard as he reached the women and decimated the man who hurt them. He grabbed the two of them and ensured they were fine before turning to the attackers.


    The few remaining enemies turned to flee, terror radiating from them, but it was too late. He descended upon the dogs with inhuman speed, his claws slicing through armor and flesh as though they were nothing more than mist.


    He cut them down one by one, each strike of his claws exploding in bursts of void energy that disintegrated the soldiers where they stood. Dark tendrils lashed out from his form, trapping those who tried to escape and pulling them back as he cut their heads off.


    Atlas watched the Achaemenidians drop heads before he reappeared next to Grishna and Artemis, who were severely injured. Without thinking, he sent tons of his void mana into their body to stabilize them until Estelle appeared.


    ''''Let me heal them, darling, you''ve done enough,'''' she said in a caring voice.


    He nodded as the Blonde quickly healed the two women, allowing him to return to his humanoid form. Atlas dropped to one knee, and Artemis spoke in a strained voice, '''' There are spirit mages in the wolf kingdom, a traveling merchant told us, but they ambushed us.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about me,'''' he rasped, blood trickling from his lips. ''''Return to the Otherworld. I''ll head south¡ªI need time to heal fully.''''


    Amethyst rushed to his side, her face etched with concern. ''''Once Blondie reaches Grandmaster, she can heal you completely. But with the Chaos damage¡­ it''s nearly impossible to fix right now.''''


    ''''Yes, I''m stuck with a destroyed face for god knows how long,'''' Atlas responded while standing up.


    Estelle appeared, placing her hand on his back as she cast Healing Light. Atlas groaned, a wave of warmth washing over him as the pain eased slightly. Nulia emerged in her bear form, her deep voice rumbling, ''''Climb on my back. You need to rest.''''


    Before Atlas could respond, Raymond crashed beside them, making some women jump. Amethyst whirled around, eyes narrowed as she confronted the massive bird. ''''Ray Winston! What have I told you? Don''t land like that and scare everyone!''''


    Atlas couldn''t suppress a chuckle at the sight of the petite young woman reprimanding the towering Monarch-ranked monster. The absurdity brought warmth to his heart, and just then, Artemis joined him on Nulia''s back.


    The brunette leaned against him, her eyes soft and weary. ''''Can I cuddle you, please? I''m exhausted.''''


    He nodded, then reached for some blankets, wrapping them around both as he pulled the brunette into his embrace. Artemis smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with warmth, ''''We''re perfect strangers,'''' she said softly, ''''but it feels like fate wanted us to be together forever. And I''m happy with that.''''


    Atlas leaned over and lifted the Siren''s chin before kissing her, which she quickly returned as Estelle, Grishna, and Amethyst climbed on Nulia. As they headed to the wolf kingdoms, the Orc woman commented with a grin, ''''Look at Artemis getting an adorable smooch; I''m jealous.''''


    A dainty hand appeared, giving the green woman the middle finger, making everyone laugh as Nulia ran across the Northern Wastes. While that happened, Atlas summoned Atek, who let out a roar of happiness.


    The Frostfang Tiger sprinted alongside them, flanked by Nala and the Dreadmaw Lions. Any monster that dared cross their path met a swift end, dispatched without a second thought. As they traveled, Nulia cast a spell that wrapped them in warmth.


    Artemis climbed into Atlas''s lap, nestling against him. With his new arm, he wrapped it around her, pulling the beautiful Siren close as she snuggled into his embrace. Grishna appeared beside him, her expression lightening the mood.


    ''''All she worried about is you,'''' she said with a knowing smile. ''''The silly woman regretted not trying to get closer, and I guess she''s making up for lost time.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]


    S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 242 - 242: Void Ghoul Queen

    Atlas and the women were still trekking across the Northern Wastes on the back of Nulia, who was enjoying the freedom. He made sure to send mana into the Frostbear so she felt comfortable.


    Soon enough, Nulia spoke in a rumbling voice, ''''We need to find a place to rest. A storm will hit, and if we''re outside, it will get bad.''''


    Following that, the group found a cave, which they quickly entered as the wind picked up and started lashing them. Atlas shivered before hugging Artemis even tighter; soon enough, they got comfortable.


    Nulia blocked the entrance as Amethyst started a fire while he got comfortable; as he laid back, Estelle spoke, ''''If we block the entrance, the monsters shouldn''t get in?''''


    ''''Yes. They will be looking for somewhere to hide,'''' the Frostbear woman said while standing up and approaching the entrance.


    Atlas watched her start casting her ice magic, creating a wall to keep them safe as the storm increased. After that, he activated Void Realm when Artemis asked, causing the group to appear in the destroyed city.


    ''This should be much easier now; with all the girls here, we will bring down the numbers,''


    he thought excitedly.


    A fierce determination ignited within him; Atlas unleashed his full power, the howls echoing around him like a war drum. Estelle shouted from the sidelines, her voice filled with concern. ''''Don''t push yourself! You''re still injured!''''


    ''It doesn''t matter; I won''t grow stronger by hiding away,''


    he thought while getting close to the creatures.


    But his resolve was unyielding. Ignoring her warning, he lunged into the crowd of Ghouls, his fists glowing with mana as he used Void Punches. With a flurry of devastating strikes, he carved his way through the horde, each blow resonating with raw power.


    Atlas tore through the swarm of Savage Ghouls without stopping. He changed tactics when he confronted the towering Brutes, delivering targeted punches that sent them staggering as booms rang out.


    With a primal roar that shook the very ground, he summoned the might of the Void and unleashed a devastating Void Smash on one of the monstrous foes, the impact rippling through the battlefield like a shockwave.


    ''''He''s giving it his all, even though he''s injured!'''' Amethyst exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.


    Grishna stepped forward, a broad smile lighting up her face. ''''Finally! The drive to grow stronger while being smart has awakened in him. Now, let''s rally behind him and help!'''' she said while readying her spear.


    Atlas surged forward, his fists crackling as he faced the Brutes. Each blow he delivered echoed like thunder, shattering bones and sending limbs flying across the battlefield. With every strike, his power grew.


    As he unleashed a strong uppercut on one of the Brutes, Grishna dashed in beside him, her spear a blur. With a lifetime of skill, she danced through the crowd of Ghouls, her weapon slicing effortlessly through their ranks.


    ''Wow, she has got stronger,''


    he mused with a smile.


    ''These women are something else.''


    The spear glinted in the dim light, each thrust and spin expertly choreographed as she dispatched foes left and right. That''s when a horrible aura descended on the battlefield as the other women joined in.


    Atlas stepped back as he saw a massive Brute, even larger and more menacing than the others, its red eyes burning with fury. The air crackled with tension as they locked gazes, but the sight of the beast did little to deter him.


    Without waiting, he charged forward. The ground trembled beneath his feet as he closed the distance, his fists glowing with mana, ''''Time to end this!'''' he shouted, drawing all his power into a devastating strike.


    He raised his fist high and unleashed a fully charged Void Smash, the mana surging like a comet. The impact struck the Brute square in the gut, a shockwave erupting from the collision.


    With an explosion of force, the creature was launched into the sky, soaring like a rocket, disappearing into the darkness as the battlefield fell silent briefly. Atlas stood there but shortly after started attacking more monsters.


    The women joined him, and thanks to their numbers, thousands of Ghouls fell to their teamwork. Atlas used Void Barrage to push the Brutes back as Amethyst and Nulia cast spells to wipe the creatures out.


    Artemis and Estelle attacked from range as Grishna flung metal balls into the horde, which rang out. Shrill noises sent the creatures stumbling around. Atlas started using his swords to cut through the monsters.


    An hour later, he backed off while checking the monster total and was shocked at what he saw.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 20000/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 10000/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 2799/5000]


    [----]


    Then, Atlas and the women continued fighting with the Brute Ghouls while working together. Sparks flew as Estelle blocked a fierce punch, but Amethyst burned the creature to ash.


    When he saw this, a smile appeared while he cast Void Lances at the enemies, which carved them in two. Atlas was happy with their result until Artemis, who was using her sling to kill more Brutes, was caught off guard and sent flying into an old shop. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The building crumbled, sending the brunette back to the real world and causing the others to become angry. Nulia transformed into her Frostbear form and tore the Brutes apart with her deadly claws.


    ''They are swarming us,''


    Atlas thought as more creatures appeared. ''Maybe the boss knows we''re close?''


    He cleared many of the Brutes with Void Barrage before checking the total, which made him smile.


    [Void Ghoul ¨C 20000/20000]


    [Void Savage Ghoul - 10000/10000]


    [Void Brute Ghoul - 4919/5000]


    [Void Queen Ghoul - 0/1]


    ''Oh, a queen, this is interesting,''


    Atlas thought as Grisha, Estelle, and Amethyst were sent back to the real world.


    Nulia appeared beside him, breathing heavily as she shifted back into her humanoid form. ''''This fight has been exhilarating, but there aren''t many left,'''' she remarked.


    ''''I know,'''' he replied, resting his hand gently on her flank and sending mana into her.


    Atlas then smiled, his eyes warm. ''''I''m happy we met, Nulia. You''re stunning, and I genuinely enjoy spending time with you.''''


    At his words, the brown-skinned woman felt a rush of warmth flood her dark cheeks, deepening their color as she smiled back. ''''You don''t hold what I did against me?''''


    He shook his head firmly. ''''No. Chaos had a grip on you. I know you wouldn''t hurt me¡ªnot with how you look at me.''''


    Following that, the couple continued fighting until the last Ghoul Brute vanished into the Void Realm, and Nulia smiled at him, ''''Ready to fight the boss?''''


    Atlas nodded before the two traveled through the city while following blue torches, who led the way. After fifteen minutes of walking, they spotted an arena in the distance; the bear woman pointed, ''''Look, the boss is in there, darling. I can feel her strength.''''


    That''s when he noticed the blue torches at the entrance flicker. Heavy darkness began to seep from the opposite side of the arena, causing him to draw his sword, its blade gleaming ominously in the dim light.


    ''Here we go, let''s see how strong she is,'' he thought while casting Void Infusion on his weapons.


    Nulia prepared to transform, but a raspy voice echoed through the air, sending a chill down his spine. ''''So, you''ve defeated my children, Voidwalker. Now it''s my turn to stop you here.''''


    Atlas''s heart raced as a formidable Ghoul emerged from the shadows. This creature radiated a dark energy that surpassed the rest, a palpable threat that made the air tense. The Ghoul Queen was taller than him and gave off an aura of strength.


    ''We may need to level up a bit more before fighting this thing,''


    he thought while readying his weapons.


    It didn''t speak while dashing toward the duo; when Atlas saw this, he started casting Void Bullets to try to slow the queen down, but he stepped in front of Nulia, who transformed into her Frostbear form.


    Nulia''s claws shot over Atlas''s head, colliding with the Ghoul. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the air, but he held his ground, channeling his energy to land a powerful Void Smash straight into the creature''s chest, forcing it to skid backward.


    ''It took the attack! How strong is this thing?''


    The Ghoul Queen lunged forward in a flash, shoving Atlas aside as she charged at Nulia. The two clashed with unrestrained ferocity, each blow making the ground tremble. But he recovered quickly, seizing his moment as he darted behind the creature.


    With a fierce cry, he plunged his blades deep, unleashing a surge of Void energy that sent shockwaves through the arena. Following that, the Ghoul Queen managed to land a slash across Nulia''s side.


    She let out a pain-filled roar, causing Atlas to send her back to the real world. He was left alone with the creature who stared at him as she spoke, ''''The old Master was much better than you. I''m surprised you received this gift.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 243 - 243: So Youre Claiming All Of Us

    Hearing her taunting laugh, Atlas quickly cast a Void Bomb at the Ghoul Queen. She dodged with lightning speed, retaliating with a punch that landed squarely against his chest, sending him flying back as his bones rattled from the impact.


    ''Arghhh fuck that hurt!''


    he thought while spitting up blood.


    Atlas used Void Wave to get the queen away from him before spamming Void Barrage at it until he ran out of mana. Soon enough, Atlas returned to the real world. When he came to, he found himself wrapped in blankets, his body aching as he blinked away from the haze.


    Once back to normal, he tried opening a portal to the Otherworld, but nothing happened, causing Nulia to explain, ''''Storms in the Northern Waste disrupt mana; it best we jump in before it starts tomorrow or whenever we leave this place.''''


    He nodded as Artemis commented as she sat by the nearby fire, ''''What''s the plan after we find a spirit mage?''''


    ''''We start attacking the Achaemendians in Astoria,'''' Atlas responded, pulling out some dumplings and handing them to the five women. ''''They won''t stop hunting us until we do something about it.''''


    ''''That could work; there are dozens of rebel groups all across Astoria attacking the occupiers, which is fun,'''' Grishna said with an excited smile while wrapped in a Giant Mammoth hide that Nulia gave her.


    This scene made him smile, but Amethyst climbed into his blankets and snuggled up to him. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled the phoenix woman close as she spoke, ''''I''m sorry for making you wait to take the next step with the others.''''


    When Atlas heard the purple-haired woman speak, he replied with a warm smile, ''''It''s okay. There''s no need to rush things¡ªwe have years ahead of us to enjoy together.''''


    Amethyst beamed at this and put her head on his shoulder while he played with her purple hair, which caused the young woman to fall asleep, causing Estelle to comment from nearby, ''''That girl truly loves you, Atlas. Don''t take her for granted.''''


    ''''I''d never do that; before this, I was lonely and had no one who loved me until I met her,'''' he said while brushing a lock of hair from her face. ''''I would never let any of you go.''''


    After he spoke, silence took over the cave as Grisha teased, ''''So you''re claiming all of us? It looks like we have a greedy Voidwalker in our hands, ladies.''''


    Everyone giggled at the Orc woman''s words as Atlas spoke, ''''We shall see how things go, but I find you all beautiful.''''


    Just as he said, Atek popped up and growled, causing the group to laugh as the Frostfang Tiger approached Atlas. The cat climbed into the blankets and cuddled up to him alongside Amethyst.


    He smiled, gently stroking the creature beside him when Nulia interjected, saying, ''''We should get some rest. The weather is going to worsen.''''


    As Atlas settled in, he felt Amethyst and Atek cuddle against him, their warmth soothing. The other women found their spots around him, creating a cozy circle. With the weight of their presence and the soft patter of rain outside, a content smile spread across his face as he drifted off to sleep.


    After that, the mana storm outside worsened as thunder boomed overhead; the chaos froze over the entrance to their hideaway. Hours passed, and the following day, Atlas woke up to see his breath due to the cold air.


    ''So cold, let''s get up and start a fire to warm up the cave,''


    he mused.


    Atlas shook his head and lit the fire using a Void Bullet that burned bright. Atek woke up alongside him and meowed. He turned to the little creature and stroked it while giving it a Horned Rabbit Kebab to eat for breakfast.


    Following that, he sat down and started eating some dumplings while looking at the entrance, only to see chaos, which caused him to think, ''


    I can''t wait to go south; these storms will grow annoying soon.''


    While eating, none of the women woke up, causing him to give the Void Realm ago, and before he activated the skill, Atke jumped in his lap as he reappeared in the destroyed city. Atlas looked at the Frostfang Tiger and shook his head, ''''Looks like you''re helping me, boy.''''


    Atek let out a deep growl, growing bigger as the duo walked toward the Ghoul Queens arena. When Atlas stepped onto the stone ground, a barrier blocked them from leaving, but he pulled out his blades while casting Void Infusion.


    ''Now its time to fight and finally beat this level,''


    he mused excitedly.


    The creature chuckled before dashing forward, causing Atek to jump to the side as Atlas cast Void Lance at it. The azure projectile sliced through the air and slammed into the Ghoul Queen,


    It let out a hate-filled screech as she was sent skidding backward, but Atlas followed that up with Void Barrage as Atek lunged at her lower half. The tiger sliced through the queen''s flesh.


    Atlas managed to get close as the creature swiped at him with her sharp claws, allowing him to hit the Ghoul with a Void Blast. The azure flames struck and sent the boss flying across the arena.


    It crashed with a thud, sending a tremor through the ground, and Atek lunged at her. Atlas watched intently as the Ghoul Queen punched the Frostfang Tiger, but the beast deftly dodged, using the momentum to unleash a Void Bomb.


    The explosive force erupted on contact, lighting up the scene with a blinding flash as chaos unfolded around them. Once a dust cloud appeared, Atlas grinned before dashing forward and managed to carve through the queen''s flesh, which brought her down.


    Atlas spun around and used Void Step to appear above the creature before falling toward it, but the Ghoul Queen quickly slid to the side. He grew frustrated but couldn''t think much as her claws tore through his armor and flesh.


    ''Fuck that hurt!'' S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    he thought before blasting the creature with Void Wave, allowing Atek to pounce on her.


    The Frostfang Tiger lunged at the Ghoul, ripping into her with ferocity, leaving her bewildered by the unfolding chaos. Atlas rose to his feet, feeling regeneration activating and healing the injuries he sustained.


    ''Now let''s end this fight to move on!''


    As the creature hurled Atek aside, he sprang forward, drawing upon every ounce of his strength. Atlas slashed through the Ghoul''s arm, severing it cleanly and sending it tumbling to the ground.


    The queen let out a furious roar and lunged to slash at him before he could react. But Atek, wounded yet determined, sank his teeth into her leg, causing her to stumble and fall. At that moment, Atlas seized the opportunity and charged at the Ghoul, moving like a blur.


    He struck with lightning speed, his blade slicing through the air as he unleashed a flurry of blows¡ªdozens of strikes aimed at her torso, arms, and legs. Each strike landed, the sound of steel against flesh echoing through the chaos.


    The Ghoul, taken aback by the relentless assault, struggled to regain her footing, unable to counterattack. Atlas moved with fluid grace, weaving in and out; his strikes left no room for her to retaliate.


    Blood sprayed, and the ground beneath them became slick as he pressed his advantage, the creature''s defenses crumbling under the onslaught. Soon enough, the Ghoul Queen released a screech that summoned thousands of the weaker monsters.


    When Atlas saw this, he spammed Void Bullets into the crowd as Atek did his best to keep them off him. He turned back to the queen with a grin as he cast several Void Lances that sliced through the air.


    She dodged most of the attacks, but a few still connected, which sent the Ghoul Queen stumbling back. Atlas''s fist crackled with dark energy as he gathered every ounce of his mana, the power surging and swirling around his fist.


    ''This should be enough to kill this creature,''


    he thought with determination.


    With a fierce glare, he lunged forward, his fist glowing with the condensed might of Void Smash. The Ghoul Queen snarled and raised her claw to strike, but he was faster¡ªhis fist collided with her chest in an explosion of raw power.


    The impact unleashed a shockwave, tearing through the air and shaking the ground beneath them. Shadows rippled outward as the Void Smash punch sent the Ghoul Queen hurtling backward, her shriek echoing as mana cracked through her form.


    When the energy dissipated, she lay crumpled, her twisted figure defeated, as Atlas lowered his fist, the shadows slowly fading from his arm. Following that, the creature vanished into the Void Realm.


    Once the fight ended, Atlas returned to the real world, feeling extremely tired. Atek quickly supported him before licking his face, ''''At least we beat that bitch,'''' he said while stroking the Frostfang Tiger.


    Following that, he leaned against the fluffy monster and nodded off as Atek made sure he was comfortable.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 244 - 244: Bloodhawks

    Atlas awoke hours later to Artemis gently shaking him. ''''Wake up," she said softly. "Estelle is making breakfast.''''


    He sat up, stretching as Atek hopped up and began licking his face with a soft purr. Nulia watched with a smile. ''''Looks like he''s taken to you,'''' she remarked. ''''I don''t know what you''ve done, but he seems smitten.''''


    ''''He''s a ball of fluff who purrs,'''' Atlas answered before checking his status to see how many levels he went up.


    [Level Up: 388¡ú394]


    [Experience: 14980/20000]


    Experience Gained: 144560]


    [Health: 3568¡ú4036(200)]


    [Mana: 25898¡ú29458(1000)]


    [Strength: 4280¡ú4738(100)]


    [Stamina: 5380¡ú5706(250)]


    [Charisma: 1248¡ú1422]


    [Intelligence: 3444¡ú3676]


    [Core Points: 91020/300000]


    [Core Points Gained: 78900]


    [Mana Regeneration: 0¡ú2]


    ''Oh nice, I leveled up a lot,''


    Atlas thought with a pleased smile.


    He approached the fire where the five women were slumped around as the blonde cooked some monster meat with spices. She looked up with a smile, ''''It will be done soon; sit down and get comfortable, my love.''''


    Atlas nodded before getting comfortable but activated Void Realm, where he reappeared on a beautiful grassland that stretched in all directions. He glanced around and noticed a mountain range in the distance.


    ''I should head toward those,''


    he mused while walking.


    ''I wonder what monster is going to appear.''


    Atlas continued his trek, footsteps steady until a piercing screech shattered the quiet. His gaze shot upward, catching a dark speck circling high in the sky. The dot grew rapidly as it plummeted toward him, and only then did he realize it was a monstrous bird.


    ''Flying monsters! These will be useful in the future.''


    As it neared, he could make out its sleek black feathers and sharp talons, resembling a massive magpie. It swooped low, claws outstretched, ready to strike. When this happened, he sidestepped the attack and cast Void Lance into the monster''s body, causing it to crash nearby.


    The creature thrashed around, allowing Atlas to scan it using Void Sight.


    [Void Bloodhawk]


    [Rank D]


    [Use your speed against them]


    Atlas shrugged when he saw this as more screeches rang out and more Bloodhawks dive-bombed him. He started casting Void Bullets and Arrows into the horde of flying monsters that closed in.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air and slammed into the creatures, causing them to vanish back into the Void Realm as more appeared. Atlas kept fighting the Bloodhawks while dodging them.


    ''These things are fast but I''m quicker,''


    he mused with a smile while blasting a creature with Void Blast.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 021/10000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    Following that, Atlas continued killing the Bloodhawks as they dived down. The air hummed, and one by one, the birds faltered mid-flight. Dozens of Bloodhawks screeched, spiraling down in trails of smoke and feathers.


    ''Looks like I can increase my mana pool by targeting these fuckers.''


    Atlas''s magic was relentless until the cloud of birds thinned, leaving only silence and a few scattered feathers drifting to the ground. Once he was done with the first horde, a bigger swarm was heading in his direction.


    ''Fuck that drama; I need to eat before facing that many monsters,''


    he thought before returning to the real world.


    When he did that, he opened his eyes to see the cave ceiling; while lying there, a delicious aroma hit his nose.


    ''Smells nice,''


    he thought with a smile.


    Atlas opened his eyes to see Estelle holding a plate out to him. ''''Here you go. Eat up and get some rest. The storm outside is getting worse.''''


    Hearing the blonde''s words, Atlas accepted the food, casting a wary glance toward the entrance, where the ice wall trembled under pressure. He shook his head and focused on the meal¡ªa juicy cut of meat, juices glistening, and vibrant spices dusted generously.


    Atlas started eating and checked the monster total, only to grin when he saw how many Bloodhawks he killed on his first run.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 399/10000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    ''If the girls help me, we could clear this level quickly,''


    he thought before returning to his food.


    As they sat together, Nulia guided the others through her method of meditation, showing them how it helped ward off the biting cold. Atlas gave it a try, but the strange ache in his new arm broke his concentration, irritating him enough to abandon the attempt.


    ''Looks like this isn''t for me.''


    Frustrated, he stood and walked over to the ice wall, an uneasy feeling gnawing at him. Taking a steadying breath, he began etching the Dark One Runes into the surface, his fingers tracing each symbol with care and precision.


    Once he finished, he sat back against the wall, easing into a comfortable position. He pulled out a flask of ale, taking a long, calming sip as he watched the shimmering runes cover the entrance to their hideout.


    Following that, Atlas sat in the pile of blankets and activated the Void Realm again to fight with the Bloodhawks. The screeches rang out when he appeared in the grasslands, but he started casting Void Bullets at the incoming monsters.


    Explosions rang out all across the sky, causing the creatures to vanish, but that''s when a bigger creature dived toward him, making Atlas yelp as he jumped out of the way and its talons snapped shut.


    The creature looked like a bigger version of the Bloodhawks, causing him to scan the newcomer.


    [Haast''s Void Eagle]


    [Rank: C]


    [These things are bastards; keep moving like you''re running from the IRS] sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas quickly cast Void Lance at the incoming eagle, and it tore through its wing; the sudden attack sent it crashing into the ground nearby. A large dust cloud shot into the air, allowing him to dash forward and slash along its body.


    The eagle vanished into the Void Realm as Bloodhawks swooped down and tried to attack, but Atlas used Void Wave that shot out of his body. His spell sent some of the monsters plummeting to the ground.


    ''Damn things,''


    he thought before casting a wave of Void Arrows that took out dozens of the creatures.


    Atlas continued fighting until his mana ran low. He returned to the cave, where the winds made a whooshing sound. He shook his head, pulled the blankets over him, and checked the monster total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 731/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 1/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    While lying there, Nulia informed the group, ''''The storm will pass, but we need to be careful while traveling south; hungry beats will attempt to attack us.''''


    ''''Don''t worry about them! We have a Frostbear on our side,'''' Grishna said excitedly as she nudged the brown-skinned woman.


    Nulia giggled as the five women started chatting. Atlas relaxed next to Atek, who turned into his smaller form while curling up in his lap. This made him smile before stroking the Frostfang Tiger.


    Atlas soon fell asleep as the cold took its toll on him. Several days passed like this as the women meditated, and he continued fighting through Level Five of the Void Realm. He took out so many monsters that he thought it was going quickly.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 2212/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 109/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    As the storm finally cleared, they made their way out of the cave. Atlas stepped into the open, squinting against the bright light bouncing off fresh snow¡ªonly to let out a startled yelp as something leaped onto him.


    Instinctively, he raised his hand to strike but paused when he caught a flash of white fur. A tiny, bright-eyed fox clung to him, its snowy coat blending seamlessly with the snow around them.


    The fox bounded to his shoulders, nibbling playfully at his ear, sending an unexpected shiver down his spine. Atlas burst into laughter, brushing the mischievous creature away. ''''Hey! What''s your deal?'''' he chuckled, trying to swat it gently. ''''Ambushing people out of nowhere, is this a thing now?''''


    The fox chirped excitedly, its small sounds echoing in the frosty air. Nulia''s amused voice drifted over. ''''Why do you attract every beast you come across? Now you''ve got a Frost Fox; those are rare this far south.''''


    Atlas chuckled, lifting the little creature in his hands to get a better look. It was soft as freshly fallen snow, with piercing blue eyes that sparkled with mischief. The fox met his gaze and chirped again, tilting its head as if curious about him.


    Smiling, he set the fox on his shoulder, where it nestled in, its bushy tail wrapping around him like a scarf. Amethyst looked at the fix before giggling, ''''You know Lilith will attack you? She will think you''re cheating.''''


    ''Fuck! That little demoness will be back soon,'' Atlas thought while sighing. ''Maybe she will be happy to see me?''


    With a shrug, he answered the phoenix girl with a chuckle, ''''I will beat her up if she tries it; I am stronger now.''''


    The women laughed as Estelle said, ''''No, you won''t; you care about that creature and wouldn''t hurt her.''''


    Atlas and the others prepared to continue their journey. Nulia shifted into her towering Frostbear form, her thick fur glistening under the pale sun. They climbed onto her back one by one, securing themselves as best they could among her powerful shoulders.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 245 - 245: Theres Too Many

    As Nulia broke into a steady run across the snowy tundra, her massive paws easily crushed through the snow, leaving deep prints in her wake. Now and then, she swiped at clusters of snow insects buzzing too close, her powerful claws sending them scattering.


    While sitting on her back, Atlas activated the Void Realm to fight the bird to bring their numbers down, but this time, Artemis and Amethyst were joining him. The three of them appeared on the grasslands.


    The brunette glanced around before asking, ''''Is this a new part of this realm? What happened to the Ghouls?''''


    ''''Me and Atek cleared them; now we have to fight big birds,'''' Atlas answered as the screeches started ringing.


    After that, Amethyst took to the sky and started battling with the creatures while Artemis used her sling to target the Bloodhawks. Her mana bolts sliced through the air and wiped out dozens of them.


    When Atlas saw this, he chuckled before using Void Barrage to take out even more. The Bloodhawks and Haast''s Eagles were sent back to wherever they came from. Following that, the three of them started battling with the monsters.


    Artemis continued her onslaught with her sling while Amethyst fought fiercely in the air, unleashing Cosmic Blasts and Bolts that painted the sky purple. Suddenly, larger eagles swooped down, targeting the phoenix-like woman.


    One massive eagle dove toward her, talons outstretched, but Amethyst met it with a powerful blast, sending it to the ground. Atlas watched as the eagle crashed below, disintegrating into nothingness.


    He started flinging Void Bombs into the horde of monsters; the projectiles exploded, wiping out hundreds of them and causing the counter to soar up, which excited him. Atlas continued fighting while the two women helped out.


    The Bloodhawks and Hasst''s Eagles stopped appearing for a few seconds, allowing Atlas to check the total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 3998/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 179/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    ''This is going good,''


    he thought while hitting a Haast Eagle with a Void Lance that pierced through its body.


    The monsters plummeted toward the ground as the two women continued fighting until Amethyst got hit by a swarm of Bloodhawks before being returned to the real world. This left him and Artemis dodging the bigger monster while hitting it with mana projectiles.


    Atlas unleashed a final Void Blast, banishing the creature back to the Void Realm. But before he could catch his breath, Artemis was overwhelmed by more enemies, leaving him to face the swarm alone.


    The sky darkened as flying monsters closed in, but he cast Void Wave. An intense azure wave erupted from him, striking down a dozen Bloodhawks in a single surge. Just then, a wagle collided with his torso, its powerful impact forcing him out of the realm.


    In a flash, Atlas jolted awake, finding himself back in the real world, clinging to Nulia''s back as they traveled across the Northern Wastes. He shook his head and asked the women, ''''Where are we?''''


    ''''We''re are coming up to the Golden Lions Fortress where we were staying before meeting you,'''' Estelle answered.


    Following the blonde words, he spotted a castle in the distance that looked chaotic as explosions rang out. When the group saw this, Grishna spoke, ''''It looks like the Achaemendians found the Golden Lion Legion. We need to help them.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he nodded before standing up and speaking, ''''Nulia, stop for a moment.''''


    The Frostbear woman stopped as he activated his Dungeon Conquerer Skill and summoned a swarm of Landsharks before their leader appeared and greeted Atlas when he jumped on its back.


    ''''Where are you going?'''' Amethyst asked.


    This caused Atlas to grin before explaining, ''''I will hit them once you''re fighting; it will throw the soldiers into chaos.''''


    They all nodded in agreement as the Landsharks dove underground, except for the one Atlas was riding. This allowed him to summon dozens more to aid them in the battle. Clinging tightly to the back of the leader, he felt the thrill of anticipation as they approached.


    While closing in on the soldiers, Atlas mused,


    ''Now its my turn to strike at these fuckers.''


    Just as they neared it, the leader suddenly vanished, diving deep into the earth. Following that, explosions rang out as the women attacked the Achaemenidians. Seconds passed as Atlas and the Landsharks passed under the enemy lines.


    ''It''s time,''


    he thought excitedly, ordering the creatures to strike.


    Without warning, a massive Landshark erupted from the earth, its jaws wide open, roaring with primal fury. The creature burst through the surface, sending debris flying in every direction.


    As the dust settled, the Achaemenidians stared in shock, their eyes widening in disbelief. The Landsharks lunged forward, snapping its jaws around a group of soldiers. They barely had time to react before the creature clamped down, scattering them like rag dolls.


    Atlas leaped off the monster''s back while ramming his blades through a commander''s head. He quickly noticed the enemy soldiers surrounded him, but he cast Void Wave that sent them flying everywhere.


    Following that, he started slicing through the shocked soldiers before meeting up with the women who killed hundreds of them. When they spotted him, Amethyst spoke worriedly, ''''There''s too many!''''


    He grinned before activating Call Of The Void and summoned dozens of Savage Void Ghouls that poured out of the Azure portals. They let out horrifying howls and shrieks while crashing into the Achaemenidians who tried to flee.


    Atlas felt the experience pouring into his body as he cut down hundreds of soldiers who tried to overwhelm him. That''s when Nulia and Atek tore through the enemy ranks, using their claws to clear a path to the fortress.


    The combined might of the Landsharks and the Void Ghouls mercilessly slaughtered the attackers. Once the last of them fell, Atlas commanded his forces to dispose of the bodies into the Otherworld.


    As the fortress gates creaked open, a group of armored men emerged, rushing toward the women. But as they approached, all the monsters turned on them, snarling and ready to strike.


    The stunned soldiers halted in their tracks, their expressions a mix of confusion and alarm. Artemis stepped forward, her gaze steady as she approached, ''''They''re loyal to you, Atlas,'''' she assured him. ''''Just wait until Rollo sees you.''''


    Following that, the group of soldiers got close, and when the leading man noticed Atlas, his eyes widened in shock. The commander approached him and dropped to one knee as he spoke respectfully, ''''Azhar''Zul, you''re finally here.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his eyebrow raised before replying, ''''How do you know who I am? And why do you want to serve me?''''


    The old man stood up with a happy smile and answered, ''''The Golden Lion Legion''s patron is the Goddess of Darkness Nyx and told me about you.''''


    ''Those sisters! But wasn''t Nyx the moody one?''


    Atlas thought with a small smile. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After that, he nodded. "Okay, how many soldiers do you have left?" he asked Rollo.


    ''''Two-thousand four hundred, My Lord,'''' Rollo answered. ''''We must recruit more men when we finally get to the wolf kingdoms.''''


    Atlas agreed with a nod before speaking as he dismissed the Landsharks and Void Ghouls, ''''Get them ready to move; we''re heading south to mess with the Achaemenidians.''''


    When Rollo heard this, his eyes widened, ''''We''re finally hitting back? We will get thousands of recruits after what the southern dogs have done to Astoria,'''' he revealed.


    This information excited Atlas, who decided to let the Golden Lion Legion into the Otherworld during their travels. Following that thought, he spoke up, ''''I will give your soldiers a place to rest, but they have to listen to everything I say, or death will come for them.''''


    Rollo looked concerned, but Atlas ignored it, entered the Otherworld, and appeared at the bottom of the treehouse. He walked into the forest while checking out the options for new additions.


    [Camp: Build a safe place for your soldiers to rest and recover - Cost: 5000 Mana]


    [Monster Hunters: Creatures that hunt down monsters to bring them into the Otherworld - 6000 Mana]


    When seeing these options, Atlas grinned before selecting both, but it drained him of mana, causing him to drop to one knee as Mana Regeneration kicked in,


    ''Need to increase my pool even more.''


    Following that, he returned to the real world, and when the women saw him, their eyes narrowed. Amethyst stepped forward while speaking in a concerned voice, ''''Did you use most of your mana again?''''


    Atlas nodded with a tired smile while explaining, ''''Yes, but there were some things the Otherworld needed that would help us in the long run.''''


    The phoenix woman agreed with a nod before he opened a portal, and hundreds of Stone Men rushed out. This shocked everyone, including Atlas, as the monster started running in all directions.


    Grishna and Artemis were about to attack, but he stopped them. ''''They are my Monster Hunters; I created them in the Otherworld.''''


    They all nodded in understanding as Atlas smiled, then turned to Rollo. ''''Rollo, gather the soldiers. You''re heading to the new camp I set up. But be careful¡ªdon''t cross its perimeter, or the monsters will start hunting you.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 246 - 246: Whats Your Decision

    The older man looked at Atlas intently and nodded before returning to the fortress to gather the legion. When the five women saw this, Estelle spoke seriously, ''''The Golden Lion Legion is a good start for an army for you.''''


    His eyebrow rose, but he shrugged as a stream of soldiers appeared from the fortress gates. Five minutes earlier, Rollo appeared. Atlas opened a portal to the Otherworld camp that he created for them.


    When the women and troops saw the rows of tents with firepits all over the place, what stood out was a glowing line encircling the camp, ''''Here we go. Remember what I said, and don''t go past the line, or you will be killed by the millions of monsters that roam this realm.''''


    The soldiers paled, tension evident in their faces, but Rollo stepped forward with a firm nod. ''''We won''t stray, my Lord,'''' he replied with conviction. ''''The Golden Lion Legion is here to support you, not to stand against you.''''


    Atlas nodded and left for the real world, where Nulia spoke in a worried voice, ''''Another storm is coming, but this time, the Whitewalkers will appear.''''


    When everyone heard the bear-woman speak, they turned to look at her as Atlas asked, "What are those?"


    ''''Giant humanoids who roam the Northern Wastes,'''' she explained. ''''They''re dangerous; even I struggle to fight them sometimes.''''


    ''Interesting, these monsters will earn me a lot of experience,''


    he thought before answering Nulia, ''''We will spend the storm in the Otherworld, but I want to fight these things.''''


    The five women''s eyes widened as Estelle spoke in a concerned voice, ''''Why would you want to do that? It''s too risky.''''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''I need to grow even stronger than I am now, and these monsters will be useful.''''


    Following that, the Stone Men returned holding all kinds of creatures, which shocked the women, but he sent the Monster Hunters into the Otherworld to dump the realm''s new residents.


    ''They will be useful; these monsters can feed my army,''


    Atlas mused amusedly.


    After that, the group continued south on the back of Nulia as they reached the mountain pass that led to the Southern Tundra, which led to the wolf kingdoms. The Frostbear woman stopped while staring into the darkness.


    ''''We will be fine, Nulia; I will scout ahead as I can sense the monsters roaming in the shadows,'''' he commented before jumping off her back.


    Atlas quickly reassured the women that everything would be fine as he took out his blades and stepped into the pass,


    ''What is this horrible aura? It''s strong but not as strong as the Ghoul Queen,''


    he thought.


    Wasting no time, Atlas cast Void Infusion on his weapons, illuminating the area around him in an eerie azure glow. The light revealed boulders and trees scattered across a mist-covered landscape, sending a chill down his spine.


    Tumbling rocks made him whirl around as he moved forward, but nothing was there. Cautiously, he summoned ten Shadow Stalkers from the Blackthorne Hills Dungeon. Once they materialized, he commanded them to scout the area.


    As the Shadow Stalkers disappeared into the mist, something unseen attacked, and Atlas tightened his grip on his blade. Suddenly, a creature lunged at him from the fog, its claws slicing through the air.


    He parried the strike, metal meeting talon in a clash that sent sparks flying in all directions, lighting up the mist around him. Atlas gritted his teeth when he saw a bat-like monster jump back before taking off. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''So you fly, let''s bring someone to help,''


    he mused with an excited smile before summoning Theo and a group of Blood Bats.


    The creatures flew out of an azure portal and quickly took off, and Theo''s voice sounded in his mind,


    ''Master, it''s good to see you, but let me deal with these brats.''


    Atlas shook his head and replied with a chuckle, ''''Capture them for me; I want to see what they are.''''


    When the Blood Bat King heard this, he nodded before letting out a loud screech as he descended into the fog. Atlas put his swords away and sat down on a nearby boulder as monsters crashed into the ground.


    He quickly scanned one of the newcomers, which interested him as he wanted to capture the creatures.


    [Mountain Bats]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Good flying soldiers]


    ''Interesting, let''s see if these things can talk,''


    Atlas thought before approaching the creature as it thrashed around while a Blood Bat pinned it down.


    He smacked it across the face and spoke in a commanding voice, ''''Stop acting like a bitch; you''ve already been captured.''''


    Following that, a giant Mountian Bat crashed nearby. Theo dropped on top of it and bit into its back. The monster let out a shriek of pain as Atlas spoke, ''''Stop attacking him; I need to talk to it.''''


    Atlas approached the downed creature who was screeching and slapped it; the smack echoed out, causing the other bats to look at them as he spoke, ''''Stop acting like a bitch, do you understand me?''


    The bigger Mountain Bat stopped struggling and looked at him as a gruff voice sounded in his mind, ''''How can you communicate with us?''''


    ''''So, you can understand me. Good,'''' Atlas said with a grin, his voice low and commanding. ''''Now, you have two choices: serve me, or die.''''


    The creature thrashed defiantly, but he struck it again, his blow landing with enough force to make even the leader of the pack pause, wide-eyed with shock. Atlas chuckled, leveling his gaze.


    ''''Well?'''' he asked, his tone both taunting and firm. ''''What''s your decision?''''


    The Mountain Bat snarled but spoke with defiance. ''''And what do we gain in return? I won''t let my flock become your slaves.''''


    Without hesitation, Theo stepped forward, slashing the creature and cutting off its protests.


    ''Master doesn''t treat us like slaves, you foolish creature,''


    he growled, his voice edged with warning.


    ''''You will get a safe place to live with an endless supply of food; all you have to do is answer my summons when I need your help,'''' Atlas revealed. ''''I don''t need slaves but strong monsters to fight for me when the time is right.''''


    After speaking, the Mountain Bat leader locked eyes with Atlas, its fierce gaze softening as it made its choice. After a tense silence, it gave a reluctant nod, lowering itself slowly until its wings folded in and its head bowed, dipping toward the ground.


    ''''We will serve you,'''' the creature said in a resigned voice. ''''Under the terms you set out.''''


    He gave a satisfied nod, his expression one of quiet triumph. ''''Wise choice, serve well, and you and your flock will find strength under my command.''''


    With a wave, Atlas opened a portal to the Otherworld. ''''Go and find a suitable spot in the mountains,'''' he commanded. ''''More food will soon be in the realm once I send out the Monster Hunters again.''''


    The Mountain Bat Leader nodded and let out a piercing screech before stepping through the portal, steadying itself as Theo released his hold. To Theo''s surprise, hundreds of smaller bats followed, swarming through the portal in a flurry of wings.


    Once they disappeared, the Blood Bats began to enter, flooding into the Otherworld in disciplined waves. After they were all gone, Atlas returned to the women who flocked to him as he stepped out of the fog.


    ''''What happened in there, Atlas?'''' Amethyst questioned as she checked him over with Estelle.


    He laughed at their reactions before answering, ''''I captured a swarm of Mountain Bats who are now living in the Otherworld alongside Theo.''''


    The five women exchanged amused smiles as Artemis let out a giggle. "Are you a monster collector now?" she teased.


    Atlas gave a wry nod. "Looks that way," he replied. "But let''s keep moving before the storm catches up with us."


    Nulia transformed into her Frostbear form, her massive paws crunching into the snow as the group climbed on her back. Atlas ran his hand through her soft white fur as they took off through the mountain pass and weren''t attacked by any monsters.


    The group made their way through the pass as the air grew colder as they climbed higher. Jagged cliffs loomed on either side, dusted with snow, and the wind howled, carrying flakes that bit at their skin.


    Nulia, in her Frostbear form, led the way, her broad paws breaking a path through the snow. After hours of careful travel, the pass widened, opening to a sprawling, icy swamp below. Mist curled over frozen pools, and skeletal trees twisted from the frost-crusted ground.


    Dark patches of water gleamed between chunks of broken ice, and a strange, haunting silence filled the air. Atlas took a cautious step forward, scanning the murky landscape. ''''Stay alert,'''' he warned. ''''Something about this place feels... off.''''


    Artemis shivered, drawing her cloak closer as she eyed their surroundings. ''''I think you''re right,'''' she said.


    ''''Don''t get off my back, guys,'''' Nulia spoke quietly. ''''I think monsters are lurking in the shadows.''''


    Atlas readied his weapons while Grishna, Estelle, and Amethyst got ready to act if anything attacked them.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 247 - 247: Nearly Halfway There

    Atlas and the women traveled through the swamp while watching their surroundings. He was ready to cast a spell, and just in time, a white crocodile monster lunged from the water. Nulia quickly dodged the beast''s snapping jaw before she sliced the creature in half with a swipe of her giant claws.


    They continued until Atlas spotted a group of men in the distance, causing him to speak, ''''I think Achaemenidians are approaching.''''


    Nulia ducked, letting them slip off her back while preparing to fight the enemy. Atlas quickly cast a dozen Viold Bullets and sent them flying at the unsuspecting soldiers. When the spells connected, they exploded.


    An azure explosion erupted, sending the other Achaemendians flying into the swamp and causing the monsters to go wild. When that happened, Grishna, Artemis, and Nulia dashed forward to finish off the survivors.


    Estelle giggled as she spoke in an amused voice, ''''Those three have been waiting to fight them; it''s like they''ve built up a never-ending grudge against the Achaemendians.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding as he watched the women easily take out the soldiers before dumping the bodies into the Otherworld when he opened a portal. The group continued as he summoned some Landsharks to keep guard over them. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''These should keep any monsters back for now,''


    he thought with a smile while scanning the swamp.


    At last, they left the swamp behind, only to be met by a storm that tore at their skin with icy gusts. Seeing this, Atlas turned to the others and said, ''''Let''s get to the treehouse now that we''re clear of the Northern Wastes.''''


    Everyone agreed as he opened a portal to the Otherworld, and they all stepped through only to feel the same cold. Atlas snapped his fingers, which cut the weather off from the outside world.


    Before closing the portal, he sent out more Monster Hunters to gather beasts for the realm. The group then entered the treehouse and relaxed as Estelle said, ''''Does anyone want some tea? It will warm you up.''''


    ''''Yes, please,'''' Atlas replied, followed by the other women.


    Amethyst started a fire using her Phoenix flames, which lit the living room in a beautiful purple glow. After that, they all started relaxing as he said, ''''Does anyone want to help me with the Void Realm? Those birds are annoying to kill.''''


    Grishna and Artemis offered, so they entered the realm and started fighting with the Bloodhawks. The orc woman used her Silver Shriek to bring the beasts crashing down, allowing the group to end them.


    Atlas was spamming Void Arrows and Bullets that chased after the monsters before exploding and wiping them out. While fighting, Artemis used her sling to target many of the creatures.


    The mana projectiles tore through the Bloodhawk''s bodies, returning them to the Void Realm. While this happened, Atlas checked the monster total to see how many they had killed so far, which surprised him.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 4011/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 179/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    ''Nearly halfway there,''


    he thought with an excited smile.


    The three continued killing the Bloodhawks until the Haast Eagles appeared, which was more challenging. Atlas had to use Void Blast and Lance, which tore through the air like missiles.


    They streaked through the air, crashing into the giant eagles with explosive force. Feathers and fragments spiraled as the creatures plummeted. Seizing the moment, the women intensified their attacks, unleashing a barrage that wiped out dozens of monsters.


    Then, Atlas added to their power and used his magic to take down dozens of Bloodhawks. The trio started fighting with them until running out of mana as it was taking its toll on the women.


    Artemis departed first, followed closely by Grisnha, leaving Atlas alone on the battlefield. Undeterred, he continued fighting, nimbly dodging as dozens of Haast Eagles dove down, their talons reaching for him.


    Each dodge revealed another opening, and Atlas struck with precision, slicing through their torsos in a storm of feathers and blood. But soon, his energy waned, and he withdrew to the real world, where Estelle stood nearby, holding a cup toward him.


    The blonde smiled brightly. ''''Here, take this; it''ll make you feel better,'''' she said, her voice light and cheerful.


    Atlas took it with a smile while replying, ''''Thank you, Blondie.''''


    Following that, he checked the monster total after their last run, which pleasantly surprised him.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 5835/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 417/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    ''This is going faster than I expected,''


    he thought before drinking the sweet tea as the women gossiped among each other.


    Atlas closed his eyes before resting on the comfortable chair and gazing out the window, only to see the mountain where the bat monsters lived. He could see tiny black dots fluttering around the peaks before swooping down.


    Following that, he yawned while standing up and stretching before heading toward the bedroom, but he wasn''t alone. When entering the room, Atlas was pushed toward the bed, and Grishna appeared behind him.


    ''What is she doing?''


    he thought with an excited grin.


    The Orc woman pressed herself against his back, her chest warm against him as she leaned close, her breath tickling his ear. In a low, seductive voice, she whispered, ''''May I stay with you tonight, my future husband?''''


    A shiver ran through Atlas, but he turned to face her, wrapping an arm around Grishna''s waist and pulling her close. He pressed his lips to her plump ones, and she met his kiss eagerly, returning it with a passion that made his pulse race.


    Atlas tightened his hold around Grishna, feeling the warmth of her body pressed against his. Their kiss deepened, each moment more intense, as her hands found their way to his shoulders, pulling him closer.


    The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the steady rhythm of their breaths and the fire building between them. Grishna''s fingers slid up to the back of his neck, her touch sending a thrill down his spine as they lost themselves.


    Following that, the Orc woman pushed him onto the bed before straddling his waist with a knowing smile, ''''I want to feel your tongue again; I''ve missed it.''''


    Atlas grinned when hearing this and replied, ''''Turn around while sitting on my face.''''


    Grishna beamed before spinning around until they were in the sixty-nine position, and he moved her panties to the side. His tongue shot out and started licking her delicate folds, causing her to tremble with pleasure.


    ''''Ahhh¡­ Mmmmghhnn¡­ I''ve missed this feeling so much,'''' she murmured, her voice breathless.


    Atlas then felt her hands entering his pants and grabbed his cock before she started stroking him. He groaned into her pussy which drove the Orc woman crazy as she quickly took him in her mouth and started bobbing up and down.


    Grishna''s tongue swirled around his shaft as he started diving into her wet pussy. The two of them began to grow even hornier as Atlas grabbed her toned behind while he tasted every part of her until slipping inside her tight hole.


    ''''Ahhmmmmm~~'''' she moaned as the pleasure washed over her body.


    Atlas noticed Grishna was trembling, and as he licked her clit she instantly started squirting directly into his mouth. The sweet liquid poured down his throat as he grabbed her black hair and pushed her head down.


    His cock slipped down her throat as he couldn''t handle it anymore and cummed in her mouth, which the Orc woman happily accepted with a moan, ''''Mmmmghh~~.''''


    Grishna slumped onto the bed, her body still trembling, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. Atlas sat up, chuckling as he wiped himself off, and she laughed along with him, catching her breath.


    ''''Your tongue is pure magic, husband,'''' she teased, her eyes gleaming. ''''I can''t wait until that monster takes my purity, and then I''ll be yours.''''


    He nodded in agreement, a playful grin on his face. He reached for the Orc woman and gently pulled her into bed beside him. She nestled against him, her warmth enveloping him as he reveled in the contrast of her firm muscles and her inviting softness.


    Their bodies fit perfectly, creating a sense of comfort and closeness that made him feel at ease. As the soft glow of the evening faded, they settled into a cozy rhythm, their bodies intertwined beneath the blankets.


    Grishna''s breathing gradually slowed. Her head rested on his chest while he absentmindedly stroked her hair. Just as they drifted off, Amethyst slipped into the room, her presence a gentle whisper in the dim light.


    With a soft smile, she climbed into bed on his side, her warmth radiating as she cuddled against him. Atlas shifted slightly, instinctively wrapping an arm around her as Grishna snuggled closer.


    Afterward, the three of them drifted into a deep, comfortable sleep. Outside, thunder rumbled ominously overhead, and rain began to lash against the treehouse, the rhythmic pattern creating a soothing backdrop.


    The following morning, he woke up with a yawn while using Void Step to get out of bed. Atlas glanced back and noticed the two women were fast asleep, which caused him to smile before leaving the room.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 248 - 248: Just A Little Training

    Atlas left the room where Amethyst and Grishna were sleeping. Thanks to his senses, he knew the others were sleeping except Nulia, sitting on one of the balconies, so he headed there.


    Five minutes later, he appeared next to the brown-skinned beauty who yelped; Atlas smiled before asking in a concerned voice, ''''What''s wrong with you?''''


    Her blue eyes avoided his as she looked out across the Otherworld, ''''I feel bad for hurting you and can''t forgive myself.''''


    Atlas shook his head while wrapping an arm around Nulia and pulling her closer. He reassured the young woman, ''''I''m fine now apart from the scars, but no one is bothered about them as I can be healed. I got a new arm that is even stronger than my original.''''


    Nulia nodded with a small smile and asked quietly, ''''Do you truly forgive me?''''


    Without warning, Atlas grabbed her soft cheeks and turned her head in his direction before kissing the Frostbear woman. She went stiff but quickly returned it before the two separated, and he asked, ''''Want to help me clear more of the Void Realm?''''


    The young woman nodded with a smile, ''''That would be good,'''' she said.


    They sat down as she held his hand while Atlas activated the skill, causing them to appear in the grasslands of level five. He smiled before speaking, ''''Use your magic; your other form will be useless here.''''


    ''''Okay, I will watch your back, husband,'''' she replied cheerfully before readying her ice magic.


    A piercing screech pierced the sky, prompting Atlas to react swiftly, summoning Void Arrows and Bullets into the air. Explosions erupted as the projectiles struck their targets, sending Bloodhawks spiraling down to the ground.


    Meanwhile, Nulia joined the fray, her hands weaving intricate patterns as she conjured a flurry of Ice Lances. The sharp shards shot through the air, piercing the ranks of monsters and scattering them.


    The two of them continued fighting with the Bloodhawks until the Haast Eagles appeared, but thanks to Void Lance, it destroyed the newcomers with ease. Nulia started using Earth Blasts whenever the creatures got close.


    Atlas was getting excited as hundreds of monsters fell to their combined attacks, allowing him to check the new total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 6211/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 456/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    The couple stood back to back, their eyes locked on the skies as waves of Bloodhawks and Haast Eagles surged toward them. That''s when Atlas unleashed a barrage of Void Arrows, each exploding on impact and sending the birds crashing to the ground.


    At the same time, Nulia raised her hands, summoning a swirling vortex of frost. Ice Lances shot forth, piercing through the wings of the Haast Eagles and sending them spiraling downwards, their cries drowned out by the chaos.


    Together, they were casting spells in perfect timing. The air crackled with energy as their combined efforts created a deadly magic storm. He noticed the monster''s confidence grew with each wave that fell, fueling their assault against the relentless tide of creatures.


    Atlas continued spamming magic to use it up so it would expand while using Void Guard to deflect the swooping birds. They fought for a few more hours until Nulia was sent flying as a Haast Eagle hit her from behind.


    He managed to kill the monster with Void Blasts, but the Bloodhawks swarmed him like angry bees. Atlas returned to the real world, where the Frostbear woman awaited him as he slumped on the chair when feeling the mana drain.


    A bright smile appeared on her beautiful face as she spoke, ''''That was enjoyable; we should do it more as the storm will trap us here for a few days.'''' S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Sounds good to me,'''' he replied while hugging the young woman.


    After their fierce battle, Nulia headed off to enjoy a soothing bath while Atlas focused on improving the Otherworld. He summoned new monsters to inhabit the realm, each expressing gratitude as they appeared,


    Hours passed as he poured his mana into the task, meticulously crafting the landscape and residents. Eventually, exhaustion overtook him, and he collapsed, unconscious from the strain of his magic.


    Meanwhile, Estelle and Amethyst engaged in a spirited fight in the training grounds below against Grishna and Artemis. Nulia watched from the sidelines, her keen eyes tracking the movements of her friends as they honed their skills.


    Atlas came to with a banging headache, causing him to teleport to the ground below while speaking to the blonde, ''''Can you heal me, please? My head hurts like crazy.''''


    Estelle''s blue eyes narrowed as she halted her sparring with Artemis, concern etching her beautiful face. She approached Atlas, kneeling beside him, ''''What have you done now, my love?'''' she asked, her voice a mix of worry and tenderness.


    He chuckled, shaking his head. ''''I''m fine, Estelle. Just a little training.''''


    But she wasn''t convinced. ''''No, you''re not! Look at you!'''' she said, pointing to the beads of sweat forming on his brow. ''''You need to take a break. Come on, let''s sit down for a moment.''''


    Before he could protest, she grabbed his hand and led him to a nearby bench, where she insisted he sit. ''''You can''t train if you''re exhausted,'''' she said, her tone both severe and affectionate.


    While Estelle was doing this, Artemis teased with a big smile, ''''Oh look at the mother hen; whenever Atlas is mentioned, she looks like a worried wife.''''


    Everyone laughed, including Atlas, but she turned to the brunette while pointing, ''''Shut it! I don''t see you complaining about my worrying when you''ve injured yourself, Fish.''''


    Artemis huffed, which made the other women laugh even more as the blonde cast Healing Light on Atlas. The exhaustion vanished, and he felt fresh, causing him to sigh. ''''Thank you, Estelle,'''' he said in a relieved voice.


    With an adorable smile, the blonde tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her cheeks softly flushed. In her gentle French accent, she replied, ''''It''s alright, Atlas. I''m here to care for you, and that''s exactly what I will do.''''


    Estelle''s gaze softened, and she added warmly, ''''After all, we''re a couple, aren''t we?''''


    Her words were so genuine and sweet that Atlas couldn''t help but smile back, feeling his heart melt a little more. After that, she leaned over and kissed his cheek softly, which surprised him.


    Atlas''s hand instinctively shot up to his scar, his fingers brushing over the rough skin as a flicker of discomfort crossed his face. Noticing his reaction, Estelle gently placed her hand over his, her touch warm and reassuring.


    ''''Don''t worry about it,'''' she murmured, her eyes filled with determination. ''''Either I''ll heal it myself, or I''ll find someone who can.''''


    Following that, she jumped up with a smile before getting back to fighting the others. Atlas stood up and walked into the surrounding jungle. He approached the Scalebreaker nest but stopped by Tyson''s cave first.


    When Atlas got close to the mountain, everything went quiet, causing him to grin as he knew what would happen. He stepped closer to the mouth of the cave as two baby Allosaruses ambushed him from a nearby bush.


    One of them darted in low, ramming its head into the back of his legs and knocking him clean off his feet. He hit the ground with a hard thud, momentarily dazed. Before he could recover, the second one leaped onto him.


    The monster playfully nibbled at any bit of exposed skin, its rough hide brushing against him as it squirmed in excitement. Atlas chuckled despite himself, swatting at the creature as he tried to push it away, but its relentless playfulness made it hard to regain his footing.


    He started laughing while pushing the babies off him, and Tyson appeared from the cave and let out a deep growl. Atlas glanced up and replied to the creature, ''''Oh, shut up. I''m just saying hello to the children. Why is your wife the reasonable one? Especially when I give you such a life.''''


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than the female Allosaurus bounded out of the cave, her massive form moving with surprising grace. She lowered her head and gave Atlas a gentle but insistent nudge, her warm, scaly snout pressing against his chest.


    He staggered back, laughing as he steadied himself, reaching up to pat the enormous creature affectionately. She let out a deep, rumbling sound that could almost be described as a purr, her golden eyes fixed on him with unmistakable fondness.


    ''''Hello Carla, has this barbarian been treating you well?'''' the female monster nudged him again before looking at Tyson with narrowed eyes.


    Atlas chuckled while speaking, ''''I see; well, let me show him how things are done.''''


    Following that, he approached the giant Allosaurus, who was already backing off, causing Atlas to grin, ''''Oh, where are you going, Tyson? Didn''t I see that you and your children will be the best?''''


    Before the monster could react, Atlas was already on top of it and smacked it while scolding Tyson, ''''Don''t bully your wives! I''m spending mana on strengthening them, and you''re here acting like a boss.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 249 - 249: Mountain Yeti

    Atlas scolded Tyson until the giant Allosaurus nodded like a scared dog, which made him smile. He stroked the monster calmly, saying, ''''I just want you to grow stronger and help me in the real world.''''


    When he heard this, the Allosaurus got happy and rushed off with his wife before entering the jungle. He continued walking through the Otherworld and noticed all the monsters roaming the realm.


    ''The Monster Hunters brought in a lot of creatures that will be useful for when I capture more,''


    Atlas mused.


    Leo started making his way back to the treehouse as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Otherworld. Shadows deepened, and with the onset of dusk, the night creatures began to stir, their distant calls echoing through the darkening forest.


    The air grew colder as the monsters awakened under the fading light. Atlas moved carefully through the thick jungle, leaves rustling underfoot. The air smelled of earth and wildflowers, and faint sounds of distant creatures echoed around him.


    ''This place is peaceful,''


    he mused with a smile.


    ''Need to get more mana so I can expand it.''


    Finally, he reached the base of the treehouse, nestled high in the ancient branches. Climbing up, Atlas stepped inside, where a series of glowing lights flickered to life, illuminating the space in a warm, ethereal glow.


    Shadows danced along the wooden walls, and the gentle hum of the lights filled the treehouse. Atlas closed his eyes and noticed all the women were asleep apart from Estelle, who appeared beside him.


    ''''Are you okay?'''' she asked in a caring tone.


    "I''m fine, Estelle. I just went for a walk to clear my head," Atlas replied with a smile as the blonde suddenly hugged him.


    With a big smile, she said, ''''Come to bed. I want to hug you, but it''s too cold tonight.''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement, ''''Lead the way knight princess.''''


    Estelle giggled before grabbing his hand and leading him through the treehouse, saying, ''''The Achaemendians conquered my homeland. They betrayed my father, forcing them to flee to an island fortress.''''


    ''''How do you know this?'''' Atlas questioned.


    The blonde showed him a necklace and explained, ''''This was given to all my siblings before we left the kingdom, and most of them have made it to Ironhold Island, where they are holding off the Achaemendian advance.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he spoke, ''''Don''t worry about them; once we attack them from the north, it will cause chaos across Astoria. But I''ve decided that I will start collecting monsters from tomorrow.''''


    Estelle nodded in understanding, then gently pulled him onto the soft bed, curling up beside him warmly. Soon after, Atlas drifted off to sleep, and the treehouse gradually dimmed into silence as everyone settled in, the stillness of night wrapping around them.


    The days passed as the mana storm outside worsened, forcing the group to stay inside the Otherworld. By the time it stopped, they had been brought back on the road until reaching the Shadowfang Kingdom.


    Atlas stood atop the hill, gazing down at the city of Shadowpaw, now under Achaemendian control. Fires flickered among the buildings, and the faint outline of army camps encircled the city''s perimeter.


    Narrowing his eyes, he thought, ''


    We''ll need to clear those camps before we can move on the soldiers inside.'' sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Looks like a lot of soldiers, darling,'''' Grishna said with a grin. ''''How do you want to do this?''''


    Atlas thought for a second, ''''I will capture those monsters the travelers told us about while you girls prepare for the dungeon.''''


    The Orc woman nodded before speaking excitedly, ''''I can''t wait; it''s a strong Level four, which means there''s going to be loads of experience.''''


    After bidding farewell to the group, Atlas summoned Theo, who soared into the sky. His powerful wings carried him toward a nearby mountain, where a pack of Griffins was reportedly causing havoc.


    As they flew, the landscape below blurred, but an hour later, Atlas spotted an ominous peak rising in the distance, its jagged silhouette cutting through the clouds,


    ''This place is creepy, I''ll be careful while traveling through it,''


    he thought.


    Following that, Theo dived toward the ground and landed with a thud, allowing him to jump off the creature''s back before sending the Blood Bat King back to the Otherworld. Atlas pulled out his swords while equipping his helmet and hit the scar covering his face''s left side.


    He started walking through the mountains while scanning his surroundings. Atlas had heard about a handful of monsters lurking in the Northern Shadow Mountains, and he was excited to capture them finally.


    Atlas carefully trekked through the rugged terrain; his armor blocked the sharp winds biting. Jagged rocks jutted from the ground, and patches of snow clung stubbornly to the shaded areas.


    As he rounded a bend, a hulking figure came into view. Standing amidst the snow-dusted boulders was a massive creature resembling a yeti, its white fur blending seamlessly with the environment.


    The creature''s icy blue eyes glimmered in the low light fixed on him. Atlas''s heart raced as he tightened his grip on his weapons while casing Void Infusion. That''s when the creature charged at him and let out a rage-filled roar.


    He quickly used Void Sight on the monster to determine its rank.


    [Mountain Yeti]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Use your speed against these neckbeards]


    As the Yeti closed in and started trying to swing its giant fists, missing his head by a few inches before Atlas cast Void Blast at the monster''s chest, sending it stumbling back while he sheathed his weapon.


    He started fighting with it using his fists and managed to bring it crashing to the ground as Atlas warned it, ''''Stop fighting motherfucker, can you understand me?''''


    The Mountain Yeti locked its deep blue eyes on Atlas, and suddenly, a man''s voice resonated in his mind, ''


    How can you communicate with us?''


    Atlas raised an eyebrow, intrigued, ''''I''m not sure how this works either, but I''m curious¡ªwhat''s it like living on this godforsaken mountain?''''


    He stepped back and let the Yeti stand up as it answered,


    ''Tough, food is scarce, and more monsters have appeared from the underworld.''


    When Atlas heard this, he nodded understanding before speaking, ''''What if I can offer you and your kind a safe place to grow? In return, I only ask that you fight for me whenever I call for you.''''


    The Mountain Yeti stared at him for a few seconds before it nodded, ''That is fine, Master, but the others may be wary of you.''


    It turned toward a nearby cave, gesturing for him to follow. Inside, a clan of Yetis gathered around a fire. A few of them growled at Atlas''s presence, but the creature he''d spoken to waved them off with a series of low grunts, calming the others.


    As Atlas watched their exchange, a prickling sense of unease washed over him. He sensed more creatures approaching. Turning toward the mouth of the cave, he stepped outside and scanned the landscape.


    Emerging from the swirling mist, new figures were rushing down the mountain in his direction. Atlas quickly noticed they were giant ants, which caught his attention, and he quickly scanned them.


    [Snowvein Ants]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [Useful buggers, make sure to use defensive magic]


    Atlas quickly cast Void Lance, spotting the incoming threat and sending dark energy slicing through the air. The lance struck true, piercing through the insects'' bodies. But as each fell, more creatures emerged from the shadows, their numbers seeming endless.


    Frustration mounting, Atlas raised his hands and summoned a dozen Dreadmaw Lions, their dark forms prowling at his side, teeth bared. With a low whistle, he called Nala, who appeared beside him.


    A fierce battle broke out outside the Mountain Yeti''s cave as swarms of Snowvein Ants poured over the peak, their icy exoskeletons glinting in the fading light. Atlas unleashed a Void Barrage, cutting down the monstrous insects in waves.


    Amid the chaos, he told Nala, ''''Stay here and guard the cave. I''m going to find their nest.''''


    Following that, he vanished using Void Step to track the relentless stream of ants. For an hour, he moved through the rugged mountain terrain until he arrived at a vast, gaping hole, crawling with the creatures as they poured from the depths.


    ''I can''t fly, but how can I get down there?''


    Atlas mused before getting an idea.


    He leaped off the edge while transforming into his Voidwalker Form and used his claws to dig into its side before skidding down while blasting the surrounding monsters with Void Arrows, Bullets, and Lances.


    The hollow hole radiated a mesmerizing azure glow, illuminating the jagged walls as Atlas descended deeper into the darkness. Each time his magic struck, Snowvein Ants fell in bursts of shattered exoskeleton, their bodies scattering across the rocky ground.


    More ants lunged at him, their mandibles snapping, but Atlas tore through them until slamming into the ground below with a thud.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 250 - 250: Under The Mountain

    Atlas noticed several tunnels stretching in two directions, which caused him to grow annoyed. However, he also saw dozens of ants charging in his direction. He waved his hand without wasting time while casting dozens of Void Arrows.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air before peppering dozens of monsters, causing them to collapse dead. Atlas chuckled at this, ''''Thanks for showing me the way,'''' he muttered.


    He started walking down the tunnel in his Voidwalker form, tearing apart more creatures until they stopped appearing. Soon, Atlas came across a large chamber where several bigger ants lunged at him.


    ''No you don''t,''


    Atlas thought with a chuckle as he cast Void Blast at one of them while dodging the other by leaning back as it passed him by inches.


    A battle erupted as the queen''s defenders launched their attack, forcing Atlas to use Void Guard to defend himself. Ants bounced off the azure shield before being hit with Void Blast, which sent some monsters crashing into the walls.


    Following that, he continued spamming magic until the ants stopped coming and the queen came into view. She was three times the size of the regular ones, which caused him to be ready for a fight.


    Atlas was about to dash forward, but a woman''s voice echoed in his mind,


    ''Why are you attacking us? Our fight is with the Yeti''s.''


    He waved it away before replying, ''''They belong to me now; I''ve offered them a home to live in, and the only thing I ask for in return is to fight for me when the time comes.''''


    When the Snowvein Ant Queen heard this, her mandibles snapped closed as she replied,


    ''Is there food and safety?''


    Atlas nodded, ''''Yes, you may have to fight other monsters, but that helps you grow stronger.''''


    ''Okay, it''s becoming hell on this mountain since the food ran out,''


    the queen revealed.


    ''My children can barely eat.''


    He smiled before replying, ''''There are billions of monsters roaming the Otherworld. You''re free to fight any, but don''t attack the Scalebreaker babies.''''


    The monster agreed before she started letting out a loud chittering noise that bounced off the walls. She looked at him with her icy blue eyes; Atlas noticed she was a dark blue color and reminded him of a Bullet Ant back on Earth.


    ''These creatures will come in handy,''


    he mused with a greedy smile.


    ''Could attack the Acheamendians mountain fortresses.''


    Then, Atlas opened a portal to the Otherworld while speaking, ''''I need to use a skill on you before entering your new home.'''' S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The queen''s eyes narrowed, but she nodded, allowing him to cast Voidbound on the Snowvein Ant Queen. An azure blue washed off her body before seeping in, causing the monster to make a strange noise.


    This caused the other ants to react, but the queen stopped them and exhaustedly said,


    ''What did you do? You''ve boosted my strength tenfold,


    and


    now my children will be much stronger.''


    Atlas smiled as he explained, ''''You''re now a Void Snowvein Ant. I''ve given you a gift to help your new colony thrive, but I want to see some new types.''''


    The queen made another chittering noise before stepping through, followed by her children, who formed one extensive line. Atlas chuckled when he heard this while sitting down and watching the possession of monsters march into his realm.


    It took the Snowveil Ants a few hours to empty their failing colony. Once inside, Atlas took out a few dumplings, entered the Otherworld, and quickly noticed the ants fighting with a group of mantis monsters.


    He rolled his eyes before scanning the newcomer.


    [Bloodtree Mantis]


    [Rank: A - 1000 Exp]


    [You''ve finally met the tweaker-like monsters who jump on their prey from the trees]


    Atlas chuckled when reading the advice. He let out a loud whistle, ''''Stop fucking fighting already, let the damn ants move in, then continue,'''' he said.


    The Bloodtree Mantis scuttled back into the trees, which made Atlas shiver at the way they moved. He thought,


    ''They''re freaky; I swear those Monster Hunters bring back some strange creatures.''


    Following that, the monster scattered as the Snowveil Ants started digging into the base of a mountain. The queen asked in a respectful tone,


    ''Can we claim under the mountain, Master?''


    ''''Go for it, but those pesky Bloodtree bastards will keep attacking,'''' he answered while looking at the trees.


    ''These things creepy me out, I swear I will go slap them in a minute.''


    The ants began burrowing into the mountainside, their sheer numbers allowing them to carve out a primary tunnel within half an hour. Atlas watched as waves of the creatures poured into the passage.


    ''Interesting; I will make sure they eat more and see how they grow,''


    he mused while looking at the larger ants standing guard at the entrance, their mandibles poised and ready.


    Atlas left the Otherworld while traveling across the mountaintops looking for the last monster he wanted to capture, a small Trex-looking thing that the traders called Cold Jaws due to their white hide.


    ''Now it''s time to find my new monsters,''


    he mused before trekking through the mountains.


    After a few hours of searching, he found them in a secluded valley with a river winding through it. The unexpected beauty of the scene took Atlas by surprise. He was crouched on an outcrop, his eyes narrowing as he spotted movement in the distance.


    A pack of Cold Jaws prowled along the snow-covered grassland. He quickly noticed the creature''s snow-white hides blended seamlessly with its surroundings. The jaws'' eyes glinted as they moved in unison, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth with each snarl and snap.


    ''They look strong; I''m sure I can use them against the empire,''


    he pondered with an excited glint in his eyes.


    One of them paused, its nostrils flaring as if it sensed something amiss, but Atlas took this time to attack. He used Void Step to travel across the grasslands before arriving under the monster and attacking with a Void Smash.


    His fist sent a shockwave ringing out as the Cold Jaw tumbled across the ground and took out even more. The rest let out rage-filled roars, but Atlas was ready and started beating them up using Void Smash and Punch, sending them flying everywhere.


    By the time they were all dazed, Atlas was standing on the leader''s body with glowing azure eyes as he spoke, ''''You will fight for me, or I will kill all of you here. I''ll make you stronger, but agree to it.''''


    The creature''s icy blue eyes met his and nodded its giant head, allowing Atlas to cast Voidbound on the Cold Jaw and claim all of them before opening a portal to another part of the Otherworld.


    An azure glow washed over them, causing all the monsters to let out growls, but it soon died down as they felt much better than usual. The place the portal took them lay far from the Scalebreakers and other deadly creatures.


    The dinosaur leader took in the unfamiliar landscape before gazing at him. Calmly, Atlas explained, ''''This is a realm where you can grow stronger and be free from hunger.''''


    When the monster heard this, an excited male voice echoed in his head,


    ''This place looks perfect for us, Master. Thank you for this gift.''


    Atlas stared at the Cold jaw leader before nodding and replied with a smile, ''''Find a place to call your own. I will visit in a few days.''''


    Following that, he stepped back into the real world and summoned Theo, who appeared with a screech as Atlas jumped on his back, saying, ''''Head south; the girls will be set up by now.''''


    Theo chirped in response before taking off and flying across the stormy mountains while ducking and diving out of the way of the dark clouds. Atlas was perched on Theo''s back, feeling the powerful beats of his wings as they cut through the cool night air.


    The dark mountains below stretched like giants, their jagged peaks barely visible in the starlight. The wind whipped past, carrying the scent of damp earth. After some time, the rugged terrain softened into rolling hills, where a soft glow marked the girls'' campsite.


    As they descended, Atlas could see the flicker of firelight and the faint, familiar shapes gathered around it, waiting. Soon enough, Theo landed in a crash, which caused Amethyst to yelp in fright.


    Grishna and Artemis started giggling while Nulia was sitting by the fire, brushing her hair. Estelle jumped up and exclaimed, ''''You little fucker! Stop making us jump like that.''''


    Atlas started laughing at the blonde and blew her a kiss, which made her cheeks go red. Then he announced, ''''I got the three monsters I set out for.''''


    ''''Was the Cold Jaws a problem?'''' Grishna questioned.


    He shook his head, ''''No, I beat them up for a bit, but then the leader submitted fast,''''


    The women laughed as he joined them once Theo returned to the Otherworld.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 251 - 251: Kill The Rest

    Atlas and the women traveled across the Shadowfang Kingdom while attacking Achaemendian patrols. They were resting on a hill overlooking a massive empire camp stretching for miles.


    ''Maybe I should summon as many monsters to wash over them?''


    he pondered excitedly.


    ''That would catch them off guard.''


    While Atlas was plotting against the Achaemendians, Grishna''s voice reached his ears, ''''Darling, do you want some boar meat? I''ve got some southern sea salt to flavor it with?''''


    He turned around and spotted the Orc woman with a warm smile. Atlas replied, ''''Yes, please, Grish. Do you want to join me?'''' S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The young woman nodded in agreement before grabbing their food and sitting on the hill''s edge. As the two sat there, Estelle set up the camps'' protection while Amethys and Artemis bickered with each other.


    While those three did that, Nulia hummed while cleaning everyone''s spare clothes with an adorable smile on her pretty face. As Atlas watched the brown-skinned beauty Grishna commented with a giggle, ''''You''re always looking at us five, don''t think I haven''t felt you staring at my ass.''''


    He grinned when he heard the Orcs'' words before nodding, ''''Yes, I do. You five belong to me, so it''s only right I admire my women.''''


    Grishna laughed even more but agreed with a nod as she chewed on some boar meat, allowing Atlas to spot her tucks, which he loved. The Orc woman noticed him staring at her, ''''Everything okay darling?''''


    ''''I love your tusks; I want to feel them biting me when we make love,'''' Atlas responded as he started eating.


    She was caught off guard and trembled at the thought before she snapped at him, ''''Don''t you dare tease me! Or I swear to the Orc Gods I will drain you dry.''''


    Atlas burst out laughing as Grishna spun around to the phoenix woman, pointing a playful finger at her. ''''Oi, Little Bird!'''' she called with a wicked grin. ''''When do I get to ride the beast? I''m ready to be ravaged by such a monster! Can''t you bend the rules just a little?''''


    When Amethyst heard this, she giggled while replying, ''''You only have a few months until your garden can be watered. Mama told me the wait makes it so much better.''''


    Grishna''s green eyes narrowed as she retorted, ''''I''ll ask him to blow your back out as revenge; I wouldn''t mind seeing you walk around like a Rainbow Duck.''''


    ''How lewd are these women?''


    Atlas thought with a chuckle as the two started bickering back and forth.


    ''Well, at least they get on.''


    After that, he pulled out some dumplings and handed them to the others, who thanked him with a peck on the cheek. While he gave Grishna, she grabbed his collar and pulled him toward her.


    Her tusks sank into his neck, causing Atlas to groan as a wave of pleasure shot through his body. Grishna felt his reaction, which pleased her as she whispered, ''''I''m going to sneak into your tent tonight; I want to sit on your face again.''''


    Atlas grinned before nodding as he responded, ''''I look forward to tasting you, my Orc.''''


    Grishna jumped up while chewing some boar meat and shouted at Estelle, ''''Blondie! Let''s do some training, I want to whoop your jiggly ass.''''


    A stick flew at the green-skinned woman, who dodged it with a grin, ''''Come on, Blondie, our husband like that behind of yours, isn''t that right, Atlas?''''


    ''''She right, your ass does jiggle when you walk Estelle, which is sexy, by the way,'''' he answered while looking at the knight''s red face.


    Everyone laughed as she agreed to Grishna''s training to flee the scene, which made Atlas laugh even more. Then, he stood up as Artemis, Nulia, and Amethyst started playing a card game that the Frostbear woman was teaching them.


    Atlas descended the hill after telling the group to watch the Achaemendian camp. He snuck up to the edge of the light and began summoning hundreds of Howling Void Ghouls and their queen, who gave him a dirty look but listened to his commands.


    Ten minutes later, his mana nearly exhausted, Atlas collapsed into a bush, panting as an army of snarling Ghouls gathered behind him. After catching his breath, he straightened and pointed toward the distant camp, his voice firm and commanding. ''''Attack the soldiers. Bring me the commanders, but kill the rest.''''


    At his words, the Void Ghouls unleashed chilling, bone-rattling howls before surging forward, descending like a dark wave upon the patrolling Achaemendians. The blood-chilling howls of his creatures split the night as they descended upon the camp.


    Atlas watched as they poured over the walls like a dark flood, their twisted forms lurching forward with unnatural speed. The soldiers barely had a chance to shout a warning before the first wave hit, claws tearing through armor, their jagged teeth snapping with hunger.


    Screams rose from every corner of the camp, swallowed by the Void Ghouls'' ceaseless howling. One soldier tried to rally, but a ghoul lunged at him, dragging him away as his cries were silenced in seconds.


    ''Oh shit they are lethal at night, if the damn things were silent it would be better,''


    Atlas thought in amusement.


    He observed as his summoned monsters moved with horrifying unity, overwhelming every defense, every line, every blade that dared to rise against them. That''s when, in the brutal battle, Atlas spotted a commander trying to rally the soldiers.


    Atlas soon spotted the Void Ghoul Queen charging at the commander and stumbled back, his sword shaking as he watched the creatures swarm over his men, each fallen body dragged into the swarm, lifeless.


    He watched as the garrison of the northern part of the Shadowfang Kingdom was eaten alive by his Ghouls. While they did that, Atlas jumped into the other world and increased its size with most of its mana.


    Ten minutes later, he had enough to create an underground lair for the Void Ghouls. Atlas wanted to see if they could grow and evolve by soaking in his mana. Following that, he returned to the real world.


    Atlas noticed the battle was still underway, but he ignored that and strolled into the chaotic camp. Whenever a soldier charged at him, a Ghoul easily took them out, allowing him to open a portal next to the queen.


    She was busy eating the commander''s organs, but Atlas spoke anyway, ''''This place is your home. Live here and fight with other monsters to grow stronger. If you don''t, I''ll return you to the void.''''


    When the Ghoul Queen heard this, she let out a hiss, but he waved her away, ''''Don''t complain, woman. This is a good opportunity for you.''''


    Atlas ignored any further complaints and ordered the stubborn creature, ''''Tell your children to throw the bodies into that cave. It''s yours, and if you don''t take it, I''ll summon a less problematic monster.''''


    When the queen heard this, she slowly nodded and let out a loud howl that echoed across the battlefield. Following that, Ghouls drags the dead Achaemendians and throws them through the Azure portal.


    The battle continued for another couple of hours, but Atlas walked through the camp, guarded by a pack of Ghouls, looting everything of value. He also took the army''s food, which the women would like.


    Soldiers were still dying around him, but the creatures were kidnapping even more, which baffled Atlas. He chose to ignore the screaming and begging while storing away chests full of coins.


    After an hour, he was finished looting everything, and the Ghouls dragged their last victims through the portal before the queen entered. Atlas followed behind and closed it while looking at the creatures crowded around the now graveyard as bodies were piled up.


    He sighed before spending more mana to expand the place for them, finally allowing the Void Ghouls to make a nest. While doing this, they were dragging back monsters, kicking and screaming.


    ''These things are walking nightmares,''


    Atlas thought with wide eyes.


    ''I''m glad they''re on my side.''


    Atlas watched as they bashed the creatures over the head with a stone before tearing it apart with their claws. They moved methodically through the shadows, hollowing chambers along the stone walls.


    Their clawed hands carved nooks and pits to store their food. Bones and supplies salvaged from the raid were piled into these dark recesses, and the ghouls'' eyes glinted with a strange satisfaction as they labored, arranging the spoils of war.


    A low hum filled the air as the creatures chittered to one another, sharing strange, guttural whispers that echoed against the damp stone. Atlas couldn''t help but smirk; his army wasn''t just mindless, they were organized, preparing for the long campaign ahead.


    As they set aside their morbid provisions, he watched the chamber slowly taking on the feel of a twisted fortress beneath the earth, ''


    This army will cause many to shit themselves if they charged,''


    he thought with a chuckle.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 252 - 252: There Must Be Thousands

    Atlas continued looting the camp while the Ghouls dragged a group of twenty commanders to one side. He approached them with a knowing smile and said, ''''Now, who will tell me where the rest of your army is?''''


    Three of the Achaemendians protested when he finished speaking, but Atlas waved at the Ghouls, who jumped on the men and tore them apart, which scared everyone, but it didn''t bother him.


    Following that, more of the commanders protested only to be killed until a woman agreed to show him a map of the area. She quickly marked all the areas down before Atlas ordered, ''''Now eat her slowly and make sure she feels every bit of pain.''''


    She screamed, but the Ghouls finished her off with ease before they started eating the corpse. Atlas watched this without mercy as he heard the horror stories the Achaemendians put their conquered people through.


    Once that was done, he ordered the Ghouls to drag the rest of the bodies into the Otherworld before returning to the five women who were watching him with wide eyes and hanging jaws.


    Grishna shook her head with an excited smile as she questioned, ''''Were those horrible creatures from the Void Realm, darling? Their howls sent goosebumps across my body.''''


    Atlas chuckled when hearing this, but Estelle was the next to speak, ''''Those were a different type of Ghouls than the ones that roam the world? They are normally not that strong.''''


    ''''They are Void Ghouls; we fought them a couple of times,'''' he answered while sitting in front of the fire.


    Suddenly, a new wave of howling echoed through the night, sharper and more ominous. Amethyst jolted to her feet, her expression shifting to one of concern as she scanned the darkness.


    ''''The Dark Ones are here,'''' she said, her voice tense. ''''They''ve been absent for the last few nights¡­ but now they''re back.''''


    After that, Atlas jumped up and watched as the creepy humanoids appeared in the camp''s darkness. He summoned a large group of Ogres that charged into the creatures without waiting.


    They hammered the Dark Ones into meat paste while others swarmed over his summoned monsters. The five women watched this battle wide-eyed as the Ogres butchered the creepy creatures.


    Atlas chuckled at this scene before pulling out some Horned Rabbit Kebabs and started eating as everyone else had some stew Estelle cooked while he was attacking the Achaemendian camp.


    His Ogres shattered the ranks of the Dark Ones, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. The ground trembled as they tore through the enemy, scattering bodies and leaving trails of destruction and pools of blood in their wake.


    Roaring defiantly, the Ogres fought with unmatched ferocity, their thick hides shrugging off the claws. But as the battle wore on, the relentless swarm of Dark Ones closed in, overwhelming even their brute strength.


    One by one, Atlas watched as his monsters fell, each taking down a final wave of Dark Ones before they were brought to their knees, leaving a battlefield littered with their enemies'' broken bodies. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''They are strong, only if I had more mana,''


    he pondered while eating the kebab.


    Following that, Nulia and Estelle started setting up the tents while everyone else rested in front of the fire. Atlas sat there with a tired smile, and Artemis appeared next to him with a cheeky grin.


    The brunette spoke cheerfully, ''''Do you want to come scouting with my love?''''


    He agreed with a nod before standing up and letting out a yawn. The two of them went to walk down the hill, but Amethyst spoke up as she scanned their surroundings, ''''I will be flying around. Send a Void Bullet in the air if you need help.''''


    Atlas smiled when he heard this. He quickly approached the Phoenix girl and gently kissed her as she sunk into his embrace. Afterward, he and Artemis trekked down the hill once the Dark Ones cleared out.


    When the two stepped into the forest, the brunette turned on him with a smirk before tiptoeing and kissing him. Atlas grinned before returning the kiss as he held her slender hips, but something caught his attention.


    He quickly teleported them to the treehouse in the Otherworld as a monster lunged out of the shadows. The two of them landed on a soft bed with Artemis on top, looking down at him with glowing brown eyes.


    ''''Can we go on a date when we reach a city?'''' she sweetly asked.


    Atlas nodded in agreement while answering, ''''I planned on taking each of you on a date, but I want to heal my scars first.''''


    When Artemis heard this, she frowned, ''''There''s nothing wrong with them; they can be fixed in Shadowfang City. I remember Nulia saying the black wolves are skilled spirit mages.''''


    Following that, the two of them continued kissing while Atlas grabbed her perky behind, which caused her to giggle. They started touching each other, but soon enough, she said in an annoyed voice, ''''We better go scout, or they will tear me a new one for taking advantage.''''


    Atlas chuckled at this before smacking her ass as the two teleported back to the forest where the brunette killed a Night Jackal. Once it was dead, they continued circling the hill while chatting.


    As they did that, Grishna appeared from the top of the hill and whistled. He looked at the Orc woman who motioned for them to come. Atlas grabbed Artemis and started using Void Step to climb to the top.


    He was met by the four women looking north, causing Atlas to follow their gazes only to see a Monster Wave heading in their direction. The grassland was covered in all sorts of creatures.


    ''''Oh my god, there must be thousands there,'''' Amethyst muttered.


    Estelle grimaced. ''''Tens of thousands at a minimum, Little fish,'''' she commented.


    Atlas was looking at a living tidal wave barreling in their direction, sending shivers down his spine. He shook his head before speaking, ''''Should we head for the Otherworld?''''


    Grishna shook her head, ''''We need to keep moving; maybe use that big bird of yours?''''


    ''''Raymond?'''' he replied before shrugging.


    Atlas summoned the Stormeagle, and the women packed everything away. The monster''s voice echoed in his mind, "Master, that swarm is heading for you."


    ''''I know, that''s why I called for you,'''' he answered the bird. ''''We need to get further south and reach a city.''''


    Raymond''s giant head bobbed up and down while speaking, ''''Yes, that was a good call. I can fly faster than any monster in this part of the world.''''


    Atlas and the women quickly climbed onto Raymond''s back, gripping tightly as the mighty Stormeagle launched into the sky. A group of monsters closed in, but with a piercing screech, their ride unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt, striking the closest creatures.


    It burst into ash before being scattered by the wind as they ascended, leaving nothing but smoke drifting in their wake. Atlas grinned when seeing this before Raymond took off and started flying south.


    The group clung to the creature''s back as he soared through the frigid sky, the wind biting against their faces. Below them stretched a vast, snow-covered landscape, its beauty marred by scenes of devastation.


    Villages lay in ruins, their charred remains poking through the blanket of white, silent and lifeless. Broken walls and abandoned homes dotted the landscape, telling silent stories of battles lost.


    ''Damn, empire causes chaos wherever they go,''


    he thought as the women were chatting among themselves.


    While sitting there, he checked on the map and realized they were close to another camp. Atlas ordered Raymond to travel toward it, which confused the women, but he quickly explained, ''''I want to wipe out more empire camps; it will cause the soldiers guarding the cities to send more out here to see what happened.''''


    The five of them agreed, causing Atlas to drop some Warrior Giants on top of them, making him chuckle. Twenty minutes later, Raymond flew over to the Achaemendian camp, and they all noticed how active it was.


    With a wave, Atlas summoned five Warrior Giants that dropped from the sky and crashed into the camp. As that happened, the enemy panicked completely as his monsters started attacking them.


    He watched as the monster used their giant wooden clubs to crush the armored knights and mages attacking them. Atlas chuckled at the unfolding chaos before asking Estelle, ''''Can you give me some mana beautiful?''''


    The knight beamed as she grabbed his hand and cast healing light on him, making him feel slightly better. After that, Atlas summoned more Void Ghouls and a Savage Void Bear that dropped atop the enemy camp.


    Following that, Raymond landed on a nearby perch to watch his monsters wipe out the Achaemendians, which fascinated the women. Soon after that, the enemy soldiers all were killed, and the Ghouls dragged the mountain of corpses back to the Otherworld.


    With the camp finally clear, Atlas signaled Raymond to continue southward. Before long, the sprawling Shadowfang City appeared on the horizon.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 253 - 253: The Steelborn Legion

    Atlas and the women spotted the Shadowfang Kingdom capital that had been captured by the Achaemendians. Once everyone jumped off Raymond''s back he returned to the Otherworld as Grishna commented, ''''What''s the plan handsome?''''


    When he heard this he cringed as he touched his helmet that covered his scarred face. Atlas shook his head before answering as the thought of the empire pissed him off, ''''We will rest for tonight, and in the morning we will split up into pairs and infiltrate the city, once inside we will cause chaos by destroying the empire''s barracks and food stores.''''


    Everyone agreed as they started walking once again. But minutes later Altas stopped, his eyes narrowing at something in the distance. Without a word, he broke away from the group, his steps quickening as the women called after him.


    When he reached the scene, he froze. The sight before him shattered his heart: Wolf Demi-Humans and even some children, lifeless and crucified, their bodies strung up along the road like some twisted display. Innocence stolen, cruelty laid bare.


    For a moment, there was only silence, the world itself seeming to hold its breath. Then something within Altas snapped. A wave of rage surged through him, and in an instant, his Voidwalker form burst forth.


    The ground trembled as he unleashed a furious, guttural roar that echoed for miles, shaking the heavens themselves. When the five women saw the scene they were utterly stomped but Amethyst turned to Atlas who dashed toward the city in a wild fury.


    ''''He''s attacking the city!'''' she cried, her voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. ''''We need to help him now!''''


    With fiery determination, Amethyst exploded into her majestic Phoenix form, wings ablaze with a swirling purple inferno, the very wrath of the cosmos itself. Flames danced in spirals around her as she unleashed a blood-curdling, rage-fueled screech.


    In a burst of light, she soared into the air, a comet of vengeance streaking toward the city to help her lover. Meanwhile, Nulia transformed into her Frostbear form. Her white fur bristled with the chill of the tundra as she crouched low, waiting.


    The moment the other three leaped onto her massive back, she charged forward, a living avalanche of frost and fury, thundering toward the heart of the chaos. While running something inside Grishna burned.


    A voice echoed in her mind, one she was familiar with,


    ''My child, you''ve finally reached the road and now it''s your choice. Do you want to become a Bloodbound Orc? You know what they are, They are in all the childhood stories.''


    When Grishna heard that her green eyes widened in shock as she quickly agreed, ''


    Yes Goddess Gruum''ka, I need to help my husband fight these empire dogs.''


    After making her choice the Goddess giggled,


    ''I knew you were special ever since I encountered you on the Blood Peak Grishna Brokentooth. Now go furfil your destiny and aid your husband, I can''t wait to see your children.''


    When the Orc woman heard this her cheeks went bright red, she shook her head to clear her thoughts as a burning sensation started radiating outwards. Following that Grishna tried to remember the stories about Bloodbound Orcs.


    They were fierce and highly skilled warriors, capable of entering a berserker state known as the red rage, during which their skin would harden and their instincts would become razor-sharp, making them nearly indestructible.


    ''This will help during the upcoming battle.''


    She understood that the Bloodbound Orcs were a once-in-a-lifetime event, destined to rise above all others of their kind and often rule over them. Grishna was shocked that the Orc Goddess chose her.


    Shortly after that, a mind-numbing pain washed over her as she dropped off Nulia''s back causing the others to panic. Grishna looked up as the pain clouded her mind and shouted, ''''Go! I will catch up.''''


    The Frostbear woman nodded before taking off once more, quickly closing the gap. Soon, they were gaining on Atlas, who resembled a wild beast as he charged forward on all fours, moving with the speed of a rocket.


    Estelle watched her Orc friend as she started to let out a green glow as a woman''s voice whispered in her ears,


    ''My proud daughter, you''re going into the lions maw and I deemed it necessary to gift you a spell that would aid you in the upcoming battles.''


    The blonde''s eyes widened in shock as Goddess Sol continued,


    ''The Steelborn Legion will become the backbone of the Messiah''s army but you still need to grow Estelle. Continued aiding your lover and you''ll grow even stronger.''


    Following that her eyes widened in shock as she had heard of the Steelborn Legion, the founder of the Argonia Kingdom had it but it died alongside him. Estelle was excited and quickly thanked her patron Goddess.


    ''Thank you Goddess Sol, I don''t know how to repay you but I will find a way,''


    she replied in a respectful voice.


    ''''Go forth and help the Messiah, he will be needed for the future as the Empire entangles itself with the evils of this world,'''' Goddess Sol revealed before going silent.


    With that, Estelle turned toward Artemis, the mana around her swirling in a mesmerizing dance. Meanwhile, the brunette unlocked her mother''s bloodline as her father had been a Siren Prince.


    Following that Artemis appeared on a mountaintop where she was surrounded by primal Earth and a deep chuckle was heard. This caused her to spin around only to have her big brown eyes open wide as she spotted a giant.


    ''An Ancient Titan,'' S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    she thought.


    ''''That''s right little Titan, you''re one of us through your father, who carried our Bloodline but didn''t have the power to unlock it,'''' a man''s voice explained.


    Artemis was confused but quickly shook her head before asking, ''''Who are you?''''


    The man started bellowing causing the mountain to shake as if an earthquake hit the world which worried her. Shortly after that the Titan leaned forward with glowing brown eyes just like her own and nodded.


    ''''You are one of us, my granddaughter. I''m Typhon Stoneborn, King of the Valorian Titans and your loving Grandfather,'''' the man explained. ''''I wish I could have been there at your birth, but when darkness descended, the world called upon us for aid.''''


    As Artemis heard these words, her eyes widened in shock. Before her, the man began to glow, his form shifting and transforming into a human. He now stood in front of her, with the same brown hair and eyes, just like hers.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 254 - 254: What The Hell Is That

    Artemis stared at the man who stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her which made her go stiff as he spoke in a loving voice, ''''You look just like your mother my dear, it''s good to see that you''re finally happy.''''


    When she heard the old man''s words she remembered the mystery of her mother''s death which put her father in a deep depression until Anastasia appeared and charmed the broken man.


    This annoyed Artemis but when her Grandfathers next words shocked her, ''''Your mother was killed by the enemy your lover is going up against, you will need the power of the Titans to be able to stand against them.''''


    Before she could question Typhon he placed a hand on her shoulder and spoke like a loving Grandfather, ''''Go forth and help us with the darkness Granddaughter and that boy is the start of it all.''''


    Soon, a searing pain washed over Artemis''s body, and in an instant, she was thrust back into the real world. She let out a piercing scream, startling the others. They stopped in their tracks, but she dropped to the ground, her muscles tensing as she growled low in her throat.


    ''''Continue on,'''' she snapped, her voice strained with urgency. ''''The same thing is happening to me as it did with Grishna.''''


    Estelle and Nulia hesitated but when the explosions and screaming reached their ears it forced them to act. They barreled toward the city as the blonde started casting Light Blasts at the Achaemendians on the wall.


    Explosions erupted all across the enemy defences allowing them to get close and join Atlas in his attack. While the women did this Atlas reached Shadowfangs walls before using his claws to climb up.


    When reaching the top he slaughtered any Achaemendians he came across, his tall form scared the soldiers causing them to flee but his claws turned the enemy into mincemeat before he lunged at a commander and tore his throat out.


    Atlas was lost in the rage and kept seeing the dead bodies of the people, especially the children that haunted him. With that, he let out a horrifying roar before barreling into more soldiers.


    He tore them up with ease but was forced to stop as dozens of Armored Golems slammed into another group of Achaemendians. The monster crushed them with ease shocking Atlas but he sensed Estelle''s mana seeping from them.


    ''Did she summon them to help?''


    he mused with a big smile.


    While thinking purple explosions erupted as Amethyst arrived and started dive-bombing the cannons don''t the walls. Atlas noticed she was a phoenix the size of Raymond and used her talons to destroy the siege weapon emplacements.


    Following that he watched as she exploded which sent a wave of purple fire to spread out like a ring and burned hundreds of Achaemendians to ash. Atlas continued attacking the soldiers while running down the city streets.


    Shortly after that large boulders slammed into the empire''s barracks causing explosions to erupt which sent debris flying everywhere. Atlas quickly climbed up the side of a church before reaching the bell tower.


    ''Oh wow, looks like the girls have had a boost in power.''


    The vantage point he found allowed him to see a giant stone woman who resembled Artemis as she continued throwing boulders at the Achaemendian camps causing complete chaos as they were instantly killed.


    Atlas beamed when seeing this as his anger faded but he still stayed in his Voidwalker form as Artemis charged at the city walls and shoulder barreled into it causing an explosion to ring out as the surrounding buildings were destroyed.


    Just then, several massive projectiles struck her from behind, slamming into her with force. The impact sent her sprawling forward, and the shockwave reverberated, knocking her off her feet.


    ''What the hell was that?''


    Atlas thought before noticing a smaller army approaching the city from behind.


    Following that Artemis jumped up and rushed toward the newcomers as they fired again but this time she dodged the projectiles just as someone else leaped on the city walls causing Atlas''s eyes to widen in surprise.


    ''Grishna!''


    he thought in shock. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She was wearing a set of mysterious armor that radiated a powerful aura, making her appear even more formidable. The Orc woman, Grishna, leaped into the midst of a cluster of Achaemendian soldiers, her presence alone causing them to falter.


    Without hesitation, she unleashed a devastating assault, reducing the troops to nothing more than lifeless husks. Atlas stood in awe as Grishna wielded a colossal hammer, each swing obliterating her enemies in an instant.


    The sheer force of her attacks sent shockwaves through the battlefield, followed by a thunderous boom that echoed far and wide. After seeing the three women fighting Atlas leaped off his vantage point.


    He descended upon an Achaemendian commander attempting to escape the city, just as a relentless army of Knight Golems surged through the breached walls. Amidst the chaos, Nulia charged forward, her blue eyes blazed with excitement.


    While this happened Estelle''s voice cut through the din, shouting commands to the monsters that obeyed her every word. Following this Atlas continued butchering the enemy soldiers until bodies lined the streets.


    By the time Atlas crossed paths with Amethyst, both of them were exhausted. The purple-haired young woman was taking a moment to rest, her chest rising and falling with heavy breaths.


    When she noticed him, a radiant smile spread across her face, ''''That was exhausting,'''' she said with a hint of happiness, ''''but worth it. Those empire dogs have taken the lives of far too many Black Wolf demi-humans.''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement as he joined her while offering the phoenix woman a dumpling, ''''Here, do you want one?''''


    Amethyst took it with a smile, ''''Thank you, my love,'''' she said with a loving smile.


    The two of them sat there eating as Artemis destroyed the Achamendian army outside the city while Nulia, Estelle, and Grishna continued attacking any soldiers they found until none were left.


    Atlas was exhausted due to using his Voidwalker form and slumped down but soon noticed an old wolf woman approaching them. He forced himself to sit up in case she tried to attack them but the stranger spoke, ''''I can see your soul is hurting young man, I can also see the scars that cover your body. For saving our city from the empire I will heal you.''''


    His eyes narrowed causing the old woman to smile as she continued, ''''I mean you no harm, I noticed you were helping my people so I thought I''d return the favor.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 255 - 255: Secrets

    Atlas watched as the wolf woman approached with a friendly smile and when she did her happy expression faltered, ''''Who gave you the arm and eye? They have many secrets.''''


    When he heard this his eyebrow rose, ''''What do you mean? It''s a skill I received from my patron goddess.''''


    The woman nodded while whispering some unintelligible words before replying, ''''It doesn''t matter. I cannot fix those but everything else is good.''''


    Atlas agreed to it as he felt her aura which was a caring one, like a grandmother which caused him to relax. She quickly approached and grabbed his hand while continuing, ''''It will hurt but you feel better.''''


    In response, the wolf woman began chanting in an ancient, unknown language. Amethyst''s eyes widened with alarm, and she leaped to intervene, but her efforts were in vain. She was completely ignored.


    A sudden, searing pain tore through his body, leaving him gasping as he realized with horror that his very soul was being forcefully repaired. The wolf woman stepped back causing Atlas to drop to his knees.


    Amethyst rushed to his side with a panicked expression as she asked as the other women joined them, ''''Is he okay?''''


    ''''Yes young lady, his soul was on the verge of shattering,'''' the stranger replied. ''''I don''t know how he was putting up with so much pain but from now on he will be fine.''''


    While the pain surged through his body Atlas looked at the grey-haired woman and took out the Monster Vault that Lilith was safely stored, ''''Can you heal her? I will pay anything,'''' he said in a strained voice.


    He collapsed to the ground, curling into himself as an unbearable, searing agony consumed him. It felt as though his very essence was being torn apart and stitched back together, his soul repairing itself.


    Amidst the torment, a sinister laugh echoed in his mind, cold and mocking, dragging him into unconsciousness. When he came to, he found himself standing alone in a dark, desolate realm.


    That''s when he spotted a creepy humanoid creature materializing out of the shadows as it spoke, ''''To unlock your powers fight me Azhar''Zul that is the condition set for you to get the eye and arm but just know if you lose, your soul is mine forever.''''


    Atlas shivered when hearing this and readied himself for a fight but that''s when the monsters appeared before him. Its dark eyes gleamed with excitement as it swiped at him, he quickly ducked under the attack while casting Void Blast.


    The spell struck the creature square in the chest, sending it staggering backward as its sickly white skin sizzled and burned from the void mana. A low, guttural growl rumbled from deep within its throat, but Atlas was relentless.


    Seizing the moment, he lunged forward, unleashing a barrage of punches, each blow fueled by raw fury. His fists hammered into the creature, determined to break it before it could recover from his sudden attack.


    But to his shock, the beast barely flinched. With a savage roar, it swiped a massive claw across his chest, sending him crashing into the ground with a loud thud which took the air from his lunges.


    ''Ouch, that hurt,''


    he thought while scrambling to his feet.


    Atlas gasped for air, blood dripping from his wounds, but he wasn''t finished. He pushed himself up, charging again, but before he could reach it, the creature slammed its fist into his side, throwing him across the room like a ragdoll.


    His vision blurred, but he gritted his teeth, forcing himself to rise. Every move felt like agony, but he wasn''t going to surrender. Atlas gritted his teeth as the creature charged at him and went to grab him.


    ''Oh shit!''


    He quickly sidestepped the attack before retaliating with Void Smash as his fist hit the humanoid''s ribs. A loud crack rang out causing the creature to let out a hiss of pain but Atlas followed that up with Void Wave.


    The spell struck the creature unexpectedly, sending it skidding across the ground with a violent tremor. Without hesitation, he unleashed a barrage of Void Lances, twelve jagged bolts of mana streaking through the air.


    They tore into the creature''s hide, each strike causing it to howl in pain, its roar reverberating through the air as the barrage of spells continued to hammer its twisted form, leaving deep scorch marks across its body.


    ''It''s slowing down,''


    he thought.


    But Atlas didn''t relent as he pressed the attack, his fists connecting with the creature''s body in rapid succession. Each punch rang out, the force of his blows making the beast stagger and crumble.


    As the void mana seeped into its system, the creature''s movements began to slow, its once-violent thrashing growing sluggish under the weight of the void mana. Atlas''s relentless assault had taken its toll.


    The monster stumbled before letting out a deep laugh as it spoke, ''''It seems like she was right about you Azhar''Zul. Now go forth and fight the darkness that is engulfing Valoria.''''


    Following that Atlas went to speak but was sent back to the real world, confused and curious he noticed Amethyst and Estelle looking at him from above. He smiled before commenting, ''''Hello beauties, has the fighting stopped?'''' S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The blonde beamed before she took out a mirror and handed it to him as she replied in a caring tone, ''''Take a look but I have to go talk to Grishna.''''


    Atlas nodded and took it before looking at his face that was covered in his helmet, he dismissed it only to see glowing azure eyes, it was fully blue and resembled an eye but was something else.


    He looked down and noticed his left arm was glowing but something told him that there were secrets that he needed to unlock. While he was admiring himself Estelle grabbed the Orc''s arm and led her off to the side.


    When the two women were alone Grishna commented with a confused expression, ''''What do you want blondie?''''


    ''''To apologize properly, now we cleared out the city and I truly realized how wrong I was about you,'''' Estelle said in a regretful voice. ''''I hate myself for the way I''ve always treated you and know I don''t deserve your forgiveness.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 256 - 256: Shes My Companion

    Grishna''s green eyes narrowed as she replied, ''''What''s brought this on?''''


    ''''When we saw those lion demi-humans crucified I''ve had a lot on my mind and quickly realized that my lost apology wasn''t sincere,'''' the blonde explained while sitting on a nearby bench. ''''You''re a lovely woman and good friend, even though I treated you like shit you''ve shown no hate towards me.''''


    The green-skinned woman let out a laugh, collapsing onto the bench with a tired thud. She tilted her head back, gazing at the night sky with a thoughtful smile. ''''You used to piss me off,'''' she said, her voice light with a mix of amusement as she continued. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''But when I found out you were a princess, I figured that was it. You had a stick up your ass, acting like you were better than everyone else. I do see the change you''re trying to make now. And honestly? I respect that.''''


    Estelle smiled when hearing this and spoke up with a determined voice, ''''I will try to do better and treat people better, spending time with you guys has opened my eyes to a lot of my bad behaviors.''''


    Grishna looked at the blonde knight before giggling, ''''You''re still a bitch though and I won''t let you live it down,'''' she said in an amused voice.


    The two of them started laughing as a new page in their friendship had just started when Estelle admitted to her wrongdoings. In the meantime, Atlas got used to his healthy body before turning to the old wolf woman.


    She grinned at him before holding up the Monster Vault and speaking, ''''I can heal your little friend but it will cost you.''''


    Atlas''s eyebrows rose as he asked, ''''And what''s that?''''


    The older woman stepped forward while revealing, ''''A piece of your soul and a mission to help the Shadowfang Royal Family?''''


    ''''I guess you''re connected to them somehow? You felt my power and appeared with good offers,'''' Atlas replied while taking the vault back.


    She started laughing before speaking, ''''The mission is dangerous but you also have a chance to take out the general who controls Northern Astoria which will disrupt the empire.''''


    When Atlas heard this his azure eyes glowed as he answered, ''''We will do it, Lilith is worth it.''''


    The wolf woman started giggling as she questioned, ''''You talk of this creature as a good friend but she''s a monster.''''


    ''''So what? I don''t care, she''s my companion,'''' Atlas responded in a serious tone as he was protective over the honey badger. ''''Now what''s this mission?''''


    She extended her arm, pointing toward the southern horizon where a jagged row of mountains loomed. ''''See that?'''' she said, her tone serious. ''''There''s a massive imperial fortress hidden among those peaks. It''s the barrier that cuts us off from the south.''''


    Atlas looked in the direction as she continued, ''''They''ve got the royal family held hostage there, using them to control the Black Wolves. If you want my help, I need you to free them. Do that, and I''ll heal your friend.''''


    When hearing her words, he glanced at the Monster Vault, summoning Nulia, Grishna, Estelle, and Artemis with a swift nod. Atlas turned back to the green-skinned woman, his voice steady and determined.


    ''''I''ll free them,'''' he promised. ''''But once we get them out, where do we take them?''''


    The old woman smiled, ''''Take them to the Black Forest in the west, our forces are stationed there ready to take back the Shadowfang Kingdom.''''


    When Nulia heard this her blue eyes widened causing the woman to laugh, ''''Yes it''s dangerous but with you six it won''t be a problem.''''


    Everyone agreed to it as it was their only chance to help Lilith, following that Atlas spoke to the helpful stranger, ''''Thank you for your help but I will head south now.''''


    The woman nodded with a friendly smile as she bid farewell, ''''No thank you for aiding my kingdom in our time of need Azhar''Zul, it seems like the legends are lies.''''


    Following that she vanished into nothingness shocking the group but they started heading out of the city. Grishna and Artemis joined him while the others scouted ahead as the brunette commented with a big smile, ''''I miss the scars but at least you don''t have to worry anymore.''''


    Atlas chuckled, ''''I know and she said it has secrets that I will eventually unlock which is cool I guess,'''' he revealed.


    The Orc woman spoke with a big smile that showed her tusks, ''''As long as you can use your swords and punch enemies there isn''t a problem?''''


    ''''You''re right Grish,'''' he replied with an excited smile. ''''Now to cause the empire trouble in the north which will be fun, they''ve messed with us too many times.''''


    They moved through the quiet streets before they slipped into the shadows. Atlas led the way, with Nulia scouting ahead, her eyes sharp in the darkness. Grishna''s heavy footsteps were surprisingly quiet, while Estelle and Artemis kept to the rear.


    As they passed through the city, the moonlit plains stretched out before them The wind carried the scent of rain and the faint sound of wolves howling in the distance. Atlas looked around before glancing at the women while asking, ''''Do we attack or night? Or first thing in the morning?''''


    ''''Let''s scout out the fortress first,'''' Estelle replied which everyone agreed to.


    Following that, the group traveled south and butchered any Achaemendian patrols they came from. In one brutal encounter, Atlas let the Ghouls ambush the men and women before dragging them back to the Otherworld.


    Hours later they were now sitting on a mountain ledge that overlooked the fortress which made Atlas gulp,


    ''Wow that''s loads of soldiers.''


    Torches and banners flickered along the battlements, casting an eerie glow over the sea of soldiers below. Thousands of enemy troops filled the courtyard and outer grounds, their armor glinting like a swarm of metallic insects.


    The air was thick with the sound of marching boots, clanking weapons, and shouted orders. Siege engines were stationed along the walls, ready for any attack.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 257 - 257: Devious Bastards

    ''''We should watch them for a day to see if anything changes,'''' Estelle commented while standing on the edge.


    Atlas looked at the blonde and nodded, ''''Sounds good, we will use my monsters to plow into the wall while we sneak from the back but with this many soldiers it''ll be a tough fight,'''' he said in response.


    She agreed, ''''That''s the best we can do, I would do anything to help Lilith as I know you cared about her.''''


    ''''Thank you, princess,'''' Atlas replied with a warm smile. ''''You girls helping me means a lot.''''


    ''''We used to believe it was only the prophecy that bound us to you,'''' Estelle confessed, her voice soft, ''''But the more time we''ve spent by your side, the clearer it''s become, there''s so much more to it than destiny. We choose to be with you, not because of fate, but because of who you are.''''


    Atlas was taken aback, but a smile tugged at his lips. ''''Thank you, Estelle. I don''t want to rush things with the five of you. We have years ahead of us, so let''s take it slow and build a strong foundation for our relationship.''''


    The blonde''s face lit up at his words causing his heart to skip when seeing her expression. She leaned in, planting a gentle, affection-filled kiss on his cheek before replying, ''''That''s perfect. The stronger we become, the more time we''ll have so let it happen naturally.''''


    He agreed before Estelle commented, ''''I''m going to rest like the others, the upcoming fight will be challenging.''''


    Atlas smiled while watching the beautiful knight approaching the tent as he activated Void Realm and reappeared in the grasslands with the mountain in the far distance. Following that, he started walking toward it.


    While doing that he checked the monster''s total and was surprised as he was halfway on the first group of void creatures.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 6211/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 456/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    ''Nearly halfway, this shouldn''t take too long,''


    Atlas thought as the excitement swelled up inside him.


    That''s when the screech rang out causing him to glance up as a swarm of Void Bloodhawks swooping down. He chuckled before casting dozens of Void Bullets into the horde of monsters and exploded.


    The azure flames wiped out dozens of monsters who were sent plummeting toward the ground and hitting it with a sickening thud. Following that, Atlas continued sending his spells into the Bloodhawks and whittling down their numbers causing the rest to scatter.


    He continued battling the monsters until the Haast Eagles started attacking causing him to bob and weave around their creatures. Hours passed and he returned to the real world after a group of Bloodhawks swamped him.


    He opened his eyes to see the two moons hanging in the sky, a smile spreading across his face as he stretched. Noticing that the women were still asleep, he quietly pulled up the monster total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 8778/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 711/5000]


    [???????????]


    [???????????]


    Following that Atlas smiled before activating the skill again but this time he was more tired as he put down more monsters using his magic. While doing that he quickly noticed a new enemy rushing in his direction.


    ''Oh fuck! These things look l like nightmares!''


    He recognized the creature as a Kenku, a humanoid crow wielding two blades. Before Atlas could react, the Kenku struck with surprising speed, causing him to yelp in shock. Instinctively, he drew his swords to deflect the blows.


    The force of the attacks pushed against him, his arms straining under the pressure. Atlas gritted his teeth, determined to push through this creature, and managed to cast Void Wave which sent the Kenku flying.


    That''s when more rushed in causing him to start to fight seriously as all three monsters attacked from all sides. Atlas found it difficult to keep up, especially with the devious Kenkus who kept stabbing him from behind.


    ''''Devious bastards,'''' he hissed while killing one of the crow men with a slash.


    As this kept happening he got angry and transformed into his Voidwalker Form, and tore the creatures apart with ease. Atlas continued killing the monsters, until running out of mana and returning to the real world.


    When Atlas woke, the weight of exhaustion hit him all at once, and he slumped down, feeling drained. He pulled out some blankets, stacking them near the fire, then curled up beneath the starry sky.


    Within moments, he drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep. The following morning, he woke up and let out a loud yawn, which caused the women to giggle as Nulia commented in a cheery voice, ''''Morning sleepyhead, how was your sleep?''''


    Atlas glanced at the brown-skinned beauty who was tending to the raging fire and smiled while noticing the others were nowhere to be seen. He sat up and stretched while asking, ''''Where is everyone?''''


    ''''Grishna took Estelle hunting, Artemis is still asleep, and Amethyst is out scouting the area,'''' Nulia explained with a bright smile.


    She then offered him some breakfast, her eyes shining with warmth, ''''Here eat some Giant Mammoth meat, it will give you strength.''''


    Atlas thanked the Frostbear woman before he started eating, the meat was seasoned with something he didn''t know but enjoyed anyway, while the two of them were doing that he asked, ''''In an hour, do you want to help me in the Void Realm?''''


    Nulia''s blue eyes landed on him and nodded, ''''That would be good Azhar''Zul, by the way, your eye is beautiful and that arm is something from the legends.''''


    He lifted it, his armor fading away as he revealed the object. It began to glow with an aura of void mana, captivating the two onlookers. Nulia''s eyes widened in awe before she shook her head, a grin spreading across her face.


    ''''I can''t wait to see what it can do. Maybe it even has a special power,'''' she said, her voice filled with excitement.


    Atlas chuckled when hearing this before checking on the monster total to see how many he needed to complete the level.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 8912/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 791/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 081/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''This should go quick with Nulia''s help,'' S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    he mused.


    Following that, the couple continued talking with Atlas asking, ''''What are your goals in life Nulia?''''


    Her blue eyes landed on him as she answered with a sweet smile, ''''To live peacefully and not worry about the darkness covering the world.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding, but his attention was suddenly drawn to a series of explosions echoing in the distance. He jumped to his feet, eyes narrowing with concern. ''''Do you think the girls are up against something powerful?'''' he asked.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 258 - 258: Sly Motherfuckers

    Nulia shook her head before replying, ''''They''ll be fine, you don''t realize how strong they are, even I was shocked at it when I first met them.''''


    Relieved by the news, Atlas allowed himself to relax, focusing on recovering his mana so they could soon dive into the Void Realm and attempt to clear the next level. As he lay there, his eyes closed before falling asleep.


    Atlas was gently roused by someone playing with his hair and opened his eyes only to see Nulia above him with a smile as she spoke, ''''Hello there, it seems like the Void Realm has exhausted you but at least I can help now.''''


    He sat up and yawned before turning to the Frostbear woman as he answered, ''''I needed some sleep but I''ve got a monster that can help us attack the fortress and their devious bastards.''''


    Nulia started laughing when hearing this, her smile caught him off guard as Atlas found it beautiful. He shook his head and sent Amethyst a message with his plans which the phoenix woman agreed with.


    Following that, Atlas held his hand out to Nulia who quickly took it as he activated Void Realm and reappeared in the grasslands but this time they were close to eerie-looking woods which sent a shiver down their spins.


    ''''This place gives me the creeps,'''' the Frostbear woman commented while glancing around.


    He agreed with a nod before warning, ''''These things are quick and sneaky Nulia, you take the flying ones while I deal with the Kenku fuckers.''''


    The brown-skinned woman agreed before summoning a sword made from ice, which surprised him as the screeches rang out. Nulia instantly reacted and started casting Ice Bullets into the attacking monsters.


    When Atlas saw this he joined in by casting a wave of Void Arrows, that sliced through the air and peppered the Bloodhawks and Haast Eagles, just as he used his swords to block several slashes from a sneaky Kenku. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Fuckers are always sneaking around,''


    he thought while getting annoyed.


    This enraged him before he cast Void Wave to knock the four bird men back, which allowed Atlas to dash forward and carve through two of the creatures. Following that he quickly cast Void Blast at the remaining two.


    The azure mana slammed into the Kenkus which sent them crashing across the ground, as he continued attacking the Bloodhawks that were trying to swarm Nulia. Atlas quickly used Void Guard which produced a protective barrier around her.


    ''That should hold the Bloodhawks back for a few minutes.''


    When that happened he rushed forward while casting Void Barrage that slammed into the horde of monsters that were burned to ashes. As Atlas got close more Kenkus blocked his path causing him to skid under several slashes and stabs before casting Void Wave again.


    His spell sent the creatures soaring through the air but Atlas followed up with Void Lances that destroyed the Kenkus. Following that the battle continued for hours and the couple fought hard.


    Nulia was the first to fall as a Kenku slashed the back of her legs bringing her crashing to the ground. Atlas saw this and sent her back to the real world before attacking the group of shifty birdmen.


    ''Oh no you don''t you sly motherfuckers!''


    He dashed in so fast that they couldn''t see him, Atlas slashed through three of them while casting Void Bomb at the rest. He quickly vanished using Void Step to get out of the shockwave range.


    Atlas swung his blades, cutting through the swarm of monsters that surrounded him. His movements were too fast for them to keep up, each strike precise as he carved a path through the swarm.


    Void mana crackled around him, boosting his speed and strength, and turning him into a force of nature. But the monsters kept coming, their shrieks filling the air. Atlas gritted his teeth, feeling his mana dwindling with every powerful attack.


    Sweat dripped down his brow as he unleashed a devastating Void Wave, obliterating a ring of Kenkus that tried to surround him. Atlas couldn''t keep going and returned to the real world once the fighting was too much for him.


    He sat up and noticed Amethyst was back and looked at him with a big smile as she commented, ''''Good, you''re finally awake. I''ve got some bad news for everyone but waiting for Estelle and Grish.''''


    Atlas nodded before pulling up the monster total to see how many he needed to kill now and was surprised at the results.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 9687/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 1251/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 299/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''At least the Bloodhawks will be gone soon,''


    he mused while taking out some dumplings as Amethyst and Nulia started chatting.


    While that was going on Atlas leaned back and watched the Achaemendian fortress that looked even busier as more soldiers arrived. He quickly noticed that there was double the amount of guards as there was the night before.


    ''I need the Kenku to help us, they would be able to deal with loads of soldiers before being caught,''


    Atlas pondered while eating.


    Following that, Grishna and Estelle returned to the camp ten minutes later while carrying a massive boar. When Atlas saw this he was shocked and commented with a big smile, ''''Look''s like you ladies have been busy.''''


    The blonde nodded with a tired expression as she slapped the Orc on the back while exclaiming, ''''This crazy woman jumped on the thing while it was charging at me and stabbed it through the head.''''


    Grishna waved her off with a proud smile, ''''It was nothing Blondie, you did perfectly by attracting the Forest Boars'' attention, which allowed me to kill it.''''


    Afterward, the two women started preparing the food as Atlas revealed his plans with the group which they agreed to. Atlas watched as Estelle gave Artemis who had just woke up the job of cooking.


    The brunette sighed while muttering, ''''Wish I stayed asleep now, you bitches got me dealing with this shit.''''


    Atlas laughed at this causing her brown eyes to land on him but he blew the Siren a kiss which made her cheeks go red,


    ''She''s beautiful and her freckles are something else,''


    he thought.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 259 - 259: Wow Shes Quick

    Atlas and the women started eating once the food was done, while doing that Artemis and Amethyst sat on either side of him. As he ate Estelle questioned, ''''So you''re trying to unlock these Kenku creatures? How will they help?''''


    He finished the lump of meat before cleaning his hands while explaining, ''''These bastards will make good assassins and shock soldiers, they will be able to sneak on the Achaemendians and give us the upper hand in the upcoming fight.''''


    When the five women heard this they agreed with nods as Artemis spoke up, ''''How do you know they can help?''''


    Atlas glanced at the brunette, ''''They manage to catch me off guard all the time, and when you finally meet them you''ll understand.''''


    ''''Those evil creatures are devils,'''' Nulia said with a shiver. ''''They are very sneaky and strong, we will be able to take the fortress with no problems with their help.''''


    Following that Atlas offered the five to come fight with him which they agreed to once Grishna set up some security runes, which would protect them while the group was in the Void Realm.


    He quickly activated the skill which transported the six of them to the woods that Atlas was in before. The ladies prepared as Artemis took out her sling while spinning it, Amethyst took to the sky while keeping an eye out on their surroundings.


    Atlas watched as Estelle unsheathed her shield and Grishna gripped her spear while scanning the trees. The scene made him smile, but his expression quickly shifted when Nulia summoned an earth wall behind them, catching the group completely off guard.


    ''''They will hit us from behind,'''' the Frostbear woman explained while protecting their rear.


    ''''Artemis, help Nulia cover our backs, they will attack soon,'''' Atlas said and on cue, a spear flew out of the darkness.


    Estelle quickly stepped forward and blocked the projectile as screeches rang out from all around them. Atlas was ready and countered with Void Barrage that wiped out a group of Bloodhawks as they swooped through the treetops.


    Shortly after, a battle erupted as everyone started fighting, Artemis was using her sling while the phoenix woman lit up the dark sky with a beautiful purple glow thanks to her cosmic magic. Cosmic Blast wiped out dozens of Bloodhawks that tried to swarm her.


    Amethyst was too fast for the creatures and transformed into her phoenix form while letting out a loud screech. She used her talons to rip the bigger monster''s wings from their bodies causing them to vanish back into the Void Realm.


    ''Oh wow she''s strong,''


    he thought with excitement while blasting some Kenku''s with Void Blast.


    Atlas continued casting spells while Estelle blocked a Haast Eagle''s attack, it slammed into her shield and sent her skidding backward. She gritted her teeth as the giant bird pushed her back.


    But it was already too late for the monster as it was hit with a Light Blast that tore off one of its wings. When the creature crashed to the ground she stabbed it through the head with her sword.


    He watched as she cut down several more Bloodhawks before getting into a fight with three Kenku''s. Estelle continued to block attacks and retaliated with a Light Wave that slammed into the monsters.


    This caused the monsters to crash into the trees as they were blinded. While this was happening Artemis was slinging mana pellets into the Kenku who tried to sneak up on Nulia while she was busy with a Haast Eagle that tried to strike.


    ''Wow she''s quick,''


    Atlas thought as he admired the brunette''s skill.


    Following that, he watched as the projectiles took out more of the annoying monsters, which allowed Nulia to take advantage of Artemis''s help and hit the Kenkus with Ice Bolts that wiped them out due to the force.


    As the battle raged on, Grishna moved with incredible speed, darting in and out of the enemies. Her spear flashed, taking down anything that tried to sneak up on them, she was using Earth Bullets to keep them away from the group.


    Meanwhile, Atlas quickly checked the monster count to see how many they had killed.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 2497/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 512/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''''Not too long now,'''' he muttered before cutting through three Haast Eagles that plunged from the treetops above.


    Atlas started fighting the Kenku''s who were giving the women a hard time due to the overwhelming numbers. He used Void Step to appear in the middle of a big group of creatures.


    Without waiting he cast Void Wave that burned the annoying birds into ash before they returned to the Void Realm. Hours passed by and the first of them to fall was Artemis who tripped on a root allowing the creatures to jump her.


    He quickly sent her back to the real world before casting Void Bomb at the creatures, the explosion burned them to nothing which pleased him. Atlas continued fighting after casting Void Infusion on his blades.


    The women started falling one by one with Nulia, Amethyst, Grishna then lastly Estelle leaving Atlas alone. He ran toward the mountains in the distance while fighting the Kenku''s along the way.


    Sparks flew out as he blocked several strikes but countered with Void Bullets that lit up the dark forest. Soon enough Atlas made it to the grasslands forcing the assassin birds to stay in the treeline.


    He collapsed to the ground to catch his breath while checking the monster total to see the improvement.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 3719/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 898/2500]


    [???????????]


    Following that, Atlas continued to fight but was becoming slow due to the overuse of mana which exhausted him. An hour later, he returned to the real world where he woke up on the pile of blankets.


    His eyes opened only to see a shield covering them from the rain, that''s when Estelle''s voice reached his ears, ''''I cast a Light Barrier around us to protect us from the cold weather that dominates this mountain.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding as he sat up, stretching his sore muscles. ''''That battle took everything out of me. I''m completely drained,'''' he admitted with a tired sigh.


    The blonde''s face lit up at his words, and she suggested warmly, ''''Grab a bite to eat, then get some rest. You''ve earned it.''''


    He grabbed a piece of bread and settled back down, chewing thoughtfully as his gaze drifted to the fortress below.


    Atlas kept watching the fortress become full of Achaemendians, this prompted him to jump back into the Void Realm. He kept fighting across the grasslands as Haasts Eagles targeted him from above.


    Their screeches were warning him to jump to the side as a pair of talons gouged the ground. Atlas quickly reacted and cast Void Lance as the creature causing it to explode due to the powerful spell.


    He watched as more Haaste Eagles divebombed him but thanks to Void Step who dodged all the attacks, while they happened Atlas took out as many as he could and did this for hours until reaching the base of the mountains.


    ''I bet the boss is lurking in this place,''


    he mused before sitting down and catching his breath.


    Atlas pulled up the monster total to see how far his come just his current session in the Void Realm.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 4949/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 898/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''Only fifty-one left until I complete the second lot of monsters,''


    he pondered with an excited smile.


    Following that Atlas continued on and finally finished off the Haaste Eagles as he climbed up the mountain. Once they were gone the Kenku''s intensified their attacks forcing him to be careful as they struck from corners or behind things.


    This assault continued for several more hours until, finally, three of the creatures managed to get under his feet, sending him sprawling onto the rocky path with a heavy thud. Before he could react, the Kenku swarmed over him, pinning him down in a chaotic pile. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gritting his teeth, Atlas cast Void Wave, which sent the screeching creatures flying into the darkness below. The force not only cleared his path but took out even more of the relentless foes, allowing him to scramble back to his feet, ready for the next attack.


    ''These things are pissing me off,''


    he internally raged while dismissing his helmet.


    Atlas felt the cold air brush against his face causing his left eye to react as it pointed out all the hidden Kenku''s waiting to ambush him,


    ''Oh this is useful, I wonder what other things it can do,''


    he thought while approaching the first monster.


    When getting close he cast Void Blast at the first group which wiped them out in a raging azure fire. Following this Atlas continued on and while trekking up a steep path he checked the monster total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 5000/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 1349/2500]


    [???????????]


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 260 - 260: Go Rest You Little Demon

    Atlas continued trekking through the mountains while killing any Kenku that got in his way, thanks to his eye he could see any monsters that tried to sneak up on him. Following that, he took a break in a nook he found, the weather was getting worse.


    Rain lashed down on the pathway he was just on, Atlas was baffled as it hadn''t done this before but waited it out. While doing that he checked on the monster total and was shocked at the results.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 5000/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 1567/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''''Nearly done now,'''' Atlas muttered to himself while pulling out some meat buns and started eating while watching the strange landscape.


    He noticed the water cascading down the mountain opposite, it reminded him of a waterfall but sudden screeches echoed across the peaks as the Kenku''s headed in his direction, ''''Oh for fucks sake, here they come.''''


    Atlas raised his hand and started casting Void Bullets into the creatures that appeared from around the corner. Explosions sent them flying off the path as some dodged it. They wildly charged at him, but Leo was faster.


    ''Here we go, time to fight!''


    He cast several Void Barrages, each projectile piercing through the Kenku''s bodies. It sent the monster crashing into the creatures behind. The barrage forced them to halt in their tracks, giving him enough time to unleash a powerful Void Wave.


    His mana surged forward like a tidal wave, washing over the remaining creatures and sending them tumbling into the darkness below. Following that, he burst out of his hiding place and started slicing through the bird people.


    Atlas continued rushing up the pathway while more Kenkus jumped down and tried attacking, but thanks to Void Guard which blocked their strikes. This allowed him to hit them with his magic, which brought their numbers down.


    ''This is going quicker than I expected,''


    he thought while blasting a creature in the face with Void Blast. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, he made it to a mountain ledge where no more monsters appeared which made him sigh in relief. While resting he quickly checked the total to see how many he had taken out.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 5000/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 2298/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''Not long now, a few more hours until I reach the boss,''


    Atlas grinned before casting Void Infusion on his blades.


    The azure glow lit up the area around him just as more Kenku''s suddenly attacked, this made him yelp but he still reacted. Atlas quickly cut down the five creatures but was quickly swamped as one caught him off guard.


    He was sent back to the real world and woke up on the blankets while the women were gossiping. Estelle was talking to the others about the rare monsters roaming the Argonia Kingdom.


    ''''You see there is a monster that roams the night and attacks groups of travelers,'''' she said in an eerie manner. ''''Some say there are Werewolves, others think they are evil spirits but my older brother witnessed it.''''


    Amythest''s purple eyes glowed with interest as she questioned, ''''What did he see?''''


    ''''August said it was a humanoid creature much like the Dark Ones but much stronger,'''' the blonde started drawing a figure in the dirt using a knife. ''''Rumors say that they drink the blood of the captured people but when the bodies are found, missing parts are always a thing.''''


    ''Sounds sort of like a vampire? But the missing body parts are strange,''


    he thought while pulling out some meat buns.


    Shortly after that, the women noticed he was awake, they beamed before Artemis greeted him, ''''Morning sleepyhead, when do we attack the fortress?''''


    Atlas smiled at the brunette, ''''I''m close to unlocking the Kenku''s, maybe another twelve hours? Maybe less,'''' he revealed before eating.''''


    They nodded but Grishna commented in an excited voice, ''''I can''t wait to fight these empire dogs, the emperor has conquered all of Astoria which will make things hard for us to travel, but that doesn''t matter.''''


    ''''We will cause them so much trouble that it messes with their solidating the new land,'''' Atlas revealed, ''''I need to hit more dungeons to get more monsters for the army.''''


    The five women agreed with a nod as Nulia suggested, ''''If it gets too much for us we can always retreat to the Northern Wastes, the Achaemendians hate the cold.''''


    Everyone laughed when hearing the Frostbear woman''s words, Atlas quickly replied, ''''We can use Raymond to escape, he''s fast, strong, and will be able to fly faster than anything they can do.''''


    Everyone looked relieved but soon the weather started getting worse causing Estelle to cast a shield around them. Amethyst and Artemis started shivering but Atlas quickly took out a blanket before wrapping it around the two women.


    The brunette smiled as he thanked him, ''''Thank you Atlas, I hate Frostwinter, it''s always so cold.''''


    Atlas waved her away, ''''You two need to stay warm in this horrible weather, for some reason, it doesn''t affect me as much as it used to,'''' he said in a warm voice.


    Following that, he went around and gave Grishna, Estelle, and Nulia more blankets which the women accepted. While the group sat on the ledge a winter storm descended upon the fortress which caused the soldiers to lock it down.


    ''This will be fun, the Kenku''s will cause chaos,''


    Atlas mused while watching the Achaemendians as the sun started to set.


    Estelle suddenly stood up and spoke with a concerned expression, ''''Let''s set up the tent, I think the storm will get worse. The fortress will be on lockdown, no one will come as it''s too risky to travel.''''


    Atlas nodded before helping them set up the tent, which would shelter them from the worsening storm as the blonde''s shield started to falter. He quickly noticed this and sent his mana into the barrier.


    He could feel it being drained from his body, but Atlas managed to hold on. Ten minutes later, the others finished with the tent and hurried inside. Not long after that, he followed behind only to see a massive space inside.


    Amethyst and Artemis slumped down just after the phoenix woman and blew some purple flames into the fireplace. Atlas smiled when he saw this, but that''s when he noticed Estelle getting ready to cook something for them.


    Meanwhile, Nulia and Grishna entered the bathroom, chatting animatedly about monster hunting. The conversation brought a smile to his face as he thought,


    ''They seem to be getting on well.''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 261 - 261: A Very Noble Name

    Following that, Atlas made his way over to the blonde and offered, ''''Do you need any help, Estelle?''''


    She looked at him with her beautiful blue eyes before answering, ''''That would be nice, could you dice these for me?''''


    Atlas eyed the onion-like vegetables in front of him and began slicing them with the knife Estelle had handed him. Ten minutes later, with everything chopped, Estelle playfully shooed him away, a warm smile lighting up her face.


    ''''Go rest, you little demon,'''' she teased. ''''I want to finish up from here.''''


    ''''Alright, Blondie,'''' Atlas replied with a grin, slapping her on her toned ass.


    The instant he did, he had to dodge a swift kick, laughing as he dodged her sudden strike. Shaking his head, he settled down and activated Void Realm only to reappear on the mountain path he was on previously.


    Atlas took out his blades and cast Void Infusion on them, the weapons started to hum as the screeches rang out. He grinned before blocking several attacks that the Kenku''s sent his way as he countered with Void Wave.


    His spell rushed out of his body and slammed into the birdmen, they were sent flying off the side, Atlas continued fighting his way up the path while anticipating the creature''s attack thanks to his eye.


    An hour passed by and not Atlas was sitting on the edge of a mountaintop as he rested. While doing that he brought up the monster total.


    [Void Bloodhawk ¨C 10000/10000]


    [Haast''s Void Eagle - 5000/5000]


    [Void Kenku - 2500/2500]


    [???????????]


    ''Now onto the boss,'' S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    he thought with a smile as his mana poured into his body.


    Atlas continued his climb up the mountain, his footsteps crunching against the rocky path. Before long, he noticed a line of torches flickering in the distance, leading to a set of stone stairs.


    ''''Path to the boss arena,''''


    he steeled himself while muttering to himself.


    As he stepped into the arena, a translucent barrier materialized behind him, sealing off any chance of retreat but this didn''t bother him as he readied to fight. Seconds later massive shadow covered the arena.


    Atlas glanced up only to see a massive Harpy Eagle that was evil-looking with pitch-black feathers. Its glowing red eyes met his as it let out an earth-shaking screech that shook the ground before he flew toward him.


    He yelped as the big monster moved quicker than he expected. This caused Atlas to cast Void Guard that brought up his shield, then the Harpy eagle slammed into the barrier as its talons shattered it.


    ''Oh fuck! This is bad,''


    Atlas internally panicked before jumping to the side.


    They gouged through the ground just as he cast a Void Barrage at the monster, while doing this he scanned it with Void Sight to find out what rank it was.


    [Harpy Eagle King]


    [Rank A]


    [Keep moving and use your magic to wear it down]


    Without hesitation, Atlas activated Void Step, instantly reappearing on the Harpy Eagle''s back. He drew his blade, aiming for a quick strike, but the monster reacted faster than expected.


    It violently twisted throwing him off balance. The force sent him hurtling toward the ground, where he crashed with a brutal thud. His head was spinning while lying in the crater, he started climbing out just as its screech rang out.


    Atlas looked up with wide eyes as the giant bird was swooping down causing him to use Void Step to reappear nearby. Shortly after that, he started casting Void Lances at it, the Harpy King dodged most but a few hits.


    Feathers and blood erupted in every direction as the Harpy Eagle screeched in fury, its eyes locking onto him once more. He stood his ground, letting it close in. At the last moment, he vanished with a flash, reappearing just behind it.


    He quickly unleashed a Void Bomb, sending it hurtling toward the monster''s torso. The instant it made contact, the explosion erupted in a brilliant blue flash, illuminating the arena in a blinding light.


    The force of the blast sent shockwaves through the air as the Harpy King crashed down but was still alive. Atlas was shocked but quickly rushed toward the creature who was trying to get up.


    A dozen Void Lances struck its torso, tearing massive chunks from its body. As Atlas closed in, he drove his blade deep into the creature, slicing down its flank. The monster howled in agony, but before it could recover, he unleashed a barrage of Void Bullets, blasting through its insides.


    When that happened a male voice echoed in his mind,


    ''Finally, a master that I would be happy to follow and I can feel your concern over me. Do not worry little one, this is just temperorary.''


    Atlas was confused after hearing the voice, but soon enough the Harpy Eagle King vanished back into the Void Realm and realized he had completed the level. Moments later, exhaustion overtook him before being pulled back into the real world.


    ''At least I can move onto the next level now.''


    Opening his eyes, Atlas quickly noticed that the five women were peacefully asleep around him. He smiled before standing up and walking outside while rain poured down, he cast Void Guard to block it.


    Following that, Atlas activated Call to the Void and summoned the Harpy Eagle King, seconds later the bird shot out of the azure portal and soared into the sky. He noticed the creature was smaller than Raymond but would be stronger when reaching his rank.


    ''Interesting, maybe they can fight in a couple of years?''


    The creature spun around and shot toward him, its form shrinking until it landed softly on his shoulder. It gave a cute little tweet before nuzzling against his cheek. Smiling, Atlas gently stroked the tiny blackbird as he spoke, ''''Sorry for hurting you, I hate fighting you guys but it''s needed.''''


    ''Don''t worry about it Master, it did not hurt but honestly, the waiting was a nightmare,''


    it answered back in a cheerful voice.


    Atlas smiled before stroking it again as he gave it a name, ''''I will name you Horus, that name suits you.''''


    The Harpy Eagle nodded in agreement,


    ''A very noble name, it will strike fear in your enemies.''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 262 - 262: Level Six

    Atlas was sitting in front of the fire as the night dragged on, stars lit up the sky like a beautiful canvas. While he admired that, Horus spoke up in a curious voice as he glanced around, ''What are we doing on this mountain ledge master?''


    ''''I was waiting to unlock those bastard Kenku''s so they can help us attack that fortress below,'''' he answered the Harpy Eagle King.


    The bird bobbed its head, ''Do you want me to go scout it out?''


    Atlas nodded with a smile, ''''Be careful, the empire dogs will try to kill you,'''' he warned.


    Horus chirped before bragging, ''''I am the might Horus, I shall not be slain by a mere dog Master.''


    He chuckled at the bird''s theatrics, the creature flew off while doing a few twists which made him laugh while muttering, ''''Stupid Harpy Eagle, but it''s good to have you.''''


    Following that, Atlas pulled out some meat buns and started eating, just as Amethyst walked out of the tent while yawning, ''''Have you slept my love?'''' she questioned.


    ''''Not yet but I don''t need it,'''' he answered the beautiful young woman.


    Amethyst paused and turned to him, taking his hand and pulling him to his feet. ''''You need rest for tomorrow''s fight,'''' she said firmly. ''''Come with me, we''ll get you some sleep.''''


    Atlas chuckled while letting the phoenix woman drag him into the tent. Soon she pulled him into the bed and cuddled up to him before summoning her wings and wrapping them around him to keep warm.


    The following morning, he woke up and saw the ceiling of the tent shaking due to the wind outside. Atlas sighed before climbing out of bed where the sleeping Amethyst was curled up causing him to think,


    ''She''s so beautiful.''


    He shook his head, walking over to the window. The rain blurred his view, making it hard to see anything. A soft chirp broke the silence, and he glanced up to see Horus perched nearby, his glowing blue eyes fixed on him.


    ''Master,''


    the bird''s voice echoed in his mind,


    ''there are thousands of humans out there¡ªand even more beneath the earth.''


    When Atlas heard this he grew curious and asked, ''''Did you go inside?''''


    Horus shook his head,


    ''No, a barrier blocked me from entering and mages could sense me while I was lurking around,''


    he answered.


    Following that, Atlas decided to give the new Level Six ago, he was curious at what creatures would appear. He reappeared in a primal jungle which caught him off guard as the howls and screeches of monsters echoed out.


    ''Some sort of dinosaur maybe? This could be useful,''


    Atlas thought while taking out his blades.


    He cast Void Infusion, bathing the surroundings in a radiant azure glow. Atlas kept moving forward, but suddenly, the ground beneath him trembled,


    ''Oh crap, something''s coming!''


    he thought.


    When feeling this Atlas cast Void Step and teleported into the trees above, where he waited silently on a high branch as he spotted the culprit which made him gulp as it was a giant theropod dinosaur monster.


    It emerged from the shadows, a creature unlike any he''d ever heard of. Its scales were a deep, dark blue, almost black, with streaks of glowing sapphire running along its body like veins of lightning.


    ''What is this nightmare!''


    he thought while gripping his blades tighter.


    Each step it took cracked the ground beneath its colossal claws, and its eyes glowed with an unnatural, fierce intelligence. Atlas was stumped but scanned the monster using Void Sight on it.


    [Void Tarrasque]


    [Rank C]


    ''This thing is strong but let''s see if I can ambush it,''


    he thought with a grin while preparing to attack.


    Atlas noticed the monster started to walk under the tree he was in, when this happened he readied Void Smash before jumping off the branch. He descended like a shadow with the force of a meteor.


    The air crackled around him as he plummeted, fists charged with dark energy. In a single, explosive strike, he slammed into the beast''s armored head, unleashing a shockwave that split the ground beneath them.


    It let out a thunderous roar as it was driven into the earth, carving a massive crater in the ground. Atlas''s bones shook but he was suddenly slapped with the tail of the monster before being sent flying through the trees.


    Thanks to the force of the strike it broke hundreds of trees until crashing into the side of a boulder. Atlas fell to the ground with a thud,


    ''Ahh fuck, that hurt,''


    he thought before looking up.


    The ground started to rumble as the half-dead Void Tarrasque rushed toward him, it was letting out a fierce roar that made his heart race. Atlas''s Regeneration kicked in allowing him to get up even though pain shot through his body.


    Without wasting time he cast Void Bombs at the charging monster, when the azure projectiles slammed against it an explosion erupted. He quickly used Void Step to flee from the shockwave.


    After ten minutes Atlas reached a tree and started climbing up to get some rest, when sitting down and admiring the primeval jungle below. While doing that, he pulled up the monster total to see how many he had to kill.


    [Void Tarrasque - 1/1000]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????] S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [????????????????????]


    When Atlas saw this he sighed,


    ''These giants are going to be hard to fight, but will come in handy when attacking empire armies,''


    he thought as excitement swelled.


    Following that, he jumped down and when to search for the Tarrasques. After five minutes another charged at him. Atlas quickly sent several Void Lances in the creature''s direction and when they connected it tripped over.


    The giant monster crashed into the ground, Atlas dashed forward and appeared next to its big head before thrusting his blade into its eyes. This made the Tarrasque roar but he quickly cast Void Lance that pierced its skull.


    It slipped back into the Void Realm, but before Atlas could catch his breath, more of them surged forward, overwhelming him. He tried to dodge, but one struck him down, jolting him awake in the real world.


    Gasping, he realized the storm outside had got worse, raging even fiercer than before. Atlas looked around the tent''s living room and noticed Horus sitting on the arm of the chair he was on.


    ''Master, the storm will be here for a few days,''


    the bird informed him.


    ''Another one is hitting from the north.''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 263 - 263: Looks Like We Found The Devil

    Atlas gave up on the storm as it wasn''t stopping, he sat down and relaxed as Horus hopped over to him, ''This is perfect, the enemy will be lulled into a false sense of security. Once the weather calms down we can attack.''


    He looked tiny harpy eagle before agreeing, ''''Good idea, we can use the Kenku''s to hit a certain part of the wall to distract the Achaemendians.''''


    Following that, Atlas activated Void Realm and appeared in the jungle where he would be fighting the Void Tarrasques. He took out his swords and cast Void Infusion on them just as the roars rang out.


    The creatures started heading in his direction forcing him into the trees. Thanks to Void Step he got up high just as the first monsters smashed through the brush, when he saw this he jumped onto its head.


    Without wasting time, Atlas drove his blade into the Tarrasque''s skull before casting Void Bombs. He used Void Step to get away just as the explosion erupted and blew its head apart.


    More monsters rushed out and tried to attack but thanks to the size difference he managed to avoid all the bites and tail swipes. Atlas started casting dozens of Void Barrage at the others causing small explosions to ring out.


    While this happened he pulled up the monster total to check on the amount his killed so far.


    [Void Tarrasque - 4/1000]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    ''This is going to take long,'' Atlas mused before transforming into his Voidwalker form and trying to see if this helps.


    He leaped from the elevated ground, landing with a powerful thud before immediately dashing toward the nearest Tarrasque. Atlas slashed through the creature''s thick ankle. The beast let out a roar as its massive form tumbled to the ground in a thunderous crash.


    With the Tarrasque down, he plunged his claw into the eye of the monster, which caused it to fade back into the Void Realm. Following this, Atlas went to work and started killing them, each one was getting easier.


    When they would charge, he would dodge their first attack before plunging his fist through its skull. Atlas continued this while unleashing thousands of punches and slashes that killed even more Tarrasques.


    He stayed in the Void Realm for hours, until one unlucky swipe sent him to the real world. Atlas woke up and noticed Artemis and Estelle sitting in front of the fire while gossiping about something.


    While coming too he brought up the monster total and was pleasantly surprised with the results.


    [Void Tarrasque - 79/1000]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    Atlas stood up and stretched his arms, causing his bones to crack as he approached the fire. He sat down next to the brunette whose brown eyes turned to him. ''''Hello sleepyhead, were you in the Void Realm?''''


    ''''I was, I''ve reached Level Six, and this one is harder because the monsters are giants,'''' he answered while taking out some ale. ''''They are strong but slow, but thanks to their size it''s easy to dodge them.''''


    Estelle glanced at him with curious blue eyes as she questioned, ''''Could my shield stand up against them?''''


    Atlas shrugged, ''''Maybe for a few minutes, the Tarrasques have brute strength in their favor,'''' he said while taking a mouthful of ale.


    Once he finished it Artemis took the leather pouch and drank some. Atlas started laughing as he poked the brunette''s side. This made her yelp before countering by pinching him. The two started fighting.


    The blonde watched this before giggling at the two as she spoke. ''''You two make a good couple. Laughing together shows a bond is forming.''''


    Artemis looked at Estelle with a smile as she answered while slapping his hand away, ''''You''re right, but this gremlin thinks he can tease me and get away with it.''''


    She then started attacking him even more. Atlas started laughing while holding the Siren woman back, but she was slippery. Artemis slipped out of his hold, but he quickly grabbed her in a bear hug.


    ''''Do you give up, Fish?'''' he whispered into her ear.


    This sent shivers down the brunette''s back as she smirked, ''''I do, but let me turn around Blue.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his expression changed, but Artemis giggled, ''''It''s my nickname for you handsome. Those blue eyes of yours are so sexy,'''' she revealed. ''''Ask Blondie over there. She loves them.''''


    They turned to Estelle, who gave him a sweet smile, ''''I do, I mean I have blue eyes but yours are out of this world. It''s like looking at the heavens,'''' she said while taking off her armor.


    Atlas noticed her well-endowed chest bounced out, causing Artemis to tease, ''''Your boobs are getting bigger Estelle, what''s your secret?''''


    ''''Oh shut up Art,'''' she replied with a giggle. ''''My Nonna had a big chest, but neither my mother nor sisters inherited that particular trait, but I did and they hated it.''''


    The trio laughed before Estelle stood up and announced, ''''I''m going to check out the fortress. The storm should have them hidden away but it wouldn''t stop their reinforcements from arriving.''''


    Atlas nodded as he watched the blonde leave the tent. As she vanished Artemis grabbed his chin and turned his head. Seconds later, she kissed him. A shock ran through his entire body causing him to grab her slender waist.


    The two of them continued to kiss, only for it to grow hot and heavy, which the couple enjoyed. Atlas''s hands slid up her body before cupping her perky boobs. This earned him a moan as they broke apart, ''''Mmmmghh~~.''''


    Artemis pressed herself close to him, their bodies flush as they shared a deep, lingering kiss. When she finally pulled away, her breath came in soft, ragged gasps, a pleased smile lighting up her face.


    ''''I love kissing you, Blue,'''' she confessed, her eyes sparkling. ''''It''s always so special, the passion that radiates from you makes it feel like nothing else.''''


    Atlas smiled when hearing this and hugged the beautiful brunette. The two of them just sat there just as he started playing with her soft hair. Her smile grew wider as she spoke in a soft voice, ''''I love that, it feels so good.''''


    Soon enough, Artemis fell asleep and started letting out adorable snores as he ran his fingers up and down her back. Minutes later, Atlas joined her as the couple was extremely comfortable.


    Sometime later, Estelle walked back into the tent while rubbing her cold hands. When she spotted the duo, a smile appeared as she muttered, ''''I can see your effort in getting to know each of us Atlas, and I must admit it makes me want you even more.''''


    The blonde took out a blanket while placing it over the two. After that, she kissed him on the forward before heading toward the firepit. While everyone was asleep, the storm outside worsened, as the north wasn''t a kind place.


    Estelle ensured the fire blazed brightly, the flames casting a warm glow across the room. She smiled to herself, a mix of pride and determination in her eyes. ''''You''ve come so far, princess,'''' she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.


    But then her expression grew serious as she added, ''''There''s still work to be done. I have to make things right with Grish... and prove to Atlas that I''m truly trying to change.''''


    Following that, she went to bed as the weather outside covered the tent and helped them blend into the surroundings. Hours later, Atlas woke up with a snoring Artemis on his lap which made him smile.


    Atlas shifted the brunette aside before rising to his feet and moving toward the entrance. That''s when an unsettling feeling gripped him. Without hesitation, he reacted, teleporting everything to the Otherworld as he drew his blades.


    He crossed them just in time to block an incoming strike, sparks flying on impact. As the tension rose, Atlas quickly realized he was surrounded by Nightowls, their menacing presence closing in.


    ''''Looks like we found the devil,'''' a man''s voice rang out. ''''Get him!''''


    Without wasting time, he started attacking the Nightowls using his speed and managed to cut down a few before more appeared. While this happened, Nulia raged from the Otherworld. ''''Let us fight! You mean something to all of us?''''


    When Atlas heard this, he summoned the five women, who instantly joined the fight. Amethyst let out a screech that dazed all the attackers as she transformed into her phoenix form and grabbed the two of them before taking off. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nulia materialized in her Frostbear form, her massive frame erupting with raw power as she lunged at the Nightowls. Her claws tore through them with savage precision, bisecting several with a single swipe.


    Letting out a deafening roar, she lunged at the commander, sinking her teeth into his skull. In one crushing motion, she obliterated his head, shattering it like a watermelon. Atlas laughed at this scene as he cut down some of the enemy soldiers before summoning hundreds of Kenku''s.


    The bird assassins quickly killed the Nightowls with overwhelming numbers and skill.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 264 - 264: You Have No Idea

    Atlas knew there was no point in hiding and ordered the Kenkus to attack the fortress below. When the birdmen heard his command, they dashed down the hill before vanishing into the shadows, which made him think, ''These creatures are going to cause chaos.''


    Following that, Nulia and Amethyst shifted into their human forms as he laid out the plan. ''''Estelle, Artemis, you ladies will attack from the west,'''' he said. ''''Nulia and Grishna, you''ll take the front, while Amethyst will strike from the south.''''


    The five women agreed before rushing off to play their part in the upcoming attack. Once they were gone, Atlas slung several Void Bombs into the fortress which the enemy weren''t ready for.


    Explosions rang out, and seconds later, an alarm rang out. During the chaos, the Kenku''s attacked, killing the soldiers stationed on the walls. As the creature''s blades slashed at the soldier''s throats, others dragged them kicking and screaming into the darkness below.


    Without wasting a moment, Atlas summoned the Void Golem King, who let out an angry roar that echoed across the landscape. The colossal stone behemoth emerged, towering over the battlefield, waiting for its orders.


    ''''Destroy the defenses,'''' he commanded.


    The giant monster charged down the hill with unstoppable force, slamming its massive shoulder into the fortress walls. The impact was devastating, reducing the sturdy barrier to rubble in an instant.


    Following that, the women attacked. Estelle''s Steel Legion battled the defenders as she summoned them after Artemis threw her onto the wall. While this happened, the brunette took out the cannons that were targeting them.


    Amethyst let out a screech that echoed across the landscape. Atlas watched as she cast Cosmic Blast at the front gate. The explosion tore the metal structure apart and sent debris flying everywhere.


    The spell decimated the guards behind it, leaving only a few alive. She quickly wiped out the survivors with a wave of purple fire that washed over them like a tsunami. The last two women burst onto the scene like a furious storm, their presence crackling with power.


    ''Oh shit, they have grown strong,'' he thought with glowing azure eyes.


    Nulia''s deafening roar thundered across the fortress, sending tremors through the stone walls. She scaled the fortress walls, her claws tearing through the spearmen that tried to stop her.


    Atlas watched the soldiers turn into bloody chunks as she passed. At that moment, Grishna, in her Bloodborn Orc form, leaped onto the wall, her massive hammer raised high. She brought it down with crushing force, obliterating any nearby soldiers.


    After seeing all this, Atlas got to work and summoned a swarm of Bloodhawks. The flying monsters flew out of a portal before descending onto the Achaemenids and tearing into their ranks.


    With everything in place, he sprinted forward, calling out to Theo before leaping onto the creature''s back. In one powerful motion, they soared over the fortress walls. A barrage of spells hurtled toward them, but he countered with a Void Barrage, each shot finding its mark.


    The explosion lit up the sky in a beautiful blue glow. Atlas flew over the defenses as a wave of spells and arrows rained down on them. Theo quickly dived low and flew through the fortress''s streets.


    Atlas quickly jumped off the monster''s back and landed in the middle of the enemy soldiers. He cast Void Wave, washed out from his body, and slammed into them before he started cutting through their armor. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amethyst unleashed a piercing screech, momentarily stunning the soldiers surrounding Atlas and leaving them vulnerable to his strikes. Seizing the opportunity, he sprinted down a nearby street, unleashing a flurry of spells that annihilated waves of enemies in his path.


    While doing this, he felt his mana topping up, which allowed him to summon the Void Ghouls that appeared from the azure portal. The creatures rushed forward and pounced on the shocked Achaemendians.


    Thousands of empire soldiers fell to their attack while the Kenku''s attacked from behind along with the women. Atlas was happy that he could finally take some revenge on the Achaemenids who had been attacking him for years.


    Following that, the group continued attacking the soldiers until every enemy lay dead and the streets covered in blood. Atlas was sitting at a fountain surrounded by corpses. While resting, he ordered the monsters to throw the bodies into the Otherworld.


    While he watched them do that, Grishna and Artemis appeared. Both women looked exhausted before collapsing next to him. Atlas smiled as he spoke. ''''Looks like you two had fun.''''


    ''''You have no idea, darling,'''' the green-skinned beauty replied, a sly smile curling her lips as she stretched her arms. ''''This new form drains me, but I''m sure I''ll grow accustomed to it soon enough.''''


    Atlas chuckled before pulling Grishna into a hug, which made her smile as she asked with a giggle, ''''What are you doing? You''re covered in blood, you silly man.''''


    He chuckled and hugged her even tighter, which the Orc woman accepted with a loving smile, ''''I''m glad you''re okay handsome, me and Arty were worried about you.''''


    Artemis returned to her normal form after crushing a few more defenses as she approached the square. Atlas smiled when he saw the brunette and used Void Step to appear in front of her and quickly scooped her into a princess carry.


    ''''Ahh, what are you doing Atlas!'''' she exclaimed as a smile appeared.


    ''''Making sure you rest Artemis, now stopped wiggling around and let me pamper you,'''' Atlas replied with a grin.


    The brunette fell silent, sinking into his embrace with a contented smile as they sat together, the fortress ablaze behind them. Moments later, Amethyst descended with a heavy thud, shifting back into her humanoid form.


    ''''I lit a blaze around the fortress which will stop reinforcements from approaching,'''' she said in a tired voice.


    Atlas put Artemis down and hugged the phoenix woman, who melted into his embrace as she spoke cheerfully. ''''It always feels nice when you hug me, my love.''''


    Explosions reverberated through the air as Nulia and Estelle arrived at the square. The blonde warrior was covered in the enemy soldier''s blood, while the Frost Bear woman staggered, clearly wounded.


    He watched as the knight hurried to heal her companion. A radiant white light enveloped Nulia, mending her wounds and allowing her to transform back into her humanoid form as she exclaimed, ''''I hate fighting in urban areas. The enemy always hides behind corners and stabs.''''


    Everyone laughed as Atlas stood up and spoke to the five women, ''''You ladies head back to the Otherworld and rest. I''ll loot the fortress before moving on.''''


    They nodded in agreement and kissed him goodbye before stepping through the portal he had opened. Turning his gaze to the largest building, Atlas made his way toward it, his steps echoing through streets stained with blood.


    Upon reaching the Achaemendian command center, he paused briefly, surveying the carnage. With a wave of his hand, he summoned the Void Ghouls, commanding them to loot the fortress and strip it of any remaining resources.


    Afterward, he made his way to the prison where the Shadowfang Royal Family was being held captive. The journey took him ten minutes through the war-torn streets. When Atlas arrived, he found the Void Ghouls standing vigil outside the entrance.


    The moment they recognized him, they swiftly dispersed, leaving the way clear for him to enter. Atlas stepped inside and noticed a large group of people huddled in the corner while protected by four men.


    The largest of the guards stepped forward with a low growl, his posture threatening. But as soon as his eyes locked onto Atlas, his expression shifted in surprise. He paused before shaking his head in confusion.


    ''''Who are you, boy?'''' the wolf man asked with shock lacing his voice.


    ''''Lucky for you a savor, an old wolf woman sent me here to save you so she could heal my companion,'''' Atlas responded while approaching the cell. ''''I assume you''re the Shadowfang Royal Family?''''


    The man slowly nodded as he spoke. ''''And what do you get from rescuing us?''''


    ''''A healed companion and some allies in the north,'''' Atlas answered before cutting through the cell''s bars with a swift slash.


    The metal slammed onto the floor as he entered and opened a portal to the Otherworld. ''''Stand under this tree and I''ll come create some tents with you. I''m going to the location the old woman told me before she vanished.''''


    Following this, the wary family looked at the azure portal before the man ushered them into it. Estelle and Grishna met them, who wouldn''t let them in the treehouse just as Atlas followed behind.


    Once inside the Otherworld, he closed his eyes and created a small camp for them with a well and a small garden. After that, Atlas spoke to the Shadowfang King, ''''Stay here and recover. I will travel to your people alone.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 265 - 265: Grandmaster

    Atlas made sure the royal wolf family was safe before leaving the Otherworld while summoning Raymond. The giant Stormeagle appeared from the portal and lowered its body, which allowed him to jump on it.


    ''''Look for a wild forest Ray, I''m going to rest using your feathers,'''' Atlas commented before getting comfortable.


    Following that, the monster flapped its wings and quickly took off. While this happened, he closed his eyes and relaxed while recovering the mana he had spent. Hours later, Raymond''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Master, I see the forest. I''ll land outside because the trees are too big for me to land inside.''


    Atlas agreed as the bird descended to the ground below and landed with a crash. He quickly jumped off Raymond''s back before sending him back to the Otherworld. Once that was done, the five women appeared.


    ''''Seems like you''ve been busy, Atlas,'''' Grishna commented with a big smile.


    ''''Yes, I rescued the Shadowfang Royal Family. Now we can get Lilith healed and finally head south,'''' he replied to the Orc woman.


    The others beamed with pride, their smiles mirroring the joy in the air. Amethyst, unable to contain her excitement, threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. ''''I''m growing stronger every day, my love!'''' she exclaimed in excitement.


    When Atlas heard this, he smiled before asking, ''''Let me see your status. I want to see how powerful you''re now.''''


    Name: Amethyst Flameheart


    Age: 17


    Race: Cosmic Phoenix


    Class: Cosmic Mage


    Level: 378.


    Rank: Expert.


    Experience: 300/1000


    Affinity: Space


    ____


    Attributes:


    Health: 1812


    Mana: 3980


    Strength: 1612


    Stamina: 1878


    Charisma: 890


    Intelligence: 1490


    ____


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: High Journeyman


    Core Points: 9600/350000


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Cosmic Bullet (8) Lv-1: Stellar Arrow (7) Lv-2: Cosmic Blast (10) Lv-3: Cosmic Flames (6)


    Defence: Lv-1: Cosmic Barrier (10)


    ____


    Skills: Phoenix Form (4) Cosmic Wings (10) Cosmic Sight (10)


    ''Oh, she has improved,'' Atlas thought with a smile. ''At least I don''t have to worry about her.''


    ''''I''m impressed Amethyst, seems like you''ve grown well,'''' he said, which made the phoenix woman beam.


    The other women offered their congratulations, impressed by her remarkable expertise at just seventeen, a feat few could achieve. With the moment of celebration passing, the group turned their focus to the task ahead.


    They ventured into the forest as Atlas carefully followed the old woman''s directions to locate the elusive Shadowfang people. While doing that, Estelle and Nulia were chatting as Artemis chewed Amethyst''s ear off.


    He chuckled at the scene, but Grishna appeared with a grin as she spoke. ''''Do you want to see my status, husband? We''ve all got stronger since our separation.''''


    Atlas nodded in acknowledgment, prompting the Orc woman to reveal it with a confident grin. His expression shifted to one of impressed amusement as she playfully slapped her toned behind.


    Name: Grishna Brokentooth.


    Age: 22


    Race: Orc


    Class: Warrior


    Level: 499


    Rank: Master.


    Experience: 4920/5000


    Affinity: Earth ¨C Metal


    ____


    Attributes:


    Health: 2650


    Mana: 4670


    Strength: 4752


    Stamina: 2978


    Charisma: 1210


    Intelligence: 1892


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Iron Fist (10) Lv-1: Metal Bullet (10) Lv-2: Earth Bolt (10) Lv-3: Razorwind Blades (9) Lv-3: Silver Shriek (9)


    Defence: Lv-1: Ironclad(9)


    Support: Lv-1: Body Enhancement(10) Lv-1: Dust Cloud(10)Lv-1: Minor Healing (6)


    ____


    Skills: Hand-to-Hand Combat (10) Spearmanship (10) Survivlist (10) Cooking (10) Tracking (6) Intimidation (7) Shield Mastery (5) War Cry (4) Lock Picking (7) Ransack (6) Hunting (3) Trapping (7) Lockpicking (2) Bloodbound Orc (-)


    ''''Impressive Grish, I can see why you destroyed the empire soldiers,'''' Atlas commented with an excited expression. ''''Now that you girls are stronger, we can do more damage to the Achaemendian invasion of Astoria.''''


    Grishna nodded with a smile as she spoke, ''''We''ll need to camp soon. Do we stay in the wild or go into the Otherworld?''''


    Atlas opened up a portal. ''''Let''s rest in the treehouse. I don''t want to look over my shoulder all night,'''' he said.


    Following that, the group entered the Otherworld. The women started relaxing as Atlas went to check on the wolves. He stepped onto the balcony and noticed them sitting around the fire while eating.


    After checking on them, Atlas walked back into the treehouse where Artemis, Nulia, Grishna, and Amethyst were heading for the bathroom. He watched each of them vanish down the corridor.


    ''''They want to wash away the dirt and grim of the battles,'''' Estelle commented as she made some tea. ''''Artemis and Grishna smelt of blood, I told them they needed to wash or it would seep into their hair.''''


    Atlas laughed when hearing this. He approached the beautiful blonde who was wearing a white dress that went past her knees. He grabbed her waist and started kissing her slender neck.


    She shivered all over before reaching back and running her fingers through his hair. ''''Why do you tease me like this, handsome? I''m not breaking my promise to Little Bird.''''


    ''''I''m not asking you to. I wanted to see how strong my blonde beauties become,'''' Atlas replied in a whisper.


    Estelle beamed before showing him her status, which surprised him, but was happy she was on his side.


    Name: Estelle Argonia


    Age: 27


    Race: Human


    Class: Solar Guardian


    Level: 511


    Rank: Grandmaster


    Experience: 4340/5000


    Affinity: Sun ¨C Light


    ____


    Attributes:


    Health: 3288


    Mana: 5150


    Strength: 2890


    Stamina: 2562


    Charisma: 1320


    Intelligence: 1556


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Solar Slash (10) Lv-2: Light Blast (10) Lv-3: Radiant Strike (9) Lv-3: Dawns Wrath (6)


    Defence: Lv-1: Holy Barrier (10) Lv-2: Solar Shield (8)


    Support: Lv-1: Healing Light (10)


    Utility: Lv-3: Vigilant Watch (7)


    ____


    Skills: Swordsmanship (10) Archery (5) Hunting (6) Hand-to-Hand (10) Cooking (10) Brace (10) Shield Wall (6) Ground Pound (8) Vigilant Watch (6) Shield Bash (10) Steel Legion (0)


    ''''A Grandmaster! How?'''' Atlas muttered, causing her to giggle as she stopped making tea and turned around to face him.


    ''''I''ve been working hard and my goddess granted me strength to help you. She said I am the guide who will keep you from falling to the darkness, Atlas,'''' Estelle revealed with a loving smile. ''''I will make sure I still see that smile I''ve come to love seeing. I can''t let evil take that from me.''''


    She leaned in and kissed Atlas, which caught him off guard, but when she broke apart, she continued, ''''I will be beside you until the end. You won''t have to fight the empire alone.''''


    Following that, she pecked him on the nose before getting back to making tea with a big smile. All this left Atlas baffled, but he went to sit down while checking his status to see how much he had leveled up.


    Name: Atlas


    Age: 18


    Race: Voidborn


    Class: Voidwalker/Dungeon Conqueror


    Level: 405


    Rank: Master


    Experience: 14980/50000


    Affinity: Void


    ___


    Attributes:


    Health: 4536 (200)


    Mana: 36800 (1000)


    Strength: 5338 (100)


    Stamina: 6206 (250)


    Charisma: 1725


    Intelligence: 4176


    ____


    Mana Core:


    Core Rank: Journeyman Mid


    Core Points: 211020/300000


    ____


    Spells:


    Attack: Lv-1: Void Bullet (8) Lv-1: Void Arrow (7) Lv-2: Void Blast (7) Lv-2: Void Wave (6) Lv-3: Void Lance (6) Lvl 2- Void Punch (5) Lvl 3- Void Smash (1)


    Defence: Lv-1: Void Guard (8)


    Support: Lvl-1: Void Step (6) Lvl-2: Void Veil (7) Lvl-2: Void Infusion (6)


    Utility:


    ___


    Skills: Void Realm (5) Silent Casting (-) Void Sight (5) Dual Wielding (8) Health Regeneration (6) Dimensional Storage (5) Aqua Lung (3) Light (3) Dungeon Conqueror (2) Maskweaving (3) Voidwalker Form (3)


    ''Not bad. It looks like I''ve improved a lot, but I need to keep going,'' Atlas mused as Estelle brought over a hot cup of tea as she sat next to him.


    The blonde beamed at him. ''''This should give you some energy. I''ve got a collection of different teas I''ve been picking up over the years,'''' she said in a cheerful voice.


    Following that, the two of them spoke about their status and skills. Atlas enjoyed his time with Estelle as the blonde told him stories of her childhood back in the Argonia Kingdom, where she learned how to fight.


    She explained that during her childhood, her father, the crown prince at the time, would train her and her sisters in the art of combat. They practiced relentlessly, mastering the use of all kinds of weapons under his strict guidance.


    This intrigued Atlas, who listened as Estelle described the deep love and care her parents had always shown her. A flicker of jealousy flashed in his eyes, a reminder of his lonely upbringing back on Earth.


    The blonde quickly noticed this and grabbed his hand. ''''I know you were alone before, but not anymore. There are six of us who care for you. Now imagine where we''d be in twenty years.''''


    Atlas chuckled before nodding, ''''You''re right, it''s the past and should stay there,'''' he replied as the two continued drinking their tea. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once the duo were finished with their tea, Estelle grabbed his hand and dragged him toward her bedroom with a smile, ''''I want to cuddle you tonight, it''s cold and for some reason, you''re always warm.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 266 - 266: Do You Want

    Atlas let the blonde drag him to her room, where she got changed into her nightclothes. She looked at him with glowing blue eyes and commented with a smirk, ''''Undress, you''re not wearing armor in bed.''''


    He chuckled before dismissing his clothes and climbing into bed. Estelle followed suit and cuddled up to him by putting her head on his shoulder. The two of them soon fell asleep as the storm outside got worse.


    As Atlas drifted into sleep, he unexpectedly found himself dreaming. The scene unfolded around him. He was standing in the courtyard of a grand castle that''s when a sharp, rhythmic clang of blades filled the air, drawing his attention.


    Turning toward the source of the sound, he spotted two women locked in an intense duel, their movements swift and skilled. One had white hair like his own but with glowing pink eyes, and the other looked like an older version of Estelle.


    ''Is she related to Estelle? It can''t be,'' he thought while watching the fight. ''This world seems old. I recognize some stuff, but others are new to me.''


    The white-haired woman quickly deflected several attacks with a big smile. Atlas watched the blonde try to outclass the faster woman, but she sidestepped the blonde''s strike and leveled her blade at her opponent''s throat.


    ''''You''re getting slower, Juliette. I''m glad mother and father hired you to train me,'''' the younger woman commented in an excited tone. ''''Traveling this far must have taken its toll on you.'''' S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas watched the blonde knight laugh as she replied, ''''I loved the journey, princess. I got to fight monsters and bandits that aren''t seen in my homeland.''''


    The princess nodded without losing her smile. ''''Since Father conquered the Zarandar Continent, the bandits and monsters fled Aurelia to Astoria,'''' she said before putting her sword away.


    ''''That''s putting pressure on the Achaemendians,'''' the blonde remarked, her tone tinged with concern. ''''They''re furious at the empire for flooding their small kingdom with chaos.''''


    Her words hung in the air as the two made their way toward a magnificent palace nestled at the base of a towering mountain. They walked into the palace where maids rushed about like ants.


    Atlas watched the white-haired woman giggle before speaking. ''''They will be next. They''ve caused enough trouble for the empire. I heard Big Brother is heading north to deal with them.''''


    ''''Yes, they are joining up with Argonia to fight. The Achaemendians have been raiding our lands,'''' the blonde revealed. ''''I need to return with the army. My little sister is pregnant with my niece and I want to be there for the birth.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his eyes widened as he thought, ''Maybe her mother?''


    Following that, the dream suddenly ended as thunder boomed overhead. He woke up with Estelle cuddled up to him, ''''What was that dream?'''' he muttered before getting up.


    Atlas walked over to the bedroom window and looked outside, only to see a rainstorm pouring down as thunder lit up the Otherworld. He saw the forest below was swaying back and forward, causing him to worry about the Shadowfang Family.


    Without wasting time, he teleported to their camp, which was getting battered by the weather, which annoyed him. Atlas created several cabins for them and spoke as the king exited the tent. ''''Take these for your home. We''re in the forest where your people should be hiding.''''


    The king looked at the new builders before smiling as the older man approached him and held out his hand, ''''I''m Ulric Shadowfang, the previous king of the Shadowfang Kingdom.''''


    Atlas took it and replied with a friendly expression, ''''Atlas, it''s good to meet you Ulric, but get your family in the cabins. The weather is only getting worse.''''


    Ulric nodded before preparing to tend to his family. ''''Thank you, I will get them moving now. Thanks for all your help Atlas, when I finally beat the empire I''ll reward you,'''' he said in a grateful voice.


    Following that, he left them behind and went on a walk through the jungle. After half an hour, Atlas sensed all kinds of monsters lurking in the surrounding darkness. Seconds later, he reached Atek''s home, where he found the Frostfang Tiger cuddled up with Nala.


    This scene took Atlas by surprise as he thought, ''They are lovers? Doesn''t surprise me as the tiger got more affectionate.''


    Seconds later, Nala''s head popped up as her voice sounded in her mind, ''Master? What brings you to our home?''


    Atlas grinned when hearing her tired voice. ''''So you two are together now?''''


    The lioness nodded, causing him to continue. ''''Good, you will build a powerful army for me and still help me despite being a mother Nala.''''


    Following that, he left the monsters alone and teleported back to the treehouse. When Atlas appeared, he spotted Nulia walking out of her bedroom. The brown-skinned woman let out a yawn as she stretched.


    Atlas noticed her bear ears twitch as she greeted him with a loving smile. ''''Morning Alt, what are you doing up? It''s freezing out here.''''


    He chuckled softly before stepping closer to Nulia, gently wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his head on the curve of her neck. With a tender touch, Atlas started kissing along her slender neck.


    Each one made her tremble because of the pleasure. After that, he spoke with a grin, ''''Do you want to come back to bed with me? We''ll be trapped in the treehouse until the storm calms down.''''


    Without a word, Nulia grabbed his hand and led him toward her bedroom, a radiant smile lighting up her face. As they stepped into the cozy, warmly lit room, she turned to him and declared with a playful voice, ''''Yes, I love cuddling you, Atlas. Now shut up and get comfortable.''''


    He chuckled when hearing this before climbing under the sheets and getting cozy as Nulia joined him. The Frostbear beauty quickly cuddled up to him as he started playing with her soft hair.


    ''This is the life, but once I defeat the empire I can finally rest,'' he thought with a tired smile.


    Nulia let out a contented sigh, her body relaxing as she snuggled into his side. The warmth of the moment seemed to lull her into a peaceful sleep. He gazed out the window, his fingers gently tracing circles on her back.


    Atlas stayed there in quiet comfort, the rhythm of his movements soothing both of them until his own eyes finally closed, and he drifted off to sleep. The following morning, he woke up and noticed the room was still dark.


    While lying there, he activated the Void Realm and appeared in the humid jungle. Creature roars echoed across the landscape. Atlas pulled out his swords before checking on the monster total.


    [Void Tarrasque - 79/1000]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    Following this, Atlas felt the ground shake as the Tarrasques started charging at him while letting out earth-shaking roars. He smiled when he saw this just as he started casting Void Lances.


    ''This should deal with them,'' he thought as the excitement soared.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the dense jungle, their blinding speed striking with precision. They slammed into three of the monstrous giants, tearing gaping holes through their torsos and sending them back into the void.


    As the creatures faded, the battle erupted in full force. Atlas dodged the giant''s snapping jaws and whip-like tails. His reflexes were sharp as he navigated the chaos, staying one step ahead of their deadly strikes.


    Atlas continued casting Void Lances and Bombs into the Tarrasques that quickly destroyed waves of creatures. He was enjoying himself while using Void Step to appear on the branches above.


    The monsters got angry as they couldn''t reach him. Atlas chuckled as the giant creatures slammed into the base of the tree. ''Oh fuck, looks like they do have some brain in that massive head,'' he thought.


    Following that, Atlas jumped off the tree branch and landed on one of the monster''s heads before leaping into the treetops. He continued attacking the creatures with Void Lances that were strong enough to pierce through its thick hide.


    The Tarrasques crashed to the ground, their massive forms vanishing into the void with a deafening roar. Just as Atlas prepared to leap from his perch, the monster lashed out, toppling the tree he was in.


    He heard a loud crack and, before he could react, the tree began to fall, causing him to yelp in surprise.


    In a split second, Atlas cast Void Step, vanishing from the tree and reappearing on the ground below. But there was no time to rest. More monsters were closing in, forcing him to keep moving.


    While doing this, he quickly checked on the monster total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Tarrasque - 121/1000]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    ''This will take some time, but I''ll ask the girls to help me thin out the numbers,'' Atlas thought with an excited smile.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 267 - 267: Void Shadow Tarrasques

    Atlas was hiding in the tree branches above the group of Tarrasques who were going crazy, as they couldn''t find him. They destroyed trees and searched for a while before he cast a Void Lance that pierced through the skull of the monster.


    He watched the monster vanish back into the Void Realm as the others looked up at him with rage-filled red eyes. They let out roars before attacking the bottom of the tree he was in, causing Atlas to cast several Void Bombs into the group.


    An explosion erupted and wiped them out as he used Void Step to get off the branch, but that''s when something hit him from behind. He yelped as some pierced his back and something bit down on his shoulder. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Arghh fuck! Damn monsters!''


    Atlas gritted his teeth before casting Void Wave that knocked the unknown monster off him. He twisted around and noticed a black theropod the size of a horse and its glowing red eyes stared at him.


    The creature resembled a smaller, sleeker Tarrasque, faster, more agile, and far more deadly in appearance. The sight of it sent chills racing down his spine. Without hesitation, he activated Void Sight to scan the creature to find out what it was.


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque]


    [Rank B]


    Atlas gulped when he saw this, but the monster lunged forward and tried to bite down on him. He sidestepped this attack and quickly hit it with a Void Smash. When his fist connected with the creature''s head, it exploded into meat chunks.


    ''Seems like they can''t stand up against that,'' he thought with an excited smile.


    Moments later, more monsters lunged at him in a combined attack, which took him by surprise. Atlas evaded a flurry of strikes while countering with explosive punches that sent the creatures hurtling through the dense jungle undergrowth.


    However, amidst the chaos, the massive tail of a larger Tarrasque slammed into him with devastating force, launching him through the trees like a rag doll. Atlas quickly woke up in bed with Nulia hugging his body.


    While feeling this, he quickly checked the monster total to see how many monsters he had killed during his session in the Void Realm.


    [Void Tarrasque - 134/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 23/500]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    ''These monsters will be useful just like the Kenku''s. I can use them as siege engines,'' he mused as his eyes closed as he grew tired.


    Atlas grinned before pulling her closer and kissing her on the forehead as he got comfortable. The exhaustion kicked him and he soon fell asleep as the weather outside was slowly calming down.


    The next morning, a deep rumble of thunder woke Atlas up, flashes of lightning briefly illuminating his room. Groggy but restless, he dragged himself out of bed and shuffled toward the treehouse''s bathroom.


    As he stepped inside, a wave of warm, humid air greeted him, wrapping around his skin and drawing a comfortable sigh from his lips. Atlas stepped inside and started getting undressed before slipping into the hot water.


    Following that, Atlas relaxed as the aches vanished, and he felt at peace while resting his head back as thunder boomed high above the Otherworld. ''It was slowing down last night, but it''s only got worse,'' he mused.


    While relaxing, the door opened, causing him to spot Artemis wearing a nightgown that stopped just above her knees. Atlas''s lust ignited, but he shook his head, ''''Morning beautiful, I know this is random, but I love your freckles.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' her face went red, but she still smiled. ''''Can I join you, please?''''


    Atlas nodded as he spoke in a cheerful voice. ''''Of course, I was just resting. The Void Realm took a lot from me during my last go at it.''''


    The brunette beamed before slipping into the bath after stripping off. He didn''t miss the scene of her dropping her dress, revealing her slender athletic figure and perky boobs which turned him on.


    He shook his head and closed his eyes as Artemis teased, ''''You can look handsome. I don''t bite unless that''s something you like.''''


    Atlas chuckled before answering, ''''It''s not that Fish, I don''t want to break any promises. Amethyst''s birthday is soon, so there isn''t long to wait.''''


    She started laughing when hearing this while scooting closer to him as she responded with a frustrated expression, ''''Don''t you call me Fish. The others always do it and I want a special nickname for once.''''


    ''''What about Arty? It''s rare and only I''d call you it?'''' Atlas suggested with a smile.


    The brunette beamed and nodded in agreement. ''''Sounds good to me, I like it,'''' she said.


    Soon enough, Artemis climbed onto his lap and got comfortable as he traced lines on her smooth back, which relaxed the Siren woman. Following that, the two of them continued talking before they started washing each other.


    Atlas had to control himself from jumping the gorgeous young woman who continued to tease him. Once the duo was done, they got dressed before leaving the bathroom and appeared in the chilly living room.


    He sighed while approaching the fireplace and used Void Bullet to start a roaring fire that started warming up the room. Artemis giggled as she spoke. ''''Do you want some tea, Atlas? It will warm you up.''''


    ''''Yes please,'''' Atlas replied as he sat down and sunk into the comfortable cushions.


    Following that, they settled into a peaceful quiet as Artemis went to work making them some tea while he watched the blue flames coming to life. ''Hopefully, this storm passes soon. I want to terrorize the empire,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    Ten minutes later, the brunette appeared beside him with a big smile as she commented, ''''Here you go handsome, a silver for your thoughts?''''


    Atlas chuckled before answering the cheerful young woman. ''''I wonder how long it will take us to cause the Achaemendians to retreat to Zarander.''''


    She sank onto his lap, cradling her cup in both hands as she shared her thoughts. ''''It won''t be easy, but freeing the Shadowfang Royal Family was just the beginning. I''m certain there are rebel groups scattered all over Astoria.''''


    Atlas exhaled deeply, lifting his cup to take a sip. The hot tea coursed through him, soothing and revitalizing his weary body. Another crash of thunder roared above, making Artemis flinch with a startled jolt.


    He started laughing before hugging the brunette close while taking a blanket out of his storage and wrapping it around them. Artemis smiled as she finished her tea and cuddled up to him while closing her eyes.


    ''''You''re comfortable to hug my love, can we do this more?'''' she asked in a tired voice.


    ''''Of course, we can do it most nights if you like, but I''ll have to do the same for the others,'''' Atlas replied with a charming smile while playing with her soft hair. ''''It''s only fair, as I''d do the same for you.''''


    Artemis smiled when hearing, but gave a nod of understanding. ''''That''s only fair. At least we can cuddle. The Little Bird is afraid that one of us will take your virginity before she can. It''s adorable.''''


    ''''I know, she told me it''s something special in her tribe,'''' he replied while stroking her back. ''''Now let''s rest. I''m warm and comfortable.''''


    The soothing warmth of the flames and the rhythmic popping of the logs lulled them into a peaceful silence. Slowly, Artemis''s breathing evened out, her soft snores barely audible as she fell asleep.


    Atlas''s eyelids drooped, and moments later, he drifted off as well. Their figures were bathed in the gentle light of the roaring fire. The following days passed with him and the women trying to complete Level Six of the Void Realm.


    They faced relentless challenges as Shadow Tarrasques ambushed them at every turn. The group struggled to hold their ground, but Estelle''s quick reflexes and defensive prowess deflected the brunt of the surprise attacks.


    Seizing the openings she created, Atlas unleashed his magic, obliterating the monstrous threats and clearing their path forward. The massive Tarrasques were getting easier to deal with as the group heard them coming.


    Grishna and Artemis would create stone spikes behind the monster, and Atlas would use Void Smash on it. The force sent the Tarrasque to stumble back before falling onto the earth spells, which killed it instantly.


    They started falling one by one as the smaller monsters lunged from the trees and grabbed Amethyst. She let out a scream before crashing into the ground below. Atlas sent her back to the real world while casting a Void bomb at the group that attacked her.


    Once that was done, Atlas quickly checked the monster total to see how many they had killed on this run, which impressed him.


    [Void Tarrasque - 211/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 241/500]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    Atlas grinned before seeing a Tarrasque rushing toward them. He quickly cast Void Lance and sent them flying at its legs.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 268 - 268: Finished Looking

    Atlas witnessed Estelle, Grishna, Artemis, and Nulia get sent back to the real world as dozens of Shadow Terrasques pounced on them. He quickly cast loads of Void Bombs at the monsters, causing dozens of explosions. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Oh shit, those spells are getting stronger!''


    The ground trembled violently from the impact; the force sending creatures flying in every direction like rag dolls. Before he could fully recover, a deafening roar echoed through the dust cloud.


    His eyes widened as a massive monster charged through the haze with terrifying speed. Its enormous claws slashed out, catching him off guard. He yelped in pain as the strike tore across him, the sheer force throwing him backward.


    A sharp jolt of pain shot through Atlas''s body, snapping him out of the vivid nightmare and pulling him back to reality. His eyes flew open as he found himself sprawled on the sofa. As he sat up, a delicious aroma wafted through the air.


    The mouthwatering aroma wafted to his nose, instantly making his stomach rumble and his mouth water. Estelle quickly noticed Atlas had woken up and smiled as she spoke, ''''Do you want some breakfast, handsome? The fighting must''ve made you hungry.''''


    Atlas smiled as he stood and stretched. ''''Yes, please, Blondie. I''m starving.''''


    She returned his smile as the others jumped to their feet, greeting him with warm hugs that filled him with happiness. Amethyst chimed in, her tone thoughtful. ''''Those creatures caught me while I was flying. They''ll be useful against the empire''s stronger enemies.''''


    The others nodded in agreement as Atlas joined them, settling into his seat. Estelle handed him a plate heaped with succulent meats, the aroma making his mouth water. He eagerly dug in, savoring each bite while the women chatted and gossiped.


    While listening, he checked the monster''s total to see how many he had killed after sending the girls back to the real world.


    [Void Tarrasque - 301/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 258/500]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Those damn shadow bastards are annoying, but useful,'' Atlas mused while chewing on some bacon.


    Following that, he looked at the women and questioned, ''''Are there any rare monsters in the Shadowfang Kingdom?''''


    Most shrugged, but Grishna answered with a smile, ''''There are Mountain Trolls and many others in the mountains to the south, but your best bet is to ask the king. He''ll know everything.''''


    Atlas nodded at the beautiful Orc woman. ''''Thanks, Grish, I want to collect some monsters for the Otherworld. I think they''ll help us in our battle against the Achaemenids.''''


    Following that, the group continued eating until he was done, and the women went to have a bath. Atlas sat there for a little while before standing up and leaving the treehouse to go see Ulric to ask about monsters in his kingdom.


    As he stepped outside, the biting cold sliced through his skin, sending a shiver down his spine. He quickly pulled out a cloak and wrapped it tightly around himself, seeking relief from the frigid air.


    Atlas started walking down the walkway as the rain and wind lashed against him. After ten minutes of trudging through the muddy ground, he arrived at the Shadowfang cabin, where he knocked on the door.


    Seconds later, the door swung open to reveal an older man with a warm smile. ''''Ah, Atlas,'''' he greeted, his tone genial. ''''What brings you here?''''


    Atlas met his gaze steadily. ''''I wanted to ask if there are any rare monsters within the Shadowfang Kingdom,'''' he inquired.


    Ulric nodded as he spoke, ''''Come in, it''s just me and Zena awake.''''


    Following that, Atlas entered the cabin as Ulric continued. ''''There are hundreds of powerful creatures lurking on the shores of my kingdom. Then there are the wild Snow Wolf packs that roam the plains in the west.''''


    ''''Sounds good, I''ll add them to the Otherworld,'''' Atlas replied to the older man, his tone focused. He glanced out the window, his gaze narrowing. ''''The storm hasn''t let up, it seems to be getting worse.''''


    Ulric opened his mouth to respond, but a young woman stepped into view, cutting him off. ''''It''s Frostwinter in the north,'''' she said sharply, her tone tinged with sarcasm. ''''What do you expect, elf?''''


    Atlas turned to her, taking in the striking newcomer. She was a wolf woman with hair as black as the night sky, yet it was her piercing yellow eyes that truly captivated him. They seemed to glow with an intensity that demanded attention.


    Her stunning features would make any woman on Earth jealous. He quickly noticed her seductive hourglass figure and confident posture, made her presence impossible to ignore. Atlas quickly noticed her swaying black tail behind her.


    ''Where did she come from?'' Atlas thought, his curiosity piqued.


    His gaze shifted, landing on the wolf woman''s twitching ears, and he immediately sensed her irritation. ''''Finished looking, perv?'''' she snapped, her yellow eyes narrowing with annoyance.


    Atlas chuckled, shaking his head. ''''Sorry,'''' he said with a smile, ''''I''ve never met a wolf woman before. It''s all new to me and I''m not an elf, by the way.''''


    Her eyes widened as Ulric commented, ''''Where were you brought up? Demi-Humans are everywhere.''''


    ''''I was from the Thalassia Empire, but was living in a colony with my adopted family,'''' Atlas replied. ''''A monster wave attacked the island, and I was the only survivor.''''


    ''''You mean the Echo Isle''s massacre?'''' the young woman asked in a doubtful voice.


    Atlas shrugged as he answered, ''''I don''t know. I haven''t returned home to meet the family who took me in but I won''t to find out where I come from.''''


    Ulric nodded with an understanding expression, but the woman stepped forward and sniffed the air. ''''You''re not any race. I know, what are you?''''


    ''''I am what you call a Voidborn, and there''s only one of me,'''' he replied with a charming smile. ''''What''s your name, princess?''''


    The wolf woman looked taken aback, but she puffed out her chest while introducing herself, ''''I am Zena Shadowfang, the first princess of the Shadowfang Kingdom and the best Ice Mage in the north.''''


    Ulric started laughing as he agreed. ''''I must admit, Zena here is a genius with magic. Before the invasion, she was going to attend one of the magic academies,'''' he revealed with a proud smile.


    Atlas couldn''t help but chuckle as he noticed the young woman''s cheeks flush, clearly embarrassed by her father''s pride. Her reaction was a rare glimpse of vulnerability that made him smile.


    The group continued speaking with Ulric and his daughter, learning more about the dangers that plagued their lands. Zena revealed that even more vicious monsters roamed the neighboring Frostfang Kingdom as well.


    He discovered that the Shadowfang Kingdom was home to the Black Wolves. The people of Frostfang were White Wolves. Following their talk, Atlas quickly noticed the storm picked up, causing the cold air to seep into the cabin.


    Noticing this, he shut his eyes and began summoning trees around the buildings, their branches weaving together to shield against the wind. Ulric immediately understood the situation and spoke in a tone of deep respect. ''''Thank you for helping us. We appreciate it.''''


    He waved the man away. ''''Just return the favor when the time comes. I''ll be fighting the empire for years, so help then.''''


    Afterward, he left the cabins and began making his way back to the treehouse, its warm glow from the fireplace visible in the distance. However, before stepping inside, he decided to go find the Shadowfang Rebels and bring them into the Otherworld.


    Atlas informed the women before exiting the realm into a world of chaos as the storm was heavy, but he still carried on until hearing explosions causing him to rush toward the sound only to see a bloodbath.


    White wolves were falling left and right as the Nightowls attacked. Atlas got angry and started sending the survivors to the Otherworld using hundreds of portals that shocked the enemy, who turned their attention to him.


    Seconds passed, and the Nightowls attacked, causing him to go on the defensive while sending Amethyst a message. Thanks to his experience in fighting, he held them off and pushed the enemies back with effort.


    He quickly cast Void Wave that knocked the creepy-looking assassin''s back as Nulia flew through a portal and slammed into a group of Nightowls and tore them apart as the other women joined the fight.


    Atlas grinned when he saw this and continued casting magic into the assassins as the rest of the wolf people entered the portal. Estelle held off the Nightowls as Grishna, Artemis and Amethyst attacked.


    Purple flames washed over the clearing and burned many of the enemy soldiers to ash as mana bolts slammed into them as Artemis used her sling to strike from range. Following this, Atlas summoned a horde of Void Ghouls as more Achaemendians appeared.


    Terrifying howls and piercing screeches echoed through the clearing as chaos erupted, catching the empire completely off guard.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 269 - 269: Nearly Half Way There

    Atlas cut down the last Nightowl as the man charged at him in rage after all his companions were killed and dragged off by the Void Ghouls. He sat down on a nearby log as the women joined him.


    Nulia and Grishna slumped down while catching their breaths, which made him smile, ''''Tired ladies? What happened to that boost in strength?''''


    The Orc woman replied with a giggle, ''''Oh fuck off, pretty boy, I fought so many of those empire dogs that I beat the others.''''


    They laughed just as Amethyst descended from above, landing with a graceful thud that sent a small cloud of dust into the air. Moments later, Estelle and Artemis emerged from the shadows, their expressions calm and composed as they wiped the blood from their weapons.


    Atlas was just about to speak when he noticed a Nightowl rushing toward and getting close to Amethyst while holding a blade. He realized he didn''t have enough time or mana to cast a shield.


    His eyes widened, but then quickly used Void Step and got between them. The enemy''s weapon slammed into his gut, the impact knocking the wind out of him as blood splattered from his mouth.


    Gripping the weapon, he grimaced in pain, but regained his composure. With a vicious growl, he drew his blade and slashed across the creature''s throat in one fluid motion. The enemy''s head fell to the ground with a sickening thud, severed cleanly from its body.


    The women panicked but his Regeneration kicked in; the exhaustion took over and caused him to drop to one knee. Atlas quickly glanced around and noticed all the Demi-Humans were already in the Otherworld.


    He opened a portal and Nulia and Grishna helped him through. They reappeared in the treehouse as Atlas collapsed onto a nearby sofa and got comfortable as the phoenix woman blew some purple flames into the fireplace.


    Warm air chased out the cold within seconds, making the group let out a collective sigh as Estelle started making some tea. He soon fell asleep and, while relaxing, Artemis put a blanket over him before kissing his forehead.


    The next morning, he woke with a long yawn, the icy air biting at his skin, a chilling reminder of the storm that had ravaged the Otherworld overnight. Atlas stirred awake beside him but quickly dove back under the covers, shivering violently as the cold nipped at his exposed skin.


    Without wasting time, he cast Void Bullet into the fireplace, causing it to burst to life as a blue glow lit up the room. Following that, Atlas activated the Void Realm to clear out some monsters by using his speed to finish off dozens of monsters.


    Explosions and roars rang out as he used his magic against the giant Tarrasque while deflecting the attacks of the smaller beasts. Sparks flew as the smaller ones sent him flying through the treetops. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas quickly used Void Step to appear on the ground, while doing that a Giant Tarrasque appeared from a tree and tried to bite him. He quickly jumped to the side before casting a Void Lance at its head.


    The creature vanished, causing him to vanish into the jungle, and quickly checked the monster total to see how many he had left to kill.


    [Void Tarrasque - 439/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 319/500]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Nearly half way there. Maybe I can just use my magic to thin out the hordes,'' Atlas thought while hitting a group of Tarrasques.


    An explosion engulfed them in a blue fire that turned them to ash. Following this, he continued fighting the void monsters. Hours passed by as Atlas continued until running low on mana.


    ''I need to get out of here, I''m getting tired,'' he thought as his eyes grew heavy.


    He jolted back to reality, waking on the sofa as shadows cloaked the living room in darkness. With a shake of his head, Atlas focused and conjured a Void Bullet launching it into the fireplace.


    It erupted into life, its flickering flames casting a warm glow that chased the shadows away, but he still wrapped around the surrounding blanket while checking the total again, only to be surprised.


    [Void Tarrasque -671/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [????????????????????]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Oh, I killed all the annoying bastards,'' he thought with a grin.


    Rising from the sofa, still wrapped in the blankets that shielded him from the biting cold, Atlas made his way to the kitchen to prepare some tea. As the water heated, he paused, sensing the subtle presence of the others.


    All but Amethyst were awake, and it wasn''t long before he heard her footsteps approaching. Atlas smiled when the tired young woman appeared from the corridor with a big smile as she spoke. ''''Morning, my love, what are you doing up so early?''''


    ''''I tried my luck at the Void Realm and cleared many of the monsters, which is good,'''' he answered with a smile, casually pulling out another cup for the phoenix woman.


    Amethyst giggled softly, her eyes sparkling. ''''That''s good. Those smaller Tarrasques are demons. Even in the sky, they tried to attack me, which is funny.''''


    He chuckled at her words, the image of her effortlessly dodging the creatures amusing him. With a relaxed smile, he joined her on the nearby sofa. Atlas handed her the tea he''d made, watching as she accepted it with a grateful nod.


    The two sat there and got comfortable before sinking into soft comfort. Amethyst leaned her head on his shoulder with a sweet smile as she spoke. ''''We can cause more trouble for the empire. There are many castles in the south.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me. We need to head to Thalassia to meet my adoptive family,'''' Atlas replied while sipping some tea. ''''It''s been years since I''ve seen them.''''


    Amethyst nodded in understanding, her expression thoughtful before she asked, ''''Do you plan to accept them?''''


    Atlas shrugged. ''''I don''t know. I have no memories from that part of my life, but they will know I''m not their son as our status is different,'''' he explained while finishing his tea.


    ''''We''ll cross that bridge when the time comes,'''' the phoenix woman replied. ''''We''ll be here for you.''''


    While the couple sat there, Atlas asked, ''''Do you want to help me clear the Void Realm? We can fight together again.''''


    Amethyst beamed before nodding. ''''Yes. Everyone is asleep, which means it will be me and you.''''


    Following that, they put the cups down. Atlas quickly activated the skill, sending them to the jungle, where she immediately changed into her phoenix form and let out a screech before taking to the sky.


    He watched her vanish as the roars echoed throughout the jungle, and the ground started shaking. That''s when Atlas spotted a Tarrasque charging in his direction while letting out a fierce roar.


    Without wasting time, Atlas flung several Void Lances at the body of the monster, causing the projectiles to burrow through its torso. He watched as the Tarrasque vanished back into the Void Realm.


    More creatures emerged from the shadows as they charged toward the group. But before they could reach their target, powerful Cosmic Blasts bolted them; the spells tearing through the air and sending the giant monsters crashing to the ground.


    Seizing the opportunity, Atlas moved with deadly speed. He darted forward, his blades gleaming as he drove them through the creatures'' eyes, ending their reign of terror with a series of quick, decisive strikes.


    As he stood there, an unsettling instinct urged him to defend himself. In the blink of an eye, something lunged at him with deadly speed. Void Guard blocked the strike just in time, but one massive foot pinned him to the ground, and a razor-sharp claw dug deep into his chest.


    The shield shattered under the force, and the claw pierced through his armor, sinking into his flesh. Atlas gritted his teeth, the pain surging through him, but he cast Void Wave that sent the monster flying backward, crashing into the distance.


    While getting some time to breathe, more of the monsters circled him while looking at him with an enraged expression. He shook his head and used Void Sight to find out the name of this creature.


    [Void World-Eater]


    [Rank A]


    [Keep moving. These fuckers are running piranhas]


    Atlas chuckled darkly at the struggling monster as he cast Void Bomb, sending a swirling sphere of energy hurtling toward the beast. The impact triggered a massive explosion, shaking the ground and filling the air with shockwaves.


    The force of the blast sent Atlas flying through the air, but his reflexes were sharp. As he soared past a towering tree, he twisted his body mid-flight and drove his blades into the trunk.


    The weapons bit deep, anchoring him in place as he skidded to a stop, hanging from the tree and surveying the destruction below with a smirk.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 2/250]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Not long before we complete this level,'' Atlas thought while casting Void Barrage at the monsters.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 270 - 270: Youre Welcome Too

    Atlas and Amethyst fought valiantly, cutting through wave after wave of monsters. However, the creatures soon adapted, their numbers overwhelming the pair. They organized their attacks, but the relentless onslaught forced the monsters into flanking and ambushing them from all sides.


    While the battle died down, the phoenix woman landed in her humanoid form as she spoke in a tired voice, ''''I can sense more of those creatures around us.''''


    He nodded when hearing the news and quickly checked the monster total, only to be shocked at the amount they had left to kill.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 36/250]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Shouldn''t take too long now,'' Atlas thought before turning to Amethyst, ''''We don''t have many to kill so let''s get back to it.''''


    The purple-haired young woman nodded as she transformed into her phoenix form and took to the sky. While she did this, he quickly cast Void Guard to block a World Eater pounce, causing the monster to fly backward.


    Following this, Atlas started using Void Lance as it tore through the bodies of the monsters and sent them back to the Void Realm. While he was doing this, Amethyst swooped down before snatching up two of the creatures.


    Her massive talons tore through the creatures'' torsos with lethal precision, their lifeless bodies falling away as she carved a path toward the boss of the sixth level. Meanwhile, Atlas''s twin swords were a blur as he deflected dozens of clawed strikes.


    Each time he blocked, it sent a cascade of sparks flying into the air, the clash of steel against monstrous claws echoing through the battlefield. Atlas quickly noticed the World Eaters jumped toward Amethyst as she swooped down.


    Before they could land an attack on his phoenix, he sent her back to the real world as he cast Void Bomb at the group. When the projectile hit one monster, it exploded, which took out many of them.


    Atlas continued fighting the World Eaters, who turned all their attention on him as he pulled up the total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 89/250]


    [????????????????????]


    Following that, Atlas killed a few more before returning to the real world when a World Eater got him from behind. Seconds passed, and he woke up in the quiet treehouse as Amethyst was cuddled up to him.


    He noticed she was still awake and grabbed her by the waist until she was straddling his waist with a sweet smile. The phoenix woman commented in a happy tone, ''''What are you up to, my love?''''


    Without a word, Atlas pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her as he claimed her plump lips in a bold, fiery kiss. She melted into the moment, leaning against him as their passion ignited.


    The passion spoke volumes more than words ever could as they continued for a few minutes until breaking apart. Amethyst looked at him as her purple eyes glowed with love as she spoke. ''''What was that for?''''


    Atlas smiled when hearing her soft voice before pulling her closer and wrapping his arms around her waist as he rested his head against her shoulder. Following that, the two of them fell asleep as the storm continued outside.


    The next morning, Atlas woke up to the soft snoring of the phoenix woman, who was curled up on his lap. He stayed like this until Nulia appeared from her bedroom and when she saw him, a big smile appeared on the brown-skinned beauty''s face.


    ''''Morning Atlas, comfortable?'''' she asked, while making her way to the kitchen.


    Atlas gently put Amethyst onto the sofa before standing up and stretching his limbs, causing popping noises to echo throughout the living room. Following that, he joined the Frostbear woman as she made tea.


    ''''Yes, it was a good sleep. What about you?'''' he answered.


    Nulia gave him a big smile as she asked, ''''Can you spend the night with me, please?''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement before replying, ''''Yes, I will go talk to Ulric to see if there is any other place they can go to hide from the empire.''''


    ''''Those dogs annoy me, but I''m glad we''re fighting back,'''' she exclaimed after sipping some tea. ''''They were easy to kill. We got the drop of them, which helped us.''''


    He agreed with a smile while replying. ''''Yes, and I still have more monsters to unlock thanks to the Void Realm.''''


    Following that, Atlas and Nulia continued speaking until the tea was gone, and he stood up. ''''I''m going to see the wolves. See you shortly.''''


    The Frostbear woman offered him a warm smile as he stepped out of the treehouse, the crisp, icy air immediately brushing against his skin. Atlas pulled his winter cloak tighter around himself, the thick fabric shielding him from the biting cold.


    He began his trek toward the cabin; the snow crunching softly under his boots as the frosty landscape stretched out before him. It took him ten minutes to reach the wolf''s home, and he knocked.


    A few minutes later, the older wolf man opened the door with an exhausted expression, but Atlas quickly spoke. ''''Do you have a safe place I could take you and your people?''''


    Ulric briefly thought before answering with a nod. ''''Yes, there is a massive forest in the Frostfang Kingdom where the surviving rebels are hiding.''''


    ''''Okay, you wolves will stay here while I travel across northern Astoria while attacking the empire,'''' Atlas answered, but Zena appeared. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The black-haired wolf woman spoke in a determined voice. ''''Can I join you on your journey, Atlas? I know you have five women who I can be friends with,''''


    When he heard this, he was taken aback but shrugged. ''''You''re welcome to. More spells will always be welcome.''''


    Zena nodded before stepping forward and continuing, ''''Don''t think I''m joining your harem. I want revenge against those empire dogs.''''


    ''''I don''t expect every woman to join. Those five are enough for me,'''' Atlas replied with a chuckle. ''''Do you want to come meet them? Nulia is awake, but the others are still sleeping.''''


    When the wolf heard this, she looked at her father. Ulric chuckled before asking, ''''Will you make sure she''s safe while out there?''''


    He fixed him with a piercing gaze, his eyes narrowed in determination as he replied, ''''Of course I would. You can ask any of my women, and they''ll tell you the same, even if it means taking attacks meant for them.''''


    Ulric nodded in understanding before holding out his hand, which he took as the lion man spoke in a respectful voice, ''''Thank you for everything. Once the world is back to normal, the Shadowfang Kingdom will honor your actions.''''


    Atlas waved the man off with a warm smile. ''''It''s fine, Ulric. I despise the empire even more than you do, and helping you was just part of that.''''


    Ulric nodded but quickly turned his attention to his wife, tending to her with care. Meanwhile, Zena bid a heartfelt goodbye to her family. Atlas was waiting outside for the wolf woman. He studied his surroundings and noticed all the cabins were full.


    Without thinking, he started creating more while burning through his mana. Minutes later, Zena appeared. ''''Let''s get out of this weather, it''s horrible,'''' she said while putting a hood up.


    Atlas agreed, before leading her back to the treehouse and stepping onto the walkway. When the duo entered, the hot air washed over them, causing Zena to let out a satisfied smile, causing Nulia''s head to snap in the wolf''s direction.


    She jumped up and let out a threatening growl which the princess reacted to, but Atlas bonked them both on the head while speaking, ''''Stop with that shit you two, it''s too cold for it.''''


    Following that, he approached the nearby sofa that was right in front of the fire and slumped into it as he spoke, ''''Nulia, this is Zena Shadowfang, princess of the wolf kingdom we''re currently inside.''''


    The black-haired woman looked at the Frostbear woman with wide eyes as she spoke in an amazed voice, ''''What is your kind doing down here? I''m surprised the empire isn''t scared already.''''


    ''''It''s just me, so you Southerners don''t need to worry,'''' Nulia said casually as she took a seat next to Atlas. A sly smile played on her lips as she added, ''''And I''m here because he''s my future husband.''''


    The wolf woman''s eyes widened in shock at the bold declaration, her gaze darting between Nulia and Atlas. Before Zena could say anything, Atlas calmly gestured for her to sit down. Hesitating for a moment, she complied, taking a seat as the tension in the air lingered.


    ''''There will be no fighting between you girls,'''' he finally spoke. ''''We''re fighting the empire while heading south.''''


    When the two women heard this, they nodded in agreement as Nulia spoke, ''''We can start moving soon, the storms dying down.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 271 - 271: Too Slow Motherfucker

    Atlas left the women in the Otherworld while heading for the forest in the Frostfang Kingdom. He was riding on the back of Theo the Blood Bat King. The creature let out a screech that echoed across the landscape.


    ''It shouldn''t take us too long to reach,'' he pondered while flying over the grasslands.


    While doing this, Atlas spotted a fortress in the distance, causing him to speak. ''''Theo head toward that place! I want to cause some chaos.''''


    Atlas gripped Theo''s fur as the creature''s massive wings beat rhythmically against the icy wind. The cold bit at his face, snowflakes stinging his skin as they flew through the endless expanse of white.


    Below them, the snowy landscape sprawled, broken only by jagged cliffs and frozen forests. Theo let out a deep, rumbling growl as the silhouette of a fortress appeared in the distance, its towers barely visible through the storm.


    With a powerful downward thrust, he began his descent, landing with a soft thud on a snow-covered mountain peak. Atlas slid off Theo''s back, his boots crunching into the frost as he surveyed the fortress.


    A glint of determination sparked in his eyes. ''''This is where the fun begins,'''' he murmured. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas sent the Blood Bat back to the Otherworld while summoning an army of Kenkus, who swarmed around him. This made him chuckle before giving out his orders. ''''We''re attacking that fortress guys, surround it and make sure no Achaemenids escape, and start when you hear my signal.''''


    When the birds heard this, they let out quiet shrieks before leaving the mountainside and heading toward the fortress. After the monsters were gone, Atlas summoned even more while giving them the same orders.


    Hundreds of Kenkus descended onto the enemy stronghold, which made him smile as he used Void Step to follow behind. Ten minutes later, Atlas appeared a few meters from the front gate.


    A group of bird assassins joined him as he crouched behind some boulders while watching the guards. When seeing this, he turned toward the Kenkus and ordered, ''''Take the soldiers outside down, make sure they don''t see you.''''


    The creatures let out a quiet chirp before going to complete their mission. The birdlike warriors moved with incredible speed and precision, their dark feathers blending into the shadows of the battlefield.


    While seeing this, Atlas thought, ''So glad I got the Kenku''s, they will help me and the women with are fighting.''


    With a flurry of strikes, they butchered the empire''s soldiers, their blades flashing in the pale light. The defenders barely had time to react before the Kenkus overwhelmed them, their movements a deadly dance of efficiency.


    Atlas''s lips curled into a smirk as he observed the carnage. ''''Like clockwork,'''' he muttered, the chaos below playing out exactly as he had envisioned.


    Following this, he quickly cast Void Bomb at the fortress''s gate. The azure projectile sliced through the sky and slammed into the metal, causing a massive explosion to shake the entire area.


    When Atlas felt this, he ordered the Kenku''s to attack as he Void Stepped onto the wall. He quickly killed the shocked and dazed soldiers with ease as the creatures joined him as they appeared out of nowhere.


    ''These creatures move like shadows! They are so useful,'' he mused while readying his swords.


    Screams, shouts and the sound of clangs rang out across the stronghold as a battle erupted. Atlas started casting dozens of Void Bullets at the groups of Achaemendians that appeared from a corner.


    Explosions sent them flying all over the place as some crashed into the surrounding buildings with a sickening thud. Atlas smiled before dodging several spear thrusts, causing him to spin while cutting the attacker down.


    ''Too slow, motherfucker!'' he thought as the excitement boiled over.


    A group of Kenkus surrounded him as guards. The birds killed any soldiers that got close as he headed for the gold. Ten minutes later, Atlas arrived at the fort''s command center, which was guarded by the remaining survivors.


    When he saw this, his smile grew before ordering the Kenku''s to clean out the building. A fierce battle erupted as the experience poured into his body thanks to the monster''s kills they were racking up.


    An hour later, the fortress fell silent, which creeped Atlas out as the Kenku''s brought his chests full of gold. His greed exploded before he stored them in his Item Box while sending a message to the women, ''Cleared out an Achaemendian fortress and stole their wealth.''


    Estelle and Amethyst decided to join Atlas and let him know when replying. With a wave of his hand, he opened a portal to the Otherworld, and the two women stepped through to his side.


    ''So beautiful, I can wait until Amethyst is eighteen and I can claim her,'' he thought while admiring their beauty.


    They welcomed him warmly, showering him with kisses and cuddles that lit up his face with a smile. ''''Why didn''t you tell us you were attacking the empire, my love? We would have helped you?'''' Estelle commented with a concerned expression.


    Atlas pointed up, causing the women to glance up, only to see hundreds of Kenku''s littering the rooftops. When the creatures saw this, they let out screeches that echoed across the snowy landscape.


    Following this, the three of them made their way to the commander''s quarters, where they would rest for the night. After killing out the bodies by throwing them into the Otherworld, just as Nuilia, Grisha, Amethyst, and Zena.


    When the four women appeared, the Orc woman commented while glancing around, ''''Can''t believe you and those creepy birds took out a fortress. You know the survivors will spread tales about you?''''


    Atlas shrugged before answering. ''''I don''t care, honestly. I want the empire to know someone targeting them. They will become paranoid and make a mistake along the way.''''


    Grishna nodded in agreement as Estelle blocked the entrances with stone walls while Nulia covered the windows in sheets of ice that would slow any attackers down. Once that was done, he fired a Void Bullet into the nearby fireplace.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 272 - 272: Die

    A roaring fire exploded, which chased away the cold air that invaded the commander''s quarters. While Atlas did this, the blonde knight cast Cleanse on everything to free it from the Achaemendian filth.


    Following that, Nulia spoke up, ''''I will cook us some food. I still have a lot of meat from my hunting to use.''''


    Artemis and Amethyst offered to help while Grishna dragged Estelle and Artemis to check out the rest of the building. This left Atlas and Zena who watching him with glowing yellow eyes. ''''So they are your harem? No wonder, their all beautiful.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied before pulling out some ale while offering some to the black wolf woman. ''''Do you want some?''''


    Zena eyed the offered drink suspiciously, raising an eyebrow as she quipped, ''''Trying to poison me now?''''


    Atlas chuckled, his laughter echoing in the still air. Without hesitation, he took a sip himself, his gaze never leaving hers. The azure flames flickered brightly nearby, casting a mesmerizing glow that bathed the room in an otherworldly light.


    He slumped onto a nearby sofa while he continued to drink. Zena watched him as her tail swayed side to side. She sat next to him and took the bottle before sipping some, causing her ears to perk up.


    ''Seems like she likes it,'' Atlas thought with a smile.


    Following that, the two of them sat in silence while drinking the ale. Atlas took out some more and shared it with her as she spoke. ''''What is your goal? Why are you fighting the empire when it''s so risky with just six of you?''''


    ''''I want a peaceful life where I don''t have to worry about assassins trying to kill me,'''' he answered while staring into the fire. ''''And there''s a feeling inside that wants the Achaemenid Empire to fall.''''


    Zena nodded thoughtfully, her voice steady as she said, ''''That makes sense. They''ve caused untold suffering to millions across Valoria.''''


    With that, she lifted her drink and took a sip. Atlas remained silent, his gaze distant, as if lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts. Moments later, the wolf woman rose to her feet, a weary yet sincere smile gracing her lips.


    ''''Thank you for helping us,'''' she said warmly. ''''I know you seek no reward, but the kingdom will honor your efforts.''''


    Atlas looked at the dark-haired woman and nodded. ''''Thank you.''''


    After her words, a heavy silence settled between them, broken only by the steady crackle of the fireplace. The warm flicker of the flames echoed softly in the room, while the distant rumble of thunder.


    Suddenly, the stillness was shattered by an earth-shaking explosion that tore through the air, as the wall erupted in a violent burst of splintering stone as an Achaemendian Grandmaster appeared.


    Atlas''s eyes narrowed, a primal instinct surging within him. With a growl, he lunged forward, his muscles coiling as he swung. His fist collided with the intruder in a thunderous boom, sending the Grandmaster skidding backward across the room.


    But he wasn''t finished yet. With a roar that shook the air, he surged forward once more, his body a blur of motion as he unleashed a relentless barrage of Void Punches. Each strike hammered the Grandmaster''s body. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Each time the enemy attempted to retaliate, Atlas danced around the blows, his eyes glowing with raw mana. His fists, now crackling, moved faster than the eye could follow, striking with unstoppable force.


    He showed no regard for his safety, only focusing on pushing the enemy away from the women and out of the building. With a fierce grunt, Atlas delivered a powerful kick to the Grandmaster''s chest, sending him hurtling through the hole in the wall, the impact echoing through the room.


    Without hesitation, Atlas followed, leaping through the debris. As the empire dog soared through the air, Atlas closed the distance and struck once more, his fist glowing with the concentrated might of the Void.


    The blow landed like a thunderclap, unleashing a devastating Void Smash that shattered the surrounding air. Atlas knew the impact was cataclysmic, an explosion of dark energy that tore through the enemy''s defenses, sending them crashing into the ground with the force of a thousand storms.


    The earth shook, and a shockwave rippled outward, but Atlas landed close to the crater where the Grandmaster crashed. That''s when the man climbed out injured but still standing, which annoyed him.


    ''''You cannot win, demon!'''' the enemy sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. ''''I may be injured, but I''ll recover. And when I do, I''ll kill you and deliver your women to the emperor as his playthings.''''


    When Atlas heard those words, something within him shattered. Fury surged through his veins, his control slipping as the rage consumed him. With a voice that cracked like thunder, he growled, ''''Die.''''


    In an instant, he channeled raw mana into his fists; the power pulsing through his limbs like wildfire. He shot forward with the speed of a bullet, closing the distance between him and the Grandmaster in the blink of an eye.


    His fists landed with a relentless barrage, each punch echoing like a thunderclap. The Achaemenid was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained his composure, landing a few strikes of his own.


    Atlas felt the sickening crack of ribs giving way as the Grandmaster''s punches sent searing pain radiating through his body. Gritting his teeth against the agony, he retaliated with a ferocious headbutt.


    A loud crack echoed out, causing the enemy to stumble back as Estelle appeared out of nowhere and slashed at the man. Her blade cut through his armor, which shocked Atlas, who backed away.


    His body gradually mended, strength returning as the blonde effortlessly cut down the Grandmaster. The sudden roar of an explosion erupted behind him, jolting Atlas to attention. Spinning around, he saw the women forcing the Nightowls into a desperate retreat.


    Estelle''s Steel Legion butchered the enemies as they swamped the assassins while Amethyst swooped down and started blasting the soldiers with Cosmic Blast that washed over them as small blasts took out smaller groups.


    Following that, Nulia charged from the fortress and swatted the Nightowls, using her claws that turned them into mincemeat as Grishna started casting Earth Bolts into the stronger enemies.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 273 - 273: Can I Join You Its Cold

    Atlas watched as the women swiftly dispatched the attackers. Estelle approached him, her breath heavy and labored. ''''Are you okay, my love?'''' she asked with concern etched across her face.


    ''''I''m fine, just waiting for my regeneration to kick in,'''' he answered the blonde as the other women appeared.


    Amethyst landed with a thud before speaking. ''''We should go to the Otherworld, at least we can relax in there.''''


    Atlas agreed with a nod while opening up a portal just as Zena slid across the ground, using her ice magic. He watched as the wolf woman came to a stop with a big smile while exclaiming, ''''I can''t believe I was blind to it, but your mana and the way you used it reminded me of the last Voidwalker stories.''''


    ''''That''s our husband!'''' Grishna proudly announced. ''''He''s a symbol for the victims of the Achaemenid Empire. By the gods, he will beat back the darkness that has enveloped our world.''''


    The others nodded in agreement, their faces alight with conviction. Amethyst stepped forward, her voice firm. ''''Atlas is the hero Valoria needs and might not fit the image of one, but his actions speak louder than any title. My love has been fighting the empire tirelessly.''''


    After that, Nulia shifted gracefully into her human form and looked at him with curious eyes. ''''Why did you fight the Grandmaster?'''' she asked.


    Atlas met her gaze, his voice steady with determination. ''''Because they''ve been hurting innocent people whose only wish is to live happy lives. I refuse to stand by and let it continue. I won''t stop until the empire topples.''''


    Zena nodded in understanding before the group entered the Otherworld and started relaxing. He made his way to bed as his body was aching all over, causing him to stretch his arms, which made his spine pop.


    ''I''ll sleep for a while and continue when I''m rested,'' he thought as the brain fog overtook him. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas needed to sleep to recover the mana he used in the fight with the Achaemendian Grandmaster. He stripped out of his clothes after dismissing his armor before collapsing into bed.


    The soft mattress and cozy covers quickly lulled him to sleep, but an hour later, something gently woke him. The soft mattress and cozy covers quickly lulled him to sleep, but an hour later, something gently woke him.


    He opened his eyes to find Estelle leaning over him; her smile was warm and filled with love. ''''Can I join you? It''s cold,'''' she murmured.


    Atlas smiled at the sight of her, the glow of her blonde hair catching the light, and pulled her into the bed. Wrapping his arms around her, he began to spoon the knight, who beamed with delight as she nestled closer, her warmth melting into his embrace.


    Soon after that, the two of them fell asleep as the storm outside lashed against the treehouse''s windows. The following morning, Atlas woke up and smelled something sweet, causing him to open his eyes only to see flesh.


    Estelle had put his head between her cleavage, which turned him on. Atlas felt his cock harden and rubbed her pussy. This made the blonde moan while pushing her ass against his crotch. ''''Mhnmmm~~.''''


    She reached back and started running her fingers through his hair while kissing him. Atlas grabbed one of her huge boobs, which made the woman shudder, but this only encouraged him as he fondled with her.


    Estelle let out soft, muffled moans, ''''Ugh~~ Ummghh~~,'''' as she pressed herself closer to him, her lips seeking his until her tongue slipped into his mouth.


    Atlas, momentarily surprised, quickly responded, deepening the kiss. His free hand wandered down her supple body, sliding under her nightgown and beneath the fabric of her panties.


    The blonde knight separated her legs for him, her breath hitching as his fingers skillfully teased her sensitive clit. Wet noises echoed throughout the room as Estelle was becoming wetter.


    Pleasure coursed through her in overwhelming waves, leaving her breathless. The knight arched her back, a cry escaping her lips as she climaxed, her release coating his hand. ''''Arghhh~~ Uhnmmmghh~~.''''


    Atlas watched her with a pleased smile, gently pulling her trembling bloody closer, then his finger slipped into Estelle''s tight pussy. He started thrusting in and out, causing the knight''s body to tense up, as the pleasure was too much.


    ''''Ahhh!'''' she let out a primal scream that shook the bedroom walls.


    Following that, the two of them continued to play with each other as the blonde turned around and started kissing his neck while her hands roamed toward his pants before slipping inside.


    ''''I have to admit, my love. I''m extremely happy that you started teasing me,'''' Estelle said in a breathless voice.


    This sent a shiver down Atlas''s spine as his fingering sped up, causing the beautiful woman''s love juices to pour out as her moans bounced off the wall. ''''MmGGNNmmhh~~.''''


    Minutes later, Estelle''s body trembled uncontrollably as another wave of intense pleasure washed over her. She climaxed again, soaking the sheets beneath them, her breath hitching with each shudder.


    Overwhelmed, she clung tightly to Atlas, her body still trembling as the passion faded. Soon after, the couple drifted off to sleep, nestled closely in each other''s arms. The next morning, he woke to the sound of cheerful laughter coming from the living room.


    ''I wonder why they''re so happy,'' he thought with a smile before stepping out of the room.


    When the five women spotted him, their faces lit up with amused smiles. Grishna, wearing a teasing smirk, leaned in and said, ''''We heard the screaming, you little incubus. I bet blondie walks like a duck when she wakes up.''''


    Atlas started laughing before joining them on the sofa, just as Artemis and Amethyst joined him. The two girls rested their heads on his shoulder, which made him smile as Nulia questioned, ''''What''s the plan? The storm will allow us to use Raymond to travel across the Shadowfang Kingdom.''''


    ''''That sounds good to me,'''' he answered the brown-skinned beauty. ''''We can continue once everyone''s eaten.''''


    Following that, Atlas got up and started cooking with Amethyst''s help. They started making a basic meat dish that smelled delicious, causing Grishna to comment as she rested in front of the fire.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 274 - 274: Only Fifty-One

    Atlas gave everyone a plate of spicy meat, which caused the women''s mouths to water as Grishna''s stomach rumbled. He chuckled before giving extra to the Orc women as he commented, ''''Eat up Grish, if you want more I''ll cook up some extra.''''


    She beamed when heard and started eating as the others followed suit. Atlas sat down as Zena thanked him. ''''Thank you for breakfast. It''s delicious.''''


    ''''You''re welcome,'''' he replied while eating himself.


    Ten minutes later, Atlas finished eating before standing up and going to sit on the sofa as the women continued talking about the upcoming journey. Once he was comfortable, he activated the Void Realm.


    He was sucked into the strange world but readied himself for a fight as roars echoed throughout the jungle. Atlas grinned before checking on his monster total to see how many he had to kill.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 89/250]


    [????????????????????]


    After doing that, several figures lunged from the underbrush while trying to bite him. Atlas used Void Step to dodge the World Eater, which was letting out a menacing growl. When seeing this, he stabbed the monster through its eye while hitting another with Void Blast.


    His magic turned them to ash but Atlas quickly blocked as another attacked causing him to grunt as Void Guard held the creature back. Thanks to that, he could counter by using Void Wave.


    The azure flames sent the World Eaters flying, which allowed Atlas to finish off the downed creatures. Following that, he continued killing the monsters, which was getting easier to do thanks to his experience.


    An hour later he appeared in the branches above as he pulled up the monster total for the level to see how long until the boss fight.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 199/250]


    [????????????????????]


    ''''Only fifty-one won''t take me too long to do,'''' Atlas muttered, only to hear a growl behind him.


    He spun around abruptly, his eyes widening as he spotted a pack of World Eaters perched on the neighboring branch. His mind raced as panic surged through him. ''Oh, fuck,'' he thought.


    Before Atlas could fully react, the nearest creature leaped across the gap, slamming into him, and dug its claws into his torso. Gritting his teeth, he reacted instinctively, driving his blade deep into the monster''s torso.


    ''Arghhhh! Fuck this shit!''.


    The two of them fell to the ground below. He landed so hard that it took his breath away just as the World Eater bit onto his left arm; he let out a pain-filled yelp but quickly shook his head and blew its head apart with a Void Bullet.


    Everything went white as the explosion was too close. He managed to scoot away as another monster slammed into the spot he was just in. Atlas quickly cast Void Lance at the creature, which tore it apart.


    ''These things are getting easier to kill,'' he mused as his excitement exploded.


    The azure projectile struck the World Eaters with devastating precision, piercing their torsos and sending them tumbling back. The sudden impact gave Atlas a brief moment to catch his breath and create some distance.


    However, the respite was short-lived. From the shadows, a hidden World Eater burst forth, its movements a blur as it lunged at him with deadly precision. Before Atlas could fully react, the claws of the creature raked across his side, pain flaring as his skin was torn open.


    Following that, Atlas woke up in the living room as the women were still chatting but his heart raced while checking on the monster total to see if he could fight the boss.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 234/250]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Sixteen more. I''ll fight the boss next time and they can come with me,'' he thought while looking at the group with a smile.


    Afterward, he soon fell asleep because of his mana being low. As he slept, Zena approached and wrapped a blanket around him as Grishna teased, ''''Why keep acting like you don''t like him? We all do and are getting to know each other while traveling.''''


    The next morning, Atlas woke up feeling stiff, the chill of the cold weather having seeped into the treehouse overnight. Without hesitation, he cast a Void Bullet into the fireplace, igniting a roaring blaze.


    ''That feels better. I hate this cold,'' he thought while wrapping the blanket around himself.


    Warm air quickly spread throughout the living room, easing the icy grip on his bones. As the heat enveloped him, he noticed a blanket draped over him. A flicker of curiosity crossed his mind.


    ''I wonder who put this here,'' he pondered, a small smile tugging at his lips.


    Afterward, Atlas stretched, a series of satisfying pops echoing from him as he worked out the stiffness. He made his way to the small kitchen area, brewing himself a cup of tea while his eyes roamed the treehouse.


    The soft sounds of steady breathing filled the space; all the women were still fast asleep. Taking a quiet sip of his tea, he made up his mind. He''d set out alone for a while, leaving them to rest undisturbed.


    ''They can join me when they''re awake,'' he thought before finishing the tea and standing up.


    Seconds later, Zena walked into the kitchen with a tired smile. ''''Morning, Atlas, what are you doing up so early?''''


    ''''Couldn''t sleep because of the cold,'''' he answered the wolf woman. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once she heard that, she beamed before suggesting, ''''Why don''t I keep you warm while we both sleep some more? The sun hasn''t risen yet.''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement, and she responded with a subtle motion for him to sit on the sofa. As he watched, she settled onto his lap before leaning in close, her lips brushing near his ear as she muttered softly, ''''I''m going to use my magic, so don''t worry.''''


    A wave of heat seemed to radiate from Zena''s body as her black tail brushed up against him and the two of them warmed up.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 275 - 275: How Do You Know That

    Atlas watched as the wolf woman''s magic spread warmth around their bodies, getting rid of the chill which caused him to sigh. Before long, the comforting heat lulled them both into a deep sleep, nestled together beneath the embrace of a shared blanket.


    They snuggled together on the comfortable sofa as the storm outside intensified. Although the wind and rain pummeled the Otherworld and treehouse, the fire and Zena''s magic kept them warm.


    The next morning, Atlas woke up to snoring, causing him to open his eyes and notice Zena was curled up on his lap, which brought a smile to his face. ''Adorable, but I need to stretch. My back is hurting,'' he thought.


    Following that, he got out of bed just as the cold air hit his body, causing him to shiver before turning to the window. Atlas approached it and glanced out, only to see the Otherworld covered in snow.


    ''At least it''s not constantly hot. It would be unnatural,'' he mused as he walked over to the kitchen to make some tea.


    As Atlas prepared the tea, he cast a Void Bullet into the nearby fireplace, igniting it in a mesmerizing burst of blue flame. The fire radiated warmth as he boiled the water for his brew.


    Minutes later, the tea was ready. Atlas approached the table, which offered a perfect view of the snow-covered landscape outside. A sigh escaped him as he looked over at the peaceful scene.


    The frosted trees, the tranquil forest, and the cozy treehouse. Inside, the girls remained fast asleep, bundled warmly beneath their blankets, undisturbed by the quiet beauty of the wintry morning.


    He sat there in peaceful silence while sipping on the tea before equipping his helmet and leaving the Otherworld to make his way to the Frostfang Kingdom. When touching and stepping into the snow, it crunched under his feet.


    ''Now it''s time to find the survivors to unload the wolves.''


    Following that, Atlas transformed into his Voidwalker form, which sent the aura of death washing over the landscape. He quickly took off southeast and headed straight for the white wolf kingdom.


    Thanks to his form, he could run fast thanks to sending mana into his legs as he rushed across the snowy landscape. While passing through a forest, a monster lunged out of the shadows and swiped at him.


    Atlas quickly dodged the sudden attack before countering with a Void Bomb that destroyed the forest bear and turned it into meat chunks. He grinned when seeing this, but continued and came across an Achaemenid patrol on a nearby road.


    ''Now it''s time to have fun,'' he thought before heading toward the large group of men.


    Without making a single noise, Atlas barreled into the column of Empire soldiers while he used his claws to tear through their armor with ease. Once the men and women were panicking, he let out an ear-piercing roar.


    He quickly bit down on one man, who struck him with a spear. Atlas continued his massacre of the patrol until he cut the last man in half. Blood and body parts covered the ground, but this didn''t bother him.


    While standing there, Atlas heard a twig snap, causing him to spin around as an Achaemenid Mage cast a spell at him. The projectile slammed into his chest, sending him crashing along the ground before he hit a tree. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Ah fuck, why didn''t I sense that fucker,'''' he muttered as his head hurt and he returned to his normal form.


    The mage started casting spells at him but Atlas quickly cast Void Guard to black the sudden attacks. When the magic hit the barrier, they exploded just before he retaliated with a Void Lance that the enemy dodged.


    Following that, the two of them started fighting as he closed in on the mage with his swords. When the man spotted this, his eyes widened but quickly cast more spells in his direction and this time they were fireballs.


    Without slowing down, Atlas cut right through the magic with a smile before using Void Step to appear behind the mage. He drove his blade through the man''s neck, causing his arms to fall limp.


    ''Finally dead,'' he thought with a sigh. ''Now I can rest for a little while.''


    Once the enemy crashed to the ground, Atlas sat down on a nearby log while cleaning his swords as Estelle''s voice rang in his mind, ''What are you up to, my love?''


    The sudden sound made him jump, his heart racing. Quickly, he opened a portal, and through it stepped the blonde with a warm smile. However, her sharp blue eyes narrowed the moment she saw him struggling to catch his breath.


    She cast Healing Light on him with a muttered before cuddling him. Atlas was surprised, but quickly reciprocated while grabbing her soft ass, which made Estelle giggle, ''''Don''t go rushing off without one of us. I can sense the empire mage''s magic all over you.''''


    ''''The mage got me from behind, but he''s dead now,'''' he responded while enjoying her cleavage.


    Following that, the two of them broke apart as Artemis joined them with a big smile and glowing brown eyes, ''''Now we''re seeing some action. There''s an Achaemendian Fortress a few miles away.''''


    ''''How do you know that?'''' Estelle questioned with a curious expression.


    The brunette pointed up causing them to look only to see an eagle circling above, ''''I''ve seen it, the place isn''t as big as the last one but it''s still a suitable target.''''


    Hearing this, Atlas gave a firm nod of agreement before responding, ''''You two return to the Otherworld and get the others ready. I''ll head toward the fortress in the meantime.''''


    They agreed before kissing his cheek and stepping through the portal as he started making his way to the empire''s castle, which was a couple of miles away. Atlas got annoyed with the snow and summoned Nala.


    The Deathmaw Lion appeared, her massive form exuding power as she nudged Atlas gently. Without hesitation, he climbed onto her broad back, his voice steady as he commanded, ''''Head southeast, Nala. We''ve got some soldiers to kill.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 276 - 276: They Are The Same In Another World

    Nala responded with a thunderous roar that echoed through the air, then sprang forward, her powerful strides carrying them through the snow-covered forest and, thanks to her power, the surrounding monsters avoided them.


    Atlas was scanning their surrounding as the trees passed by in a blur. He could sense dozens of monsters fleeing from them, which made him chuckle as Nala''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Can I join in the attack, Master?''


    ''''Yes, I''m going to use you and the Void Ghouls,'''' he responded to the lioness. ''''That will scare the shit out of them. That''s when I''ll leave one alive to tell the story.''''


    When the monster heard this, she laughed before sniffing the air and coming to a sudden stop while questioning, ''Soldiers are close Master, shall we hunt them together?''


    He grinned, a glint of excitement in his eyes, and replied, ''''You take them from behind while I keep them distracted.''''


    The lioness agreed before vanishing into the underbrush as he followed suit. Minutes later, Atlas was in front of the second empire patrol and quickly used Void Step to block the soldier''s path.


    When the twenty Achaemenids stopped moving and were bewildered by his sudden appearance, but when he dismissed his helmet, they got angry as one of them exclaimed, pointing a blade at him, ''''Demon!''''


    Without waiting, Atlas stepped forward and cast several Void Smashes that slammed into the soldiers. This caused complete chaos as the shockwaves sent them flying in all directions as Nala attacked. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The monster pounced on a group of scared Achaemendians and stored them apart with her razor-sharp claws. Atlas joined the fray and started cutting down the survivors, causing the ground to be covered in blood.


    While catching his breath, he summoned the Void Ghouls and ordered them to drag the corpses back into the Otherworld to feed the monsters. The creepy humanoids rushed out of the portals and collected the bodies.


    Nala padded over to him, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she spoke in a satisfied voice. ''That was fun. I took down eight of them.''


    Atlas smiled when hearing the lioness''s words while replying as he climbed onto her back, ''''That''s good, but there are hundreds more to kill along the way.''''


    Nala took off through the dense forest, her powerful strides weaving effortlessly between the trees. Eventually, she emerged onto a secluded road, her sharp eyes noting the signs of frequent travel.


    With caution, the Deathmaw Lion followed the path. As the outline of a fortress loomed in the distance, she abruptly veered into the thick brush, her movements silent as she looked for cover.


    Atlas stroked her while speaking in a quiet voice, ''''Stay low, I want to check the place out before attacking.''''


    Following that, he glanced around and spotted a massive tree that overlooked the fortress causing him to point it out, ''''Climb up there Nala, it will give us the perfect view.''''


    When the lioness heard this, she stalked through the trees until reached the giant one and quickly climbed up. Atlas held onto her fur until reaching the branch that allowed him to get off her back before scanning the empire''s bastion in the north.


    The fortress wasn''t enormous, but it was formidable. High, sturdy walls rose around it, topped with menacing cannons pointed outward. Soldiers patrolled the battlements, scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger.


    ''This is going to be easy if we use the Terrasque''s. They could smash through the wall and give the empire a shock,'' he mushed with an excited smile.


    Once coming up with an idea, Atlas dismissed Nala back to the Otherworld before entering it himself. When inside, he spotted the women preparing for a fight but wasn''t done yet, which made him laugh.


    ''They are the same in another world,'' he thought.


    The group beamed when spotting him, but he quickly informed them of his plans. ''''I''m going to unlock the next monster, which will help us attack the empire''s castles and forts.''''


    Amethyst was the first to comment with a curious expression. ''''Could we sneak up on them?''''


    ''''Yes, but where''s the fun in that?'''' Atlas replied with a sly grin, his tone teasing as he addressed the phoenix woman.


    His expression grew more serious as he continued, ''''They''ve got cannons on the walls. Even one lucky shot from those could damage any of us.''''


    They all nodded in understanding. Atlas settled down, making himself comfortable, before activating his Void Realm skill. In an instant, he appeared in the jungle and prepared to fight the World Eaters.


    Seconds later, growls echoed through the air, and the first monster lunged from a nearby bush. Without hesitation, Atlas drew his weapon, slicing the creature down in one swift motion.


    Before he could catch his breath, he unleashed a Void Blast, the azure projectile streaking through the air. When it collided with the next monster, it sent the creature soaring through the air, crashing into the ground.


    Following that, Atlas continued fighting while blocking with Void Guard and retaliating with Void Wave, sending them skidding back. This allowed him to cut them down and dodge their bites.


    He quickly backed off and cleared some space between them while checking on the monster total, which impressed him.


    [Void Tarrasque -1000/1000]


    [Void Shadow Tarrasque - 500/500]


    [Void World-Eater - 249/250]


    [????????????????????]


    ''Oh, only one left,'' Atlas thought with an excited smile as the last World Eater appeared.


    The monster lunged at him with a snarl, but Atlas swiftly dodged, his movements fluid and precise. In one seamless motion, he drove his blades deep into its side, then cast Void Bullets, sending the deadly energy coursing through the creature''s body.


    The monster shook as the blasts tore it apart from the inside out, and with a final, guttural gasp, it collapsed to the ground. Suddenly, a roar echoed through the jungle, vibrating the very air around him.


    ''Oh, the boss is ready, now let''s go defeat it,'' he thought while approaching the mountain he spotted in the distance.


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 Chapter 277 - 277: I Hold No Grudge Against You

    Atlas made his way to the mountain in the distance. He put away his swords, as there wouldn''t be any more fighting until reaching the boss. An hour later, he arrived at the mountain where the arena would be at.


    ''Now let''s see how tough this fucker will be,'' he thought.


    A few minutes later, Atlas caught sight of a staircase tucked off to one side, partially hidden in the dim light of the surrounding mountains. He started walking toward the staircase that would lead him to the boss.


    An hour later, he scaled the rugged mountain, his breath visible in the crisp, thinning air. Each step was deliberate, his powerful arms pulling him upward as loose rocks tumbled beneath his boots.


    Shortly after that, he spotted the arena and soon stepped into it, causing the shield to block him inside as a smaller Terrasque appeared, but this one looked stronger than the previous ones he fought.


    As the monster spotted him, it let out an earth-shaking roar before it charged in his direction. When Atlas saw this, he started casting Void Lances at the creature''s legs, but they bounced off its thick hide.


    ''Ah shit, I''m going to have to use my swords,'' he mused while taking out his weapons while scanning it with Void Sight.


    [Void King Terrasque]


    [Rank A+]


    ''Now it''s time to take out the boss so I can use the giant ones,'' Atlas pondered, before dashing forward.


    He cast Void Infusion on the blades while cutting through the dinosaur monster''s ankles, causing it to collapse to the ground with a loud crash. Atlas continued casting his magic to distract the boss.


    As he drew nearer, he cast Void Step, materializing directly onto the king''s back. With a swift motion, he aimed to drive his blades into its skull. But before the strike could land, the beast jerked violently, its sudden thrash sending him hurtling to the ground.


    Atlas had to scramble back as the king tried to stamp on him, but he quickly dodged the attack while slicing through the monster''s ankles. Following that, he continued striking at the boss, causing it to roar in pain.


    Moments later, the King Terrasque''s massive tail lashed out with devastating force. Surprised, Atlas was hit head-on, the impact launching him through the air. Pain exploded through his body as he felt several bones snap as he hit the arena''s shield.


    ''Ah fuck, I should have brought the women.''


    The ground quaked violently as the boss charged forward with relentless fury. Before Atlas could recover, the monster struck him once more; the impact was overwhelming. This time, the force didn''t just throw him back he returned to the real world.


    When coming to Atlas shook his head as he spoke to the six women, ''''I will sneak up on the fortress and summon you, ladies. The Level Six Boss is tough and is hard to fight.''''


    The group exchanged nods of agreement, their focus shifting as he slowly rose to his feet. A flicker of pain crossed his face as the phantom pain lingered. He equipped his armor and returned to the real world.


    Atlas appeared in the forest surrounding the fortress and started making his way toward the wall while summoning hundreds of Kenku''s who quickly spread out to surround the place as he got closer.


    When on the last tree he used Void Step to appear on the top where he summoned the six women and spoke with an excited smile, ''''Let''s get to work, we need to continue east.''''


    Following that, the group split up and attacked the nearby soldiers, surprising them as the bird assassins struck at the cannons. Following that, the group split up and attacked the nearby soldiers, surprising them as the bird assassins struck at the cannons.


    They quickly killed the enemy while Atlas cast Void Bullets at the bigger groups of empire troops. Explosions echoed across the fortress as Nulia''s roar sounded out, followed by screams.


    Hours later, the group had slain every Achaemendian and were now resting as Atlas was sitting above the front gate. He noticed Nulia appear from one of the side streets in her Frostbear form as she let out a deep growl.


    Atlas smiled when seeing her transform into her humanoid form as she stretched. ''''What are you doing up there, Alt?''''


    ''''Waiting for you ladies to join me,'''' he answered before jumping down and landing with a thump. ''''We can get going by using Raymond. The wind isn''t bad and we should reach the forest where the survivors are staying.''''


    The brown-skinned beauty nodded with a beautiful smile as she suddenly cuddled him and put her head on his shoulder while speaking, ''''I''m so happy that you forgave me for hurting you. Most would have told me to go.''''


    Atlas returned the hug before playing with her dark hair as he replied, ''''I hold no grudge against you, Nulia. I like you a lot and enjoy our time together, so stop thinking about it.''''


    Hearing his words, the young woman''s face lit up with joy. She leaned in and kissed him swiftly, catching him off guard. Despite his surprise, he returned the gesture warmly as the two shared a passionate kiss. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moments later, they broke apart as the rest of the group rallied around them, and their resolve reignited. Without hesitation, Atlas summoned Raymond, his trusted ally, and together they leaped onto the monster''s back.


    The women got comfortable as the Stormeagle''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Where are we going, Master?''


    ''''Head east and look for a massive forest,'''' Atlas answered while sitting down. ''''We''re looking for the wolf woman who could heal Lilith.''''


    Following that, Raymond flapped his massive wings, flew out of the fortress, and started flying east. He noticed the women were gossiping about the previous fight, but he activated the Void Realm to give the boss another go.


    Atlas appeared in the arena as a roar echoed out as the Void Tarrasque King rushed out of the shadows. The monster charged at him, but he quickly cast Void Bombs that exploded on contact, which sent it stumbling to the side.


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 Chapter 278 - 278: Thanks For The Help

    Seeing an opening, he hurled firebombs at the ground, each exploding into roaring flames that surged in waves over the monster. The fiery assault forced the beast to recoil, granting him the chance to close the distance.


    Wasting no time, he lunged forward, his blades slicing through the creature''s thick hide with ferocity. While fighting with the king, a deep menacing voice echoed in his mind, ''Why do you fight? Tell me, young Voidwalker.''


    When Atlas heard this, he ducked until a tail swing before blasting it with Void Lances that burrowed into the Tarrasque''s torso. He used Void Step to clear some space while answering, ''''A home and peaceful life, I want to live a fun life with my women, but the empire refuses to leave me alone, so here I am.''''


    The monster stopped moving as it eyed him with its blood-red eyes. ''Why such a simple wish? Why not become a king or a god?''


    He shook his head with a smile, ''''Simple moments are the ones that shine the brightest in life.''''


    As Atlas finished speaking, the monster fixed him with an intense gaze, its immense form still and imposing. After a tense moment, it dipped its head slightly.


    ''''I understand,'''' the creature rumbled, its voice resonating with an unexpected calm. ''''You are truly unlike the previous master. I forfeit this battle and declare you the winner.''''


    Atlas blinked in disbelief. ''What the fuck?'' he thought.


    Before Atlas could fully process what had just transpired, the Terrasques dissolved into nothingness. In the blink of an eye, he was back in the real world. He shook his head, still trying to make sense of it all, then muttered, ''''Weird monster... but at least he made it easy for me.''''


    They were still flying across the wolf kingdoms, but suddenly Raymond dived as a wave of spells shot toward them. Atlas looked over to see a group of men standing on a hill targeting them.


    The Stormeagle dived and fired a stream of lightning at the attackers. When the spells hit the mages, it turned them into blood mist. Impressed by this, Atlas praised the monster, saying, ''''Well done, Ray! Good attack.''''


    Following that, the monster continued flying across the snowy landscape, the chilly wind howling as they soared through the sky, the landscape below an endless stretch of snow and ice.


    The snow-covered peaks glistened under the pale sunlight, their jagged edges cutting into the horizon. Atlas noticed there weren''t any monsters flying around, but Raymond''s voice echoed in his mind, ''I have to rest, Master. The wind is getting stronger.'' S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Okay, land on a mountaintop where nothing can get us,'''' he replied. ''''It''s getting late, anyway.''''


    Raymond dove toward a nearby ledge and landed with a resounding crash, giving Atlas and the women a chance to dismount from his back as he settled to rest. Atlas gently stroked the exhausted bird with a grateful smile, saying, ''''Thanks for the help, Ray.''''


    The monster nodded before vanishing into the Otherworld as a rainstorm started lashing the world, causing them to retreat to the treehouse. Once inside, Estelle and Amethyst, alongside Zena, started cooking.


    They were busy planning a meal that made Atlas smile when hearing them bickering. Grishna and Nulia went to have a bath while Artemis walked over to him with a big smile as she spoke. ''''I''m going to join those two in the baths. I have blood all over me, but can we spend the night together?''''


    When Atlas heard this, he agreed. ''''Yes, that''s fine. Once you''re done and I get tired, I''ll come to your room.''''


    The brunette beamed before rushing off to follow the others. He watched her vanish before starting a fire using Void Bullet. A blue flame erupted, which sent hot air washing throughout the treehouse.


    Following that, Atlas relaxed and looked out the window as the storm worsened and Zena spoke from behind him. ''''North Astoria is the worst place to be during the winter. It always gets cold.''''


    He looked back at the dark-haired wolf woman who joined him. Atlas smiled at her before answering. ''''Ever since arriving here, all I''ve been is cold. I''ve got winter clothes, but they don''t seem to do anything.''''


    Zena giggled while nodding. ''''Yes, it''s bad, but this treehouse seems to hold up good.''''


    Atlas smiled at the wolf before the two fell into a peaceful silence as the smell of cooking food wafted through the air. His stomach rumbled, which made Zena laugh once more than she spoke. ''''You''re always hungry, aren''t you?''''


    ''''I love the girls'' cooking. They are getting better every time,'''' he answered as Amethyst brought him a plate of meat.


    The phoenix woman beamed, ''''Here you go. Estelle asked me to bring this to you after hearing your stomach rumble,'''' she said with a giggle.


    Atlas thanked her before she returned to the blonde, who was busy cooking for the group. He began eating, savoring the meal. Zena chuckled, rising to her feet and heading toward the bathroom.


    ''''I''m going to freshen up for dinner,'''' she called over her shoulder with a grin.


    After that, Atlas began eating, his gaze drifting to the window where rain lashed against the glass, driven by the storm. He leaned back in his chair, the last bite of his meal resting on his fork.


    He watched the storm raging furiously outside the window. Raindrops streaked down the glass, illuminated by flashes of lightning that briefly lit the darkened room. The low rumble of thunder rolled in the distance, a soothing contrast to the chaos outside.


    Atlas chewed slowly, savoring the rare moment of calm as the storm raged outside. A deep yawn escaped him as he stretched before reaching for a nearby blanket. Wrapping it around himself, he settled onto the sofa, exhaustion weighing heavily on him.


    Within moments, he was curled up, drifting into a peaceful sleep as the women continued going about their business while he rested.


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 Chapter 279 - 279: She Will Start Fighting You

    Atlas woke up the next morning and was freezing, causing him to use his mana to warm himself up. Following that, he decided to go find the survivors and left the Otherworld as everyone else was asleep.


    When back in the real world, he summoned Theo the Blood Bat King, who appeared from the azure portal. He climbed onto the monster''s back before it took off and started flying southeast for hours.


    As he sat there, Estelle sent him a message, ''Where are you?''


    ''Looking for the white wolves, I want to heal Lilith,'' Atlas answered. ''You girls stay in the Otherworld. It''s freezing out here.''


    The blonde agreed as she said they would train with Zena, which made him smile before turning his attention to the world below. Snow-covered hills spread out in all directions with the odd patch of trees.


    Atlas quickly spotted hundreds of monsters prowling the wilderness, but his attention was drawn to a village in the distance. Ten minutes later, they hovered above it, only to find that it was completely abandoned.


    ''What happened here?'' he thought before speaking to Theo, ''''Land in the square, I want to check this place out.''''


    The Blood Bat quickly descended and landed without a noise, causing Atlas to slide off its back while taking out his swords. While scanning his surroundings, the monster''s voice echoed in his mind, ''Something''s not right here Master, I feel weird.''


    When hearing Theo''s words, the creepy feeling washed over him as a howl rang out, which caused them to stiffen. Atlas glanced at the bat before speaking. ''''Take off and try to find whoever did that, but if shit hits the fan, come pick me up.'''' S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After he finished speaking, the monster nodded and took off, only to vanish into the dark stormy sky while he cast Void Infusion on his blades as he readied for an attack that had never come.


    This confused him, but he started walking through the village and noticed the burned buildings and skeletons littering the ground. Ten minutes later, Atlas walked past the leader''s house only to have a strange humanoid creature charge at him.


    As the newcomers approached, a chill ran down his spine. Without hesitation, he hurled a Void Lance at them. The azure bolt tore through their bodies effortlessly, just as Atlas began slicing through the creatures.


    His blade cut through them with terrifying ease, like a hot knife through butter, slaying dozens of the attackers in mere moments. But that''s when more creatures poured out, their hideous forms growling with hunger.


    ''They are easy to kill but what are they?'' he thought while scanning them with Void Sight.


    [Ravengers]


    [Rank D]


    [Bastards that feed off the dead, normally encountered on battlefields or where massacres happen]


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Atlas lunged forward, his sword flashing through the air. The first creature met its end as his blade cleaved through its rotting flesh, its foul body collapsing in a heap.


    More came, their distorted limbs moving unnaturally fast. One lunged at him from behind, but Atlas spun with deadly precision, slashing across its throat. Dark, viscous blood sprayed across the ground as the creature crumpled to the dirt.


    He was holding his own until it was getting too much, causing Theo to swoop down and grab him before soaring back into the sky with a screech. Atlas climbed onto the monster''s back while speaking. ''''Thank you for that, boy. There were too many of them and it was getting chaotic.''''


    The bat king screeched before heading east as he rested while admiring the snowy landscape below just as Amethyst appeared beside him with her wings stretching out. ''''Hello my love, I need to stretch my wings, so I thought I''d join you.''''


    Following that, the purple-haired young woman jumped off Theo''s back before transforming into her phoenix form while letting out a loud screech. Hours later, the three of them arrived at the foot of a gigantic primal forest which creeped them out.


    She attempted to fly over the area, but quickly pulled back, shifting into her humanoid form just as Atlas and Theo landed. After thanking the Blood Bat, he dismissed it as she turned to him, a voice laced with concern.


    ''''My love,'''' she said, ''''there are Primordial monsters here. They warned me not to fly without their permission.''''


    Atlas nodded while replying, ''''It doesn''t matter. We''re here to find the survivors and heal Lilith. The Primordials should leave us alone.''''


    As he finished speaking, his thoughts drifted back to the creatures he had encountered in the village. The memory stirred his curiosity about the desolate place, prompting him to ask, ''''Are Ravagers common in Astoria?''''


    When the purple-haired woman heard this, her head tilted adorably while answering, ''''Yes, they appear after every battle unless people chase them off. I hate those damn things. Their chuckle creeps me out.''''


    ''Interesting,'' he thought with curiosity before the two entered the forest as he spoke, ''''We can finally heal Lilith after all these years. I''m certain she''s going to be angry.''''


    Amethyst giggled when hearing this before she responded. ''''Knowing that creature, she will start fighting you, but you''ll just take it while not hurting her.''''


    Atlas laughed, ''''You''re right, but be careful this place isn''t right,'''' he warned while glancing at the menacing surroundings.


    Following that, the two of them continued until finding a monster trail heading deeper, which they took. While doing this the phoenix woman commented, ''''The others are leaving it to us. They just don''t want to walk through this nightmare.''''


    ''''That''s fine, at least we can spend some alone time together,'''' he answered.


    Amethyst beamed when hearing this as the two traveled through the forest while roars echoed. Atlas was enjoying the peace, but something told him to hide. He grabbed her waist, and Void Stepped in the canopy above.


    The young woman looked at him, confusion etched across her face. He pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for silence, just as a deep rumble began to shake the ground beneath them.


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 Chapter 280 - 280: Bloodclaws

    Seconds later, a horde of dinosaur-looking monsters appeared at the base of the tree while sniffing the air. Atlas quickly wrapped his cloak around Amethyst, which helped them blend into their surroundings.


    ''Hopefully, they don''t spot us,'' he mused. ''They won''t. We''re too high up.''


    The monsters started letting out loud chirps, which caused more of them to jump out of the surrounding trees. They watched the monsters pouring around the base. While sitting there, he used Void Sight on the creatures to find out what they were.


    [Bloodclaws]


    [Rank SS]


    [Clever motherfuckers. Use your magic to take them out as they are too fast for you]


    ''What the fuck? I''ll avoid them for now. They will be a nightmare to fight,'' he pondered, just as a big one stepped into view.


    Atlas lowered down as the leader let out a loud screech, which caused the monsters to rush off in one direction. When the duo saw this, they sighed in relief as he spoke, ''''Looks like they''ll hunt us for a while. We''ll need to be careful.''''


    When the phoenix woman heard this, she nodded, ''''If it gets any worse, I''ll return to the Otherworld as you can use Void Step to travel.''''


    Following that, they jumped out of the tree before landing with a soft thud before traveling along the monster trail. By the time the sun began to set, Amethyst was tired, causing him to usher her through the portal so she could rest.


    Once she was gone, Atlas didn''t stop moving until reaching a trail which was made by humanoids thanks to the footprints all over the place. He started following it until growing exhausted, forcing him to look for somewhere to sleep.


    ''There should be a place nearby.''


    That''s when he noticed a tree hollow a few meters above the ground. Without hesitation, Atlas climbed until reaching the hollow, where he slipped inside and found it snug but surprisingly comfortable.


    He pulled out a few blankets from his pack and wrapped them around himself, settling in for the night. Roars, howls, and other monster noises rang out across the forest, which amplified as a horde appeared.


    ''What a nightmare is coming now!'' Atlas thought.


    The women attempted to persuade him to join them in the Otherworld, but he declined with a contented smile, finding peace in the hollow as the ambient noises soothed him. Estelle chuckled at his stubbornness, playfully calling him a weirdo before laughing.


    While lying there, Atlas pulled out some dumplings before eating as the forest erupted into chaos and a monster battle was underway. He stuck his head out of the hollow only to see the Bloodclaws fighting with other dinosaurs.


    ''Oh fuck, I''m not getting involved with that shitshow.''


    Following that, he hid himself again as the creatures jumped onto the branches below. This caused him to keep quiet, as he didn''t want to fight them. His eyelids grew heavier with each passing moment until he finally surrendered to exhaustion.


    With his blanket wrapped snugly around him, Atlas drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep, the faint aroma of his meal lingering in the air. The next morning, he woke up feeling refreshed as he climbed out of the hollow.


    ''''Now let''s find the wolf people and drop Ulric off before heading south to cause chaos,'''' he muttered while Void Stepping to the ground below.


    Atlas continued traveling up the trail until reaching a massive log wall that blocked his path forward. ''What are they up to?'' he pondered while studying it.


    He shrugged before using Void Step to appear on the top, only to see a sea of tents that ended at a rushing waterfall. Atlas thought to himself while taking in everything, ''A stupid place to set up camp. They''re trapped if an enormous monster appears.''


    Seconds after that thought, several ice spells flew in his direction, but he quickly cast Void Guard'' to block everything. Explosions rang out just as Atlas jumped off the top and landed with a thud.


    Wolf people surrounded him until an older woman appeared wearing royal armor. She stopped in front of him and spoke in an annoyed tone, ''''What brings you here, elf?''''


    ''''King Ulric Shadowfang is on the run from the empire and I have in my realm,'''' Atlas answered in an honest tone.


    When the woman heard this, her gold eyes opened in fascination. She shook her head and introduced herself. ''''I''m Queen Aurora Frostfang. Where is my cousin?''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement before summoning Ulric, who appeared from the azure portal, shocking the surrounding wolves. One of the soldiers saw the king, and they backed off in respect as Aurora commented, ''''What happened to your kingdom? We heard the empire dogs had captured you.''''


    Ulric frowned and motioned for a nearby table, ''''Sit down and I''ll explain everything,'''' the older man said.


    Following that, Atlas stood off the side but that''s when men rushed up to them as the eldest exclaimed, ''''The Bloodclaws are attacking the wall, they''ll break through any minute now.''''


    When hearing this, Ulric turned to him with a pleading expression, causing Atlas to nod before making his way to the camp gates. He appeared on the top using Void Step only to see the monsters ramming the wood.


    Without hesitation, he leaped into the fray, hurling a Void Lance at one of the creature''s heads. The spell struck true, detonating it in a burst of gore as chunks of flesh and bone scattered through the air.


    Once Atlas hit the ground, more Bloodclaws emerged from the shadows, their crimson-streaked claws glinting menacingly in the dim light. Their low growls resonated like a chilling melody, but he stood unfazed, his blade already in hand.


    The closest creature lunged at him, claws slashing through the air. Atlas quickly sidestepped, countering with a strike that cleaved through its chest. Dark blood sprayed as the creature collapsed with a guttural howl.


    The others surged forward in a frenzy, but Atlas met them head-on. His movements were a blend of strength and grace, each swing of his blade cutting through their thick hide.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give] Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 281 - 281: Shes Angry My Love

    Atlas continued attacking the Bloodclaws, but slowed down as some of their attacks hit. While fighting, he opened a portal for the women to join him, which they did. Nulia charged through and clashed with a monster.


    The Frostbear woman was too smart for the creature and quickly turned it into meat chunks before moving on to the next enemy. He watched as Estelle, Grishna, Artemis, and Zena joined the fight by casting their magic.


    Following this, Atlas saw the spells wipe out dozens of monsters that were turned to ash because of the overwhelming power. Amethyst appeared while letting out a screech before sending a wave of Cosmic Flames washing over the creatures.


    ''They all should be dead soon now they are here,'' he thought as he cast several Void Lances into the Bloodclaws torsos.


    The spells burrowed through their bodies, causing them to crash to the ground as more dead when the women sped past. Atlas smiled before turning toward the village and used Void Step to appear on top of the wall.


    He noticed the white wolves were preparing to join the fight, but he stopped that by casting Void Barrage into the remaining monsters. Once they dropped dead, the women caught their breaths.


    When the survivors heard the battle ended, they opened the gates only to see a swarm of dead creatures littering the ground. Atlas collected most of them while dumping the rest into the demi-human camp.


    Following that, he walked toward Aurora, who was surrounded by her generals. The white wolf woman beamed as she spoke. ''''Thank you for helping us. We owe you a great debt.''''


    Atlas waved her away before he replied, ''''Where is the old woman that came from the Shadowfang Kingdom?''''


    When Aurora heard this, her ears perked up, but a voice reached his ears, ''''Young man, you kept your end of the deal. Now I''ll do my bit.''''


    He turned around to see the old wolf standing nearby, a friendly smile softening her weathered features as she approached. Without hesitation, Atlas retrieved the Monster Vault and extended it toward her. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''You mentioned I would need to give a piece of my soul?'''' he asked, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity.


    The old woman nodded in affirmation, her eyes gleaming with a knowing wisdom. With a silent gesture, she motioned for them to follow her toward the cascading waterfall, its roar muffled by the surrounding trees.


    Meanwhile, the other women entered the camp behind them, greeted like heroes by the gathered crowd. Their triumphant return brought a wave of celebration, but Atlas''s focus remained on helping Lilith as he followed the old wolf.


    ''''Hold out your hand, this will hurt but it will be seconds and my name is Lunara Shadowfang, the queen mother,'''' the wolf woman said with a giggle.


    Atlas did as she said and he felt her pull something from his body, which made a horrible pain shoot through his body. He trembled, but Lunara quickly dragged it into the Monster Vault and Lilith''s sleeping form.


    Seconds later, Atlas blacked out as an explosion erupted within him and tons of memories flooded his mind, causing a headache to rage. He came to only to be on his knees as the pain overwhelmed him.


    ''You left me for years!'' a woman''s enraged voice echoed in his mind.


    ''Oh, fuck!'' he thought while opening his eyes, only to see Lilith standing there with glowing yellow eyes.


    Atlas shook his head and noticed the women were giggling at him as Amethyst shouted with a big smile, ''''She''s angry, my love! Deal with her before she turns on us.''''


    The honey badger turned on her and let out a fierce growl which made everyone laugh as they entered the Otherworld, leaving him alone as the white wolves quickly piled into the buildings.


    ''Bitches! They left me to fend her off alone!''


    Atlas turned to Lilith, his eyes widening as he noticed how much she had grown. She now stood at the size of a large dog, her sharp gaze fixed on him with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.


    Her body tensed, and the air between them grew thick as he tried to explain. ''''Lilith, I didn''t leave you,'''' he began, his tone genuine. ''''We were searching for a soul mage so I could heal you.''''


    ''Lies!'' she snarled, her voice dripping with fury before she sprang at him with alarming speed.


    Atlas let out a startled yelp, leaping to the side to dodge her attack. But she was too fast. In a flash, Lilith was upon him, her claws digging into his back as she pinned him down. Pain erupted in his shoulder as her teeth sank in, sharp and unyielding.


    He gritted his teeth against the agony, his vision blurring for a moment. Summoning all his strength, he twisted his body and threw her off, sending her tumbling a few feet away, but she continued attacking.


    When she lunged, Atlas caught her in a hug and held the little creature close as he spoke, ''''It''s good to see you again. Do you know how much I''ve missed you, Lili?''''


    As the words left his lips, the two of them, now altered in size, lost their balance and tumbled into the roaring waterfall. The powerful current swept them away, throwing the wolf people into a state of panic.


    Desperate to regain control, Atlas attempted to use Void Step, but he soon hit his head on a jagged rock, rendering him unconscious. Lilith panicked while clinging to him like a baby koala as they floated down the rushing river.


    A few hours later, Atlas stirred awake, his body aching and his senses disoriented. He found himself washed ashore in the heart of a dense jungle, the air thick with humidity and the distant calls of unseen creatures.


    As he tried to move, he felt a heavy weight pinning him down. Blinking through the haze, he opened his eyes and froze. Lying atop him was a young, slender woman, her presence as unexpected as his surroundings.


    She had short, snowy-white hair that framed her elegant jawline, catching the soft light filtering through the jungle canopy. But what truly caught his attention was the pair of animal ears perched atop her head, twitching slightly.


    Atlas couldn''t help but notice how stunning she was, her features radiating an otherworldly beauty that made her seem almost ethereal. She looked to be in her early twenties, her youthful yet refined appearance striking a delicate balance.


    But it wasn''t just her looks. Something about her presence drew him in, an inexplicable pull that unsettled him. For a moment, he simply gazed at the beautiful stranger, his thoughts a whirlwind as he tried to make sense of the stranger before him.


    ''A demi-human?'' he wondered, his mind racing to piece things together only to realize seconds later. ''Oh... Lilith has a human form!''


    When the realization hit, he sat up, which caused the honey-badger woman to wake up as her yellow eyes slowly opened. As the two met, a big grin appeared on her beautiful face before she lunged forward and bit down on his neck.


    A shiver shot down his spine as he spoke. ''''Why are you attacking me again, Lilith? I tried my best.''''


    The young woman leaned up while giving him a love-filled smile as she grabbed his collar and quickly kissed him. Atlas was surprised, but returned it as he held her waist before the two broke apart.


    Lilith beamed, ''''Because you''re my Master and that''s what we do with people we like,'''' she explained.


    Following that, the duo stood up as he asked, ''''How do you feel?''''


    The honey-badger woman stretched before answering in a cheerful voice, ''''I feel brand new, Master, but I''m seeing all kinds of things I don''t know.''''


    ''My memories,'' Atlas thought when hearing her explanation. ''Lunara said some of my soul was used to heal her.''


    He shrugged after thinking as the two continued walking through the jungle while heading back to the Frostfang Camp. While travel they started getting to know each other more which made them happy.


    The jungle was alive with sounds as they made their way back to the camp. She moved with a natural grace, her animal ears twitching at every rustle in the underbrush. Atlas still led the way with careful steps.


    When they finally reached the camp, the sight of the familiar clearing brought him a wave of relief. He raised his hand, summoning the energy needed to open the portal to the Otherworld.


    It shimmered into existence, and one by one, Ulric and the rest of the wolf people stepped through. ''''You''re alive!'''' Ulric exclaimed when appearing.


    Atlas chuckled while nodding. ''''Yes, I''m fine, now make yourself at home. Aurora will be happy to welcome you to the camp.''''


    ''''Thank you for all your help, there''s a lot of work to do but with our numbers, it can be done,'''' Ulric answered while taking in the hundreds of white wolves that wandered around.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 282 - 282: Worth Getting

    Atlas smiled at the older wolfman as he replied, ''''Don''t worry about it. It''s the least I can do against the empire.''''


    Ulric laughed before looking at Zena who was chatting with Amethyst and Artemis as he requested, ''''Can she travel with you? She grew up alone and needs to learn what the world is really like.''''


    He looked at the wolf woman before answering with a smile, ''''Yes, the girls seem to like her. But I have to get going before any more storms hit the area while I''m traveling.''''


    When the older man heard this, he agreed with a nod. ''''Sounds smart. Let them hide in your realm while you travel. The wolf kingdoms are a pain in the ass to trek through during winter. Especially now that it''s full of bandits, outlaws, and monsters.''''


    Atlas nodded in understanding. ''''That''s the plan. I can travel faster alone thanks to my monsters,'''' he said while they watched the wolf people go about their business.


    Ulric turned to him and held out his hand. ''''It was an honor to meet you, Atlas. I hope you find what you''re looking for.''''


    ''''I have already,'''' he answered while motioning to the girls. ''''I never had a home, but found one with them.''''


    The older man chuckled, giving Leo a hearty slap on the back. ''''Ah, that white-haired young lady is headed this way. I''d best make myself scarce before she sets her eyes on me, I don''t want to get beat up in front of my people,'''' he said with a playful smirk, already taking a step back.


    Atlas turned toward Lilith, who lunged at him while transforming into her Honey Badger form. He yelped as the creature crashed into his body before she started nibbling any part she could get a hold of.


    This sent him into a fit of laughter as she launched her playful assault. Atlas struggled to pry her off, but she clung stubbornly to his armor. Eventually, the young woman settled down, perched on his chest, before shifting into her humanoid form.


    ''''I love play fighting with you! Ever since we met in that cave,'''' she chimed in a cheerful voice, her eyes sparkling with fondness.


    Atlas chuckled before poking her side, which made her giggle as she folded over and cuddled into him. ''''Thank you for saving me, and sorry for attacking you when I woke up. I was confused and was having a nightmare.''''


    Without a word, he gently took hold of the young woman''s chin and drew her into a passionate kiss. The unexpected gesture made Lilith''s body tense momentarily, but soon, she melted into the moment, responding with equal fervor.


    As their kiss deepened, the others approached while chatting, causing the two to break apart as Lilith spoke with a big smile, ''''Can I travel with you? I can sit on your shoulder if you like.''''


    Atlas nodded before kissing her forehead as Amethyst spoke with a giggle. ''''Seems like she''s not angry anymore.''''


    The Honey Badger woman glanced at the girls while standing up and greeted them. ''''Hello ladies, it''s good to be a part of the group now.''''


    Following that, he opened a portal to the Otherworld and ushered the group through it as Zena came running up to them. The wolf smiled while explaining, ''''Sorry about that, had to say goodbyes to the family.''''


    Atlas waved her away. ''''That''s okay, now get inside and get warm. I think a storm will hit, thanks to Frostwinter.''''


    The dark-haired woman giggled softly, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on his cheek before gracefully leaping through the portal. Atlas watched her disappear with a small smile before turning his attention back and summoning Theo.


    Just as he did, Lilith clambered onto his shoulder, her light frame settling comfortably. Without hesitation, he mounted the Blood Bat King just before the creature soared into the sky and started heading south.


    Atlas informed Theo to look for any fortresses that they could attack, which he got a chirp in reply. An hour later, they were hovering above a small border caste. While he studied it, Lilith''s voice echoed in his mind, ''What are you doing, handsome?''


    ''''Just watch,'''' Leo replied before summoning hundreds of Void Ghouls that fell into the stronghold.


    Chaos erupted as their attack surprised the Achaemendians. The humanoid creature ran wild and tore apart any soldiers they found as Atlas signaled for Theo to land on the command center''s roof.


    Atlas stood on the edge of the roof, his eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding before him. The Void Ghouls, dark and twisted, surged forward with ferocity, their haunting howls echoing through the air.


    ''These monsters were worth getting,'' he pondered.


    With each blood-curdling screech, they tore through the ranks of the empire''s soldiers, their claws ripping through armor and flesh alike. The soldiers, frozen in terror, were no match for the relentless onslaught.


    He watched in silence as the ghoul''s eerie cries filled the air, a stark reminder of the horror they unleashed. While doing this, Lilith started nibbling on his ear, causing a shiver to run down his spine.


    ''Do you like that, my love?'' her sweet voice rang in his mind. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas looked at the fluffy creature before scooping her up and pampering her with strokes. That''s when he quickly noticed she was tiny. This caused him to question, ''''Can you control your size, Lili?''''


    Her yellow eyes opened, but they were in a happy daze as she answered, ''Yes, I like this form so you can pamper me even more.''


    As Atlas heard Lilith''s soft sigh, he began gently stroking her, causing her to slump against him, a contented expression spreading across her face. A satisfied smile curled on his lips as he continued, enjoying the peaceful moment.


    But Theo''s voice broke the silence from behind them. ''There''s a swarm of monsters heading this way, Master. They''re strong.''


    Without missing a beat, Atlas sent the Blood Bat King back to the Otherworld, leaping from the room with swift precision. He quickly made his way to the castle''s treasury, looting what he could before heading out.


    Atlas fled the fortress before the monsters arrived. He was now traveling down the road while keeping an eye out for anything that could attack him, but nothing ever did. As he trekked through the snowy landscape, he chatted with Lilith,


    The Honey Badger woman''s excitement was infectious, causing a smile to appear as he continued pampering her. A few hours later, the sun began to set. Atlas was going to jump into the Otherworld.


    As he opened the portal, Lilith stopped him. ''''Can we camp, please? I want to spend more time with you.''''


    ''''Okay, I''ll send a message to the others so they don''t worry,'''' Atlas answered.


    Following that, he searched for a while until finding a discreet spot where he could set up their camp. He placed Lilith down, who transformed into her human form and started watching him with gleaming yellow eyes.


    He moved with ease while setting up camp under the dimming sky. He cleared a small area, carefully placing stones in a circle to form a firepit. His fingers traced the air, creating the Dark One Runes that glowed faintly.


    ''This should keep us safe from those creatures,'' he thought while admiring his work.


    The runes pulsed with an eerie energy, warding off any unwanted attention. Lilith sat nearby, watching him with quiet fascination. Her gaze followed every movement, her eyes lingering on the way the runes shimmered in the fading light.


    The warmth of the firepit grew as Atlas finished his task, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ''''Done,'''' he said, glancing at her.


    Lilith beamed brightly, her excitement overflowing as she jumped onto him once again. This time, Atlas steadied himself, wrapping his arms around her in a steady embrace that she loved.


    He chuckled at her playful energy before speaking with a grin. ''''Now, let''s eat. I have some dumplings you''ll love.''''


    With a reluctant sigh, she climbed off of him and sat down in front of the fire, her eyes sparkling in anticipation. Atlas reached into his pack, pulled out the food, and handed it to her.


    She eagerly accepted the meal as the two started eating. The stars above shone brightly, and the moons lit up the world around them, causing Lilith to comment, ''''Beautiful, isn''t it? I''m glad to be back.''''


    ''''It is,'''' he replied with a content smile. ''''I love this world and how vast it is. I can''t wait to see more of it once we find peace.''''


    Following that, the duo continued eating before the sounds of rustling echoed from the surrounding trees. Atlas glanced at it while putting his hand on Lilith''s shoulder while speaking, ''''Do not attack them! They will ambush you if you cross the Runes.''''


    ''''I won''t do anything, but why are they are they so creepy?'''' she questioned as her yellow eyes sparkled.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 283 - 283: These Things Were Annoying

    Atlas and Lilith continued watching the Dark Ones, who circled the camp as he spoke. ''''They haunt the night. In some places, the creatures don''t appear.''''


    When the honey-badger woman heard this, she growled at them before climbing on his lap and getting comfortable. Without thinking, he started stroking her fluffy ears, which made her shiver.


    Following that, the two of them crawled into the tent and started cuddling up, which made Lilith happy as she lay on top of him while he fell asleep. The next morning, he woke up and yawned.


    Atlas went to move, only to realize the honey-badger woman was asleep with a radiant smile on her beautiful face. He moved Lilith to the side and made sure she wouldn''t wake up as he left the tent.


    As he stepped outside, he immediately noticed the dense fog enveloping their campsite, its heavy presence unsettling. Without thinking, he summoned his magic to disperse it, but the fog seemed almost alive, which creeped him out.


    Realizing his efforts were futile, he sighed and sat down, making himself comfortable. He pulled out a pouch of dumplings, eating slowly as he scanned the mist, ever watchful for any hidden threats lurking within the haze.


    While sitting there, Atlas decided to check out Level Seven to see what monsters it would give him when he conquered it. He closed his eyes before activating the Void Realm, only to appear in a swamp.


    Trees covered everything along with a fog that covered the ground, which made him gulp as the noises of insects sounded out. The swamp was a labyrinth of gnarled roots and stagnant pools.


    ''This place smells horrible but there''s something creepy about it,'' he thought while casting Void Infusion on the blades.


    Mist clung to the air, muffling the sounds of distant croaks and the occasional splash of something unseen. Atlas moved carefully, his boots squelching with every step, eyes scanning the shadows for signs of monsters.


    He could feel it¡ªthe heavy, oppressive presence of monsters waiting just beyond his sight. The swamp itself seemed alive, the trees twisting unnaturally, their branches clawing at the sky. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Water rippled in strange patterns, and faint, guttural growls echoed through the mist. Atlas tightened his grip on his blades. A shadow shifted in the corner of his vision, and his muscles tensed.


    The monsters weren''t just lurking¡ªthey were organizing, preparing to strike. While standing there, something lunged from the underbrush and the creature started using its scythe-like blades to strike.


    ''What the fuck are these things!'' Atlas yelped, but started battling the monster and used his swords to deflect the others, causing sparks to fly.


    Seconds later, he used Void Step to appear on the branches above as chittering noises rang out. Atlas could use Void Sight and found out their name, which caused him to grow curious.


    [Void Broodmaw]


    [Rank A]


    [These fuckers will chew you and shit you out, boy! Keep it moving]


    Following that, he started casting Void Lance at the swarm of creatures. Explosions rang out as Atlas started fighting the monsters while jumping across the branches and killing them, but it was harder than he expected.


    Hours later, he burst out of the treetops above, which gave him some breathing time to check on the monster total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 6/10000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    When Atlas saw this, he sighed just as a pair of scythes lunged out of the treetops and tried to swipe at him. He ducked under the attack before hitting it with a Void Blast that connected with the mantis-like monster.


    ''These things were annoying,'' he thought as his heart raced.


    The creature''s exo-skeleton exploded into bits, but more of the creatures swamped him. Atlas quickly used Void Wave to clear some space. After the attack, he jumped down from the branches as the monsters chased him.


    When Atlas crashed to the ground, more Broodmaws fell around him before lunging in his direction. One scythe pierced his shoulder, causing him to let out a scream of pain that made him shudder.


    Following this, he was sent back to the real world and woke up while Lilith was crouched in front of him with a concerned expression as she questioned, ''''What were you doing? The look on your face was like a horrible pain hit.''''


    Atlas nodded before explaining the Void Realm to the Honey-Badger woman who became fascinated. She jumped up before landing in his lap as she asked with glowing yellow eyes, ''''Can I join you next time? I want to help you.''''


    ''''Of course you can,'''' he replied with a smile. ''''Are you okay?''''


    Lilith stretched before shaking her head, ''''Still tired, would you like to join me?''''


    Atlas agreed and scooped the white-haired woman into a princess carry and walked back into the tent. The two of them got comfortable before falling asleep while cuddling up as the weather worsened.


    The next morning, Atlas stirred awake to find Lilith lying against him, her head nestled comfortably into the crook of his neck. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he tightened his embrace around her, savoring the warmth of her presence.


    Cold morning air seeped into the tent, causing a shiver to run down his spine, but it didn''t matter. With Lilith in his arms, the chill outside was driven off just as Estelle''s voice echoed in his mind, ''We''re training in the Otherworld, my love. The storm is terrible, so be careful.''


    Following that, Atlas pulled out more blankets and wrapped them around himself and the Honey-Badgeras as the tent shook because of the wind. While this happened, Lilith muttered in a quiet voice, ''''A Storm Titan is above Master. We need to stay quiet.''''


    The wind howled, carrying with it the scent of rain and earth, when suddenly, a deafening roar shattered the air. It was a sound so deep and primal that it reverberated through his bones, making the ground beneath him tremble.


    A roar echoed across the landscape, bouncing off distant mountains and crashing through the trees like a thunderclap. He froze, his heart pounding in his chest as the earth seemed to hold its breath.


    Lilith got closer than her leg draped over him. She pulled him into a passionate kiss that distracted them. Atlas pushed closer to the Honey Badger woman, who had an athletic figure causing him to love her muscles.


    Without hesitation, the duo drifted back to sleep as the storm worsened and the Storm Titan moved on. The following morning, Atlas awoke to the soft light of dawn. He glanced over at Lilith, still sound asleep, before quietly slipping out of the tent.


    The mist had lifted, revealing vast grasslands stretching out in every direction. Atlas took a deep breath, the fresh morning air filling his lungs. ''I''ll use Nala to travel,'' he thought. ''Time to wake the Honey-Badger.''


    With that, he summoned the mighty Dreadmaw Lion, its powerful form appearing beside him in a swirl of shadow. Then he turned back to the tent and walked inside before gently nudging Lilith.


    She woke up allowing him to pack up the tent before scooping her into a princess carry and climbing on Nala''s back. The lioness let out a roar before taking off across the grassland and reaching a massive forest that led south.


    The Dreadmaw Lion entered the treeline before quickly jumping into the branches as her voice echoed in his mind, ''Many powerful enemies Master, I''ll get us away so you can hide out for a little while.''''


    Nala surged forward, her sleek body cutting through the grasslands like a force of nature. Her paws barely touched the ground as she raced, the wind whipping through Atlas''s hair and Lilith''s cloak; the landscape blurring around them.


    Atlas held onto the Dreadmaw Lion''s thick mane, one arm wrapped securely around Lilith, who rested against his chest, her face pressed into his side as they sped across the open plains.


    The sound of Nala''s thundering paws echoed in the vast space, each stride taking them farther from the dangers. Atlas grinned, while Lilith, still half-asleep, nestled closer, comforted by the steady rhythm of Nala''s gallop.


    Atlas reined Nala to a halt at the crest of a gentle hill, his breath catching as he took in the view. The grasslands stretched endlessly before him, a sea of green and gold swaying under the soft caress of the wind.


    Distant mountains loomed on the horizon, their jagged peaks painted in shades of blue and gray by the early morning light. Above, the sky was vast and open, streaked with ribbons of orange and pink as the sun climbed higher.


    Birds wheeled lazily through the air, their cries faint but clear, carried by the breeze. A small stream wound its way through the plains below, its surface shimmering like liquid silver, which caught his interest.


    Hours later, Nala came to a stop when they saw a mountain ledge above that Atlas used Void Step to get up to.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 284 - 284: Theyre Are Fast

    Atlas was standing on a ledge while watching a monster swarm pass by. ''Hopefully, this shit calms down when we get out of the north.''


    While he did that, Nala appeared beside him and nudged him. ''A few Titans are coming, Master. It''s the reason I suggested hiding for a while.''


    ''''I know and am thankful for it. I''m not strong enough to fight them just yet,'''' Atlas replied while pulling out some food.


    He started eating just as Lilith appeared from the tent he set up. The white-haired young woman stretched as she spoke. ''''Can I get some food, handsome?''''


    Atlas gave her some, as Nala concluded before sitting down. ''Just be careful and don''t attract their attention, Master.''


    ''''I will now go rest, and thanks for helping Nala,'''' he replied while sending the monster back to the Otherworld.


    Once she was gone, Atlas turned his attention back to the landscape that stretched in all directions, but that''s when he spotted the southern road, causing him to think, ''Good, at least we''re close now.''


    The fading sunlight bathed the rolling plains and distant mountains in hues of gold and deep violet. A gentle breeze carried the scent of earth and grass, but it grew sharper with each passing moment as the temperature dropped.


    He exhaled, his breath forming a faint cloud in the cooling air. With a last glance at the horizon, he pulled his cloak tighter around himself and turned toward the tent. Ducking inside, grateful for shelter as the cold of the evening settled in.


    Atlas''s gaze landed on Lilith, seated comfortably and enjoying her meal. She looked up, her violet eyes sparkling as she smiled. ''''This food is delicious,'''' she said, her voice light with delight. ''''I can''t wait to try more.''''


    With a small nod, Atlas reached into his pack and pulled out additional portions, handing them to the Honey Badger woman. Her face lit up with joy, and she eagerly ate, her enthusiasm infectious as she savored each bite.


    As Lilith enjoyed her meal, Atlas decided it was time to test the Void Realm skill. Closing his eyes, he activated it, and in an instant, the world around him shifted. He reappeared at the edge of a large lake.


    Without hesitation, he pulled out his swords, their edges gleaming ominously. With a wave of his hand, he cast Void Infusion, that covered the blades. Atlas quickly raised his blades just as a scythe slashed at him.


    ''That was close! These things are deadly.''


    He deflected it before hitting the monster with a Void Lance that tore through its exoskeleton just as more appeared. Atlas had to think fast as he started blocking the attacks while countering with his own.


    Following that, he used Void Step and appeared in the trees just as more slashes passed through in the spot he was just in. He quickly cast Void Blast, which wiped out the monster as an explosion erupted.


    Altas fled into the trees as more Broodmaws appeared from the surrounding bushes. Thanks to his speed, he rushed through the treetops while checking the monster total and sighed when he saw the amount.


    [Void Broodmaw - 21/10000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''This is going to take some time to clear,'' Atlas thought, his instincts kicking in as he Void Stepped, narrowly evading a creature that lunged at him.


    Before he could steady himself, another monster struck, thrusting its scythe-like appendage directly at his torso. Panic surged through him, and he quickly cast Void Guard, summoning a shimmering barrier of energy.


    Suddenly a creature''s scythe collided with the shield, its razor-sharp tip piercing through and glancing off his armor. The impact was immense; the force hurling Atlas backward. He crashed through the swamp, the murky water and dense foliage breaking his fall as he slid to a stop.


    ''Ah fuck, that hurt,'' he thought while spitting blood out as his regeneration kicked in and started healing his body.


    Atlas stood up just as chittering noises rang out from all around him as the Broodmaws moved toward him. Without waiting, he started slinging a dozen Void Lances that sliced through the air and connected with the monsters.


    The azure projectiles tore through them with ease just as one pounced from behind him and thrust a scythe through his right leg, causing him to let out a scream as pain flowed through his body.


    He swung around and cast Void Blast, which sent the monster flying into the trees as more of them rushed out of the underbrush. Atlas steadied himself, his eyes locking onto another Broodmaw as it advanced with unnerving speed.


    ''These things are driving me mad. They''re so fast,'' he pondered while dodging a lunge.


    Its scythe-like limbs gleamed with a deadly sheen, slicing through the air as it lunged toward him. He dodged to the side with a quick Void Step, narrowly avoiding a strike that gouged deep into the swampy ground.


    Another Broodmaw appeared from the shadows, its scythes arcing in a deadly double strike. Atlas ducked low, feeling the wind of the blades skim past his head, and retaliated with an upward slash, his Void-Infused sword tearing through its carapace.


    The creature screeched, but there was no time to celebrate. A third Broodmaw charged from his left, forcing him to roll through the muck as its scythe slammed into a tree, splitting it in two.


    Breathing heavily, Atlas tightened his grip on his swords, his focus razor-sharp as the next wave of attackers appeared. He yelped as one monster tried to bite him, but he jumped back while deflecting it.


    Sparks flew, but he cast Void Wave to knock them back as he used Void Step to attack the closest, which brought them down. While doing that, he felt several blades piercing through his torse.


    The jarring impact forced Atlas out of the Void Realm, snapping him back to reality. As his vision cleared, he found Lilith leaning over him, her expression etched with worry. She was shaking him gently, her voice trembling as she asked, ''''Master, are you okay?''''


    He blinked before nodding while sitting. ''''I''m fine, Lili. I was just fighting in the Void Realm, but the monsters defeated me.''''


    When the Honey Badger woman heard this, she looked angry as she exclaimed, ''''Take me to them! I will beat those vile creatures for hurting you.''''


    Atlas started laughing before grabbing her hand and reactivating the skill. The duo appeared in the swamp, which confused Lilith as she glanced around while sniffing the air. ''''I can smell them moving I''m,'''' she said with a growl.


    ''Let''s see what she can do,'' he thought before Void Stepped to the branches above as she transformed into another Honey Badger form. ''What is she doing? Why fight like that?''


    He watched as her ferocity captivated him. Lilith let out a guttural snarl, her eyes blazing with unbridled rage as she spotted the Broodmaw. Without hesitation, she lunged at a blur of claws and teeth.


    The creatures hesitated, their usual confidence replaced by shock thanks to the little creature. That hesitation cost them dearly as she tore into the nearest Broodmaw, her claws rending through its tough carapace-like paper.


    A second creature lunged at her, but she spun, slamming it into the ground with enough force to crack the swampy earth. Atlas couldn''t help but marvel as she unleashed her fury, a whirlwind of savage strength, reducing them to broken husks.


    The once-dominant Broodmaws were no match for the primal wrath of the Honey Badger. Lilith was going crazy and dodging the scythes and using them to jump off and slash through the creature''s throats. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas leaped from the branch, descending like a predator. He landed squarely on a creature''s back, driving his blade through its skull. Blood sprayed across the ground below as the lifeless body crumpled beneath him.


    Wasting no time, he cast Void Wave, unleashing a powerful shockwave that sent nearby monsters stumbling backward. As the chaos erupted, Lilith let out a feral growl, her fury building as she enjoyed the fight.


    Following that, Atlas quickly checked the monster''s total while using Void Bomb to kill dozens of Broodmaws.


    [Void Broodmaw - 151/10000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''I''ll get the other girls to fight with us,'' he pondered while deflecting several scythes that were aimed at his throat.


    Chings rang out just as Lilith lunged at the Broodmaw and cracked its exoskeleton open with ease before savaging it. Atlas chuckled when hearing this before casting Void Wave that sent the remaining creatures that flew.


    They moved as a deadly duo, tearing through the horde with relentless precision. His Void-Infused blades flashed in the dim swamp light, slicing through carapaces and limbs, while Lilith, in her Honey Badger form, was a whirlwind of claws and fangs.


    The monsters fell one after another, their shrieks drowned by the sound of clashing steel and savage growls. He carved a path through the chaos, covering Lilith''s flanks as she tore into another Broodmaw, ripping it apart with terrifying strength.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 285 - 285: I Wont Neglect Any Of You

    Atlas watched as Lilith tore through the Broodmaws with ease, thanks to her claws and teeth. He had to retreat to the branches above while thinking in shock, ''What the fuck? How can see a fight for so long?''


    Sweat dripped down his forehead, causing him to dismiss his helmet as he checked the monster total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 211/10000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''Annoying,'' he thought while standing up and casting Void Infusion on his blades before diving back into the battle.


    Atlas landed on the back of a Broodmaw, trying to attack Lilith from behind, but he shoved his swords through its skull before hitting another with a Void Blast that cut a monster in half thanks to its power.


    While this was happening, the Honey Badger was going crazy whenever she saw Atlas getting heard. This drove her over the edge as she grew in size and power, causing the monsters to back away.


    He caught the terror in their beady eyes as Lilith let out a guttural growl, a sound so primal it sent chills racing down his spine. Without hesitation, she lunged at the nearest Broodmaw, her razor-sharp teeth sinking into its flesh.


    It barely had time to screech before she tore it apart like fragile paper, her savage ferocity leaving nothing but mangled remains in her wake. He chuckled when he saw this and joined in.


    With an excited smile, Atlas rushed toward the closest Broodmaw, who started swinging its scythes in his direction. He quickly deflected them before driving his swords into its torso and casting Void Bullets.


    Explosions erupted across the monster''s body as Lilith crashed into its upper half with unrelenting force, driving it to the ground with a smash. Nearby, Atlas raised Void Guard, its shimmering energy shield deflecting a barrage of attacks.


    Sparks showered around him as he surged forward, his weapons blazing with crackling energy. With a primal roar, Atlas unleashed a whirlwind of strikes, his blades carving through a dozen creatures in a matter of heartbeats.


    Limbs and carapaces scattered as his relentless assault left nothing in his path. The Honey Badger froze mid-charge, its wide yellow eyes fixed on Atlas in astonished disbelief, the sheer ferocity of his attacks leaving even the fearless creature in awe.


    Without having a break to two of them continued fighting with all their strength as they killed thousands. Atlas was covered in sweat but didn''t stop as his blades brought down so many Broodmaws that his arms grew tired.


    He sheathed his sword before using Void Punch and Smash, which sent the attacking monsters flying because of the shockwave. Lilith was covering his rear as Atlas pushed himself beyond his limit.


    When the Honey Badger woman saw this, she stopped fighting while thinking, ''He''s using one hundred percent of his power! How has he grown so strong?''


    The ground seemed to tremble, and her eyes flicked with anticipation as she watched her boy destroying the monsters. With a sharp cry, Atlas raised his glowing fist, Void energy crackling and swirling around it like a contained storm.


    ''He''s mine! I can''t believe how powerful he is now,'' she thought with glowing eyes.


    He lunged forward and slammed his fist into the ground, unleashing a Void Punch that detonated with the force of a thunderclap. The shockwave rippled outward, shattering the front line of Broodmaw into nothing and sending others flying into the air like rag dolls.


    Lilith''s lips curled into a feral grin, as Atlas didn''t pause. He leaped into the air, mana surging through his limbs. With both fists raised high, he brought them down in a titanic Void Smash. The impact shook the battlefield, the deafening boom echoing like a thunderstorm.


    Dozens of Broodmaw crumbled under the devastating blow, their shrieks cut short as the ground itself split beneath them. Lilith''s growl rumbled with approval as she watched him stand amidst the carnage, the mana still radiating from his fists like a storm barely contained.


    ''''You''re a walking cataclysm, handsome,'''' she said with a sharp grin. ''''Let''s finish the rest.''''


    Atlas turned to the white-haired beauty and smirked. ''''Gladly.''''


    Following that, the duo continued fighting until they grew exhausted, forcing them back to the real world. When Atlas woke up in the tent, Lilith lunged at him and started straddling his waist while looking down at him.


    Her smile grew wider, which showed her sharp teeth as she spoke. ''''It seems like you''ve gotten so much stronger, Master.''''


    Atlas nodded while holding the young woman''s slender waist, causing her ears to twitch as she leaned in to whisper, ''''Do you find me beautiful?''''


    ''''Yes, extremely Lili,'''' he answered before turning his head and stealing her plump lips.


    The Honey Badger''s body went stiff, but she quickly reciprocated the kiss with one of her own as she cupped his cheeks. They continued this for a few minutes until separating as Lilith''s eyes sparkled.


    ''''Do you want to be mine, Master?'''' she questioned with a hopeful expression.


    Atlas smiled when hearing this, but he had to get something out of the way first, so answered with his own question, ''''Do you mind if I''m with the others?''''


    ''''Amethyst and the other girls?'''' she instantly replied.


    He nodded in confirmation, causing her smile to grow, ''''Of course, it is, I wouldn''t expect anything different, but you cannot neglect us or I''ll beat you up.''''


    Atlas started chuckling before nodding. ''''I won''t neglect any of you. I''m grateful for having all of you girls in my life, so yes, I want to be with you, Lili.''''


    When the Honey Badger woman heard, a surge of excitement overwhelmed her, consuming her entirely. Unable to contain herself, Lilith bit down on his neck, her sharp teeth pressing into his skin.


    A low groan escaped him, a mix of surprise and pain, as he felt her breath hot against his ear, close and filled with unrestrained energy. The young woman lovingly attacked him while he held her soft ass.


    Lilith leaned up, her eyes gleaming with a wild light as a mischievous grin spread across her face. ''''Fighting in that place was fun,'''' she purred, her voice low and sultry. ''''Especially with you, handsome. Can we do it again?''''


    Atlas chuckled, his exhaustion fading before answering in a warm voice. ''''Yes, but first, let''s rest. Then we''ll meet up with the others.''''


    He reached into his storage, pulling out a couple of thick blankets. Wrapping them securely around the two of them, he added with a knowing smirk, ''''When we wake up, we''ll cause even more trouble for the empire.''''


    Lilith snuggled closer, her smile softening. ''''I like the sound of that,'''' she murmured.


    Following that, Atlas smiled before brushing a lock of white hair out of the Honey Badger''s face while mumbling, ''''I''m happy that I met you in that cave all those years ago, Lili.''''


    He kissed her forehead while lying down and closed his eyes while checking the monster''s total of Level Seven.


    [Void Broodmaw - 891/10000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''Oh shit, that is an improvement from the last time I looked,'' Atlas thought with excitement before his exhaustion overwhelmed him.


    He fell asleep after cuddling Lilith, who snuggled into him as the night passed. The storm had calmed down, but still had the two trapped in the tent while the other girls were training in the Otherworld.


    The following morning, Atlas woke to the sound of the walls shaking violently under the relentless assault of the wind outside. The howling gusts were constant, their chaotic roar already grating on his nerves.


    Groaning, he climbed out from under the blankets, glancing at Lilith, who remained curled up and undisturbed, her breathing steady and peaceful. With a stretch, his muscles protested, and his bones clicked audibly, making him wince.


    ''''I hate this damn weather,'''' he muttered under his breath, rolling his shoulders to shake off the stiffness. ''''Makes me feel like an old man.''''


    Atlas started a series of stretches, his movements slow but deliberate. Bit by bit, the tension in his body eased, and he felt the stiffness fade. ''''Much better,'''' he sighed. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, he put on some fresh clothes before stepping outside, only to feel the rough wind hit his face. While standing there, a portal opened, and Grishna and Amethyst stepped through.


    The Orc woman smiled when seeing him. ''''Morning, handsome, how was your night with Lilith?'''' she questioned.


    ''''It was good. We fought in the Void Realm and cleared hundreds of the demons,'''' Atlas answered with an amused chuckle.


    When the two women heard this, Amethyst questioned, ''''Demons?''''


    ''''Yes, they are called Broodmaws and they''re annoying with their sharp scythes that fly at you from anywhere,'''' Atlas answered with a chuckle.


    ''''Can we fight them with you? Estelle''s training is driving us mad,'''' Grishna revealed with a giggle. ''''Artemis, Nulia, and Zena are suffering through it right now.''''


    Atlas started laughing. ''''Yes, it looked like the storm will calm down in a few days, so we have some spare time,'''' he said.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 286 - 286: Earn My New Life

    Atlas led Grishna and Amethyst into the tent where Lilith was still sleeping. When the orc woman saw this scene, she teased, ''''Did you ravage her all night, handsome? She looks exhausted.''''


    When the phoenix woman her head snapped in his direction, he explained, ''''No, we fought for hours in the Void Realm and needed to rest.''''


    Amethyst nodded before revealing, ''''Only a few more months until my eighteenth my love. Then we can take the next step.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me, but I want to go to a city so I can take each of you on a date,'''' Atlas responded.


    When the two women heard this, their faces lit up with bright smiles, but it was the sudden blur that crashed into him that took him by surprise. Atlas started laughing as an excited Lilith was straddling him.


    The white-haired young woman commented in an excited voice, ''''Can you take me on a date? I want to spend more time with you, Master.''''


    Atlas Archer chuckled softly, the sound strained but genuine. ''''Yes, you''re included in that, Lili,'''' he said warmly, pulling the Honey Badger woman into a firm embrace.


    The moment drew soft giggles from Grishna and Amethyst, who stood nearby watching with amused smiles. The ever-straightforward Orc crossed her arms and smirked. ''''Looks like you two are pretty close,'''' she said. ''''Little Bird was right. Bonded souls always find their way to each other.''''


    Following that, Atlas stood up after Lilith stopped kissing him. His face was red, which made the three women laugh. He shook his head before asking, ''''Do you ladies want to help me in the Void Realm?''''


    They all agreed with a nod, causing him to activate the skill only to reappear in the swamp, which took Grishna and Amethyst by surprise. The two women looked around in fascination as Lilith stepped forward.


    Atlas stepped back, his gaze fixed on Lilith as she shifted, her body morphing into her Honey Badger form. Grishna''s jaw dropped, but Amethyst simply giggled, her purple eyes twinkling with delight.


    Without hesitation, she followed suit, leaping into the air. As her body glowed with an intense golden light, feathers erupted from her frame, and within moments, she transformed into her majestic phoenix form. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''They are growing stronger,'' he thought with pride.


    Her wings unfurled with a brilliant burst of purple flames as she soared higher, the fiery glow illuminating the battlefield. She circled above, her special eyes scanning the ground below as she waited to fight.


    Atlas couldn''t help but smirk at the display of power, his grip tightening on his weapon while casting Void Infusion on them. After that, Grishna appeared beside him with her spear as she spoke. ''''Stick together, handsome?''''


    ''''Of course, we''re a team Grish,'''' he replied before casting Void Infusion on her weapon.


    The Orc woman beaned and pulled him in for a quick kiss, which caught Atlas off guard. As she did that, his senses kicked in as the monster''s attack, a Broodmaw lunged from the nearby brush.


    He sidestepped the creature''s attack, his blade gleaming as he swung in a deadly arc, cutting the beast cleanly in half. Before the severed halves hit the ground as more Broodmaws emerged, their guttural cries echoed throughout the swamp.


    The air thickened with the tension of battle as Atlas squared his shoulders, his eyes narrowing while watching the Orc woman fighting with a group of monsters that tried to swamp her, but she was holding her own.


    Grishna lunged forward, her spear slicing cleanly through the Broodmaw''s limb. The monstrous creature toppled over, its massive body crashing to the ground. Wasting no time, she cast several Earth Bolts that tore through its thick exoskeleton.


    Atlas was excited when seeing this as the green-skinned beauty was power with every attack. While fighting Grishna quickly few several metal marbles at the creatures causing the ringing noise to daze them.


    Following that, she launched herself at the monsters before landing in the center while casting several Razorwind Blades that tore them apart. Once seeing that, Atlas joined the fray and started spamming Void Lances into the nearest Broodmaws.


    Explosions thundered, piercing screeches filled the air, and the roar of flames crackled as the battle raged on. The women fought valiantly, staying united and striking as a cohesive team.


    Meanwhile, the Broodmaws seized an opening, isolating Atlas from the group. He was deflecting dozens of attacks with Void Guard before using Void Step to escape into the treetops while making his way back to the group.


    He jumped from branch to branch and stopped to catch his breath. While sitting there, Atlas pulled up the monster amount to see how many they killed.


    [Void Broodmaw - 3349/10000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''Almost halfway there,'' Atlas thought with excitement, just as the women started being sent back to the real world.


    Lilith was the last one to go, which caused him to smile as the Broodmaws converged on him like waves. He readied himself before using Void Wave to push the monster''s back as he started stabbing them.


    Thanks to Void Infusion, his swords shattered the creature''s only defense, causing dozens of them to fall out of the treetops. Atlas continued fighting until his arms grew weaker and he was surprised.


    A Broodmaw lunged from above and crashed into him. It quickly plunged its scythe through his torso, but he cast Void Bombs that erupted. He was sent flying before being sent back to the real world.


    Following that, Atlas woke up in the tent as the three women were sitting around the table, chatting. He sat there slumped on a sofa before he checked the monster''s total to see how many he killed, only to be shocked.


    [Void Broodmaw - 6912/10000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''Almost there. If we work with the other women, it''ll go faster,'' he mused, rising to his feet and stretching out his weary muscles.


    When the three women noticed him, they beamed before Lilith jumped up and lunged across the tent, and enveloped him in a tight hug. Atlas started smiling while returning it while holding her perky ass.


    The Honey Badger quickly cupped his cheeks and gave him a passionate kiss, which sent a shock down his spine. Following that, she jumped off as Grishna and Amethyst did the same thing.


    After the greetings Atlas spoke, ''''Let''s head back to the Otherworld, me and Raymond will travel further south as the weather calms down.''''


    They agreed before entering the portal after kissing him on the cheek, but Lilith refused with a huff. She quickly transformed into a tiny Honey Badger that was the size of a kitten. This put a smile on his face.


    Atlas quickly scooped Lilith up and started pampering her. The Honey Badger woman relished the attention and squirmed around in his arms. Following that, he put her in his shirt with her head popping out.


    She kept turning around and nibbling on his neck, which sent a shiver down his spine. Atlas left the tent before sending it back to storage. Once that was done, he summoned Raymond, who appeared from a portal.


    ''Morning master, traveling again?'' the massive Stormeagle greeted.


    Atlas approached the bird and started stroking it before climbing on its back. ''''Yes, let''s take out the empire''s castles and forts in Astoria. That will help the realms retake their lost homes with our help.''''


    With a powerful beat of his wings, Raymond launched into the sky, snow swirling in his wake as he climbed higher. The icy air whipped past Atlas, who clung to the Stormeagle''s feathers, his eyes scanning the endless expanse of snow-covered wilderness below.


    Frosted trees stretched out like a sea of white, their tops glistening under the pale morning sun. As they soared, the landscape shifted. The jagged peaks of distant mountains framed the horizon and, nestled in the valley between them, a massive castle came into view.


    Its dark stone walls loomed ominously, standing out against the pristine snow. Towers jutted upward like claws, and plumes of smoke rose from within, a clear sign of activity. When Atlas saw this, he smiled. ''Now it''s time to show the empire that they poked the wrong bear!''


    ''''There it is,'''' he murmured, leaning forward slightly.


    Raymond let out a low, thunderous cry in response, banking gently to adjust their course toward the fortress. While approaching the fortress, Atlas stood up and clenched a fist as he mumbled. ''''Now let''s bring light to Astoria with a fist.''''


    ''Are you fighting alone? How will you fight the powerful opponent in there?'' the creature questioned in a worried voice.


    ''''I have you and the girls,'''' Atlas replied as he transformed into his Voidwalker form and continued. ''''One person''s light can chase away a thousand shadows. This is where I earn my new life and everything that comes with it.''''


    The wind howled as Raymond soared higher; the castle growing ever larger beneath them. Atlas could feel the weight of the coming battle. Without a word, he gave a single nod to his loyal monster, who responded with a deep, resonating call.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 287 - 287: Kill Them All

    Atlas looked at the fortress below before leaping from the Stormeagle''s back, plummeting through the sky like a comet streaking toward the earth. The ground rushed up to meet him, and the world blurred.


    His body twisted mid-air, arms outstretched, and he summoned the void itself. Dark mana swirled around him, forming a crackling sphere of destructive power. With a roar, Atlas slammed into the earth just outside the castle''s gates.


    The impact shattered everything, causing a shockwave to ripple through the snow-covered landscape as the Void Smash exploded outward, tearing through the castle''s stone walls, collapsing towers, and sending debris flying in all directions.


    Atlas was crouched at the bottom of a crater in his Voidwalker form. An azure glow lit up the surroundings. His smile grew wider as he summoned several Giant Tarrasques that rushed out of the portal before climbing up.


    He quickly appeared in the courtyard as the survivors were still coming two. Atlas grinned and lunged at a group of Achaemendians and started ripping them apart with her sharp claws that stained the ground with blood.


    The colossal monsters unleashed their fury, tearing through anything that moved with unrelenting savagery. Amid the chaos, Atlas was a whirlwind of destruction. With a single slash, he bisected a soldier using his sharp claws.


    Pivoting, he hurled a Void bomb into a cluster of enemies, detonating with a thunderous explosion that obliterated them. The explosion flung the surviving Achaemendians like rag dolls, their screams lost in the deafening roar.


    Atlas reveled in the carnage, his bloodthirsty grin illuminated by the flames. While fighting, the women''s voices echoed in his mind. ''''Summon us! We want to help.''''


    Without hesitation, he opened a portal seconds later. Nulia in her Frostbear rushed out first before letting out an earth-shaking roar, her breath freezing the ground beneath her as she charged into a squad of soldiers, scattering them like leaves in a storm. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Overhead, Amethyst''s voice cut through the din. ''''Atlas! An army approaches from the south! Too many for us alone!"


    The warning only ignited Atlas''s determination further, causing him to turn to the blonde knight and speak with a wild smile, ''''Clear this place out and come to the wall. Watch how much grown.''''


    When Estelle heard this, she gave a sharp nod, her blade a blur as she killed soldier after soldier, the commander crumpling under her relentless assault. Meanwhile, Atlas surged through the chaos of the fortress, his presence a whirlwind of power.


    Vaulting across the roofs, he bellowed commands to the monstrous horde trailing him. ''''Form up outside!'''' he roared, his voice slicing through the clamor of battle. ''''Let the world witness my power!''''


    The Tarrasques let out a thunderous, earth-shaking roar in response, their colossal forms stampeding after him. Nearing the fortress wall, Atlas equipped his helmet with one thought as it snapped on.


    With a crackling burst of energy, he landed below with an earth-shattering thud, a harbinger of doom to all who dared stand in his path. That''s when the enemy army stopped marching and the monsters destroyed the walls again.


    They lined up, massive forms forming an unbreakable wall of muscle and fury. Atlas Void Stepped onto the head of one. From there, he unleashed his magic, causing his mana to pour into the rift.


    Portals erupted around him, crackling with energy as they widened. Out came the first wave, an army of Void Ghouls. Their eerie howls filled the air. They surged forward, quickly forming the first ranks.


    But Atlas was far from finished as he summoned his Werewolves, their eyes feral and their claws gleaming, waiting to fight. Next were the creepy Gibberlings, their twisted bodies scuttling with disturbing speed; Hobgoblins, their monstrous forms ready to wreak havoc.


    The ground trembled under the weight of hundreds of other horrors that appeared. And finally, as if to cap the horrors he had unleashed, he summoned a thousand Kenkus, who were screeching in excitement as they gathered like a tide of death.


    The enemies, witnessing this nightmarish army before them, faltered for the briefest moment, uncertain whether they should flee or fight. But Atlas drew his swords, their dark edges gleaming.


    He quickly cast Void Infusion on them, causing the swords to blaze to life, a radiant blue glow pulsing from their edges, casting an ethereal light across the battlefield. The six women appeared on the wall.


    Estelle looked at the Honey Badger woman and spoke in a serious tone, ''''You can''t join him, Lili. It''s too dangerous.''''


    Lilith, however, refused to heed their warning when they tried to stop her from rushing out in excitement. With a mischievous grin, she leaped off and rushed toward Atlas, her human form radiating energy.


    Upon spotting her, Atlas commanded the Tarrasque to lower its tail. As the massive creature complied, Lilith sprang onto it, bounding toward him with a burst of speed. She threw herself into his arms, her yellow eyes gleaming with affection.


    Atlas chuckled warmly at the sight, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. A shiver ran through Lilith, and with a playful flicker, she shrank into her tiny form. Without hesitation, she climbed into the folds of his armor, curling up comfortably.


    Following that, he raised a blade high and bellowed, ''''Kill them all!''''


    The ground seemed to shake with the fury of his words, and at his command, the monster army surged forward. When the Achaemendians saw this, the leaders started screaming out orders.


    Atlas watched as the Void Ghouls crashed into the frontline and started tearing through them like a hot knife through butter. While that happened, the Kenkus split into two groups before vanishing into the surroundings.


    Seconds later, the rest of the monsters charged forward as Bloodhawks swooped down and took out the Achaemendians with ease. Magic attacks struck the horde, but they pushed forward while demolishing the enemies.


    Afterward, the battle erupted as monsters pounced on the soldiers, who couldn''t hold them back, as it was too overwhelming. Atlas jumped to the ground as the Kenkus moved in before slamming into the enemy flanks.


    The bird assassins were skilled and blocked the Achaemendian''s attacks, causing sparks to fly just as more washed over the soldiers. Following this, the six women joined the fray and started mowing down the enemies.


    His monster army moved with terrifying speed. The Tarrasques tore through the enemy ranks, their tails sweeping aside entire squads like leaves in a storm. Bloodhawks dived from above, unleashing their claws upon the soldiers, their screams lost in the roar of battle.


    At the center of the carnage, Atlas stood tall, his eyes glowing with command. ''''Leave none standing,'''' his voice echoed over the battlefield.


    Obeying his order, colossal Void Golems surged forward, their earth-shattering footsteps crushing the last remnants of resistance. The enemy''s lines crumbled under the attack, swords and shields clattering uselessly to the ground as fear took hold.


    Following that, Atlas used Void Step to appear away from the battle as he spotted Nulia sitting there watching the battle unfold. When he materialized, the brown-skinned woman beamed as she spoke. ''''Your monsters are a menace handsome, they are wiping out the army with ease.''''


    ''''There''s so many, it doesn''t surprise me that the empire was caught unprepared this time,'''' he answered while sitting next to her. ''''But it won''t always be this easy once they adapt to the creatures.''''


    Nulia started laughing as she wrapped an arm around his shoulder before placing a soft kiss on his cheek. ''''You''ll figure it out. We all trust you.''''


    Atlas smiled warmly, but a sudden instinct flared within him, prompting swift action. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a protective embrace and cast Void Guard around them just as a deafening explosion erupted.


    They were sent hurtling through the air, but Atlas landed firmly on his feet, steady as a rock. Nulia blinked in confusion, her eyes darting around to make sense of the chaos. Before she could react, Atlas had already surged forward, closing the distance to meet an approaching man head-on.


    The stranger''s fist hurtled toward him, but Atlas intercepted it with a rock-solid block. In the same breath, he launched a powerful counterpunch, the force of it echoing like thunder across the battlefield.


    Without missing a beat, the two began trading furious blows, each strike faster and more ferocious than the last. Amid the fray, Atlas delivered a crushing punch to the stranger''s hand, sending his weapon spinning through the air and clattering to the ground.


    The balance of power shifted in an instant as Atlas pressed his advantage, his movements unyielding and full of determination. When the enemy tried to kick him, he blocked it before hitting the man with a fully charged Void Blast.


    Just as another strike was about to land, a blur shot into the fray. Nulia''s fist collided with the attacker''s side, sending them stumbling. ''''Need a sparring partner?'''' she quipped, shaking out her knuckles.


    Atlas smirked. ''''Took you long enough.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 288 - 288: Moonlit Harbor

    While Atlas delivered bone-crushing punches that kept the opponent off balance, Nulia''s movements were a blur of speed and precision. Her fists struck like iron hammers, each blow landing with accuracy.


    As those two were fighting, Lilith was rushing around the battlefield taking out any Empire soldiers she came across. By the time she slowed down to catch her breath, she was covered in blood.


    She huffed before going after the mages that tried attacking her boy. Atlas watched the Honey Badger going crazy as she zoomed around, which made him smile. Following that, Estelle, Grishna, and Artemis were fighting close together.


    Explosions rang out, monster howls and screeches echoed across the land. Seconds later, Atlas noticed a group of cannons were taking out the Tarrasques but were soon overwhelmed by the Kenkus.


    Their blades sunk deep into the Achaemendians. The battle went on for hours, as Atlas and the women were too much for the army, causing it to crumble. Thanks to all the monsters that were fighting, they won the fight.


    Atlas stood at the edge of the battlefield as he watched the Void Ghouls chasing after the soldiers on horses. He dismissed his helmet, causing the fresh air to brush against his face just as Amethyst landed with a thud.


    She transformed into her humanoid form as she spoke with a big smile. ''''That will send a message to Astoria. Now all we need to do is find a city to relax in for a while.''''


    ''''Are there any free cities close by?'''' Atlas questioned.


    The purple-haired woman nodded with a twinkle in her eyes. ''''Moonlit Harbor. We could hide out there for a while. Although allied with the empire, they remain isolated, making it a haven.''''


    He nodded in agreement and replied after she told him where the city was and how to get there, ''''Go inform the others and meet me at the entrance. I need to get the Void Ghouls to handle the looting.''''


    Amethyst''s face lit up with joy. She tiptoed closer, pressing a love-filled kiss to his cheek before dashing off. Left alone, Atlas couldn''t help but smile, the warmth of her gesture lingering as he turned his attention back to the task at hand.


    With a wave of his hand, he summoned the eerie Void Ghouls, their hollow eyes gleaming as they awaited his command. ''''Go loot everything valuable and bring it here,'''' he said.


    The monsters nodded before sprinting off, causing Atlas to walk toward a barrel and sit down while watching everything. He quickly noticed Grishna, Estelle, and Zena were chatting while walking out of the fortress''s keep.


    Amethyst, Artemis, and Nulia were sitting by a fountain drinking some ale the brunette gave them. While sitting there, he pulled out some Horned Rabbit Kebab and started eating, which tasted delicious.


    Hours passed by the time the Ghouls were done with the looting. There was now a giant pile of gold, silver, and other valuable items. Atlas quickly stored it all in his storage as Estelle approached, ''''Can we rest in the Otherworld, handsome? I used too much magic in the fight and need to rest like the others,'''' she asked.


    Atlas nodded before opening a portal, causing the blonde to smile when seeing this. She kissed him and stepped through as the others did the same until Lilith was left standing there with a knowing smirk.


    He gulped and quickly warned the Honey Badger woman with a chuckle, ''''Don''t you dare Lili! We are in the middle of ruins. It''s no time to fight.''''


    Lilith didn''t listen and lunged forward and collided with his chest. Atlas yelped, but she straddled and started nibbling on his ears. A shiver shot down his spine as she attempted to pin him down.


    Atlas let her do it with a smile until she leaned up with glowing yellow eyes. Her smile revealed her sharp teeth before she spoke, ''''I love watching you fight master, it makes me want to sit on your face.''''


    His cheeks went red when hearing his, but quickly grabbed Lilith''s tight ass and replied with a knowing grin, ''''All we have to do is wait a few months and I can claim you. I want to get to know you girls even more before taking that step.'''' S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Honey Badger nodded in understanding before transforming into her smaller size and climbing into his armor. Once Lilith was comfortable, Atlas summoned Theo the Blood Bat King, who appeared from the azure portal.


    He let out a chirp while nudging his head against Atlas''s body. He stroked the creature with a smile. ''''It''s good to see you boy, now it''s time for some rest. Do you want to fly me there?''''


    Theo lowered his body, allowing him to climb onto its bed and get comfortable. The bat looked back to make sure he was safe before taking off with a powerful flap of its wings and quickly took to the sky.


    ''A couple of weeks of rest before heading south to clear the empire from the continent,'' he thought with a smile while glancing around.


    For hours, they soared across the skies of North Astoria, Theo''s massive wings cutting through the crisp air like blades. Below, the rugged landscape stretched endlessly, ancient forests, jagged mountains, and rivers.


    The sound of his wingbeats echoed against the stillness. As the sun began its drop far in the horizon, the world around them was bathed in a golden-red hue, shadows stretching long over the land.


    From atop Theo''s back, Atlas scanned the horizon, his keen eyes catching sight of a secluded cliff jutting out over a valley. Towering stone outcroppings are a perfect place to rest.


    ''''There,'''' he said while pointing toward the cliff. ''''Take us down.''''


    Theo tilted his wings, descending as the wind howled around them as they neared the rocky ledge, the last rays of sunlight fading into the horizon. With a soft thud, the Blood Bat King touched down on the cliff, his claws gripping the stone firmly.


    Atlas dismounted, his eyes scanning the area before nodding in approval. ''''This will keep us safe for the night,'''' he murmured, his voice low as the first stars appeared in the sky.


    Following that, he sent Theo back to the Otherworld as he went about setting up a tent for him and Lilith. The Honey Badger woman climbed out of his armor and jumped to the ground while staring at him.


    Her yellow eyes gleamed with fascination. Ten minutes later, Atlas was done with it and turned to her. ''''I think this will keep us warm tonight, Lili. If not, we can cuddle.''''


    When she heard this, her eyes glowed with love before she rushed toward in as excitement surged through her small body. Atlas sighed just as she crashed into his chest and took him to the ground.


    ''This damn demon woman loves attacking me,'' he thought with a smile.


    Lilith continued attacking him all over as she nibbled on his neck and ears, which made him laugh. He tried to get the Honey Badger off him, but she put a stop to that by sitting on his chest.


    Atlas sighed in defeat, raising his hands in surrender. She let out a pleased huff, her tail swishing contentedly, before leaning in to lick his face. Her voice echoed softly in his mind, tinged with warmth. ''You know I care for you, right? This is how my kind shows affection.''


    Hearing her words, Atlas couldn''t help but smile. He reached out, pulling Lilith into a tight embrace. She yelped in surprise but quickly relaxed, nestling against him as he sat up, shaking his head with a quiet chuckle.


    Gazing down at her with the softest smile, Atlas smothered Lilith in affection. His fingers glided through her fur, pausing to scratch behind her ears just the way she liked. Lilith''s heart wavered, the weight of his care melting away her every hesitation.


    Soon, she couldn''t resist any longer and crumbled like sugar under warmth. With a blissful sigh, she nestled into his arms, utterly content, as if it was the safest place in the world for her.


    Atlas smiled, but she quickly transformed into her human form with a big smile on her beautiful face. Lilith leaned forward and kissed him before nuzzling into his neck, which made him smile.


    While relaxing outside the tent, he quickly started a fire using Void Bullet, which sent warmth spreading across the mountain ledge. As that happened, she questioned in a curious tone, ''''Why do you care for me so much? I attacked you at our first meeting.''''


    ''''I don''t care about that Lili,'''' he answered while moving a white lock out of her face as her ears twitched. ''''In my past life, everyone I loved abandoned me and I was alone until I met you girls and I''m thankful for every one of you sticking with me.''''


    Following that, Atlas stood up as it started raining and climbed inside the tent before cuddling with Lilith, who happily returned the favor.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 289 - 289: Is There A Problem

    Atlas and Lilith were cuddled up comfortably as the rain lashed against the tent, and the wind howled. Winter was setting in, causing the landscape to turn white and cold, but thanks to the Runes, the couple was warm.


    The next morning, Atlas woke up but felt stiff as cold air invaded their safe space. He quickly cast a Void Bullet at the corner, which lit up the fires and warmed them up. Afterward, he climbed out of the sheets and looked out the window.


    ''Damn, well, I can spend some time with Lilith and kill more Broodmaws in the Void Realm,'' he thought with a sigh.


    While standing there, a sweet voice echoed from the pile of blankets, ''''Master! Come back to bed. It''s freezing and I want a cuddle!''''


    Atlas chuckled before joining the Honey Badger woman as they started fooling around. When he was under it, she straddled him with glowing yellow eyes while questioning with a giggle, ''''I got you now, handsome. What if I ravaged you here and now? The bird can''t do anything about it.''''


    When Atlas heard this, a burst of laughter escaped him, bubbling up uncontrollably. Lilith tilted her head, utterly baffled by his reaction, but his laughter was so infectious that she couldn''t help it, and started giggling.


    ''''You silly girl,'''' he said while poking her said which caused Lilith to yelp but he continued. ''''But the time isn''t right, my brave Honey Badger. We don''t want to rush things. I''m enjoying spending time with you.''''


    The white-haired beauty nodded in understanding before suggesting something he never expected, ''''Why don''t I trade places with one of the girls in a few hours? It lets them spend some time with you.'''' S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas nodded, ''''Sounds good Lili, do you want to fight more monsters with me in the meantime? I love it when you''re there,'''' he asked.


    The white-haired beauty nodded with a big smile, ''''Let''s go! We will destroy those insects!'''' she said with excitement.


    Following that, Atlas activated Void Realm, and the two appeared in the jungle swamp. Lilith transformed into her Honey Badger form just as the chittering echoed out from all around them.


    ''Here they come, looks like a swarm,'' he thought as his excitement surged.


    He quickly took out his swords before casting Void Infusion on the blades, causing a blue glow to light up everything around him. Seconds later, the Broodmaws appeared and started attacking.


    Lilith vanished thanks to being so fast, but Atlas deflected a dozen attacks just as he cast Void Wave that sent them flying. The monsters crashed down just as a dozen Void Bullets peppered their torsos.


    Explosions ripped through the jungle just as he spotted Lilith fighting with a group. She was on the creature''s back while tearing apart the exoskeleton. Atlas chuckled when seeing this before checking the monster total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 7,002/10,000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    Following that, the couple continued fighting with the Broodmaws. Explosions erupted all over the jungle as he hit the monsters with Void Bombs and Lances that killed dozens, but that''s when a newcomer appeared.


    His eyes widened in shock as large black ants the size of lions rushed at him while their mandibles snapped in his direction. As Atlas stood there, Lilith barreled into the monster, causing him to scan it using Void Sight.


    [Void Kraxari]


    [Rank A+]


    [Just like an angry mother-in-law, they will attack for no reason]


    Lilith was fighting with the Kraxari, but more moved it causing Atlas to use Void Step to cut them down as they got close. Once the Honey Badger beat her opponent, she flew around the battlefield like a rocket.


    Her claws carved through the exoskeletons with ease. When Atlas saw this, his excitement soared. The two of them continued killing the monsters with ease as they started to grow tired thanks to the overwhelming numbers.


    The Honey Badger returned to the real world first as a swarm of Broodmaws jumped her from the underbrush. Shortly after that, Atlas got bit by the Kraxari, which sent pain shooting through his body.


    He woke up under the sheets, with Lilith cuddled up to him. When Atlas saw this, he smiled before kissing the white-haired beauty on the forehead while checking the monster total to see how many they killed.


    [Void Broodmaw - 7,013/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 100/1,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''That''s a lot of ants to kill,'' he mused while getting comfortable. ''Well, I''ll get the girls to help me.''


    Following that, the couple fell asleep as thunder boomed overhead. By the time Atlas woke up, the tent was dark as the mana lamps ran out of fuel. With a tired yawn, he stood up and approached.


    Atlas quickly filled them up, causing the things to come to life, and lit up the tent. Following that, he sat down and pulled out some food as his stomach rumbled. While eating, Estelle''s voice sounded in his mind, ''Are we taking a break in Moonlit City, my love?''


    ''Yes, is there a problem?'' he replied.


    Seconds later, a portal opened, and the blonde knight stepped out with a warn snake as she explained. ''''No, it will be a good place to hide out, but we will need to be careful while there. The gangs are notorious for robbing tourists.''''


    Atlas raised his eyebrow before answering, ''''We can just kill them and throw the bodies into the Otherworld.''''


    When Estelle heard this, her blue eyes widened but nodded in agreement, ''''That''s a good plan, we should be fine there. The nobles don''t care for the empire too much, as their navy is powerful and able to hold them off.''''


    Following that, the two of them continued talking until the blonde yawned and crawled under the blankets before motioning for him to join her, which he happily did. Once the couple was comfortable, Lilith put her head on the other side.


    He smiled as the exhaustion overwhelmed him and he fell asleep as the howl of a Titan rang out across the landscape. The tent was hidden on a ledge that was covered by darkness, which stopped the monsters from bothering them.


    The next morning, Atlas woke up with a yawn as the storm had calmed down, which would allow them to travel. He got out of bed before sending Estelle and Lilith back to Otherworld, where they could sleep in a comfortable bed.


    Once the ladies departed, he stepped outside and sent the tent into his storage. With a thought, he summoned Theo, the Blood Bat King, who appeared with an impressive stretch of its massive wings.


    Atlas climbed onto the creature''s back, settling in as he gave Theo the directions. Their destination, Moonlit City, lay on a sprawling island to the west. With a powerful beat of its wings, the Blood Bat King launched into the air, carrying him toward their holiday destination.


    Theo''s wings sliced through the crisp ocean air, each powerful beat propelling them forward over the vast, moonlit waters below. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the distant shore mixed with the low whistle of the wind rushing past.


    As they soared higher, the horizon shifted, and a shimmering glow appeared in the distance. Slowly, the outline of a sprawling city came into view, its towering spires and glittering lights reflecting off the dark surface of the ocean.


    Atlas ordered the monster to fly low while approaching the city as ships appeared everywhere. Ten minutes later, Theo let out a chirp before landing with a thud when reaching a secluded beach.


    He sent the Blood Bat King back to the Otherworld as Grishna and Amethyst joined him. The two women smiled at him as the Orc Woman commented, ''''Well, looks like our holiday is about to begin. We don''t have to worry about gold. Between us, we can hire a mansion during our stay.''''


    When the phoenix woman heard this, she spoke with a big smile, ''''Let''s go rent one out so we can relax. A few weeks of this sounds like heaven.''''


    Atlas chuckled before walking toward a road in the distance. While traveling, Grishna grabbed his arm and commented in an excited tone, ''''I heard the food in Moonlit City is the best in Astoria. We should buy as much as we can.''''


    He agreed with a nod as the trio reached the road and started following it until a beautiful city appeared in the distance. Atlas could see the massive metal gate and towers that guarded the wall.


    ''Looks like it came out of a fantasy movie,'' he thought with a smile.


    The trio trudged along the winding path, the distant hum of activity growing louder with every step. As they crested a small hill, the sight before them came into full view. Dozens of merchant caravans lined the road leading to the city.


    Exotic monsters pulled heavily laden carts, their scales and fur glinting in the sunlight, while the scent of spices and roasted food wafted through the air.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 290 - 290: Ye Olde Snore & Roar

    Atlas, Grishna, and Amethyst got into the line that led into Moonlit City. While standing there, he turned to the Orc Woman, ''''Where are all these people coming from, Grish?''''


    ''''The ferry,'''' she answered while moving out of the way of the city guard, who were marching past. ''''The council loves trade so they welcome merchants and travelers that spend gold in their city.''''


    He nodded in understanding before turning his attention to the massive stone wall that was thirty meters high, with towers dotting evenly along its length. Atlas noticed hundreds of soldiers patrolling the top.


    ''This city must be big to have this many troops,'' he pondered as several wyverns passed over, causing Amethyst to stiffen.


    The phoenix woman flared, causing Atlas to question, ''''What''s wrong, beautiful?''''


    ''''I hate the Wyvern Riders,'''' she spat with hate laced in her voice. ''''They hunted my tribe while helping the empire. The elders hated them and had to use up a lot of power to defeat the attackers when they came to the village.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he leaned into Amethyst''s pointy ear and whispered. ''''One day we will get revenge for you, my love.'''' S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The young woman beamed when hearing this and tightened her grip on his arm as she rested her head on his shoulder. While this happened, Grishna giggled before teasing them, ''''Get a room, love birds! It''s bad enough I have to wait, but seeing you two so loved up makes me want to jump him.''''


    ''''I''m sorry, Grish, but it''s important to my kind that we lose our virginity together,'''' Amethyst explained with an apologetic expression. ''''It helps our bond grow even more.''''


    When the Orc woman heard this, her smile widened as she moved to the other side while wrapping her arm around Amethyst''s shoulder and replied with an amused tone, ''''It''s okay, little sister. We all understand and are not in a rush to do the deed.''''


    Following that, the trio moved a little as the queue stepped forward and the city guards let the merchants pass through. It took them a few hours until they were standing in the entrance square.


    Atlas glanced around with wide eyes at a medieval fantasy city, with people wandering around while shopping at stalls dotting the square. Amethyst quickly spoke with a big smile. ''''Let''s get a city map. We should stay at the best inn here.''''


    Grishna agreed with a firm nod while speaking in an amused voice as they started walking looking for a place that sells a map, ''''Definitely, we deserve the rest after all the dogs we''ve been slaughtering.''''


    The trio wandered through the bustling square, weaving between people and merchants, hawking their wares. The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meats filled the air, mingling with the tang of leather and spices.


    Atlas spotted a small stall with a hand-painted sign that read Maps & Guides and pointed it out. ''''There we can get one from there,'''' he said, leading the way.


    Behind the stall stood an elderly man with spectacles perched on the tip of his nose. He smiled warmly as they approached. ''''Looking for a map, are you? This one here''s the best you''ll find!''''


    He handed them a neatly folded parchment, the city''s streets, and landmarks inked with clear detail. Amethyst inspected it with an approving nod, handing over a silver coin. ''''Perfect! Let''s see what this place has to offer for a holiday.''''


    With the map in hand, Atlas and the women ventured into the city, marveling at the vibrant life surrounding them. Street performers played lively tunes, and children dashed through the streets, laughing.


    They stopped now and then to admire quaint shops or sample street food. As the sun dipped, they unfolded the map to locate an inn. Amethyst squinted at the names and suddenly burst into laughter.


    ''''Oh no, look at this one!'''' She pointed to a spot near the edge of the square labeled Ye Olde Snore & Roar.


    Atlas snorted before chuckling, ''''That''s got to be a joke.''''


    ''''I say we stay there,'''' their third companion chimed in, grinning.


    When they arrived, the inn''s sign was a comical painting of a dragon snoring while villagers fled, had all three of them laughing again. Atlas noticed the cozy lights coming from the windows.


    The trio stepped into the inn, greeted by the lively hum of conversation and the clinking of mugs. Dozens of patrons filled the tables, laughing over frothy pints of ale. The warm glow of firelight danced across the cozy hall, the crackling hearths sending heat through the air.


    Grishna''s face lit up at the sight, her tusked grin wide with excitement, ''''This is perfect!'''' she exclaimed. ''''We can order a feast for our room and drink until we can''t see straight!''''


    Atlas couldn''t help but laugh at Grishna''s enthusiasm, shaking his head as he stepped toward the counter. Behind it stood a towering man with broad shoulders and a beard as thick as a forest.


    He was cleaning a glass with a practiced rhythm, but as the trio approached, he glanced up, offering a warm smile. ''''Welcome the Ye Olde Snore & Roar. Like the name I see? It''s named after my dear old wife.''''


    As the older man said that, a woman''s woman''s voice echoed out, ''''Jonathan! Serve the customers to stop gossiping!''''


    Atlas started laughing when he heard that, and the man Johnathan turned to them with a big smile. ''''Now you know where the Roar comes from. How can I help you, young ones?'''' the man asked, his voice deep and friendly.


    Atlas leaned against the counter, his grin still lingering. ''''Could we get your best room for a month, please? And¡­ if we pay extra, can we have stuff sent up to it?'''' he asked, tilting his head curiously.


    Jonathan nodded while opening a book and asking for a name, causing him to answer, ''''Atlas Montague.''''


    The older man smiled before revealing the price, ''''That will be five gold coins with food, baths, and other amenities available to you.''''


    Atlas handed over the coins and received a key in return as Jonathan spoke, ''''Head to the top floor, look for the blue door. That''s your room young man and there''s a device in there that will allow you to call down to the kitchen.''''


    Following that, he thanked the older man before heading upstairs while Grishna commented with a giggle, ''''Looks like this place will be fun, especially with you here, handsome.''''


    After speaking, the Orc woman slapped him on the back, ''''At least all that loot we got from the empire will help in Moonlit City.''''


    Atlas chuckled when hearing this. ''''Yeah, that last fortress gave me loads of gold coins which we can use here.''''


    Amethyst spoke up suddenly, breaking the silence. ''''We all need new armor. This place should have some great shops we can check out.''''


    Minutes later, the trio spotted the blue door at the end of the corridor, causing Grishna to dart forward after grabbing the keys from his hand. Amethyst followed behind, causing Atlas to shake his head as they entered the room.


    He walked into the room as the phoenix woman held the door for him with a big smile. ''''This place looks comfortable, my love. It will be a good place to rest.''''


    The room was spacious and elegantly decorated, featuring a plush carpet and a grand, oversized bed positioned in one corner. Large windows and a door opened onto a balcony, offering a stunning view of the city below.


    Atlas finished admiring the room and agreed with a nod before slumping down on a nearby sofa, which made him feel good. ''Ah, so comfortable, I''m glad that we found this place,'' he thought.


    Following that, he opened a portal for the other woman and they stepped through while glancing around. Nulia was first followed by Estelle, Zena, and Lilith, who was in her human form chatting with Artemis.


    When the four ladies saw Atlas, they beamed before greeting him with a kiss and cuddle before the blonde commented, ''''This place looks nice. I assume we''ve arrived at Moonlit City?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he replied with a big smile. ''''Order whatever you like, but I''m heading back to clear more monsters from the Void Realm. If you do grab something to eat, make sure to get me something, too.''''


    Just as those words left his lips, Lilith and Amethyst jumped in his lap as the duo wanted to help him. This caused the others to giggle before asking to join, which Atlas accepted and activated the skill that sucked into the strange world.


    The seven of them appeared in the swamp as Atlas started explaining about the Broodmaws and Kraxari which surprised the group but they readied for battle when a creepy chittering noise echoed out.


    He pulled out his swords and cast Void Infusion on them before doing the same for Estelle, Grishna, Artemis, and Zena. Amethyst quickly transformed into her phoenix form as she soared into the sky.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 291 - 291: One Step behind Us

    Atlas and the women were fighting in the Void Realm as explosions erupted all over the jungle, as the Broodmaws and Kraxari. Amethyst and Nulia were in their monster forms and tore through the creatures.


    Estelle, Grishna, Artemis, and Zena fought together as the blonde knight protected them from the Broodmaw''s slashes. Atlas grinned before rushing forward and slicing through the creature''s limbs.


    ''This is getting easier thanks to the girls,'' he thought with an excited smile.


    They came crashing down allowing his magic to end them with little effort, as that happened a Kraxari rushed out of the underbrush and started trying to attack him. Atlas blocked the sharp mandibles.


    Sparks flew as his blades connected, his arms strained, but he quickly cast Void Wave that sent them flying all over the place. He quickly used Void Step to appear in the treetops above just before checking the monster''s total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 7,753/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 2230/1,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    [??????????????]


    ''Going quick, the Broodmaws are nearly finished, but what other monsters will appear?'' Atlas thought while blocking a giant ant creature.


    His magic destroyed the Kraxari, sending it back to the Void Realm. Following that, he turned to Amethyst, who was soaring above the jungle just as a flying insect that slammed into her body ambushed her.


    She let out a loud screech as her claws tore apart the monsters just before an explosion of purple fire washed over the others. Atlas was shocked, but he shook his head and scanned the newcomer.


    [Void Bloodwing]


    [Rank A+]


    [These giant dragonflies are like a toxic feminist so destroy it quickly]


    Atlas chuckled at the description before using Void Blast against the ground, sending him flying into the sky, only to see a swarm of them. He quickly sent several Void Bombs at the creatures.


    The azure projectiles sliced through the air and erupted when connecting with the monsters, sending their corpses plummeting from the sky. They vanished back into the realm just as Amethyst got ganged up on.


    She tried to fight them off, but it was too much for her, causing Atlas to send her back to the real world before she felt pain. The next to fall was Nulia, as the remaining Broodmaws ambushed her from behind.


    Following those two falling, the others were the next targets. He quickly jumped down and cut off a part of the horde, but they quickly lunged forward and overwhelmed him by surprise just after he sent the remaining women back.


    Atlas woke up in the hotel room and saw Grishna standing by the device that orders stuff. ''''Bring seven of everything,'''' she said in a cheerful tone. ''''Yes, we have the coin. Our husband will pay for it.''''


    The Orc woman turned with a playful wink, drawing laughter from the group just as Atlas rose to his feet, stretching his arms with a satisfied sigh. His gaze swept across the room, taking in the scene before him.


    Amethyst and Artemis sat together, engrossed in a book, their heads closed as they quietly exchanged thoughts. Nearby, Estelle was patiently guiding Zena, the wolf woman, through a lesson, her gestures animated yet precise.


    Lilith, in her Honey Badger form, was curled up into a tight ball beside him, her peaceful presence a comforting contrast to her usual fiery behavior. Across the room, Nulia sat in quiet meditation, perfectly still as she centered herself.


    Following that, Atlas noticed Grishna was done with the order before turning around with a big smile that showed off her tusks, ''''Dinner is ordered, it should take an hour to get here which gives me time to find a blacksmith to get something.''''


    ''''I''ll come with you,'''' he offered, causing Lilith to jump up in alarm.


    This made everyone laugh as she scuttled toward him and climbed up his body before sitting on his shoulder. She licked his cheek as her voice echoed in his mind, ''You''re not leaving me behind, Master.''


    Atlas nodded and started stroking the little creature, who got overly excited, making the other women giggle when they saw her reaction. Following that, the others chose to stay behind, as it was cold outside.


    ''''We''ll wait for the food. Don''t take too long, otherwise it will get cold,'''' Estelle commented while looking up from her talk with Artemis.


    Grishna grabbed his hand before pulling him out of the room after he said goodbye to the others. Amethyst shook her head while commenting, ''''Those two will get into trouble while outside. Mark my words.''''


    Following that, the two of them laughed as the Orc woman dragged him outside with a big smile on her beautiful face. Once stepping into the cold air, Atlas wrapped a cloak around himself while shivering.


    ''''It''s so cold, I hate winter,'''' he commented while watching a group of soldiers march by.


    The young woman chuckled, slipping on a jumper and wrapping a cloak around herself. With a playful smile, she said, "Don''t worry, I''ll warm you up after our shopping trip."


    Laughter filled the air as they made their way down the street. Grishna''s keen green eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a blacksmith''s shop. Atlas walked beside her, lost in thought, his gaze distant.


    Suddenly, a cold feeling washed over him as more soldiers rushed by, their hurried steps sending a ripple of unease through the air. Something wasn''t right, causing him to glance back as he questioned, ''''Why are so many troops rushing around?'''' sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''It''s the council,'''' she said with a frustrated sigh. ''''They''re a paranoid bunch. But if there''s an attack, we''d be screwed.''''


    She paused, her sharp eyes spotting a blacksmith''s shop nearby. ''''Unless you can fly out of the city, that is. The soldiers have all the exits locked down.''''


    Atlas nodded just as stepped into the store and Grishna walked up to the counter before talking to the smith. He stayed at the entrance while watching the sky, but nothing happened, causing him to think, ''Am I just being paranoid?''


    Following that, he walked up to the Orc woman who was buying a bag of metal balls that all blacksmiths sold. Once they were done, the duo stepped out but his heckles went up, causing him to cast Void Guard around them just as explosions erupted.


    Grishna yelped in fright as Atlas grabbed her and transformed into his Voidwalker form. and kept the young woman safe inside. He started rushing through the city as clouds of green smoke rushed through Moonlit City''s streets.


    He watched as people dropped to the ground while choking, but thanks to being made from void mana. Atlas''s azure eyes glowed as the downed citizens started rising while letting out a dread-filled moan.


    ''Zombies! What the fuck is going on here,'' he thought while rushing toward the inn where the others were.


    Minutes later, Atlas arrived on the balcony that was connected to their room. It was high enough to avoid the deadly smoke and when the two of them entered; they noticed the women readying to fight.


    Moans came from the other side of the door that Nulia and Zena held shut. When Estelle saw them she revealed with horror-filled eyes, ''''The empire is here! And they are using necromancers to flush us out.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he spoke in an annoyed tone, ''''Damn Achaemendians, why are they always one step behind us?''''


    Just as those words left his lips, the door exploded inward, sending the women flying just as he readied his weapons. As a dust cloud erupted, Nightowls rushed into the room and started attacking them.


    Estelle, Artemis, and Lilith reacted instantly alongside Amethyst, who cast Cosmic Blasts at the enemies. Nulia and Zena were trying to recover, but that''s when Atlas realized they would soon be overwhelmed.


    Without wasting time, he started sending the women to the Otherworld as the Nightowls circled him. Their blades gleamed in the dim light, but Atlas cast Void Infusion that coated his blades.


    That''s when he summoned Nala and Theo, who rushed out of the azure portal and caused utter chaos. The enemies scrambled to retaliate as the monsters tore into them with ease while Atlas started stabbing some.


    He rushed toward the balcony and cast Void Bullet to break the door as he rushed through before jumping over the edge. Nala held off the Nightowls as Theo let out a chirp and quickly caught him.


    ''Hold on, master! They have flying monsters of their own!'' the Blood Bat King''s voice echoed in his mind.


    The creature started flying around the buildings as a wave of mana shells hit the city, causing explosions. Atlas glanced around and it looked like hell as people were being attacked by the undead, while others fled.


    As they neared the wall, a sudden, powerful blast struck Theo, sending him hurtling toward the ground. Atlas gritted his teeth, holding on tightly as they crashed into a square just to the west.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 292 - 292: Im Coming With You

    Atlas''s head was spinning as he climbed to his feet only to hear Theo''s rage-filled screeches echoing out. He came to just in time to block a Nightowls lunge, as he raised his swords sparks flew.


    Without wasting time he cast Void Wave that knocked the enemies back as he started countering their attacks. Following that, he opened a portal and summoned dozens of Savage Void Bears.


    The monsters rushed out and started ganging up on the Nightowls who were caught unaware by them. Altas chuckled at their reactions before bringing forth a dozen Void World Eaters.


    When Athas saw this his azure eyes lit up with excitement as his beasts were overwhelming the attackers causing him to think before he started to run, ''Let''s see them hold up against these nightmares.''


    He watched as the dinosaur-like monsters pounced on scared soldiers as the bears rampaged around the square. While the battle erupted he was rushing through the city after sending Theo back to the Otherworld.


    ''I''ll use the creatures to escape or they will capture me,'' he thought while using Void Guard to deflect several incoming spells.


    Atlas started sprinting through the city''s narrow streets, his boots pounding against the cobblestones. The sounds of battle rang out behind him, archers releasing volleys, crossbows snapping, and the hum of magic in the air.


    He weaved through the chaos, his movements a blur as he dodged each attack with skill as an arrow whizzed past his ear, and he twisted to the side, narrowly avoiding a bolt that crashed into a nearby wall.


    ''That was close!'' Atlas thought as a mage''s spell erupted at his feet, but he leaped over it just in time, his body flowing like water.


    Behind him, an explosion shattered a building, but Atlas was already beyond it, his focus unbroken. The soldiers of the empire were relentless, but they were slow in comparison to his speed.


    He vaulted over a barricade, ducked under a swinging sword, and with a single motion, grabbed a guard by the collar, throwing him into the path of an incoming fireball. As Atlas charged forward, the Nightowls and imperial soldiers scrambled to halt his advance.


    Undeterred, he raised a hand, summoning a few Terrasques. The beast''s giant forms crushing barricades and tearing through the enemy lines with relentless fury. Blockades crumbled, leaving chaos in their wake as Atlas continued his escape from Moonlit City.


    He was closing in on one of the gates and as he reached the top Raymond the stormeagle''s voice sounded in his mind. ''Summon me, Master! I will show the empire what it means to cross you!''


    Atlas waved his hand, and in an instant, a massive bird burst forth like a bullet, its feathers gleaming with an otherworldly light. With a deafening screech that echoed across the battlefield, the creature dove into the Achaemenidian lines.


    Its talons, as large as carriages, tore through ranks of soldiers, scattering them like leaves in a storm. Chaos erupted as the bird''s relentless assault left the empire reeling from the attack before Raymond swung around and picked him up.


    Following that, a swarm of wyverns and smaller eagles appeared on the horizon causing his eyes to widen, ''Fuck, they have reinforcements!''


    Atlas pointed his blades at the incoming enemies before casting a Void Bomb that sliced through the air. The azure blue projectile slammed into the lead wyvern causing an explosion to erupt.


    The sky shook with force causing some of the monsters to plunge toward the burning city and start crashing into the buildings. Afterward, Raymond sped up and zoomed through the air as the survivors chased after them.


    He turned back, his eyes glowing with focused intent, and began firing Void Bullets into the enemy ranks. Each shot erupted in an explosion, sending shockwaves through the air and ripping the eagles apart in mid-flight.


    The battlefield was consumed in a cascade of destruction. Atlas couldn''t help but cheer as he saw his massive bird surge ahead, carving a path through the chaos and getting further ahead of the advancing enemy horde.


    Following that, Raymond sped up and created a sonic boom that echoed the landscape as they flew south. Every time one of the Achaemenidian Eagles got close Atlas used Void Lance that destroyed the monsters.


    He watched as the enemies plummeted toward the ground causing chaos below. While this happened they managed to get away from the swarm as they flew south. An hour later the Stormeagle landed on a mountain peak to rest.


    Altas slipped off the monster''s back and landed with a thud before sending Raymond back to the Otherworld. Seconds later, a portal opened and the women stepped through with big smiles.


    The blonde knight Estelle appeared and wrapped him in a tight hug before placing a love-filled kiss against his forehead. He smiled as the others did the same before he pulled out the tent and set it up.


    While doing that Amethyst commented with a confused expression, ''''Why not stay in the Otherworld?''''


    ''''I love camping my love, I didn''t know it until recently but I find it peaceful,'''' Atlas replied before standing up. ''''There we go, we can rest for the night before deciding where to go next.''''


    Everyone agreed with determined nods the group stepped into the tent as Estelle, Amethyst, and Zena started to cook some dinner. Nulia, Grishna, Lilith, and Artemis started to relax while gossiping.


    Atlas watched this with a smile before slumping down in a beanbag and getting comfortable as he decided to try to clear out the Void Realm. Before he could do that Lilith in her Honey Badger form leaped into his lap.


    ''I''m coming with you!'' she exclaimed in a cheerful voice.


    He chuckled before activating the skill only to appear in the swampy jungle just as he checked the monster total to see how many creatures were left to kill.


    [Void Broodmaw - 7,753/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 2230/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 123/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    Following that, Atlas heard the beating of the Bloodwings that echoed throughout the jungle as the creatures headed straight for them. He started casting Void Bullets into the swarm of monsters.


    While he was doing this, Lilith transformed into her humanoid form and readied for the battle just as the Broodmaws rushed in and tried to slash at the white-haired beauty. She ducked under the scythes as she countered.


    ''Wow she''s fast and strong,'' he thought while watching the Honey Badger woman.


    He watched her tiny fist slam into the mantis-like monsters and crack their exoskeletons into meatpaste thanks to the overwhelming force. The two of them continued fighting throughout the jungle as explosions erupted.


    His magic was decimating the creatures that tried to attack but were blown away in a wave of azure flames. He was satisfied as he deflected a pair of Kraxari''s mandibles before driving his swords through the ant''s skull.


    Atlas gritted his teeth and quickly cast Void Wave that knocked them away with a shockwave that dazed them. Following that, he started using Void Lance and Void Blast to thin out the numbers.


    That''s when he noticed Lilith was being overwhelmed by the remaining Broodmaws and Bloodwings. Atlas rushed toward her while using Void Step only to block one of the flying monsters'' stabs with its stinger.


    He coughed up blood before using Void Wave to protect them further, but Lilith quickly grabbed him as she spoke in a concerned voice, ''''Master! Why did you do that? It wouldn''t have hurt me.''''


    Atlas chuckled when hearing this, but the injury started healing itself just as the two began fighting once again. Thanks to their teamwork, they cleared some monsters giving him a chance to check the total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 8,989/10,000] Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Kraxari - 4841/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 1513/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''Not long now but the Kraxari will take longer to clear,'' he pondered while cutting down several Bloodwings.


    Atlas and Lilith continued fighting until the Honey Badger woman was sent back to the real world. He followed behind and noticed a delicious aroma hitting his nose, which made his stomach grumble.


    ''''Oh, you two are back!'''' Grishna commented with a big smile. ''''How was Level Seven? Still hard?''''


    Lilith jumped up while transforming into her humanoid form before exclaiming in frustration, ''''Damn, flying monsters have appeared! They are annoying.''''


    The women laughed as Atlas stood up and stretched, only to yelp as Amethyst poked him in the side. When that happened, he grabbed the phoenix girl before tickling her, she screamed out while laughing, ''''Please stop!''''


    He didn''t show any mercy and continued to attack the purple-haired beauty until she was squirming in his lap just after he finished. Atlas grinned while playing with her soft hair, which made her shiver.


    Following that, the duo stood up and approached the dinner table as everyone else sat down just as Estelle and Zena served the food.


    [Readers! I''m just letting you know I''m going away from the 23rd to the 26th, once I''m back I will begin to update again as I plan out the next two Arcs. Thanks for understanding]

 Chapter 293 - 293: Finished Your Snack

    Atlas and the women ate a lovely dinner prepared by Estelle and Zena, who were happy to cook. While eating Artemis turned to him, ''''When are you going to meet your parents? It''s been years since you''ve been home,'''' she asked.


    He shrugged before suggesting, ''''Maybe we can make our way to the Thalassia capital while destroying the empire along the way?''''


    ''''I heard there''s a resistance who is fighting against the Achaemendians,'''' Estelle received. ''''I heard Southern Astoria is in chaos.''''


    Atlas looked at the blond while sipping on some ale before speaking. ''''It doesn''t matter. We will revel in chaos and cause the enemy some serious damage if we continue attacking them. They won''t be able to keep up if we travel using my monsters.''''


    The seven women agreed and set out on their journey to the Thalassian capital to meet Atlas''s adoptive parents and chaos for the empire. Following that, days passed as they traveled south, covering miles with every step.


    As they ventured further, they encountered more challenges along the way. Grishna and Estelle, however, took advantage of the Dreadmaw Lions, riding them to race across the rugged landscape with incredible speed, leaving the others to follow at a more steady pace.


    ''''Handsome! We have an empire camp coming up. Do you want us to attack it like the last one?'''' the Orc woman questioned in an excited voice.


    Atlas chuckled at her before answering, ''''Yes, I and Raymond will hit them from the top while the others circle around and attack from behind.''''


    Following that, Amethyst let out a piercing screech before diving into the Achaemenids, who were surprised and taken out. At her side, Nulia and Lilith charged in, crashing through a nearby tent.


    They tore through the enemy ranks with their claws, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Atlas watched as Estelle, Artemis, and Zena rushed in, their attacks catching the remaining soldiers in the crossfire.


    Meanwhile, Atlas focused on keeping their flanks secure, using Void Bullets to eliminate any enemies attempting to attack from behind. Each shot was precise, ensuring their safety as the chaos unfolded around them.


    The battlefield was a blur of movement as Atlas and the women fought with deadly precision. Amethyst soared above, swooping down to rip through soldiers with her talons, her screeches filling the air.


    Nulia and Lilith charged side by side, claws slashing through the enemy ranks, leaving soldiers crumpled in their wake. Estelle''s blades flashed, cutting down anyone who came too close, while Artemis unleashed a flurry of arrows that struck with unerring accuracy.


    Zena''s fists hammered through the enemy, crushing skulls and breaking bones. From behind, Atlas stood firm, his eyes cold and focused. He fired Void Bullets, each shot piercing through enemies who dared to approach from the rear.


    The remaining soldiers, caught in the relentless assault, stood no chance. Within moments, the battlefield fell silent, the only sound the labored breaths of the victors. Atlas jumped off Raymond''s back and used Void Step to appear in the center of the camp.


    He brushed the dust off him as the seven women approached him with excited expressions, but he quickly noticed Grishna was carrying a chest from the commander''s tent. ''''Look at what I found. I think it was their stash.''''


    Atlas chuckled at her reaction as Artemis and Zena went to help the Orc woman open it. Once they did that, a sea of gold coins poured out, which excited the group, causing him to store it in his Item Box.


    Following that, all the women apart from Lilith returned to the Otherworld, as they had been fighting non-stop for days. Atlas said his goodbyes just as Raymond landed with a crash with a boar-like monster in his talon.


    The Stormeagle started eating while speaking. ''Are we ready to head south, Master? The road is empty and the enemies are retreating to their giant castles.''


    ''''Yes, let''s go once you finished your snack,'''' Atlas replied as he jumped on the bird''s back. ''''It''s about time I met them. It''s been years.''''


    Once comfortable, Raymond took off and started flying as Lilith returned to her Honey Badger form and climbed on his neck. She licked his cheek before asking, ''Can we try the Void Realm together, Master?''


    Atlas looked at her and nodded while activating the skill only for the duo to reappear in the swamp. Lilith jumped off his shoulder and grew in size just as the monsters started appearing all around them.


    He quickly cast Void Infusion on his swords and quickly checked the monster total to see how many they had killed so far.


    [Void Broodmaw - 8,989/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 4,841/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 1,513/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''The Broodmaw''s are nearly finish which will be good,'' Atlas thought with an excited smile.


    Just then, the monsters launched their attack, causing Lilith to react as she lunged at a group of Broodmaws. The Honey Badger turned them into meat chunks using her sharp claws.


    While this was happening, Atlas started using Void Lance to pierce the bodies of the monsters while blocking the Kraxari''s ambushes. He sidestepped one of the large ants before cutting it in half.


    Seconds later, he quickly cast Void Wave that knocked the creature''s back, allowing him to burst forward while cutting them down, but had to use Void Blast to send himself high into the air because of the overwhelming numbers.


    Atlas quickly started spamming Void bombs into the horde of monsters, causing explosions to erupt all over the place just as he landed with a thud. Just then he spotted a Broodmaw lunging at Lilith.


    Without thinking, he threw one of his swords at the skull of the creature, which pierced it saving the Honey Badger from being sent back to the real world. Atlas continued fighting alongside her for hours.


    By the time the duo grew tired, they had slain so many monsters that Atlas''s arms ached from the constant combat. Yet, with each strike, he felt stronger, more relentless. His thirst for battle remained unquenched, but he checked the monster total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 34,123/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 2,513/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    When Atlas saw the monster tally, his excitement surged. The mana coursed through his body, healing his wounds and fueling him, causing his azure eyes to glow with a fierce intensity.


    The sudden surge of power caught Lilith''s attention, her eyes widening in surprise. Without warning, Atlas shot forward like lightning, cutting through the monsters with ease. Each strike was lethal, as he slaughtered anything that dared to get too close.


    The Honey Badger woman watched in awe, sensing the raw power and unmatched skill he wielded. She couldn''t help but be taken aback, her respect for him growing with every monster that fell.


    His azure eyes burned with intensity, glowing brighter with each enemy he dropped. She tried to keep pace, but he moved so fast, it was as if he were everywhere at once. Each strike he landed seemed to ripple with more force, his strength building with every passing moment.


    Atlas''s body flowed like water, unrestrained and unstoppable, as though the very air bent to his will. Lilith, usually fast and deadly, found herself struggling to match his pace. Her heart raced as she watched him.


    ''He''s becoming a monster! What have the gods unleashed upon us,'' she thought in amazement.


    He wasn''t just fighting anymore; he was becoming something more, a force of nature. She could barely keep up, but she knew one thing for certain: he was no longer the man she had met all those years ago.


    ''Master is a warrior unlike none in history and I hope to be there when he rises to the top,'' Lilith hoped with bright yellow eyes.


    In the meantime, Atlas was killing hundreds of monsters that couldn''t escape his blades. They carved through their bodies like a hot knife cutting through butter. Following that, he continued taking out as many as he could before growing tired.


    While the creatures backed off and Lilith regrouped with him, he checked the monster total to see how well he did.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 41,412/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 3,111/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    Seeing that spurred Atlas on, fueling his determination to keep fighting alongside the Honey Badger woman. The duo continued battling the void monsters before returning to the real world.


    He shook his head while seeing the Thalassian capital in the distance, and it looked like it was under siege by the Achaemenids. When Atlas saw this, he spoke to Raymond with a big smile, ''''Let''s show them what the Voidwalker can do.''''


    The Stormeagle let out a screech of excitement as he sped up toward the enemy army as Atlas prepared for a fight while informing the women of his plan that they agreed to and wanted to help. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 294 - 294: Meet My Adoptive Family

    Atlas and Raymond appeared above the Achaemendian army just as the Stormeagle unleashed a powerful Thunder Blast that took the enemy soldiers by surprise as they were sent flying everywhere.


    ''Fuck yes! They can''t stand against us!'' he thought as his excitement surged forth.


    He chuckled at the sudden attack before leaping off the monster''s back and headed straight for the empire commanders with a big smile. When Atlas got close, he started casting dozens of Void Bombs at the surrounding enemies.


    Suddenly, the sky was lit up in a beautiful azure glow as they sliced through the air and slammed into a horde of soldiers. Explosion erupted, which caused complete chaos as blue fire washed over the screaming people.


    The Thalassians froze in awe as they witnessed the devastating attacks. Moments later, Raymond swooped down from the skies, his massive talons ripping through the siege engines that had been relentlessly pounding the city walls.


    Atlas continued attacking by taking out his swords and casting Void Infusion on the blades, which made them glow with a beautiful azure glow as he started cutting through the Achaemenids so fast that he was a blur outside Thalassia City.


    Explosions rang out shortly after as he started casting Void Bombs that wiped out dozens of unsuspecting soldiers. Once hitting the ground, he opened a portal which allowed the women to appear.


    ''It''s time for them to join, or they''ll moan at me for having all the fun,'' Atlas mused with a chuckle.


    Nulia rushed into the fray in her Frostbear form and started swiping at the scared enemy troops with her giant paws. Seconds later, Amethyst shot through the portal while letting out a screech before unleashing a purple wave of fire.


    Following that, Atlas was as the Honey Badger Lilith lunged at a group of berserkers and tore them apart with her sharp claws. Blood flew everywhere causing him to think with wide eyes and a big smile, ''She''s brutal, but I love it.''


    He stood still after cutting down dozens of Night Owls that tried to attack him, but Raymond the Stormeagle that scanned the surroundings also protected him. Atlas was proud of the three girls, but soon noticed Grishna in the middle of everything.


    The Orc woman was bigger than usual and wore ancient-looking armor as she smashed the enemy soldiers with a giant warhammer. Atlas watched as Grishna was laughing while killing any Achaemenids that she came across.


    ''We should be able to win this fight in no time, then I can go meet my adoptive family,'' he pondered before casting a wave of Void Bullets at a group of cavalry that was charging toward Artemis.


    The brunette, in her alternate form, stood her ground, holding the road leading to the city as more enemies emerged. Atlas watched intently as she unleashed thunderbolts and hurled stone bullets, striking down dozens in an instant. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas watched as she defeated her opponents with little effort as her giant form was annihilating any foes that came close while he thought with a proud smile, ''They have grown so strong. I''m glad I met them.''


    Explosions erupted as her magic connected with the retreated empire soldiers. He watched Artemis chase the fleeing troops. She started pummeling them, only to be stopped by Zena and Estelle.


    The wolf woman started using her ice magic to block the scared Achaemenids just before the blonde summoned her steel legion, that started butchering the enemy with ease as they couldn''t fight back thanks to shock.


    Atlas, satisfied with the outcome, joined the women in wiping out the empire''s siege army. Meanwhile, Nulia and Amethyst soared around the Thalassian capital, eliminating any enemies they encountered, striking fear into the hearts of the Achaemenids.


    Following that, he watched as the phoenix flew toward them, only to see a wave of mana shells flying toward them. Atlas sent the seven girls into the Otherworld before casting Void Guard to block the incoming attack.


    ''What the fuck are they doing!'' he thought while losing his temper.


    The girls quickly started sending him panicked messages, but Atlas had to ignore them and focus on the Thalassian attack. Without wasting time, he turned into his Voidwalker form, which scared the soldiers.


    Atlas burst forward and started sprinting toward the city walls, which caused the enemy to attack once again, but in this form he dodge all the blasts before hitting the stone and climbing up like something from a nightmare.


    An azure glow lit up his surroundings as he reached the top. When the Thalassians saw him, they were scared senseless, but his wicked smile grew wider before he started attacking the betrayers using his claws.


    Blood stained the stone beneath him as Atlas deftly dodged the clumsy strikes from the soldiers. Frustration boiled over as he tried to aid the besieged, only for them to turn their weapons on him.


    His fury only subsided when a man emerged from the chaos. The man''s once-blond hair was streaked with gray, worn by the weight of years. At the sight of him, Atlas let out a heavy breath and shifted back into his human form.


    Without hesitation, he summoned Estelle and Grishna, who flanked him protectively as the others gathered around as the man stepped forward with wide eyes as he spoke, ''''Is that you, Atlas?''''


    When the girls heard this, their heads snapped toward the stranger as Atlas stepped forward. ''''Hello Father. It''s been a long time since we''ve seen each other.''''


    ''''What!'''' several voices sounded out from behind him.


    Atlas chuckled before explaining to his seven companions with a knowing smile. ''''This is Duke Eldric Montague, the man who took me in as a baby and raised me as his own son.''''


    As the older man heard this, he quickly ordered the surrounding Thalassian soldiers to back off and not to attack. When the men and women got out of the way, Atlas stepped forward as Eldric quickly hugged him. ''''It''s good to see you, my boy.''''


    Following this, Eldric stepped back while speaking, ''''Now let''s get you home along with your friends.''''


    Before anyone could speak, Grishna stepped forward and held out her hand, ''''I''m Grishna Brokentooth, one of Atlas''s girlfriends. It''s nice to meet you.''''


    All the girls looked at the Orc woman with wide eyes while Atlas started laughing, as she had a respectful look. She turned to him before whispering, ''''Got to make a good first impression, he''s your father after all.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he started laughing even more before nodding, ''''Yes, you''ve certainly made an impression Grish.''''


    Suddenly, Eldric burst into laughter as he took her hand. ''''It''s good to see my boy has found himself some competent lovers. These times demand strength, and the Thalassians have just gained their aid in the form of you, son.''''


    Following that, the older man went to lead them home, but a horrid aura descended upon the city, causing Atlas to go stiff as memories flooded back to him when spotting a certain figure standing in the distance.


    ***


    ''''Get the baby to Silvia''s room, Arianna! She will send him away from that foul creature,'''' a young man shouted as he rallied the remaining Pendragon forces.


    ''''Husband, it will kill you, just like it did our parents. We need to run,'''' Arianna pleaded, tears streaming down her face.


    Arthur looked down at the baby boy cradled in her arms, his white hair and azure eyes mirroring their own. A proud smile crossed his lips. ''''He''s our legacy, Ari. He needs to survive, so one day he can avenge us and finally destroy the Chaos Monsters.''''


    The young woman nodded with a fearful smile, just as the terrifying screams of the monsters echoed through the air. Arthur swiftly pushed Arianna toward the hallway leading to the court mage''s quarters, where they planned to send the baby to safety.


    She turned back to him, her eyes filled with love, and pressed her lips to his in a final, lingering kiss. ''''I shall see you in the Great Beyond, Arthur. I love you... and I always will.''''


    Following that, Arianna rushed off and watched as the remaining Pendragon forces rushed to help her husband. She turned around one last time as she watched Arthur charge into the fray while shouting, ''''Give my wife time to save my son! He will avenge us against Chaos.''''


    Hearing those words, Arianna rushed down the hallway, her heart pounding, only to be met by Silvia, who quickly ushered her into a room. ''''Get in, Ari! We need to begin the spell!''''


    The door slammed shut behind her, and as the mage began casting the spell, Arianna gently placed her baby boy in the center of the room. Kneeling beside him, she kissed his tiny forehead, her voice trembling with love. ''''Live long, my son. Always know that your father and I loved you with all our hearts. The world may want you, but I won''t let them take you.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 295 - 295: I Now Know Where I Come From

    Arianna paused, noticing the way he looked up at her with his wide azure eyes, his innocent giggle filling the room. Her heart swelled with warmth, and her smile grew, even as an explosion erupted outside.


    Silvia raised a shield, protecting them both, but for a moment, all she could focus on was the pure joy and love in her son''s eyes, ''''I love you so much Atlas Pendragon, you are the best thing to happen to this lonely princess.''''


    The baby stared at her, but when something slammed against the shield, Arianna spun around, only to notice the white hair she knew all too well. Anger surged forth as she spoke to Silvia, ''''Send him away now! I will hold this demon back.''''


    ***


    Atlas stood frozen, his eyes wide with disbelief as the memory played out before him. Tears welled up inside him, but he couldn''t look away. He watched helplessly as his mother, fierce and determined, fought against the monstrous creatures with every ounce of her strength.


    Yet, despite her skill and resolve, it wasn''t enough. One creature, a hulking beast with wicked talons, struck with brutal precision. With a sickening screech, the monster impaled her with one of its massive talons, lifting her off the ground.


    As the monstrous talon pierced her, she looked up, her gaze locking onto his. Her eyes shimmered with a mix of love and sorrow, a small, trembling smile gracing her lips despite the agony she endured.


    Summoning the last shreds of her strength, she whispered, her voice faint but resolute, ''''Live long, my boy¡­ and avenge us. Now¡­ fight.''''


    Her words hung in the air, a final, desperate plea, as her body went limp. The smile lingered, bittersweet and haunting, etching itself into Atlas''s soul as the memory seared deep into his heart.


    When Atlas witnessed his mother''s last moments, his world crumbled into pieces. Overwhelmed by grief and rage, he felt the Void surging within him, consuming every part of his being. His body shifted, twisting and reshaping as he transformed into his Voidwalker form.


    Then, from the depths of his despair, a pain-filled screech tore from his throat,a sound so raw and agonized it echoed across the landscape, shaking the very air. The cry carried his anguish, his fury, and the unbearable loss that now defined him.


    Following that, Atlas launched himself forward while his eyes glowed with rage, the ground beneath him cracking and splintering under the force. The air seemed to vibrate with the sheer energy radiating from him as he charged.


    His roar, filled with fury and vengeance, echoed across the battlefield, a primal declaration of war. The Chaos creature swung its massive claws at him, but Atlas was too fast. He dodged with inhuman agility, his body a blur of motion.


    In a single fluid movement, he lunged upward, his clawed hand tearing through the beast''s armor-like hide. Black ichor sprayed as the creature howled in pain, but Atlas was relentless. He slammed into it again, his strikes fueled by unbridled wrath. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Every blow landed with devastating force, the ground trembling with each impact. Shadows coiled around him like living extensions of his will, lashing out and ripping through the Chaos beast''s defenses.


    As Atlas unleashed his wrath on the creature that murdered his family, more of its twisted kin surged toward him, their bizarre forms converging in a wave of darkness. Just as they closed in, a portal ripped open in the sky, crackling with raw energy.


    From within, a furious screech rang out, splitting the air like a thunderclap. Raymond, the mighty Stormeagle, burst forth in a storm of feathers and lightning. His talons, glowing with electric, raked through the advancing Chaos monsters, devastating them with each swipe.


    Lightning radiated from his wings, striking down enemies in flashes of blinding light, turning the battlefield into a storm. Before the creatures could recover, another portal opened with a deafening roar.


    Nala led the charge, her Dreadmaw Lions pouring through in their hundreds, each one a towering beast of muscle and fury. Their roars harmonized into a chilling battle cry as they slammed into the Chaos monsters with unmatched ferocity.


    Their fangs tore through flesh and armor alike, while their claws ripped apart anything in their path. The entire Otherworld seemed to tremble as more creatures joined the fray, drawn by the searing intensity of Atlas''s pain and fury.


    Every monster in the Otherworld descended upon the Chaos monsters in a berserk frenzy. Their eyes burned with unrelenting rage as they tore into the enemy, their collective power turning the tide of the battle.


    ***


    As the chaos unfolded, the seven women watched in horror, their eyes fixed on Atlas as he unleashed his fury, lost in his pain. Each of them felt bad for him, but one among them couldn''t remain still.


    Lilith, trembling with barely contained rage, clenched her fists as her yellow eyes began to glow. Estelle and Amethyst turned to her, alarmed by the shift in her demeanor. The blonde quickly exclaimed, ''''Calm down, Lili! We''ll help him!''''


    But the Honey Badger spun to face them, her short white hair flowing wildly around her, tears streaming down her face. Her expression, once filled with sorrow, now burned with unrelenting fury.


    ''''They hurt him!'''' she screamed, her voice cracking under the weight of her chaotic emotions. ''''They''ve hurt him so badly he''s lost, and I''m going to help him!''''


    Following that, Lilith leaped from the wall, landing with a resounding thud that echoed across the battlefield. Without hesitation, she charged toward the Chaos creature locked in combat with Atlas.


    Her heart pounded as she closed the distance, the sight of her lover savagely tearing into the shocked enemy fueling her rage. Blood sprayed across the ground as Atlas shredded the creature with unrelenting ferocity.


    Seizing that moment, Lilith lunged into the fray, her claws slashed through the monster''s thigh, her attack precise and devastating. The beast roared in agony, its massive frame collapsing under the sudden assault.


    The moment the creature hit the ground, Atlas moved with terrifying speed. He lunged at its exposed throat, his claws ripping through flesh and bone in a single swipe. Blood gushed from the mortal wound as the beast let out a final, gurgling cry before falling still.


    Lilith stood beside him, her chest heaving, her glowing eyes locked onto his. The battlefield seemed to still around them; the air charged with their shared fury as the couple started butchering the remaining Chaos monsters.


    ***


    Atlas remained lost in the storm of his emotions, his Voidwalker form dissolving as he reverted to his human self. His chest heaved, his mind spinning in a chaotic whirlpool of grief and fury. He staggered, his hands clawing at the air as if trying to grasp something solid to anchor himself.


    Then, a warmth broke through the chaos. Lilith''s soft, steady hands cupped his cheeks, grounding him. Her touch was firm but gentle, her fingers brushing against his skin like a calming breeze. Her yellow eyes, now filled with tender love, locked onto his.


    In a voice overflowing with affection and resolve, she spoke, ''''I''m here for you. Remember, after all these years, you''re still my boy.''''


    Atlas slowly lifted his gaze as his eyes focused. He saw Lilith in front of him, her expression radiant, with a beautiful, heart-melting smile. Her golden-yellow eyes shimmered with unspoken love.


    Her honey badger ears twitched nervously atop her white hair, betraying her concern despite the serene confidence she exuded. He smiled before mumbling, ''''I now know where I come from, but they''re all dead because of these monsters, Lili.''''


    The white-haired young woman hugged him tightly as she replied in a whisper, ''''You may have lost your family, but you''ve gained a new one, Master. Us girls adore you, but it''s clear something has been weighing you down for years.''''


    ''''I don''t belong anywhere, Lilith,'''' Atlas said, his voice trembling with a raw, hollow ache. ''''In my last life, my mother threw me away. In this one, my family was slaughtered when I was just a baby. Seconds after they sent me to Astoria, a place I didn''t even understand, the Duke discovered me.''''


    The Honey Badger woman tightened her hug while trying to reassure him, but Atlas stood up and called for Raymond as he spoke. ''''I need some time to myself. Tell the others to go with the Duke and I''ll return soon.''''


    Following that, he jumped on the Stormeagle''s back and took off, leaving a worried Lilith behind who returned to the others. When Estelle saw her, she rushed in her direction and asked, ''''Where did he go, Lili?''''


    ''''To go think, I think he found out who his parents are, but it was too much for him so he needed to get out of here,'''' she answered the blonde.


    Following that, a purple glow erupted as Amethyst transformed into her phoenix form before chasing after him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 296 - 296: Too Much For Me

    Atlas told Raymond to land on a nearby mountain ledge before sending him back to the Otherworld as he sat down. He looked out over the quiet landscape, only to see a beautiful purple glow.


    ''''Amethyst,'''' he muttered as the phoenix woman crashed down just behind him.


    She quickly returned to her humanoid form and rushing to give him a hug as she spoke in a heartbroken voice, ''''You have a place, it''s with us.''''


    Atlas smiled when hearing this and tightened his hug on the beautiful young woman he had met years ago. Before he could speak, Amethyst confessed, ''''I love you, Atlas, please don''t feel bad about your past. You now have a future and people who care about.''''


    Just then, an icy shiver ran down Atlas''s spine, the hairs on his neck bristling with alarm. Without hesitation, he twisted to the side, clutching Amethyst tightly in his arms, narrowly evading a flurry of deadly strikes from the shadowy Night Owls.


    Blades hissed through the air, but some found their mark, slicing into him. Atlas gritted his teeth, the pain fueling his resolve rather than weakening it. ''Fuck that hurt!'' he thought while watching his blood hit the ground.


    His azure eyes blazed with fury as he drew his twin blades in one fluid motion, their gleaming edges catching the faint moonlight. With a feral roar, he launched himself forward, a whirlwind of chaos.


    Atlas''s first strike collided with an assailant''s weapon, the clash igniting a shower of fiery sparks that lit the night like a fleeting starburst. The man staggered under his relentless assault, struggling to counter the sheer force of his blows.


    But he was far from finished. His blades became a blur, each swing a arc of destruction as he tore into the ranks of his enemies. The night erupted in a symphony of clashing steel, a battle song that echoed through the darkness.


    Suddenly, a piercing scream split the chaos, Amethyst''s voice raw and powerful. The air trembled as her fury unleashed itself in an explosion of violet flames. The fire surged like a living beast, engulfing the remaining Night Owls in its scorching embrace.


    Atlas tightened his grip on his blades, the steel humming with restrained power after he cast Void infusion on them as he cleared some enemies that were bugging him. ''''They never learn, do they?'''' he muttered.


    The beautiful young woman smirked, her violet eyes glowing like stars in the sky. ''''More for the pyre, my love,'''' she said, raising her hand.


    Purple flames erupted around her fingers, twisting and dancing, illuminating the battlefield. Seconds later, The Night Owls surged forward, their battle cries splitting the air. The ground trembled beneath their charge.


    ''''Let''s go Amethyst and show the empire what we can do!'''' he exclaimed.


    Following that, he burst into motion like a coiled spring released, meeting the first wave head-on. His blades whirled like twin hurricanes, striking with the speed of lightning and the precision of a master.


    One attacker lunged at him, swinging a curved blade at for his throat. Atlas parried effortlessly, spinning to his left and driving his blade through the man''s chest in a single fluid motion.


    Without pause, he swept his other sword upward, slicing through the second enemy''s defenses. Sparks flew as weapons clashed, lighting the darkness like fireworks, but he continued attacking.


    Meanwhile, Amethyst faced her own onslaught. A wall of enemies charged her, but she stood her ground with a whisper, her flames coiled around her like a living serpent. She raised her arms, and with a sharp cry, unleashed a torrent of violet fire.


    The purple flames roared forward, consuming the front line of attackers in a blistering inferno. Screams echoed as the heat warped the air, and the Night Owls fell back, some writhing, others incinerated where they stood.


    Atlas dodged a strike from behind, spinning low and slicing through the legs of his attacker. He leaped to his feet just as another enemy rushed him. Without missing a beat, he hurled one of his swords, the blade spinning until it embedded itself in the man''s chest.


    He caught a falling weapon in mid-air as it slipped from the dying enemy''s grip and used it to deflect another strike. His movements were seamless, every action a brutal masterpiece of combat.


    ''''Atlas, behind you!'''' Amethyst called out, sending a stream of fire over his shoulder.


    It engulfed a group of enemies sneaking up on him, their forms reduced to ash in moments. Atlas flashed her a grin, his face streaked with sweat and blood. ''''Thanks, beautiful!'''' he shouted, twisting back to deliver a devastating horizontal slash that killed two more foes.


    But the Night Owls kept coming. Amethyst gritted her teeth, her energy flaring. With a roar, she slammed her fists together, sending a pulse of fire outward in all directions. The ground cracked beneath her.


    An expanding ring of flames tore through the enemy ranks, scattering their formations and leaving a scorched wasteland in its wake. As the surviving Night Owls regrouped for a final push, Atlas stepped forward, his body vibrating with raw power.


    Amethyst stood beside him, her flames now a blazing aura that crowned her like a queen of destruction. Together, they charged. Atlas moved like a storm, his blades carving through the enemy, while Amethyst''s fire consumed any who dared to approach her.


    They were an unstoppable force, a harmony of steel and flame, precision and chaos. The battlefield bore witness to their unrelenting might, but when more Night Owls emerged from the shadows, his demeanor shifted.


    He sheathed his blades, his eyes burning with powers which made everyone back off, even Amethyst. A crackling aura enveloped his fists, mana surging and pulsing like lightning. The surrounding air grew heavy, vibrating with the sheer force of his power.


    Atlas clenched his glowing fists, the mana swirling brighter with each passing moment. ''''No more games,'''' he growled.


    He charged into the fray, each punch detonating like thunder against the Night Owls. Every strike landed with devastation, erupting in shockwaves that exterminated his enemies with ease.


    The overwhelming force hurled bodies through the air like rag dolls, which shocked Amethyst as she watched her lover shattering their armor. The ground trembled beneath his assault, craters forming where his fists connected.


    She stood frozen for a moment, her flames flickering as she watched in awe. Her breath hitched, and a whisper escaped her lips, ''''So powerful¡­ His mana¡­ it''s shining!''''


    Her voice quivered, a mixture of disbelief and admiration. Even amidst the chaos, the radiant glow of Atlas''s mana cut through the darkness, a beacon of raw strength that seemed almost otherworldly.


    ''His just like the stories Mother used to tell me,'' she thought as her purple eyes sparkled with love.


    He continued his rampage as the Night Owls, once confident in their overwhelming numbers, were now reduced to nothing. Atlas was a living storm, his fists carving a path of devastation that left no room for resistance. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amethyst snapped out of her daze as she ignited her flames once more, a wicked smile curling on her lips. If Atlas was in the storm, she would be the inferno to consume what he left behind.


    Together, they pressed forward, an unstoppable duo, their enemies falling like leaves before a hurricane. The two of them continued fighting the Achaemenids, who were falling so fast that their comrades panicked.


    Atlas took advantage of this and summoned the other girls, who sent him a message from the Otherworld. Nulia and Lilith rushed out in their monster forms. The two women tore into the remaining enemies.


    Mana bolts flew out and took out some of the Night Owls above, causing Atlas to spot Artemis, followed by Estelle, Zena, and Grishna. With ease, the four women killed the remaining enemies, demoralized as they were.


    Following that, Atlas turned to them with a smile before speaking in a guilt laced voice, ''''I''m sorry for rushing off like that, girls. I just found out that my family was murdered and it was too much for me.''''


    When they heard this, frowns appeared on their beautiful faces, but Estelle stepped forward and hugged him. The blonde shoved his head into her cleavage while stroking his white hair, which made him relax.


    ''''We all care for you in our own ways handsome,'''' her soft voice reached his ears. ''''I''m sorry for your loss, but just know I''m always here for you.''''


    Atlas was about to speak, but soon Artemis appeared when Estelle let go so the brunette could hug him. She squeezed him while speaking. ''''Sorry about your family, Alt, but without that we would of never met.''''


    ''''I agreed,'''' he replied before kissing the beautiful young woman on her forehead.


    Next was the beautiful Grishna, who peppered his face with kisses, which made everyone laugh. Nulia and Zena were more reserved but still hugged, but it was Lilith who jumped on him in excitement.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 297 - 297: You are my son now, Atlas

    When the seven women finished greeting Atlas, his face was bright red and hair was a mess, which made them all laugh. Once that was over with, he summoned Raymond and all climbed on the Stormeagles'' back.


    He got comfortable just before Amethyst clung to his arm as the monster flew back to his father''s manor. A while later, they passed over Thalassia''s walls, and Estelle pointed out the place they needed to go. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas spotted a massive manor that was situated just outside the city, but circled with a mighty wall that prevent the Achaemenids from destroying his family home. Raymond quickly descended to the garden where the guards swarmed the area.


    The soldiers were shouting out orders, but the Stormeagle let out a loud screech and was ready to attack. Following that, Eldric and a woman that he recognized as his adoptive mother Eveline.


    He jumped off Raymond''s back alongside the women before he returned to the Otherworld, which shocked the surrounding soldiers. The duke stepped forward and waved away his guard. ''''Get back to your posts. This is my son who vanished years ago.''''


    When the men and women heard this, they glanced at Atlas with wide eyes. Shortly after that, they returned to duty as Eldric approached him and hugged him with a joyful expression, ''''It''s good to see you again my boy, thank you for helping us.''''


    ''''That''s okay, but there''s something I think you should know before this goes further,'''' Atlas commented.


    This caused the older man and woman to be looked worried, but Eldric quickly responded, ''''Come inside and sit down. I''m sure you all want something hot to drink, as it''s getting colder.''''


    Following that, the older couple led inside them as Evelina kept glancing back at him but restrained herself. Five minutes later, they arrived in a comfortable-looking room and Eldric motioned for everyone to sit down.


    ''''Now, what is it that you believe I should know?'''' the duke asked, his expression cautious, his eyes narrowing slightly as he awaited the response.


    Atlas breathed in while thinking to himself, ''It''s best if I told the truth. There''s no point in hiding it.''


    Seconds later, he just came out with it, ''''The Atlas you knew died back on Echo Isle where I woke up as the goddess sent me here. I woke up in his body and have been trying to survive ever since. I''m sorry for your loss, but if my presence makes you uncomfortable, I can leave Astoria and wouldn''t return.''''


    When Eldric and Evelina heard this, their eyes got wet as the older blonde woman started crying, causing the man to hug her. He turned his eyes toward him and asked, ''''So you''re not Atlas?''''


    He shrugged when hearing this. ''''We shared the same name but I''m me. Your son is living a new life just like I am. Hopefully, he doesn''t end up in the same orphanage as I was. It was horrible there.''''


    After Atlas finished speaking, Eveline looked at him through green eyes and questioned, ''''You came from one?''''


    ''''Unfortunately yes, my mother gather me away when I was younger, and ended up alone until I passed away,'''' he revealed.


    Eldric was silent but Eveline continued, ''''How did you die?''''


    ''''I saved another child at the orphanage from a metal carriage. It hit me instead of her,'''' he answered, his voice steady despite the nervous energy bubbling beneath the surface.


    He shifted awkwardly, unsure of how to continue. He had never known the warmth of a family since he was five, and now, faced with this couple, he couldn''t understand why their acceptance mattered so much.


    Yet the thought of rejection from them made his chest tighten in a way he wasn''t prepared for. While this happened, Amethyst grabbed his hand in silent support as Estelle rubbed his back with a love-filled smile.


    Eldric suddenly looked at the phoenix girl, ''''I can see you care a great deal about him. Tell me why?''''


    Amethyst looked shocked but shook her head before answering. ''''He saved me from slavers and has been there ever since. I''ve seen him help people and beat back the empire''s invasion in the north.''''


    ''''He''s a caring young man who goes out of his way to help people,'''' Artemis added with a small smile. ''''Plus, he likes to pamper us.''''


    Eveline giggled when hearing this, but Grishna was next to speak with so much pride that it shocked Atlas, ''''Our husband is extremely strong and can single handily fend off an Achaemenid army.''''


    The others agreed, as Nulia was the next to add something. ''''He respects each one of us, unlike most men now days.''''


    ''''He''s my master and I love him!'''' Lilith exclaimed in an excited tone as she transformed into her Honey Badger form before climbing into his shirt.


    Atlas chuckled while stroking her head. ''''I met Lilith here many years ago. I was using her cave for shelter during a storm and we ended up fighting for hours.''''


    When Eldric and Eveline heard this, their eyes widened as the older man questioned, ''''How did you both end up as lovers?''''


    Everyone chuckled but Estelle answered, ''''Let''s just say the two of them have loved each other for years now. Only recently they are acting on it.''''


    Atlas felt his cheeks grow warm as Eldric looked at him with a chuckle. ''''I see you get embarrassed, just like him.''''


    He was just about to reply to the older man, but Eveline jumped up, which shocked everyone as she exclaimed, ''''He''s our son, Eldric! I don''t care about what happened. We got our boy back!''''


    The blonde woman circled the table, her movements slow but deliberate, until she stood in front of Atlas. With trembling hands, she pulled him gently to his feet, tears streaming down her face.


    Her voice quivered as she asked, ''''Do you want parents who will love you?''''


    Atlas froze, the words piercing through the meticulously guarded walls around his heart. His emotions churned violently, a storm of hope and fear colliding. This was all he had ever wanted, since the day his mother had abandoned him, leaving him alone in the world.


    He avoided Eveline''s gaze, his shoulders hunching as if bracing for rejection. In a voice barely above a whisper, raw and cracked with pain, he asked, ''''Will you throw me away like she did?''''


    The room fell into a stunned silence. The weight of his words hung heavy, and the pain in his voice was unbearable. Amethyst''s composure shattered; she buried her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.


    Even Zena, usually the quietest and most stoic of the group, felt her throat tighten as the heartbreak in his voice reached her. Each of the women was reminded of the fragile, wounded soul beneath Atlas''s strong exterior, and it was almost too much to bear.


    The older woman''s heart ached as she looked into his eyes, seeing the deep, unhealed scars left by a lifetime of rejection and abandonment. She placed trembling hands on his shoulders, gently forcing him to meet her gaze.


    Tears streamed down her face, her voice breaking as she spoke. ''''Atlas,'''' she began, her words shaky but resolute, ''''I swear on the gods themselves that I will never throw you away like that horrible woman. Never.''''


    Her grip on his shoulders tightened, as if she could anchor him to her promise. ''''You''re not some burden or mistake. You are a gift, and I will love you as a mother should, with all my heart, every day, for as long as I live.''''


    Eveline''s voice cracked with emotion, but she pushed through, the words spilling from her like a desperate prayer. ''''I don''t care what pain you''ve been through, what darkness you carry. You are my son now, Atlas. Our son. And I will fight the gods or anyone else if they ever try to take you away from me.''''


    Atlas stood frozen, his mind overwhelmed by her words. For a moment, he couldn''t breathe. No one had ever spoken to him like this, not since he was a small boy, clinging to a fleeting memory of love.


    His lips trembled, but he couldn''t form words. Eveline reached up and cupped his face, her thumbs brushing away the tears that now rolled freely down his cheeks. ''''There''s no don''t have to be afraid anymore,'''' she whispered in a motherly voice. ''''You''re home and loved.''''


    At that moment, the room seemed to shrink around them; the world falling silent as Atlas crumbled into her embrace. Eveline wrapped her arms tightly around him, holding him as he sobbed into her shoulder, years of pain and longing pouring out in a torrent.


    The others watched in silence, tears streaking their faces. Even the gods, it seemed, would weep at the sight of a broken boy finally being told he was wanted. Eldric stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder, ''''If the rumors are true then any father would be proud to call you their soon Azhar''Zul.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 298 - 298: Keep Doing That Master

    Following Atlas''s meeting with his parents, the seven women noticed a weight lifted from his shoulders. Eldric and Eveline left the room after needing to attend to some duties, as a butler rushed in to inform him of some things.


    His father looked at him with a kid smile, ''''Since you saved Thalassia City, much work remains, but I''m sure the imperial family will reward you and your girlfriends upon their return.''''


    Atlas nodded with a relieved smile, ''''Thank you both for accepting me, it means a lot,'''' he revealed with an honest smile.


    Eveline waved him away, ''''What did I tell you, boy? Don''t bring it up, you''re mine now and there''s nowhere you can run,'''' she said with a giggle before walking out of the room.


    Following that, the older woman left the room while leading the women to their rooms as he sat there to collect his thoughts. As Atlas sat there, Lilith appeared with a twinkle in her yellow eyes as she transformed into her human form.


    The white-haired young woman slowly approached him with a knowing grin before climbing into his lap as she spoke in a seductive tone, ''''I want to pamper you, so shut up and don''t say a word, Master.''''


    Atlas complied as she started kissing his neck while hers hands touched every muscle that they could after he sent them back to the Otherworld so his parents wouldn''t catch them getting hot and heavy in the family room.


    He closed his eyes as she kissed up his cheeks only to whisper, ''''I spoke to Amethyst. She said we can do everything apart from sex, which is fair. Virginity is important to phoenix girls.''''


    After the Honey Badger spoke, she continued kissing him, which sent shivers down his spine, but Atlas didn''t stay still. His hands snaked up her slender body before reaching her boobs that were the perfect size.


    ''She''s gorgeous and I''m glad she''s all mine,'' he mused with glowing azure eyes.


    He started squeezing them, causing Lilith to moan while biting his neck. ''''Mmmghhh~~.''''#


    After Atlas did that, she quickly pulled back before taking off her shirt, causing her boobs to bounce out. Her pink nipples were standing straight, causing him to lean in and take one in his mouth.


    ''''Ughhhh, keep doing that master,'''' she muttered in a breathless voice while hugging him tight. ''''It feels so good.''''


    Her seductive voice caused his lust to ignite as his free hand started playing with the other nipple, which made Lilith''s body tremble thanks to the pleasure. Atlas continued to attack her sensitive areas.


    She clung onto him tightly, but he wasn''t down as his hand slid down her smooth body and entered her lacey panties. Seconds later, Atlas was rubbing the white-haired beauty''s wet clit.


    Lilith arched her back while letting out an erotic moan that echoed throughout the room, ''''Mmmmmmhhh~~.''''


    Following that, Atlas continued rubbing, causing the young woman''s love juices to pour out like a broken hose. He was enjoying every moment of his, but wanted to make Lilith feel even better.


    Without warning, his finger slid inside her tight passage, causing the Honey Badger woman to dig her claws into his back, biting down hard on his neck. Atlas began thrusting, driving her wild with each motion. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Arghhh~~ Ughhh~~ Gahhh~~,'''' she moaned as the pleasure was becoming too much for the young woman.


    Minutes later, Atlas made her climax, Liliths body trembled with ecstasy as her yellow eyes rolled back in delight. He felt her slump against him while letting out heavy breaths as she came down from her orgasm.


    ''''That felt amazing, Master,'''' she muttered while cuddling up to him.


    Atlas smiled before leaning forward and placing a kiss against her plump lips as he replied in a cheerful tone, ''''There''s more to come, beautiful, but do you fancy helping me clear the Void Realm?''''


    The Honey Badger answered with a tired smile, ''''Let''s go handsome, I can work off some of this frustration.''''


    Following that, he activated the skill, and the duo appeared in the jungle just as Lilith transformed into her monster form. Atlas took out his swords before casting Void Infusion on them.


    The blades hummed while lighting up the surrounding underbrush just as a Bloodwing swooped down. Its stingers tried to pierce his chest but he skillfully side stepped it and cut the monster in half.


    ''I forgot about these dragonfly monsters,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    That''s when more creatures appeared from all around them and a battle suddenly erupted as Lilith started fighting a group of Kraxari. She could kill the giant ants with ease as her claws destroyed their exo skeletons.


    Atlas started casting Void Lances and bullets that pierced the monster''s bodies, causing them to fade away. Following that, the couple continued battling the creatures while killing hundreds more.


    During a lull in the fighting as the monsters regrouped, he checked the monster total to see how many they had dispatched.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 43,112/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 5,434/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''This is going to take long, but at least the girls can help me,'' Atlas mused while shooting down a dozen Bloodwings with Void Bullets.


    The couple pressed on, weaving through the dense jungle as they battled relentlessly. They used the branches above to avoid the deadly mandibles of their foes. Lilith moved like a missile, darting into clusters of enemies, eliminating them before retreating to safety.


    Her tactic drew a chuckle from Atlas, who unleashed powerful waves of magic, blasting the creatures apart. For hours, his spells decimated the swarm until his reserves ran low, causing him to calm down with the attacks.


    Exhausted, he perched on a sturdy branch, catching his breath while the fierce Honey Badger woman held the line, her sheer ferocity keeping the monsters at bay. Channeling the last of his energy, he began casting Void Bullets.


    Each projectile streaked through the air, hitting its mark and exploding with devastating force, reducing the monstrous enemies to nothing. Following that attack, Atlas collapsed as he ran out of mana.


    He quickly sent Lilith back to the Otherworld just before he joined her as the Bloodwing rushed him. Atlas opened his eyes, only to see the Honey Badger woman staring at him with a big smile.


    ''''Hello Lili, what''s wrong?'''' he asked with a smile.


    ''''Estelle asked us to return to your parents'' manor for dinner,'''' she revealed while standing up and stretching.


    Atlas sighed before getting up while checking on the monster total to see how many they managed to clear.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 52,231/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 10,101/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''''Let me have a quick bath, I feel sticky and need to was the dirt off me,'''' he said while making his way to the bathroom.


    Lilith happily followed behind while humming something that made Atlas relax, causing him to glance back. The white-haired beauty''s smile widened as she commented, ''''Do you like my humming master?''''


    ''''Yes, it''s relaxing and puts me at ease,'''' he replied with a chuckle as the two entered the steam-filled room.


    After the battle, the couple made their way to a nearby stream to wash. As they began, Lilith glanced at Atlas with a playful, knowing grin. ''''Can I wash your back, Master?'''' she asked, her tone teasing yet sweet.


    Atlas met the Honey Badger woman''s mischievous gaze and nodded with a faint smile. ''''Yes, and I''ll do yours after,'''' he replied calmly, though his tone betrayed a hint of anticipation.


    Lilith giggled softly, her laughter carrying a blend of mischief and charm. She moved behind him and began cleaning his back, her hands firm yet gentle. However, she couldn''t resist leaning in, deliberately pressing her soft curves against him as she worked.


    The sensation sent a shiver through Atlas, her teasing touch stirring feelings that were impossible to ignore. As she continued washing him, her teasing grew bolder. She let her hands linger a little longer than necessary, her fingers tracing playful patterns on his skin.


    Leaning closer, she whispered in his ear, her warm breath sending a tingle down his spine. ''''Master, you''re so tense,'''' she teased, her voice dripping with mock concern. ''''Should I help you relax more?''''


    Atlas smirked, glancing over his shoulder at her mischievous grin. Without warning, he spun around, his hands darting to her sides. ''''Relax, huh? Let''s see how you like this!'''' he declared, his fingers finding her most ticklish spots.


    Lilith shrieked with laughter, doubling over as he mercilessly tickled her. ''''No! Stop, Master!'''' she gasped between giggles, trying to squirm away.


    But Atlas continued his playful assault, leaving her helpless and laughing uncontrollably. When it calmed down, she was now sitting on his lap, looking into his eyes with a big smile, while panting.


    ''''You''re evil Master, why did you tickle me like that?'''' she said while squirming on top of his member, which made both of them feel a shock.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 299 - 299: Are You Our Sons Girlfriends

    After Atlas stopped tickling Lilith, the two of them washed each other, with the Honey Badger woman jumping whenever he moved. This made him laugh as he reassured the young woman, ''''I won''t do it again, Lili. I didn''t think you hated it.''''


    ''''I don''t hate it Master, it surprised me,'''' she answered in a low voice before nibbling his ear.


    A chill ran down Atlas''s spine, but to Lilith''s relief, he didn''t make another move to attack her anymore. The tension between them eased, and she let out a quiet breath, her body finally relaxing. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Don''t tickle me again,'''' the Honey Badger woman suddenly said. ''''If you do, I''ll attack you.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his grin stretched even wider, and Lilith''s eyes went laughably wide. ''''Don''t you dare!'''' she exclaimed, half-laughing, half-worried.


    But it was too late. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he struck again, and the next thing she knew, Lilith was laughing so hard her stomach began to ache. Atlas couldn''t help but revel in her laughter.


    Minutes after that, she transformed into her monster form, her playful expression turning into one of mischievous determination. He gulped as a glint of mischief flashed in her eyes, and before he could even blink, she lunged at him.


    Atlas yelped in surprise as Lilith began biting him, gently at first, but with enough force to make him squirm, all the while pinning him down. ''''L-Lili!'''' he managed between laughs. ''''I thought we were having fun!''''


    Her eyes sparkled with playful menace, and he quickly realized that while he might have started this, it was definitely no longer in his control. He was doing his best to dodge Lilith''s playful yet relentless attacks.


    She was quick, and every time he thought he was safe, she would pounce again. He tried to wiggle out from under her, laughing in between his frantic attempts to escape.


    ''''Lili, stop! I swear, I''ll..'''' he barely spoke before she gave him another playful bite.


    ''''Not until you learn your lesson, master,'''' she teased while pinning him down once more.


    The young woman returned to her human form while looking down at him with a beautiful smile. Atlas grabbed her collar and pulled her into a passionate kiss, which the Honey Badger loved.


    Lilith dug her nails into his chest as her tongue slipped into his mouth, causing another battle to erupt. He quickly won that just before they broke apart and she asked, ''''Who''s man are you, master?''''


    He chuckled, his voice soft and playful. ''''Yours, Lili.''''


    The Honey Badger woman''s face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with affection. She leaned down and kissed him gently, her lips lingering for just a moment before she pulled away, standing up before getting dressed.


    Afterward, he rose to his feet and joined her. Together, they made their way back to the Montague manor. As they entered the room, the familiar surroundings welcomed them. The soft glow of the mana lights.


    Atlas led Lilith out of the room after being joined by Amethyst and Estelle while the others stayed in the Otherworld to rest. The four of them started walking around the manor. He noticed the staff were working hard cleaning the place.


    Ten minutes later, a maid appeared before them, ''''Follow me, dinner will be served shortly young master,'''' she said.


    They followed the young woman through the beautiful corridors that had portraits on the walls of previous Montague Family members. Shortly after that, they appeared in front of large wooden doors.


    Atlas and the women watched the guards open it, only to see Eldric and Eveline sitting at the table. When his mother saw them, a big smile appeared as she stood up. ''''Come sit down, aren''t the others joining us?'''' she asked.


    Without speaking, a portal opened as Nulia, Grishna, Artemis and Zena stepped out, causing his father to question with a curious expression, ''''Where are they all traveling to, son? It''s confusing to me.''''


    ''''It''s called the Otherworld. It''s a pocket dimension that belongs to me as a skill I can activate,'''' he explained while sitting down.


    Amethyst and Lilith sat on either side as the others got comfortable as Eveline looked at Atlas and questioned with a hopeful voice, ''''Many powerful mages have them, but they aren''t big. Would you mind showing me one day?''''


    ''''Yes mother, but you''ll have to listen at all times when inside,'''' Atlas replied. ''''There are many monsters roaming the place that would attack you.''''


    Following that, the maids brought out the food as the older woman had a fascinated sparkle in her green eyes. Eldric chuckled when he saw his wife''s reaction, causing him to question the group. ''''So, are you our son''s girlfriends?''''


    Atlas nearly choked at the sudden inquiry, but Grishna was the first to speak. ''''Yes, we all are but taking things slow for now. But me and him met many years ago while adventuring. Now we''ve been causing trouble for the Achaemenids, who are retreating further south.''''


    ''''It was your group that caused that?'''' Eveline commented with a knowing smile. ''''It''s the reason they besieged the capital was to keep the imperial army locked down.''''


    ''''Yes, they have been attacking us for years now,'''' the blonde knight Estelle commented. ''''Atlas can fight the Night Owls with ease now.''''


    When Eldric heard this, his eyes widened but a proud smile appeared, ''''Well done my boy, not many people can fight those demons.''''


    ''''They are weak, it''s why they''re running,'''' Atlas finally spoke. ''''The empire will fortify an easy place to defend, but it''s useless when I attack.''''


    His parents looked excited but also surprised, but Eveline turned to Lilith and Artemis while asking, ''''How did our son meet you both?''''


    ''''We fought because he took my cave but we soon became bonded and have been together ever since,'''' the white-haired Honey Badger.


    ''''Cave?'''' Eldric asked.


    ''''The two of them were constantly fighting in the beginning,'''' Amethyst said with a wry smile, recounting the tale to the older couple. She spared no detail, weaving the story with vivid gestures and an amused tone.


    By the time she finished, Atlas''s parents sat in stunned silence, their expressions a mixture of amazement, shock, and mild horror. It was clear they hadn''t expected such a chaotic tale, and the emotions playing across their faces made Amethyst stifle a laugh.


    ''''Well, those are some interesting stories,'''' his mother said with a sweet smile. ''''Do you mind if I spend time with you girls? I''ve been lacking female company since our daughters attended their magic schools.''''


    When the seven younger women heard this, they agreed, causing Eveline to turn to her husband and Atlas. ''''You two can leave. We will gossip and I''m sure you don''t want to hear that boring stuff.''''


    Atlas was just about to protest, but his mother gave him that look, causing him to agree with a nod. The girls quickly kissed him and when Lilith appeared, she had a mischievous grin. ''''I look forward to seeing you later, master.''''


    The way the white-haired beauty said that made him remember their fight in the bathroom, causing Atlas to slap her ass. The Honey Badger woman yelp before growling at him, but soon blew him a kiss as she followed the others.


    After the women were gone, his father laughed while slapping him on the back, ''''Now that is a girl in love, my son, she adores you.''''


    ''''I know,'''' Atlas smiled as he answered, ''''I also love her. She''s been a constant in my life.''''


    Eldric suddenly hugged him. ''''Finally! The Montague Family doesn''t have a dense young man in our ranks.''''


    Father and son were laughing before the older man commented, ''''I have to make my way into the capital. Make yourself comfortable until the women get back.''''


    Atlas agreed with a nod as he started exploring the manor, only to feel uncomfortable when all the maids stared at him. ''What is their problem?'' he pondered.


    He stepped into the garden and called for Theo. In response, the Blood Bat King emerged from an azure portal. Without hesitation, Atlas mounted the fearsome creature, and together they soared into the heavens.


    The duo glided effortlessly through the skies, scanning the horizon for any sign of the empire. Minutes later, he spotted a small army marching below, rewarding their half-hour of relentless searching.


    With a sharp dive, Theo descended, giving Atlas the perfect vantage point to unleash a barrage of Void Bombs upon the unsuspecting enemies. Explosions erupted and decimated the Achaemenids.


    Azure fire washed over them just as Atlas ordered, ''''Attack them Theo and only let three escape.''''


    Following that, a battle erupted as he used Void Step to appear in the center of the enemy formation and cast Void Wave, that sent the soldiers flying all over the place just as he launched his attack as Theo screeched from above.


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 Chapter 300 - 300: Hot Some Days

    Atlas continued attacking the Achaemenids alongside the Blood Bat King Leo. The two of them slaughtered the enemy until one was left. He raised his hand to the monster while speaking, ''''Don''t kill him boy, he needs to return to his people to tell our story.''''


    The giant bat nodded before sitting next to him while chewing on a body. When he saw this, a shiver ran down his spine, ''I''m lucky these creatures belong to me,'' he thought with a chuckle.


    Following that, Atlas turned to the sole survivor of the ambush and warned, ''''You better go back and tell them I attacked. If not, I''ll feed you to my monsters.''''


    When the man heard this, he nearly buckled but started running to get away from the white-haired demon who butchered his friends. Once done, he climbed onto Theos back and giving him the next target.


    ''''Let''s find a fortress to destroy,'''' Atlas revealed with an excited smile.


    The Blood Bat King soared through the air while searching for any enemies that were hiding across Astoria. An hour later, he found an Achaemenid Watchtower that was guarding the border between Thalassia and the wolf kingdom.


    ''''Head toward there, Theo,'''' he said to the monster.


    Seconds later, the monster let out a screech before swooping down and getting close to the border post. When close enough, Atlas started unleashing Void Bombs that peppered the enemy fortification.


    Explosion erupted and wiped out any soldiers just in time to realize what was happening. While doing this, Amethyst sent him a message through the bracelet. ''''Where are you, my love?''''


    The sound of her sweet, melodic voice took aback Atlas, but he quickly regained his composure. ''''I''m flying back to the manor now,'''' he replied. ''''Was making a bit of a mess in the empire, causing some trouble for them.''''


    Amethyst''s soft giggle rang in his ear, light and teasing. ''''Well, make sure you hurry back. The city is coming back to life thanks to you and you owe us some dates, handsome'''' she urged, her voice filled with warmth.


    ''''We''ll spend some alone time with each other,'''' he replied. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, Atlas urged Theo to pick up speed, and they soared across the cold, barren land that was shifting, with patches of melting snow revealing the first hints of spring beneath.


    ''Can''t wait until I have to fight the empire anymore, but I''ll have to destroy them piece by piece,'' he thought to himself while enjoying to view.


    The wind whipped through the air as they cut through the landscape. He quickly noticed the herds of elephant-like monsters eating among the snow with other creatures mixed in while a nearby river was melting.


    ''I can''t wait until the warm weather appears,'' Atlas mused while looking at the distant mountains covered in a layer of white. ''The girls said it gets hot some days, forcing people indoors.''


    Following that, they continued attacking any empire soldiers they came across and thanks to Theo''s sharp claws; it was easy to deal with the columns of enemy troops that were retreating south.


    ''''Looks like they''re regrouping. I wonder if they''re planning an attack,'''' Atlas muttered, his senses suddenly going haywire as the sun finished setting.


    His heart skipped a beat, a surge of danger flooding his instincts. ''''Dodge, Theo!'''' he shouted, but his warning came too late.


    A barrage of powerful spells shot through the air, striking the Blood Bat with brutal force. The impact was like a thunderclap, and before Atlas could react, the creature was thrown into a violent tumble, its wings flailing helplessly.


    They plummeted toward the ground, the world spinning in a chaotic blur. Atlas was helpless as the monstrous force of their fall consumed them. The Blood Bat''s final, pained screech echoed in his ears before it was torn away.


    ''Girls, get to the Otherworld now! The empire is on top of me!'' he sent them all a message as the panic set in.


    And then, with a sickening crash, Atlas hit the earth. The shock of impact rattled every bone in his body, sending a wave of agony rushing over him as he stood up but still managed to take out his swords.


    ''Need to fight until the girls can come!'' Atlas thought as determination surged through him.


    The first group of Achaemenids attacked, forcing him on the defensive as he blocked and deflected dozens of strikes. He quickly used Void Wave to send the enemies flying as he countered.


    Even though he was seriously injured, he thought like a wild animal as he tore through the enemy''s ranks. While doing this, he was losing blood as the wounds appeared even more than more soldiers appeared.


    Atlas cast Void Wave again and went to open a portal but was hit again, causing his vision faded, but he bit his tongue to keep himself awake. That''s when Nulia''s rage-filled voice echoed in his mind, ''''Open a fucking portal now!''''


    He followed the Frostbear woman''s command and opened one, causing her to rush out filled with a primal rage, her powerful form tearing through the air as she collided with a group of soldiers.


    Her ferocious roar echoed through the chaos, and her massive claws ripped through armor and flesh alike, leaving nothing but destruction in her wake. As the soldiers were scattered, the ground shaking beneath her assault, a giant white wolf emerged from the portal.


    Zena moved with incredible speed, and before Atlas could react, it seized him in its jaws in a loving embrace as she was careful, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. Nulia, witnessing the scene, returned to the Otherworld.


    Just as the Zena made her move to follow suit, an overwhelming aura flooded the battlefield, saturating the air with a thick, oppressive presence. The temperature plummeted, the very atmosphere seeming to freeze in place.


    It felt as if the land itself was holding its breath. A sharp, invisible force sliced through the air, and in that instant, the magic tethering them to the Otherworld was severed. The sudden appearance of an enemy powerhouse cut Zena''s escape off.


    The connection to safety, her only hope of retreat torn from her grasp, as if it had never been there at all. The weight of the aura pressed down on the surroundings, leaving nothing but a stark sense of isolation in its wake.


    ''''I''m going to run, Atlas,'''' her voice echoed.


    Following that, Zena turned on her heels and started sprinting so fast that it caused wind pressure that sent the Achaemenids flying all over the place. Her claws digging into the earth as her massive muscles propelling her forward.


    The air was thick with the scent of pursuit; the soldiers gaining on her, but she was faster, more agile, weaving through the trees like a shadow in the night. She could hear the soldiers'' shouts growing louder, their heavy steps crashing through the underbrush.


    They were relentless. But she pushed harder, her legs stretching out in long, powerful strides, the forest blurring around her. The weight of Atlas in her mouth made every movement more challenging, but her focus never wavered.


    ''Hopefully he''s fine and can be healed,'' she thought while tasting his blood.


    Zena could feel his pulse against her, faint but steady, and it steeled her resolve. She would get him to safety. As she surged forward, she heard the roar of the soldiers'' commander ordering them to close in.


    Her ears perked, and her eyes scanned the terrain ahead. She saw it, an ancient, twisted tree with low-hanging branches. Perfect. Without hesitation, Zena swerved toward the tree, launching herself upward with a leap that defied her size.


    She crashed into the thick branches, her claws digging into the bark as she scaled the towering tree. The soldiers shouted in confusion, realizing too late that she had taken to the canopy.


    With Atlas still secured on her back, Zena darted through the branches, moving swiftly despite her size. She could hear the soldiers scrambling below, unable to follow her through the treetops.


    For a moment, she paused, crouched low, waiting for the perfect moment to make her next move. She could feel the rage and frustration of the soldiers seeping through the air below. They weren''t giving up, and neither would she.


    ''I need to get him to safety so he can heal,'' she thought while glancing around only to hear soldiers getting close.


    Zena snarled, her sharp teeth flashing in the moonlight, and then she leapt again, bounding from tree to tree, each jump carrying her farther from their reach. As she moved deeper into the forest, the pursuit ended.


    The soldiers couldn''t match her speed in the trees, and not long after that, she collapsed in a secluded clearing with an abandoned cave. She entered it before lying down and allowed herself to rest while catching her breath.


    Her chest heaving with exertion as she landed on the solid ground of a hidden clearing.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 301 - 301: Good Call

    Zena placed Atlas gently on the ground before returning to her human form and started fussing over him. ''''Are you okay? Sorry I couldn''t get to you in time,'''' she asked in a worried voice.


    He was dizzy and the pain nearly knocked him out again as his wounds slowly healed, causing him to grit his teeth. ''''I''m fine, just need to rest,'''' he muttered.


    When Zena heard this, she scanned their surroundings before spotting something and turned to him with a concerned expression while revealing. ''''Theres a Snow Bear cave over there. I''ll go kill the monster and we can stay there.''''


    ''''Okay, be careful,'''' Atlas commented while sitting up and rubbing his head.


    She gave a confident nod before vanishing into the dark opening without another word, which made him smile. Minutes passed in tense silence, broken only by the distant sounds of a chaotic struggle to echo from within.


    Atlas''s curiosity was caught as a massive bear came hurtling out of the opening, its heavy body crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact. Hot on its heels, a fierce white wolf emerged with a menacing growl.


    Zena moved with shocking speed, each step oozing raw power as it closed in on her prey. He couldn''t look away as the scene captivating him before trying to stand up. He gritted his teeth just as she snapped its neck and throwing the body into the cave before coming to help him.


    Zena leaned up against his body, allowing him to lean on her. A snowstorm suddenly started just as they entered their hideout, prompting Atlas to look back at the snow-covered world as he muttered, ''''Damn winter, its needs to end already.''''


    The two of them stumbled deeper until coming to a warmer part of the cave. Zena sorted out the place before returning to her human form as she looked at him with a concerned expression. ''''Are you okay, Atlas?''''


    ''''Yes,'''' he said, while slumping down against the nearby wall. ''''I just need some rest so my body could heal itself.''''


    Following that, the dark-haired beauty looked around and sighed. ''''I''m going to get some firewood as it''s going to get extremely cold tonight. Stay here, handsome,'''' she said with a small smile as her cheeks went red.


    Atlas nodded before activating the Void Realm skill to clear out some monsters while waiting for Zena to return. Seconds later, he appeared in the jungle just as loud chittering echoed out through the trees.


    He readied himself by casting Void Infusion on his blades when the giant ants rushed out of the underbrush. Atlas dodged the monsters, snapping mandibles before driving his blades through its head.


    Following that, he quickly cast Void Wave to knock the other Kraxari''s back just as the Bloodwings appeared. The flying insect creatures tried to pierce him with their stingers, but he sidestepped it.


    Atlas countered with a Void Lance that destroyed the beast''s body. While doing that, he cast Void Guard to block a few lunging ants, causing them to crash into the protective barrier with a heavy thud.


    Just after that happened, he quickly checked the monster total before entering to see how many he killed in his last


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 52,231/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 10,101/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''Impressive, but I need to clear the levels quicker the further south we travel,'' he pondered while checking the current tally.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 53,131/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 10,911/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    Atlas felt a surge of amusement as he looked over the carnage scattered around him. Yet, his thirst for battle hadn''t subsided, it was only growing to new heights. With a smirk, he turned back to the oncoming horde of monsters.


    ''Now let''s kill more to get the tally down,'' he mused with an excited smile.


    Hours passed in a blur of chaos and destruction. Atlas fought tirelessly, his blades carving through the monsters with ease. Bolts of magic erupted from his hands, igniting the battlefield in explosions.


    The ground trembled beneath him as Kraxari and Bloodwings fell in the dozens, their screeches drowned by the roar of his power. Atlas moved like a storm, an unstoppable force amidst the chaos, his every swing and spell leaving devastation in his wake.


    Before long, fatigue washed over his body, and he decided it was time to leave the Void Realm. His eyes opened as his eyes opened to the real world, an unexpected sight, Zena, dragging an entire tree behind her with surprising ease.


    The sight caught him off guard, and he couldn''t help but let out a chuckle, as it was amusing because she was strong. His laughing drew her attention, and she turned to face him, her ears twitching slightly.


    ''''We''re going to need warmth,'''' Zena explained while gestured toward the tree. Her black hair whipped around her face as the wind howled outside. ''''The storm''s getting worse and the forest is being buried by the snow.''''


    Atlas smiled, impressed by her insight. ''''Good call,'''' he said.


    Following that, Zena transformed into her wolf form and left the cave to go get more wood as he got to his feet. He stumbled toward the tree and took out his two swords before using his swords to cut pieces off it.


    After stacking it into a neat pile once he cut it up, Atlas tossed several logs onto the fire, causing the flames roared to life, crackling hungrily as they devoured the wood. Slowly, the warmth spread, pushing back the biting chill that had seeped into the cave.


    Satisfied with his work, he stretched while enjoying the heat. Just as he relaxed, the sound of dragging caught his attention. Turning toward the entrance, the sight of Zena greeted him, appearing once again, this time with another entire tree.


    He raised an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and astonishment crossing his face. ''''Another one?'''' he asked, unable to suppress a chuckle.


    Zena shrugged as she dropped the massive trunk next to the pile. ''''The storm''s not stopping and only getting worse,'''' she replied matter-of-factly, brushing a stray strand of dark hair from her face. ''''Better to be over-prepared than freezing later.''''


    Following that, Atlas started cutting up more of the wood before she continued bringing in more downed trees. An hour later, they had a massive pile of fuel that would keep them warm.


    The wolf woman slumped down while letting out heavy breaths. He looked at her before taking out some dumpling that he had left over. Zena looked confused, but took the food and ate.


    ''''Thank you,'''' she spoke with a smile.


    As they sat by the roaring fire, the dark-haired beauty suddenly leapt to her feet a while later, full of energy, which surprised him. She started stretching, causing her back to crack, causing the wolf woman to smile.


    ''''I''m going to hunt for something for us to eat,'''' she announced, her voice tinged with excitement. ''''I could go for some monster meat. There''s some Forest Elk roaming outside as I caught their scent.''''


    Atlas smiled, leaning back against the cave wall as he watched her. ''''Just be careful out there, Zena,'''' he warned. ''''The Dark Ones are bound to be lurking outside like they usually are. I hate those things.''''


    Her yellow eyes sparkled with a mix of determination, excitement and joy as she turned to him, her grin revealing her sharp teeth. ''''Don''t worry. They should be afraid of me. I''ll destroy them with ease,'''' she quipped confidently. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without another word, Zena strode to the cave entrance. As the wind howled around her, she tilted her head back and let out a fierce, resonant howl that echoed across the snow-covered landscape.


    Moments later, she shifted into her wolf form as she took off across the snowy forest in search of prey. Atlas turned his attention back to the fire, watching the flames dance and flicker.


    The light pushed back the encroaching shadows, creating a small haven amidst the storm. As he reached into his Item Box and pulled out more food to eat, a sudden jolt of pain coursed through his body.


    He winced, but the sensation quickly faded, replaced by a warmth spreading through his entire body. A knowing smile tugged at his lips. It was another sign that his strength was returning.


    After that, Atlas leaned back against the cave wall, letting himself relax while stoking the fire to keep its warmth alive. The hours passed with crackling flames and the distant howl of the storm, his only companions.


    Eventually, the sound of crunching snow reached his ears, and he sat up, instantly alert. Emerging from the storm was Zena, back in her humanoid form, dragging a massive elk-like monster behind her.


    ''''This will last us a while, Atlas,'''' she said with a big smile.


    [Check out my new novel and let me know what you think: Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend - If you like magic, academies, brilliant romance and dungeons, then give it a go]

 Chapter 302 - 302: Forest Elk Meat

    Atlas watched as Zena slumped down after letting out a yawn, which exposed her sharp canines. He found her incredibly beautiful with her wild black hair and sharp yellow eyes that glowed in the firelight.


    She turned to him as her cheeks went red before speaking with a hopeful expression, ''''The storm will calm down in a day or two. When we escape this forest, you can ride on me if you like.''''


    ''''Sounds good to me Zena,'''' Atlas answered with an honest smile. ''''I was half unconscious when you carried me here, but thanks for helping.''''


    The dark-haired wolf woman beamed before jumping up and approaching the elk. He watched as she cut off a slab of meat after removing the fur and started cooking it, which made his stomach rumble.


    When Zena heard that, she did the same thing and sat down next to him while speaking. ''''Forest Elk meat is delicious. We don''t have any spices, otherwise it would be even better.''''


    Atlas reached into his Item Box and pulled out some before handing it over. ''''Use this. I got it from a fortress we raided on the way south.''''


    Her eyes gleamed with happiness as she took the ingredients and started sprinkling it over the meat. As the aroma hit his nose, it made him hungry, causing Zena to comment with a giggle. ''''It will take some time, but it''s worth the wait.''''


    Following that, he pulled out some blankets and created a mess of warmth on the other side of the fire. When the wolf woman saw this, she spoke up, ''''I can transform into my Primal form to keep warm.''''


    Atlas looked at the young woman with narrowed eyes before teasing her with a fake, offended expression. ''''You don''t want to sleep with me, Zena?'''' he asked.


    When she heard this, a panicked look appeared as she tried to defend herself. ''''I don''t want to push my luck. I like you, but would rather take things slow.''''


    ''''We''re going to need each other for warmth,'''' he replied. ''''And I''m sure you can''t stay in that form for long.''''


    Zena nodded in agreement before she tended to the food while Atlas stood up and stretched his back, causing several cracks to echo out. He let out a relieved sigh, but quickly noticed the dark-haired girl panting.


    ''''Are you okay?'''' he asked in a concerned voice.


    She looked at him before answering in a laboured breath, ''''Need mana, I''m running extremely low.''''


    Atlas smiled as he tucked a lock of black hair out of her face while suggesting, ''''Take some of mine, Zena. It''s the least I can do.''''


    As the wolf woman heard this, her cheeks went even redder as she mumbled, ''''Are you sure you don''t mind? It''s very personal to people.''''


    He waved her away with a charming smile before speaking in a curious tone, ''''Don''t worry about it. How can I give you it?''''


    Zena glanced at him slowly, her voice barely more than a mumble. ''''I could bite you to take it faster... but only if that''s okay with you.''''


    Atlas became curious when hearing that, but agreed with a nod. ''''That''s fine. How do you want to do it?''''


    Without answering, the wolf woman stood up and approached him while climbing into his lap until she was facing him. Zena beamed before leaning forward and biting down on his neck as her canines pierced his skin.


    Soon enough, the mana started pouring out of him and flowed into her body, causing her to tense up. Atlas groaned as it felt nice, but minutes later she finished before leaning back to look at him with her bright yellow eyes.


    He held her gaze for a moment before leaning in and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss, leaving Zena momentarily frozen in surprise. A heartbeat later, she responded, her hands rising to cup his cheeks as she deepened the kiss with equal fervor.


    Zena''s heart pounded wildly in her chest, her breath catching as the intensity of his warmth and affection washed over her. As their lips met over and over, she grew lightheaded, not just from the kisses, but from the sheer emotion that swirled between them.


    Her cheeks burned, a rosy hue spreading across her face, but she couldn''t bring herself to pull away. When he finally drew back, just enough to meet her gaze. Her eyes sparkled, and a shy, radiant smile played on her lips.


    He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her flushed face. ''''You''re adorable,'''' he murmured, his voice low and teasing.


    Zena buried her face in his chest, her laughter muffled as she tried to calm her racing heart. ''''Stop saying things like that!'''' she protested, though the joy on her face betrayed her words.


    Following that, the two of them continued kissing before she leaned back and sniffed the air. She jumped up while speaking with a big smile, ''''Dinner''s done, let''s eat.''''


    Atlas agreed, and let the wolf woman get up and sort out the meat while her tail excitedly swayed side to side. Moments later, Zena held out a stick with a juicy piece of elk steak on it, which made his stomach rumble.


    ''''Here handsome,'''' she said with a smile. ''''Elk meat is delicious and so filling.''''


    The couple began eating, their meal accompanied by the sound of the wind howling outside as it raced through the forest, a haunting symphony of nature''s raw power. Atlas savored not just the food but Zena''s presence, her laughter and warmth filling the cozy cabin.


    He watched as the fire crackled and roared in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the walls as Atlas tossed another log onto the flames, ensuring its steady glow endured against the storm outside.


    Seconds later, a haunting screech echoed out, causing them to jump up. He was ready for a fight, but Zena commented, ''''Dark Ones are closing in.''''


    Atlas quickly approached the entrance and started creating the Runes that will keep the creatures out. Minutes later, he was finished only to jump when seeing a Dark One on the opposite side staring at him.


    Its sharp teeth snapped in anger, but he quickly cast Void Lance at the monster''s face. The spell destroyed the creature just as Zena appeared beside him, just as more Dark Ones poured out of the surrounding forest.


    ''''Why are there so many?'''' the beautiful wolf woman questioned while grabbing his arm while getting worried.


    Atlas chuckled before revealing in a calm tone, ''''These creatures are always causing me trouble for years now.''''


    Following that, he summoned a horde of Savage Ghouls, which crashed into the Dark Ones. The Dark Ones fought back, but the sheer number of creatures from the Otherworld easily overwhelmed them.


    When Zena saw this, her eyes widened before she commented, ''''Are these your creatures?'''' sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Yes, they won''t harm you,'''' Atlas replied while watched the Ghouls attacking the Dark Ones.


    Afterward, the two approached the fire once again as the cold was brushing up against their skin. He sat down on the blankets and got comfortable just before Zena slumped down on his lap, which surprised him.


    ''''Comfortable?'''' he asked with a smile.


    ''''Extremely,'''' she answered with a giggle.


    Just then, the cold crept in, its icy tendrils weaving through the cracks in the stone walls, but inside their little haven, Atlas and Zena were wrapped in a cocoon of warmth. The blankets they shared were thick and soft, a comforting shield against the chill.


    Zena nestled into his chest, her head tucked under his chin as his arms encircled her protectively. She let out a contented sigh, her breath warming the fabric of his shirt. ''''This is nice,'''' she murmured softly, her voice barely audible over the distant howling wind.


    Atlas tightened his hold, resting his chin gently atop her head. ''''It''s perfect,'''' he whispered, his voice low as he teased the wolf woman. ''''As long as I have you, I could get through any storm.''''


    Zena tilted her head up to look at him, her yellow eyes sparkling with emotion despite the dim light of the fire. She reached out to trace her fingers along his jawline, her touch feather-light.


    ''''You''re such a sap,'''' she replied with a soft giggle, though her cheeks flushed at his words.


    ''''And you love it,'''' he responded with a grin, leaning down to press a tender kiss to her forehead.


    Following that, Atlas reached up and started stroking Zena''s fluffy ears, that made her entire body tremble as she squirmed around. ''''Feels so good,'''' she muttered with a pleased expression.


    When hearing the happiness in her voice, he continued stroking her ears, which she loved and clung to him even more. Atlas was enjoying himself while hugging her tighter, which the wolf woman loved.


    ''This is peaceful,'' he thought as the two curled up under the blankets as Zena started nibbling at his neck.


    [Check out my new novel and let me know what you think: Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend - If you like magic, academies, brilliant romance and dungeons, then give it a go]

 Chapter 303 - 303: What The Fuck Was That

    Atlas felt a shiver ripple down his spine as the wolf woman''s teasing nibbles grazed his neck, each one accompanied by the faintest of adorable, almost growling sounds. Her warmth pressed against him, her body leaning into his as if seeking solace.


    He instinctively wrapped his hands around her waist, holding her close as he enjoyed every moment. Minutes later, Zena leaned up with glowing yellow eyes as she spoke, ''''Thanks for the mana handsome.''''


    When the young woman finished speaking, she grabbed his hand before placing it on her chest, which shocked Atlas. He started squeezing the soft mound of flesh that made the wolf woman moan into his ears. ''''Mmmghh~~.''''


    Zena gently cupped his cheeks, her fingers soft against his skin, before leaning in and pressing a passionate kiss to his lips. He responded eagerly, his heart racing at the warmth and tenderness she offered.


    But as they paused, she pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushed a bright red, her voice hesitant yet full of emotion. ''''Do you want to be with me, Atlas?'''' she asked, her words trembling. ''''I know I''m not as pretty as the others, but I truly care about you after you helped me and my family.''''


    The vulnerability in her voice struck him deeply. His smile grew wide as he reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, and whispered, ''''Yes, Zena... but I hope you don''t mind that I''ll be with the others as well and I find you beautiful so don''t put yourself down.''''


    Her blush deepened, but there was a quiet understanding in her eyes before she started shaking her head, ''''No, it''s fine. I like all the girls, they are hilarious,''''


    Following that, Atlas leaned forward and started kissing Zena''s plump lips that sent shocks through both their bodies. While they did this, her hands slid down his muscular body, causing her to break away.


    Her eyes sparkled before speaking with an amused but hazy expression, ''''So sexy, I can feel every muscle you have and its make me wet.''''


    Atlas chuckled at her words as he replied while his hands traced her well-built body. ''''Your body is amazing as well. Just the right amount of muscle, but still have your womanly charms that are driving me mad right now.''''


    Zena giggled but grabbed his hand and leading it toward her pants and pushed it inside with a knowing smile, which sent his lust soaring. He couldn''t help himself as he rubbed the wolf woman''s wet clit.


    His fingers brushed against her perfect slit that was dripping with her desire. Atlas continued pleasuring Zena, which made her arch her back while moaning. ''''Mmmmghh~~.''''


    She stopped biting his neck before whispering, ''''I know about your promise with Amethyst so we would go there today.''''


    Atlas agreed with a small nod as he continued rubbing her clit until his fingers were covered in her sweet love juices, causing Zena to bite into his neck while letting out erotic moans that only encouraged him, ''''Gahhhh~~ Ughhh~~.''''


    Following that, the couple continued to play with each other until the wolf woman''s hand wrapped around his cock. This made Atlas groan, but he countered by slipping a finger insider her tight passage.


    ''''Arghhhh~~,'''' Zena moaned while she started clawing at his chest, which he turned him on even more.


    Soon enough, Atlas was kissing down Zena''s toned body and kissed across her chiseled stomach before lowering her pants and speaking her toned legs and running his tongue along her pink slit.


    ''''Ahhhh!'''' the young woman screamed, as the pleasure was too much for her.


    Atlas quickly noticed that Zena was climaxing and continued fingering her, which only intensified it. Minutes later, the dark-haired beauty was panting as she slumped onto the blankets.


    While sitting there, something caught his attention, causing him to jump up as a bear charged into the cave. He quickly used Void Smash to attack the monsters and when his fist struck its head, a loud boom erupted.


    The force sent Atlas crashing into a nearby wall as the bear flew back out of the cave. This all shocked Zena, whose head was snapping backward and forward between him and the newcomers.


    ''''What the fuck was that!'''' she exclaimed while jumping up on wobbly legs which made both of them laugh.


    Atlas approached the entrance, only to see the bear charging back. He sighed before casting a dozen Void Lances at the monsters. The spells sliced through the air and punctured holes in the beast''s torso.


    It crashed down just outside the entrance, causing him to pull it inside just as a Dark One lunged in his direction. He laughed at the creepy creature''s attempt and blew it away using Void Blast.


    Dozens of screeches rang out as the spell tore the monsters apart with ease, just as Zena appeared beside him. The wolf woman commented with a curious expression, ''''I wonder why it came here? The storm is terrible!''''


    Following that, the two of them watched the chaotic snowstorm that battered the landscape while it blocked them from returning to the Otherworld. But that didn''t bother Atlas, as he wanted to spend time with her.


    After doing that for a while, he returned to the cave as it was getting too cold to stand at the entrance. Zena joined him as she curled up under the blankets before pointing at him with a teasing smile.


    ''''No more funny business, handsome,'''' she said. ''''What if your tongue is inside me and a monster ambushes us?''''


    He chuckled when hearing that before answering, ''''Well then we would be in trouble then.''''


    The two of them burst into laughter, the sound echoing softly through the cave, a rare moment of levity after the chaos they''d faced. Zena pulled out a knife from nowhere and began carving the monster meat with practiced ease.


    Atlas leaned back against the cool stone wall, letting out a contented sigh as he reached for a flask of ale. He took a hearty swig, the sweet, crisp liquid washing over his tongue and soothing his parched throat.


    A wave of relief washed over him, and for the first time in what felt like ages, Atlas allowed himself to relax. The aroma of cooking elk meat filled the cave, rich, as Zena tended to the fire with care.


    The sizzle of the meat was almost hypnotic, and soon, the two of them were sharing the meal, savoring its warmth as they waited out the storm outside. Days passed before it gave way, allowing them to return to the others.


    He opened a portal to the Otherworld. The air shimmered and crackled with energy as the gateway opened, and together, they stepped through. When they emerged in the treehouse, the air embraced them like a thick, warm blanket.


    Atlas felt the heat brush against his skin, and Zena''s face lit up in delight. ''''Hot air,'''' she said with a contented smile, stretching her arms. ''''This feels good.''''


    He chuckled softly, watching her savor in the warmth just as Estelle walked into the living room wrapped in a towel. Atlas''s eyes landed on her beautiful hourglass figure, causing the blonde knight''s smile to grow wider.


    ''''Hello husband, Zena'''' she greeted him. ''''We were wondering when you two would arrive.''''


    Atlas hugged Estelle tightly before replying, ''''A mana storm stopped me from opening a portal to the Otherworld but it calmed down, so here we are.''''


    Following that, the blonde ushered the two to the kitchen table while she started making some tea and informed him, ''''The empires and kingdoms of Astoria are rallying against the Achaemenids. Many rebel groups have popped up to attack the enemy''s merchant caravans.''''


    When Atlas heard this, his azure eyes widened as she continued, ''''Our attacks on the empire''s castles and patrols have encouraged the leaders to rally their soldiers in secret locations all across the continent.''''


    ''''Interesting,'''' he replied as Estelle waited for the kettle to boil.


    ''''We can just fight them even more,'''' Zena suddenly said in an excited voice. ''''We''re strong enough to defeat all but a few commanders.''''


    The blonde knight agreed with a nod before speaking. ''''That''s the plan. We attack anything on the way south before entering the Achaemenid Empire and caused chaos across their homeland.''''


    ''''I''ll continue conquering the Void Realm. The monsters will be useful in our plans with the enemy,'''' Atlas said as Estelle gave him a hot cup of tea.


    ''''That''s a good idea,'''' Zena commented, after sipping on her own drink.


    Following that, Grishna and Artemis walked into the kitchen. The Orc woman greeted him with a big smile, ''''Darling! You''re back. We were worried about you.'''' S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Sorry, Grish, a mana storm stopped us from returning to the Otherworld,'''' Atlas explained, his voice warm as he pulled her into a comforting hug.


    The beautiful Orc sighed in relief, her arms wrapping tightly around him as though she never wanted to let go. She pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek before taking a seat nearby, her expression softening as she finally relaxed.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 304 - 304: Everywhere

    Once Atlas and the girls finished relaxing, he jumped into the Void Realm with Lilith, Artemis, and Artemis. The three wanted to help him kill some monsters, causing him to activate the skill, causing all four of them to appear in the jungle.


    Lilith and Amethyst transformed into their monster forms as Artemis readied her sword as Atlas prepared for the creatures who appeared shortly after that. When the battle erupted, the three girls were shocked to a standstill.


    ***


    Amethyst landed next to Artemis and Lilith, who were watching Atlas butcher the monster without trying. He was moving so quick that the creatures were trying to run from him but he cut them down.


    Atlas moved with such incredible speed that it was nearly impossible to keep track of him. The only hint of his presence was the gleam of his blades, flashing like lightning each time he struck a monster.


    ''''Is it me or are these giant ants scared of him?'''' the brunette asked in confusion. ''''They are monsters created in this strange realm and shouldn''t feel fear.''''


    Lilith shifted into her human form, her wide eyes filled with wonder as she exclaimed with amazement, ''''Finally! The goddess said this would happen, but I could hardly bring myself to believe her.''''


    The other two looked at her with confused expressions as the Honey Badger woman explained, ''''Atlas is getting stronger every day. I believe he will defeat Chaos and bring peace. Then we can finally explore the world with him.''''


    Amethyst beamed when hearing this before agreeing with a nod as Artemis used her sling to take out some Bloodwings that swooped down on them. Following this, the three of them joined the gray and started clearing some monsters.


    ***


    In the meantime, Atlas was dashing around the jungle while using the landscape to keep out of reach from the Kraxari that tried to cut him in half using their sharp mandibles. Just as he leaped up to a branch, a Bloodwing appeared from above.


    He quickly cast Void Guard, that stopped the monster''s stinger from hitting him. This allowed Atlas to counter with a Void Lance that tore the creature in two. Its corpse fell to the ground below with a thud.


    Following that, the girls rushed in and started slaughtering the monsters with ease, allowing them to kill dozens of them in one fell swoop. Atlas smile when seeing this and quickly checked the monster''s total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 67,829/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 15,911/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''Going down slow, but it will take some time to clear this level,'' he mused before joining the fight again.


    Hours passed and the first to be sent back to the real world was Artemis as the Kraxari ambushed her from behind. Next was Amethyst as she ran low on mana and the Bloodwings caught her off guard.


    Lilith was the only one left, and Atlas watched as she tore through the giant ants, but was growing tired with every kill. He sent her back to the real world before jumping back into the fight.


    Without wasting time, he cast Void Wave as he hit the ground, which sent the monsters flying everywhere. Following that, Atlas continued fighting for hours and took out so many creatures that he lost count.


    By the time they gave him some time to breathe, he quickly checked the total to see how many he had killed.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000] Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Void Kraxari - 121,110/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 137,189/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''This shouldn''t take too long now,'' Atlas thought with glowing azure eyes.


    After checking that, he started fighting once again and returned to the real world, one he ran low on mana. When opening his eyes, the girls were doing their own thing in the Otherworld.


    He noticed Estelle, Amethyst, and Zena were talking about magic while Grishna, Nulia, and Artemis were training down below. Lilith was curled up in her Honey Badger form but woke up when sensing him.


    She returned to her human form and climbed into his lap while nuzzling into his neck. ''''Can we cuddle tonight, master?''''


    Atlas smiled when hearing her request and nodded, ''''Of course we can, Lili. You know I find you comfortable to sleep with.''''


    The white-haired beauty got excited and started biting him. This sent a shock down his spine causing him to groan, ''''Ughh, you always know what spot to bite,'''' he muttered in a relaxed voice.


    Lilith leaned up with a giggled before cupping his cheeks, ''''I''m starting you know you well, master. Now let me pamper you.''''


    She leaned in and placed a passionate kiss against his lips. Atlas instantly reciprocated and grabbed her curvy waist as she melted into his embrace. The two of them continued kissing while her boobs pressed against his chest.


    Atlas felt a surge of desire stir within him, but quickly reined it in, reminding himself of the promise he''d made to Amethyst. Just then, Lilith leaned back with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief.


    ''''I''m coming with you everywhere, handsome,'''' she declared confidently. ''''And the others agree with me too.''''


    Following that, Atlas spent time with the girls before returning to the real world with Theo the Blood Bat King. The two of them flew around Astoria, attacking every Achaemenid force they found.


    The monster struck terror into the hearts of enemy soldiers, its blood-curdling screeches echoing through the battlefield as it swooped down, slaughtering many with ruthless precision.


    Meanwhile, Atlas unleashed devastating waves of magic, crushing the disoriented imperial troops beneath his unrelenting assaults. Months passed in this brutal fashion, with Atlas and the girls driving the empire out of Northern Astoria.


    The ceaseless onslaught reduced the enemy castles to rubble and shattered Achaemenid morale. Atlas was sitting on a balcony that overlooked the training field where the girls were practicing with each other.


    He was daydreaming until a pair of arms wrapped around his shoulders causing him to speak with a warm smile, ''''Happy birthday Amethyst, I hope you had a good day.''''


    The purple-haired young woman''s eyes lit up with excitement as she heard this. In a cheerful voice, she responded, ''''I loved it, handsome! I got to spend it with everyone here, and the others even promised we could have a girls-only night tomorrow!''''


    Atlas smiled warmly at the phoenix girl''s happiness and pulled her into his lap. Their lips met in a passionate kiss, his hands exploring the curves of her slender body with gentle intensity. Amethyst shivered in delight, a soft tremor betraying the pleasure coursing through her.


    She broke apart while speaking with a cheeky smile on her beautiful face, ''''Already planning to ravage me, husband?''''


    ''''Maybe,'''' he replied before kissing her slender neck, which made Amethyst close her eyes as she enjoyed the feeling.


    The two continued their passionate kiss, lost in the moment, until Grishna suddenly appeared on the balcony. Her unexpected arrival made them jump as she broke the tension with a cheerful voice.


    ''''Little Bird! You''re a woman now. It''s time to claim your man!'''' she declared with a playful grin.


    When Amethyst heard this her face went bright red, causing Atlas to start laughing as he reassured the phoenix woman, ''''Don''t worry, there''s no need to rush into anything beautiful.''''


    As the words left his lips, she turned to him with a serious expression, ''''I am not waiting. It''s been years since we got together.''''


    ''''Alright, it seems you''ve made up your mind,'''' he replied, his tone steady.


    Grishna let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing as the tension melted away. ''''I''ll leave you lovers alone and keep the others away but try not to scream loud, Little Bird,'''' she said before jumping off the balcony.


    This left the couple confused, but Amethyst commented, ''''I love her. She''s always been supportive of our relationship, even though you''re with her as well.''''


    Atlas agreed with a nod before standing up and stretching, causing his back to crack as he replied, ''''All the girls are amazing, including you. Now let''s go to the bedroom. It''s getting cold out here.''''


    The couple made their way to the bedroom, stepping inside. Amethyst collapsed onto the bed with a contented sigh while he lit the fireplace, the warm glow chasing away the cold air and filling the room with comfort.


    A smile tugged at his lips as the warmth spread. Atlas stripped off, and as he pulled his shirt over his head, he could feel the weight of the phoenix woman''s gaze on his body. ''''Enjoying the show, beautiful?'''' he teased.


    Atlas heard Amethyst giggle before replying, ''''Yes, you''re handsome and I love your body.''''


    ''''Thank you,'''' he replied, his voice soft as he approached the bed. He paused when he saw her sitting on the edge with a wide smile.


    Without warning, she sprang up, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him gently, her warmth filling the space between them.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 305 - 305: First Time (R18)

    Atlas and Amethyst kept kissing as her hands roamed his body, touching every inch of muscle that excited her just before they separated. ''''I''ve been waiting for this night for years,'''' she said as her violet eyes glowed with love.


    Without answering, he leaned forward and nibbled her pointy ear, which made her shudder in delight while letting out an adorable moan. ''''Mmmghhh~~ Why did you do that, my love? It made me feel funny, but it was nice.''''


    Following that, he led her over to the nearby bed by the hand, causing Amethyst''s cheeks to go redder the closer they got, but she didn''t stop him as a small smile appeared on her beautiful face.


    Standing beside the bed, he pushed her onto the mattress and slipped between her parted legs. Atlas leaned in, his lips trailing along her slender neck, igniting a shiver that rippled through her body.


    Following that, he stopped attacking her neck and looked at her with a big smile before speaking in a charming voice. ''''I love teasing you because I''ve waited so long to taste you and now I''ll get to do it all night.''''


    The phoenix woman squirmed as desire shot through her body like a shock, but she accepted it and hugged his body tightly. But that didn''t stop him from pulling her panties down, which made her face go bright red.


    Once they were off, Atlas leaned in and whispered in a low voice, ''''Are you sure you want to take this step, Amethyst? There''s no going back after this and just so you know, I can wait until you''re ready.'''' sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Yes, I want to be yours,'''' she replied, looking into his azure eyes. ''''And I want you to be mine.''''


    Atlas smirked at her reaction before straightening up and slowly sliding her dress off, unveiling her delicate frame. His desire surged as he admired the perfect balance of her curves and slenderness¡ªan irresistible combination.


    The intensity in his gaze deepened as he unclasped her bra, hunger igniting within him. Amethyst had perky boobs that were the perfect size to fit into his hands and ended in stiff pink nipples.


    She found his reaction satisfying. Her smile grew wider before questioning in a hopeful voice, ''''Do you find my body attractive, my love?''''


    ''''Yes, it''s driving me mad and I can barely control myself from ravaging you right away,'''' he answered before kissing down her body, which made the phoenix woman shiver.


    Atlas soon found his way to her perky breasts, kissing around her nipples. She squirmed at first because it was new, but soon, she let out a moan as he took one in his mouth and nibbled it, sending waves of pleasure throughout her body. ''''Mmmmnhhh~~.''''


    Happy with that, he continued attacking Amethyst for a while before kissing down her body and crossing over her stomach, which made her shudder in delight as she watched him with glowing violet eyes.


    ''''That feels so good, handsome,'''' she said breathlessly while playing with his hair.


    He glanced up and noticed her eyes were glowing with lust, love, and more emotions than he could read. Atlas smiled before reaching her delicate slit that was a work of perfection as it was neat and smelled delicious.


    When feeling his eyes on her pussy, Amethyst''s face went bright red just before exclaiming. ''''Please don''t look there!''''


    Her move just ended up pinning his head in place. Before she could react, he was all over her, licking her with such intensity. A wave of pleasure coursed through the phoenix woman, making her moan.


    ''''Ughhhhh~~,'''' the sound reverberating around the room.


    Amethyst''s fingers tangled in his hair while his tongue worked its magic on her clit, driving her to arch her back and clutch the sheets. The pleasure overwhelmed her, sending waves of ecstasy coursing through her body.


    ''''Mhhhmmmggghhh~~ This feels so good!'''' Amethyst said in a lust-filled voice.


    He continued licking her pussy as her love juice poured into his mouth like a broken tap before moving his finger toward her tight passage and slipping inside. The young woman''s back arched as the intense feeling slammed against her.


    ''''Ahhhh~~ Atlas!'''' she screamed.


    Her reaction only fueled his excitement as he intensified his movements until Amethyst''s body trembled and seconds later, she started squirting into his mouth in a rush of pure sensation.


    This surprised Atlas, but he quickly swallowed it like a thirsty man lost in a desert, which drove the Phoenix woman wild as she let out a primal scream that echoed throughout the room, ''''Ahhhhhhh!''''


    Amethyst''s body shuddered before she collapsed onto the bed, her chest rising and falling with each breath. She draped an arm over her eyes, still lost in the lingering waves of pleasure.


    Watching her, he grinned and slid between her legs, his voice low and teasing. ''''Did you like that, beautiful?''''


    Hearing his words, Amethyst moved her arm away, her tired smile glowing with satisfaction. She met his gaze and nodded, her breath still uneven. ''''Yes,'''' she murmured, her voice laced with longing. ''''I loved it... and I want more.''''


    Atlas''s smile grew wider as he started rubbing his member against the beautiful phoenix''s wet passage, causing her love juices to coat him, which made her moan, ''''Arghhh~~ Go slow,'''' she said while gritting her teeth.


    He channeled mana into her body, easing her pain within seconds. A relieved sigh escaped Amethyst''s lips as she pulled him close, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and capturing his lips in a deep, grateful kiss.


    Following that, Atlas pushed forward and entered her tight passage. She stopped kissing while tensing up and dug her nails into his back while letting out a moan as she tried to hide the pain, ''''Mmmmghhh~~''''


    Atlas didn''t thrust and stayed still to let her get used to it and a couple of minutes later, she leaned in and whispered in a breathless voice, ''''You can move now, the pain has gone and it''s started to feel good.''''


    Following that, he started thrusting into her tight cave, which instantly clamped down like a wise grip. The feeling that rushed through her body made the pleasure even better as he was hitting all her weak spots, ''''Gahhh~~ Ughhh~~.''''


    He pulled back, his gaze falling to see his member stained with blood. Amethyst giggled softly, her voice playful as she spoke, ''''You took my virginity... and I can feel that I took yours, handsome.''''


    Atlas then bent down, planting kisses along her neck while pushing deeper, causing the young woman to moan as waves of intense pleasure coursed through her body, ''''Mmmmghh~~ Ughhhh~~.''''


    Soon enough, the couple started loving it as he let out a groan while she continued moaning as her eyes rolled back. He grabbed her waist while pounding away just as something happened that shocked him.


    A connection was being formed between them as if an invisible red string tied their hearts together. Atlas raised an eyebrow, intrigued, but Amethyst smiled softly and explained, ''''It''s the Cosmic Phoenix bond, my love. It means we''ll be together in this life... and the next.''''


    Following that, the two of them continued making love as the intense pleasure washed over both of their bodies. Amethyst clung to him as she tore his back open, but it was too much for the young woman who started climaxing.


    He felt her body tremble just before she started squirting all over his waist while letting out a scream. ''''Ahhhhhh!''''


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    Atlas felt her tight pussy clamp down, which pushed him over the edge as it was the first time having sex, but thanks to the foreplay with the other women, he could last this long. He pushed deeper until hitting her womb and exploding.


    Intense, mind-numbing pleasure consumed Amethyst, leaving her breathless as she tried to scream, but no sound escaped. He watched with a satisfied smile before finally collapsing onto the phoenix woman, who lay beneath him, struggling to steady her breathing.


    They snuggled close, and she started things up again by grinding her cute butt against him. He couldn''t resist slipping back in, making her let out a soft moan. ''''Ughhhh~~.''''


    Amethyst glanced back, her glowing violet eyes reflecting the bond between them. As their connection intensified, they lost themselves in the moment. By the time they were done, both were covered in sweat, wrapped in each other''s warmth, and fast asleep in peaceful exhaustion.


    Hours later, Atlas woke up to the sight of her soft purple hair and sleeping face, her body nestled against his. A warm smile crossed his lips as he thought, ''She''s adorable when she sleeps.''


    He smiled at the sight, then leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. As he carefully climbed out of bed, the subtle movement stirred the young woman awake, her eyes fluttering open to meet his.


    [Sorry for not uploading chapters! I ran into writer''s block because I had a lot planned for this novel, but things didn''t quite work out as expected, so I had to rework it. Thanks for your patience!]

 Chapter 306 - 306: Get Ready Art!

    Atlas was staring at Amethyst, who just opened her beautiful eyes with a radiant smile just as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. The two of them started kissing as he climbed in between her legs.


    This ignited their passion once more, and they eagerly surrendered to each other, their desire burning hotter than ever. Hours passed in a whirlwind of pleasure, but eventually, the phoenix woman could go no further.


    Completely exhausted, she let out a breathless sigh and rested against him. ''''Give me a break, my love,'''' she murmured, her voice laced with satisfaction and fatigue. ''''I''m sore...''''


    Atlas chuckled when hearing this before getting out of bed and walking over to the window that looked out over the Otherworld. Monsters roamed the forests as beasts flew through the sky.


    While standing there, he pulled out some cold water and started drinking, which made him feel refreshed. Afterward he went to see the other women who were chilling in the living room or doing their own thing.


    Grishna turned to him with a big smile. ''''I can see the bird''s aura all over him; it looks like they''ve bonded,'''' she exclaimed.


    The next thing Atlas knew, Lilith appeared before him with glowing yellow eyes as she asked, ''''That means we can bond now, doesn''t it?''''


    ''''Yes, but not yet,'''' he said with a nervous smile. ''''Maybe tonight or tomorrow, I want to travel further south until we reach the Achaemenid Empire.''''


    When the Honey Badger woman heard this, her hand shot out and cupped his member while leaning in and whispering into his ear. ''''Keep to your word master or we''re fighting again.''''


    Atlas chuckled, his eyes filled with warmth as he leaned in and gently pressed a kiss to Lilith''s forehead. The unexpected tenderness made her blink in surprise, a soft gasp escaping her lips.


    Before she could react, he tilted her chin up and claimed her plump lips in a deep, lingering kiss. A shiver ran through her body, making her tense for a moment before melting into his touch.


    ''''Don''t worry, whenever you girls are ready we can take the next step,'''' he said to the group as Lilith sat down with a pleased expression. ''''There''s no need to rush anything.''''


    Following that, Altas went to sit down as Estelle brought him some food. ''''Try this and get some energy. The enemy armies have appeared in Astoria again as they''ve regrouped to attack again.''''


    ''Interesting, we can drive their army further south and across the desert,'' he mused when hearing this.


    Atlas shook his head with a smile just as Lilith transformed into her Honey Badger form and climbed into his armor while he spoke. ''''Girls, when you''re ready to join me, I''ll teleport you there. I can still see most of you are wearing bedclothes.''''


    They all agreed before rushing off to the bathroom while Artemis stayed back as she approached him with gleaming brown eyes. He took her by the waist and the two of them kissed.


    The brunette rested her hands against his chest as the kiss intensified before they separated as the young woman commented. ''''Can I come with you, handsome? I want to spend some time together.''''


    Atlas agreed with a nod before they left the Otherworld and appeared on the side of a mountain. He summoned Raymond the Lightning Eagle, who stepped out of the azure portal, causing Artemis to smile. Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    ''''I still can''t get used to you having all these monsters under your control,'''' she said while climbing onto the monster''s back.


    He followed behind and gave an order to Raymond. ''''Fly south and look for the empire soldiers. They should infest these lands.''''


    As the couple rode on the back of the massive beast, the night air cool around them, she rested her head gently on his shoulder, finding comfort in his warmth. Inside his armor, Lilith was curled up, fast asleep.


    Atlas glanced down at the brunette beside him and reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers before giving it a gentle squeeze. Artemis''s lips curled into a soft smile, and her heart fluttered.


    Following that, Raymond soared high above Astoria. Below them, the cities stirred with renewed life, streets bustling, lanterns glowing, and banners once tattered now flying proudly once more.


    The scars of war were fading, replaced by hope and resilience. But as they gazed further into the horizon, a grim sight tempered their joy. Far in the distance, dark plumes of smoke coiled into the sky, a stark reminder that peace was still fragile.


    Atlas narrowed his eyes, gripping the reins of their beast tighter. ''''Trouble''s not done with us yet,'''' he muttered.


    Artemis readied her sling with a crazy smile. ''''Let''s fight, husband! We can do it together!'''' she exclaimed.


    ''''Heading for the enemy armies, Ray! Let''s show them what I can do,'''' he ordered the giant bird.


    Moments later, mana washed over the bird''s back and he shot forward like a bullet while letting out a screech. Atlas readied his blades by casting Void Infusion on them as a fortress came into view.


    ''''Get ready, Art! I''ll hit them first and you join me,'''' he shouted over the roaring wind.


    The brunette nodded just as they closed in on the castle and Atlas leaped off the monster''s back. He started free-falling toward the enemy and started casting dozens of Void Lances, Bombs, and Blasts that sliced through the air.


    When the spells closed in on the castle, a shield appeared and blocked most of the attacks, but some burrowed through the barrier, causing chaos as explosions erupted. As Atlas got close, he grinned before summoning dozens of Tarrasques.


    An azure portal tore open the sky, crackling with mana, just as giant dinosaur-like monsters smashed into the city wall. They started rampaging, ripping through stone and steel with terrifying force.


    Without hesitation, Atlas continued forward as he closed the gap. He slammed his fist into the ground while using Void Smash. The ground trembled violently, and a shockwave erupted from the impact, shredding through the enemy generals in an instant.


    The enemy was stunned and disoriented by the powerful attack that struck them, their immense forms torn apart by the devastating force. Their roars echoed into silence as Atlas stood among the wreckage, a fierce grin crossing his face.


    Following that, dozens of Mana Bolts took out the surviving Achaemendians with skill as Artemis landed next to him. The duo continued attacking the enemy while the Tarrasques ran amok.


    The monstrous creatures flattened buildings and crushed soldiers beneath their massive feet, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake. Their roars echoed across the battlefield, drowning out the chaos as the fortress trembled.


    Moments later, Raymond joined the fray, his form a blur of fury as he tore through the enemy cannons with explosive force. Explosions rocked the fortress, the shockwaves sending debris flying as monsters continued their rampage.


    Meanwhile, outside the commander''s center, Atlas remained calm, perched on a high ledge, his gaze unwavering. He watched as Savage Ghouls darted through the wreckage as they were dragging the fallen soldiers'' bodies into the Otherworld.


    While watching this, Lilith finally woke up and climbed out of his armor before jumping down and returning to her human form and stretching. ''''That was one of the best sleeps I''ve had, Master. Will you let me do it again?''''


    ''''Do you even need to ask Lili?'''' Atlas replied with a charming smile.


    When the Honey Badger woman heard this, her face lit up before she cupped his cheeks and gave him a big kiss full of love that overwhelmed him. Following that, the two of them separated as she was smiling at him.


    ''''You know I''m falling in love with you, Atlas?'''' she confessed, with glowing yellow eyes.


    When hearing that, Atlas smiled before nodding. ''''Me too Lili, thank you for always being there for me.''''


    Artemis joined the two, who were cleaning her blade. ''''I ran into some Nightowls,'''' she said, her smile wide and carefree. ''''But they were weak and took them down with ease.''''


    Atlas couldn''t help but find her expression utterly adorable. His heart quickened, and before she could say another word, he activated Void Step, vanishing in a flash. In an instant, he reappeared right in front of her and pressed his lips to hers in a fierce kiss.


    Her surprise melted into a soft sigh, and for a moment, everything else faded into the background. The kiss lingered, leaving a spark of warmth between them before they finally pulled away, their breaths mingling in the quiet air. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The brunette, her eyes wide with curiosity, tilted her head slightly. ''''What was that for? And why are you acting so forward suddenly?'''' she asked, a playful yet puzzled tone in her voice.


    Atlas smirked, the playful glint in his eyes betraying a hint of mischief. ''''Just felt like taking the chance,'''' he replied, his voice low and teasing. ''''You girls have been on my mind more than usual.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 307 - 307: Are You Girls Fighting With Me

    Atlas was sitting down watching as Artemis''s smile grew wider as her brown eyes glowed while approaching him and wrapping her arms around his shoulders with a knowing look on her face.


    ''''Is that so? What if I said I wanted to make things official?'''' she leaned in and whispered in an alluring voice.


    ''''Then I''d accept, because you''re a truly wonderful woman, Art,'''' he said, his voice filled with warmth.


    The brunette''s eyes lit up, her smile radiant as she spoke, her words brimming with happiness. ''''That was the perfect answer, my love. Now, let''s seal the deal with a kiss.''''


    Atlas chuckled softly, his heart swelling at her joy. Without hesitation, he reached out, gently cradling her chin before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. A spark ignited between them, an electric pulse of emotion that sent shivers through their bodies.


    What began as a tender embrace soon turned into something deeper, more fervent, as they melted into each other, lost in the warmth of their love. Moments later, the couple broke apart as a roar echoed out.


    ''''Looks like the Terrasques were finished killing the empire''s soldiers,'''' he commented before scooping Artemis into a princess carry.


    Atlas used Void Step to travel across the destroyed fortress until landing on the monster''s back. There were twenty of them standing around waiting for him to give an order, but his eyes widened.


    An army, millions strong, marched forward like an unstoppable tide, a monstrous force of men and beasts shaking the earth beneath them. Their roars filled the air, a deafening promise of war.


    The brunette''s sharp eyes scanned the battlefield before turning to her lover, concern lacing her voice. ''''That''s a lot of powerful fighters in the enemy ranks, my love. What''s the plan?''''


    As the army drew closer, the air crackling with tension, a smirk played on his lips. The fire in his eyes burned brighter than ever.


    ''''Simple,'''' he confidently said, rolling his shoulders. ''''We crush them.''''


    ''''Watch closely, Art,'''' Atlas said, gently setting her down before turning to face the massive Terrasques looming before him. His voice rang out like thunder. ''''Form a line and wait for my command to charge!''''


    At his command, the twenty beasts moved with terrifying precision, forming a perfect battle line. The ground trembled beneath their sheer weight, their glowing eyes locked onto the enemy like harbingers of destruction.


    Atlas''s grin widened, his azure eyes blazing with power as he stepped forward. His pulse thrummed with anticipation, the moment of reckoning finally at hand. ''''Now¡­ let the world witness the might of Azhar''Zul.''''


    Artemis watched in awe as the surrounding mana spiraled out of control, crackling with raw power. His body lifted effortlessly into the air, his glowing eyes burning like twin stars. As the energy surged, the other six women joined her, their gazes locked onto him.


    ''''What''s going on here Artemis?'''' Estelle commented while readying her sword like the others.


    ''''He''s had enough of the empire and is revealing his true power,'''' the brunette answered without taking her eyes off him.


    Minutes later, thousands of portals to the Otherworld tore open across the battlefield, swirling with ominous energy. Atlas''s voice thundered through the air, laced with mana, shaking the very heavens. ''''Come forth, my army, and show these fools who the true powerhouse of Astoria is!''''


    In an instant, the portals erupted, spewing forth hundreds of thousands of creatures, giant eagles, towering dinosaurs, and an endless tide of monsters from nightmares and legends alike.


    Their combined roars sent shockwaves through the battlefield, shaking the very earth beneath them.


    But then a wave of millions of Ghouls poured out of the rifts, moving in perfect formation, their lifeless eyes glowing with eerie precision. Unlike mindless undead, they marched in perfect sync, forming up like a disciplined force.


    The women shuddered, instinctively stepping back as an overwhelming presence filled the battlefield. Above them, Atlas floated like a god of war, his eyes burning with power, his expression unreadable.


    Below, his vast army stood ready, a force of pure devastation, waiting for his command. As Artemis and the others took in the sheer scale of his forces, their breath caught in their throats.


    The sight before them was nothing short of terrifying. Amethyst''s eyes widened, her voice barely above a whisper. ''''There are¡­ millions of monsters here.''''


    She turned to the others, disbelief written across her face. ''''And he controls them all?''''


    Before anyone could answer, Atlas appeared in front of them with a big smile as he asked. ''''Are you girls fighting with me?''''


    Each one nodded with a burning determination in their eyes. He was pleased with this and kissed each one. Following that, Amethyst jumped into the air and transformed into her phoenix form before letting out a loud screech.


    Nulia approached him with a big smile as she leaned in to rest her forehead against his. ''''After the battle, can we talk, please? Just the two of us.''''


    ''''Of course, beautiful,'''' Atlas said before kissing her.


    Seconds later, Nulia leaped off the Terrasque, her body twisting mid-air as she shifted into her Frostbear form. She crashed into the ground like a meteor, sending shockwaves rippling outward.


    The instant her massive paws met the earth, she threw her head back and let out a fearsome roar, the sheer force of it echoing across the battlefield. At that moment, a small army of Steel Knights materialized, their polished armor gleaming under the light.


    Atlas turned to Estelle, the one who had summoned them, and without hesitation, pulled her in for a kiss, a brief, fierce moment before she stepped away, joining her warriors without looking back.


    Artemis''s body glowed as she her power grew to shocking levels as her hair floated around her. Beside her, Grishna followed suit, shifting as a deep, guttural growl built in her throat before erupting into an excited, earth-shaking roar.


    Following that, Atlas ordered the horde of Otherworld Monsters to attack the empire army that now stopped and started forming up for battle as the Void Ghouls rushed at them while letting out shrieks as they were becoming bloodthirsty.


    ''Now let''s show them what my magic can do,'' he thought with glowing eyes as his excitement surged forward.


    He quickly used Void Step to get ahead of the army, which allowed him to cast Void Bomb and Lances into the enemy ranks. Explosions rang out and caused the ground to shake because of the force.


    The Achaemenid Mages tried to deflect the spells, but they were too strong for them and most of them crashed into the horde of soldiers. Atlas took out his blades before casting Void Infusion on them.


    They started vibrating thanks to the power just as he crashed into the enemy ranks and started cutting them down with ease. Moments later, Nulia joined him while using her sharp claws to destroy a shieldwall that allowed the Ghouls to rush in.


    Atlas shivered as the bone-chilling screeches filled the air, a haunting orchestra of death. Moments later, the creatures lunged at the soldiers, tearing into their ranks with terrifying ferocity.


    Blades clashed and magic flared as the soldiers fought back, managing to cut down some of his monsters, but not all. Meanwhile, the rest of the women were deep in the heart of battle, their strength and fury unstoppable.


    Each strike carved through enemy lines, bodies falling in their wake as they pushed forward. Blood and steel painted the battlefield, but they never faltered¡ªthey were warriors, and this was their war.


    Explosions rocked the earth, screams filled the air, and chaos consumed everything in sight. Amid the carnage, Atlas was death in the flesh, his form vanishing and reappearing as he tore through monsters and soldiers alike.


    Blood coated him like war paint, dripping from his armor as he came face-to-face with a towering dragon. The beast let out a thunderous roar, but Atlas could feel it¡ªbeneath its fury was fear.


    His grin twisted into something manic. ''''Good. You should be afraid.''''


    The dragon slammed its massive claws into the ground, desperate to stop him from getting closer. It knew what he was capable of. With a powerful beat of its wings, it attempted to flee, a fatal mistake.


    Atlas thrust his blades into the earth, his mana surging as he unleashed Void Blast. A pulse of energy erupted beneath him, launching him skyward like a missile. The dragon barely had time to react before he closed the gap in an instant¡ªready to strike. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, the girls looked up, their eyes locked onto the battle unfolding above. Estelle and Grishna stood frozen, wide-eyed in awe as Atlas closed in on the dragon like a predator cornering its prey.


    Estelle, her voice filled with amazement, spoke first. ''''The dragon is doing everything in its power to escape him. It''s not just some mindless beast, it knows it''s outmatched by our husband.''''


    Beside her, Grishna''s blood surged with excitement, her tusked grin widening as she clenched her fists. ''''He''s fighting a dragon¡­ and it''s terrified of him!'''' she exclaimed, her voice brimming with euphoria.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 308 - 308: Yemppthhh!

    Atlas soared through the air as the dragon unleashed a torrent of fire in his direction. Without thinking, he cast Void Blast, which allowed him to dodge the sudden attack. His sharp eyes caught the creature attempting to flee.


    ''You''re not going anywhere,'' he thought with glowing azure eyes.


    He cast Void Step, vanishing in an instant, only to reappear on the beast''s back and quickly cast Void Lance, but started charging it by sending even more mana into the projectile that grew in size.


    Atlas then rammed the spell in between the dragon''s scales, which burrowed into its skin, causing the massive monster to let out a rage-filled roar, but he was done. He continued casting magic that exploded.


    Moments later, the dragon was injured and plummeted to the ground below, causing Atlas to wait just before impact until using Void Step to get away from the shockwave as it slammed into the earth.


    ''''Oh wow¡­ I didn''t realize I was already this strong,'''' Atlas muttered a hint of surprise in his voice.


    Without hesitation, he unleashed a wave of Void Bombs into the empire''s army. Explosions tore through the battlefield, engulfing soldiers in bursts of crackling darkness. At that moment, the rebels surged forward, crashing into the flank of the massive Achaemenid army.


    Fueled by Atlas''s display of power, their battle cries rang through the air, their spirits ignited as they fought with newfound determination against the empire. The ground was slick with blood, and a sea of corpses stretched across the battlefield.


    ''So many dead bodies,'' he thought while glancing around and noticing a group of Ghouls being cut down. ''Even my monsters are dying fast.''


    Atlas stood at the heart of the chaos, his eyes burning with fury as he unleashed wave after wave of attacks. Void Bombs exploded like meteors, tearing through the ranks of the enemy, and leaving craters in their wake.


    The Achaemenid soldiers faltered, their morale shattering under the onslaught. Around him, the rebels fought with the same ferocity, their swords and spells carving through the enemy ranks.


    He felt the earth beneath them tremble as the air itself seemed to shudder in response to the violence. For every soldier that fell, another took their place, until the battlefield was a vast sea of lifeless bodies.


    ''This is going to take some time,'' he thought while wiping the blood off his helmet while dodging a spear thrust.


    Atlas swung his blade in a powerful arc, shattering the spearman''s weapon with a single strike. He quickly unleashed a Void Blast, sending it into the man''s chest. The force hurled the spearman through the air, his body crashing to the ground with a sickening thud.


    Following that, the battle raged as thousands died in the fierce fighting. While this happened. Atlas and the girls cut through the enemy ranks with ease. Waves of soldiers fell before them, their lives snuffed out in an instant as the battlefield became a graveyard of bodies.


    The clash of steel and screams of the dying filled the air. By the time half of his monsters had fallen, the tide of battle shifted. A deafening horn blared across the field, its sound cutting through the chaos like a blade.


    The Achaemenid soldiers, shattered and demoralized, broke ranks. One by one, they turned and fled, their once-mighty formation crumbling. Atlas raised his hand and summoned another army of Void Bears.


    ''''Finish them all off! Bring me some commanders!'''' he shouted to the monsters who replied with roars.


    While standing there, Atlas wiped the blood from his blades, the weight of the battle still lingering in the air. As he did, Estelle and Grishna appeared beside him, their smiles full of mischief.


    The stunning Orc, her green eyes glinting with desire, stepped closer, her movements slow and deliberate. She reached up and removed his helmet, her voice a sultry murmur as she spoke.


    ''''We''re making love tonight, handsome,'''' she purred, her gaze raking over him. ''''Seeing all that blood on you... drives me wild.''''


    She leaned in and whispered. ''''My panties are so wet for you right now.''''


    Atlas felt a shiver run down his spine, then turned to Estelle, his eyes wide with exaggerated lust. Estelle froze, her beautiful blue eyes went wide as she jumped back. ''''Eek!'''' she squealed, startled by his sudden intensity.


    He couldn''t help but burst into laughter, shaking his head. ''''Are you joining us, Estelle?''''


    ''''Yemppthhh!'''' Estelle blurted out, her words getting tangled as her face turned a shade of red that could rival a tomato.


    She shuffled nervously, her hands fidgeting like she didn''t know where to put them, while her eyes refused to meet anyone''s gaze. Atlas blinked, looking at her in confusion. ''''Uh¡­ Did you just short-circuit, Estelle?''''


    ''''I... I mean, uh... I didn''t... wait, no... I... oh goodness!'''' She clasped her hands together, twisting them nervously. ''''I''m not... no, I mean, y-yes, I...''''


    She paused, her voice trailing off as she looked up, catching Atlas'' confused gaze. Her heart raced, but there was something about the way he was smiling that made her cheeks burn even hotter.


    ''''Yes...'''' she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper, but the sheer sincerity in her expression made her stumble over the word even more. ''''Yes, that''s... uh, that''s what I meant! I want to join!''''


    Her eyes quickly darted down to the ground, hiding behind her hair, her body stiff as she let out a tiny, embarrassed laugh. ''''I-I''m so sorry, I''m not good at this¡­''''


    Atlas couldn''t help but grin at her adorably flustered state. ''''It''s okay, Estelle. You''re cute when you''re nervous,'''' he teased lightly, causing her to blush even deeper.


    He stepped closer to the blonde, a playful grin tugging at his lips as he leaned in just a little too close as he teased. ''''What''s Yemppthhh?''''


    Estelle''s eyes widened as she blinked, her face instantly turning a shade of red that matched her ears, which he found adorable. She immediately began swatting at his chest, her hands flailing in embarrassment.


    ''''Leave me alone! Stop bullying me, Atlas!'''' she huffed, her voice a mix of frustration and giggling.


    She puffed out her cheeks, trying to look serious, but only ended up looking even more adorable, her beauty making Atlas''s smile stretch wider. Without thinking, he gently pulled her into his arms and pressed a soft, passionate kiss to her lips.


    When he finally pulled away, his hands still resting at her sides. ''''Please, don''t change,'''' he said, his eyes filled with warmth. ''''I love this new side of you."


    Estelle blinked, her cheeks still rosy from the kiss, and couldn''t help but smile, her heart fluttering at his words. ''''Thank you.'''' S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While the two were lost in their moment, Grishna suddenly burst out with a wide, excited grin. ''''Save the lovey-dovey stuff for the Otherworld, you two!'''' she called out, her voice full of energy. ''''We''ve got enemies to slay!''''


    With Grishna''s words still echoing in the air, the three of them charged forward, relentlessly hunting down the remaining empire soldiers. Atlas, with his unmatched speed, sliced through the enemy ranks, leaving behind after images.


    His swords danced in his hands, cutting down soldiers left and right, while his magic surged around him, overwhelming any who dared to attack. In mere moments, hundreds had fallen, their once-formidable lines shattered beneath the onslaught.


    Atlas moved like a storm, a blur of steel and mana, leaving nothing but devastation in his wake. Grishna and Estelle followed suit, their skills adding to the relentless tide of destruction.


    The remains of the empire''s soldiers soon littered the battlefield, a testament to their overwhelming might. Atlas stood there soaked in blood as non-stop experience poured into his body.


    ''''I love fighting,'''' he muttered. ''''I need to find more battles.''''


    As the dust settled, Nulia, Zena, and Amethyst appeared beside Atlas while letting out heavy breaths as they were covered in blood, their presence adding to the intensity of the battlefield.


    Meanwhile, Estelle, Grishna, and Artemis were engaged in conversation with the rebel commanders, strategizing for the next phase of their victory. He couldn''t help but scan the battlefield, his gaze sweeping over the carnage.


    His eyes then landed on Lilith, who was in a fierce struggle with a half-dead wyvern. She was exhausted, yet still holding her ground. ''''Well, looks like Lilith''s having a good time,'''' he chuckled


    Following that, Atlas crouched down and aimed for the monster and burst forward so fast that it caused the girl''s hair to fly everywhere before landing a Void Smash on the creature, which destroyed it within seconds.


    The force sent Lilith flying, but he used Void Step to catch the Honey Badger, who transformed into her human form. She beamed at him as she spoke in a sleepy voice. ''''I knew you''d help me. Thank you.''''


    Atlas rejoined the others as they all entered the Otherworld, as the rebels looted the battlefield, which didn''t bother him.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 309 - 309: What Is It With You Girls?

    Atlas was lying on a comfortable sofa while the women were undressing to take a bath. Lilith and Nulia transformed into their human forms and were covered in enemy blood, but the Honey Badger woman beamed.


    ''''That fight was exciting,'''' she exclaimed with glowing yellow eyes. ''''I killed so many soldiers.''''


    Everyone laughed at Lilith''s happiness as Nulia was cleaning blood out of her hair while commenting. ''''After our battle, the empire should retreat further south, as they''ll be scared of losing more soldiers.''''


    ''''That''s a possibility,'''' Estelle answered with a tired smile as she tied up her hair. ''''I''ll ask my siblings for the latest news.''''


    Atlas agreed with the two women, but Amethyst flew through the window in her phoenix before transforming and wobbling around. ''''I need to rest. I''ve used up too much mana and was lucky to fly back here.''''


    Grishna walked into the living while stretching her arms while looking at him with glowing green eyes. ''''Are you going to massage my body tonight, handsome?'''' she asked with a smirk.


    The other six heads snapped in her direction as Artemis commented with a giggle. ''''Moving fast Grish.''''


    ''''Who cares? We like each other, and life''s too short to tiptoe around feelings,'''' the orc said, pulling out a towel. ''''Love and all that will grow with time. Why would I walk away from a man who truly cares about me? Not many would even look twice at my kind, let alone return my feelings.''''


    Grishna turned to Atlas with a love-filled smile and concluded. ''''But then there''s our boy who doesn''t see race and cares for us. All of us are different, but he accepts us with all our flaws.''''


    When the women heard this, they smiled as Artemis commented. ''''Rather poetic coming from the brute, but I understand what you''re saying, Grish, it makes sense.''''


    Following that, Estelle ushered them into the bathroom, but they rushed to kiss him, which made the blonde laugh before kissing Atlas herself and whispering into his ear. ''''Rest handsome. You fought brilliantly today and I also want to be with you, just as Grishna said.''''


    ''''Then we will be, but I won''t rush into anything,'''' he replied while enjoying the sweet scene coming from the blonde.


    This made her happy as she leaned in and kissed him once again before joining the others. When everyone was gone, Atlas closed his eyes, but someone kissing him on the cheek caused him to open them.


    He spotted the dark-haired wolf woman staring down at him with glowing yellow eyes. A radiant smile appeared on her beautiful face before she spoke in a cheerful voice. ''''Can we do what you and Grishna are doing? I don''t want to waste my life and would love to see where we go.''''


    Atlas nodded in agreement, causing the wolf to walk off with a joyful expression as Lilith appeared, making him jump. ''''What is it with you girls? Did you all plan this?'''' he asked with a chuckle.


    The Honey Badger woman ignored his question and plopped down on his lap while wearing light blue underwear. He found his eyes wandering over her slender figure and decent-sized boobs, which made him gulp.


    When Lilith saw this, her smile widened, a playful glint in her eyes. ''''Do you find me attractive?'''' she asked softly.


    Atlas blinked before nodding. ''''Of course I do. Why are you asking such silly questions?''''


    Her expression turned more serious. ''''Then¡­ can we be together? Like you and the others?''''


    Without a word, Atlas leaned in, capturing the white-haired beauty''s lips in a deep, tender kiss. Lilith melted into him, her heart racing as she eagerly returned his affection. His hands found her slender waist, pulling her closer, savoring the warmth between them before they slowly parted.


    ''''Yes, Lili, I''d love to be with you,'''' he whispered, his voice filled with certainty. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her yellow eyes sparkled with joy, and before he could say another word, she beamed and pulled him back into another passionate kiss. Following that, the Honey Badger woman jumped.


    ''''I''m going to take a bath handsome!'''' she exclaimed before rushing off.


    Atlas laughed at her happiness and watched her perky ass jiggle as she vanished into the bathroom. Once he was alone, he closed his eyes while activating Void Realm to clear some beasts.


    Moments later, he appeared in the jungle and readied his blade by casting Void Infusion on them. The weapons hummed as he checked the monster''s total to see how many more he had to kill.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 121,110/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 137,189/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''Still a lot to clear, but it shouldn''t take too much time as I can ask the girls to help,'' he thought with glowing azure eyes.


    Following that, the buzzing of the Bloodwings echoed around him. When Atlas saw the monsters, he started casting Void Lances into the creatures'' torsos, causing them to vanish back into the realm.


    Atlas continued fighting with the flying insects until the giant ants rushed out of the underbrush and snapped their mandibles in his direction. He quickly used Void Step to dodge the sudden attacks.


    He used Void Blast to thin out the ranks as more monsters rushed in his direction. Bloodwing swooped down and tried to stab him. Atlas cast Void Guard that deflected the attack but sent him crashing back.


    ''That one must have been stronger,'' he thought.


    Without wasting time, he started moving through the jungle while fighting the Kraxari as they tried to swarm him, but thanks to his magic, they failed in their goal. Atlas leaped over a group and hit them with several Void Lances.


    Explosions erupted and sent some monsters flying through the trees. Moments later, more Bloodwings appeared only to get lucky and land a few stabs against him, but they were cut in half with ease.


    Atlas continued fighting before running through the treetops and, when getting some space between them, he checked the monster total.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 132,211/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 139,991/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''Slowly going up, but it''s taking too long and I''m already tired,'' he mused before dodging some ants that were crawling up the tree.


    Void Bullets slammed into the branches and wiped the monsters that tried sneaking up on him. Explosions allowed him to flee into the jungle as he continued his long fight with the creatures.


    Atlas fought for hours, pushing himself to his limits. But as exhaustion set in, the horde finally overtook him, dragging him back into the real world. He awoke feeling drained, letting out a deep yawn before reaching for some ale to shake off the fatigue.


    ''''Let''s check the total and see how well I''ve done,'''' he muttered while yawning again.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 134, 639/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 142,102/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    Happy with the results and realizing the girls were still in the bathroom, he curled up on the sofa after taking out a few blankets and hiding underneath them. Atlas soon fell asleep as the toll on his body overwhelmed him.


    ***


    ''''Are you going to make it official, Nulia?'''' Artemis questioned while brushing her fluffy brown hair.


    The Frostbear woman''s icy blue eyes turned to her. ''''Yes. I want to talk to him once he feels better. He looked exhausted after the fight but refused to sleep,'''' she answered.


    Everyone laughed when hearing this before Amethyst finished washing her hair and speaking. ''''I know me, Estelle, Grish, Lilith, and Zena asked him out. Now Nulia has told us what she''s planning.''''


    Her purple eyes landed on landed on Artemis. ''''What about you, fish? I know you like him. Will you ask him out?''''


    The brunette nodded with a sweet smile. ''''Yes, but we''ve been growing closer lately. His smile always makes my heart melt,'''' she revealed.


    ''''Oh really? Please tell,'''' Estelle asked with a curious glint in her blue eyes.


    All the girls agreed, causing Artemis to sigh before speaking. ''''It''s only small things he''s doing, but it shows me he does care, which makes me extremely happy. Especially when he shows an interest in the stuff I like.''''


    She pulled out a pouch of sling bullets as she continued. ''''He always collects good stones for me and asked me to teach him how to create the mana pellets I use.''''


    Zena and Lilith held out their hands as the Honey Badger asked. ''''Can I have a look, please? I can sense his mana in them.''''


    Artemis nodded before handing them two pellets as Nulia revealed with a giggle. ''''So that''s why he''s always picking up stones nowadays. It''s for you.''''


    ''''Yes, I tell him he doesn''t have to, but it seems to calm him down,'''' the brunette replied with a big smile.


    ''''He does the same thing for me but also gives me massages sometimes,'''' Grishna said. ''''His hands work wonders to my sore muscles.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 310 - 310: Get Ready Ladies

    Atlas woke up a few hours later only to see Nulia sitting there with a warmth while drinking some tea. He smiled and sat up, which caught the young woman''s attention. ''''Feeling better now? You looked tired,'''' she said.


    ''''Yes, I feel better,'''' he replied before stretching his arms and causing some of his bones to pop. ''''Where is everyone?''''


    ''''Training or sleeping,'''' Nulia responded while standing up and approaching him with a knowing smile on her beautiful face.


    The Frostbear woman straddled his lap as her blue eyes glowed with affection. ''''Do you like me? And be honest.''''


    When Atlas heard her words, his eyes widened in surprise before a slow, knowing smile spread across his face. Without hesitation, he leaned in, capturing her plump lips in a deep, passionate kiss.


    Nulia''s body tensed, shocked by his boldness, but the warmth of his embrace quickly melted away any resistance. She surrendered to him, her fingers gripping his arms as their lips moved in perfect harmony.


    As the kiss deepened, Atlas''s hands traced a slow, deliberate path up her thighs, his touch sending shivers through her body. His fingers slipped beneath her shirt, exploring the soft, warm skin beneath as the heat between them intensified.


    Soon enough, he cupped her big boobs, which made Nulia moan as they broke apart. ''''Mmmmhhh~~.''''


    She leaned in and whispered into his ear. ''''I want to be with you but not ready for sex, but I''d be willing to explore other stuff as I know we care for each other.''''


    A shiver ran down his spine before his azure eyes gleamed, but he controlled himself and nodded. ''''That''s okay with me, Nulia. We can take things slow while enjoying ourselves,'''' he said.


    Moments later, Atlas''s hand slipped into her pants and started rubbing her clit above her panties, which drove the Frostbear woman wild. ''''Mmghh~~ Ughh~~.''''


    His fingers slipped further down her soaked slit before slipping inside her tight passage and thrusting, causing her love juices to flow out like a flood. Nulia''s body stiffened, but she quickly grabbed onto him for support.


    Five minutes later, she started trembling while letting out a scream. ''''Ahhhhhh!''''


    Atlas was pleased with her reaction but soon stopped as Nulia recovered while leaning up against him. ''''That felt nice. Why did you stop?'''' she asked in a quiet voice.


    He chuckled before kissing the Frostbear woman on the forehead. ''''Because it would have carried on until we crossed that bridge and I''m not letting passion ruin what we have, Nulia.''''


    Following that, the two of them started chatting as she offered to make him some tea. ''''I could make you tea we drink in the north. It keeps us warm.''''


    Atlas agreed as he fired a Void Bullet into the fireplace that sent the flames roaring and the hot air spread throughout the room. While he waited for the tea, Zena appeared in the living room with an exhausted expression.


    ''''Morning, you both,'''' she mumbled before yawning. ''''Why are you up awake so early?''''


    ''''We''ve napped for a bit,'''' Nulia replied while pouring the boiled water. ''''Now I''m making us some tea. Do you want some?''''


    The wolf woman nodded before settling into her seat, her posture relaxed yet attentive. Atlas watched her with a smile, pleased by her ease in his presence. Seizing the moment, he leaned forward, his gaze flickering between her and the others.


    ''''I need your help with the Void Realm,'''' he said, his tone firm with determination. ''''If I can conquer it, I''ll be able to ascend to the next level.''''


    When the two heard his request, they nodded in agreement, but before Atlas could say another word, a white blur shot toward him. With a sudden impact, Lilith crashed into his chest, her arms wrapping around him tightly.


    Her glowing yellow eyes burned with determination as she looked up at him. ''''I want to come, lover!'''' she declared, her voice filled with excitement. ''''You''re not leaving me out of a good fight!''''


    Atlas chuckled as the Honey Badger woman transformed into her human form and snuggled up to him while gently nibbling his neck. This sent a shiver down his spine as Zena questioned with a curious expression. ''''Does she always do this?''''


    Before he could answer, Nulia did. ''''Yes, they have been close for a long time now. If I remember correctly, they fought each other when first meeting and it continued like this for a while until she claimed him.''''


    Everyone laughed when hearing this and finished off the tea just as Atlas activated the skill that sucked all four of them into the Void Realm. They appeared in the primal jungle just as the buzzing of Bloodwings headed in their direction.


    ''''Get ready ladies,'''' he warned while casting Void Infusion on his weapons. ''''They are coming.''''


    Lilith and Nulia transformed into their monster forms as Zena moved beside him while holding a sword. Her tail was straight and her wolf''s ears twitched just as the Kraxari rushed out of the underbrush.


    Atlas reacted instantly, raising his hand as mana crackled around his fingertips. With a swift motion, he unleashed a barrage of Void Blasts, the searing projectiles tearing through the creatures.


    Screeches filled the air as the monsters were killed, their bodies reduced to smoldering ash. Lilith rushed around the jungle, tearing the giant ants apart with her sharp claws, while Nulia crushed them with her paws.


    As that was happening, he was taking out the Bloodwings with Void Bullets that were effective against the beasts. Explosions and screeching echoed across the jungle, but they were quickly silenced.


    While everyone was fighting, Atlas checked the monster total to see how many the group had killed so far.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 144,012/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 152,302/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''The numbers are going down quicker than if it was only me,'' he thought while blasting a Bloodwing.


    The monster plummeted to the ground and took out a group of Kraxaris that crushed the ants. Following that, the group continued fighting as Atlas covered them while bouncing around the battlefield.


    Thankfully, the Void Realm was absorbing all the bodies otherwise, mountains of corpses would make things harder. Seconds later, Nulia let out a fierce roar as she was getting swarmed by the flying creatures.


    Atlas quickly Void Stepped to the Frostbear and killed every monster that was hurting her. Her beautiful blue eyes landed on him as her voice echoed in his mind. ''Thank you for that, handsome. They surprised me.''


    He waved her away before running his hand through her soft white fur, which made Nulia grumble. Moments later, Zena appeared beside him covered in a layer of sweat while panting.


    ''''There are too many monsters,'''' she said while cutting down two Bloodwings that swooped down. ''''It''s getting too much.''''


    When Atlas heard this, he handed the wolf woman, a stamina potion that would make her feel better. Zena downed the offering and beamed. ''''I feel refreshed but it''s useless as there are thousands of the things.''''


    Following that, the group continued fighting for hours until monsters swamped Nulia, forcing him to send her back to the real world. Lilith tried to help, but she was growing tired and her attacks slowed down.


    It was just him and Zena remaining. The wolf woman looked at him with an exhausted expression, causing him to smile. ''''Thank you for the help. Go rest and I''ll be back soon,'''' he said.


    Moments later, Atlas sent her back and was left alone as the monsters moved on him. They let out excited shrieks, but he quickly used Void Waves to knock them back before he dashed toward the ants.


    He dodged all their attacks while countering with his blades that carved through their exoskeletons. This continued for hours until he couldn''t raise his arms thanks to the constant swinging.


    ''I need to rest, but let''s check the total,'' Atlas thought while running from the Bloodwings.


    [Void Broodmaw - 10,000/10,000]


    [Void Kraxari - 219,312/1,000,000]


    [Void Bloodwing - 220,902/2,000,000]


    [??????????????]


    ''''An enormous boost in numbers,'''' he muttered before returning to the real world.


    When Atlas woke up, he noticed Nulia, Lilith, and Zena chatting, but the Honey Badger''s beautiful eyes landed on him. The young woman quickly jumped up and made her way over to him before climbing into his lap. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He couldn''t help but smile and hug her. The two of them cuddled up before exhaustion overwhelmed him. Atlas tried to stay awake, but Nulia commented with a giggle. ''''Go to sleep, handsome. Lili will keep you warm.''''


    When hearing that, Atlas nodded before embracing Lilith even tighter, which she loved, and nuzzled into his neck as he laid down. Soon enough, the couple was asleep as Nulia stood up and covered them in a blanket.


    ''''He works hard, but she needs to be cared for,'''' she said with a big smile.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 311 - 311: I Want You Too Kiss Me

    Atlas woke up the next morning and let out a yawn before realizing Lilith was sleeping on his chest. He leaned forward and kissed the young woman, which caused her to open her eyes as a big smile appeared.


    ''''Morning, handsome,'''' she said in a tired voice. ''''Do you want to go fight more of those monsters?'''' Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''''Not just yet beautiful,'''' he replied before climbing out of the sheets and stretching. ''''I need to check on the Otherworld monsters. It''s been a while since I''ve seen them.''''


    The Honey Badger woman nodded. ''''Okay. I''m going back to bed.''''


    Atlas chuckled and teleported to the ground below while taking off the jumper he was wearing because it was hot. ''''Let''s check on Medusa and the little fox.''''


    He scanned the Otherworld and found the two before appearing in front of a massive hole in the ground. Atlas looked in, only to jump back as the massive snake burst out and lunged for him.


    ''''Medusa! I''m sorry!'''' he exclaimed while dodging the angry monster''s attacks. ''''I didn''t mean to ignore you.''''


    She was moving so fast he couldn''t keep up and it showed as her tail slammed into his body and sent him flying through the forest like a missile. Atlas hit the ground with a sickening thud as a rage-filled roar echoed out.


    While lying there, Estelle''s voice rang in his mind. ''Do you need help, my love? We can sense that you''re fighting.''


    ''No, I''m just dealing with an angry woman who is pissed at me,'' he replied with a nervous chuckle.


    Atlas could feel the overwhelming surge of Medusa''s power, a shift that now marked her as a Monarch-level monster. It shocked him, but the searing pain in his body left no doubt of her newfound strength.


    Just moments later, the Death Serpent shot from the tree, her voice laced with hurt. ''''Why ignore me, master?'''' she cried, her words slicing through him like a blade.


    Guilt washed over him as he sensed the pain in her voice, and he knew he couldn''t dodge it any longer. Seconds later, Medusa''s head hit Atlas with terrifying force, sending him hurtling through the air.


    He crashed into the side of a mountain, his body crumpling to the ground. Blood spilled from his mouth as he gasped for breath, but the weight of her sorrow lingered, far more painful than the physical damage.


    ''''I''m sorry, Medusa. It was never my intention to ignore you,'''' he mumbled, struggling to pull himself up as the massive serpent coiled around him, her presence both overwhelming and protective.


    Her green eyes met his, wide with terror, and before Atlas could comprehend what was happening, a searing light burst from her body. Stunned, he barely had time to react before soft, steady hands gently cupped his face.


    That''s when an exotic voice, trembling with regret, reached his ears. ''''I''m sorry, master! I didn''t mean to hurt you!''''


    His mind froze. The words echoed in his head, but they made no sense. ''What?''


    Atlas shook his head before replying. ''''Estelle?''''


    A soft giggle rang out as the hands gently wiped the blood from his face, and Atlas froze, eyes widening as he finally saw the woman. She appeared to be in her late twenties, with flowing white hair and striking green serpent eyes that locked onto his.


    The stranger''s beauty was undeniable. Her features were flawless, her body curvaceous in all the right places, with a generous chest that only added to her allure. Dark scales scattered across the exposed skin revealed by her tight dress.


    ''''It''s me Medusa, master,'''' she said with a frown. ''''Thanks to your powerful mana, I unlocked a human form that I''ve wanted to show you, but you never summoned me.''''


    Atlas''s guilt surged, but he quickly hugged the snake woman while apologizing. ''''I''m sorry Medusa, if there is anything I can do to cheer you up, tell me and I''ll do it if it''s in my power.''''


    When she heard this, a thoughtful expression appeared before a cheeky smile appeared as she requested something. ''''I want you to kiss me.''''


    ''''What?'''' he muttered.


    The white-haired woman nodded. ''''If you kiss me, I will be happy and forgive you for ignoring me,'''' she said.


    Atlas chuckled before grabbing her thick waist and stole her plump lips in a passionate kiss which made Medusa stiffen in shock, but she soon returned it and reciprocated it while her hands rested against his chest.


    Minutes passed before they finally parted, the snake woman stepping back with a hesitant expression. Her voice was soft, yet laced with frustration as she spoke. ''''Sorry for hitting you, Master. Ever since I received this form, everything has been... chaotic. I don''t like it.''''


    Atlas frowned, confusion flickering across his face. ''''What do you mean?'''' he asked, his body already beginning to heal.


    Bones snapped back into place, the deep lacerations knitting themselves closed as if his wounds had never existed, yet the pain still lingered. Medusa brushed off the dirt on her dress.


    ''''I heard a voice in my mind saying you''d need help in the future,'''' she revealed with a giggle. ''''Then I woke up in my burrow¡­ naked.''''


    She laughed softly, shaking her head. ''''At first, I was completely shocked. But then it hit me, I could finally stand beside you, just like the others.''''


    ''''Others? You mean the girls?'''' he replied.


    Medusa nodded, her emerald eyes filled with a mix of longing and vulnerability. ''''Yes. I used to watch you train with them from the shadows, wishing I could be by your side. But I couldn''t, not like they could.''''


    Her voice softened, laced with quiet pain. ''''And then¡­ I saw you kiss the phoenix girl. It hurt more than I expected. I wanted to be part of your world, too.''''


    Atlas''s heart clenched at her words. Without hesitation, he reached for her, his hands settling firmly around her waist before pulling her close. He captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.


    Following that, the two of them continued to kiss until Atlas stepped back and kissed her nose. ''''Would you like to come on a walk around? I''m checking on the monsters in the Otherworld.''''


    Medusa got excited and quickly accepted with a big smile before holding onto his arm as the two teleported outside. They started walking through the primal forest as the snake woman commented while scanning their surroundings. ''''Where are we going first?''''


    ''''There was an adorable fox I met a while back and haven''t seen her in a while,'''' he replied as they crossed over a wooden bridge.


    Half an hour later, the couple arrived at the northern part of the Otherworld, which was covered in snow. Atlas grew curious, but Medusa transformed into her snake form, but she was tiny.


    She slithered into his shirt and wrapped it around his body while speaking. ''''I want to be warm. It''s too cold here, master.''''


    Atlas gently stroked her head as it peeked out from beneath his shirt, offering a moment of comfort before stepping forward, undeterred, into the heart of the ice storm. Nestled in a burrow beneath a tree, he found the little fox curled into a tight ball, her fur dusted with frost.


    At the sound of his approach, she lifted her head, and the moment her blue eyes met his, they widened with pure joy. With a delighted chirp, she launched herself at him. Atlas caught her effortlessly, cradling her close as he showered her with affection.


    The little fox squirmed excitedly in his arms, overwhelmed with happiness, her fluffy tail wagging wildly as she soaked in every bit of his warmth and care. He smiled before speaking.


    ''''I''m sorry I neglected you, girl. I''ve been busy since healing from my injuries, but from now on I''ll pay more attention to you,'''' he said in a warm voice.


    Atlas chuckled as the little fox eagerly climbed onto his chest, her soft paws pressing against him as she nuzzled his neck. Before he could react, she began covering his face in rapid, affectionate licks, her tiny tongue warm against his skin.


    He laughed, the sound filled with warmth as he held her close. ''''Alright, alright! I missed you too,'''' he said, running his fingers through her thick, fluffy fur. ''''I promise I won''t neglect you anymore. Never again.''''


    For a moment, everything was peaceful, the storm outside, the cold, none of it mattered. But then, just as the last of the fox''s excited licks slowed, a soft, teasing voice echoed in his mind. ''Bite my ear, if you truly mean that.''


    Atlas froze, his heart skipping a beat. His eyes widened as the little fox tilted her head up at him and her blue eyes gleamed with something deeper, something knowing. Swallowing, he hesitated only for a moment before gently taking her ear between his teeth.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 312 - 312: You Know Each Other

    Atlas bit down on the little fox''s ear, which caused her to let out a startled yelp before her body trembled. He was worried, but soon calmed down when he felt a bond growing between the two of them.


    He felt a string connecting with his soul while doing the same to the creature, which made his eyes widen in shock as he spoke. ''''You want to bond with me? That''s a big commitment girl, are you sure?''''


    She nodded before letting out an excited yip and climbing onto his shoulder to get comfortable while nibbling his ear. This sent a shiver down his spine as a smile appeared. ''''You''re adorable, but you''re coming with me.''''


    Following that, Atlas left the fox''s old home and started walking toward the Scalebreaker''s nest. While doing that, he noticed Medusa was still sleeping comfortably, and the fluffy white creature was jumping around on his shoulders and head.


    She buried herself in his hair and blended in while her tail wagged excitedly as the happiness overwhelmed her, which made him smile as he stroked her big fluffy ear and offered in a sweet voice. ''''Would you like a name, girl?''''


    Her ears perked up as she heard his words, excitement bubbling over as she began bouncing around on his shoulders once again while letting out several adorable chirps that melted his heart.


    ''She''s so cute!'' he thought.


    Atlas couldn''t help but smile at her infectious energy, shaking his head with amusement before he started muttering. ''''I like Yuki... but Noorah could work. It means beautiful light that suits her eyes and fur perfectly.''''


    As if sensing his decision, the fox abruptly stopped moving. She turned to face him, her glowing blue eyes locking onto his. A heartbeat later, she nodded in approval before leaning in to lick his cheek.


    He chuckled, warmth filling his chest as he reached up and stroked beneath her chin, earning a pleased purr from the little creature. ''''Alright then, Noorah, it is.''''


    Following that, Atlas continued traveling through the forest until sensing two of the girls approaching. He turned around to see Grishna and Lilith with knowing grins on their beautiful faces.


    When he saw this, he gulped as the Honey Badger stopped. She pointed at him with a thrilled expression. ''''When are we making love, husband? It''s about time you ravaged us.''''


    The Orc woman nodded in approval. ''''We''ve agreed to give you your first threesome, handsome,'''' she declared with glowing green eyes. ''''Two wet pussy''s better than one.''''


    Atlas started laughing when hearing Grishna''s crude words but replied. ''''Yes, that''s fine with me, girls.''''


    Moments later, Medusa''s head poked out of his shirt before jumping out and turning into her humanoid form. She was taller than both girls, which surprised Atlas, but Lilith stepped forward with a growl.


    ''''Who are you, woman? Where did you come from?'''' she snapped as her power fluctuated.


    Medusa hissed at them, causing Grishna to ready an attack by taking out her spear, but Atlas appeared in between them while speaking with a worried expression. ''''Ladies! Calm down, I have some explaining to do. There will be no fighting or I''ll kick all three of you out of the Otherworld.''''


    Lilith growled before stepping back, and the Orc woman followed suit as he turned to Medusa. ''''Don''t hiss at them. They are my women, just like you are.''''


    When the white-haired beauty heard this, she nodded. ''''I''m sorry, their aura caused me to react, but I''ll admit that it was my thought about getting jealous for no reason.''''


    Afterward, the older woman turned toward the two girls and bowed her head. ''''I apologize for that display. I never realized how strong you both have gotten since meeting our husband.''''


    ''''Our husband?'''' Grishna asked with a confused expression.


    ''''Yes, now I have a human form. I don''t have to watch from the bushes anymore,'''' Medusa revealed as a sad look crossed her pretty face.


    When the Honey Badger heard that, her ears flattened, and a frown appeared as she sniffed the air. Moments later, her yellow eyes widened in shock. ''''It''s you!''''


    The snake woman giggled, her serpentine eyes gleaming with mischief. ''''Who''s me?'''' she teased.


    Lilith''s ears twitched before she lunged forward with uncontained excitement. ''''Medusa!'''' she cried, wrapping her arms tightly around the serpent woman.


    Atlas blinked in shock, momentarily stunned by the unexpected affection. But as Medusa let out a genuine laugh, her arms coiling around the Honey Badger woman in return, a smile crept onto his face.


    ''''You know each other?'''' he questioned with a curious expression.


    The white-haired woman turned to him with a smile. ''''Yes. She used to visit me when you stayed in the Otherworld. I''m happy we both have human forms. We can finally be with you,'''' she replied.


    Following that, Atlas turned to Grishna. ''''This is Medusa, one of the first monsters that helped me in this world and I think the goddess gave her a human form to aid me in the future.''''


    The Orc woman stepped forward and offered her hand before speaking with a big smile. ''''It''s good to meet you, Medusa. Let''s get on so we both can help.''''


    Medusa took her hand while replying. ''''I have a feeling we will.''''


    ''''Now can we go have sex please?'''' Lilith suddenly said, which caught everyone off guard.


    He started laughing when hearing her lewd words which made Medusa go red, but the Honey Badger turned to her and questioned. ''''Are you coming to get ravaged? My pussy is aching and I''ve waited too long.''''


    When the two women heard this, their faces turned bright red, their ears flushing with embarrassment. They froze for a moment, completely surprised by the boldness of her words.


    Atlas could barely contain himself, clutching his stomach as he laughed even harder. The crude words coming from such a beautiful woman were unusual, but he loved the way she was.


    Following that, Medusa''s quiet voice echoed out. ''''Yes, I would like that if that''s okay with you two.'''' S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moments later, he caught sight of her big boobs bouncing while moving around nervously, and it stirred something in him. Shaking his head, he replied in a lust-filled voice, ''''Let''s go back to the treehouse.''''


    The four of them walked back as Atlas led the way. A little while later, he noticed the three women were gossiping before Lilith bounced forward and grabbed his shoulder, but brought her hand back when Noorah growled at her.


    ''''Who''s this lady, my love? Is it another member of the harem?'''' the Honey Badger asked with a smile.


    Medusa and Grishna spotted the little fox standing on his head while growling at Lilith, which made them fawn over her. Atlas chuckled at the reactions but picked Noorah up and spoke. ''''Don''t growl at her. She''s my woman and could be a good friend to you?''''


    Noorah calmed down as her glowing blue eyes locked onto him with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. Then, the voice, soft but clear, echoed in his mind once more. ''Do you mind pain?''


    Atlas met her gaze, his expression steady as he answered with quiet resolve. ''''No. I''ve lost an eye and an arm... it doesn''t scare me anymore.''''


    The moment the words left his lips, Noorah moved with sudden speed, her fangs sinking into his shoulder. A jolt of pain shot through him, but he held his ground, gritting his teeth, his expression unreadable despite the intense sting.


    Lilith''s gaze shifted with concern, but before she could intervene, he reassured them. ''''Don''t get involved. She means me no harm... we''re bonded.''''


    Following that, the pain intensified as mana left his body and poured into the little fox who was still biting him. Atlas dropped to one knee as his focus was waning and his mind went fuzzy.


    He shook his head before teleporting them to the treehouse. The group appeared in the living room, but he vanished into his bedroom after speaking. ''''You girls come to me once this calms down.''''


    As soon as Atlas was alone, he dropped onto the bed, his body still tingling from the pain of the bite. However, he was quickly surprised when Noorah''s form began to shimmer and glow.


    His eyes widened in surprise as her fox form transformed, revealing a stunning, ethereal woman sitting on the bed beside him. She had long, flowing white hair that cascaded like silk, and her piercing blue eyes were mesmerizing.


    Her slender frame was gracefully curvaceous, every movement exuding elegance. The way she sat, so perfectly poised, only added to the enchantment of her presence. Her skin was flawless and smooth.


    For a moment, Atlas was speechless, completely captivated by the vision before him. He shook his head and spoke. ''''Noorah?''''


    ''''Yes!'''' a cheerful, exotic voice replied causing his lust to soar when hearing it.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 313 - 313: Were Coming With You

    Suddenly, a pair of eyes were inches from him as she continued talking. ''''I used your mana to activate my skill, but I don''t like this form but will use it to be with you, my mate.''''


    ''''Your mate?'''' he replied as the pain died down.


    Noorah boobed her head as her smile grew wider before she let out a yawn. ''''I''ve already marked you as mine, so no other foxes can steal you from me, but the other girls are okay. They seem funny and would be easy to get along with.''''


    Just as the words left her lips, the door swung open, revealing Medusa, Grishna, and Lilith. The three women froze, their eyes widening in shock as Noorah turned to greet them with a bright, friendly smile.


    ''''Hello, ladies! I''m Noorah, Atlas''s new wife!'''' she announced cheerfully.


    When the words left her lips, the room went silent as they all stepped in and closed the door as Grishna commented. ''''Are you the little fox that was in his hair?''''


    ''''Yes! I marked him as my mate so other foxes can''t claim him,'''' she said with possessiveness in her voice. ''''He''s mine.''''


    The women looked at Noorah, who was rubbing her head against his chest, before turning back to them. ''''But I''m happy to share with you girls. I''ve been watching you and know you''re nice.''''


    Atlas was just about to speak, but Estelle''s voice echoed in his mind. ''My love. The enemies are lingering around the border. Should we deal with them?'' S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He sighed, rising to his feet as he gently moved Noorah, only for her to suddenly collapse. In an instant, Medusa appeared beside her, her expression calm as she explained, ''''Her body is assimilating the mana she took from you. All she needs is rest to recover.''''


    When hearing this, he was relieved. ''''Alright, take care of her,'''' he said before shifting his gaze to Grishna and Lilith. ''''You two, prepare for my return. I have an empire to deal with at the border.''''


    Following that, the two women got excited before he teleported to Estelle, who was busy training below the treehouse. When the blonde spotted him, a beautiful smile appeared on her face.


    ''''My love,'''' she said in a sweet voice. ''''Your parents just sent me a message, and the resistance needs our help.''''


    Atlas greeted her with a kiss before opening a portal to the real world and spoke. ''''Stay here and I''ll go deal with them quickly. I''ll use my monsters.''''


    Estelle nodded and got back to training as he left the real world while summoning Theo, who appeared beside him. The Blood Bat King uttered a loud screech as he climbed on its back while speaking. ''''Head south, Theo. We got some enemies to deal with.''''


    ''Yes, master! It''s good to see you healthy,'' the creature said before soaring into the sky.


    Theo flew so fast that he became nothing more than a crimson blur streaking across the sky. As they sped south, Atlas''s mind worked swiftly, considering which creatures to unleash upon his enemies.


    A slow, wicked smile spread across his face as the perfect choice came to him, '' The Tarrasques.''


    Following that, Atlas spotted the army camp in the distance, but seconds later, a wave of spells sliced through the air toward them. The Bat King let out another screech before diving low.


    When they were close to the ground, causing him to summon a dozen Tarrasques who started running after them. When Atlas saw this, he ordered the creatures with a loud voice. ''''Attack the empire''s armies to drive them further south!''''


    The monsters roared in response, which scared the Achaemenid soldiers as the beasts slammed into the camp. Chaos erupted as he jumped off Theo''s back and landed in the middle of a group of soldiers.


    Without waiting, he cast Void Wave, which sent soldiers flying everywhere as he started cutting down dozens of enemy troops. More appeared, but he cast Void Veil to vanish from the battlefield.


    This shocked the Achaemenids before more of them dropped dead as he rushed around the battlefield, stabbing everything. During the battle, the Tarrasques went wild and were crushing any soldiers that came close.


    One of them let out a roar that shook the ground and stopped some enemies in their tracks. The empire couldn''t fight back, as Atlas and the monsters were too much for them to deal with.


    While he bounced around the battlefield and slaughtered any enemy, he could find while his void creatures kept the overwhelming numbers back. Theo was swooping down and killed dozens of soldiers.


    Atlas deflected several spells before casting Void Infusion on his blades as he dashed through the chaos while slicing through metal and flesh, causing blood to cover the ground as he moved like a bullet.


    The battlefield was a symphony of chaos, screams, steel clashing, and the earth itself trembling beneath the onslaught. Smoke and dust choked the air, but nothing could mask the horror descending upon the enemy.


    Atlas was a blur of death, weaving through the ranks of terrified soldiers like a wraith. His blades sliced through armor and flesh alike, carving a crimson path as bodies crumpled everywhere.


    One soldier barely had time to raise his spear before Atlas severed his arm, spinning to cleave another in half with a single, brutal stroke. A squad of archers took aim from the ridge, which made him grin.


    With a flick of his wrist, he sent a dozen Void Lances flying at the attackers, which tore them apart. The ground trembled violently as the Tarrasques stormed through the battlefield. Their roars shattered the air, a harbinger of doom that sent waves of panic through the enemy ranks.


    One beast barreled through a battalion, sending soldiers flying like rag dolls before crushing them beneath its massive claws. Another swung its tail, obliterating siege weapons and sending shattered wood and stone raining down like a deadly storm.


    Atlas leaped atop the nearest Tarrasque, using it as a vantage point. From his vantage point above, he surveyed the carnage below, the once-disciplined army now a chaotic mass of fleeing, desperate men.


    Fear had shattered their ranks, turning soldiers into prey. A dark grin tugged at his lips. ''''This is what happens when you try to kill me,'''' he murmured, his voice dripping with cruel satisfaction.


    Without hesitation, Atlas dove back into the fray, cutting down all who dared stand in his path. Hours later, the Achaemenid army lie in ruins as thousands of bodies littered the battlefield.


    Following that, he opened a portal to summon Ghouls to bring the corpses back into the Otherworld for food. Once that was done, he returned to Grishna and Lilith, who were waiting for him in the bedroom.


    When the two women saw him, their faces lit up as the Orc commented with a smirk. ''''You look sexy when covered in blood, but you need to take a bath before making love with us.''''


    Atlas chuckled when he heard this, but agreed with a nod and made his way to the bathroom, but Grishna added. ''''We''re coming with you.''''


    The three of them stepped into the steam-filled room just as Lilith playfully bounced forward, slipping out of her dress. Her slender figure was on full display, and his eyes widened as they lingered on her perky ass.


    ''''Like what you see, handsome?'''' the Honey Badger teased, flashing a coy smile over her shoulder.


    A shiver ran down his spine, but before he could respond, Grishna joined her. With deliberate slowness, she began removing her armor. It fell away to reveal her toned, curvy muscles and full, heavy breasts that jiggled slightly with every movement.


    ''''Are you just going to stare at us husband?'''' the Orc woman commented with a smirk.


    Atlas exhaled sharply, shaking his head before stripping off his clothes and stepping into the water. The heat enveloped him, but it was nothing compared to the warmth of Lilith as she slid onto his lap, her body pressing against his.


    With a sultry smile, she leaned in, capturing his lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Her hands guided his to her boobs, causing her to let out a pleased hum. The tension in the air thickened, the steam swirling around them like a veil of temptation.


    The two of them continued kissing as her tongue slipped into his mouth while her pussy rubbed up against his member, which sent pleasure shooting through their bodies like an electric shock.


    Lilith leaned back with a big smile. ''''Do you like my breasts, handsome?'''' she said in a lust-filled voice.


    ''''Of course I do,'''' Atlas replied before leaning forward and taking one of her nipples into his mouth.


    He started attacking by nibbling and pinching them, which caused the Honey Bagder woman to let out an erotic moan as pleasure crashed against her body. ''''Mmmmghh~~.''''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 314 - 314: She Couldnt Handle It (R18)

    Atlas continued attacking Lilith''s chest, which sent the young woman wild as she started rubbing against his member. This turned him on even more as his lust ignited, causing his hand to slide down her slender body.


    When she felt this, her body trembled, but soon enough, he reached her swollen clit and started rubbing it in slow circles, which caused her to let out an erotic moan just as her body shuddered in delight.


    ''Mmmmghh~~ This feels so good,'''' she muttered in a breathless voice.


    Following this, the two of them continued playing with each other as the Honey Badger woman''s hands wrapped around his cock before stroking it, which sent the couple wild with lust as his finger slid inside her pussy.


    He started thrusting in and out, which hit all the right spots, causing Lilith to climax all over his hand, as she was sensitive thanks to his touching. ''''Arghhhh!'''' she let out a loud moan while arching her back.


    Atlas was gritting his teeth as her hands sent pleasure shooting through his body like an electric shock. He shudder just before Lilith spoke with a naughty smile on her face. ''''Sit on the edge of the bath, Master.''''


    He shivered when hearing this but did as she asked and watched the white-haired beauty get in between his while wrapping her soft hands around his shaft and engulfing the tip with her warm mouth.


    ''''Ahhh fuck,'''' he said in a strained voice as her tongue swirled around his shaft.


    As Atlas watched, Grishna rose to her feet, causing the water to run down her beautiful green skin. Her boobs jiggled with every movement, which sent his lust soaring to new heights.


    The Orc woman, built like a warrior goddess and embodying strength and seduction, possessed a raw beauty made even more dangerous by her confidence. She caught his lingering gaze, her full lips curling into a knowing, almost predatory smile.


    A spark of excitement danced in her eyes as she stepped closer, her voice a sultry purr. ''''Do you like what you see, my love?''''


    ''''Of course I do, Grish,'''' he replied just as she pushed him onto his back and climbed onto his face while Lilith continued sucking.


    The Honey Badger woman stopped for a second and spoke with a lust-filled smile. ''''Are you joining? If so, come help me with this monster. I can''t fit all in my mouth.''''


    Grishna glanced back with a hazy expression as she felt Atlas''s breath on her pussy. ''''I''ll join you soon.''''


    When he heard this, his tongue shot out and ran up her green slit, which made the short-haired woman let out an erotic moan. ''''Mmmmghh~~.''''


    Atlas continued licking her wet folds, causing Grishna''s sweet love juices to pour into his mouth like a leak. He swallowed every drop while groaning as Lilith tried to deep throat his member.


    Ten minutes later, the pleasure was too much for him and he grabbed the Honey Badger''s head and shoved his cut deeper down her throat. Moments later, Atlas exploded and shot his seed down into her stomach.


    Lilith''s eyes rolled back as she made sure not to spill any of his cum while wiping her lips before teasing. ''''Master, you taste delicious. I''m going to need more of this.''''


    When Atlas heard the way she said master sent him wild, causing his tongue to dive into Grishna''s tight hole which made the Orc let out even more moans as the intense pleasure washed over her body. ''''Mmmmmhh~~ Ughhh~~ Gahhhh~~.''''


    He enjoyed the reaction of the green-skinned beauty who was arching her back while running her fingers through his hair. ''''Ahh, this is what I love. Your tongue is amazing,'''' she said in an alluring voice.


    Following that, he grabbed Grishna''s toned ass before running, licking her wet folds, which hit her weak spot. Her thighs clamped down as the Orc started squirting all over his face while letting out a primal scream. ''''Ahhhhhhhh!''''


    Atlas didn''t miss the opportunity and swallowed every drop before licking her even more, which made it worse for Grishna. She was trembling and coming down from an intense orgasm before collapsing to the bathroom floor while her legs shook.


    ''''Looks like she couldn''t handle it,'''' Lilith teased and stood up, revealing her perky boobs and curvy waist.


    His azure eyes widened in shock, but she climbed up his body before getting into the sixty-nine position. ''''I want to suck you again but also want to feel you licking my pussy like Grish got,'''' she said with a smirk.


    As soon as the words left her lips, Lilith took him into her mouth once more, her warmth engulfing him completely. She moved with slow, deliberate precision at first, her tongue teasing every inch, savoring him.


    Then, she quickened her pace, each motion sending shivers of pleasure through Atlas until a deep, guttural groan escaped him¡ªthe sensation was almost too much to bear. Soon enough, to distract himself, he buried his tongue deep in her pussy.


    The sudden assault sent Lilith into a symphony of blissful moans. ''''Mmmmgghhh~~ Mhhmnnnnnn~~ Ughhhh~~'''' she gasped, her body trembling beneath his touch.


    Atlas was already teetering on the edge, the taste of her unlike anything he''d known. It was exotic, intoxicating and he could grow addicting to tasting it every day. But he relished it, savoring every drop.


    His fingers explored her with firm, knowing strokes, while his tongue traced every sensitive fold. Each flick making her melt further into a haze of pure ecstasy as his tongue explored every inch of her pussy.


    Soon enough, Lilith trembled while squirting all over his face, just like Grishna did while gripping his thighs. ''''Ahhhhhh!''''


    Afterward, she collapsed to the bathroom floor, where the beautiful Orc was recovering and watching them with glowing green eyes. The Honey badger looked up with hazy eyes, only for them to widen when he grabbed her waist.


    Her expression changed to excitement as she knew what was about to happen and had been looking forward to it for a long time. He positioned her onto all fours and pushed her back down so her perky love heart shaped ass poked out even more.


    Atlas licked his lips, mesmerized by the sight of her glistening clit. With a slow, teasing motion, he pressed his throbbing length against it, rubbing deliberately, savoring the heat and wetness.


    Lilith''s moans spilled out in breathless cries, each one sending a delicious shiver down his spine, fueling his desire. ''''Ughhhh~~ Arghhh~~ Master!'''' she whimpered, her voice drenched in need, making him ache to claim her completely.


    Following that, Atlas leaned over and whispered into her twitching ear. ''''Do you want this beautiful?''''


    When the young woman heard this heard body trembled but she answered in a strain voice as she was enjoying the rubbing. ''''Yes, I want you, master. I want you to make me yours so we can be together.''''


    Atlas''s grin widened as he brought his hand down on her perky ass, the smack echoing through the air. The way she tensed beneath him only fueled his hunger. With a slow, deliberate thrust, he pushed inside, only to be halted by the sheer tightness gripping him. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A low, guttural groan rumbled from his chest as he savored the way she clenched around him, her body resisting and inviting him all at once. Lilith''s body tensed up as she reached back and grabbed his arms.


    Her pussy tightened around him, sending a wave of electrifying pleasure through them both. Atlas let out a shuddered breath, his grip on her hips tightening as he savored the sensation before he started moving.


    Lilith gasped, her voice dripping with need. ''''Mmmghh~~ Please continue, my love. I want you to stretch me open.''''


    Her plea was desperate, making his desire burn even hotter as he prepared to give her exactly what she craved. Atlas started thrusting inside until hitting something, causing him to push forward.


    ''''Ahhhhh!'''' Lilith scream as he took her virginity, feeling a connecting forming between their hearts.


    Atlas started fucking her, causing the love juices and blood to flow down her thighs while she let out a string of erotic moans that spurred him on even more. ''''Mmmmhh~~ Ughhh~~ It feels so much better now, handsome.''''


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Atlas seized her hips and plunged deep, claiming her with an unrelenting rhythm. Each powerful thrust sent jolts of pleasure through her body, forcing her to moan and groan uncontrollably as he struck every sensitive spot inside her.


    ''''Arghhhh~~ Please don''t stop! This feels amazing!'''' she muttered in a pleading voice.


    Lilith''s cries grew more desperate, her body arching, trembling beneath him, completely at his mercy. The way she clenched around him only spurred him on, driving him to take her even harder, to push her deeper into the throes of ecstasy.


    Atlas groaned while holding her slim waist, but refused to stop thrusting as he bottomed out inside the white-haired beauty and exploded.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 315 - 315: Please Dont Move (R18)

    As Atlas buried himself deep, he felt Lilith''s body tremble violently, overwhelmed by pleasure. The moment his hot seed filled her womb, a shuddering gasp tore from her lips, her walls tightening around him in a vice-like grip.


    The intensity was almost too much to bear, forcing a deep, guttural groan from his throat. Lilith, lost in ecstasy, let out a primal scream. ''''Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!''''


    Her body convulsed as waves of bliss crashed over her, binding them together in pure, unrestrained passion. Atlas was breathing heavily before pulling out of the white-haired beauty''s pussy.


    Their shared fluids rushed down her thighs and started creating a puddle just as she collapsed to the floor while trying to catch her breath. He noticed the look of euphoria was on her beautiful face with a smile.


    ''''Did you enjoy that, my fierce Honey Badger?'''' he asked in a charming voice while crouching next to her.


    Lilith nodded. ''''Yes, it felt amazing but I need to rest before continuing again,'''' she said while getting to her feet and slipping into the bath.


    She rested her head back as her boobs floated in the water, causing his lust to soar once more as his gaze snapped to Grishna. The Orc woman yelped when seeing the intense look he was giving her.


    The young woman started rubbing her thighs together, which turned Atlas on even more as he approached the green-skinned beauty. She jumped up with a smile before ushering him onto the chair.


    Grishna moved in and stopped when their foreheads touched as she asked in a small voice. ''''You won''t throw me away after having sex?''''


    Atlas looked offended, but he shook his head and lifted her chin to look into her beautiful green eyes and declare. ''''I swear on my life that I would never do that to you Grish, you do I love you all right?''''


    When the Orc woman heard this, she looked shocked as he continued. ''''What makes you think I''d do something like that?''''


    Grishna shrugged before revealing something new to him. ''''Some people use the women of my race for rough sex because we''re tougher than other female but once they''re satisfied, they get thrown away.''''


    Atlas chuckled as he leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. He pulled her close, feeling her melt into his embrace, their bodies still humming from the pleasure they had shared.


    But just as he was about to bask in the afterglow, her fingers wrapped around his still-hard cock, making them break apart. Grishna gazed up at him with a wicked glint in her eyes, her smile playful yet filled with desire.


    ''''Now let me taste you, handsome,'''' she purred.


    Before he could respond, she was already on her knees, her warm breath ghosting over his sensitive skin before she took him into her mouth. The heat of her tongue sent a shiver through him as she bobbed her head back and forth.


    Grishna''s eager lips wrapped around him, her swirling tongue tracing every vein, every ridge, as she took him deeper with each movement. Her hunger was insatiable, her pace both teasing and relentless, sending waves of pleasure coursing through him.


    Atlas groaned, his fingers tangling in her wild hair as he fought to keep control. But the way she worked him, savoring every inch, her hot, wet mouth stroking him to the edge, made it impossible to hold back.


    Each flick of her tongue, each tight suction, had him teetering on the brink of bliss. ''''Fuck! Grish, I''m going to cum in your mouth.''''


    When the Orc woman heard her green eyes rolled back as she let out an erotic moan that vibrated on him. ''''Mmmmmghh~~.''''


    Seconds later, she sped up her sucking until Atlas grabbed her head and shoved his cock down her throat before shooting his warm seed directly into Grishna''s stomach, causing her to moan even more. ''''Ughhhhhh~~ Mmnnnhh~~.''''


    Following that, he collapsed onto the floor while catching his breath, but her voice reached his ears and made them twitch. ''''We''re not done there, handsome. I want this monster to take my virginity.''''


    Grishna stood over him, a towering vision of raw strength and sexuality. His eyes roamed over her thick, powerful thighs, strong enough to crush a watermelon, before trailing up to her sculpted abs, glistening with a thin sheen of sweat.


    The way it highlighted every curve, every muscle, made her even more irresistible. Her ample breasts rose and fell with each breath, the dampness of her skin making them glisten in the dim light.


    She was a goddess of war and passion combined, her presence both intimidating and utterly intoxicating. Atlas couldn''t tear his eyes away, completely captivated by the sheer dominance and beauty radiating from her.


    ''''I won''t be all submissive, like Lilith. For our first time I want to be in control, husband,'''' she said in an alluring voice with a glint in her green eyes. ''''I''m sure you wouldn''t mind that?''''


    Atlas shook his head, grinning. ''''Nah, I''m totally into it, Grisha. Honestly, your whole dominant vibe is pretty hot,'''' he admitted.


    The young woman beamed after hearing his reply, which caused her to grow excited before climbing onto his lap. She grabbed his member while lining it up with her wet slit and rubbed it against her.


    ''''Mmmmmmhhhh~~ I''ve been waiting so long for this, now let me finally feel it,'''' she exclaimed in an excited voice.


    Her body trembled as the intense delight overtook her sensitive body but without waiting she plunged down and fully took his cock, which made Grishna scream as the intense pleasure washed over her body. ''''Ahhhhhhhhh!''''


    Atlas let out a groan as her pussy clamped down like a vise''s grip, which sent a shockwave through his body and her love juices mixed with blood poured out, staining his waist thanks to taking her virginity.


    She grabbed his cheeks while staring into his eyes while biting her lip as she moaned while being stretched to the limit. ''''Mmmhhh~~.'''' S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He felt her body shuddering while supporting herself in her chest. ''''You feel so good inside me, please don''t move and let me do all the work,'''' she said with a lewd smile.


    Following that, Grishna started sliding up but stopped before he would fall and then plunged back down as she let out a string of sexy moans that turned him on even more. ''''Mmmghh~~ Ughhh~~ Gahhh~~ This is amazing!''''


    The Orc beauty was trembling as the pleasure washed over her body as she continued bouncing up and down as his cock slammed into her womb, causing her to let out a primal scream. ''''Ahhhhhhhh!''''


    Atlas went to grab her ass, but she slapped his hands away with a smirk before speaking. ''''Did I say you can move? If you want to touch something, play with my nipples, handsome.''''


    He cupped her ample chest, causing them to spill over just as he started pinching the dark green nipples, which made Grishna moan even more. ''''Arghhhh~~.''''


    She kept taking charge, and Atlas was into it as he watcher the young woman''s boobs bounce everywhere as she had erotic expressions all over her face which drove him wild. But moments later, he hit her just right.


    Grishna squirted all over his waist and then fell onto his chest, moaning, ''''Mmmmmhhh~~.''''


    Atlas took hold of her hips and turned around, positioning himself between her legs. He began to thrust, making her breasts bounce wildly as a look of sheer pleasure spread across her gorgeous face.


    ''''Mmghh~~ Ughh~~ Gahh~~,'''' the Orc woman continued to moan as he stretched her open until he bottomed out.


    He let out a groan as her pussy tightened even more, which pushed him over the edge, causing him to explode. Atlas grit his teeth as he started filling up her womb, which pushed Grishna into a pleasure-filled daze.


    After that, they both fell back, with the stunning Orc woman sprawled on top of him, panting heavily and glistening with sweat. She lifted her head with a big smile as she spoke. ''''Looks like we''re official now, my love. There''s no going back now.''''


    Atlas chuckled when hearing this, but in response, he slapped her ass just before kissing after she cast a cleaning spell on her mouth. The couple continued to kiss until they heard Lilith''s exhausted voice. ''''Don''t leave me out!''''


    He gave the Honey Badger woman a quick kiss as soon as Grishna got off him. After that, they hopped into the bath and chilled out while the two women smiled at him, clearly enjoying the moment.


    ''''Don''t be jumping me, you both,'''' he warned with a smirk.


    Following that, Lilith looked at him and sweetly asked. ''''Can I wash your back please, handsome?''''


    Atlas nodded, causing the white-haired beauty to jump up and started scrubbing his back as Grishna did the same but with his front.


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 316 - 316: You Savage

    Atlas stepped out of the bathroom, leaving Grishna and Lilith to finish washing up. A surge of energy coursed through him, prompting him to check on the Scalebreakers. With a thought, he teleported to their nest and froze, stunned by the sight before him.


    ''What the hell happened here?'' he mused while watching two giant Stegosaurus monsters guarding the entrance.


    They bowed to Atlas as he stepped across the entrance; this pleasantly surprised him. The once orderly grove was a chaotic sprawl of fallen trees, their trunks splintered and toppled, giving the perfect places to lay eggs.


    Even more shocking, the number of nests had tripled since his last visit, dotting the landscape in an unexpected explosion of life, causing him to think. ''Looks like they''ve been busy.''


    As Atlas stood there, a group of Scalebreakers suddenly barreled toward him, their excitement bubbling over in eager chirps and nudges. His eyes widened with a warm glow as recognition dawned.


    ''''It''s you little ones!'''' he exclaimed, his voice soft with affection. ''''My tiny terrors who used to pounce on me.''''


    The creatures'' joy doubled when they realized he remembered them, their massive, car-sized bodies practically vibrating with delight. Atlas couldn''t help but shower them with love, running his hands over their scaly hides as they pressed against him like oversized house cats, rubbing up with pure adoration.


    Their antics pulled a bright, hearty laugh from him as a voice echoed in his mind. ''Looks like you''re still spoiling them, even though they''re all parents.''


    Atlas spotted a massive Scalebreaker that looked fierce and wise, causing his smile to grow wide as Cera nudged her head against his chest. He returned the gesture and hugged the dinosaur monster.


    She let out an adorable noise as he replied. ''''Sorry, I haven''t come by recently. I''ve been busy.''''


    ''Don''t worry about it, Master,'' Cera chirped in a cheerful tone. ''But we''ve got some little ones for you to meet!''


    Atlas nodded warmly, a smile tugging at his lips. With a playful roar from Cera, a tumbling, chaotic swarm of baby Scalebreakers charged toward him. Their tiny chirps and adorable squeaks filled the air as they barreled into him, a whirlwind of clumsy affection.


    The little ones clambered over each other, nuzzling and jostling against him, their boundless energy melting his heart as he laughed in delight. He barely had time to brace himself before the baby Scalebreakers swarmed him like a tidal wave of scaly affection.


    He dropped to the ground, overtaken by their eager chirps and wriggling bodies, as they clambered over his legs and chest. Their tiny claws tickled his sides while they nuzzled his face with their bumpy snouts.


    Laughter spilled from him as he surrendered to the adorable chaos, one hand playfully ruffling the nearest hatchling''s head while the others vied for his attention. While this happened heard Cera''s voice ring out.


    ''I told you Master would love all your babies!'' she announced. ''Now come down and say hello.''


    Following that, Atlas made sure to stroke all the little ones who ended up running into a bush while embarrassed. This shocked him, but he couldn''t help but chuckle before greeting their parents, who nudged his body with their enormous heads.


    ''''I see you guys have grown big and strong,'''' he said to one of the Scalebreakers he remembers with white sails on its back. ''''It''s good to see you, but I''m going to check on the others.''''


    When Atlas said that, Cera''s tail picked him up as the matriarch spoke. ''''I''ll take you to Tyson and his clan.''''


    ''''Oh thanks Cera,'''' he replied.


    Moments later, she was traveling through the Otherworld as he sensed the other monsters fleeing from her presence, causing him to smile while thinking. ''I see she''s one of the strongest creatures here.''


    As the two traveled, the older monster informed him. ''Some boys want to come to fight for you, master. Could you use them in the next battle?''


    Atlas nodded in agreement. ''''Yes. I''ll bring out twenty to let them go wild when I fight the empire, but for now, I''m relaxing for a while,'''' he answered.


    Cera continued walking for an hour until reaching a quiet part of the forest, causing him to jump off her back while readying for an attack as the hair on his neck went up. ''Is this Tyson? Do I need to beat him up again?'' he thought with a sigh.


    Atlas approached the cave, his steps slowing as he took in the grim sight before him. Bleached bones, human skulls, and monstrous vertebrae tangled with splintered ribs, strewn across the ground.


    A chill wind carried the faint scent of decay, and then the ground trembled beneath his feet. From the shadowed maw of the cave emerged a colossal Terrorjaws, its massive frame dwarfing the entrance.


    Sinew rippled beneath its scarred, leathery hide as it threw its head back and unleashed a bone-rattling roar, jaws gaping to reveal rows of jagged teeth. Its fiery eyes locked onto him, issuing a primal challenge that echoed through the desolate landscape.


    Atlas chuckled when seeing this and spoke with a smile. ''''Do we need to go through this every time I get busy?''''


    Tyson wasn''t listening and rushed toward him while opening its mouth to swallow him whole, but he didn''t move. Cera was there in an instant as her tail slammed against the Terrorjaws'' head.


    A deafening shockwave erupted from the cave, whipping Atlas''s hair into a wild frenzy as he surged forward, mana crackling through his veins while channeling that raw power into his fist and unleashing a devastating punch straight into Tyson''s head.


    ''Not too much or I''ll kill him,'' he pondered with an excited smile.


    The Terrorjaws massive head snapped back with a sickening crack, its towering form staggering under the blow. Moments later, it crashed to the ground in a cloud of dust, half-dead, its ragged breaths heaving.


    Atlas grinned triumphantly, leaping atop the monster''s skull with the agility of a predator claiming its prize. ''''Submit now,'''' he declared, voice ringing with victory, ''''And I''ll heal you like last time!''''


    Tyson let out a feeble whimper, his massive head dipping in reluctant surrender. With a flicker of mana, Atlas mended the brute''s wounds, and the Terrorjaws shakily rose to its feet, towering once more.


    Its amber eyes flicked toward Cera, who snorted disdainfully. ''You savage,'' she snapped, her tone sharp as a blade. ''Attacking the master? You''d be nothing without him strengthening you!'' S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atlas chuckled before waving her away. ''''It''s fine, Cera. We''ve been having this dance since our first meeting,'''' he said.


    ''Thank you, master,'' a deep male voice echoed in his mind. ''I do like fighting you. It''s fun and proves why I follow you.''


    He smiled before stroking Tyson''s snout as he lowered his head just as a group of five baby Terrorjaws rushed out of the cave. They were letting out adorable growls as the giant monster stepped back.


    ''These are the twentieth batch of babies,'' Tyson said. ''Would you say hello to them?''


    Atlas agreed and appeared in front of the curious monsters before pampering them with strokes, which excited the five. They pounced on him just as a woman''s voice echoed out. ''Looks like the master hasn''t changed. Always spoiling the children.''


    ''Yes, he does it to the hatchling Scalebreakers,'' Cera commented from behind. ''But at least it''s better than getting used only as weapons.''


    Tyson and his mate agreed with nods as Atlas spoke with a warm smile. ''''It''s not like I need to use you guys like cannon fodder. I''m strong enough to fight most things, but I prefer to let you monsters enjoy yourselves with a good battle.''''


    Following that, he continued pampering the baby Terrorjaws before climbing on Cera''s back as they headed toward Nala''s home. While traveling, the Scalebreaker Matriarch turned back to him.


    ''Why do you treat us with such respect? And treat our babies with so much kindness?'' she asked in a curious voice.


    Atlas looked at her with a smile before answering honestly. ''''I see you more than weapons and enjoy your company. I choose not to use any of you in meaningless battles that I can win with the girls.''''


    He gazed up at the setting sun, its golden light spilling across the horizon, and pressed on with quiet conviction. ''''I believe you''re more than just weapons. If I treat you with kindness, I know only good can come from it.''''


    After his words, Cera fell silent, her presence a comfort as they neared an immense tree, its gnarled roots sprawling like ancient guardians. At the entrance to her den lay a stunning lioness, her sleek, golden form radiating regal beauty.


    Her head rose, amber eyes glinting with recognition, and her voice purred into his mind like a velvet whisper. ''So, you''ve finally come to visit this graceful queen. Where have you been, Master?''


    [Drop some powerstones, comments, and gifts to help the novel grow; I appreciate all the support you can give]

 Chapter 317 - 317: Our Hearts Beat With Feelings

    Atlas started laughing when hearing Nala''s dramatic greeting. He used Void Step to appear before the lioness, who quickly jumped on him and started licking his face in happiness as she spoke. ''It''s good to see you. I want to see you more, Master.''


    The massive lion persisted in lavishing Atlas with affection, its rough tongue swiping playfully across his face. Laughter bubbled up from him, uncontrollable as Cera appeared in the clearing.


    ''Why are you attacking the master like that?'' the older monster commented in an amused tone.


    Nala looked at the Scalebreaker and declared in a serious voice while shielding him with her giant paw. ''He''s my cub! And I love him with all my heart, Cera.''


    The words struck Atlas like a gentle thunderbolt, stirring his soul. He sat up, his arms wrapping around the lioness in a tender embrace, pressing his forehead to hers as her warm presence enveloped him.


    Her voice rumbled on, soft yet resolute. ''Since the day we met, I''ve seen you as mine. I could feel your heart crying out for a mother. And that''s what I long to be for you.''


    A bittersweet smile appeared as memories of his mother abandoning him at the orphanage surfaced, a quiet ache blooming in his chest. The pain flickered across his face, catching the worried gazes of the two monsters nearby.


    But Atlas rose to his feet, his hand finding Nala''s ear, stroking it gently as he spoke, his voice steady yet threaded with vulnerability. ''''Thank you,'''' he said, his eyes shimmering with gratitude. ''''I''ll take you up on that. I''ve met my mother Evelina, but¡­ it''s hard to let them in. So I''ve been keeping my distance.''''


    When the lion queen heard this, she asked in a curious. ''Does this woman love you, my boy?''


    ''''It seems so. She''s kind and caring, just like Eldric, but I''m not used to it,'''' he admitted. ''''I''ve been fighting for years and not used to a family''s love.''''


    Nala rose to her full height, her eyes locking onto Atlas with a gaze so tender and knowing it could only belong to a mother. She leaned in, her rough tongue brushing his face in a gentle, affectionate lick.


    ''Go talk to her,'' she urged, her voice soft. ''The more souls who cherish you, the wider we can open your eyes, and the sooner we can pull your heart free from the storm it''s been lost in.''


    Atlas''s eyes brimmed with tears, the monster''s caring voice piercing through the fragile walls he''d built around his heart. His voice cracked into a whisper, raw and trembling, as he looked up at Nala. ''''Why did she throw me away? Wasn''t I good enough for her, Nala?''''


    The dam broke, and his emotions flooded out, uncontrollable and jagged, spilling into the air between them. ''''She cast me aside like I was nothing, like rubbish!'''' he choked, his words thick with anguish. ''''How could a mother do that? All I ever wanted was for her to love me, to be hers, but she didn''t want me. She didn''t want me at all!''''


    Nala''s eyes blazed with fury at Atlas''s words, her rage igniting like a wildfire. She reared back and unleashed a roar so fierce that echoed into the distance, only to be answered by a chorus of countless others, a symphony of defiance and unity that rolled through the air.


    She fixed her gaze on him, her voice stern yet firm. ''''This mother of yours is a foolish, senseless, cruel woman! You are a remarkable soul that only appears once in a lifetime, a young man who''s saved hundreds of us monsters while others hunt us down and slaughter us without a second thought!''''


    As her words rang out, the air shimmered, and one by one, every monster Atlas had ever ushered into the Otherworld emerged from the shadows while looking at him as if he was part of their family.


    Their presence flooded the surrounding space, an overwhelming tide of affection radiating from each creature. Nala stepped closer, her tone softening as she nudged her head against his body.


    ''You see, my boy? We may not wear human skin, but our hearts beat with feelings, our souls carry dreams,'' she murmured, her voice a gentle lullaby woven with fierce devotion. ''And every one of us sees you for the wonder you are.''


    Nala''s words washed over him like a warm tide, her fierce pride and tender love stitching together the frayed edges of his heart. A small, tremulous smile broke across his face, fragile but genuine, as he looked up at her.


    ''''You really think that of me?'''' he murmured. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just then, a faint rustle stirred the air, and Amethyst stepped into the clearing, her violet eyes catching the glow of his smile. Her breath hitched at the sight, Atlas surrounded by the creatures he''d saved.


    Without a word, she crossed the distance, her purple hair trailing behind her like a comet. She enveloped him in a tight, fierce hug, her arms locking around his shoulders as if she could shield him from every doubt he''d ever carried.


    ''''You''re incredible, Atlas,'''' she whispered. ''''We all are here for you. You don''t have to think about your previous life. It''s over and now you have a group of girls who love you for you.''''


    ''''Is it okay to really let go of it all?'''' Atlas whispered to himself, the question hanging in the air like a fragile thread. ''''Maybe¡­ maybe that''s what I need.''''


    At that quiet moment, something shifted deep within him, a release, like a key turning in a rusted lock. The jagged memories of abandonment and pain, long chained to his soul, loosen their grip.


    He stopped thinking about the memories, letting them fade as he turned toward a horizon bright with promise. With a shaky breath, he leaned down and kissed her, who happily accepted it.


    Minutes later, they broke apart as she spoke with a big smile. ''''We will never leave you and the thought of throwing you away makes me feel sick,'''' she revealed.


    Following that, Atlas turned back to Nala, who was watching the two of them with warm eyes. He approached the Dreadmaw Queen and stroked her ears before whispering. ''''Thank you, Mother.''''


    When Nala heard this, her entire being trembled with delight as she replied in a hopeful voice. ''Does it bother you we''re not the same race?''


    ''''No. Just be there for me and I''ll do the same for you,'''' he replied before informing her. ''''I''m going to head back to the real world. Going to scout the border to see if anymore enemy armies have appeared.''''


    The lioness stepped would and suggested. ''Why don''t you let me take you? We can move fast?''


    Atlas was just about to answer, but Amethyst spoke up. ''''You two can patrol the ground? Your mother told me the empire has reported the empire is sending small forces to raid the surrounding lands.''''


    ''''Nala and I will go,'''' he responded before kissing the purple-haired beauty. ''''Be careful out there.''''


    Following that, Amethyst beamed as she transformed into her phoenix form and took to the sky as a portal opened before she flew through. Atlas climbed on the Dreadmaw Queens as he did the same thing.


    The two of them appeared on top of a hill that overlooked a river that was used as a crossing. Atlas scanned the land only to spot black smoke in the distance, causing him to speak. ''''Head that way, Nala.''''


    Moments later, the lioness burst forward and sprinting across the grasslands while causing the nearby monsters to flee in terror as her overwhelming aura bore down on them, which made him laugh.


    Ten minutes later, they spotted a small army attacking a walled town, which made Atlas smile as he spoke. ''''Do your lions want to have some fun?''''


    When the queen heard this, she giggled before replying. ''Wait here, my boy. This graceful queen will rally the fiercest cats for this daring raid.''


    Atlas started laughing as Nala finished speaking as he thought. ''Back to her usual self, but it''s funny.''


    Following that, she vanished into a portal he opened and ten minutes later, one hundred Dreadmaw Lions appeared. He watched the monster form up like a cavalry unit, which amused him to no end.


    ''Let''s go, master! We can kill some Achaemendians!'' Nala''s voice echoed in his mind as the horde charge.


    When they got closer, a wave of projectiles rushed toward them, causing the queen to roar, which made the lions spilt into small groups. Atlas started casting Void Bombs and Lances into the enemy camp.


    Explosions erupted and sent enemy soldiers flying all over the place as even more of his spells peppered the unprepared empire army. Moments later, the Dreadmaw Lions crashed into the hastily prepared shieldwall.


    The monster''s claws and teeth tore through them with ease as Atlas hit them with magic, causing the enemy to panic.


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